CN112751244B

CN112751244B - Smart jack and interaction method for smart jack

Info

Publication number: CN112751244B
Application number: CN202110019153.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 郭远平; 潘海波; 苏彩虹; 秦颖佳
Original assignee: Gongniu Group Co Ltd
Current assignee: Gongniu Group Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-01-07
Filing date: 2021-01-07
Publication date: 2021-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2041-01-07
Also published as: CN112751244A; WO2022147915A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a smart socket and an interaction method for the smart socket. The interactive method includes receiving a request signal from an external device via a first data port of a USB interface; and analyzing the request signal to: the control operation is used for controlling the power supply socket to be powered on or powered off; and/or a feedback operation for sending a feedback signal for the power outlet to the external device via the second data port of the USB interface.

Description

Smart jack and interaction method for smart jack

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to smart sockets and interaction methods for smart sockets.

Background

The control mode of the socket on the market is single at present, and the requirements of people in different scenes can not be met. For example, a common socket can only be controlled to be on or off by a switch on the socket body. It is very common that the socket carries a USB interface, but the current USB interface generally only realizes the charging function.

Detection equipment such as temperature probe, PH interface, camera, display screen with control function usually with the socket integrated as an organic whole, perhaps need independent interface come with the socket butt joint, increased the volume cost of socket, the consumer need discern the port type simultaneously, increased consumer's the operation degree of difficulty. Socket overload, electric leakage, on-off state and the like are displayed through only one small indicator lamp, and the state perception of consumers is not obvious enough. For the WIFI socket, a consumer can only use the WIFI module platform embedded in the socket, and needs to download the platform APP appointed by the socket, so that the operation is complex.

Moreover, each manufacturer's functional module has its own specific transmission protocol, which makes consumers need to purchase the corresponding product and APP when using the product of the manufacturer, and the functional module of each manufacturer is not necessarily complete and may only implement a certain function, so that when the consumers want to have another function, the consumers may face to purchase the product and corresponding product of another manufacturer again, which causes waste.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to overcome the above and/or other problems of the prior art, and in particular, to provide a smart socket with a USB interface and an interaction method for the same, which can implement various functions by connecting the USB interface to various functional modules (such as bluetooth, a light sensor, a smoke detector, etc.), and break the effect that the USB interface only implements simple charging in the past. By using the unique USB transmission protocol, a new interactive mode is established, so that the intelligent socket can receive requests from the functional modules which sign the protocol and identify which functional module, thereby expanding the functionality of the socket.

According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided an interaction method for a smart socket including a power outlet and a USB interface for connecting with an external device, the interaction method including: receiving a request signal from the external device via a first data port of the USB interface; and analysing the request signal to: a control operation for controlling the power supply socket to be powered on or off; and/or a feedback operation for sending a feedback signal for the power outlet to the external device via a second data port of the USB interface.

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a smart socket including: power socket and USB interface, the USB interface is used for being connected with external equipment, the USB interface has: a VCC port and a GND port for supplying power to the external device; a first data port for receiving a request signal from the external device; and a second data port for transmitting a feedback signal to the external device

In the interaction method and the smart socket of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, the effect that the USB interface only implements simple charging in the past is broken through, and the first data port and the second data port of the USB interface can be used to receive and transmit the pulse signal respectively so as to interact with the external device.

Preferably, in the interworking method and the smart socket of the above-described exemplary embodiments, the request signal and the feedback signal are pulse signals composed of high and low levels, and the pulse signals include a start packet, a content packet, and an end packet, wherein the start packet and the end packet are the same signal. Preferably, each of the start, content and end packets consists of a multi-bit (e.g., 8-bit) level signal.

Preferably, in the interaction method of the above exemplary embodiment, the step of analyzing the request signal includes: a parsing step of parsing the request signal to determine a type and an instruction of the external device; and a responding step for performing an operation according to the type of the external device and the instruction, wherein: controlling the power outlet to be powered on or powered off based on the instruction in response to determining that the external device is a control class device; in response to determining that the external device is a data feedback type device, obtaining status information of the power outlet based on the instruction and generating the feedback signal, wherein the feedback signal comprises data representing a model, a connection status, or the status information of the smart socket; or in response to determining that the external device is a safety protection device, determining whether the current environment and state of the smart socket trigger an operation execution condition based on the instruction, and controlling the power outlet to be powered on or off and generating the feedback signal when the current environment and state of the smart socket trigger the operation execution condition, the feedback signal including data representing the on-off state of the power outlet.

