English:
[0001] The embodiments described herein relate generally to battery shelf life, and more particularly to systems and methods for monitoring remaining useful shelf life of a battery.
[0002] At least some known batteries have limited shelf lives. A shelf life is a time required for the voltage of an unused battery to drop below a predetermined percentage of its original voltage. In some applications, for example, in Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), one or more batteries or backup batteries may be stored in a warehouse or machine operating environment for extended periods of time without being used or recharged. The shelf lives of such batteries may be influenced by factors such as battery discharge rate, ambient temperature, and battery age. Due to these factors, it may be difficult to determine and monitor the shelf lives of these batteries.
[0003] Some known batteries include "fuel gages" that indicate a current charge level on the battery. However, the fuel gage on each battery must be manually activated by a technician to determine the charge level of the battery, which is then manually recorded by the technician. Some other known battery monitoring systems enable tracking and storage of battery data. The technician must then use portable data storage media, such as a portable flash drive, to retrieve battery data load it onto a mobile computing device. The technician then transmits the battery data from the mobile computing device to a remote server system operated by a manufacturer or technical support team for further analysis. As a result, known battery useful shelf life monitoring systems may be time-consuming, complicated, and laborious. Such monitoring systems become even more complicated when one or more pallets each having a plurality of batteries are stored in the warehouse or machine operating environment.
[0004] In one aspect, a battery shelf life indicator (BSLI) module for monitoring remaining useful shelf life of a battery is provided herein. The BSLI module includes a temperature sensor configured to measure an ambient temperature proximate to the battery, and a processor configured to determine the remaining useful shelf life of the battery based on the measured ambient temperature. The BSLI module also includes a communication device configured to transmit battery-state data corresponding to the determined remaining useful shelf life to a server computing device.
[0005] In another aspect, a method of monitoring remaining useful shelf life of a battery using a BSLI module is provided. The BSLI module is in communication with a server computing device. The method includes measuring, by a temperature sensor of the BSLI module, an ambient temperature proximate to the battery, determining, by a processor of the BSLI module, the remaining useful shelf life of the battery based on the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and transmitting, by a communication device of the BSLI module, battery-state data corresponding to the determined remaining useful shelf life to a server computing device.
[0006] In another aspect, a system for monitoring remaining useful shelf life of a battery in an environment is provided. The system includes a BSLI module configured to calculate the remaining useful shelf life of the battery. The BSLI module includes a temperature sensor configured to measure an ambient temperature proximate to the battery, a processor configured to determine the remaining useful shelf life of the battery based on the measured ambient temperature from the temperature sensor, and a communication device configured to transmit battery-state data corresponding to the determined remaining useful shelf life to a server computing device. The system also includes a server computing device in communication with the BSLI module and configured to receive the battery-state data from said BSLI module, determine whether the battery-state data includes an alarm condition, store the battery-state data in a memory device, and display an alert message on a display device of said server computing device, the alert message detailing a fault mode for the battery.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment that includes at least one battery, a BSLI module, a mobile computing device, and a server computing device.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example BSLI module used in the environment shown in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an example process performed by the BSLI module shown in FIG. 1 for monitoring a remaining useful shelf life of one or more batteries.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment 100 that includes a battery shelf life indicator (BSLI) module 102 for monitoring a shelf life of one or more batteries 104 being stored in environment 100. For example, in some implementations, environment 100 is a warehouse or machine operating environment where a plurality of batteries 104 are used and/or stored. Alternatively, environment 100 may be any type of environment where at least one battery is used and/or stored.
[0011] In an exemplary implementation, battery 104 is a battery used in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). However, battery 104 may be any type of battery for use in any environment than enables BSLI module 102 to function as described herein.
