U.S. patent application number 14/148983 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-01 for rotatable fan array rotated based on computer process execution for personal computer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ez-Tech Corp (d/b/a Maingear), Ez-Tech Corp (d/b/a Maingear). The applicant listed for this patent is Ez-Tech Corp (d/b/a Maingear), Ez-Tech Corp (d/b/a Maingear). Invention is credited to Wallace Santos.
Application Number | 20140118926 14/148983 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47141734 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140118926 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Santos; Wallace |
May 1, 2014 |
Rotatable Fan Array Rotated Based on Computer Process Execution for
Personal Computer
Abstract
Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a computer with
at least one fan which may change orientation based on anticipated
or actual heat of a device within the computer. The fan, in an
embodiment of the disclosed technology, may point towards a central
processing unit, a graphics card, or any other device generating
heat, and, based on various thresholds, the fan may change
direction to remove hot air from a more urgently needed device or
section of the interior of a computer.
Inventors: |
Santos; Wallace; (Union,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ez-Tech Corp (d/b/a Maingear) |
Kenilworth |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ez-Tech Corp (d/b/a
Maingear)
Kenilworth
NJ
|
Family ID: |
47141734 |
Appl. No.: |
14/148983 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13105159 |
May 11, 2011 |
8655502 |
|
|
14148983 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.48 ;
361/695 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/206 20130101;
G06F 1/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.48 ;
361/695 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/20 20060101
G06F001/20 |
Claims
1. A computer case comprising: a graphics processing device and a
central processing unit; a fan rotatable between a first and second
orientation, said first orientation causing said fan to point
towards said graphics processing device, and said second
orientation causing said fan to point towards said central
processing unit, said pointing carried out by way of changing a
vertical direction of said fan between pointing towards a top panel
and a bottom panel of said computer case.
2. The computer case of claim 1, wherein a choice is made between
said first and said second orientation based on usage of said
graphics processing device or said central processing unit above a
predefined threshold.
3. The computer case of claim 1, wherein a choice is made between
said first and said second orientation based on temperature of said
graphics processing device or said central processing unit above a
predefined threshold.
4. The computer case of claim 1, wherein said fan is at least two
fans, and at least one blows air towards said graphics processing
device or central processing unit, and at least one fan sucks air
away from said graphics processing device or said central
processing unit.
5. The computer case of claim 4, wherein said at least two fans are
at least three fans, one fan directs air towards said top of said
graphics processing device, one fan directs air towards said bottom
of said graphics processing device, and one fan sucks air from said
graphics processing device.
6-15. (canceled)
16. A system for changing the direction of airflow within a
electronic cabinet, comprising: a directional fan mounted in said
electronic cabinet; means for detecting usage of a heat-generating
device within said electronic cabinet; means for rotating said
directional fan towards said heat-generating device; means for
prioritizing direction of said fan based on anticipated and actual
heat generated wherein said directional fan is rotated upwards and
downwards relative to a top panel and a bottom panel of said
electronic enclosure.
17. (canceled)
18. The system of claim 16, wherein said means for determining
anticipated generated heat comprise engagement of usage of a
processor on a said heat-generating device.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said engagement of usage is
engagement of usage above a pre-defined threshold of utilization
for a pre-defined period of time.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein a plurality of directional fans
is rotated in different directions upon said detection of usage of
a heat generating device.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein said plurality of directional
fans have an axis of rotation of up to .+-.45.degree. from a top
panel to a bottom panel of said electronic enclosure.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[0001] The disclosed technology relates generally to cooling in
computer systems, and more particularly, to air flow of such
systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[0002] Overheating is a well-known problem in the art of
electronics. Peripherals, microchips, and data storage devices, as
well as almost all mechanical, electrical, or biological items,
have optimal, preferable, and required temperature ranges in which
they function. As the ambient temperature changes, which is usually
a rise in heat when such objects are in operation, efficiency
decreases, or even the ability to operate at all.
