Integrated monitoring of the capacity of power bank batteries and devices charged using them.

Abstract

A portable power bank including a rechargeable battery and / or a remote server may detect a loss of capacity in the power bank battery. The power bank and / or the remote server determine a nominal capacity of the power bank and an actual capacity of the power bank, where the actual capacity is less than the nominal capacity. The power bank and / or the remote server compares the actual capacity to the nominal capacity to determine a health value of the power bank battery. When the battery health value of the power bank is at or below a threshold, the power bank and / or the remote server transmits an indication of the health value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to detecting a loss of capacity of a power bank battery, and more specifically, to an apparatus and method for transmitting a loss of capacity of a power bank battery to a remote server accessible by a user of the power bank.

Background Art

[0002] A power bank is a portable electronic device that mainly includes a rechargeable battery that can be electrically connected to one or more rechargeable devices such as mobile computing devices. The power bank uses an electrical connection to supply charge to the respective batteries of the rechargeable devices. For example, a user of a smartphone can carry a power bank so that when the battery charge level of the smartphone is low, the user can connect the smartphone to the power bank (e.g., by means of USB or wireless charging). When the power bank partially or fully recharges the battery of the smartphone, the user can continue to use the smartphone without much concern about depleting the battery of the user's smartphone.

[0003] The capacity of a power bank battery is typically expressed in either units of charge (e.g., milliampere-hours (mAh)) or units of energy (e.g., watt-hours (Wh)). Power bank manufacturers typically advertise their power banks by specifying the power bank's initial capacity, i.e., how much charge or energy the power bank battery can hold in a fully charged state (i.e., at its full capacity) at the time the power bank is manufactured. This specified initial capacity of the power bank battery ("nominal capacity") is often large enough that a fully charged power bank can provide multiple charges to a rechargeable device before the power bank battery is completely depleted. For example, a fully charged power bank with a 10,000 mAh battery capacity may provide multiple full or partial charges to a smartphone with a battery capacity of approximately 3,000 mAh before the power bank is depleted and needs to be recharged.

[0004] However, it is understood that power bank batteries lose at least some of their capacity over time. These capacity losses are usually not reversible. As a result of capacity loss, the actual capacity of an exemplary power bank battery may be substantially lower than its nominal capacity of 10,000 mAh (e.g., lower than 9,000 mAh, 8,000 mAh, 7,000 mAh, etc.). Therefore, the nominal capacity of a power bank battery may not represent the actual capacity of the power bank battery over a given period, especially if the power bank has been owned or used for an extended period. After a sufficient amount of time has passed, the capacity of a power bank battery may decrease so significantly that the power bank can no longer provide a full charge to the user's rechargeable device (e.g., the actual capacity of a power bank may drop to 2,500 mAh and be used to charge a 3,000 mAh smartphone battery). Power bank users may be disappointed when their power bank runs out of battery charge after providing substantially less charge to their rechargeable device battery than they expected. [Overview of the project]

[0005] One embodiment includes a portable power bank device ("power bank"). The power bank includes a rechargeable battery for supplying charge to an external rechargeable device (e.g., a smartphone). The power bank is generally configured to supply charge to an external rechargeable device via an electrical connection between the power bank battery and the battery of the rechargeable device. The power bank battery has a nominal capacity. The power bank further includes one or more transceivers for exchanging communication signals (e.g., high-frequency communication signals) with a remote server. The power bank further includes one or more processors and non-temporary memory for storing computer executable instructions. When the instruction is executed via one or more processors, it causes the power bank to (1) determine the nominal capacity of the power bank battery, (2) measure the current capacity of the power bank battery, (3) compare the current capacity of the power bank battery with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery to determine the health value of the power bank battery, and (4) if the health value is below a threshold, transmit an index of the health value of the power bank battery to a remote server via one or more transceivers.

[0006] Another embodiment includes a method performed via a power bank. This method includes determining the nominal capacity of the power bank's rechargeable battery by the power bank's processor. The power bank is generally configured to supply charge to an external rechargeable device via an electrical connection between the power bank battery and the battery of the rechargeable device. This method further includes obtaining a measurement of the battery's current capacity by the processor. This method further includes determining the health value of the power bank battery by comparing the current capacity to the nominal capacity. Additionally, this method includes transmitting an index of the health value to a remote server via the power bank's communication module when the health value is below a threshold.

[0007] Another embodiment includes a system (e.g., a remote server). The system includes a power bank device and one or more transceivers configured to exchange communication signals (e.g., high-frequency communication signals) with one or more personal electronic devices. The power bank device includes a battery for supplying charge to the battery of an external rechargeable device of the power bank device. The system further includes one or more processors and non-temporary memory for storing computer executable instructions. When an instruction is executed, it causes the system to (1) obtain the nominal capacity of the power bank battery, (2) receive a measurement of the current capacity of the power bank battery from the power bank battery via one or more transceivers, (3) determine the health value of the power bank battery by comparing the current capacity of the power bank battery with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery, and (4) transmit an index of the health value of the power bank battery to one or more personal electronic devices via one or more transceivers when the health value is below a threshold.

[0008] According to the teachings of this disclosure, one or more of the aforementioned embodiments of the apparatus or method may further include one or more of the following optional embodiments:

[0009] In one optional configuration where the power bank's nominal capacity is rated in units of charge (e.g., milliampere-hours), measuring the current capacity involves monitoring the current flowing into the power bank battery (e.g., repeatedly measuring the current flowing over time intervals while the power bank is being charged). In this optional configuration, the input charge capacity of the power bank battery is calculated based on the monitored current flow, and the current capacity is determined based on the calculated input charge capacity. Alternatively, in another optional configuration where the power bank's nominal capacity is rated in units of energy (e.g., Wh), measuring the current capacity involves monitoring the power input to the power bank battery (e.g., repeatedly measuring the power input to the power bank battery over time intervals based on measurements of the current flowing into the power bank battery and the voltage of the power bank battery). In this optional configuration, the input energy capacity of the power bank battery is calculated based on the monitored power input, and the current capacity is determined based on the input energy capacity.

[0010] In another optional form in which the nominal capacity of the power bank is rated in units of charge, measuring the current capacity includes monitoring the outflow current from the power bank battery while it is supplying charge from the power bank battery to the rechargeable device (for example, by repeatedly measuring the outflow current over time intervals corresponding to the supply of charge). In this optional form, the output charge capacity of the power bank battery is calculated based on the monitored inflow current, and the current capacity is determined based on the calculated output charge capacity. Alternatively, in yet another optional form in which the nominal capacity of the power bank is rated in units of energy, measuring the current capacity includes monitoring the power output from the power bank battery while it is supplying charge from the power bank battery to the rechargeable device (for example, by repeatedly measuring the power output over time intervals corresponding to the supply of charge, based on measurements of the voltage of the power bank battery and the outflow current from the power bank battery over time intervals).

[0011] In another optional configuration, the power bank transmits health indicators to the remote server via a wireless connection between one or more transceivers and the remote server. In yet another optional configuration, the power bank transmits health indicators to a rechargeable device, which then relays the health values ​​to the remote server.

[0012] In another optional form, the electrical connection between the power bank and the mobile computing device includes a wired electrical connection between the power bank and the mobile computing device.

[0013] In another optional form, the electrical connection between the power bank and the mobile computing device includes a wireless electrical connection between the power bank and the mobile computing device. In yet another optional form, the threshold is a value received from a personal electronic device.

[0014] In another optional configuration, to obtain the nominal capacity of a power bank battery, the system is configured to (1) receive an index of the power bank identifier from the power bank device via one or more transceivers, and (2) use the power bank identifier to query a database to obtain the nominal capacity of the power bank battery. Alternatively, the system is configured to receive the nominal capacity of the power bank battery from the power bank device via one or more transceivers.

[0015] In a further optional configuration, the system includes a user profile database configured to store user profiles associated with power bank devices. In an optional configuration, the user profiles are configured to store current capacity measurements. In yet another optional configuration, the system is configured to (1) receive requests from a personal electronic device via one or more transceivers to display data associated with power bank devices, (2) query the user profiles to retrieve stored current capacity measurements, and (3) transmit current capacity measurements to the personal electronic device via one or more transceivers.

[0016] In another optional configuration, the user profile includes an index of personal electronic device selection, indicating that the user should receive alerts associated with the power bank device. In this optional configuration, in order to transmit health index values, the system is configured to query the user profile to determine the personal electronic device selection and to transmit the health index values ​​to the personal electronic device corresponding to the selection via one or more transceivers.

[0017] In another optional configuration, the system's memory is configured to store one or more lookup tables that associate temperature values ​​with their respective temperature correction factors. In this configuration, to compare the current capacity of the power bank battery with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery, the system (1) obtains an index of temperature values ​​(e.g., temperature values ​​sensed by the power bank device and / or rechargeable device) from the power bank device, (2) obtains the respective temperature correction factors from one or more lookup tables based on the temperature values, (3) generates an adjusted current capacity by applying the temperature correction factors to the current capacity of the power bank battery, and (4) compares the adjusted current capacity with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery.

[0018] The embodiment may further include a non-temporary computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that cause a processor to perform the method via the apparatus described herein.

[0019] The advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments shown by example and described herein. As will be understood, other and different embodiments are possible, and their details are modifiable in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and specification are to be considered illustrative and not limiting in nature. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] The figures described below illustrate various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein. Each figure illustrates a specific aspect of the disclosed systems and methods, and each figure is intended to correspond to its possible aspects. Furthermore, wherever possible, the following descriptions refer to the reference numbers included in the following figures, and features depicted in multiple figures are referred to by consistent reference numbers.

[0021] As shown in the diagram currently under consideration, this embodiment is not limited to the shown arrangement and means themselves.

[0022] [Figure 1A] This describes an exemplary computing environment, including a power bank and mobile computing devices, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] This disclosure illustrates an exemplary computing environment, including a power bank, rechargeable devices, personal electronic devices, and a remote server, according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 illustrates exemplary components of the power bank and rechargeable device according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 3] An exemplary chart relating to current measured in a power bank is provided in one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]Illustrative charts associated with the voltage measured at the power bank according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Illustrative flowcharts according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Illustrative mobile computing device notifications according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Illustrative methods associated with the power bank according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Illustrative another method associated with the power bank according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0023] The figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of illustration only. Alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0024] The following text describes detailed descriptions of numerous different embodiments, but it should be understood that the legal scope of this specification is defined by the language of the claims set forth at the end of this patent and its equivalents. The detailed description is to be construed as illustrative only and is not practical to describe every possible embodiment, so not every possible embodiment is described. Numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, and these will still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure include portable power bank devices ("Power Bank") and rechargeable devices, such as mobile computing devices (e.g., smartphones) or rechargeable lithium or alkaline consumer batteries. Each power bank and rechargeable device includes its own internal battery ("Power Bank Battery" and "Rechargeable Device Battery," respectively). The power bank is configured to use its own battery to supply charge to the rechargeable device battery via an electrical connection between the power bank and the mobile computing device. The electrical connection may include, for example, a USB-C connection, a micro USB connection, a Lightning charging connection, a Qi standard wireless connection, an AirFuel wireless connection, and / or another wired or wireless structure for electrically connecting the rechargeable device to the power bank.

