WO2017096083A1

WO2017096083A1 - Electrical power supplying system having an electrical power supplying docking station with a portable multi-function module

Info

Publication number: WO2017096083A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/064487
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey Fleisig
Original assignee: Pucline, Llc
Priority date: 2015-12-02
Filing date: 2016-12-01
Publication date: 2017-06-08

Abstract

An electrical power supplying system including: a module docking station with a module docking receptacle and base station portion having integrated external power cord storage compartments; and a multi-function module is docked in the module docking receptacle and can be manually removed and used locally as well as at remote locations, in several different subsystem functionalities. The module docking station includes: a base housing portion having an external power cord storage compartment, with an internal spool about which a power cord can be neatly wrapped up and contained within the external power cord storage compartment; and a power receptacle housing portion, connected to the base housing portion and supporting the module docking receptacle, and containing a plurality of AC power receptacles, and one or more USB-type DC power receptacles.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION:

ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLYING SYSTEM HAVING AN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLYING DOCKING STATION WITH A PORTABLE MULTI-FUNCTION MODULE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to new and improved methods of and apparatus for supplying electrical power to electrical power consuming devices, and managing the power cords associated therewith in diverse environment.

BACKGROUND ART

Brief Description of the State of Knowledge in The Art

The modern lifestyle of millions of consumers involves the use of rechargeable smartphones, rechargeable cameras, portable laptop computers, rechargeable tablets, modems, powered hard drives, powered Bluetooth® speakers, and many other kinds of portable electronic devices that consume either AC or DC electrical power. Users of such portable devices are constantly plugging and unplugging devices, often kneeling down for a nearby power outlet or searching behind a fixed piece of furniture for a free outlet that is not accessible, or which is not within reach, but only to discover that the power outlet is already being used. Consequently, too often we cannot find an available outlet or if we do it is never in a handy place to satisfy our ever-expanding need for electrical power.

Traditional power strips are bulky and designed for floor use and lack a usable cord management option. Also, while other prior art devices have addressed cord management, they have not done so in ways, which are both convenient and efficient for the users of modern portable powered devices, who are constantly on the move.

Also, at the same time, millions of consumers have become used to the mobile lifestyle where many tasks, once centered around desktop computers, are not revolving around desktop phones, mobile pad computers (e.g. Apple iPads) and communal work environments (e.g. desks, coffee tables, etc.). This change in lifestyle and workflow has created many new challenges in supplying electrical power to portable electrical power consuming devices. At the same time, such changes have created new opportunities for power strip manufacturers to better serve the needs of their current and prospective customers.

Therefore, there is a great need in the art for new and improved electrical power supplying systems that address the unfulfilled needs of millions of consumers to power multiple portable devices in diverse users environments, with greater electrical power accessibility, improved power cord management and reduced clutter, while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art devices and methodologies.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved portable (i.e. transportable) system that fulfills the needs of millions of consumers to power multiple electrical appliances and/or electronic devices in diverse users environments, with a greater electrical power accessibility, improved power cord management, reduced clutter and enhanced functionality in diverse end-user environments, while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art devices and methodologies.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical power supplying system for use in diverse environments comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle, and a portable multi -function module for docking in the module docking receptacle and which can be manually removed and used locally or remotely while supporting one or more different functional subsystems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein the module docking station comprises: (i) a base housing portion having an external power cord storage compartment with an internal spool, about which a power cord can be neatly wrapped up and contained within the external power cord storage compartment; and (ii) a power receptacle housing portion connected to the base housing portion, and supporting the module docking receptacle, and containing a plurality of AC power receptacles, one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and a male-type USB- based module dock interface mounted in the central bottom portion of the module docking receptacle; and wherein the multi -function module also includes a female-type USB-based module dock interface, and is insert able within the module docking receptacle so that the male and female USB-based module dock interfaces interconnect with each other when the multi -function module is docked within the module docking receptacle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein the power receptacle housing portion comprises a ring-like geometry supporting (i) the plurality of AC electrical receptacles for supplying electrical power to AC electrical power consuming devices using electrical power cords, and (ii) the one or more USB-type DC power receptacles for supplying DC electrical power to DC electrical power consuming devices using one or more USB cables.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein the multi -function module comprises a number of functional subsystems, namely: a battery power storage subsystem and includes rechargeable battery module; a night-light/emergency illumination subsystem including a LED array for automatically producing a field of visible illumination in response to the automatic detection of the light level in the ambient environment by a photo-sensor fall beyond a predetermined threshold level; a telephone conference subsystem including a microphone and a loudspeaker for supporting teleconferences using a locally wirelessly interfaced phone device; and a music streaming subsystem for producing audio signals for music being played on a remote music player or mobile phone system transmitting music signals over a wireless communication interface, wherein each subsystem is housed in a portable compact housing adapted for mated insertion into the module docking receptacle, and controlled by a subsystem controller, wherein user-selectable controls are provided for selecting modes and controlling illumination temperature, illumination intensity, and audio volume from the multi -function module, either directly through controls on the multi -function module or by using an application running on a smartphone in wireless communication with the multifunction module.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein the multi -function module can be manually removed from its module docking receptacle by lifting up on the compact housing of the multi-function module using the user's fingers, and dis-engaging the physical connection between the USB- type interface connectors.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein the multi -function module supports a night- light/emergency illumination subsystem that automatically generates a field of illumination in response to low lighting conditions detected by a photo-sensor, or power-line interruptions detected by a power-line voltage detector.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein the battery power storage subsystem is realized using a set of solid-state batteries, a battery recharging circuitry, and electrical sockets and battery holders.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein the portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem comprises an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having different wavelength characteristics capable of producing illumination having different adjustable color temperatures and intensity levels.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein the night-light illumination subsystem includes a photosensor and related electronic circuitry for automatically detecting ambient illumination levels and automatically activating the night-light/emergency illumination subsystem in response to detecting when ambient illumination levels fall below a predetermined ambient illumination threshold level.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein emergency illumination subsystems includes a power line- voltage sensor and related electronic circuitry for detecting when power interruptions have occurred and automatically activating such emergency illumination subsystem in response to detecting when the power line voltage falls below a predetermined power line voltage threshold level.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein a processor on the PC board is programmed to support the control of LED driving circuitry controlling the illumination generated from the LEDs in response to ambient lighting conditions detected by the photo-sensor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein a processor on the PC board is programmed to support the control of LED driving circuitry controlling the intensity and/or color temperature of the illumination generated in from the LEDs in response to any mode and light color temperature selection controls that may have been activated or selected by way of an computer application running on a smartphone or other mobile computing device, in communication with the multi -function module via a wireless communication interface. Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved electrical power supplying system, wherein the telephone conference subsystem is contained in a portable compact housing including: an audio loudspeaker for reproducing the audio voice signals detected by the mobile smartphone wirelessly interfaced with the telephone conference subsystem by way of the wireless communication interface supported by the multi -function module; a microphone having a wide audio pickup pattern for picking up voice and other sound patterns and generating corresponding electrical signals that are transmitted to the telephone conference subsystem for signal processing; and a processor programmed to support telephone conferencing among a smartphone device establishing a wireless connection with the multi -function module by way of a wireless interface connection, supported between the smartphone and the multi -function module.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player using a multi -function module and a smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including a loudspeaker for producing audible sound including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docketing cavity, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un- docked from the module-docketing cavity; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi-function module in the module docking receptacle; (d) selecting the music playback mode in the multi -function module, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection with the smartphone; (e) operating the portable mp3 music player so as to play back a music recording running on the smartphone, and sending digital signals from the smartphone over the wireless interface connection to the multi -function module; and (f) the multi -function module receiving and processing the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker mounted in the multi -function module.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved method of conducting a teleconference initiated on a smartphone across a telephone network, using a electrical power supplying system and the smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, comprising: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein an multifunction module including a microphone for detecting voice signal during a teleconference session and a loudspeaker for reproducing voice signals during the teleconference session, and supporting (i) at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the multi -function module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and (ii) at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module multifunction is un-docked from the module docking receptacle; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module in the module docking receptacle; (d) selecting the teleconference mode in the multi -function module, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection with the smartphone; (e) operating the smartphone so as to accept the wireless Bluetooth interface connection from the multifunction module and supporting a telephone conferencing session with one or more remote telephone devices connected to the telephone network, using the smartphone and the microphone and loudspeaker in the multi -function module; and (f) during the telephone conferencing session, the multi -function module (i) receiving digital signals received from the smartphone and corresponding to voice signals from the one or more remote telephones, and converting the digital signals into analog signals that are provided to the loudspeaker during the teleconferencing session, and (ii) generating analog signals corresponding to voice signals detected by the microphone during the voice session, and converting these analog signals into digital signals that are transmitted to the smartphone during the telephone conferencing session.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved method of illuminating an environment during the night-time using a multi -function module, comprising: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi-function module including an LED array for producing a field of illumination in response to detected conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light/emergency illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module in the module docking receptacle; and (d) the multi -function module automatically detecting low- illumination levels in the ambient environment, and in response thereto, the LED array generating a field of illumination to provide night-lighting in the ambient environment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved method of illuminating an environment during detected emergency conditions (e.g. power line failures) using an electrical power supplying system comprising: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including an LED array for producing a field of illumination in response to detected emergency conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and an emergency illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docketing cavity, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the multi-function module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module in the module docking receptacle; and (d) signal level sensing circuitry in the multi-function module (or within the adapter) automatically detecting predefined emergency conditions (e.g. power line failure) in the ambient environment, and in response thereto, the LED array generating a field of illumination to provide emergency lighting in the ambient environment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone) using an electrical power supplying system and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including a loudspeaker for producing audible sound including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module outside the module docking receptacle; (d) selecting the music playback mode in the multi-function module, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection with the smartphone; (e) operating the portable mp3 music player so as to play back a music recording running on the smartphone, and sending digital signals from the smartphone (over the wireless interface connection) to the multi -function module; and (f) the multi -function module receiving and processing the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker mounted in the multi -function module.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone) while illuminating the ambient environment using an electrical power supplying system and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, comprising: (a) providing a electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multifunction module including an LED lighting array, and a loudspeaker for producing audible sounds including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module outside the module docking receptacle; (d) selecting the music playback mode and night-light illumination mode in the multi -function module, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection with the smartphone; (e) operating the portable mp3 music player so as to playback a music recording running on the smartphone, and sending digital signals from the smartphone (over the wireless interface connection) to the multi -function module; and (f) the multi -function module receiving and processing the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker mounted in the multi -function module, while the LED light array produces a field of illumination in response to detected low-illumination levels or manual selection of illumination generation. Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved method of charging a portable DC electrical energy consuming device (e.g. smartphone) using a multifunction module and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including an LED array for producing a field of illumination in response to detected conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module-docking receptacle; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring (i.e. installing) the multi -function module in the module docking receptacle; and (d) the multi-function module automatically detecting low-illumination levels in the ambient environment, and in response thereto, the LED array generating a field of illumination to provide night-lighting in the ambient environment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved method of remotely controlling an electrical power supplying system using a smartphone or remote computing device operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet and comprising: (a) providing a multi -function module operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet by way of a IP packet router, and comprising a base docking station having a set of AC electrical power receptacles and one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, a night- light illumination mode and a remote control mode for controlling the AC and DC electrical power receptacles while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked (i.e. removed) from the module- docking receptacle; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming; (c) configuring the multi -function module in the module docking receptacle; (d) selecting the remote control mode in the system; and (e) using a smartphone or other computing device operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet to select one or more of the other modes supported by the system including remotely controlling the AC and DC electrical power receptacles supported on the base docking station.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical power supplying system for supplying electrical power to electrical appliances and/or electronic devices and managing and concealing excess power cords deployed in diverse environments, wherever a multitude of power outlets are required, while overcoming the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art methods and apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical power supplying system for storing and configuring excess power cord and sharing a multiplicity of AC and DC electrical power supplies in diverse end-user environments.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical power supplying system having a power-receptacle supplying structure supporting a plurality of electrical power receptacles for supplying AC and DC electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances and/or electronic devices, and managing the excess length of power cords associated therewith, in a manner so that excess power cord can be wound up about a power cord spool and concealed behind spaced apart elastomeric structures forming a perimeter power cord opening, and remaining power cord is allowed to exit the perimeter power cord opening at any point about the device, and routed to an appliance or device requiring AC or DC electrical power in the workspace environment being serviced by the portable device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances and/or electronic devices in any environment, using a portable electrical power supplying system, while managing excess power cord therewithin.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical power supplying system having dual integrated power cord storage compartments, and externally accessible USB power ports for supplying DC electrical power to USB-powered electronic devices and externally accessible 120 Volt power ports for supplying AC electrical power to 120 Volt electrical appliances.

