GB2570347A

GB2570347A - Mobile device charging system and method

Info

Publication number: GB2570347A
Application number: GB1801100.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Sirs Robin; Steen William
Original assignee: Zioxi Ltd
Current assignee: Zioxi Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-23
Filing date: 2018-01-23
Publication date: 2019-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-23
Also published as: GB2570347B; GB201801100D0

Abstract

A charging system 1 for charging the batteries of a plurality of mobile electronic devices 5, comprises a plurality of charging outputs 4b for connecting one or more mobile electronic devices to a mains power supply 6; at least one power distribution unit (PDU) 2 to connect the charging outputs to the mains power supply; a current monitoring sensor to detect the current across the or each PDU and the charging outputs; and a controller 7 coupled to the outputs via the PDU, wherein the controller is for controlling power output to the mobile electronic devices according to the number of mobile electronic devices that are connected and/or the charging status of each of the multiple mobile electronic devices; and a communications unit for sending and receiving data in respect of the mobile electronic devices connected to the charging system. The controller may be arranged to determine values for one or more of the minimum current drawn by a charging output, the maximum current drawn by a connected device and the current drawn when a fully charged device is connected, and to estimate the number of mobile electronic devices connected to the charging system.

Description

Mobile Device Charging System and Method

The present invention relates to a charging method and device. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and device for charging mobile devices, such as laptops, mobile telephones, smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks (RTM), and games consoles.

It is known to charge mobile devices using a power-source, such as a USB or mains socket. It has been previously proposed to fit a current monitoring device to each power port to display information at that port to show the charging status of the device powered therefrom. Commonly, an LED light indicator is used to show that charging is taking place and/or that charging is complete. However, users often have multiple mobile devices and there is a need, both at home and in the workplace, for a charging device to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Current solutions include charging stations, or racks, with a single connection to a power source and multiple power outlets (USB ports) to which one or more mobile devices can be connected. Such charging stations are used to hold and charge multiple devices simultaneously. However, it is not possible with existing charging stations to continuously monitor charging and determine when a mobile device is ready for use, without the need to fit a current monitoring device to each individual power port or device.

It is also known to use mobile applications, such as the Mophie (RTM) Power application or Cambrionix (RTM) application programming interface, to manage the battery level of a mobile device; for example, to receive notifications when power is low, or a device is fully charged. However, such monitoring applications still require current monitoring on each power port.

The present invention sets out to alleviate the problems described above by providing an improved charging method and device for mobile electronic devices.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a charging system for charging a plurality of mobile electronic devices, comprising:

a plurality of charging outputs for connecting one or more mobile electronic devices to a mains power supply;

at least one power distribution unit (PDU) to connect the charging outputs to the mains power supply;

a current monitoring sensor to detect the current across the or each PDU and the plurality of charging outputs; and a controller coupled to the plurality of charging outputs via the power distribution unit, wherein the controller is for controlling power output to the mobile electronic devices according to the number of mobile electronic devices that are connected and/or the charging status of each of the multiple mobile electronic devices;

a communications unit for sending and receiving data in respect of the mobile electronic devices connected to the charging system.

The present invention offers a significant improvement when charging multiple mobile electronic devices. Furthermore, the charging system allows for remote control and monitoring of the charging of the mobile devices. By allowing for better control of when power is used, the present invention has environmental benefits in reducing the power used. The system also prevents damage to the mobile devices and eliminates any safety risk of power continuing to be supplied to the device when the device is fully charged. The configuration of the present invention offers improvements to the efficiency of charging and also gives a user greater flexibility and control when charging multiple electronic devices simultaneously.

The present invention needs only one current monitoring sensor to measure the current across a plurality of PDU's and charging outputs/sockets.

Preferably, the charging system comprises a plurality of relay circuits connected to the or each PDU to power each PDU socket independently of the others.

Preferably, the system is for charging one or more devices capable of being charged via an AC adapter connected to mains power.

Preferably, the system comprises a multi-port USB charging device connected to mains power, wherein each USB port is connectable to an individual USB-powered device.

The system of the present invention can further be used to determine whether a piece or multiple pieces of electrical equipment, for example, a water heater, a photocopier, a washing machine, a PC are in use or in sleep7idle mode.

It is to be understood that the present invention can be applied to both wired and wireless charging of electronic devices. For example, the electronic device could be charged by mounting on a wireless base.