[0026] Embodiments of this disclosure include monitoring the health status of a power bank battery via a power bank, the health status being based on a comparison between the actual capacity of the power bank battery and its nominal capacity. When the health status of the power bank battery falls below a threshold (e.g., 60%), the power bank battery transmits an index of its health value to a remote server associated with the power bank (e.g., via radio frequency (RF) communication). The remote server may be configured to store multiple user accounts and associated user data for each power bank user. Thus, the remote server may associate a particular power bank with a particular user account maintained on the remote server. In some embodiments, the user account also includes an index of rechargeable devices associated with the user. Thus, the user account may associate both the power bank and one or more rechargeable devices with each other.

[0027] Additionally, a rechargeable device may be associated with a power bank, for example, by a communicative connection to the power bank (e.g., having established RF communication) and / or by being manually assigned to receive an indicator of the power bank's health status (e.g., manually configured by the user of the rechargeable device). In these examples, the rechargeable device (and / or applications running on them) may be configured to update the user account associated with the power bank to include an indicator of the rechargeable device when the power bank is used to charge the rechargeable device. The health threshold state may be, for example, a value set by the power bank manufacturer or a value set by the power bank user via an application running on the rechargeable device. In some other embodiments, a remote server provides an interface (e.g., a web portal) in which a user can use personal electronic devices (e.g., rechargeable and non-rechargeable devices such as desktop computers) to set a health threshold state for a power bank device and / or any association between the power bank device and the rechargeable device. In either case, the indicators transmitted by the power bank to the remote server may cause a rechargeable device (or other personal electronic device) to display an indicator of the power bank battery's health status (e.g., via push notifications from the remote server and / or via images displayed on the screen of a personal electronic device that communicates the status of the power bank's health information).

[0028] Power bank users typically do not know when and how capacity loss occurs in their power bank batteries. Power bank capacity can decrease, for example, each time the battery "cycles," or each time the battery is consumed and recharged by a certain amount (e.g., 5%, 15%, 55%, 100% of its capacity). The capacity loss due to cycling itself can vary depending on the type of battery and how often the battery is cycled. Several additional factors can further contribute to capacity loss over time, even when the battery is not being cycled. Capacity loss can increase depending on the battery's charge level, for example, if the battery is stored at extreme temperatures (e.g., significantly above or below 25°C) or if the battery is stored for a long period of time. Furthermore, since capacity loss can occur even when the power bank is not in use, some capacity loss may inevitably have already occurred by the time the user first acquires the power bank from the manufacturer or retailer (e.g., if a considerable amount of time has passed between manufacturing and purchase). Most consumer electronic devices measure the current charge level by comparing it to the actual capacity of the device battery; therefore, a fully charged power bank may show a "100%" charge level even if the actual amount of charge or energy held by the power bank battery is significantly less than the nominal capacity of the power bank battery. Consequently, users of a power bank generally do not know the actual capacity of the power bank battery relative to its nominal capacity at any given time. As a result, users may expect, based on previous practical experience, that the power bank will deliver more charge or energy than it can deliver due to capacity loss. By advantageously providing the user with an indicator of the health status of the power bank battery, the power banks disclosed herein advantageously allow consumers to replace the power bank rather than continuing to use a power bank that has substantially reduced capacity (e.g., less than 70% of the nominal capacity) and is potentially unable to deliver charge according to the user's established expectations.

[0029] The methods and use of the power bank described herein can improve the usefulness of the power bank compared to conventional power banks, at least by allowing the user to consider the health status information and avoid unintentionally depleting the power bank's battery sooner than expected, by receiving indicators of the power bank's health status. Furthermore, the methods and power banks described herein improve the user experience with the power bank, at least by allowing the user to avoid unexpectedly losing a backup charging source for rechargeable devices, as reliable knowledge of the power bank's status helps.

[0030] Before further explanation, definitions of certain terms are provided, and these terms will be used throughout this detailed explanation.

[0031] As used herein, the term “power bank” refers to a portable electronic device that can be used to supply charge to one or more rechargeable devices (e.g., mobile computing devices such as smartphones, tablets, and / or portable media players, devices powered by consumer rechargeable batteries such as rechargeable AAA batteries, AA batteries, A batteries, etc., or rechargeable industrial devices including integrated rechargeable batteries such as door locks, automatic toilets, paper towel dispensers, hand dryers, etc.). Thus, the term “power bank” encompasses battery packs external to rechargeable devices, including rechargeable battery packs and disposable battery packs. Any use of the term “mobile computing device” herein should be understood to be intended to represent alternative implementations of other types of “rechargeable devices.” A power bank primarily comprises a rechargeable battery (“power bank battery”), such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer battery. More specifically, a power bank battery comprises one or more cells (e.g., electrochemical cells) that may be arranged in series, in parallel, or, in alternative embodiments, may include cells arranged in series and in parallel. A power bank can charge a mobile computing device (i.e., supply charge to the mobile computing device battery) via wired means for electrically connecting the power bank to the mobile computing device (e.g., USB or Lightning cable connection) and / or via wireless means for that purpose (e.g., Qi standard wireless charging means, AirFuel standard wireless charging means). The means for electrically connecting the power bank to the rechargeable device are collectively referred to herein as the “electrical connection” between the power bank battery and the rechargeable device battery.

[0032] The capacity of a battery (e.g., a rechargeable power bank battery) generally refers to the maximum charge or energy that the battery can hold. The measured capacity of a battery can be expressed in units of charge (e.g., ampere-seconds, coulombs (C), milliampere-hours (mAh), and / or other preferred units) or in units of energy (e.g., watt-hours (Wh), joules (J), and / or other preferred units). “Nominal capacity” refers to the initial specified capacity of the battery (e.g., specified by the manufacturer or retailer and corresponding to the optimal capacity at the time of manufacture). “Actual capacity” refers to the “actual” or “true” capacity of the battery at a given time, and it will be understood that actual capacity is typically smaller than nominal capacity and therefore will vary particularly over a period of time. Actual capacity is typically measured in the same units as nominal capacity (e.g., if the nominal capacity of a battery is specified in units of charge, then the actual capacity is measured in the same units). Actual capacity can be used in combination with a specific time to convey the charge or energy held by the battery at that specific time, and thus, two actual capacities determined at different times can be used to convey the distribution of charge or energy held by the battery over a set time interval. "Current actual capacity" (or simply "current capacity") refers to the actual capacity of the battery at the current time. As used herein, the "health status" of a battery is a comparison of the battery's actual capacity to its nominal capacity (e.g., actual capacity divided by nominal capacity, expressed as a ratio or percentage). The term "life percentage" may also be used to refer to the health status of a battery. Where a technique relating to a battery having capacity expressed in units of electric charge is described herein, it should be understood that a similar technique relating to a battery having capacity expressed in units of energy may be applied with appropriate modifications (as described herein).

[0033] "Fuel gauge," also referred to herein as "charge level," refers to the measured / determined amount of charge or energy held by a battery (e.g., a rechargeable power bank battery, a rechargeable smartphone battery, etc.) at a given time. The charge level may be expressed as a percentage, i.e., as a percentage of the amount of charge held by the battery compared to its capacity. Rechargeable devices, such as smartphones or other mobile computing devices, typically display the charge level of a rechargeable device in percentage form (e.g., 51%). Note that typically, the charge level of a battery is based on the current capacity of the battery, not the nominal capacity of the battery. For example, if the current capacity of a given device battery is 8000mAh compared to a nominal capacity of 10000mAh, and the device shows a current charge level of "100%", this means that the battery holds 8000mAh (not 10000mAh) of charge.

[0034] As used herein, "charging" or "recharging" of a given device means supplying charge to the device's rechargeable battery, thereby increasing the device's charge level. Charging can increase the device's charge level to, for example, 0% to 100%, 0% to 40%, 51% to 63%, 55% to 100%, etc. The action of charging over time is referred to herein as a "charging session." Conversely, "depletion" of a given device (e.g., a power bank) is the consumption of charge by the device, which decreases the device's charge level. Device depletion can reduce the device's charge level to, for example, 100% to 0%, 100% to 65%, 80% to 20%, 33% to 0%, etc.

[0035] The term "power bank" may be used more specifically in various places herein to refer to the power bank battery, and therefore, given the appropriate context, these terms may be considered interchangeable. For example, when the term "power bank" is used in relation to electricity, capacity, or supply of charge, the term should be understood more specifically to refer to the power bank's battery (e.g., specifically referring to the power bank's battery, "power bank capacity," "receiving charge from the power bank," "power bank charge level," etc.). Similar terminology may be used to describe rechargeable devices or mobile computing devices that are charged by a power bank (e.g., a smartphone charged by a power bank). For example, terms such as "charging a mobile computing device" or "charge level of a mobile computing device" may more specifically refer to the battery of a mobile computing device.

[0036] The power bank as described herein may include a microcontroller (MCU). At a very high level, the computing functionality of a power bank MCU is typically limited to functionality relating to (1) supplying charge from the power bank to a rechargeable device (e.g., enabling and interrupting the supply of charge), (2) calculations relating to electrical properties that may be used to facilitate the supply of charge (e.g., measuring or calculating power, energy, current, voltage, resistance, and capacitance), and / or (3) transmitting calculations to other computing devices.

[0037] The power bank according to this disclosure may have several display capabilities (e.g., flashing LED lights, or a power meter metric bar, or a display graphic indicating the charge level of the power bank battery), but the power bank according to this disclosure generally does not include a substantial display. For example, the size of the power bank display screen may be 25 cm². 2 Over, and / or 16cm 2The display area may be limited to not exceeding a certain size. Additionally or alternatively, the functionality of the power bank display screen is typically limited to simple numerical displays only (without the HD screen functionality typically found in smartphones, tablets, notebook computers, etc.). As a result, the primary power draw from the power bank battery according to this disclosure is the charging of rechargeable devices (not the operation of the limited power bank display itself, which requires substantially less power). Similarly, the power banks described herein may include several communication capabilities (e.g., RF communication via Bluetooth Low Energy, etc.), but different wired and / or wireless communication capabilities may be utilized depending on the device the power bank communicates with. For example, communication with rechargeable devices may be implemented via low-power and / or low-computation communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy or WiFi). That said, the power bank may implement more complex protocols (e.g., cellular communication such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR)) for communication with remote servers.