These and other objects of invention will become apparent hereinafter and in the Claims to Invention appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In order to more fully understand the objects of the present invention, the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments should be read in conjunction with the accompanying figure Drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view showing an exemplary desktop user environment in which the portable electrical power supplying system of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, with its single (i.e. single-decker) integrated external power cord storage compartments and portable multi -function module, might be used in conjunction with a desktop computer system, printer, pad computer, mobile smartphone and other electrical power consuming devices within the environment;

FIG. 2 is a second close-up perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention, shown deployed in the environment of FIG. 1, supplying electrical power to the desktop computer system, pad computer and mobile smartphone;

FIG. 3A is a perspective close-up view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing its power cord wrapped up neatly about the spool of the external single-decker power cord storage compartment of the device, and its multi -function module supporting (i) a portable battery power storage subsystem, (ii) a portable night-light/illumination subsystem, and (iii) telephone conference subsystem housed in a portable compact module adapted for docking within the module docking receptacle of the module docking housing station of the system, where electrical connections are established between the multi -function module and the module docking station by way of a USB plug-connector interface, and also wireless network connections are established between the multi -function module and the module docking station by way of a Bluetooth-type wireless network interface;

FIG. 3B is an elevated side view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3 A, showing its pair of AC power receptacles;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 3B, comprising the module docking station having a base housing component with an external power cord storage compartment and containing a AC/DC power adapter and related AC and DC power supply circuitry, wherein the module docking station includes a power receptacle housing portion having (i) a ring-like geometry supporting a plurality of AC and DC electrical receptacles for supplying AC and DC electrical power to electrical power consuming devices, and (ii) a module docking receptacle supporting a USB power connector centrally mounted on the bottom surface of the module docking receptacle in an axial manner and electrically connected to DC power supply circuitry within the base housing portion, and (iv) multifunction module (i.e. device) for removably docking within the module docking receptacle of the module docking station, and supporting (a) a portable battery power storage subsystem, (b) a portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem, (c) a telephone conference subsystem and (d) a music player subsystem, each subsystem being realized and housed in a portable compact module adapted for mated insertion in the module docking receptacle of the module docking station, where an electrical connection is established between the multifunction module and the module docking station by way of a USB connector and a Bluetooth interface connection;

FIG. 5A is a first perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 4, showing its multi -function module being manually removed from the module docking receptacle of the module docking station of the device, with the matching USB-type ports being disengaged;

FIG. 5B is a second elevated side view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 4, showing the external AC power supply in the module docking station, and its multi -function module being removed from the module docking receptacle of the module docking station of the device;

FIG. 5C is an elevated side view of the multi-function module removed from the module docking receptacle of the module docking station of the device shown in FIGS. 3A through 4;

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the multi -function module removed from the module docking receptacle of the module docking station of the device shown in FIGS. 3 A through 4;

FIG. 6B is an elevated side view of the multi-function module removed from the module docking receptacle of the module docking station of the device shown in FIGS. 3A through 4;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 4, showing its multi -function module docked in the module docking receptacle of the module docking station of the device, with its loudspeaker exposed to the ambient environment, its power cord wound up and its power plug extending from the housing;

FIG. 7A is an elevated cross-sectional view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 7, showing its multi-function module docked in the module docking receptacle of the module docking station of the device, and revealing its components comprising (i) a power receptacle housing portion of ring-like geometry supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles for supplying electrical power to electrical power consuming devices, (ii) a base housing portion having an external power cord storage compartment and mounted to the base housing portion and containing an AC/DC power adapter and related AC and DC power supply circuitry including a USB power connector aligned in the axial direction of the device, (iii) a module docking station formed by combining the base housing portion with the power receptacle housing portion and having a dock-module cavity with a volume of frusto-conical geometry supporting a USB power connector centrally mounted on the bottom surface of the dock-module cavity in an axial manner, and (iv) multi -function module for docking within the module docking receptacle of the module docking station, and supporting (a) a battery power storage subsystem, (b) a night-light/emergency illumination subsystem, (c) telephone conference subsystem and (iv) a music player subsystem, each subsystem being realized using a PC motherboard supported above the battery storage module and contained within a portable compact module adapted for mated insertion within the module docking receptacle of the module docking station, and where electrical connection is established between the multifunction module and the base portion of the device by way of a USB connector and a Bluetooth network connection;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention, comprising (i) a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for a multi-function module, including an AC/DC power adapter subsystem, AC power receptacles, USB-type DC power receptacles and a USB-based module dock interface, and (ii)) a multi -function module including a subsystem controller, a wireless Bluetooth interface for establishing a wireless interface with the wireless Bluetooth interface within one or more smart-phone devices or other wireless devices in the vicinity of the device, a USB- based module-dock interface, a battery power storage subsystem with USB port, a night- lite/emergency illumination subsystem with photo-sensor, a mp3 music streaming subsystem connected to an audio transducer/loudspeaker, a telephone conference subsystem connected to the loudspeaker/transducer and a microphone, and a user selectable mode controls in the form of a set of buttons, membrane switches or the like and associated LED indicators;

FIG. 8A is a schematic representation of certain components within the base station shown in the portable electrical power supply system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the portable electrical power supplying system illustrated in FIG. 3A comprising a subsystem architecture including a multi-core CPU (optionally with a GPU), program memory (RAM), and video memory (VRAM), a solid-state (DRAM) memory for persistent data storage, a LCD/Touch-screen display panel, a microphone and a loudspeaker, and WIFI/Bluetooth network adapters integrated with one or more bus architecture supporting controllers and the like;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, illustrating the device operating in its Music Streaming Mode of Operation with a smartphone device in wireless communication with the multi -function module over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface;

FIGS. 11A and 11B, taken together, provide a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone) using a multifunction module and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, illustrating the device operating in its Telephone Conference Mode of Operation with a smartphone device in wireless communication with the multi -function module over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface;

FIGS. 13A and 13B, taken together, provide a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of conducting a telephone conference (i.e. teleconference) initiated on a smartphone using a multi -function module and the smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3 A through 9, illustrating the device operating in its Night- Lite Mode of Operation while low light levels are being detected in the ambient environment;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of illuminating an ambient environment in a room using a multi -function module operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, illustrating the device operating in its Emergency-Lighting Mode of Operation while disruption of electrical input power is being detected; FIG. 17 is a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of illuminating an ambient environment under emergency conditions using a multi-function module operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, illustrating its multi -function module operating in its Remote Music Streaming Mode of Operation during the day-time when ambient illumination conditions are bright, with the portable electrical power supplying system removed from the module docking receptacle the module docking station, and located at a distance from a smartphone device in wireless communication with the multi-function module over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone) using the multi -function module and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, illustrating the device operating in both its Remote Music Streaming Mode of Operation and Night-Lighting Mode of Operation during the night-time when ambient illumination conditions are low, wherein the multi-function module is removed from the module docking receptacle of the module docking station, and located at a distance from a smartphone device in wireless communication with the portable electrical power supplying system over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface, while the smartphone streams music signals to the multi -function module while its illumination subsystem generates night lighting under low illumination levels detected in the ambient environment;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone) while illuminating the ambient environment using a multi-function module and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention:

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9 wherein the multi -function module is removed from the module docking receptacle of the module docking station, and low battery level indications are displayed on the LCD screen of a smartphone device; FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the multi -function module of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, illustrating the multi -function module operating in both its Battery Power Supplying Mode of Operation, wherein the portable electrical power supplying system is removed from the docking receptacle of its module docking station, and the smartphone device is connected to the portable electrical power supplying system using USB cable, and recharged with electrical power supplied from the battery storage module within the electrical power supplying system;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of charging a portable DC electrical energy consuming device (e.g. smartphone) using a multi-function module and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, illustrating the device operating in its Remote Control Mode of Operation with a smartphone device in wireless communication with the portable electrical power supplying system over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of remotely controlling an electrical power supplying system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, using smartphone or remote computing device operably connected to the system, by way of a local wireless Bluetooth or other data connection or through the infrastructure of the Internet, and controlled in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing two users sitting on the same side of a library tabletop surface, on which are supported a pair of laptop computers and a pair of USB- powered iPad appliances, each sharing electrical power from the portable electrical power supplying system shown in FIGS. 1 through 25, with power cords wound in a second configuration about the storage spools of the external power cord storage compartments of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMB ODFMENT S