[0012] BSLI module 102 is packaged in environmentally-protected packaging such that sealing of the packaging satisfies IP44 requirements and meets applicable UL, CUL, and CE EMI emission requirements. In one implementation, a single BSLI module 102 may be positioned near batteries 104 for monitoring a shelf life of batteries 104, either individually or collectively as a group. In another implementation, BSLI module 102 may be provided within the packaging of a particular battery 104 and configured to monitor a shelf life of batteries 104. Alternatively, each battery 104 may include a respective BSLI module 102 that monitors shelf life of each respective battery 104. BSLI module 102 is configured to track time stored on the shelf for battery 104 and based on periodic temperature measurements of environment 100, calculate a remaining useful shelf life of battery 104, as described in more detail herein. BSLI module 102 includes or is coupled to a temperature sensor 106 for receiving the temperature measurements.
[0013] BSLI module 102 also includes a communication device 107 for communicating with external devices in environment 100. Communication device 107 is communicatively couplable to a remote device such as a mobile computing device 108 and/or a server computing device 118. Communication interface 225 may include, for example, a wired or wireless network adapter or a wireless data transceiver for use with a mobile phone network, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), 3G, or other mobile data network or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), an 802.11 wireless network (WLAN), or a Bluetooth connection.
[0014] Environment 100 additionally includes mobile computing device 108 that is communicatively coupled to BSLI module 102. Mobile computing device 108 includes a communication device 110 for communicating with BSLI module 102. Communication device 110 may include, for example, a visual sensor 112, such as a camera or barcode scanner, a direct interface device 114, such as a USB connection, and/or a wireless communication device 116. To program BSLI module 102 to monitor a battery or batteries 104, a user uses communication device 110 to transmit or push battery identification information to BSLI module 102. Battery data may include at least a serial number that indicates a type, a capacity, or any other battery data that enables system 100 to function as described herein. In one implementation, the user may request battery condition data, including a remaining useful shelf life of battery 104, from BSLI module 102.
[0015] Additionally, environment 100 includes server computing device 118 that is communicatively coupled to BSLI module 102 and mobile computing device 108. Server computing device 118 includes a communication device 120, for example, a wired or wireless communication device, for communicating with BSLI module 102 and/or mobile computing device 108. Server computing device 112 is also in communication with a database 122.
[0016] Real-time application software is preferably used by the devices in environment 100 to communicate across a network. BSLI software enables BSLI module 102 to input, output, print, and/or communicate shelf life data, alerts, and/or history. Server software monitors and receives data from BSLI module 102 on the network, provides updates, and manages the service life v. temperature curves.
[0017] During operation, BSLI module 102 monitors ambient temperature proximate battery 104 and continuously calculates a remaining shelf life for battery 104. When the calculated remaining shelf life of battery 104 falls below a predetermined level, BSLI module 102 generates and transmits an alert signal to mobile computing device 108 and/or server computing device 112. The alert signal is displayed to a system manager, who may then take the appropriate steps to recharge or replace battery 104. Once recharged or replaced, the system manager uses server computing device 112 to command BSLI module 102 to restart the shelf life calculation for battery 104 from a fully-charged state.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an example configuration of a client computing device 202 that operates automatically or is operated by a user 201. Client computing device 202 is representative of BSLI module 102 and mobile computing device 108. Client computing device 202 includes one or more processors 205 for executing instructions. In some embodiments, executable instructions are stored in one or more memory devices 210. Processor 205 may include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration). Memory device 210 is any one or more devices allowing information such as executable instructions and/or other data to be stored and retrieved. Memory device 210 may include one or more computer-readable media. Stored on memory device 210 are various types of data, including the battery serial number, date-in service information, and battery-specific performance data, for example, battery voltage versus discharge curves and/or battery useful life versus temperature curves. Other data stored on memory device 210 may include instructions or algorithms that enable processor 205 to calculate the battery shelf life based on ambient temperature, time in-service, and/or present voltage. Alarm data is further stored on memory device 210, which defines alarm states for when BSLI computing device should send and alert signal to server computing device 118. Alarm states include, for example, the predicted useful life is less than an expected/required life of battery 104, battery 104 requires recharging, and/or battery 104 has discharged and is not rechargeable.
[0019] Client computing device 202 also includes at least one media output component 215 for presenting information to user 201. Media output component 215 is any component capable of conveying information to user 201. In some embodiments, media output component 215 includes an output adapter such as a video adapter and/or an audio adapter. An output adapter is operatively coupled to processor 205 and operatively couplable to an output device such as a display device or an audio output device (e.g., a speaker or headphones). The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, cathode ray tube (CRT), or "electronic ink" display.