[0038] Power banks are typically limited in physical size, weight, and / or dimensions so that users of mobile computing devices can easily carry them (e.g., in their pockets, wallets, backpacks, etc.). Often, power banks have a physical size and weight comparable to that of a smartphone. However, other physical forms of power banks are possible. For example, some power banks are substantially larger in size and capacity and are therefore more effective at supplying more charge, for example, capable of charging a device more times, and substantially capable of charging larger devices such as laptop computers (e.g., providing enough charge to charge a laptop computer battery by 10-30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or more).

[0039] Furthermore, as a result of the power bank's functionality being limited to that described herein, power banks generally have limited input / output (I / O) functionality. For example, a power bank may not include a dedicated keyboard or touchpad. Additionally, a power bank may include one or more ports (e.g., USB ports, micro USB ports, etc., which may facilitate charging and / or data communication), but typically, none of the ports included in a power bank are adapted to accept a keyboard, mouse, peripheral touchpad, monitor, or other peripheral I / O device.

[0040] Exemplary computing environment Figure 1A illustrates an exemplary computing environment 100 illustrating the power bank 140 according to this disclosure, in which the techniques described herein may be implemented. Environment 100 includes a mobile computing device 120, which may be a smartphone, tablet, wearable computing device, laptop computer, and / or other suitable mobile computing device. Unless otherwise expressly disclosed, any description of the mobile computing device 120 assumes an alternative implementation to that described in the description of a rechargeable device. Environment 100 further includes a power bank 140, which is generally configured to supply charge to one or more rechargeable devices (e.g., to the mobile computing device 120).

[0041] In addition to being electrically connected so that the power bank 140 can supply charge to the mobile computing device 120, the mobile computing device 120 and the power bank 140 may be communicatively connected via one or more communicative connections 144. One or more communicative connections 144 may include radio frequency (RF) connections (e.g., via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), WiFi Low Power, LoWPAN, LoRa, and / or other suitable protocols). Additionally or alternatively, one or more communicative connections may be implemented by wired connections between the power bank 140 and the mobile computing device 120 (e.g., via wired USB or Lightning cable connections). In some embodiments, a single connection between the mobile computing device 120 and the power bank 140 (e.g., a USB data / charge wired connection) may electrically and communicatively connect the power bank 140 to the mobile computing device 120, thereby facilitating a combination of communication and charging capabilities between the mobile computing device 120 and the power bank 140.

[0042] The mobile computing device 120 includes memory 152 (i.e., one or more memories 152, e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.). Memory 152 is configured to store one or more applications 154 ("Apps"), each of which includes one or more sets of non-temporary computer executable instructions. In particular, one or more applications 154 include a power bank application 156 ("PB App"), which may facilitate, for example, the measurement and / or display of the health status of the power bank 140. In some embodiments, one or more applications 154 use an application programming interface (API) that provides access to the electrical characteristics of the mobile computing device 120 (e.g., voltage, current, resistance, etc.) measured via the internal circuitry of the mobile computing device 120.

[0043] The mobile computing device 120 further includes a processor 158 (i.e., one or more processors, e.g., a CPU, a GPU, etc.) capable of executing non-temporary computer executable instructions contained in memory 152. The mobile computing device 120 further includes a communication module 160 ("communication module") capable of establishing communication with a power bank 140 via one or more communicable connections 144 and exchanging communication signals with the power bank 140. More specifically, the communication module 160 includes one or more transceivers configured to transmit and / or receive communication signals via a communication connection to an external device. Communication signals to and from the communication module 160 may include radio signals (RF signals) or wired communication signals (e.g., via a USB data connection). The communication module 160 may also include one or more modems configured to convert between signals received / transmitted via one or more transceivers and signals interpreted by the processor 158 and / or PB app 156. The mobile computing device 120 may additionally include I / O 162 for connecting one or more input devices and / or one or more output devices (e.g., a dedicated display screen such as a touchscreen).

[0044] It should be understood that alternative rechargeable devices do not necessarily have to include I / O 162. For example, in an embodiment in which rechargeable device 120 includes a consumer rechargeable battery, the I / O of a personal electronic device interfaced with a remote server may instead be configured to display information about the rechargeable device.

[0045] The mobile computing device 120 includes a charging module 164 (e.g., a USB charger) primarily configured to receive and direct charge to the mobile computing device 120's rechargeable battery 166 ("mobile computing device battery 166"). The battery 166 is the main power source for the mobile computing device 120. Typically, the battery 166 is located inside the mobile device 120 (e.g., fixed or removable within a cavity of the mobile computing device 120).

[0046] The charging module 164 of the mobile computing device 120 may also include circuitry for measuring and / or processing the charging performance of the charging module 164. For example, the charging module may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert analog measurements of voltage, current, resistance, and / or other electrical characteristics in the mobile computing device 120 into digital values. The digital values ​​may be transmitted via the communication module 160 to the power bank 140 via one or more communicable connections 144 (e.g., via a wireless RF connection), or to a remote server via an alternative communicable connection.

[0047] The charging module 164 may include one or more charging ports (e.g., USB ports or Lightning ports) and / or additional circuitry for receiving charge and directing it to the battery 166 when the charging module 164 receives charge from an external power source (i.e., a source of charge). The external power source may be the power bank 140 according to this disclosure and / or another external power source (e.g., a wall outlet, a vehicle charging port, etc.).

[0048] The operation of the processor 158 may include operations to manage the supply of charge to the battery 166 via the charging module 164 (for example, operating a switch to interrupt and / or resume the supply of charge from the power bank 140 to the battery 166).

[0049] In some embodiments described herein, the charging module 164 includes a voltage regulator (e.g., a DC-DC voltage converter). The voltage regulator may be configured, for example, to convert the voltage of the charging port of the mobile computing device 120 to the voltage of the battery 166. For example, in a mobile computing device 120 configured to receive power via a 5-volt (5V) USB charging port, the voltage regulator may include a step-down converter ("buck converter") configured to reduce the USB voltage to 3.6V or another preferred voltage corresponding to the battery 166. Similar voltage conversion may be performed based on (1) the voltages of the components of the charging module 164, which may vary depending on the charging means used (e.g., lighting charging, Qi standard wireless charging means, etc.), and (2) the voltage between two terminals of the mobile computing device battery 166. An additional description of the components of the charging module 164 is provided with respect to Figure 2.

[0050] Referring further to Figure 1A, the power bank 140 includes a rechargeable battery 180. The power bank battery 180 is the main power source for the power bank 140 itself and is also the power source that the power bank 140 uses to charge mobile computing devices. The power bank battery 180 may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, and / or another type of secondary battery. The power bank battery 180 may include one or more electrochemical cells connected in parallel and / or in series.

[0051] The power bank 140 includes at least one charging module 182 (e.g., a USB charger), which is generally configured to (1) receive and supply charge to the power bank battery 180 (e.g., charge received from an AC wall outlet, vehicle charging port, etc.), and (2) supply charge to one or more mobile computing devices via an electrical connection. In one particular implementation embodiment in which the power bank 140 includes three charging modules 182, one of the charging modules 182 may be configured to enable recharging of the battery, while the remaining two charging modules 182 are configured to enable charging of two mobile computing devices 120 simultaneously. In possible embodiments, the electrical connection may be implemented via wired and / or wireless means (e.g., USB charging, Lightning charging, Qi standard wireless charging means, AirFuel wireless charging means, and / or other suitable means).

[0052] The charging module 182 may be coupled to a voltage regulator 183 (e.g., a DC-DC voltage converter). The voltage regulator 183 may be configured to convert, for example, a first voltage associated with the power supply of the power bank 140 (e.g., a 120V AC wall outlet) to a second voltage (e.g., 3V, 3.6V, or 4.2V) of the power bank battery 180 while the power bank 140 is being recharged. Additionally or alternatively, the voltage regulator 183 may be configured to convert the voltage of the power bank battery 180 to yet another voltage for the charging connection to the mobile computing device 120 while the power bank 140 is supplying charge to the mobile computing device 120 (e.g., the voltage regulator may include a step-up or "boost" converter configured to convert the power bank voltage to 5V for the USB charging connection). The voltage conversion within the power bank 140 may vary based on (1) the voltage of the power bank battery 180 and (2) the voltage associated with the charging means that provides the charge to the mobile computing device 120 (e.g., lighting charge, Qi wireless charge, etc.). An additional description of the components of the charging module 182 is provided with respect to Figure 2.

[0053] The power bank 140 includes a microcontroller 184 (MCU, also referred to herein as a control module) comprising memory 186 and a processor 188. Memory 186 (i.e., one or more memories) may include ROM, RAM, and / or other preferred types of computer memory. The processor 188 (i.e., one or more processors) may include a CPU and / or other preferred processing unit that executes non-temporary instructions stored in memory 186. In various embodiments, the MCU 184 performs electrical characteristic measurements (e.g., measurement of the voltage of battery 180, current outflow from battery 180, and / or other measurements described herein) via the charging module 182 and performs calculations based on the values ​​obtained through the measurements performed. Memory 186 may be configured to store one or more lookup tables for correcting the aforementioned measurements based on the temperature of the environment 100 and / or battery 180. Furthermore, the MCU 184 can control the operation of the charging module 182 (for example, by operating a switch in the charging module 182 to interrupt and / or resume the supply of charge from an external power source to the power bank battery 180 and / or the supply of charge from the power bank 140 to the mobile computing device battery 166).

[0054] The power bank 140 additionally includes a communications module 190 ("Communications Module") which includes one or more transceivers configured to exchange wired and / or wireless signals with a mobile computing device 120 via one or more communicable connections 144 (e.g., RF digital communication using Bluetooth Low Energy, WiFi, LoRa, etc.) and / or with a remote server via additional communicable connections. Depending on the specific communications protocol implemented via the communicable connections, the communications module 190 may also include one or more modems configured to convert between signals received / transmitted via one or more transceivers and signals interpreted by the MCU 184. Non-transient instructions stored in the power bank memory 186 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 188, cause the communications module 190 to send measured electrical characteristic indices and / or other calculations performed by the MCU 184 (e.g., indices such as voltage, current, and resistance) to the mobile computing device 120 and / or the remote server (not described).

[0055] The MCU 184 or charging module 182 may particularly include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert analog measurements of voltage and / or other electrical characteristics in the power bank 140 into digital values. The digital values ​​may be transmitted via the communication module 190 to a mobile computing device 120 or a remote server via one or more communicable connections 144 (e.g., via a radio RF connection).