In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a new and improved method of and portable apparatus is provided for supplying electrical power to AC and DC electrical- energy consuming appliances and devices, and managing the power cords thereof, while employed in diverse environments, such as workstations, desktops, library tables, cafes, restaurants, and wherever a multitude of electrical power outlets are required or desired by one or more users. In the illustrative embodiment, the portable apparatus is realized in the form of a portable (e.g. transportable, mobile, relocateable) electrical power supplying system having a single (i.e. single-decker) external integrated power cord storage compartment. This feature of the present invention is disclosed in Applicant's Published US Patent Application No. US2015/0008741A1 published January 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference and is fully set forth herein. The portable device can be supported on or under the desktop, on the floor, or even on a wall-surface, and supplied with electrical power through a flexible power supply cord having a power plug for plugging into a standard 120 Volt power receptacle 5. Alternatively, the apparatus may be realized in the form of a portable electrical power supplying system having dual (i.e. double-decker) external integrated power cord storage compartment, also taught in Applicant's Published US Patent Application No. US2015/0008741A1. Also, this device can be supported on or under the desktop, on the floor, or even on a wall-surface, and supplied with electrical power through a flexible power supply cord, plugged into a standard 120 Volt power receptacle by power plug.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 through 26, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 comprises: a module docking station 157 with a module docking receptacle 156 and base station 150 portion having integrated external power cord storage compartments; and a portable multi -function module 160 is docked in the module docking receptacle 156 and can be manually removed and used locally as well as at remote locations, in several different functionalities.

As shown, the module docking station 157 includes: a base housing portion 150 having a single (i.e. single-decker) external power cord storage compartment 152, 153, with an internal spool about which a power cord 15 ID can be neatly wrapped up and contained within the external power cord storage compartment, as taught in the first illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A through 6; and a power receptacle housing portion 155, connected to the base housing portion 150, and supporting the module docking receptacle 157, and containing a plurality of AC power receptacles 114A-114C, one or more USB-type DC power receptacles 115A-115B, and a first USB-based module dock interface 158 mounted in the central bottom portion of the module docking receptacle 157.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the form of a multi -function electrical power supplying system 145 adapted for use in connection with desktop computer systems, printers, pad computers and/or mobile smartphones, in diverse environments, such as workstations, desktops, library tables, cafes, restaurants, wherever portable AC and/or DC electrical power is required or desired by one or more users.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 A, 5 A, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 comprises a module docking station 157, and a multi -function module 160. The module docking station 157 comprises: a power receptacle housing 155 having a module docking receptacle 156; and a base housing portion 150 having integrated external power cord storage compartments 152 and 153 as illustrated in connection with the first and second illustrative embodiments. The multi -function module 160 is designed for docking (i.e. releasable mounting) within the module docking receptacle 156 of the module docking station 157, and can be manually removed and used locally as well as remotely, while providing one or more functionalities to its users, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 15.

As shown in the exemplary desktop user environment 140 of FIG. 1, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 is deployed alongside of a desktop computer system 141 connected to a wireless printer 142, a mobile smartphone (e.g. Apple iPhone 6+) 143 and a pad computer 144. As more clearly shown in FIG. 20, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 is arranged to supply electrical power to the desktop computer system 141, the pad computer 142, the printer 142, the mobile smartphone 142 and the pad computer 144, while supporting the many other functions (i.e. system modes) of the multi-function module 160.

As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A and 5B, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 is shown comprising its module docking station 157 with its module docking receptacle 156; and its multi -function module 160 docked (i.e. physically and electrically interfaced) within the module docking station 157.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the base housing portion 150 supports the external power cord storage compartment 152 having an internal spool 15 ID about which a power cord 146 can be neatly wrapped up and contained with cord storage compartment 152, accessible through opening 151C formed between flexible, pliant upper and lower surfaces 15 IB and 15 IB, as shown in FIG. 7A, and described above in connection with the first and second illustrative embodiments; and a power receptacle housing portion 155 having a module docking receptacle 156 illustrated in FIGS. 5 A and 5 A, and containing AC power receptacles 114A, 114B and 114C, USB-type DC power receptacles 115A and 115B and a USB-based module dock interface 158 mounted in the central bottom portion of the module docking receptacle 156. As shown in FIG. 7 A, the multi -function module 160 has a USB interface connector 173 which connects with the USB interface 158 mounted within bottom of the module docking receptacle 156,when the multi -function module 160 is docked within its geometrically mated/matched module docking receptacle 156.

As shown in FIG. 4, the power receptacle housing portion 155 comprises: a ring-like geometry supporting (i) the plurality of AC electrical receptacles 114A through 114C for supplying electrical power to AC electrical power consuming devices using conventional power cables known in the art; and (ii) the plurality of USB-type DC power receptacles 115A and 115B for supplying DC electrical power to DC electrical power consuming devices (e.g. mobile phones, iPads, etc.) using USB cables well known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 4, the power receptacle housing portion 155 is interfaced with the base housing portion 150 using screws, glue or other fastening means, although both housing portions 150 and 155 could be realized as a single piece construction using injection molding, or other fabrication techniques. The wall surfaces of the power receptacle housing portion 155 form the module docking receptacle 156. As shown, the USB power connector 158 is centrally mounted on the bottom surface of the module-docking receptacle 156. As shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5 A, the USB connector 158 is arranged in an axial manner and electrically connected to the AC/DC power adapter and control circuitry 122 mounted within the base housing portion 150. As shown in FIGS. 3 A, 3B, 4, 5 A and 8, the USB-based module dock interface 172 A formed within the multi -function module 160 includes a female-type USB connector 173 for interfacing with the male-type USB connector 158 associated with the USB interface 158A formed within the module docking receptacle 156.

As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 8, electrical connections are established between the multi -function module 160 and the module docking station 157 by way of a USB plug- connector interface realized by the male-type USB connector 158 and female-type USB connector 173 which mate together as shown in FIG. 7A. Also, wireless network connections indicated by BT, WIFI and BT in FIG. 8 are established between the multifunction module 160 and the module docking station 157 of the device 145 by way of the Bluetooth/WIFI wireless network interface 204 having appropriate antenna structures (e.g. micro-strip, fractal, and/or other kinds) supporting the operative electromagnetic signals required by these wireless radio-frequency interface standards. As shown, the multi-function module 160 can be manually removed from the module docking receptacle 156 in the module docking station 157 by using the user's fingers to lift up on the compact housing 161 of the multi -function module 160, and thereby physically dis-engage the USB-type interface connectors 158 and 173. DC electrical power and other digital signals are transported across the USB interface connection established by USB connectors 173A and 158A only when the female-type USB receptacle 173 in the multi-function module 160 is electrically connected to its mated male-type USB receptacle 158 in the central base portion of the module docking receptacle 156.

As shown in FIG. 8 and briefly mentioned above, the multi -function module 160 comprises a number of high-level functional subsystems realized within its compact construction, namely: the subsystem controller 205 for controlling the operations of all subsystem and components within the multi -function module 160; a wireless Bluetooth interface 204 for establishing a wireless interface with the wireless Bluetooth interface 143A within one or more smart-phone devices 143 or other wireless devices 144 located in the vicinity of the device 145; the USB-based module-dock interface 173A; the battery power storage subsystem 200 with USB port 200A which includes rechargeable battery unit 170, adapted for discharging electrical DC power stored in battery 170 and recharging DC power consuming devices 143, 144 etc. therewith using a conventional USB cable known in the art; the night-light/emergency illumination subsystem 201 including LED array 190 for producing illumination of variable temperature color and intensity, and photo-sensor 191 for sensing the level of light in the ambient environment 140 and elsewhere (e.g. outdoors) and using this sensed level for control; music streaming subsystem 203 connected to an audio transducer/speaker 165 for producing audio signals for music being played on a remote music player or phone system transmitting music signals over the wireless Bluetooth and/or WIFI interface 204; telephone conference subsystem 202 connected to the audio speaker/transducer 165 and microphone 175 for supporting teleconference conferences initiated through smartphone 143 in wireless communication with the multi -function module 160, while using the loudspeaker 165 and microphone 175 mounted within the multi -function module 160 which docked within module docking station 157 as shown in FIG. 10, or while the module is un-docked from the module docking station 157 as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 20. Each of these subsystems is controlled by the subsystem controller 205, and realized within the portable compact module 161 that is adapted for mated insertion into the module docking receptacle 156, as described above.

User-selectable mode controls 168, 171 are provided for manual mode selection, illumination temperature control, illumination intensity control and audio volume control. As shown in FIG. 26, electrical communication is established between the multi -function module 160 and the module docking station 157 by way of the wired USB interface 158A/173A, and also by way of the Bluetooth wireless network interface 204. The wireless Bluetooth (BT) and WIFI interface connections supported by wireless interface subsystem 204 enables mobile phones 143 and other computing devices 144 to establish data packet communication with the multi-function module 160 and support multiple functions within the various subsystems implemented therewithin.

