Method and apparatus for controlling the provision of power to c

Details Method and apparatus for controlling the provision of power to c Method and apparatus for controlling the provision of power to c

1993-07-28

1995-04-18

Harvey, Jack B.

Excavating

395575, 371 66, G06F 132

Patent

active

054086680

ABSTRACT:
The provision of power to a peripheral of a computer system is controlled by first receiving input signals from an input source, such as a keyboard, mouse, printer port, or an occupancy sensor. The input signals are then processed to determine whether power should be provided to the peripheral, and if so, an activation signal is generated. In response to this activation signal, the peripheral is connected to an external power source, thereby turning the peripheral on. Thereafter, the input signals continue to be processed to determine whether power should be disconnected from the peripheral, and if so, a deactivation signal is generated. The peripheral is disconnected from the power source in response to the deactivation signal to turn the peripheral off. An apparatus for carrying out the method described above comprises an input port for receiving the input signals, a processor the processing the input signals, and a connection circuit for selectively connecting the peripheral to a power source. The input port receives the input signals and passes them on to the processor. The processor monitors the input signals for input signal activity, and if there is input signal activity, the processor processes the input signals to determine whether the peripheral needs to be turned on. If so, the processor generates and sends an activation signal to the connection circuit to cause the connection circuit to connect the peripheral to a power source, thereby, turning the peripheral on. Thereafter, the processor continues to monitor the input signals for input signal activity, and if no activity is detected, the processor starts a timer having a selected time limit. If no activity is detected before the time limit expires, the processor generates and sends a deactivation signal to the connection circuit, which causes the connection circuit to disconnect the peripheral from the power source, thereby, turning the peripheral off. Thus, the peripheral is automatically turned off when it is not needed in order to minimize the power consumed by the peripheral.

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