[0056] Optionally, the power bank includes I / O 192 for connecting one or more input devices and / or one or more output devices. In particular, I / O 192 may include a power button to control the interruption / resumption of the supply of charge from the power bank battery 180 to the battery of a mobile computing device (e.g., to the battery 166 of the mobile computing device 120). In some embodiments, I / O 192 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and / or other graphical outputs, which may be icons providing an indicator of the charge level of the power bank battery 180 and / or whether charging is actively taking place.

[0057] In some additional embodiments, the power bank 140 also includes a temperature sensor 187 configured to sense the temperature of the environment 100 and / or the battery 180. For example, the temperature sensor 187 may be a thermistor. The MCU 184 may be configured to obtain a temperature index from the temperature sensor 187. As described below, the actual battery capacity depends on the temperature. Therefore, when the MCU 184 determines the measured values ​​associated with the power bank battery 180 and / or the mobile computing device battery 166, the MCU 184 may apply a correction factor based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 187.

[0058] Environment 100 may include additional computing devices and / or components in various embodiments. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some embodiments, components of the devices described herein may be combined when they are referred to separately.

[0059] Figure 1B illustrates an exemplary computing environment 150, which includes a power bank 140, a rechargeable device 120 (such as the mobile computing device 120 described in relation to Figure 1A), a personal electronic device 121, and a remote server 130. The power bank 140, the rechargeable device 120, the personal electronic device 121, and the remote server are connected communicatively via one or more networks 124. Although Figure 1B depicts only a single power bank 140, a single rechargeable device 120, and a single personal electronic device 121, the environment 150 may include any number of power banks 140, rechargeable devices 120, and personal electronic devices 121 connected communicatively to the remote server 130 via the network 124.

[0060] Network 124 facilitates the communicable connection 144 in Figure 1A and may include one or more long-range communication networks (e.g., Wi-Fi network, Ethernet network, cellular communication network, etc.) and short-range communication networks. For this purpose, in some embodiments, the power bank 140 facilitates communication between the power bank 140 and the remote server 130 by utilizing the communicable connection 144 between the power bank 140 and the rechargeable device 120. In other embodiments, the communication module 190 of the power bank 140 is configured to include one or more transceivers that can communicate directly with the remote server 130. In these embodiments, if the rechargeable device 120 does not include transceivers that can communicate with the remote server 130 (e.g., in some embodiments where the rechargeable device 120 includes a consumer rechargeable battery), the rechargeable device 120 may utilize the communicable connection 144 to transmit data to the power bank device 140, which relays the data to the remote server 130.

[0061] The personal electronic device 121 is an electronic device associated with the user of the power bank 140. The personal electronic device 121 may be a smart TV, a smart home hub, a mobile computing device, or another suitable type of personal electronic device. The personal electronic device 121 may be configured to receive alerts from the remote server 130 regarding the operation of the power bank 140 and / or the rechargeable device 120, and to query data stored in the remote server 130 regarding the power bank 140 and the rechargeable device 120. In some embodiments, the personal electronic device 121 is the rechargeable device 120. In these embodiments, the personal electronic device 121 receives charge from the power bank 140 and receives alerts from the remote server 130.

[0062] The remote server 130 includes memory 134 (i.e., one or more memories 134, e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.). Memory 134 may be configured to store one or more lookup tables for correcting measurements associated with the power bank 140 and / or rechargeable device 120 based on the temperature associated with the power bank 140 and / or battery 180. In addition, memory 134 is configured to store one or more applications 136 ("apps") which include one or more sets of non-temporary computer executable instructions. In particular, one or more applications 136 include various applications for analyzing data received from the power bank 140 and / or rechargeable device 120. For example, one or more applications 136 may include an application configured to monitor the health status of the power bank 140, an application configured to determine how many times the power bank can recharge one or more rechargeable devices 120, an application configured to interrupt the power bank 140 when it is operating inefficiently, an application for generating a web dashboard to monitor the operation of the power bank 140 and / or rechargeable devices via a personal electronic device 121, and / or other applications configured to operate on data received from the power bank 140 and / or rechargeable devices 120. In some embodiments, applications 136 are configured to share an API interface with a PB application 156 running on the rechargeable devices 120 in order to exchange data about the power bank 140 between them.

[0063] Memory 134 also includes user profile data 138. For this purpose, the remote server 130 may be configured to maintain user profiles for multiple users of each power bank 140. Thus, for each user of each power bank 140, the user profile data 138 may include an identifier for the specific power bank 140, identifiers for one or more associated rechargeable devices 120, identifiers for one or more personal electronic devices 121 from which the user wishes to receive alerts, a set of operational data associated with the power bank 140 and the rechargeable devices 120 (including operational data described elsewhere in this specification), user preference data (including user-defined thresholds), and / or other data associated with the user. Various identifiers may uniquely identify each device (e.g., MAC address, serial number, MEID, UICC, or other unique identifier). In some embodiments, user preference data is set based on the user interacting with the PB app 156 on the rechargeable device 120 and / or via a web interface accessed through the personal electronic device 121.

[0064] The remote server 130 further includes a processor 133 (i.e., one or more processors, e.g., a CPU, GPU, etc.) capable of executing non-temporary computer executable instructions contained in memory 134. In some embodiments, the remote server 130 operates in a cloud computing configuration. In these embodiments, one or more processors 133 and one or more memories 134 may be physically located on different hardware units. Therefore, Figure 1B should be understood to represent the logical relationships between the various components of the remote server 130.

[0065] The remote server 130 additionally includes a communication module 131 ("communication module") capable of establishing communication over one or more networks 124 and exchanging communication signals. More specifically, the communication module 131 includes one or more transceivers configured to transmit and / or receive over a communication connection with an external device. The communication module 131 may also include one or more modems configured to convert signals received / transmitted over one or more transceivers into signals to be interpreted by a processor 133. The communication module 131 may be configured to communicate with additional or alternative devices not shown in Figure 1B. For example, in some embodiments, application 136 may be configured to generate one or more alerts related to the operation of power bank 140. Thus, the communication module 131 may be configured to send messages to a push server that pushes alerts to rechargeable device 120 and / or personal electronic device 121 via a push messaging protocol.

[0066] The remote server 130 may additionally include I / O 132 for connecting one or more input devices and / or one or more output devices (for example, devices connected to one or more physical ports of the remote server 130 to enable monitoring and / or configuration of the remote server 130).

[0067] Figure 2 illustrates exemplary conventionally known electrical components of the rechargeable device 120 of Figure 1B (including the mobile device 120 of Figure 1A) and the power bank 140 of Figures 1A-1B, which are suitable for use in the portable power bank devices described herein. A limited number of electrical components are described with respect to Figure 2, but these are provided only for general illustrative purposes of the power bank 140 and method described herein, and it should be understood that the rechargeable device 120 and / or power bank 140 may include additional, fewer, and / or alternative components in various embodiments (e.g., other electrical circuits and / or any of the components described with respect to Figures 1A-1B) compared to those described herein. Therefore, the arrangement of electrical components generally described herein may differ from the arrangement shown in Figure 2.

[0068] At a high level, the electrical components depicted in Figure 2 facilitate the supply of charge from the power bank battery 180 to the rechargeable device battery 166 via an electrical connection between the power bank battery 180 and the rechargeable device battery 166. The electrical connection between the power bank battery 180 and the rechargeable device battery 166 electrically connects each of their batteries, facilitating the supply of charge from the power bank battery 180 to the mobile computing device battery 166. In some embodiments, at least some of the electrical components described herein may be arranged in one or more integrated circuits in the rechargeable device 120 and / or the power bank 140.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the electrical connection 210 is a wired electrical connection (e.g., a USB-C charging cable, a micro USB cable, a lighting cable, or other physical connection structure) that connects the electrical port 212 of the power bank 140 to the electrical port 214 of the rechargeable device 120. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the electrical connection 210 may include a wireless electrical connection (e.g., a Qi standard or AirFuel wireless charging connection). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the electrical connection 210 may be implemented by the same structure that provides a communicative connection 144 as described with respect to Figure 1A. That is, a single connection between the rechargeable device 120 and the power bank 140 (e.g., a USB wired data / charge wired connection) can connect the rechargeable device 120 and the power bank 140 both electrically and communicatively.

[0070] The power bank battery 180 is charged via the current flowing out of it. The power output of the power bank battery 180 can be calculated (for example, by the power bank MCU 184) by multiplying the value of the outflow current by the voltage of the power bank battery 180. The voltage of the power bank battery 180 (for example, the voltage between two terminals of the power bank battery 180) can be measured by the MCU 184, for example, via a voltmeter installed on the power bank battery 180. The outflow current can be measured by the MCU 184 via the use of a resistor 226 (for example, a shunt resistor) electrically connected in series with the power bank battery 180 and having a known resistance. As the current passes through the resistor 226, the MCU 184 measures the voltage drop across the resistor 226 via a voltmeter 228. An ADC in the power bank MCU (for example, MCU 184) can convert the analog voltmeter reading at the power bank 140 into a digital voltage reading. The MCU184 can determine the value of the current passing through resistor 226 (and therefore the current flowing out of power bank battery 180) by dividing the voltage drop across the entire resistor 226 by the known resistance of resistor 228.

[0071] In some embodiments, control of the supply of charge from the power bank battery 180 is facilitated via a power bank switch 232. An open switch 232 (as shown in Figure 2) prevents the supply of charge from the power bank battery 180, while a closed switch 232 allows the supply of charge. The switch 232 may be controlled, for example, by an MCU 184. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the switch 232 may be controlled based on communications transmitted to the power bank 140 by the rechargeable device 120 and / or remote server 130 in Figure 1B, which may be based on corresponding user input.

[0072] The power bank 140 includes a voltage regulator 183a (e.g., a voltage regulator 183 as shown in Figure 1, e.g., a DC-DC voltage converter). The voltage regulator 183a may be configured to convert a first voltage of the power bank battery 180 (e.g., 3V, 3.6V, or 4.2V) to a second configured voltage of the electrical connection 210 (e.g., 5V for USB charging). Thus, in some embodiments, the voltage regulator 183a includes a step-up or "boost" converter configured to increase the voltage. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the voltage regulator 183a includes a step-down or "buck" converter to decrease the voltage (e.g., when the voltage of the power bank battery 180 is greater than the voltage of the electrical connection 210). Substantially, the voltage regulation by the voltage regulator 183a may vary based on (1) the voltage of the power bank battery 180 and (2) the voltage associated with the electrical connection 210. The regulated current (e.g., after passing through the voltage regulator 183a) can be supplied to the electrical connection 210 via the power bank electrical port 212. In particular, by performing a measurement of the outflow current between the battery 180 and the voltage regulator 183a, the outflow current measurement reflects the outflow current from the battery 180 itself (e.g., the outflow current from the terminals of the battery 180), thereby avoiding inaccuracies that may be caused by energy loss and / or changes in the current value occurring in the voltage regulator 183a.