As shown in FIG. 7, user selectable controls 168, 171 are realized in the form of a set of buttons, membrane switches or other switching technology, while associated LED indicators and optionally an LCD touch-screen display panel 180 can be mounted on or near speaker sound transmission cover plate 166, or other surface that satisfies design requirements and specifications. The function of controls 168, 171 is to allow the user to manually select and control particular modes of the multi -function module 160, in addition to the color temperature of illumination produced from the LED array 170, the intensity of illumination produced from the LED array 170, the sound level of the loudspeaker 165, and/or the sensitivity of the microphone 175. In the preferred embodiment, the night-light and emergency illumination modes are automatically selected by the subsystem controller 205 upon the automated detection of ambient lighting condition by the light sensor 191, or line-voltage interruptions detection by the line-voltage detector 125 shown in FIG. 8 A

In general, the multi -function module 160 is capable of supporting a number of different functions while supported within its docking receptacle 156 as well as when removed therefrom and located away from the module docking station 157, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 through 22B. While these various functions will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 27 through 33B, it will be helpful to first describe the various subsystems that support these functions, namely the battery power storage subsystem 200, the portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem 201, the telephone conference subsystem 202, and the music streaming subsystem 203 shown in FIG. 8, while making reference to FIG. 4 and related figures. Each of these subsystems are realized using the PC motherboard 163 and components mounted thereon as illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7A, the PC motherboard is supported above the battery storage module 170 and USB interface connector 173, contained within a portable compact module 160 adapted for mated insertion in the module docking receptacle 156 of the module docking station 157.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 8, the portable battery power storage subsystem 200 is typically realized using a set of solid-state (e.g. lead-acid) batteries 170, battery recharging circuitry, electrical sockets, battery holders, etc. mounted on the rear surface of the PC board 163. The batteries 170 are connected to a power bus realized on the PC board 163 to deliver DC electrical power to the various electrical components of device supported on the PC board, and to flexible wire harnesses (e.g. ribbon cables, etc.) for electrical components mounted off the PC board 163, such as LED arrays 190, photo-sensors 191, controls 171, 168, LED indicators 169 and the like, illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 8.

FIG. 7A shows the portable electrical power supplying system 145 comprises the multi -function module 160 docked in the module docking receptacle 156 of the module docking station 157. As shown, system 145 comprises: (i) a power receptacle housing portion 155 of ring-like geometry supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles 114A, 114B, 114C, 115A, and 115B for supplying AC and DC electrical power to electrical power consuming devices; (ii) an external power cord storage compartment 153, mounted to the base housing portion 150 and containing an AC/DC power adapter 122 and related AC and DC power supply circuitry including a USB power connector 158 aligned in the axial direction of the device; (iii) the dock-module cavity 156 within the power receptacle housing portion 155, having a volume of frusto-conical geometry and allowing the USB power connector 158 to project through an aperture formed centrally in the bottom surface of the dock-module cavity in an axial manner, and with the base station 150 and cord storage compartment 153, forming the module docking station 157 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 A and 5B; and (iv) the multi -function module 160 adapted for docking in the module docking receptacle 156 of the module docking station 157, and supporting (a) the portable battery power storage subsystem 200, (b) a portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem 201, (c) portable telephone conference subsystem 202, and music streaming subsystem 203. Each subsystem is realized using PC motherboard 163 supported above the battery storage module 170 and contained within a portable compact module 161 adapted for mated insertion in the module docking receptacle 156 of the module docking station 157, where electrical connection is established between the multi -function module 160 and the module docking station 157 by way of USB connectors 158 and 173.

In FIG. 7, the user control console 171, 190 of the multi-function module 160 is shown comprising a set of control buttons that are selectable by the user, namely: (i) four (4) Mode Selection Button for the Music Play Mode, the Teleconference Mode, Automatic Night-Light (Illumination) Mode and Manual Night-Light (Illumination) Mode; (ii) volume controls for increasing and decreasing the volume of the loudspeaker; and (iii) microphone sensitivity controls for increasing and decreasing the sensitivity of the integrated microphone.

As shown in FIG. 7, the multi -function module 160 also comprises a set of visual indicators (e.g. LEDs), namely: (i) Power On status; (ii) Mode Selection Status (i.e. indicating which mode has been selected; (iii) Battery Power Storage Level; (iv) Speaker Volume Level; (v) Microphone Sensitivity; (vi) Battery Charging Indicator; and (vii) Module Docking Status (i.e. docked, undocked).

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram for the AC/DC power adapter and control subsystem 122 including power plug 104 employed in the system shown in FIG. 8. Subsystem 122 is similar to the subsystems provided in the first and second illustrative embodiment with the exception of the mounting of the USB power interface 158 within the USB-based module dock interface 158 A interfacing with the mating USB connector 173 mounted on the base of the multi -function module 160, as shown in FIGS. 6 A and 8.

As shown in FIG. 8, the portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem 201 comprises: the array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 190 having different wavelength characteristics to produce illumination having different adjustable color temperatures at disclosed in US Patent No. 8,203,260 and patents cited therein (incorporated herein by reference), and being electrically connected to a LED driver circuitry mounted on the PC board 163, along with other components thereon, to drive the LEDs in a controlled manner to achieve the selected color temperature and intensity level; a photo-sensor 191 and related electronic circuitry on PC board 163 for detecting ambient illumination levels and generating analog or digital signals corresponding to the detected ambient illumination levels; a light conducting pipe structure (e.g. Lucite block or panel) into which light emitted from the LED array 190 is injected and travels through the light pipe structure 192 and exits at locations treated (e.g. pitted) to cause light leakage in the manner similar to the way light emitting panels are commonly constructed; optionally, a lens structure employing refractive, diffractive and/or reflective principles, for shaping the light beam emitted from the LED array 190 to meet the design requirements for a night-light as illustrated in FIGS. 29 A and 29B, and also a projection light useful during emergency situations involving electrical power interruptions, as illustrated in FIG. 30; and a system-on-a-chip (SOC) 194 mounted on the PC board 163 for implementing the various subsystems supported within the compact housing of the multi -function module 160.

In the illustrative embodiment, the SOC 194 is programmed to support the control of the LED driving circuitry controlling (i) the intensity of illumination generated in from the LEDs 190 in response to ambient lighting conditions detected by photo-sensor 191, and any mode and light color temperature selection controls 171 that may have been activated or selected by way of an computer (e.g. web-based or native) application running on a smartphone 143 in communication with the device via the wireless Bluetooth wireless interface 204 or WIFI wireless interface 204 supporting TCPIP and packet communications with the subsystem controller 205 and its SOC 194, (ii) the color spectral characteristics and thus the color temperature of the illumination produced from driven LEDs having different characteristic wavelengths, and (iii) the spatial illumination pattern produced by certain LEDs in the array 190 selected for activation to generate the desired spatial illumination pattern (e.g. wide angle pattern, narrow pattern, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 8, the telephone conference subsystem 202 housed in the portable compact module 161 comprises: audio loudspeaker 165 interfaced with the subsystem 202, for reproducing the audio voice signals detected by the mobile smartphone 143 wirelessly interfaced with the telephone conference subsystem 202 by way of the wireless Bluetooth interface 204 or WIFI interface 204 supported by the multi -function module 160; microphone 175 having a wide audio pickup pattern and interfaced with the subsystem 202 for picking up voice and other sound patterns and generating corresponding electrical signals that are transmitted to the telephone conference subsystem 202 for signal processing in accordance with standard protocols used in the digital telephony industry; and the system-on-a-chip (SOC) 194 mounted on the PC board 163, and programmed to support telephone conferencing among the smartphone device 143 establishing a wireless connection with the multi -function module 160 by way of a wireless Bluetooth interface connection 204, or a wireless WIFI interface connection 204, supported between the smartphone 143 and the multi -function module 160, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary subsystem architecture for implementing the portable electrical power supplying system 145 illustrated in FIG. 8. As shown, this subsystem architecture comprising: a multi-core CPU (optionally with a GPU) 181 mounted on the PC board 163 for running an operating system (e.g. Linux) and executing program code; program memory (RAM) 182 mounted on the PC board 163 for storing programs and executing the same; video memory (VRAM) 183 mounted on the PC board 163 for buffering frames of video graphics data during video processing operations; a solid-state (RAM) hard drive 184 mounted on the PC board 163 for storing persistent data including video data frames; a LCD/T ouch-screen display panel 180 for displaying the state of modes, data relating to each mode, and information pertaining the state of operation of the system during a particular mode, and optionally implementing the various user controls supported by the system device 145 (e.g. mountable within the top surface of the device); the micro-phone 175 for detecting sound patterns and generating electrical signals corresponding thereto and supplying the same to the CPU (i.e. programmed microprocessor) for digital signal processing; the audio transducer (e.g. loudspeaker) 165 for reproducing sound in response to electrical audio signals produced by D/A circuitry under the control of the programmed microprocessor; and WIFI/Bluetooth network adapters 185 and associated antenna structures for supporting the wireless Bluetooth interface 204 and the WIFI interface 204 illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein each of these major components are integrated with one or more bus architecture supporting controllers and the like.

Having described the hardware and software architecture of the portable electrical power supplying system 145 illustrated in FIG. 8, it is appropriate at this juncture to describe the many different functions supported by the device 145, and its module 160, in both local and remote system configurations.

Referring to FIG. 10, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 depicted in FIGS. 3A through 9, is shown operating in its Music Streaming Mode of Operation with smartphone device 143 arranged in wireless communication with the "docked" multifunction module 160 over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface/connection 204. In this mode of operation, the device is configured in its Music-Streaming Mode of Operation while the multi -function module 160 is located in its module docking receptacle 156, as shown. The device 160 is activated into its Music-Streaming Mode of Operation by selecting this mode (e.g. indicated by a musical note symbol/icon) from the Mode Controls 168, while the smartphone device 143 is configured with its music application (e.g. iTunes on IOS Apple iPhone device) running on its computing subsystem shown in FIG. 8. Once the device 160 is configured into this mode, the method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. Apple iPhone® smartphone 143 running an iTunes music application) can be performed by its users as described in the flow chart of FIGS. HA and 11B.

FIGS. 11A and 11B describe the steps performed during the method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone) 143 using a multi -function module 145 and the smartphone 143 arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown, the method comprises the steps: (a) providing the multifunction module comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module 160 including a computing subsystem and a loudspeaker for producing audible sound including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docketing cavity 156, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the multi -function module 160 is un-docked from the module-docketing cavity 156; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system 145 in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module 160 in the module docking receptacle 156; (d) selecting the music playback mode in the multi -function module 160, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection with the smartphone; (e) operating the portable mp3 music player so as to play back a music recording running on the smartphone, and sending digital signals from the smartphone (over the wireless interface connection) to the multifunction module 160; and (f) the multi -function module 160 receiving and processing the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player 143, through the loudspeaker 165 mounted in the multifunction module 160.