Preferably, in the smart jack of the above-described exemplary embodiment, the smart jack further includes an MCU configured to analyze a request signal from the external device to perform: controlling operation, controlling the power socket to be powered on or powered off; and/or a feedback operation of sending a feedback signal for the power outlet to the external device via the second data port.

Preferably, in the smart jack of the above exemplary embodiment, the MCU is further configured to interpret the request signal to determine the type and instruction of the external device and perform corresponding operations, wherein: controlling the power outlet to be powered on or powered off based on the instruction in response to determining that the external device is a control class device; in response to determining that the external device is a data feedback type device, obtaining status information of the power outlet based on the instruction and generating the feedback signal, wherein the feedback signal comprises data representing a model, a connection status, or the status information of the smart socket; or in response to determining that the external device is a safety protection device, determining whether the current environment and state of the smart socket trigger an operation execution condition based on the instruction, and controlling the power outlet to be powered on or off and generating the feedback signal when the current environment and state of the smart socket trigger the operation execution condition, the feedback signal including data representing the on-off state of the power outlet.

Preferably, in the interaction method and the smart socket of the above-described exemplary embodiments, the smart socket includes a plurality of the power outlets, wherein the control operation or the feedback operation is performed for one or more of the plurality of the power outlets, respectively.

Preferably, in the smart socket of the above exemplary embodiment, when the USB interface is connected to a chargeable device and receives a first voltage signal and a second voltage signal conforming to a fast charging protocol at the first data port and the second data port, respectively, the required voltage and current are provided to the chargeable device via the VCC port and the GND port according to the fast charging protocol.

Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood by describing exemplary embodiments thereof in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a socket 10 with a USB interface;

fig. 2 shows the existing use of the USB interface on the socket 10;

fig. 3 shows a flow chart of an interaction method 300 for a smart socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 shows an example of a pulse signal;

fig. 5A and 5B show an example manner of defining level signals of a start packet, a content packet, and an end packet, respectively, and corresponding partial functions;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic flow chart diagram of analyzing a request signal for corresponding operations according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a smart socket 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 illustrates an example of the operating logic of a smart jack, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 9 shows an example of an interactive method and operating logic for implementing a smart socket according to an example definition of a pulse signal of the present invention.

Detailed Description

While specific embodiments of the invention will be described below, it should be noted that in the course of the detailed description of these embodiments, in order to provide a concise and concise description, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in detail. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions are made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another.

Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in the claims and the specification should have the ordinary meaning as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. The use of "first," "second," and similar terms in the description and claims of the present application do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather the terms are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms "a" or "an," and the like, do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one. The word "comprise" or "comprises", and the like, means that the element or item listed before "comprises" or "comprising" covers the element or item listed after "comprising" or "comprises" and its equivalent, and does not exclude other elements or items. The terms "connected" or "coupled" and the like are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections, nor are they restricted to direct or indirect connections.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a socket 10 with a USB interface. Fig. 2 shows the existing use of the USB interface on the socket 10. The receptacle 10 may include a power cord, at least one power outlet, and a USB interface. The power line is used for connecting with commercial power (for example, 110V or 220V). The power outlet is used for connecting with a plug of the electrical equipment to supply power to the electrical equipment. The socket also includes a converter (not shown) for converting mains power to a lower voltage (e.g. 5V) for use (output) by the USB interface. As shown in fig. 2, the USB interface includes a Vcc port and a GND port for power supply, and two signal ports D + and D-. In the prior art, the USB interface on the socket 10 only has a charging function. If the receptacle 10 provides a fast charge function, two signal ports D + and D-are utilized to receive voltage signals from the terminal device that conform to the fast charge protocol to provide the appropriate voltage at the Vcc port. The receptacle 10 may also have indicator lights to indicate receptacle overload, electrical leakage, or switch status, etc. In the prior art, if it is desired that the socket 10 can be controlled by a terminal device (e.g., a smart phone, a remote controller, a security device) or send information such as overload, leakage or switch status of the socket to the terminal device, the socket 10 needs to incorporate a communication device (e.g., a WIFI module or a bluetooth module) to transmit such information, which obviously increases the manufacturing cost and volume of the socket 10 itself and limits the expandability of the socket 10, because the WIFI module or the bluetooth module requires the terminal device to have corresponding capabilities, and such a communication mode is not necessary in many scenarios. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to transmit the control request and the data feedback request through the USB interface on the receptacle 10, thereby improving the expandability of the receptacle 10. Thus, the receptacle 10 can be selectively connected to a wide variety of peripherals (which may be provided by different manufacturers) via the USB interface to perform different functions. Although USB communication protocols (e.g. protocols used for communication between devices such as PC, mobile phone, printer, mouse, keyboard, and USB disk) exist in the prior art, such USB communication protocols require a processor with considerable computing power to be used in these devices due to the large data processing capacity, which is obviously unnecessary for the above communication requirement of the socket, because the socket only needs switch control of multiple sockets and feedback of states such as voltage and current, and there is no case of large data exchange. Therefore, it is desirable to realize the communication requirement of the socket with the USB interface by using the single chip in the socket.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an interaction method for a smart socket. Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of an interaction method 300 for a smart socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The smart socket may include a power outlet and a USB interface for connecting with an external device. The method 300 may comprise steps S310 and S330.