[0073] The power bank 140 may additionally include a second separate electrical path (e.g., incoming charge from an AC wall outlet, a vehicle charging port, and / or other charging sources for the power bank 140) to facilitate the supply of incoming charge to the power bank battery 180. The elements of this second path may generally be analogous to the elements described herein for guiding outgoing charge from the power bank battery 180. Thus, the second path may include, for example, a voltage regulator 183b (e.g., for converting a first voltage of an electrical connection supplying charge to the power bank 140 to a second voltage of the power bank battery 180). After passing through the voltage regulator 183b, the current may pass through a resistor 246 (e.g., a shunt resistor). The current passing through resistor 246 may be measured in a manner similar to that described herein (e.g., by MCU 184 via voltmeter 248) with respect to the outgoing current passing through resistor 226. The supply of incoming charge to the battery 180 may be controlled via a switch 252. In particular, by performing a measurement of the inflow current between the battery 180 and the voltage regulator 183b, the inflow current measurement reflects the inflow current to the battery 180 itself (e.g., the current entering the terminals of the battery 180), thereby taking into account the potential energy loss and / or change in value of the current generated in the voltage regulator 183b. The power input to the power bank battery 180 can be calculated (e.g., by the power bank MCU 184) by multiplying the value of the inflow current by the voltage of the power bank battery 180 (e.g., the voltage between the two terminals of the power bank battery).

[0074] Current is received by the rechargeable device 120 from the electrical connection 210 via the rechargeable device port 214. The received current can flow to the voltage regulator 262 of the rechargeable device 120. The voltage regulator 262 may be configured to convert the voltage of the electrical connection 210 (e.g., 5V for USB charging) to another voltage of the rechargeable device battery 166 (e.g., 3V, 3.6V, or 4.2V). Thus, in some embodiments, the voltage regulator 262 includes a step-down converter configured to reduce the voltage. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the voltage regulator 262 includes a step-up converter configured to increase the voltage.

[0075] Charge is received by the rechargeable device battery 166 by the incoming current. The voltage of the rechargeable device battery 166 can be measured, for example, by a voltmeter in the battery 166. The value of the incoming current can be measured via a resistor 270 (e.g., a shunt resistor) that is electrically connected in series with the rechargeable device battery 166 and has a known resistance. As the current passes through the resistor 270, the rechargeable device 120 measures the voltage drop across the resistor 270 via a voltmeter 272. An ADC in the mobile computing device processor can convert the analog measurement of the voltage in the mobile computing device 120 into a digital voltage value. The processor of the rechargeable device (e.g., processor 158) can determine the value of the current passing through the resistor 270, and therefore the value of the incoming current to the mobile computing device battery 166, by dividing the voltage drop across the resistor 270 by the known resistance of the resistor 270.

[0076] In some embodiments, control of the supply of charge to the rechargeable device battery 166 is performed via a rechargeable device switch 276. An open switch 276 (as shown in Figure 2) prevents the supply of charge to the rechargeable device battery 166, while a closed switch 276 allows the supply of charge. The switch 276 may be controlled, for example, by the processor of the rechargeable device 120 (e.g., processor 158). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the switch 276 may be controlled based on communications transmitted to the rechargeable device 120 by the power bank 140 and / or remote server 130.

[0077] Measuring the health status of the power bank battery Generally, the health status of a power bank is defined as a value representing the actual capacity of the power bank battery compared to its nominal capacity (e.g., as a ratio or percentage). This value is referred to herein as the “health value” of the power bank battery. Therefore, in this detailed description, “health status” and “health value” are used interchangeably.

[0078] For example, in a power bank battery with a current capacity of 8400mAh compared to a nominal capacity of 10000mAh, the health value of the power bank may be expressed as 0.84 or 84%, that is, indicating that the power bank battery has a current capacity of 84% of the power bank battery's nominal capacity. According to the techniques described herein, once a power bank determines its health value, it transmits the health value index to a remote server (e.g., remote server 130 in Figure 1B) for storage in each user profile on the remote server. When the health value falls below a predetermined threshold, the power bank (e.g., power bank 140 in Figures 1A, 1B, and 2) or the remote server may transmit the health value index to at least one of the user's personal electronic devices (e.g., personal electronic device 121 in Figure 1B) and / or rechargeable devices. For this purpose, the user profile 138 may store the index of a particular device on which the user prefers to receive notifications. Therefore, the remote server 131 can query the user profile to determine specific personal electronic devices and / or rechargeable devices to which notifications indicating health values ​​will be sent. Once the user profile is established, the remote server 131 may use a first personal electronic device registered in the profile as the device to which instructions will be sent by default. The remote server 131 may then provide an interface that allows the user to configure which devices will receive the indicators. For some rechargeable devices 120, the remote server 131 first sends the indicators to the power bank 140, and then the power bank 140 relays the indicators to the rechargeable devices 120 via a communicationable connection 144, thereby sending the indicators to the rechargeable devices.

[0079] When the indicator is received by a device indicated by the user profile, the device displays an indicator of the health value (e.g., a push notification and / or an image displayed on the application screen on the device). The display on the device shows the health status of the power bank, thereby giving the user an opportunity to consider the health status when charging their device (e.g., charging the power bank more frequently to ensure that the power bank does not run out inadvertently and unintentionally based on the user's pre-set expectations), or an opportunity to replace the power bank. Various techniques can be used to determine the nominal capacity, actual capacity, and health value of the power bank battery, as described below.

[0080] Firstly, determining the health status of a power bank battery involves determining the nominal capacity of the power bank battery. Typically, a power bank recognizes its own nominal capacity (for example, the nominal capacity is stored in a non-temporary power bank memory 186 at the time of manufacture). In some embodiments, the nominal capacity of a power bank battery is a composite capacity based on a multi-cell configuration of two or more cells (e.g., electrochemical cells) in the power bank battery, each having an individual capacity. In any case, the nominal capacity of a power bank battery can be expressed as a single value, i.e., the combined nominal capacity of one or more cells in the power bank battery (e.g., 5000mAh, 10000mAh, 22000mAh, etc.).

[0081] Secondly, determining the health status of a power bank battery includes determining the actual capacity of the power bank battery (e.g., determining the current actual capacity). Several techniques are possible for determining the actual capacity of a power bank battery, as described below. In some embodiments, the power bank is configured to transmit the nominal capacity and actual capacity (and / or specific measurements on which the nominal capacity and actual capacity are based) to a remote server, which then calculates the health status of the power bank. In other embodiments, the power bank is configured to calculate the health status of the power bank and transmit an index of the health status to a remote server.

[0082] Determining the actual capacity of a power bank battery In one possible embodiment, if the capacity of the power bank battery is rated in units of charge, the "coulomb counting" technique is used in combination with measurements of the voltage of the power bank battery during charging and / or discharging. Generally, coulomb counting involves measuring the outflow current from and / or inflow current into the power bank battery over a set time interval. The outflow current from the power bank (i.e., transporting charge out of the power bank battery through the power bank's circuitry, as described, for example, with respect to Figure 2) may be measured, for example, while the power bank is supplying charge to one or more mobile computing devices. The inflow current (i.e., transporting charge into the power bank battery) may be measured, for example, while the power bank is receiving charge from an AC wall outlet, a vehicle charging port, and / or other charging source for the power bank. The measured inflow or outflow current can be integrated over a set time interval to determine the total inflow or outflow charge over this time interval. In some situations, if the measured current remains constant over a certain time interval (or if a fluctuating current is averaged over this time interval), the total current (inflow or outflow) over this time interval can be determined by multiplying the constant or average current by the duration of this time interval.

[0083] In some embodiments, the power bank MCU measures outflow and / or inflow currents through the use of resistors electrically connected in series with the power bank battery (e.g., shunt resistor 226 for measuring outflow current, or another similarly connected shunt resistor for measuring inflow current, as described with respect to Figure 2). The resistors have a known electrical resistance (e.g., 0.01 ohms (Ω)), and the electrical resistance of the resistors is stored in the power bank MCU's memory. The power bank MCU measures the voltage drop across the resistor. For example, for a 0.01 Ω shunt resistor, the MCU may measure a drop of 20 millivolts (mV) across the shunt resistor. The MCU divides the voltage drop by the known resistance of the resistor to determine the current passing through the resistor (and therefore the current flowing into or from the power bank battery). For example, if the MCU measures a drop of 20 mV across a 0.01 Ω shunt resistor, the MCU determines a current of 2 A. The MCU continuously monitors the current as a function of time over a set time interval (through continuous measurement of the voltage drop across the entire shunt resistor). The monitored current is integrated or summed over this time interval to determine the total amount of inflow or outflow charge over this time interval. The MCU may transmit the determined amount of inflow or outflow charge to a remote server for monitoring on the remote server.

[0084] Preferably, the time intervals for which total charge is calculated correspond to at least one of (1) a complete charge of the power bank battery (i.e., from about 0% fuel gauge to about 100% fuel gauge by charging from a wall outlet or other source) and / or (2) a complete discharge of the power bank battery (i.e., from about 100% fuel gauge to 0% fuel gauge when charging one or more mobile computing devices). As described below, a complete charge and / or complete discharge of the power bank battery is detected by monitoring the voltage and / or current in the power bank battery.

[0085] Monitoring a power bank battery's full charge (0% to 100%) typically involves monitoring the power bank battery's "constant current / constant voltage" (CC / CV) charging. CC / CV charging of a power bank battery can be understood from Figure 3, which illustrates the current flowing into the power bank battery as a function of the power bank battery's fuel gauge during charging (and therefore as a function of time).

[0086] In the first "constant current" (CC) charging phase shown in Figure 3, when a completely depleted power bank is connected to an external power source (not shown), the power bank battery receives a substantially constant incoming current (e.g., 2.5A), and the internal voltage of the power bank battery increases from the minimum rated voltage (e.g., 3V at 0% fuel gauge for many lithium-ion batteries) to the maximum rated voltage (e.g., 4.2V for lithium-ion batteries). The maximum voltage of the power bank battery can be achieved, for example, when the power bank battery is at 50% battery fuel gauge, 60% fuel gauge, 70%, 80%, or another charge level. In any case, once the power bank battery reaches the maximum voltage, the second "constant voltage" (CV) charging phase shown in Figure 4 begins. During the CV phase, the maximum voltage of the power bank battery is maintained while the incoming current decreases from its initial value (e.g., 2.5A at the moment immediately after the crossover from CC charging to CV charging) to nearly zero as the power bank fuel gauge approaches 100%. When the incoming current falls below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 0.05A) indicating that charging has sufficiently tapered off, the power bank MCU and / or remote server determine that the fuel gauge is approximately 100%, and the second and final charging phase is completed. Consequently, the MCU and / or remote server cause a cutoff in the supply of charge to the power bank (e.g., via a switch in the power bank or in the charging adapter at the power bank's power supply).