Referring to FIG. 12, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, has its multi -function module 160 operating in its Teleconference Mode of Operation with a smartphone device 143 in wireless communication with the portable electrical power supplying system 160 over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface 204. In this mode of operation, the device 160 is configured in its Teleconference Mode of Operation while the multi -function module 160 is installed/docked in its module docking receptacle 156, as shown. The module (i.e. device) 160 is activated into its Teleconference Mode of Operation by selecting this mode (e.g. indicated by a phone/teleconference symbol/icon) from the Mode Controls 168, while the smartphone device (e.g. Apple iPhone 6+) 143 is configured with its IOS phone application running, as shown in FIG. 8A. Once the device 160 is configured into this mode, the method of conducting a teleconference initiated on the smartphone 143 can be performed by its user(s) as described in the flow chart of FIGS. 13A and 13B.

FIGS. 31A and 3 IB describe the steps performed during the method of conducting a teleconference initiated on a smartphone across a telephone network, using a multi-function module 145 and the smartphone 143 arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising: (a) providing a electrical power supplying system 145 comprising a module docking station 157 with a module docking receptacle 156 for retaining therein an multi -function module 160 including a microphone 175 for detecting voice signal during a teleconference session and a loudspeaker 165 for reproducing voice signals during the teleconference session, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the multi -function module 160 is docked in the module docking receptacle 156, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module multifunction 160 is un-docked from the module docking receptacle 156; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system 145 in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module 160 in the module docking receptacle 156; (d) selecting the teleconference mode in the multi-function module 160, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection 204 with the smartphone 143; (e) operating said smartphone 143 so as to accept said wireless Bluetooth interface connection 204 from the multi -function module 160 and supporting a telephone conferencing session with one or more remote telephone devices connected to the telephone network, using the smartphone 143 and the microphone 175 and loudspeaker 165 in the multi -function module 160; and (f) during the telephone conferencing session, the multifunction module 160 (i) receiving digital signals received from the smartphone 143 and corresponding to voice signals from the one or more remote telephones, and converting the digital signals into analog signals that are provided to the loudspeaker 165 during the teleconferencing session, and (ii) generating analog signals corresponding to voice signals detected by the microphone 175 during the voice session, and converting these analog signals into digital signals that are transmitted to the smartphone 143 during the telephone conferencing session.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the electrical power supply system of the present invention 145 shown in FIGS. 21 through 27, illustrating its multi -function module 160 operating in its Night-Lite Mode of Operation while low light levels are being detected in the ambient environment. In this mode of operation, the multi-function module 160 is configured in its Night- Time Mode of Operation while the multi -function module 160 is installed in its module docking receptacle 156, as shown. The multi -function module 160 is activated into its Night-Li ght (Illumination) Mode of Operation by the photo-sensor 191 in the multi-function module 160 automatically detecting that the ambient light level has dropped below a predetermined threshold, causing the subsystem controller 125 to drive the LED array 190 to produce a suitable field of illumination that provides night-lighting according to the user's selected preferences for color temperature, intensity etc. Upon powering up, the system 145 is driven into this mode (e.g. indicated by a half-moon symbol/icon) and the photo-sensor 19 in response to detected low light levels, the user can adjust the intensity and color temperaturel automatically senses the ambient light level in the environment and its associated circuitry detects when the sensed level falls below a predetermined threshold which can be adjusted by the user during a calibration mode. The method of illuminating an ambient environment at night-time using system 145 is described in the flow chart of FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15, the method of illuminating an environment during the nighttime using a multi -function module 145, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station 145 with a module docking receptacle 165 for retaining therein a multi -function module 160 including an LED array 190 for producing a field of illumination in response to detected conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night- light/emergency illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle 156, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle 156; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system 145 in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module 160 in the module docking receptacle 145; and (d) the photo-sensor 191 in the multi -function module 160 automatically detecting low-illumination levels in the ambient environment, and in response thereto, the LED array 190 generating a field of illumination to provide night-lighting in the ambient environment.

Referring to FIG. 16, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, has its the multi -function module 160 operating in its Emergency-Light Illumination Mode of Operation upon disruption of electrical input power is being detected by its internal sensing circuitry 25 within adapter 122 shown in FIG. 8 A. Upon powering up, the system 145 is automatically configured in its Emergency Illumination Mode of Operation while the multi -function module 160 is docked in its module docking receptacle 156, as shown. During operation, the sensor 125 senses for line-voltage interruptions as shown in FIG. 26A. The method of emergency illumination is performed as described in the flow chart of FIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 17, the method of illuminating an environment during detected emergency conditions (e.g. power line voltage interruption or power line failures) using the electrical power supplying system 145 comprises the following steps: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system 145 comprising a module docking station 157 with a module docking receptacle 156 for retaining therein a multi -function module 160 including an LED array 190 for producing a field of illumination in response to detected emergency conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and an emergency illumination mode while the multi -function module 160 is docked in the module-docketing cavity 156, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the multi -function module 160 is un-docked from the module docking receptacle 156; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system 145 in an environment 140 supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module 160 in the module docking receptacle 156; (d) selecting the emergency illumination mode in the multi-function module 160; and (e) signal level sensing circuitry in the multi -function module 160 (or within the adapter 122) automatically detecting predefined emergency conditions (e.g. power line failure) in the ambient environment 140; and in response thereto, the LED array 190 generating a field of illumination to provide emergency lighting in the ambient environment 140.

Referring to FIG. 18, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, has its multi-function module 160 operating in its Remote Music Streaming Mode of Operation during the day-time when ambient illumination conditions are bright, with the multi -function module 160 removed from the docking receptacle 156 of the module docking station 157, and located at a distance from a smartphone device 143 in wireless communication with the multi -function electrical power supply system 160 over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface 204. In this mode of operation, the device 160 is configured in its Remote Streaming Mode of Operation while the portable electrical power supplying system 160 is docked in the module docking receptacle 156, as shown. The multifunction module 160 is activated into its Remote Music Streaming Mode of Operation by selecting this mode (e.g. indicated by a musical notes symbol/icon) from the Mode Controls 168, while the smartphone device 143 is configured with its music player application, as shown in FIG. 8. Once the multi -function module 160 is configured into this mode, the method of remote music streaming can be performed by its users as described in the flow chart of FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone 143) using a electrical power supplying system 145 and smartphone 143 arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system 145 comprising a module docking station 157 with a module docking receptacle 156 for retaining therein a multi-function module 160 including a loudspeaker 165 for producing audible sound including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the multi-function module 160 is docked in the module docking receptacle 156, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the multi -function module 160 is un-docked from the module docking receptacle 156; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system 145 in an environment 140 supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module 160 outside the module docking receptacle 156; (d) selecting the music playback mode in the multi -function module 160, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection with the smartphone; (e) operating the portable mp3 music player 143 so as to play back a music recording running on the smartphone 143, and sending digital signals from the smartphone (over the wireless interface connection) to the multi -function module 160; and (f) the multi -function module 160 receiving and processing the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker 165 mounted in the multifunction module 160.

Referring to FIG. 21, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, has its multi -function module 160 operating in both its Remote Music Streaming Mode of Operation and Night-Lighting Mode of Operation during the night-time when ambient illumination conditions are low or dim, wherein the multi -function module 160 is removed from the module docking receptacle 156 of the module docking station 157, and located at a distance from a smartphone device 143 in wireless communication with the multi -function module 160 over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface 204, while the smartphone 143 streams music signals to the multi -function module 160 while its illumination subsystem generates night lighting under low illumination levels detected in the ambient environment. In this mode of operation, the multi -function module 160 is configured in its Remote Music Streaming/Night-Lighting Mode of Operation while the multi-function module 160 is removed from its module docking receptacle 156, as shown. The multifunction module 160 is activated into its Remote Music Streaming/Night-Lighting Mode of Operation by selecting this mode (e.g. indicated by a musical note and half moon symbol/icon) from the Mode Controls 168, while the smartphone device 143 is configured with module 160 as shown in FIG. 26. Once the multi -function module 160 is configured into this mode, the method of music delivery and night-lighting can be performed by its users as described in the flow chart of FIG. 21.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone 143) while illuminating the ambient environment using an electrical power supplying system 145 and smartphone 143 arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising: (a) providing a electrical power supplying system 145 comprising a module docking station 157 with a module docking receptacle 156 for retaining therein a multifunction module 160 including an LED lighting array 190, and a loudspeaker 165 for producing audible sounds including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docking receptacle 156, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the multi -function module 160 is un-docked from the module docking receptacle 156; (b) installing the multi -function module 145 in an environment 140 supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module 160 outside the module docking receptacle 156; (d) selecting the music playback mode and night-light illumination mode in the multi -function module 160, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection 204 with the smartphone 143; (e) operating said portable mp3 music player so as to playback a music recording running on the smartphone 143, and sending digital signals from the smartphone 143 (over the wireless interface connection 204) to said multi -function module 160; and (f) the multi -function module 160 receiving and processing the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker 165 mounted in the multi -function module 160, while the LED light array 190 produces a field of illumination in response to detected low-illumination levels or manual selection of illumination generation.

Referring to FIG. 22 A, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, has its multi-function module 160 operating in both its Battery Power Supplying Mode of Operation, wherein the multi -function module 160 is removed from the docking receptacle 156 of its base docking station 157, and in response to low battery level indications displayed on the LCD screen of a smartphone device 143, the smartphone device is connected to the portable electrical power supplying system 160 using USB cable 198, and recharged with electrical power supplied from the battery storage module 170 within the multi -function module 160. In this mode of operation, the device is configured in its Battery Power Recharging Mode of Operation while the multi -function module 160 is removed from its module docking receptacle 156, as shown in FIG. 40B. The multi -function module 160 is activated into its Battery Power Recharging Mode of Operation by the user selecting this mode (e.g. indicated by a battery charging symbol/icon) from the Mode Controls 168, typically in response to smartphone device 143 visually indicating that the battery power level has fallen below a certain threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 22A indicating that recharging is needed or required. Once the multi-function module 160 is configured into this Battery Recharging mode, the method of charging the batteries within the battery consuming device can be performed by its users as describe in the flow chart of FIG. 23.