[0003] In electronic cabinets, such as computer cases, the use of
fans, liquid cooling, designs taking advantage of convection
currents, and/or heat sinks to move heat away from hot spots and
out of the case, is known in the art. So, for example, in a typical
personal computer, a fan, heat sink, or both is/are placed over the
central processing unit (CPU) because this device is a major source
of heat. Similarly, fans are typically placed in power supplies and
vent towards the outside of a case for the same reason.
[0004] However, heat generation and dissipation are still problems
in modern day computers. Needed are more efficient mechanisms for
either decreasing the heat generated, or more efficiently removing
the heat from devices generating same, and/or the computer case
itself.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[0005] An object of the disclosed technology is to direct a fan
towards an area of greatest need within an electronic cabinet, such
as a computer case.
[0006] Another object is to keep a computer running at maximal
performance.
[0007] In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a computer
case has a graphics processing device (such as a video card,
graphics processing unit (GPU), and other devices known in the art
for processing instructions and providing video output) and a CPU
(central processing unit). A fan rotatable between a first and
second orientation, the first orientation causing the fan to point
towards the graphics processing device, and the second orientation
causing the fan to point towards the CPU, is claimed. In
embodiments, a choice is made between the two orientations based on
usage of the GPU or the CPU, such as above a predefined threshold
of utilization over a period of time or at a single measured moment
of time. In other embodiments, the choice is made based on the
temperature of the graphics processing device or the central
processing unit above a predefined threshold.
[0008] In embodiments of the disclosed technology, there are at
least two fans. One fan blows air towards the graphics processing
device or central processing unit, while another sucks air away
from the device or unit. Both fans are rotatable. In another
embodiment, there are three fans. One fan directs air towards the
top of the graphics processing device, one fan directs air towards
the bottom of the graphics processing device, and one fan sucks air
from the graphics processing device.
[0009] In a method of directing air flow in a computer case based
on heat generation, an embodiment of the disclosed technology
proceeds as follows. First, it is determined when a heat-related
attribute of a first device within the computer rises above a
pre-defined starting threshold. Then, at least one fan is rotated
towards the first device such that airflow is directed more towards
the first device than previously. If a heat-related attribute of a
second device within the computer rises above a pre-defined
starting threshold, then the fan may be rotated towards the second
device, if the heat-related attribute of the new/second device
takes priority over the attribute of the first device. Finally, at
least one fan is returned to its original position upon all
heat-related attributes being below a finishing threshold.
[0010] The finishing threshold(s) may be lower than, or the same
as, the pre-defined starting threshold(s). That is, where the
heat-related attribute is temperature, the starting threshold may
be a first temperature, whereas the finishing threshold, where the
fan moves to another orientation (e.g., starting, resting, or
towards another device) is at a lower second temperature only.
[0011] In some embodiments, the CPU heat-related attributes always
take precedence over heat-related attributes of other devices. In
others, the fan is rotated towards the second device only after the
heat-related attribute of the first device falls below the
finishing threshold of said first device. Two fans may be used, and
at least one fan sucks air away from the pointed-to device.
[0012] A heat-related attribute is usage of a said device known to
generate above-average amounts of heat, such as usage of a
three-dimensional graphics rendering engine, a floating point unit,
a graphics processing unit, or other device which otherwise sits
idle at times. "Usage" may be defined as any usage at all, usage
over a certain period of time, and/or usage above a pre-defined
minimum utilization of a processor. Another heat-related attribute
is the temperature of a device.
[0013] A system for changing the direction of airflow within an
electronic cabinet is also disclosed. The system has a directional
fan mounted in the electronic cabinet, means for detecting usage of
a heat-generating device within the electronic cabinet, means for
rotating the directional fan towards the heat-generating device,
and means for prioritizing direction of the fan based on
anticipated and actual heat generated. The means for determining
actual heat generated and/or usage of a heat-generating device may
be a thermometer. Means for determining anticipated heat generated
may include engagement of usage of a processor (starting to use
such a processor or sub-processor or usage above a pre-defined
threshold of utilization for a pre-defined period of time) on a
heat-generating device, such as a processor on a video card or
motherboard. A plurality of directional fans may be rotated, each
in a different direction, upon detection of usage of a heat
generating device.