[0087] The "input charge capacity" of a power bank battery is determined by monitoring the incoming current throughout the first and second phases of a full CC / CV charge of the power bank. In particular, the incoming current is integrated over the duration of the full charge of the power bank from 0% to 100% (e.g., 80 minutes, which may be continuous or discontinuous). The integral of the incoming current over time generates the total charge that flows into the power bank battery throughout the duration of the charge session. As an example, in a power bank with a nominal capacity of 10000mAh, the power bank MCU may determine that the power bank battery received only 7400mAh to fully charge from a 0% fuel gauge to a 100% fuel gauge. Therefore, in this example, the MCU determines that the input capacity of the power bank is 7400mAh. The MCU may be configured to send the input capacity to a remote server for monitoring there.

[0088] Conversely, the power bank MCU can determine the actual capacity by monitoring the power bank battery voltage and outflow current during the complete discharge of the power bank battery (from 100% fuel gauge to 0% fuel gauge), while the power bank supplies charge to one or more mobile computing devices. In particular, the power bank MCU can monitor the outflow current from the power bank battery by measuring the voltage drop across the entire shunt resistor in series with the power bank battery. The value of the outflow current during discharge can generally vary based on various factors, including, for example, the fuel gauge of the device to which the power bank is supplying charge.

[0089] The behavior of the power bank battery voltage can be understood from Figure 4, which illustrates the power bank battery voltage as a function of the power bank battery fuel gauge as the power bank battery discharges over time (for example, while charging one or more mobile computing devices). As the power bank battery discharges, the power bank battery voltage decreases from the maximum power bank battery voltage (e.g., 4.2V as shown in Figure 4) to the minimum power bank battery voltage (e.g., 3V). The power bank MCU and / or remote server monitor the current and / or voltage until the power bank voltage is equal to or approximately equal to the minimum voltage that indicates the power bank battery fuel gauge is equal to or very close to 0%.

[0090] The "output charge capacity" of a power bank battery is determined by integrating the outflow current over the period during which the power bank battery supplied charge (for example, discharged from 100% fuel gauge to 0% fuel gauge). For example, in a power bank with a nominal capacity of 10000mAh, the power bank MCU and / or remote server may determine that the power bank battery discharged only 7000mAh to discharge from 100% fuel gauge to 0% fuel gauge. Therefore, the MCU and / or remote server would determine that the power bank's "output capacity" is 7000mAh.

[0091] The determination of input and output charge capacities is preferably used when the nominal capacity of the power bank battery is expressed in units of electric charge (e.g., mAh). That is, the actual capacity is measured in units equivalent to those of the nominal capacity. Therefore, in embodiments where the nominal capacity of the power bank battery is rated in units of energy (e.g., Wh), the actual capacity should similarly be measured in units of energy (not units of charge, as achieved via the Coulomb counting technique described above).

[0092] Therefore, in embodiments where the nominal capacity of the power bank battery is expressed in units of energy, the actual capacity is measured using an “energy counting” technique. The power bank MCU may measure the outflow current from and / or inflow current from the power bank over a set time interval, in combination with the voltage of the power bank battery. Similar to coulomb counting as described herein, this time interval preferably corresponds to at least one of a complete charge of the power bank battery or a complete discharge of the power bank battery (which may be detected in the same manner as described above with respect to Figures 3 and 4). The MCU and / or remote server may multiply the measured outflow or inflow current by the corresponding voltage (i.e., the voltage of the power bank battery at the time) to determine the power input to or power output of the power bank battery at a given time during this time interval. Alternatively, in some embodiments, all measurements of outflow or inflow current throughout this time interval may be multiplied by the same “average voltage” of the power bank battery (e.g., the nominal voltage of the battery).

[0093] The power bank MCU and / or remote server may determine the total energy inflow into or outflow from the power bank battery over the time interval by integrating the power input or power output measured throughout this time interval. The MCU may measure the "input energy capacity" of the power bank battery by monitoring the energy inflow into the power bank battery throughout a complete charge of the power bank from substantially 0% fuel gauge to substantially 100% fuel gauge. For example, in a power bank with a nominal capacity of 50Wh, the power bank MCU may determine that only 40Wh was received to charge the power bank battery from 0% to 100%. Additionally or alternatively, the power bank MCU may measure the "output energy capacity" of the power bank battery by monitoring the energy outflow from the power bank battery throughout a complete discharge of the power bank from 100% fuel gauge to 0% fuel gauge. For example, in a power bank with a nominal capacity of 50Wh, the power bank MCU may determine that the power bank battery has discharged only 38Wh to discharge from substantially 100% fuel gauge to substantially 0% fuel gauge.

[0094] In either case, the power bank MCU and / or remote server may determine the actual capacity of the power bank battery based on either the calculated input capacity (e.g., input charge capacity or input energy capacity) or the calculated output capacity (e.g., output charge capacity or output energy capacity). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the MCU calculates the actual capacity based on a "complete cycle" of the power bank battery (i.e., a complete charge followed by a complete discharge of the power bank battery, or vice versa). In these embodiments, upon detection of a complete charge and a complete discharge, the MCU may determine the actual capacity of the power bank battery by averaging the calculated input capacity and the calculated output capacity. For example, following the example of a 10000mAh power bank herein, the actual charge capacity of the power bank battery is determined to be 7200mAh by averaging the input charge capacity of 7400mAh and the output charge capacity of 7000mAh.

[0095] In some embodiments, the power bank MCU and / or remote server apply a temperature correction factor to the determined actual capacity based on the temperature level sensed by the temperature sensor of the power bank device. Generally, battery capacity increases as the temperature rises. However, after a threshold temperature (approximately 45°C), additional charge is lost as heat due to increased internal resistance associated with battery degradation, generally reducing the charge capacity. Therefore, the memory of the power bank device and / or remote server may store lookup tables that associate temperature levels (or ranges of temperature levels) with specific temperature correction factors to apply to the determination of the actual capacity above. The temperature correction factor may be a value (e.g., a value between 0.0 and 2.0) that is multiplied by the actual capacity value to produce a adjusted actual capacity at the measured / observed temperature. In some embodiments, the memory of the power bank and / or remote server stores multiple lookup tables corresponding to different battery types, respectively. Therefore, in these embodiments, the power bank MCU and / or remote server may obtain temperature values ​​from the temperature sensor of the power bank device, obtain temperature correction values ​​from an appropriate lookup table, and apply them to the determined actual capacity to generate the adjusted actual capacity.

[0096] The power bank MCU and / or remote server calculate the health value of the power bank battery based on the determined actual capacity and the nominal capacity of the power bank battery (e.g., as a ratio or percentage). For example, in a power bank with an actual capacity of 7200mAh compared to a nominal capacity of 10000mAh, the health value of the power bank is expressed as 0.72 or 72%. In embodiments where a temperature correction factor is applied to adjust the determined actual capacity, the health status value may be calculated using the adjusted actual capacity rather than the determined actual capacity.

[0097] The health value of a power bank generally decreases over time. Therefore, in various embodiments, the power bank may monitor the health of its battery by intermittently or continuously applying the techniques described herein. For example, an MCU and / or remote server may continuously monitor the charging and discharging of the power bank battery and calculate the actual capacity at any point when the power bank battery is fully charged from 0% to 100% or fully discharged from 100% to 0%.

[0098] In some embodiments, the MCU and / or remote server may measure the actual capacity when the power bank battery is partially charged (e.g., from 0% fuel gauge to 48% fuel gauge, 15% to 67%, 38% to 100%, etc.) or when the power bank battery is partially discharged (e.g., from 100% fuel gauge to 63%, 48% to 17%, 61% to 0%, etc.). In these embodiments, during partial charging or discharge, the monitored inflow or outflow charge or inflow or outflow energy is extrapolated to determine the amount of inflow or outflow charge or inflow or outflow energy that would result from a complete charge or complete discharge. For example, if a power bank battery releases 3500mAh, dropping from a 67% fuel gauge to a 17% fuel gauge (i.e., releasing 50%), the MCU doubles the measured 3500mAh release to estimate that the power bank battery will release 7000mAh to be fully charged, thereby providing an estimate of the actual capacity. As another example, if a power bank battery charges 1600mAh, dropping from a 0% fuel gauge to a 20% fuel gauge, the MCU extrapolates the measured 1600mAh charge to estimate that the power bank battery will charge 8000mAh to be fully charged. Extrapolation calculations of actual capacity can be unreliable, and therefore the MCU and / or remote server preferably calculate the actual capacity based on a full charge from substantially 0% fuel gauge to substantially 100% fuel gauge, and / or a full discharge from substantially 100% to substantially 0%.

[0099] If the determined health value is below a threshold (e.g., 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%), the power bank and / or remote server automatically transmit an index of the health value to the device indicated by the user profile on the remote server. In some embodiments, the threshold is a predetermined value stored in the power bank MCU memory and / or the remote server (e.g., a default value is set when registering with the remote server) (e.g., set during the power bank's manufacture). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the threshold is a value set by the user of the personal electronic device via a web portal or a dedicated software application running on the personal electronic device. In these embodiments, the personal electronic device transmits an index of the user-defined threshold to the power bank and / or remote server for setting the value stored in the user profile on the power bank memory and / or remote server.

[0100] In alternative embodiments, other techniques may be possible for determining the actual capacity and health status. In some embodiments, for example, the power bank uses impedance testing to determine the internal resistance of the power bank battery, which also indicates a health status. Specifically, the power bank applies one or more short constant current pulses (e.g., 2A) into the power bank battery. The power bank measures the voltage drop in the battery (e.g., 30mV, 60mV, 200mV, etc.) when the pulses are applied. The voltage drop is caused by the internal resistance in the power bank battery. Since the internal resistance increases throughout the life of the power bank, the voltage drop caused by the constant current pulses increases proportionally. The power bank may measure the resistance or voltage drop and compare the resistance or voltage drop to a threshold (e.g., 200mΩ or 400mV). As another example, the power bank may apply a high-frequency AC current (e.g., 1000Hz) to the battery and measure the voltage drop or impedance of the battery for comparison with a threshold. In these embodiments, the power bank may transmit the measured resistance voltage drop to a remote server for monitoring. If the determined voltage drop or resistance value is above a threshold, the remote server transmits an index of the value to a personal electronic device associated with the power bank.