Preferably, the charging system is for charging one or more of a Chromebook (RTM); netbook; smart'phone; laptop; tablet; wearable PC, such as a smart watch; mobile data storage device; camera; games console.

Preferably, the mobile device charging system further comprises at least one display.

Preferably, the mobile charging system comprises at least one display on the control module.

Preferably, the mobile charging system comprises at least one display remote from the control module.

Preferably, the system comprises a wireless communications device.

The present invention offers a significant improvement in monitoring the storage and charging of mobile electronic devices. A display remote from the control module provides a user with the option to monitor the storage of the devices via the charging system. The system can detect that the mobile device is stored, both when it is charging and when it is fully charged. The system of the present invention also allows a user to detect the readiness of the mobile devices for use.

Preferably, the charging system further comprises an output.

Preferably, the charging system further comprises an output connected to the internet.

Preferably, the mobile device charging system further comprises an output to a data storage device, for example, a storage device comprising a database.

Preferably, the mobile device charging system further comprises a housing. More preferably, the housing is an item of furniture; or a cabinet; and/or a rack; or a trolley; or a shelving unit.

The present invention allows for storage of mobile electronic devices in addition to the power monitoring function. The device of the present invention can conveniently be incorporated into a wide range of furniture items. The system of the present invention can be provided in a practical and aesthetically-pleased format, whilst also allowing for improved security of storage because the devices can be monitored remotely as they are being charged.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices comprising the steps of;

calibrating a controller of a charging device according to any of i) the maximum current drawn by at least one AC power adapter connected to a mobile electronic device; and/or ii) the minimum current drawn by at least one AC power adapter connected to a mobile electronic device; and/or iii) the current drawn by at least one AC power adapter when not connected to a mobile electronic device;

estimating the number of mobile electronic devices connected to the charging device;

inputting power to the plurality of charging devices according to the estimated number of mobile electronic devices and the charging status of the plurality of mobile electronic devices.

Preferably, the method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices further comprises the step of:

determining whether the or each mobile electronic device is fully charged according to the number of mobile electronic devices estimated to be connected to the charging device and the total current drawn by the charging device; and inputting power to the plurality of charging devices according to the estimated number of mobile electronic devices and whether the or each mobile electronic device is fully charged.

Preferably, determining whether the or each mobile electronic device is fully charged further comprises the step of detecting the rate of change of the current drawn.

More preferably, the method further comprises the step of:

outputting an indicator when it is determined that all connected mobile electronic devices are fully charged.

More preferably, the method further comprises the step of:

turning off power to the charging device when it is determined that all connected mobile electronic devices are fully charged.

The controller of the present invention is configured to determine when all connected mobile electronic devices are fully charged, using configuration information stored on the controller of provided by a web application.

More preferably, the method further comprises the step of delaying the power supplied to the charging device according to a pre-determined time period.

It is envisaged that the method of the present invention can be controlled remotely and can also be pre-set to provide power only at the most costeffective or environmentally-friendly times. For example, by using recommendations from an energy provider as to which times of day generation of green energy is high and allowing power to be supplied to the charging device at those times.

Preferably, the method of the present invention further comprises the step of outputting data to a processor; more preferably, wherein the data is the number of mobile electronic devices estimated to be connected to the charging device; and/or data as to whether the or each mobile electronic device is fully charged; and/or a unique identifier in respect of the or each mobile electronic device; and or the total charging current output to a plurality of mobile electronic devices.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein and vice versa.

Detailed Description

These and other characteristics of the present technology will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example of the mobile device charging system of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a mobile device charging system incorporated into a shelving unit;

Figure 3 is a flow diagram showing the initial calibration steps taken for the method of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a flow diagram showing the method of determining the total number of devices charging and the fully charged current threshold of the present invention; and

Figure 5 is flow diagram showing the steps for monitoring the current drawn and rate of current drawn by the method of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, the mobile device charging system 1 comprises a power distribution unit (PDU) 1, which is connected to a mains power supply

6. Multiple four-way socket blocks 4b are connected to the PDU 1. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one relay controls power to the four sockets of the four-way socket block. It is to be understood that the four sockets and four-way socket block are referred to for example only and that any number of sockets and any number of socket blocks can be incorporated into the charging system, depending on a user's requirements.

