Method and system for conserving power and improving...

Telephonic communications – Telephone line or system combined with diverse electrical... – Remote control

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C379S093020, C379S142050

Reexamination Certificate

active

06687348

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computers and more specifically to conserving power when using computers with remote startup features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is currently common practice in the computer industry to provide several means, in addition to the power switch, for powering up a computer system from a powered down state. The “powered down” state can be either a cold power off state or a stand-by or power saving state. Means for powering up a personal computer include, for example, utilization of an internal timer, keyboard or mouse input, and various external stimuli such as a “ring” signal detected by a modem attached to a telephone line.
In the case of a “ring” signal, the modem sends a “wake” signal to the computer when the modem detects the “ring” signal. This feature may be desirable for remote power up. Typically, not every call detected by the modem is for the purpose of powering up the computer. Many of these calls are a voice telephone call. However, conventionally, the computer is powered up each time the modem detects the “ring” signal. This wastes power. An extra telephone line dedicated to the computer may be installed, however, this results in an extra expense.
Accordingly, what is needed is an improved method and system for remotely powering up a computer. The improved method and system should discriminate between received telephone calls. It should avoid powering up the computer when the received call is not for this purpose. The present invention addresses such a need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method for remotely powering up a computer, includes: receiving a telephone call by a device coupled to a powered down computer; determining an originator's telephone number for the telephone call; determining if the originator's telephone number matches one of a plurality of authorized telephone numbers; and powering up the computer if the originator's telephone number matches one of the plurality of authorized telephone numbers. The method and system utilizes the well known “Caller-ID” technology to determine the originator's telephone number for a telephone call received by a modem coupled to the computer. If there is no match, the computer remains in a powered down state. In this manner, the system discriminates between the received telephone calls, and avoids powering up the computer when the received call is not for this purpose. This avoids wasting power.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4656318 (1987-04-01), Noyes
patent: 5343516 (1994-08-01), Callele et al.
patent: 5351289 (1994-09-01), Logsdon et al.
patent: 5377260 (1994-12-01), Long
patent: 5727047 (1998-03-01), Bentley et al.
patent: 5926534 (1999-07-01), Correia, II
patent: 6111939 (2000-08-01), Brabanec

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