[0101] It should be understood that the internal resistance of a battery varies based on temperature. Generally, as the temperature rises, the internal resistance of the battery decreases. Therefore, the threshold voltage drop or resistance / impedance may vary depending on the temperature value sensed by the power bank temperature sensor. Accordingly, the memory of the power bank and / or remote server may store a lookup table that associates temperature values ​​(or ranges of temperature values) with threshold voltage drop or resistance / impedance values. In these embodiments, before comparing the measured voltage drop or resistance / impedance of the power bank battery to the threshold, the power bank MCU or remote server may obtain the temperature value from the power bank temperature sensor to obtain an appropriate threshold.

[0102] Example flowchart Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart 500 associated with monitoring the battery health status of a power bank (for example, power bank 140 as depicted in Figures 1A, 1B, and 2). As described herein, the actions represented in flow chart 500 may be performed, for example, by the power bank's microcontroller (MCU) in conjunction with a remote server (for example, remote server 131 in Figure 1B). The actions represented in the flow chart may include wired and / or wireless communication between the power bank and external rechargeable devices (for example, mobile computing devices such as smartphones and tablets) and / or the remote server.

[0103] The MCU and / or remote server determine the nominal capacity of the power bank battery (502). The nominal capacity may be the nominal charge capacity or nominal energy capacity of the power bank battery. Preferably, the MCU determines the nominal capacity by retrieving a value indicating the nominal capacity from the MCU's memory (or by retrieving a value indicating the nominal capacity, e.g., configuration information of one or more cells of the power bank battery). Thus, the MCU may transmit this value to the remote server during initial registration with the remote server. Alternatively, the MCU determines the nominal capacity by receiving an index of the nominal capacity of the power bank battery via wired and / or wireless communication (e.g., from a dedicated software application running on a personal electronic device to interface with the remote server (this application downloads a lookup table listing the nominal capacities of various power bank models)). In other embodiments, the remote server determines the nominal capacity of the power bank battery by receiving an index of an identifier (e.g., model number) corresponding to the power bank from the MCU. The remote server can then use the received identifier to query the database and retrieve an indicator of the nominal capacity from the database.

[0104] Additionally, the MCU and / or remote server determine the current or actual capacity of the power bank battery (504). The actual capacity may be the actual charge capacity or actual energy capacity (according to the units of measurement of the nominal capacity). Specifically, the MCU may determine the actual capacity by applying a Coulomb counting technique (or an energy counting technique, in the case of a power bank battery having a capacity measured in units of energy) as described above (e.g., based on the input capacity and / or output capacity). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the MCU determines the actual capacity of the power bank battery via one or more impedance tests as described herein. Regardless of the technique, the MCU may be configured to transmit the determined current capacity to the remote server. In response, the remote server updates the user profile to associate the current capacity with the power bank. In some embodiments, it should be understood that before updating the user profile with the current capacity, the MCU and / or remote server may apply a temperature compensation factor to the current capacity to generate an adjusted current capacity. In these embodiments, the remote server may update the user profile to associate the adjusted current capacity with the power bank.

[0105] The MCU and / or remote server compare the actual capacity of the power bank battery with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery and determine the health value of the power bank battery based on the nominal and actual capacities (506). Specifically, in some embodiments, the health value corresponds to the actual capacity divided by the nominal capacity (e.g., expressed as a ratio or percentage).

[0106] The MCU and / or remote server determine whether the health value of the power bank is below a predetermined threshold (508). In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold is stored as part of a user profile maintained by the remote server. In some embodiments, the remote server receives an index of a user-configured threshold. The user-configured threshold may be set by the user of the personal electronic device, for example, via a software application associated with the power bank battery. In these embodiments, the remote server receives the user-configured threshold from the personal electronic device via wired and / or wireless communication.

[0107] If the determined health value is below a threshold, the MCU and / or remote server transmit an index of the health value to the power bank user's personal electronic device (510). In some embodiments, if the MCU determines that the health value is below a threshold, it transmits an index to the remote server. In response, the remote server may query the user profile to identify one or more personal electronic devices and / or rechargeable devices that the user profile indicates should receive the index. The remote server transmits the index via wired and / or wireless communication through the identified personal electronic devices and / or rechargeable devices. The transmitted health value index causes the personal electronic devices and / or rechargeable devices to display an indicator of the power bank battery's health status (e.g., a push notification and / or an image displayed on the screen of an application that communicates information about the power bank's health status).

[0108] In some embodiments, the power bank's power indicator includes the health value itself. Additionally or alternatively, the power bank health indicator may simply indicate whether the user should replace the power bank (for example, based on whether the health value is above, equal to, or below a threshold).

[0109] If the determined health value exceeds a threshold, the transmission of the health value index may not occur. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the remote server transmits the health value whenever the health value is determined, thereby enabling users of personal electronic devices and / or rechargeable devices to monitor the status of their power bank. In some additional embodiments, the health value is transmitted in response to a user accessing a user interface (e.g., via a web portal or a dedicated application) configured to display information associated with the power bank. More specifically, the remote server may receive a request from a personal electronic device to display data associated with the power bank device, query the user profile to retrieve the requested data, and transmit the retrieved data to the personal electronic device. In any case, the power bank MCU and / or remote server continue to monitor the capacity of the power bank battery (512). For example, the MCU and / or remote server can continuously monitor the incoming and / or outgoing currents in the power bank, and can determine the current capacity each time the MCU and / or remote server determines that the power bank's battery has been fully charged or fully discharged. Thus, actions 504-508 can be repeated, and it becomes possible to detect whether the power bank battery health value has since fallen to or below the threshold.

[0110] The order of actions in flow chart 500 may differ. For example, the MCU and / or remote server may determine the actual capacity of the power bank battery before obtaining the nominal capacity of the power bank battery.

[0111] Exemplary graphical user interface Figure 6 illustrates exemplary notifications that may be displayed on a personal electronic device 610 based on the health status of the power bank associated with a user profile, including personal electronic devices (e.g., owned by the same user). More specifically, Figure 6 illustrates a screen 612 of the personal electronic device 610, which displays a graphical user interface 620 indicating the health status of the power bank. The personal electronic device 610 may be any personal electronic device 121 described with respect to Figure 1B (including the mobile computing device 120 in Figure 1A or 2). In some embodiments, the graphical user interface 620 in Figure 6 is displayed via a dedicated power bank application running on the personal electronic device 610 (e.g., the power bank application 156 in Figure 1).

[0112] The graphical user interface 620 displays an indicator of the power bank's health status (referred to as "Life Percentage" in Figure 6). Specifically, the graphical user interface 620 indicates that the current capacity of the power bank is less than 70% of the power bank's nominal capacity, and warns the user of the personal electronic device 610 that the power bank's ability to charge the device may be reduced.

[0113] In various embodiments, different health threshold values ​​may be assumed. Furthermore, in various embodiments, additional or alternative graphical user interfaces are possible. For example, the notification in Figure 6 may be replaced or complemented by other screens (e.g., a full-screen display) of the power bank application running on the personal electronic device 610. The additional or alternative user interface may provide information similar to that shown in Figure 6 and / or other charging-related information described herein. Furthermore, in various embodiments, a user interface technique may be implemented that uses voice input / output via the microphone and / or speaker of the personal electronic device 610 to deliver voice push notifications.

[0114] Example flowchart Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram corresponding to an exemplary method 700 associated with determining the health status of the battery of a power bank (for example, power bank 140 as depicted in Figure 1). At least some of the actions of method 700 may correspond to the actions in the flow diagram 500 of Figure 5.

[0115] Method 700 includes determining the nominal capacity of the power bank battery (e.g., nominal charge capacity or nominal energy capacity) (702). Specifically, as described herein with reference to Figure 5, the power bank's microcontroller (MCU) determines the nominal capacity by retrieving the nominal capacity from the memory in the power bank. Method 700 further includes determining the actual capacity of the power bank (704, for example, via coulomb counting, energy counting, or impedance testing as described herein). Additionally, Method 700 includes determining the health value of the power bank by comparing the actual capacity of the power bank with the nominal capacity of the power bank (706). If the health value is below a threshold, Method 700 includes transmitting the health value index to a remote server (708).

[0116] Method 700 may include additional actions, fewer actions, or alternative actions in various embodiments.

[0117] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram corresponding to an exemplary method 800 associated with determining the health status of the battery of a power bank (for example, power bank 140 as depicted in Figure 1). At least some of the actions of method 800 may correspond to the actions in the flow diagram 500 of Figure 5.

[0118] Method 800 includes obtaining the nominal capacity of the power bank battery (e.g., nominal charge capacity or nominal energy capacity) (802). Specifically, the remote server obtains the nominal capacity by receiving an index of the power bank identifier or the nominal capacity retrieved from the memory in the power bank, as described herein with reference to Figure 5. Method 800 further includes receiving a measurement of the current capacity of the power bank from the power bank device (804). Additionally, Method 800 includes determining the health value of the power bank by comparing the current capacity of the power bank with the nominal capacity of the power bank (806). If the health value is below a threshold, Method 800 includes transmitting an index of the health value to a personal electronic device (808).

[0119] Method 800 may include additional actions, fewer actions, or alternative actions in various embodiments.

[0120] Additional considerations All of the aforementioned computer systems may include additional, lesser, or alternative functionalities, including those considered herein. All computer implementation methods may include additional, lesser, or alternative actions, including those considered herein, and may be implemented via one or more local or remote processors and / or transceivers, and / or via computer executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media.

[0121] The processors, transceivers, mobile devices, and / or other computing devices discussed herein may communicate with each other via wireless communication networks or electronic communication networks. For example, communication between computing devices may be wireless communication or data transmission via one or more wireless links, or wireless communication channels or digital communication channels.

[0122] The following additional considerations apply to the foregoing discussion: Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement a component, operation, or structure described as a single instance. While individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of these operations may be performed simultaneously, and it is not required that the operations be performed in the order in which they are illustrated. Structures and functionalities presented as separate components in an exemplary configuration may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionalities presented as single components may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter of this specification.

[0123] In addition, certain embodiments are described herein as including logic, or several routines, subroutines, applications, or instructions. These may constitute either software (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium or in a transmitted signal) or hardware. In hardware, routines, etc., are tangible units capable of performing specific operations and may be configured or arranged in a particular manner. In exemplary embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., standalone, client, or server computer systems) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) as hardware modules that operate to perform specific operations as described herein.