[0020] In some embodiments, client computing device 202 includes an input device 220 for receiving input from user 201. Input device 220 may include, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch sensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, an audio input device, a camera or other visual sensor, a barcode scanner, a magnetic sensor, and/or an radio frequency sensor. A single component such as a touch screen may function as both an output device of media output component 215 and input device 220.
[0021] Client computing device 202 may also include a communication interface 225, which is communicatively couplable to remote devices such as server computing device 118 and/or mobile computing device 108. Communication interface 225 may include, for example, a wired or wireless network adapter or a wireless data transceiver for use with a mobile phone network (e.g., Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), 3G, 4G or Bluetooth), an 802.11 wireless network (WLAN), or other mobile data network (e.g., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX)).
[0022] Stored in one or more memory devices 210 are, for example, computer-readable instructions for monitoring a battery shelf life of battery 104 based on ambient temperature, providing battery condition data to mobile computing device 108 to user 201 via media output component 215 and, optionally, receiving and processing battery data received from mobile computing device 108 via input device 220.
[0023] Client computing device 202 also includes a power module 230 for powering BSLI module 102. In one implementation, power module 230 includes a rechargeable battery and a power connection port for connection to an external power source for recharging BSLI module 102. In another implementation, power module 230 includes a non-rechargeable battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The non- rechargeable battery is selected such that it is capable of powering BSLI module 102 continuously for at least 3 years.
[0024] Client computing device 202 further includes temperature sensor 106 (shown in FIG. 1) for monitoring ambient temperature proximate battery 104. Temperature sensor 106 may include any type of sensor capable of measuring temperature as known in the art. Temperature sensor 106 continuously measures ambient temperature and transmits an ambient temperature signal to processor 205 for use in determining the remaining shelf life of battery 104.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an example process 300 performed by BSLI module 102 for monitoring a remaining useful shelf life of one or more batteries (e.g., battery 104). The steps of the monitoring process flow are numbered for descriptive purposes and should not be taken to be limiting on the order in which the steps must be completed. In other words, some steps of either process may be performed in an alternative order and/or certain steps may be performed substantially simultaneously.
[0026] To begin the process flow and to program BSLI module 102 to monitor one or more new batteries 104, a technician or user loads 302 battery identification information for each battery 104 on mobile computing device 108. Battery identification information may include, for example, a battery serial number, battery-specific performance data, and/or time-in service information.
[0027] The technician communicatively couples 304 mobile computing device 108 to BSLI module 102 to transmit the battery identification information to BSLI module 102. The connectivity may be wired or wireless, as described above. Upon receipt by BSLI module 102, processor 205 stores 306 the battery identification information in memory area 210. In the exemplary implementation, memory area 210 of BSLI module 102 is provided with battery-specific performance data for a plurality of different types of batteries 104. The battery-specific performance data may be provided by the battery manufacturer or may be end-user derived storage temperature versus shelf life performance data. Processor 205 stores 308 a time-in service, representing a time that battery 104 has been unplugged or unused.
[0028] When monitoring has started, temperature sensor 106, 235 measures 310 ambient temperature proximate to batteries 104 at user-defined intervals. For example, temperature sensor 106 periodically measures one or more average or estimated temperatures over a time period since a previous measurement. This interval may be set for multiple times per second or may be set up to a few times per hour. Other sample rates are possible and configurable depending on desired precision.
[0030] When processor 205 receives or determines an error condition, the battery-powered BSLI module 102 transmits 314 battery-state data corresponding to the determined remaining useful shelf life to server computing device 118. The battery-state data indicates that there is a problem for a specific battery 104 having a serial number xxxx. In one embodiment, BSLI module 102 is configured to generate the alert warning when battery falls below a specified threshold charge level. BSLI module 102 reports that the threshold level has been reached and that battery needs to be replaced, serviced, charged, etc.