FIG. 41 is a flow chart describing the steps performed during the method of charging a portable DC electrical energy consuming device (e.g. smartphone) using a multi-function module 160 and smartphone 143 arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station 157 with a module docking receptacle 156 for retaining therein a multi -function module 160 including an LED array 190 for producing a field of illumination in response to detected conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle 156, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module-docking receptacle 156; (b) installing the portable electrical power supplying system 145 in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices; (c) configuring the multi -function module 160 in the module docking receptacle; (d) selecting the night-light illumination mode in the multi -function module 160; and (e) the multi -function module automatically detecting low-illumination levels in the ambient environment; and in response thereto, the LED array generating a field of illumination to provide night-lighting in the ambient environment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the portable electrical power supplying system 145 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, illustrating the system operating in its Remote Control Mode of Operation with a smartphone device 143 in wireless communication with the portable electrical power supplying system 145 over a Bluetooth wireless communication interface. In this mode of operation, the device is configured in its Remote Control Mode of Operation while the multi -function module 160 is inserted within its module docking receptacle 156, as shown. The system 145 is activated into its Remote Control Mode of Operation by selecting this mode (e.g. indicated by a battery charging symbol/icon) from the mode controls 168, while the smartphone device 143 is configured with module 160 as shown in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the remote control Mode can be selected over a TCP/IP connection between the multi -function module 160 and an Internet-enabled computing device running a web-based or native application with GUIs for setting the mode of operation of the multi -function module 160, and its various settings. Once the system 145 is configured into this mode, the method of remotely controlling the portable electrical power supplying system 145, including its integrated music player, night/emergency lighting subsystem, and AC and DC electrical power supplying receptacles 114A, 114B and 114C and 115A and 115B, respectively, can be performed by its users as described in the flow chart of FIG. 25.

FIG. 25 describes the steps performed during the method of remotely controlling an electrical power supplying system 145 shown in FIGS. 3A through 9, using a smartphone 143 or remote computing device operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet 250 and controlled in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown, the method comprises: (a) providing a multi -function module 145 operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet 250 by way of a IP packet router 199, and comprising a base docking station 157 having a set of AC electrical power receptacles 114A through 114C and one or more USB-type DC power receptacles 115A and 115B, and a module docking receptacle 156 for retaining therein a multi -function module 160 supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a remote control mode for controlling the AC and DC electrical power receptacles while the multi -function module 160 is docked in the module docking receptacle 156, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the multi -function module 160 is un-docked (i.e. removed) from the module-docking receptacle 156; (b) installing the multi -function module 145 in an environment 140 supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices 142, 143 and 144; (c) configuring the multi -function module 160 in the module docking receptacle 156; (d) selecting the remote control mode in the multi -function module 160; and (e) using a smartphone 143 or other computing device operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet to select one or more of the other modes supported by the multi- function module including remotely controlling the AC and DC electrical power receptacles 114A-114C and 115A-115B supported on the base docking station 157.

The remote smartphone 143 will typically support a remote control application running on its computing subsystem for providing GUI screens that allow the user to select which modes and features of the portable electrical power supplying system 145 should be remotely controlled, such as activating certain AC electrical power receptacles to activate lights or other power consuming devices, while deactivating other AC electrical power receptacles to deactivate lights or other consuming devices. Using such a remote control application on the remotely situated smartphone, the user can simply select the particular electrical power supplying system 145 to the remote controlled by its IP address which is typically assigned by a DHCP server running on the local network where the multi-function device is installed and deployed.

As shown in FIG. 26, the portable electrical power supplying system 145 is being used by several users using mobile computing devices 132A, 132B and 131. At any time, the multi -function module 160 can be used in its module docking station 157 to provide the various functions described above and illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 17. The multi-function module 160 may also be used to support the function illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43 and described above. Alternatively, the multi -function module 160 can be removed from its module docking station 157 and then used in any of the functions illustrated in FIGS. 18 through 23. Other uses will become apparent hereinafter in view of the present invention disclosure.

Alternative Embodiments of The Portable Electrical Power Supplying System Of The Present Invention

While the illustrative embodiment of the portable multi -function disclosed herein supports multiple functions (i.e. teleconferencing, music streaming, nigh-lite/emergency illumination, DC power supplying, and various combinations thereof), it is understood that alternative embodiments of the present invention include the provision, docking and use of portable plug-in type function modules that may support as little as a single function, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

In the third illustrative embodiment described above, the multi -function module 160 was provided with a number of subsystems to support various kinds of subsystem functions once enabled or activated either automatically, or manually, as the case may be. Using a single plug-in type multi -function module 160, described in detail above, which is dockable (i.e. plugin-able) within its module docking receptacle 156, users are provided with WI-FI, Bluetooth and/or 3G/4G controlled portable AC and DC power ports and external power cord management at the docking station 157, and numerous other functions including: an auto night light & emergency back-up light during a power outage; a WI-FI or 4G controlled smart AC and DC power outlets; a Bluetooth (BT) speaker for streaming audio from music to news to podcasts; a Bluetooth speakerphone and microphone for hands-free or telephone conference calls; and a mobile back-up battery for charging ones mobile, phone or tablet computer, and the like.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3B, 5A-5C, and 10-44, in particular, will include the portable electrical power supplying system 145 slightly modified or readily adapted to provide a portable electrical power supplying system 145' comprising (i) a module docking station 157 as described above, and (ii) a set of two or more plug-in type portable function modules 160'. In such alternative embodiments of the present invention, each plug-in type portable function module 160' embodies one or more subsystems described above so as to support one or more of the following functions: WI-FI, Bluetooth and/or 3G/4G controlled portable AC and DC power ports, external power cord management, and numerous functions including: an auto night light & emergency backup light during a power outage; a WI-FI or 4G controlled smart AC and DC power outlets; a Bluetooth (BT) speaker for streaming audio from music to news to podcasts; a Bluetooth speakerphone and microphone for hands-free or telephone conference calls; and a mobile back-up battery for charging ones mobile, phone or tablet computer, and the like.

In such alternative embodiments, each portable function module 160' may support only a single function, providing a single-function module 160', and users can choose which single-function modules 160' that wish to plug-into the module docking receptacle 157 of the system 145'. Further, some of the plug -in type function modules 160 may support two or more functions, providing multi -function modules 160" that can be used with the docketing station 157 of the system 145' . These and other variations and modification of the present invention will come to mind in view of the present invention disclosure.

Some Modifications That Readily Come to Mind

In the event that significant electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are generated by 60 HZ electrical currents flowing through appliance power cords during device operation, then EMF shielding measures or techniques known in the EMF shielding art can be practiced to reduce or eliminate the electromagnetic field strength outside the device during operation. Such EMF shielding measures might include applying metallic foil to the interior surfaces of the housing components, as well as other suitable measures known in the art.

Also, in general, the housing and other components of the portable electrical power supplying system of the present invention can be manufactured using injection molded plastics and/or other materials having suitable characteristics and properties which will be known to those skilled in the art.

While several modifications to the illustrative embodiments have been described above, it is understood that various other modifications to the illustrative embodiment of the present invention will readily occur to persons with ordinary skill in the art. All such modifications and variations are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the accompanying Claims to Invention.

Claims

Claim 1. A portable electrical power supplying system for use in an environment that may include one or more of a desktop computer system connected to a wireless printer, a mobile smartphone and a pad computer, said portable electrical power supplying system comprising: a module docking station having a module docking receptacle, and supporting a plurality of AC power receptacles, one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and a first module dock interface mounted within said module docking receptacle; and

a multi -function module for docking within said module docking receptacle;

wherein said multi -function module also includes a second module dock interface, and can be inserted within said module docking receptacle so that said first and second said dock interfaces interconnect with each other when said multi -function module is docked within said module docking receptacle; and

wherein said multi -function module supports one or more subsystem functions when docked within said module docking receptacle, and supports one or more system functions while located outside of said module docking receptacle.

Claim 2. The electrical power supplying system of Claim 1, wherein said module docking station comprises:

(i) a base housing portion having an external power cord storage compartment, with an internal spool about which a power cord can be neatly wrapped up and contained within said external power cord storage compartment; and

(ii) a power receptacle housing portion, connected to said base housing portion, and supporting said module docking receptacle, and containing said plurality of AC power receptacles, said one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and said first USB- based module dock interface mounted within said module docking receptacle.

Claim 3. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 2, wherein said power receptacle housing portion comprises a ring-like geometry supporting (i) said plurality of AC electrical receptacles for supplying electrical power to AC electrical power consuming devices using electrical power cords, and (ii) said one or more USB-type DC power receptacles for supplying DC electrical power to DC electrical power consuming devices using one or more USB cables.

Claim 4. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 2, wherein said multifunction module comprises a number of functional subsystems, namely:

a portable battery power storage subsystem and includes rechargeable battery module; a portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem including a LED array for producing illumination in response to the automatic detection of the light level in the ambient environment a photo-sensor;

a telephone conference subsystem including a microphone and a loudspeaker; and a music streaming subsystem for producing audio signals for music being played on a remote music player or mobile phone system transmitting music signals over the wireless communication interface;

wherein each said subsystem is housed in a portable compact module that is adapted for mated insertion into the module docking receptacle, and is controlled by a subsystem controller; and

wherein user-selectable controls for selecting modes, and controlling illumination temperature, illumination intensity, and audio volume are provided by said multi-function module and through said smartphone by way of said wireless communication interface.

Claim 5. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 4, wherein said multifunction module can be manually removed from said module docking receptacle in said module docking station by lifting up on the compact housing of said module, using the user's fingers, and thereby dis-engaging the physical connected between the interface connectors.

Claim 6. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 3, wherein said multifunction module supports a battery power storage subsystem, a night-light/emergency illumination subsystem, a telephone conference subsystem, and a music streaming subsystem, each said subsystem being realized using a PC board and components mounted thereon.

Claim 7. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 4, wherein said battery power storage subsystem is realized using a set of solid-state batteries, battery recharging circuitry, electrical sockets and battery holders.

Claim 8. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 4, wherein said portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem comprises: an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having different wavelength characteristics to produce illumination having different adjustable color temperatures, and being electrically connected to a LED driver circuitry mounted on the PC board, along with other components thereon, to drive the LEDs in a controlled manner to achieve the selected color temperature and intensity level; and

a photo-sensor and related electronic circuitry for detecting ambient illumination levels and generating analog or digital signals corresponding to the detected ambient illumination levels.

Claim 9. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 8, wherein said portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem further comprises:

a lens structure employing refractive, diffractive and/or reflective principles, for shaping the emitting light beam from the LED array to meet the design requirements for a night-light.

Claim 10. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 8, wherein a processor on said PC board is programmed to support the control of LED driving circuitry controlling the illumination generated in from the LEDs in response to ambient lighting conditions detected by said photo-sensor.