As shown in fig. 3, in step 310, a request signal is received from an external device via a first data port of a USB interface.

The external device may be any type of external device used to monitor the power outlet in the smart socket. For example, the external device may be a control device such as a WIFI control module, a bluetooth control module, a 433 wireless control module, a push switch, a touch switch, a light sensor, a body sensor, a radar sensor, a security smoke sensor, an infrared receiver, and a timer. In this case, the devices may access the smart socket through the USB interface in order to extend the functionality of the socket. Alternatively, the external device may be an external device that needs to obtain power socket status feedback (such as switch status feedback, overload count feedback, real-time power feedback, power usage feedback, surge protection feedback, and leakage protection action feedback). The external device sends a request signal to a first data port of the USB interface of the socket through its USB interface. The request signal may include the type of external device and the operation to be performed.

In step S330, the request signal is analyzed to perform a corresponding operation.

The corresponding operations may include control operations and/or feedback operations. The control operation may be used to control the power outlet to be powered on or off. The feedback operation may be for sending a feedback signal for the power outlet to the external device via the second data port of the USB interface.

The first data port may be one of a D + and D-port in the USB interface and the second data port may be the other of the D + and D-port in the USB interface. For example, the D + port of the USB interface may be used as a signal input port to receive a request signal from an external device and the D-port as a signal output port to send a feedback signal to the external device, or vice versa.

The control operation and the feedback operation may be performed by an MCU (e.g., a single chip microcomputer) within the socket. The MCU may be connected to the USB interface to receive a request signal from one of the data ports (e.g., D +) and output a feedback signal through the other data port (e.g., D-).

In an embodiment of the present invention, an innovative transmission protocol is designed for the MCU used by the socket. The request signal and the feedback signal may be pulse signals composed of high and low levels. Referring to fig. 4, the pulse signal may include a start packet, at least one content packet, and an end packet. The signals of the start and end packets may be the same to indicate the start and end of a single pulse signal, and the particular level of the signal may indicate the function it is to perform. The content package may include necessary information for a control operation or a feedback operation. The content package may be one, but may be repeated as many times as possible for the purpose of avoiding erroneous operation. Note that fig. 4 shows only one example of a burst signal in which the content packets are repeated 3 times, but the present invention is not intended to limit the specific number of content packets.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the start packet, the content packet, and the end packet may each be composed of a multi-bit (e.g., 8-bit) level signal. Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, exemplary definitions of level signals of a start packet, a content packet, and an end packet and corresponding partial functions are shown. Note that the protocol definition of the present invention is not limited to the manner illustrated in fig. 5A and 5B, and those skilled in the art can conceive various protocol definition manners based on the inventive concept of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention, step S330 may further include a parsing step S331 and a response step S332, as shown in fig. 6.

In the parsing step S331, the request signal is parsed to determine the type and instruction of the external device. The types of external devices may include a control class, a data feedback class, and a security protection class, and the instruction may include an instruction to control the power outlet to be turned on or off or an instruction to feedback the current state of the power outlet.

In response step S332, a corresponding operation is performed according to the type and instruction of the external device.

When the external device is determined to be a control type device, the power supply socket can be controlled to be powered on or powered off based on the instruction. For example, if the external device is a WIFI module and the WIFI module receives an indication to power off the power outlet of the smart socket, the WIFI module may send a pulse signal representing its type and a power off instruction to the socket MCU via the D + port of the USB interface, so that the socket MCU may know that the USB interface has accessed the control class device and power off the power outlet based on the power off instruction.