[0031] It should be understood that processor as used herein means one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration). The term processing unit, as used herein, refers to microprocessors, microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits
[0033] Additionally, it should be understood that communicatively coupled components may be in communication through being integrated on the same printed circuit board (PCB), in communication through a bus, through shared memory, through a wired or wireless data communication network, and/or other means of data communication. Additionally, it should be understood that data communication networks referred to herein may be implemented using Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (HDP), or the like, and the underlying connections may comprise wired connections and corresponding protocols, for example, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 and/or wireless connections and associated protocols, for example, an IEEE 802.11 protocol, an IEEE 802.15 protocol, and/or an IEEE 802.16 protocol.
[0034] A technical effect of systems and methods described herein includes at least one of: (a) measuring an ambient temperature proximate to the battery using a temperature sensor of the BSLI module; (b) determining, by a processor of the BSLI module, the remaining useful shelf life of the battery based on the measured ambient temperature; and (c) transmitting, by a communication device of the BSLI module, battery- state data corresponding to the determined remaining useful shelf life to a server computing device.
[0035] As compared to known systems for monitoring remaining useful shelf life of a battery or a plurality of batteries stored in the same environment, the systems and methods described herein enable a BSLI module to continuously assess and monitor a battery's shelf life, and automatically transmit an alert to a central server computing device when a charge level of the battery falls below a pre-defined threshold, without requiring a technician to physically access the monitoring computing device to transfer physical storage media between the monitoring computing device and the server computing device.