In use, multiple mobile devices, such as laptops 5 or smartphones 5 are connected via AC adapters 4a to an outlet of the socket blocks 4b. Any number of mobile devices can be connected and the system will detect this. It is understood that the mobile device 5 can be any mobile electronic device, including, Chromebooks (RTM); netbooks; smart'phones; laptops; tablets; wearable PCs, such as smart watches etc.; mobile data storage devices; games consoles; or any similar device capable of being charged via an AC adapter or USB power source connected to mains power. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device can be a consumer electronic device, such as a heater or a washing machine; alternatively, the electronic device could be a personal computer.

The PDU 1 is also connected to communicate with a control module 7 (MCU), which communicates via the internet/Wi-Fi 8 with a web application 9. The control module 7 also comprises a display. The web application also comprises a display. A set of relay circuits (not shown) are connected to turn on and off each PDU 2 outlet independently of the others. The PDU 2 also comprise sensors used to provide further data regarding charging, and a communication link to the control module 7. The web application 9 allows for remote management of the control module 7 and provides access to the display of data, on the control module and/or on the web application, regarding the charging status of the devices connected and allows a user to send instructions and also store data. Data collected via the web application 9 is stored on a database 10. It is envisaged that the web application can be accessed by any suitable computing device, including any personal computing, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

The current drawn by each AC adapter 4a will vary between the different makes and models of adapter 4a and the different makes and models of electronic device 5. Variations will also occur depending on whether a mobile device 5 is connected to the socket block 4b and the state of charge of the mobile device 5 connected thereto. The device and method of the present invention allows for charging data to be obtained, including the number of devices that are connected, how many devices are charging and/or how many devices are fully charged.

As shown in Figure 2, it is envisaged that the mobile device charging system 1 of the present invention can be provided as an item of furniture, such as a cabinet, a rack, a trolley, or a shelving unit. A shelving unit lb is shown in Figure 2 wherein each shelf is adjacent to a socket 4b. In use an adapter 4a of an electronic device is connected to a socket 4b to charge the device, whilst the device is on the shelf. In an alternative embodiment, the device is provided as a trolley, wherein each set of four device storage compartments are provided with a 4-way socket block 4b and AC adapters 4a, which are connected to a PDU 2 and control module 7. The entire, portable, trolley is then connected via a single connector to mains power 6.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the process of calibrating the charging device 1 of the present invention is described in more detail. By way of an example, the charging device 1 is a trolley comprising the device 1 described in Figure

1. It is understood that the method could be applied to any configuration of a furniture item containing the charging device 1 of the present invention. At step 11, the method starts. At step 12, during factory testing of the trolley, a no load current reading (A) is taken for each PDU outlet 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d with the respective socket block 4b attached. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, a default value can be used, for example, by reference to readings that have been previously obtained.

At step 14, the method asks whether the AC adapter 4a is connected to a mobile electronic device 5. The calibration steps of the method of the present invention can be carried out for between one and total number of sockets in the socket block 4b, which is typically four sockets per socket block 4b. Commonly, the calibration method is carried out with a set of four AC adapters 4a connected to the socket block 4b, wherein each AC adapter 4a is connected to a mobile electronic device 5. For calibration, the mobile electronic devices all need to be in the same known state and the quantity of adapters and devices known. If more than one AC adapter 4a and device 5 are connected, then average values are calculated. If the AC adapter 4a is not connected to a device 5, at step 15, the average and standard deviation values for the current drawn by the AC adapter 4a is established. This is established by the user when setting up the trolley. For the method of the present invention, this value is used to determine the minimum current drawn, referred to as an MNC value, at step 16. In alternative embodiments of the present method, pre-determined MNC values for each AC adapter 4a can be used according to previous calibrations. At step 14, if the user performing the calibration and/or the sensor of the control module 7 indicates that the AC adapter 4a is connected to a device, then, at step 18, the method asks whether the mobile device is charging at full rate. If the mobile device is charging at full rate, the method moves, at step 19 to determine the average and standard deviation values for the AC adapter current drawn for the AC adapter 4a and mobile electronic device 5. At step 20 the maximum current drawn value is determined, referred to as the MXC value, for the particular make and model of the AC adapter 4a and mobile device 5.

The present invention uses three alternative methods to determine the maximum current drawn (MXC). The first method is to collect data through a one-off manual measurement exercise; for example, by running tests on known mobile devices and collecting and analysing data created and storing the results on database 10 as default values for known mobile devices and their AC adapters. The data extracted from the database 10 can be provided as a look-up table to be referenced for each trolley configuration.