When the external device is determined to be a data feedback type device, state information of the power outlet may be acquired based on the instruction and a feedback signal may be generated. The feedback signal may include data representing the model number, connection status, or status information of the smart socket. For example, if the external device is a metering module and the metering module is designed to record and display the real-time power of the smart socket, the metering module may send a pulse signal (as a request signal) indicating its type and a real-time power request command to the socket MCU via the D + port of the USB interface, whereby the socket MCU may know that the USB interface has access to the data feedback class device and feed back a pulse signal (as a feedback signal) indicating the real-time power (or real-time voltage and current) to the metering module via the D-port of the USB interface based on the real-time power request command.

When the external device is determined to be a safety protection type device, whether the current environment and state of the smart socket trigger an operation execution condition is determined based on the instruction, and when the current environment and state of the smart socket trigger the operation execution condition, the power outlet is controlled to be powered on or powered off and a feedback signal is generated. In this case, the feedback signal may include data indicating the on-off state of the power outlet. For example, if the external device is an overload protection module and the overload protection module is set to a required overload condition (e.g., 16A of current is passed in 60 seconds), the overload protection module may send a pulse signal (as a request signal) to the socket MCU via the D + port of the USB interface indicating its type and an overload condition instruction, so that the socket MCU may know that the USB interface is connected to a security class device and monitor the power sockets to determine whether the overload condition is satisfied, and when the overload condition is satisfied (e.g., the power sockets are passed 16A of current for more than 60 seconds), the socket MCU de-powers the power sockets and feeds back the pulse signal (as a feedback signal) of the on-off state to the overload protection module via the D-port of the USB interface.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the smart socket may comprise a plurality of independently controlled power outlets. As such, control operations or feedback operations may be performed separately for one or more of the plurality of power outlets. For example, if the external device is an overload protection module, the socket MCU may monitor each socket and power down and feed back one of the power sockets whenever it triggers a single socket overload condition, or the socket MCU may also power down and feed back one or more of the power sockets when multiple sockets trigger a total load overload condition.

The above describes an interactive method for a smart socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to the interaction method, the protocol is rewritten by using the USB interface of the socket, namely one port of D + and D-is used as pulse signal input and the other port is used as pulse signal output, when the USB interface of the external equipment with the same protocol (namely, sending the pulse signal meeting the protocol) is accessed, the socket can identify the type and the instruction of the external equipment, and therefore control and feedback of the socket are achieved. The invention carries out protocol rewriting to the USB port of the socket: (1) the on-off control mode of the socket is expanded in an extending way, so that external connection of a WIFI (wireless fidelity), a Bluetooth control module, a light sensor, a body sensor and a smoke/temperature detection module can be realized, and diversification of the on-off control mode of the socket is realized; (2) the data feedback mode of the socket is extended in an extending way, an intelligent module is connected externally, data feedback such as the on-off state, overload counting, real-time power, power consumption, missed reporting action feedback and the like of the socket is realized, and DIY selection of an intelligent function is realized; 3) the WIFI module carrying platform is expanded, and a consumer can carry out intelligent control on the socket according to the requirement by externally connecting the platform module.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the present invention also provides a smart socket.

Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a smart socket 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The smart socket 700 may include one or more power outlets 710, a USB interface 720, and an MCU 730. The power outlet 710 may include at least a hot and neutral wire for powering the electrical device. The USB interface 720 may be used to connect with external devices. The USB interface 720 may have a VCC port and a GND port for supplying power to external devices and first and second data ports (i.e., D + and D-). The first data port may be used to receive request signals from the external device and the second data port may be used to send feedback signals to the external device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the MCU 730 may be configured to analyze a request signal from an external device to perform a control operation and/or a feedback operation. The control operation may control power outlet 710 to be powered on or off. The feedback operation may send a feedback signal for the power outlet 710 to an external device via the second data port.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the MCU 730 may be further configured to parse the request signal to determine the type and instruction of the external device and perform a corresponding operation.

As an example, MCU 730 may control power outlets to be powered on or off based on the instructions in response to determining that the external device is a control class device. Alternatively, the MCU 730 may acquire status information of the power outlet based on the instruction and generate a feedback signal in response to determining that the external device is a data feedback type device, and the feedback signal may include data representing a model, a connection status, or status information of the smart socket 700. Still alternatively, the MCU 730 may determine whether the current environment and state of the smart socket 700 triggers an operation execution condition based on the instruction in response to determining that the external device is a security class device, and control the power outlet 710 to be powered on or off and generate a feedback signal when the current environment and state of the smart socket 700 triggers the operation execution condition, the feedback signal may include data representing the on-off state of the power outlet 710.