[0037] Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

中文:
[0001]本发明描述的实施方式总体上涉及电池保质期,并且更具体地涉及用于监测电池的剩余有效保质期的系统和方法。
[0002]至少一些已知的电池具有有限的保质期。保质期是未使用电池的电压下降到其原始电压的预定百分比所需的时间。在一些应用中,例如,在不间断电源(UPS)中,一个或多个电池或备用电池可以长时间存储在仓库或机器运行环境中而无需使用或再充电。这种电池的保质期可能受诸如电池放电率、环境温度和电池寿命等因素的影响。由于这些因素,可能难以确定和监测这些电池的保质期。
[0003]一些已知的电池包括“燃料计”,其指示电池上的当前电荷水平。然而,每个电池上的燃料计必须由技术人员手动激活以确定电池的充电水平,然后由技术人员手动记录。一些其他已知的电池监测系统能够跟踪和存储电池数据。然后,技术人员必须使用便携式数据存储介质(例如便携式闪存驱动器)来检索电池数据,将其加载到移动计算设备上。然后,技术人员将电池数据从移动计算设备发送到由制造商或技术支持团队操作的远程服务器系统,以进行进一步分析。结果,已知的电池有效保质期监测系统可能是耗时、复杂和费力的。当各自具有多个电池的一个或多个托盘存储在仓库或机器操作环境中时,这种监测系统变得更加复杂。
[0004]在一个方面,本发明提供了一种用于监测电池的剩余有效保质期的电池保质期指示器(BSLI)模块。BSLI模块包括:温度传感器,被配置为测量接近电池的环境温度;以及处理器,被配置为基于测量的环境温度确定电池的剩余有效保质期。BSLI模块还包括通信设备,该通信设备被配置为将对应于所确定的剩余有效保质期的电池状态数据发送到服务器计算设备。
[0005]在另一方面,提供了一种使用BSLI模块监测电池的剩余有效保质期的方法。BSLI模块与服务器计算设备通信。该方法包括由BSLI模块的温度传感器测量接近电池的环境温度,由BSLI模块的处理器基于由温度传感器测量的环境温度确定电池的剩余有效保质期,以及由BSLI模块的通信设备将与所确定的剩余有效保质期相对应的电池状态数据发送到服务器计算设备。
[0006]在另一方面,提供了一种用于监测环境中电池的剩余有效保质期的系统。该系统包括BSLI模块,其被配置为计算电池的剩余有效保质期。BSLI模块包括:温度传感器,被配置为测量接近电池的环境温度;处理器,被配置为基于由温度传感器测量的环境温度确定电池的剩余有效保质期;以及通信设备,被配置为将与所确定的剩余有效保质期相对应的电池状态数据发送到服务器计算设备。该系统还包括服务器计算设备,该服务器计算设备与BSLI模块通信并且被配置为从所述BSLI模块接收电池状态数据,确定电池状态数据是否包括警报条件,将电池状态数据存储在存储设备中,并且在所述服务器计算设备的显示设备上显示警报消息,该警报消息详述了电池的故障模式。
[0007]图1是包括至少一个电池、BSLI模块、移动计算设备和服务器计算设备的环境的框图。
[0008]图2是在图1中所示的环境中使用的示例BSLI模块的框图。
[0009]图3是由图1中所示的BSLI模块执行的用于监测一个或多个电池的剩余有效保质期的示例性方法的流程图。
[0010]图1是环境100的框图,环境100包括电池保质期指示器(BSLI)模块102,用于监测存储在环境100中的一个或多个电池104的保质期。例如,在一些实施方式中,环境100是仓库或机器运行环境,其使用和/或存储有多个电池104。或者,环境100可以是使用和/或存储至少一个电池的任何类型的环境。
[0011]在示例性实施方式中,电池104是用于不间断电源(UPS)的电池。然而,电池104可以是任何类型的电池,用于使BSLI模块102能够如本文所述那样正常工作的任何环境。
[0012]BSLI模块102封装在环境保护的包装中,使得封装密封满足IP44要求并满足适用的UL、CUL和CE EMI发射要求。在一个实施方式中,单个BSLI模块102可以位于电池104附近,用于单独地或作为一组共同地监测电池104的保质期。在另一实施方式中,BSLI模块102可以在特定电池104的封装内被提供并且被配置为监测电池104的保质期。或者,每个电池104可以包括监测每个电池104的保质期的相应的BSLI模块102。BSLI模块102被配置为跟踪电池104存储的保质时间,并且基于环境100的周期性温度测量值计算电池104的剩余有效保质期,本文对此进行更详细的描述。BSLI模块102包括或被耦合到温度传感器106,用于接收温度测量值。