The second method is for a user to run a calibration exercise on initial setup to collect data from specific mobile device charging systems 1 (trolleys), mobile devices and AC adapters and use the data to calculate a maximum current drawn value (MXC) for the adapters 4a used with each individual trolley.

The third method is to use the web application 9 to collate data using database 10 from a number of trolleys/cabinets with known stored devices 5 and AC adapters 4a, whilst in use over a number of charging cycles. Calibration can be carried out using machine learning or manual methods to derive revised values of MXC for individual trolleys and/or mobile devices and AC adapters.

At step 18, if the mobile device 4 is not charging at full rate, the method proceeds to step 25 to ask if the devices are fully charged. If the system detects that the devices are fully charged, at step 21, the average and standard deviation values for the fully charged current drawn (PC) are determined for the particular make and model of AC adapter, 4a. The PC value is determined at step 22, in a comparable method to step 19, whereby data is collected in a one-off measurement exercise; or is collected in a user-calibration exercise on set-up; or, is determined by reference to data collected for the particular trolley configuration.

If, at step 25, it is detected that the devices are not fully charged, the system proceeds to step 26 to continue charging the devices until they are fully charged. The system continually checks, at step 25, whether the devices are fully charged. On detecting that the devices are fully charged, the system then proceeds to steps 21 and 22 to determine the PC value, as described above.

With values determined for MNC, MXC and PC, the method proceeds to step 17. At step 17, the minimum current drawn values (MNC); the maximum current drawn values (MXC) and the fully-charged current drawn values (PC) are collated for each mobile device 5 and each socket block 4b configuration and, at step 23 the collated data is output. At step 27, the data is modelled; for example, using a decision tree. The calibration steps of the method end at step 24 and the expected power output according to the MNC, MXC and PC values are later used to calculate the number of mobile devices 5 that are connected to a trolley, as described in more detail with respect to Figures 3, 4, and 5.

Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the method of controlling the charging of multiple devices 5 further includes outputting an estimate of the number of mobile devices that are connected to the system 1. At step 30, the method of counting the number of devices 4 starts and, at step 31, the control module 7 turns on each outlet of the PDU 2 individually, one at a time. When the system has been allowed to warm up, the system asks, at step 32 whether all PDU outlets 2 have been turned on. If all PDU outlets 2 have not been turned on the system continues, at step 31, to turn each PDU outlet 2 on, one at a time. When all PDU outlets 2 have been turned on, the method moves to step 33 to allow the AC adapters 4a to stabilize the current that is drawn after the initial in-rush of current that commonly occurs. When a steady state of current drawn is reached, the system samples the total current drawn across all PDU outlets 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d multiple (x) times, at step 34. The system then asks whether all PDU outlets 2 have been turned off, at step 37. If not all PDU outlets 2 have been turned off at step 37, the system turns off the highest number PDU outlet 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d that is still on; for example, PDU outlet 2d at step 38. A further set of total current flow readings is taken and the process of steps 34 to 38, is repeated turning off consecutive PDU outlet sockets 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d each time until all PDU sockets 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are turned off and the system has calculated and output to database 10 an RMS value for each PDU outlet 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, at step 39. Using the RMS current drawn value for each PDU outlet, at step 40, the method models and outputs the number of devices charging for each socket block 4b attached to each PDU outlet 2. At step 41, the system asks whether the number of devices detected for each PDU outlet is greater than a previously recorded highest number of devices. If the number of devices is greater than the previously recorded number, the database is updated. Either way, the method proceeds to step 43 to calculate and output data for the total number of devices charging (TN) and the fully charged current threshold (TCD) before ending at step 44.

The average current drawn values (RMS) taken at step 39 for each PDU outlet 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are output from the control module to a processor to determine, at step 40, an estimate of the number of devices 5 that are connected via the AC adapters 4a and the socket blocks 4b to each of the PDU outlets 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. These values are also recorded via the web application 9 and stored on the database 10 for future analysis. The processor outputs, at step 40, the number (N) of mobile devices 5 that are detected to be connected to each PDU outlet 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d to be recorded via the web application 9 and stored on the database 10. The system sums the number of devices 5 that are connected to all PDUs to provide the total number (TN) of connected devices for the mobile device charging system 1.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and Figure 4, the system of the present invention also determines whether all mobile devices 5 that are connected to the mobile device charging system 1 are fully charged. The total number of connected devices (TN) that has previously been determined is used in conjunction with the fully-charged current drawn value (PC) for the particular combination of AC adapter 4a and mobile device 5 that are connected to the charging system 1, to derive a value for the total level of current drawn from the PDU 2 at or below which the mobile devices are likely to be approaching a fully-charged state. This value is the fully-charged current threshold (TCD) for the particular configuration of mobile devices, AC adapters and PDU 5, 4a, 2.

Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the total current monitoring of the method of the present invention is further described. The method starts at step 50 and the value for the current being drawn in total from all PDU outlets 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is measured and periodically tested, at step 51. The system asks, at step 52, whether the current drawn is greater than the threshold current drawn (TCD). If the current drawn is greater than the threshold current drawn (TCD) the system returns to step 51 to measure the current drawn in total for all PDU outlets 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. If the total current drawn is not greater than the threshold current drawn, at step 53, the system measures the rate of change of current drawn and asks, at step 54, if the rate of change of current drawn is less that the threshold rate of change of current drawn (MNR).

At step 54, if the rate of change of current drawn is less than the threshold (MNR) the system determines that all devices are deemed to be fullycharged and, at step 55, turns the power outlets 4b off. If the rate of change of current drawn is measured to be greater than or equal to the rate of change of current drawn threshold (MNR) then the system returns to step 52 to ask if the current drawn is greater than the threshold current drawn (TCD). The method continues until it is determined that all devices 5 are fully-charged and the method ends, at step 56.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the mobile device charging system 1 can further comprise a timer (not shown) and a trigger (not shown). The timer and trigger are included in the control module 7 so that power to the PDU outlets 2 and socket blocks 4b is provided only at pre-set times. For example, data provided by a power transmission network, such as the UK National Grid, is used to determine the most environmentally-friendly time periods; for example, during which generation of green energy is highest. Charging is then only initiated and or power only supplied from the mains supply 6 to the PDUs 2 during these pre-determined time periods.

For ease of understanding the abbreviations referred to in the description are summarised below:

Abbreviation	Term
MNC	device disconnected AC adapter current draw
MXC	maximum AC adapter current draw
PC	fully-charged AC adapter current draw
RMS	average current reading
N	number of connected devices per PDU outlet
TN	total number of connected devices
TCD	threshold current drawn
MNR	threshold rate of change of current drawn

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims

Claims

1. A charging system for charging a plurality of mobile electronic devices, comprising:

2. A charging system according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of relay circuits connected to the or each PDU to power each PDU socket independently of the others.

3. A charging system according to any preceding claim wherein the system is for charging one or more devices capable of being charged via an AC adapter connected to mains power.

4. A charging system according to any preceding claim wherein the system comprises a multi-port USB charging device connected to mains power, wherein each USB port is connectable to an individual USB-powered device.

5. A charging system according to any preceding claim wherein the charging system is for charging one or more of a Chromebook (RTM); netbook; smart 'phone; laptop; tablet; wearable PC; mobile data storage device; games console.

6. A charging system according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one display.

7. A charging system according to claim 6, wherein the mobile charging system comprises at least one display on the control module.

8. A charging system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the mobile charging system comprises at least one display remote from the control module.

9. A charging system according to any preceding claim wherein the system comprises a wireless communications device.

10. A charging system according to any preceding claim further comprising an output connected to the internet.

11. A charging system according to any preceding claim further comprising an output to a data storage device.

12. A charging system according to any preceding claim further comprising a housing.

13. A charging system according to claim 12 wherein the housing is an item of furniture.

14. A method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices comprising the steps of:

15. A method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

16. A method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices according to claim 15 wherein the step of determining whether the or each mobile electronic device is fully charged further comprises the step of detecting the rate of change of the current drawn.

17. A method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices according to any of claims 14 to 16 further comprising the step of outputting an indicator when it is determined that all connected mobile electronic devices are fully charged.

18. A method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices according to any of claims 14 to 17 further comprising the step of turning off power to the charging device when it is determined that all connected mobile electronic devices are fully charged.

19. A method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices according to any of claims 14 to 18 further comprising the step of delaying the power supplied to the charging device according to a pre-determined time period.

20. A method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices according to any of claims 14 to 19 further comprising the step of outputting data to a processor.

21. A method for monitoring the charging of a plurality of mobile electronic devices according to claim 20 wherein the data is the number of mobile electronic devices estimated to be connected to the charging device; and/or data as to whether the or each mobile electronic device is fully charged; and/or a unique identifier in respect of the or each mobile electronic device; and or the total charging current output to a plurality of mobile electronic devices.