As described above, the request signal and the feedback signal may be pulse signals composed of high and low levels. The burst signal may include a start packet, a content packet, and an end packet. The signals of the start packet and the end packet may be the same. Alternatively, each of the start packet, the content packet, and the end packet may be composed of a multi-bit (e.g., 8-bit) level signal.

As described above, the smart socket 710 may include a plurality of power outlets 710, and may perform a control operation or a feedback operation with respect to one or more of the plurality of power outlets 710, respectively.

Optionally, the smart socket 700 may also charge the accessed chargeable device according to a fast charging protocol like a conventional USB socket. For example, if the USB interface 720 of the smart socket 700 is connected to the chargeable device and the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal conforming to the fast charge protocol are received at the D + and D-ports, respectively, the smart socket 700 may provide the required voltage and current to the chargeable device via the VCC port and the GND port according to the fast charge protocol, as shown in fig. 2.

The above describes the smart socket 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. When the USB interface of the external device provided with the same protocol (i.e., sending the pulse signal satisfying the protocol) is connected to the smart socket 700, the socket recognizes the type and the instruction of the external device, thereby implementing control and feedback of the socket. The invention carries out protocol rewriting to the USB port of the socket: (1) the on-off control mode of the socket is expanded in an extending way, so that external connection of a WIFI (wireless fidelity), a Bluetooth control module, a light sensor, a body sensor and a smoke/temperature detection module can be realized, and diversification of the on-off control mode of the socket is realized; (2) the data feedback mode of the socket is extended in an extending way, an intelligent module is connected externally, data feedback such as the on-off state, overload counting, real-time power, power consumption, missed reporting action feedback and the like of the socket is realized, and DIY selection of an intelligent function is realized; 3) the WIFI module carrying platform is expanded, and a consumer can carry out intelligent control on the socket according to the requirement by externally connecting the platform module.

Hereinafter, an example of an operation logic of the smart socket according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to such an operating logic and that alternative operating logic flows may be devised in accordance with the inventive concepts described above.

Referring to fig. 8, after the socket is powered on, the socket USB module may start timing 10S to determine whether a request signal sent by the external device terminal is received; if the request signal is not received during the countdown period of 10S, the USB module enters a standby state; if the request signal is received, the module starts to judge whether the type of the external equipment is a safety protection type, and if the external equipment is not a safety protection type (such as an on-off state control type and a socket state display type), the USB module judges whether the received command is a control type instruction, if so, the USB module carries out on-off control on the socket, and records and feeds back the on-off state; if the command is a non-control type command such as state feedback, directly executing operation, displaying the type and the connection state of the socket host/equipment, and resetting and timing; 3. if the type of the external equipment is judged to be the safety protection type, starting to judge whether the external equipment is newly connected equipment; if yes, judging and informing the type of the newly connected equipment, changing cycle timing time (such as surge, lightning protection and other timing, electric leakage, overload protection and short timing) according to the type of the peripheral equipment, displaying the successful connection state, resetting the timing, and judging whether the current environment and state trigger operation execution conditions according to the type of the operation command; if the safety protection operation execution condition is triggered, controlling the on-off of the socket and informing the on-off state; if the socket equipment is controlled by multiple switches, the state of each jack is fed back respectively.