[0013]BSLI模块102还包括用于与环境100中的外部设备通信的通信设备107。通信设备107可通信地耦合到诸如移动计算设备108和/或服务器计算设备118的远程设备。例如,通信接口225可以包括有线或无线网络适配器或无线数据收发器,用于移动电话网络、全球移动通信系统(GSM)、3G或其他移动数据网络或全球微波接入互操作性(WIMAX)、802.11无线网络(WLAN)或蓝牙连接。
[0014]环境100另外包括通信地耦合到BSLI模块102的移动计算设备108。移动计算设备108包括用于与BSLI模块102通信的通信设备110。例如,通信设备110可以包括视觉传感器112,例如相机或条形码扫描仪,直接接口设备114,例如USB连接,和/或无线通信设备116。为了对BSLI模块102进行编程以监测一个或多个电池104,用户使用通信设备110将电池识别信息发送或推送到BSLI模块102。电池数据可以至少包括序列号,该序列号指示使系统100能够如本文所述那样正常工作的类型、容量或任何其他电池数据。在一个实施方式中,用户可以从BSLI模块102请求电池状态数据,包括电池104的剩余有效保质期。
[0015]另外,环境100包括通信地耦合到BSLI模块102和移动计算设备108的服务器计算设备118。服务器计算设备118包括通信设备120,例如有线或无线通信设备,用于与BSLI模块102和/或移动计算设备108通信。服务器计算设备112还与数据库122通信。
[0016]实时应用软件优选地由环境100中的设备使用以通过网络进行通信。BSLI软件使BSLI模块102能够输入、输出、打印和/或传送保质期数据、警报和/或历史。服务器软件监测和接收来自网络上的BSLI模块102的数据,提供更新,并管理使用寿命—温度曲线。
[0017]在运行期间,BSLI模块102监测接近电池104的环境温度并连续计算电池104的剩余保质期。当计算的电池104的剩余保质期降至预定水平以下时,BSLI模块102产生并向移动计算设备108和/或服务器计算设备112发送警报信号。警报信号被显示给系统管理员,系统管理员然后可以采取适当的步骤来再充电或更换电池104。一旦再充电或更换,系统管理员使用服务器计算设备112来命令BSLI模块102从完全充电状态重新开始计算电池104的保质期。
[0018]图2示出了自动操作或由用户201操作的客户端计算设备202的示例性配置。客户端计算设备202代表BSLI模块102和移动计算设备108。客户端计算设备202包括用于执行指令的一个或多个处理器205。在一些实施方式中,可执行指令存储在一个或多个存储设备210中。处理器205可以包括一个或多个处理单元(例如,在多核配置中)。存储设备210是允许存储和检索诸如可执行指令和/或其他数据的信息的任何一个或多个设备。存储设备210可以包括一个或多个计算机可读介质。在存储设备210上存储有各种类型的数据,包括电池序列号、处于服务的时间信息和电池特定性能数据,例如,电池电压—放电曲线和/或电池使用寿命—温度曲线。存储在存储设备210上的其他数据可以包括使得处理器205能够基于环境温度,服务时间和/或当前电压来计算电池保质期的指令或算法。警报数据进一步存储在存储设备210上,定义BSLI计算设备何时应向服务器计算设备118发送警报信号的警报条件。例如,警报条件包括预测的使用寿命小于预期/所需的电池104的寿命、电池104需要再充电、和/或电池104已经放电并且不可再充电。
[0019]客户端计算设备202还包括用于向用户201呈现信息的至少一个媒体输出组件215。媒体输出组件215是能够向用户201传达信息的任何组件。在一些实施方式中,媒体输出组件215包括输出适配器,例如视频适配器和/或音频适配器。输出适配器是可操作地耦合到处理器205并可操作地耦合到输出设备,例如显示设备或音频输出设备(例如,扬声器或耳机)。例如,显示设备可以是液晶显示器(LCD)、有机发光二极管(OLED)显示器、阴极射线管(CRT)或“电子墨水”显示器。
[0020]在一些实施方式中,客户端计算设备202包括用于接收来自用户201的输入的输入设备220。输入设备220可以包括例如键盘、顶点设备、鼠标、触控笔、触敏面板(例如,触摸板或触摸屏)、陀螺仪、加速计、位置检测器、音频输入设备、相机或其他视觉传感器、条形码扫描仪、磁传感器和/或射频传感器。诸如触摸屏的单个组件可以用作媒体输出组件215的输出设备和输入设备220。
[0021]客户端计算设备202还可以包括通信接口225,其可通信地耦合到诸如服务器计算设备118和/或移动计算设备108之类的远程设备。例如,通信接口225可以包括用于移动电话网络(例如,全球移动通信系统(GSM)、3G、4G或蓝牙)、802.11无线网络(WLAN)或其他移动数据网络(例如,全球微波接入互操作性(WIMAX))的有线或无线网络适配器或无线数据收发器。
[0022]例如,在一个或多个存储设备210中存储有计算机可读指令,所述指令用于基于环境温度监测电池104的电池保质期,经由媒体输出组件215向移动计算设备108进而向用户201提供电池状态数据,以及可选地,接收和处理经由输入设备220从移动计算设备108接收的电池数据。