[0014] Further details are set forth in the detailed description
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of an open computer case
comprising a plurality of fans placed at a multiple of 90 degrees
to each other in an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows the computer case of FIG. 1 with rotatable fans
of the plurality of fans directing air flow downwards.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows the computer case of FIG. 1 with rotatable fans
of the plurality of fans directing air flow upwards.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows the computer case of FIG. 1 with rotatable fans
of the plurality of fans pointed towards a peripheral card.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows the computer case of FIG. 1 with rotatable fans
of the plurality of fans pointed towards a central processing unit
(CPU).
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a reverse perspective view of the computer case
of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a reverse perspective view of the computer case
of FIG. 1 with a single fan orienting airflow upwards.
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of steps taken in determining how
to rotate fans used in embodiments of the disclosed technology.
[0023] FIG. 9 shows a preference order for directing air flow in
embodiments of the disclosed technology.
[0024] FIG. 10 shows a high-level block diagram of a device that
may be used to carry out the disclosed technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[0025] Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise an
electronic cabinet or personal computer case (herein defined as a
subset of the category of electronic cabinets designed for a
personal computer, housing a CPU, one or more disk drives, volatile
memory, power supply, and motherboard, or equivalents thereof) with
at least one rotatable fan. As it is obvious in the art that fan
blades spin about a central axis, here, the term "rotatable fan,"
as used in this disclosure, refers to a secondary meaning of
"rotate." Here, "rotatable fan" is defined as the ability to change
the orientation of the direction of airflow created by the spinning
fan blades, generally by altering the orientation of a fan
assembly, including a spindle to which the fan blades are attached.
Further, for purposes of the disclosure, "fan" is defined as any
directionally orientable device with the ability to directly affect
air flow.
[0026] In this manner, the rotatable fan is positioned, in
embodiments of the disclosed technology, to cause the greatest
velocity of air currents in a desired direction, or in combination
with a plurality of fans, to control the direction of airflow
throughout the cabinet or case. The fans may act synchronously
(move together) or asynchronously (face in directions such that
airflow from each fan opposes every other). Thus, the fans may, for
example, be pointed upwards or downwards to cause air to flow in
the respective direction. Or, in an asynchronous manner, one fan
may direct air downwards and another upwards, such as at 45 degree
angles, so that the airflow is generally horizontal at a mid-region
between two fans.
[0027] Still further, in embodiments of the disclosed technology,
the method of determining when a fan points in a certain direction
is based on data from thermometers or other temperature measuring
devices placed at various locations within the case. Thermometers
may also be integrated into peripherals, such as video cards, hard
disks, and CPUs or motherboards.
[0028] Still further, in embodiments of the disclosed technology,
the method of determining when a fan points in a certain direction
is software controlled and/or based on interrupt signals or data
being transferred via the bus system of the computer. That is, if
for example, a spreadsheet calculation is underway and the process
is CPU-use heavy, the fans point towards the CPU. On the other
hand, if a video game is being played which requires complex
rendering, based on such an application being run and/or a measured
number of interrupts above a pre-defined threshold and/or while
interrupts or CPU usage (or other such indicators) are below a
certain threshold, the fans point towards the graphics card to
dissipate heat from this peripheral.