Claim 11. A portable electrical power supplying system for use in an environment that may include one or more of a desktop computer system connected to a wireless printer, a mobile smartphone and a pad computer, said portable electrical power supplying system comprising: a module docking station having a module docking receptacle, and supporting a plurality of AC power receptacles, one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and a first USB-based module dock interface mounted in the central bottom portion of said module docking receptacle; and

a portable module for docking said portable module within said module docking receptacle;

wherein said portable module also includes a second USB-based module dock interface, and can be inserted within said module docking receptacle so that said first and second said USB-based module dock interfaces interconnect with each other when said portable module is docked within said module docking receptacle; and wherein said portable module supports one or more subsystem functions when docked within said module docking receptacle, and supports one or more system functions while located outside of said module docking receptacle.

Claim 12. The electrical power supplying system of Claim 1, wherein said module docking station comprises:

Claim 13. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 12, wherein said power receptacle housing portion comprises a ring-like geometry supporting (i) said plurality of AC electrical receptacles for supplying electrical power to AC electrical power consuming devices using electrical power cords, and (ii) said one or more USB-type DC power receptacles for supplying DC electrical power to DC electrical power consuming devices using one or more USB cables.

Claim 14. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 12, wherein said portable module comprises a number of functional subsystems, namely:

wherein each said subsystem is housed in a portable compact module that is adapted for mated insertion into the module docking receptacle, and is controlled by a subsystem controller; and wherein user-selectable controls for selecting modes, and controlling illumination temperature, illumination intensity, and audio volume are provided by said portable module and through said smartphone by way of said wireless communication interface.

Claim 15. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 14, wherein said portable module can be manually removed from said module docking receptacle in said module docking station by lifting up on the compact housing of said module, using the user's fingers, and thereby dis-engaging the physical connected between the USB-type interface connectors.

Claim 16. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 13, wherein said portable module supports a battery power storage subsystem, a night-light/emergency illumination subsystem, a telephone conference subsystem, and a music streaming subsystem, each said subsystem being realized using a PC board and components mounted thereon.

Claim 17. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 14, wherein said battery power storage subsystem is realized using a set of solid-state batteries, battery recharging circuitry, electrical sockets and battery holders.

Claim 18. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 14, wherein said portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem comprises:

an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having different wavelength characteristics to produce illumination having different adjustable color temperatures, and being electrically connected to a LED driver circuitry mounted on the PC board, along with other components thereon, to drive the LEDs in a controlled manner to achieve the selected color temperature and intensity level; and

Claim 19. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 18, wherein said portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem further comprises:

Claim 20. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 18, wherein a processor on said PC board is programmed to support the control of LED driving circuitry controlling the illumination generated in from the LEDs in response to ambient lighting conditions detected by said photo-sensor.

Claim 21. A portable electrical power supplying system for use in an environment that may include one or more of a desktop computer system connected to a wireless printer, a mobile smartphone and a pad computer, said portable electrical power supplying system comprising: a module docking station having a module docking receptacle, and supporting a plurality of AC power receptacles, one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and a first module dock interface mounted within said module docking receptacle; and

a multi -function module for docking within said module docking receptacle;

wherein said multi -function module also includes a second module dock interface, and can be inserted within said module docking receptacle so that said first and second said module dock interfaces interconnect with each other when said multi -function module is docked within said module docking receptacle; and

Claim 22. An electrical power supplying system of Claim 21, wherein said module docking station comprises:

(ii) a power receptacle housing portion, connected to said base housing portion, and supporting said module docking receptacle, and containing said plurality of AC power receptacles, said one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and said first module dock interface mounted in the central bottom portion of said module docking receptacle.

Claim 23. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 22, wherein said power receptacle housing portion comprises a ring-like geometry supporting (i) said plurality of AC electrical receptacles for supplying electrical power to AC electrical power consuming devices using electrical power cords, and (ii) said one or more USB-type DC power receptacles for supplying DC electrical power to DC electrical power consuming devices using one or more USB cables.

Claim 24. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 22, wherein said multifunction module comprises a number of functional subsystems, namely:

Claim 25. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 24, wherein said multifunction module can be manually removed from said module docking receptacle in said module docking station by lifting up on the compact housing of said module, using the user's fingers, and thereby dis-engaging the physical connected between the interface connectors.

Claim 26. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 23, wherein said multifunction module supports a battery power storage subsystem, a night-light/emergency illumination subsystem, a telephone conference subsystem, and a music streaming subsystem, each said subsystem being realized using a PC board and components mounted thereon.

Claim 27. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 24, wherein said battery power storage subsystem is realized using a set of solid-state batteries, battery recharging circuitry, electrical sockets and battery holders.

Claim 28. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 24, wherein said portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem comprises:

Claim 29. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 28, wherein said portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem further comprises:

Claim 30. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 28, wherein a processor on said PC board is programmed to support the control of LED driving circuitry controlling the illumination generated in from the LEDs in response to ambient lighting conditions detected by said photo-sensor.

Claim 31. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 39, wherein a processor on said PC board is programmed to support the control of LED driving circuitry controlling the intensity and/or color temperature of the illumination generated in from said LEDs in response to light color temperature selection controls that may have been activated or selected by way of an computer application running on a smartphone in communication with said module via a wireless interface.

Claim 32. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 31, wherein said telephone conference subsystem is housed in a portable compact housing including: an audio loudspeaker for reproducing the audio voice signals detected by the mobile smartphone wirelessly interfaced with the telephone conference subsystem by way of the wireless communication interface supported by said multi -function module;

a microphone having a wide audio pickup pattern for picking up voice and other sound patterns and generating corresponding electrical signals that are transmitted to the telephone conference subsystem for signal processing; and

a processor programmed to support telephone conferencing among the smartphone device establishing a wireless connection with said multi -function module by way of a wireless interface connection, supported between the smartphone and said multi-function module.

Claim 33. A method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player using a multi -function module and a smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi-function module including a loudspeaker for producing audible sound including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docketing cavity, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module-docketing cavity;

(b) installing said electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices;

(c) configuring the multi -function module in the module docking receptacle;

(d) selecting the music playback mode in the multi -function module, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection with the smartphone;

(e) operating the portable mp3 music player so as to play back a music recording running on the smartphone, and sending digital signals from the smartphone over the wireless interface connection to the multi -function module; and

(f) the multi-function module receiving and processing the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker mounted in the multi -function module.

Claim 34. A method of conducting a teleconference initiated on a smartphone across a telephone network, using a electrical power supplying system and a smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, comprising:

(a) providing a electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein an multi -function module including a microphone for detecting voice signal during a teleconference session and a loudspeaker for reproducing voice signals during the teleconference session, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the multi -function module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night- light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module multi -function is un- docked from the module docking receptacle;

(c) configuring the multi -function module in the module docking receptacle;

(d) selecting the teleconference mode in the multi -function module, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection with the smartphone;

(e) operating said smartphone so as to accept said wireless Bluetooth interface connection from the multi -function module and supporting a telephone conferencing session with one or more remote telephone devices connected to the telephone network, using the smartphone and the microphone and loudspeaker in the multi -function module; and

(f) during the telephone conferencing session, the multi -function module (i) receiving digital signals received from the smartphone and corresponding to voice signals from the one or more remote telephones, and converting the digital signals into analog signals that are provided to the loudspeaker during the teleconferencing session, and (ii) generating analog signals corresponding to voice signals detected by the microphone during the voice session, and converting these analog signals into digital signals that are transmitted to the smartphone during the telephone conferencing session.

Claim 35. A method of illuminating an environment during the night-time using a multifunction module, comprising:

(a) providing a electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi-function module including an LED array for producing a field of illumination in response to detected conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light/emergency illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle;

(c) configuring the multi -function module in the module docking receptacle; and

(d) the multi -function module automatically detecting low-illumination levels in the ambient environment, and in response thereto, the LED array generating a field of illumination to provide night-lighting in the ambient environment.

Claim 36. A method of illuminating an environment during detected emergency conditions (e.g. power line failures) using an electrical power supplying system comprising:

(a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi-function module including an LED array for producing a field of illumination in response to detected emergency conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and an emergency illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docketing cavity, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the multi-function module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle;

(c) configuring the multi -function module 160 in the module docking receptacle; and

(d) signal level sensing circuitry in the multi -function module (or within the adapter) automatically detecting predefined emergency conditions (e.g. power line failure) in the ambient environment, and in response thereto, the LED array generating a field of illumination to provide emergency lighting in the ambient environment.

Claim 37. A method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone) using a electrical power supplying system and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising: (a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi-function module including a loudspeaker for producing audible sound including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle;

(c) configuring the multi -function module outside the module docking receptacle;

(e) operating the portable mp3 music player so as to play back a music recording running on the smartphone, and sending digital signals from the smartphone (over the wireless interface connection) to the multi -function module; and

(f) the multi -function module receiving and processing the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker mounted in the multi -function module.

Claim 38. A method of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player while illuminating the ambient environment using an electrical power supplying system and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, comprising:

(a) providing a electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi-function module including an LED lighting array, and a loudspeaker for producing audible sounds including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night- light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle;

(c) configuring the multi -function module outside the module docking receptacle; (d) selecting the music playback mode and night-light illumination mode in the multifunction module, and setting up a wireless Bluetooth interface connection 204 with the smartphone;

(e) operating said portable mp3 music player so as to playback a music recording running on the smartphone, and sending digital signals from the smartphone over the wireless interface connection to said multi-function module; and

(f) the multi -function module receiving and processing the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker mounted in the multi -function module, while the LED light array produces a field of illumination in response to detected low-illumination levels or manual selection of illumination generation.

Claim 39. A method of charging a portable DC electrical energy consuming device (e.g. smartphone) using a multi -function module and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising:

(a) providing an electrical power supplying system comprising a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi-function module including an LED array for producing a field of illumination in response to detected conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night- light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module-docking receptacle;

(c) undocking said multi -function module from said module docking receptacle; and

(d) connecting said multi -function module to a portable DC electrical energy consuming device using a USB or like connector cable; and

(e) discharging stored DC power in said multi -function across said USB or like connector cable to charge the battery aboard said portable DC electrical power consuming device.