[0023]客户端计算设备202还包括用于为BSLI模块102供电的电源模块230。在一个实施方式中,电源模块230包括可充电电池和电源连接端口,所述电源连接端口用于连接到外部电源以对BSLI模块102再充电。在另一实施方式中,电源模块230包括不可充电电池,例如锂离子电池。选择不可充电电池,使其能够连续为BSLI模块102供电至少3年。
[0024]客户计算设备202还包括用于监测接近电池104的环境温度的温度传感器106(图1中所示)。温度传感器106可包括本领域已知的能够测量温度的任何类型的传感器。温度传感器106连续测量环境温度并将环境温度信号发送到处理器205,以用于确定电池104的剩余保质期。
[0025]图3是由BSLI模块102执行的用于监测一个或多个电池(例如,电池104)的剩余有效保质期的示例性方法300的流程图。对监测方法流程的步骤编号用于描述目的,不应视为限制步骤必须被完成的顺序。换句话说,任一方法的一些步骤可以以替代顺序执行和/或某些步骤可以基本上同时执行。
[0026]为了开始该方法流程并对BSLI模块102进行编程以监测一个或多个新电池104,技术人员或用户将每个电池104的电池识别信息加载302到移动计算设备108上。例如,电池识别信息可包括电池序列号、电池特定的性能数据和/或处于服务的时间信息。
[0027]技术人员将移动计算设备108通信地耦合304到BSLI模块102以将电池识别信息发送到BSLI模块102。如上所述,连接可以是有线的或无线的。在由BSLI模块102接收后,处理器205将电池识别信息存储306到存储区域210。在示例性实施方式中,BSLI模块102的存储区域210被提供多个不同类型的电池104的电池特定的性能数据。电池特定的性能数据可以由电池制造商提供,或者可以是最终用户导出的存储温度—保质期性能数据。处理器205存储308开始计时服务,表示电池104被拔出或未被使用的时间。
[0028]当监测已经开始时,温度传感器106、235以用户定义的间隔测量310接近电池104的环境温度。例如,温度传感器106周期性地测量自先前测量以来的一段时间内的一个或多个平均或估计温度。该间隔可以设置为每秒多次,或者可以设置为每小时几次。其他采样率是可能的,并且可根据所需的精度进行配置。
[0030]当处理器205接收或确定错误状态时,电池供电的BSLI模块102将对应于所确定的剩余有效保质期的电池状态数据发送314到服务器计算设备118。电池状态数据指示序列号为xxxx的特定电池104存在问题。在一个实施方式中,BSLI模块102被配置为当电池低于指定的阈值充电水平时生成警报警告。BSLI模块102报告已达到阈值水平并且电池需要被更换、维修、充电等。
[0031]应当理解,这里使用的处理器意味着一个或多个处理单元(例如,在多核配置中)。这里使用的术语“处理单元”是指微处理器、微控制器、精简指令集电路(RISC)、专用集成电路(ASIC)、逻辑电路、以及能够执行指令以执行本文所述功能的任何其他电路或设备。
[0033]另外,应当理解,通信地耦合的组件可以通过集成在同一印刷电路板(PCB)上、通过总线、通过共享存储器、通过有线或无线数据通信网络和/或其他数据通信手段来进行通信。另外,应当理解,这里提到的数据通信网络可以使用传输控制协议/网际协议(TCP/IP)、用户数据报协议(UDP)等来实现,并且底层连接可以包括有线连接和相应的协议,例如,电气和电子工程师协会(IEEE)802.3和/或无线连接和相关协议,例如,IEEE 802.11协议、IEEE 802.15协议和/或IEEE 802.16协议。
[0034]这里描述的系统和方法的技术效果包括以下中的至少一个:(a)使用BSLI模块的温度传感器测量接近电池的环境温度;(b)由BSLI模块的处理器根据测量的环境温度确定电池的剩余有效保质期;(c)由BSLI模块的通信设备向服务器计算设备发送与所确定的剩余有效保质期相对应的电池状态数据。
[0035]与用于监测存储在相同环境中的一个电池或多个电池的剩余有效保质期的已知系统相比,本文描述的系统和方法使BSLI模块能够连续评估和监测电池的保质期,并当电池的电荷水平下降到低于预定阈值时自动向中心服务计算设备发送警报,无需技术人员物理访问监测计算设备以在监测计算设备和服务器计算设备之间移动物理存储介质。
[0037]尽管本发明的各种实施方式的具体特征可能在一些附图中示出而在其他附图中未示出,但这仅是为了方便。根据本发明的原理,可以结合任何其他附图的任何特征来参考和/或要求附图的任何特征。
[0038]本书面说明书使用示例来公开本发明,包括最佳模式,并且还使本领域技术人员能够实践本发明,包括制造和使用任何装置或系统以及执行任何方法。本发明的可专利范围由权利要求限定,并且可以包括本领域技术人员想到的其他示例。如果这些其他示例具有与权利要求的字面语言没有差异的结构元素,或者如果它们包括与权利要求的字面语言无实质差别的等效结构元素,则这些其他示例落入权利要求的范围内。