[0029] Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer
in view of the following description of the Figures.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of an open computer case
comprising a plurality of fans at a multiple of 90 degrees to each
other in an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 7 shows a
reverse perspective view of the computer case of FIG. 1, with a
single fan orienting airflow upwards. Any computer case or
electronic cabinet known in the art may be retrofitted or designed
to carry out embodiments of the disclosed technology, and the
technology is not limited to the exemplary case shown in the
figures. Computer case 100 comprises a bottom panel 102, front
panel 104, top panel 106, and back panel 108. Two side panels, for
a total of six sides, are found on most cases, such as those used
in embodiments of the disclosed technology. Typical computers also
include such items as one or more CPUs (under fan 152), slots for
volatile memory/random access memory 124, drive bays 122 for
housing CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), DVD (digital
versatile disk), and other disk drives. Various microchips are on
the mother board, though they have not been labeled for clarity of
the drawings, the motherboard being a generally flat rectangular
board, in this figure extending vertically behind the fans and
other identified items within the computer case 100. Motherboards
are, of course, generally known in the art. In the particular case
shown in FIG. 1, a divider 120 separates a top inner portion from a
lower inner portion where a power supply is housed.
[0031] In embodiments of the disclosed technology, any number of
rotatable fans may be utilized. For example, in FIG. 1, a CPU fan
152 is placed over the CPU, a rear exhaust fan 150 pushing air out
of the rear panel 108 of the case 100, fan on the peripheral 110,
and two standing fans 154. Fans 150, 154, and 156 are rotatable in
this embodiment and are shown in FIG. 1 with the long axes thereof
pointing horizontally to (perpendicular to) the invisible flat
surface on which the computer case 100 rests. In this
configuration, fans 154 and 156 blow air normal to the back panel
108 of the case, and fan 150 blows air through the back panel 108
at a right angle to the panel (directly through).
[0032] FIG. 2 shows the computer case of FIG. 1 with rotatable fans
of the plurality of fans directing air flow downwards. In this
figure, fans 154 and 156 primarily direct air past the peripheral
110 (as described above, an add-on card such as a video card) to
remove hot air there from. Fan 150 conversely pulls air away from
the peripheral 110 and pushes it in a slightly upward direction out
of the back panel 108 of the case 100. In this manner, when the
peripheral 110, such as a graphics card, is generating the most, or
a higher than resting or light usage, amount of heat, the heat is
removed most efficiently from this device, so that it may continue
to operate at a high rate of processing, or higher than otherwise
obtainable for a longer period of time, as heat is removed from
this area of the inside of the case more readily than other areas
during this time.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows the computer case of FIG. 1 with rotatable fans
of the plurality of fans directing air flow upwards. FIG. 6 shows a
reverse perspective view of the computer case of FIG. 3. Fans 154
and 156 direct airflow upwards towards the CPU (situated behind fan
152) in this embodiment. Conversely, fan 150 sucks air from the CPU
and pulls it downwards, out of the back panel 108 of the case 100.
In this manner, when CPU usage is most intense/the CPU is creating
a much greater than average amount of heat, such heat may be
efficiently removed. The greatest airflow is near the top of the
case 106, allowing cooler air near the divider 120 and bottom of
the case 102 to remain more stagnant.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows the computer case of FIG. 1 with rotatable fans
of the plurality of fans pointed towards a peripheral card. In this
configuration, such as when the peripheral card 110 is a graphics
card and a graphic-intensive process, such as 3D rendering, full
screen video, or the like, then fans 154 and 156 point towards the
peripheral card which generates heat while conducting such
processor-intensive operations. In areas outside of the direct path
of the airflow of the fans 154, 156, and 150, the air flow is more
stagnant. Since such air outside of the areas of airflow is
generally cooler, this allows the cooler air to remain in the case
100, while moving the hottest air out of the case.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows the computer case of FIG. 1 with rotatable fans
of the plurality of fans pointed towards a central processing unit
(CPU). In this configuration, the central processing unit under fan
152 generates the most heat because it conducts the largest number
of computational operations. As such, fan 156 points upwards
towards the CPU, 154 points directly across, and fan 150 is aligned
with 156 to create a strong cross current between fans 156 and 150
to pull hot air blown into the current by fan 152 out the rear 108
of the case 100. Fan 154 also aids in pushing the hot air towards
and then out through the rear fan 150.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of steps taken in determining how
to rotate fans used in embodiments of the disclosed technology. In
step 810, the fans are positioned at a starting orientation, such
as shown in FIG. 1. For power conservation or noise reduction, one,
a plurality of, or all of the fans may be turned off or have a
reduced speed when not needed, such as when the temperature or
usage of the computer hardware is at a minimum. For example,
referring to FIG. 1, in a starting orientation of step 810, fans
154 and 156 may be powered down. In the steps numbered in the 820s
referring to determination of either usage of a hardware device or
temperature being above a threshold, or some combination thereof,
it is determined which area of the computer has the most heat or is
likely to generate the most heat.