Fig. 9 shows an example of an interactive method and operating logic for implementing a smart socket according to an example definition of a pulse signal of the present invention. In this example, the external device may be a WIFI peripheral configured to turn on and off control the socket and obtain metering information. As shown, the peripheral may inform the socket of the model of the peripheral (i.e., the WIFI peripheral) by code 1001000 as part of the pulse signal. The outlet can inform the outside plant of the outlet model, i.e. total strip metering, by code 10000001/10000001/10000001. The socket may inform the peripheral of the successful socket connection via code 10100101/10100101/10100101. The socket can inform the external device of the on-off state of the socket through the code 11110000 (on) or 00001111 (off), for example, the pulse signal can be 01010101/11110000/01010101. The socket may transmit the metering information of the socket to the peripheral device through a corresponding pulse signal output by the metering chip (e.g., 8012 metering chip). In the case where the user controls the WIFI peripheral to switch the socket through APP, the peripheral may utilize the code 11110000 (on) or 00001111 (off) to inform the socket of the on-off requirement, for example, the pulse signal may be 01010101/11110000/01010101. The socket can then operate accordingly and the peripheral is informed of the current on-off state of the socket by means of a pulse signal with code 01010101/11110000/01010101. Note that fig. 9 depicts only an example of the design concept according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The above-described interaction method for a smart socket and socket USB module may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software as a computer program product, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a web site, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk (disk) and disc (disc), as used herein, includes Compact Disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks (disks) usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs (discs) reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Up to this point, a smart socket and an interaction method for the smart socket according to the present invention are described. The invention has the advantages that: 1) the function expansion is carried out on the basis of the existing USB socket, so that the cost for replacing the socket by a user is saved while the user requirement is met; 2) the system can be compatible with various external modules to realize DIY selection of intelligent functions; and 3) various WIFI modules are developed, a consumer can independently select the modules corresponding to the platforms to access, a single appointed platform does not need to be downloaded, and the complexity of operation of the consumer is reduced.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the present specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and various equivalent changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and therefore, changes and modifications to the above embodiments within the spirit of the invention are intended to fall within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An interaction method for a smart socket including a power outlet and a USB interface for connecting with an external device, wherein the USB interface has a first data port for receiving a request signal from the external device and a second data port for sending a feedback signal to the external device, the interaction method comprising:

receiving a request signal from the external device via the first data port; and

analyzing the request signal to:

a control operation for controlling the power supply socket to be powered on or off; and/or

A feedback operation to send a feedback signal for the power outlet to the external device via the second data port.

2. The interactive method of claim 1, wherein the request signal and the feedback signal are pulse signals composed of high and low levels, and the pulse signals include a start packet, a content packet, and an end packet, wherein the start packet and the end packet are the same signal.

3. The interactive method of claim 2, wherein each of the start packet, content packet, and end packet consists of an 8-bit level signal.

4. The interactive method of claim 1, wherein the step of analyzing the request signal comprises:

a parsing step of parsing the request signal to determine a type and an instruction of the external device; and

a response step for performing an operation according to the type of the external device and the instruction, wherein:

controlling the power outlet to be powered on or powered off based on the instruction in response to determining that the external device is a control class device;

in response to determining that the external device is a data feedback type device, obtaining status information of the power outlet based on the instruction and generating the feedback signal, wherein the feedback signal comprises data representing a model, a connection status, or the status information of the smart socket; or

In response to determining that the external device is a security class device, determining whether a current environment and state of the smart socket triggers an operation execution condition based on the instruction, and controlling the power outlet to be powered on or off and generating the feedback signal when the current environment and state of the smart socket triggers the operation execution condition, the feedback signal including data representing an on-off state of the power outlet.

5. The interaction method of claim 1, wherein said smart socket comprises a plurality of said power outlets, wherein said controlling or said feedback is performed for one or more of said plurality of said power outlets, respectively.

6. A smart jack, comprising:

a power outlet;

a USB interface for connecting with an external device, the USB interface having:

a VCC port and a GND port for supplying power to the external device;

a first data port for receiving a request signal from the external device; and

a second data port for transmitting a feedback signal to the external device; and

an MCU configured to analyze a request signal from the external device to:

controlling operation, controlling the power socket to be powered on or powered off; and/or

A feedback operation of transmitting a feedback signal for the power outlet to the external device via the second data port.

7. The smart jack of claim 6, wherein the MCU is further configured to parse the request signal to determine the type and instructions of the external device and to do corresponding operations, wherein:

8. The smart jack of claim 6, wherein the request signal and the feedback signal are pulse signals composed of high and low levels, and the pulse signals include a start packet, a content packet, and an end packet, wherein the start packet and the end packet are the same signal.

9. The smart jack of claim 8, wherein each of the start, content, and end packets consists of an 8-bit level signal.

10. The smart jack of claim 6, wherein the smart jack comprises a plurality of the power outlets, wherein the control operation or the feedback operation is performed for one or more of the plurality of the power outlets, respectively.

11. The smart jack of claim 6, wherein when the USB interface is connected to a chargeable device and first and second voltage signals conforming to a fast charge protocol are received at the first and second data ports, respectively, a desired voltage and current are provided to the chargeable device via the VCC port and the GND port according to the fast charge protocol.