[0124] In various embodiments, hardware modules may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module may include dedicated circuitry or logic permanently configured to perform a specific operation (e.g., as a special-purpose processor such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). A hardware module may also include programmable logic or circuitry temporarily configured by software to perform a specific operation (e.g., contained within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor). It will be understood that the decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, as dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or as temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0125] Accordingly, the term “hardware module” should be understood to encompass tangible entities that are permanently configured (e.g., hardwired) or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) entities that are physically built to operate in a particular manner or to perform specific operations described herein. In consideration of embodiments in which a hardware module is temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each hardware module does not need to be configured or instantiated in any single instance at any given time. For example, if a hardware module includes a general-purpose processor configured using software, the general-purpose processor may be configured as different hardware modules at different times. The software may, for example, configure the processor accordingly to configure a particular hardware module in one instance at a time, and different hardware modules in different instances at different times.

[0126] Hardware modules can provide information to other hardware modules and receive information from other hardware modules. Therefore, the hardware modules described can be considered to be communicatively coupled. When multiple such hardware modules exist simultaneously, communication can be achieved through signal transmissions connecting the hardware modules (e.g., via appropriate circuits and buses). In embodiments where multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times, communication between such hardware modules can be achieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval of information in a memory structure accessed by the multiple hardware modules. For example, one hardware module may perform an operation and store the output of that operation in a memory device to which it is communicatively coupled. Further hardware modules can then later access the memory device to retrieve and process the stored output. Hardware modules may also initiate communication with input or output devices and may operate on resources (e.g., collections of information).

[0127] Various operations of the exemplary methods described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more processors that are temporarily (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constitute a processor implementation module that operates to perform one or more operations or functions. The modules referred to herein may include processor implementation modules in some exemplary embodiments.

[0128] Similarly, any methods or routines described herein can be processor-implemented, at least partially. For example, at least some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or more processors or processor-implemented hardware modules. The performance of a particular operation may reside not only within a single machine but also distributed among one or more processors deployed across several machines. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more processors may be located in a single location (e.g., in a home environment, an office environment, or as a server farm), while in other embodiments, the processors may be distributed across several locations.

[0129] The performance of a particular operation may reside not only within a single machine but also distributed across one or more processors deployed across several machines. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more processors or processor implementation modules may be located in a single geographical location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other exemplary embodiments, one or more processors or processor implementation modules may be distributed across several geographical locations.

[0130] Unless otherwise specified, any discussion in this specification using terms such as “process,” “computer process,” “calculate,” “determine / judge,” “present,” or “display” may refer to an action or process of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as a physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantity within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or other mechanical components that receive, store, transmit, or display information.

[0131] Where used herein, any reference to “one embodiment” or “embodiment” means that certain elements, features, structures, or characteristics described in relation to an embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. The phrase “in one embodiment” appearing in various parts of this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0132] Some embodiments may be described using the expressions “combined” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term “combined” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, the term “combined” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. Embodiments are not limited to this context.

[0133] As used herein, “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variations thereof, extend to non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements alone, and may include other elements not expressly listed in or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly negated, “or” refers to an inclusive or not an exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0134] In addition, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components of embodiments herein. This is done simply for convenience and to give a general meaning to this specification. This specification and the subsequent claims should be read as including one or at least one, and the singular form also includes the plural form unless it is obvious that it has a different meaning.

[0135] The claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act unless they expressly contain conventional means-plus-function language, such as the phrases “means for” or “steps for” that are expressly stated in the claims.

[0136] The systems and methods described herein are intended to improve computer functionality and enhance the functionality of conventional computers.

[0137] This detailed description is to be interpreted as illustrative only, and does not describe all possible embodiments, as it would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented using either the current art or art developed after the filing date of this application.

Claims

1. It is a power bank device, A power bank battery for supplying charge to the battery of an external rechargeable device of the power bank device via an electrical connection between the power bank battery and the battery of the rechargeable device, wherein the power bank battery has a nominal capacity, The rechargeable device and one or more transceivers configured to exchange communication signals with a remote server, One or more processors, Non-temporary memory, which, when executed via one or more processors, is stored in the power bank device. To determine the nominal capacity of the power bank battery, To measure the current capacity of the aforementioned power bank battery, The current capacity of the power bank battery is compared with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery to determine the health value of the power bank battery, A power bank device comprising: a non-temporary memory that stores a computer executable instruction that causes the remote server to transmit an index of the health value of the power bank battery via one or more transceivers when the health value is below a threshold;

2. In order to determine the current capacity of the power bank battery, when the command is executed, the power bank device will be instructed to: During the time interval corresponding to the charging of the power bank battery, the current flowing into the power bank battery is monitored, Based on the monitored inflow current over the aforementioned time interval, the input charging capacity of the power bank battery is calculated, The power bank device according to claim 1, which determines the current capacity based on the calculated input charge capacity.

3. In order to determine the current capacity of the power bank battery, when the command is executed, the power bank device will be instructed to: During the time interval corresponding to the supply of charge from the power bank battery to the rechargeable device, the outflow current from the power bank battery is monitored. The output charging capacity of the power bank battery is calculated based on the monitored outflow current over the time interval corresponding to the supply of the aforementioned charge, The power bank device according to claim 1 or 2, which determines the current capacity based on the calculated output charging capacity.

4. In order to determine the current capacity of the power bank battery, when the command is executed, the power bank device will be instructed to: During the time interval corresponding to the charging of the power bank battery, the current flowing into the power bank battery and the voltage of the power bank battery are monitored. Based on the monitored inflow current and the voltage over the time interval, the input energy capacity of the power bank battery is calculated. A power bank device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which determines the current capacity based on the calculated input energy capacity.

5. In order to determine the current capacity of the power bank battery, when the command is executed, the power bank device will be instructed to: During the time interval corresponding to the supply of charge from the power bank battery to the rechargeable device, the outflow current from the power bank battery and the voltage of the power bank battery are monitored. The output energy capacity of the power bank battery is calculated based on the monitored outflow current and voltage over the time interval corresponding to the supply of the charge, A power bank device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which determines the current capacity based on the calculated output energy capacity.

6. In order to transmit the health value to the remote server, the power bank device, when the command is executed, A power bank device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which transmits the health value via a wireless connection between one or more transceivers and the remote server.

7. In order to transmit the health value to the remote server, the power bank device, when the command is executed, The power bank device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the health value is transmitted via a wireless connection between one or more transceivers and the rechargeable device, and the transmission of the health value to the rechargeable device causes the rechargeable device to relay and transmit the health value to the remote server.

8. The power bank device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrical connection between the power bank battery and the battery of the rechargeable device includes a wireless electrical connection between the power bank device and the rechargeable device.

9. The power bank device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrical connection between the power bank battery and the battery of the rechargeable device includes a wired electrical connection between the power bank device and the rechargeable device.

10. The power bank device further comprises a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the power bank device, The non-temporary memory is configured to store one or more lookup tables that associate temperature values ​​with their respective temperature correction factors. In order to compare the current capacity of the power bank battery with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery, when the instruction is executed, the power bank device is instructed to: Obtaining a temperature value from the aforementioned temperature sensor, Based on the aforementioned temperature values, the respective temperature correction factors are obtained from one or more lookup tables. The adjusted current capacity is generated by applying the temperature correction factor to the current capacity of the power bank battery, A power bank device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which causes the adjusted current capacity to be compared with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery.

11. A computer implementation method, Determining the nominal capacity of the power bank battery of a power bank device via one or more processors of the power bank device, and determining that the power bank battery is configured to supply charge to the rechargeable device outside the power bank device via an electrical connection between the power bank battery and the battery of the rechargeable device, Obtaining a measurement of the current capacity of the power bank battery via one or more of the aforementioned processors, The health value of the power bank battery is determined by comparing the current capacity with the nominal capacity via one or more of the aforementioned processors. A computer implementation method comprising transmitting an indicator of the health value of the power bank battery to a remote server via one or more transceivers of the power bank device when the health value is below a threshold.

12. It is a system, A power bank device and one or more transceivers configured to exchange communication signals with one or more personal electronic devices, wherein the power bank device includes a power bank battery for supplying charge to the battery of an external rechargeable device, One or more processors, Non-temporary memory, which, when executed via one or more processors, in the system, To obtain the nominal capacity of the aforementioned power bank battery, The current capacity measurement value of the power bank battery is received from the power bank device via one or more transceivers. The current capacity of the power bank battery is compared with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery to determine the health value of the power bank battery, A system comprising: a non-temporary memory that stores a computer executable instruction that causes one or more personal electronic devices to transmit an indicator of the health value of the power bank battery via one or more transceivers when the health value is below a threshold;

13. In order to obtain the nominal capacity of the power bank battery, when the instruction is executed, the system Receiving an indicator of the power bank identifier from the power bank device via one or more transceivers, The system according to claim 12, wherein the system queries a database using the power bank identifier to obtain the nominal capacity of the power bank battery.

14. In order to obtain the nominal capacity of the power bank battery, when the instruction is executed, the system The system according to claim 12, wherein the nominal capacity of the power bank battery is received from the power bank device via one or more transceivers.

15. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a user profile database configured to store user profiles associated with the power bank device.

16. When the aforementioned instruction is executed, the system, The system according to claim 15, wherein the measured value of the current capacity is stored in the user profile.

17. When the aforementioned instruction is executed, the system, Receiving a request from a personal electronic device to display data associated with the power bank device via one or more of the aforementioned transceivers, The user profile is queried to obtain the measured value of the currently stored capacity, The system according to claim 16, wherein the system causes the personal electronic device to transmit the measured value of the current capacity via one or more transceivers.

18. The user profile includes indicators of personal electronic device selection in which the user has indicated that alerts associated with the power bank device should be received. In order to transmit the indicator of the health value, when the instruction is executed, the system The selection of the personal electronic device is determined by querying the user profile, The system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the system transmits the indicator of health value to the personal electronic device via one or more transceivers.

19. When the aforementioned instruction is executed, the system, The system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the system causes a personal electronic device to receive an index defining the threshold via one or more transceivers.

20. The non-temporary memory is configured to store one or more lookup tables that associate temperature values ​​with their respective temperature correction factors, In order to compare the current capacity of the power bank battery with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery, when the instruction is executed, the system The power bank device receives an indicator of the temperature value, Based on the aforementioned temperature values, the respective temperature correction factors are obtained from one or more lookup tables. The adjusted current capacity is generated by applying the temperature correction factor to the current capacity of the power bank battery, The system according to any one of claims 12 to 19, which involves comparing the adjusted current capacity with the nominal capacity of the power bank battery.

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