Claim 40. A method of remotely controlling a multi -function electrical power supplying system using a smartphone or remote computing device operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet and controlled, comprises:

(a) providing a multi-function electrical power supplying system operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet by way of a IP packet router, and comprising a base docking station having a set of AC electrical power receptacles and one or more USB- type DC power receptacles, and a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multifunction module supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a remote control mode for controlling the AC and DC electrical power receptacles while the module is docked in said module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night- light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from said module-docking receptacle;

(b) installing said electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming;

(c) configuring the multi -function module in the module docking receptacle;

(d) selecting the remote control mode in the multi -function module; and

(e) using a smartphone or other computing device operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet to select one or more of the other modes supported by the multifunction module including remotely controlling the AC and DC electrical power receptacles supported on the base docking station.

Claim 41. A portable electrical power supplying system for use in an environment that may include one or more of a desktop computer system connected to a wireless printer, a mobile smartphone and a pad computer, said portable electrical power supplying system comprising: a module docking station having a module docking receptacle, and supporting a plurality of AC power receptacles, one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and a first USB-based module dock interface mounted in the central bottom portion of said module docking receptacle; and

wherein said portable module also includes a second USB-based module dock interface, and can be inserted within said module docking receptacle so that said first and second said USB-based module dock interfaces interconnect with each other when said portable module is docked within said module docking receptacle; and

wherein said portable module supports one or more subsystem functions when docked within said module docking receptacle, and supports one or more system functions while located outside of said module docking receptacle.

Claim 42. An electrical power supplying system of Claim 21, wherein said module docking station comprises:

(ii) a power receptacle housing portion, connected to said base housing portion, and supporting said module docking receptacle, and containing said plurality of AC power receptacles, said one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and said first USB- based module dock interface mounted in the central bottom portion of said module docking receptacle.

Claim 43. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 42, wherein said power receptacle housing portion comprises a ring-like geometry supporting (i) said plurality of AC electrical receptacles for supplying electrical power to AC electrical power consuming devices using electrical power cords, and (ii) said one or more USB-type DC power receptacles for supplying DC electrical power to DC electrical power consuming devices using one or more USB cables.

Claim 44. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 42, wherein said portable module comprises a number of functional subsystems, namely:

a telephone conference subsystem including a microphone and a loudspeaker; and a music streaming subsystem for producing audio signals for music being played on a remote music player or mobile phone system transmitting music signals over the wireless communication interface; wherein each said subsystem is housed in a portable compact module that is adapted for mated insertion into the module docking receptacle, and is controlled by a subsystem controller; and

wherein user-selectable controls for selecting modes, and controlling illumination temperature, illumination intensity, and audio volume are provided by said portable module and through said smartphone by way of said wireless communication interface.

Claim 45. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 44, wherein said portable module can be manually removed from said module docking receptacle in said module docking station by lifting up on the compact housing of said module, using the user's fingers, and thereby dis-engaging the physical connected between the USB-type interface connectors.

Claim 46. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 43, wherein said portable module supports a battery power storage subsystem, a night-light/emergency illumination subsystem, a telephone conference subsystem, and a music streaming subsystem, each said subsystem being realized using a PC board and components mounted thereon.

Claim 47. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 44, wherein said battery power storage subsystem is realized using a set of solid-state batteries, battery recharging circuitry, electrical sockets and battery holders.

Claim 48. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 44, wherein said portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem comprises:

Claim 49. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 48, wherein said portable night-light/emergency illumination subsystem further comprises: a lens structure employing refractive, diffractive and/or reflective principles, for shaping the emitting light beam from the LED array to meet the design requirements for a night-light.

Claim 50. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 48, wherein a processor on said PC board is programmed to support the control of LED driving circuitry controlling the illumination generated in from the LEDs in response to ambient lighting conditions detected by said photo-sensor.

Claim 51. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 49, wherein a processor on said PC board is programmed to support the control of LED driving circuitry controlling the intensity and/or color temperature of the illumination generated in from said LEDs in response to light color temperature selection controls that may have been activated or selected by way of an computer application running on a smartphone in communication with said portable module via a wireless interface.

Claim 52. The portable electrical power supplying system of Claim 51, wherein said telephone conference subsystem is housed in a portable compact housing including:

an audio loudspeaker for reproducing the audio voice signals detected by the mobile smartphone wirelessly interfaced with the telephone conference subsystem by way of the wireless communication interface supported by said portable module;

a processor programmed to support telephone conferencing among the smartphone device establishing a wireless connection with said portable module by way of a wireless interface connection, supported between the smartphone and said portable module.

Claim 53. A system for delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player using a multi -function module and a smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, said system comprising:

an electrical power supplying system including a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including a loudspeaker for producing audible sound including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docketing cavity, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module-docketing cavity, wherein said electrical power supplying system in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices;

wherein said multi -function module is installed in said module docking receptacle; wherein said multi -function module is configured in the music playback mode, and a wireless Bluetooth interface connection is set up with said smartphone;

wherein the portable mp3 music player is operated so as to play back a music recording running on the smartphone, and digital signals are sent from said smartphone over the wireless interface connection to the multi -function module; and

wherein said multi -function module receives and processes the digital signals and producing an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker mounted in said multi -function module.

Claim 54. A system for conducting a teleconference initiated on a smartphone across a telephone network, using a electrical power supplying system and a smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, said system comprising:

an electrical power supplying system including a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein an multi -function module including a microphone for detecting voice signal during a teleconference session and a loudspeaker for reproducing voice signals during the teleconference session, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the multi -function module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module multi -function is un-docked from the module docking receptacle;

wherein said electrical power supplying system is installed in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming devices;

wherein said multi -function module is configured in said module docking receptacle; wherein said teleconference mode is selected in said multi -function module, and a wireless Bluetooth interface connection is set up with the smartphone; wherein said smartphone is operated so as to accept said wireless Bluetooth interface connection from the multi -function module and supporting a telephone conferencing session with one or more remote telephone devices connected to the telephone network, using the smartphone and the microphone and loudspeaker in the multi -function module; and

wherein during the telephone conferencing session, the multi -function module (i) receiving digital signals received from the smartphone and corresponding to voice signals from the one or more remote telephones, and converting the digital signals into analog signals that are provided to the loudspeaker during the teleconferencing session, and (ii) generating analog signals corresponding to voice signals detected by the microphone during the voice session, and converting these analog signals into digital signals that are transmitted to the smartphone during the telephone conferencing session.

Claim 55. A system for illuminating an environment during the night-time using a multifunction module, said system comprising:

a electrical power supplying system including a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including an LED array for producing a field of illumination in response to detected conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night- light/emergency illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night- light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle;

wherein said multi -function module is configured in said module docking receptacle; and

wherein said multi -function module automatically detects low-illumination levels in the ambient environment, and in response thereto, the LED array generates a field of illumination to provide night-lighting in the ambient environment.

Claim 56. A system for illuminating an environment during detected emergency conditions using an electrical power supplying system, said system comprising:

an electrical power supplying system including a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including an LED array for producing a field of illumination in response to detected emergency conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and an emergency illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docketing cavity, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the multi -function module is un- docked from the module docking receptacle;

wherein said multi-function module is configured in said module docking receptacle; and

wherein signal level sensing circuitry in said multi -function module or within an adapter automatically detects predefined emergency conditions such as power line failure in the ambient environment, and in response thereto, said LED array generates a field of illumination to provide emergency lighting in the ambient environment.

Claim 57. A system for delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player (e.g. running on a smartphone) using an electrical power supplying system and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, said comprising:

an electrical power supplying system ubcluding a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including a loudspeaker for producing audible sound including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle;

wherein said multi -function module is configured outside said module docking receptacle;

wherein the music playback mode is selected in said multi -function module, and a wireless Bluetooth interface connection is set up with the smartphone; wherein the portable mp3 music player is operated so as to play back a music recording running on the smartphone, and sending digital signals from the smartphone (over the wireless interface connection) to the multi -function module; and

wherein said multi -function module receives and processes the digital signals and produces an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker mounted in the multi -function module.

Claim 58. A system of delivering an audio reproduction of a music recording playing back on a portable mp3 music player while illuminating the ambient environment using an electrical power supplying system and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, said system comprising:

an electrical power supplying system including a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including an LED lighting array, and a loudspeaker for producing audible sounds including music, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module-docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module docking receptacle;

wherein said music playback mode and night-light illumination mode is selected in said multi -function module, and a wireless Bluetooth interface connection is set up with the smartphone;

wherein said portable mp3 music player is operated so as to playback a music recording running on the smartphone, and sending digital signals from the smartphone over the wireless interface connection to said multi-function module; and

wherein said multi -function module receives and processes the digital signals and produces an audio reproduction of the music recording playing back on the portable mp3 music player, through the loudspeaker mounted in the multi -function module, while the LED light array produces a field of illumination in response to detected low-illumination levels or manual selection of illumination generation.

Claim 59. A system for charging a portable DC electrical energy consuming device (e.g. smartphone) using a multi -function module and smartphone arranged in wireless communication therewith, said system comprises:

an electrical power supplying system including a module docking station with a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module including an LED array for producing a field of illumination in response to detected conditions, and supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, and a night-light illumination mode while the module is docked in the module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from the module-docking receptacle;

wherein said multi -function module is removed from said module docking receptacle; and

wherein said multi -function module is connected to a portable DC electrical energy consuming device using a USB or like connector cable; and

wherein stored DC power is discharged in said multi -function across said USB or like connector cable to charge the battery aboard said portable DC electrical power consuming device.

Claim 60. A system for remotely controlling a multi -function electrical power supplying system using a smartphone or remote computing device operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet and controlled, said system comprises:

a multi -function electrical power supplying system operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet by way of a IP packet router, and including a base docking station having a set of AC electrical power receptacles and one or more USB-type DC power receptacles, and a module docking receptacle for retaining therein a multi -function module supporting at least one of a music playback mode, a telephone conferencing mode, a night- light illumination mode and a remote control mode for controlling the AC and DC electrical power receptacles while the module is docked in said module docking receptacle, and at least one of a music playback mode, telephone conferencing mode, a night-light illumination mode and a battery charging mode while the module is un-docked from said module-docking receptacle;

wherein said electrical power supplying system is installed in an environment supporting one or more AC and DC electrical power consuming;

wherein said multi -function module is configured in said module docking receptacle; wherein the remote control mode is selected in said multi -function module; and wherein using a smartphone or other computing device operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet to select one or more of the other modes supported by the multi -function module including remotely controlling the AC and DC electrical power receptacles supported on the base docking station.