[0037] More specifically, 820 refers to steps taken concerning
determinations made with regard to a graphics card (e.g., an add-on
card 110 of FIG. 1). If GPU (graphics processing unit) usage is
above a predefined threshold, if a three-dimensional graphics
rendering is engaged, or the temperature of the graphics card (as
measured by a thermometer touching a part thereof and/or integrated
with the graphics card and/or reported by the graphics card to
software capable of interpreting and processing such information),
then in step 830, the fans, such as fans 150, 154, and 156, are
rotated towards the graphics card. This is shown in FIG. 2.
[0038] Alternatively, 822 refers to steps taken concerning
determinations made with regard to a CPU. If the CPU usage is above
a threshold, the CPU speed is maximized, or the CPU temperature is
above a threshold, as determined in step 822, then step 832 is
carried, out whereby fans are rotated towards the CPU. This may
include any one of a plurality of fans 150, 152, and 156 as shown
in FIG. 3, by way of example.
[0039] Other determinations may be made which affect the direction
of the fan, such as shown in box 824. These include, but are not
limited to, hard disk temperature, power supply temperature, and/or
an alternate thermostat, such as one placed at some point within
the case. Referring to FIG. 1, such an alternate thermostat might
be placed anywhere along the top side 106, bottom side 102, front
panel 104, back panel 108, on a divider 120, or on/at a fan 150,
152, 154, or 156. Based on such a factor as shown in box 824 or
described herein, in step 834, fans are rotated towards the problem
area with an above-average temperature, above-average usage,
specific usage known to cause above-average heat, or a combination
thereof, when compared to an idle computer.
[0040] In step 840, it is determined whether the trigger for the
fan rotation is complete. If it is, such as when the 3D graphics
rendering engine is no longer engaged, the temperature of the
pointed-to item drops below the threshold (or another designed
threshold), or the like, then the fans are returned to their
starting orientation. Different thresholds may be determined to
cause one, or more than one, fan, to point towards a device within
the computer, effect fan speed, and so forth. This will be
explained further with reference to FIG. 9. If the trigger has not
yet completed its task, that is, for example, the temperature of
the pointed-to item is still above a threshold (the original
starting threshold, or in embodiments of the disclosed technology,
a lower temperature or lower usage ending threshold), then step 850
is carried out. That is, the fan orientation remains where it is,
at the rotated position. Then, in step 850, it is determined
whether there is a new trigger, such as any of those shown or
described with respect to 820, 822, or 824. If there is no new
trigger, then the method loops back to step 840. Until either the
trigger(s) is/are no longer applicable or there is another trigger,
steps 840 and 850 continuously loop.
[0041] Once a new trigger is detected in step 850, then, in step
860, it is determined whether this new trigger would cause the same
action as the current trigger. If it would, then the method returns
to step 840, whereby steps 840 and 850 are looped. Until both
triggers are complete, the fans will not return to their starting
orientation. For example, if CPU usage is at 99% for 15 seconds, in
an embodiment of the disclosed technology, this would trigger a CPU
usage threshold causing the fans, such as fans 150, 154, and 156 to
point towards the CPU. The CPU temperature then may rise above
80.degree. C., another trigger. Since both triggers would have the
same result (fans pointing towards the CPU to blow or suck air
thereto/therefrom), no change in the fan direction is made.
However, the CPU usage may then drop to 10% for 15 seconds, ending
the first trigger, while the temperature still remains above a CPU
temperature threshold. Therefore, in this example, the second
trigger still remains in force. Since not all the triggers for the
rotation are complete in step 840, then the fans remain in their
rotated state. Once both triggers, in this case CPU triggers, are
complete or no longer valid/in force, then step 810 is carried out
and the fans return to their starting orientation in step 810. In
an embodiment of the disclosed technology, the fans have a new
starting orientation based on the last trigger and simply turn off,
reduce speed, or remain as is until a new event causes a trigger.
It should also be understood that the method described is
applicable for any number of triggers causing the same result.
[0042] However, referring to step 860 of FIG. 8, if there is a
currently salient/active trigger, and a new trigger arises which is
contradictory to the first, then the situation becomes more
complicated. That is, a first active trigger may be related to the
heat of the CPU, whereas a new trigger may indicate that heat of
the GPU is now a concern. So, in step 870, it is determined, based
on the preferences described with reference to FIG. 9 below,
whether or not to obey the first trigger or the second. It should
be understood that this must be determined for any number of active
triggers. In any case, if the new trigger (or a new combination of
triggers) has priority over the triggers causing the fans to be
pointed in a certain direction, then step 880 is carried out,
whereby the fans are rotated according to the new trigger (or new
combination of triggers which cause the higher priority).
Otherwise, the method simply returns to the steps 840 to 850 loop
while waiting for the triggers to complete/new triggers are
detected. If the priority trigger (or combination of triggers)
completes, but a lesser priority trigger remains in effect, then
step 880 is carried out, and the fans are rotated in accordance
with the new trigger. (In this sense, "new" refers to newly or
freshly pointing the fans as a result of a trigger, whether the
trigger was first in time or not.)
[0043] In an example of the above, where step 882 is carried out,
it might occur in the following scenario. The fan is at a starting
orientation 810, a CPU trigger 822 causes a fan or fans to point
towards the CPU, and then a GPU trigger 820 is found in step 850.
This new trigger causes a different action, but the CPU trigger, in
this example, has preference/priority over the GPU trigger, and so,
after such a determination is made in step 870, the 840/850 loop is
repeated. However, in step 840, the CPU trigger 822 eventually
expires (e.g., the CPU temperature drops below a threshold), but
the GPU trigger 820 remains. Thus, when step 882 is carried out,
the fan is rotated according to the new trigger 820. In another
example, supposing the GPU trigger 820 was first, the CPU trigger
was second and takes priority causing, in step 880, the fans to
rotate towards the CPU. If the CPU trigger expires (e.g., the CPU
temperature drops below a threshold) then this trigger completes,
but the GPU trigger continues and the fans are rotated as if the
GPU trigger were a new trigger. That is, the fans rotate towards
the GPU. Once the GPU trigger no longer exists, then step 810 is
carried, out whereby the fans return to a starting orientation, or
a new starting orientation is defined based on the orientation at
the expiration of each trigger.
[0044] FIG. 9 shows a preference order for directing air flow in
embodiments of the disclosed technology. The trigger 902 is the
activity which occurs, or is measured, within a computer case that
is used, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, to point fans,
such as fans 150, 154, and/or 156, towards a particular area within
the computer. The triggers 910 through 990 are the same as those
listed in FIG. 8, for simplicity. The point 904 refers to the
direction or orientation of one or a plurality of fans, as a result
of the triggers 910 through 990 which are breached. The priority
906 refers to a priority level of the particular trigger with, in
this example, a higher priority number being of greater priority.
Thus, if the first trigger is the power supply temperature above a
threshold 990, then the fan points down. If this trigger is still
applicable while a new trigger, hard disk temperature above a
threshold 970, occurs, then, since trigger 970 has a higher
priority, the fan or fans now point up. While both of these
triggers remain active, the CPU speed may become maximized 950
(e.g., above 90% for at least 5, 10, 15, or 30 seconds), causing a
fan or fans to point at the CPU. If the graphics card temperature
is then above a threshold 910, it has a higher priority (in this
case, "8") and the fan or fans point accordingly. If the CPU
temperature then increases above a threshold 960, the combined
weight of the thresholds 950 and 960, in embodiments of the
disclosed technology show that it is more important to point the
fans towards the CPU rather than the GPU, as the priority numbers
add up to a greater number or the number of thresholds breached is
higher, etc. If there is a tie, then depending on the embodiment of
the disclosed technology, the fan or fans will remain in their
current orientation until the tie is broken (a trigger drops off or
a new one is detected), or priority might always be given to a
certain direction to point to, such as towards the CPU in a
computer with greater heat problems from the CPU. Priority may
instead be given based on an absolute temperature or number of
degrees above the threshold. That is, in the former example, the
hottest location in the computer case is where the greatest airflow
and, thereby, direction of the fans, is needed. In the latter
example, the CPU threshold may have been breached by 20 degrees,
whereas the GPU temperature by 30 degrees, even though the actual
temperature of the GPU is lower than the CPU. In such a case,
priority, in this embodiment, is given to the GPU and the fans
directed thereto.
[0045] Thresholds/usage may be determined with the aid of software.
That is, program instructions carried out through the use of a
processor. Interrupt signals between an operating system and CPU or
graphics card may be used to determine when a fan should face
towards one these items. Similarly, the engagement of usage of a
part of one these devices (e.g. floating point unit or a specific
microchip or operation used only in high intensity applications)
may determine when a fan should be pointed a specific direction.
Software monitoring of temperature controls provided through the
computer's BIOS (basic input output system) or other monitoring
software may also be utilized, and determinations of when certain
applications are executed (e.g. execution of a game that uses 3D
rendering or execution of a spreadsheet program) may be used to
determine when a threshold or usage level has or will be obtained.
The fans then point accordingly. Still further, one fan may point
towards one device, and another fan towards another device if two
thresholds are reached, or a first threshold has been reached,
without yet reaching an upper threshold. For example, at 140
degrees, one fan may change orientation and point to a CPU, while
another is directed towards the GPU. At 180 degrees, every fan may
point to the CPU, regardless of other thresholds. Time between
changing orientations of a fan due to a newly directed threshold
may be limited to the new threshold being met for at least a period
of time, such as 5, 15 or 30 seconds and the delay may only be
implemented if another trigger has already been breached. Any
combination of the above embodiments is also within the scope and
spirit of the claimed language.
[0046] FIG. 10 shows a high-level block diagram of a device that
may be used to carry out the disclosed technology. Device 1000
comprises a processor 1050 that controls the overall operation of
the computer by executing the device's program instructions which
define such operation. The device's program instructions may be
stored in a storage device 1020 (e.g., magnetic disk, database) and
loaded into memory 1030 when execution of the console's program
instructions is desired. Thus, the device's operation will be
defined by the device's program instructions stored in memory 1030
and/or storage 1020, and the console will be controlled by
processor 1050 executing the console's program instructions. A
device 1000 also includes one or a plurality of input network
interfaces for communicating with other devices via a network
(e.g., the internet). The device 1000 further includes an
electrical input interface for receiving power and data from a
power or RFID source. A device 1000 also includes one or more
output network interfaces 1010 for communicating with other
devices. Device 1000 also includes input/output 1040, representing
devices which allow for user interaction with a computer (e.g.,
display, keyboard, mouse, speakers, buttons, etc.). One skilled in
the art will recognize that an implementation of an actual device
will contain other components as well, and that FIG. 10 is a high
level representation of some of the components of such a device for
illustrative purposes. It should also be understood by one skilled
in the art that the method and devices depicted in FIGS. 1 through
9 may be implemented on a device such as is shown in FIG. 10.
[0047] While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific
reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and
detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the
disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Combinations of any of the methods, systems, and devices described
hereinabove are also contemplated and within the scope of the
disclosed technology.
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