U.S. patent application number 13/874980 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-06 for intelligent power strip.
This patent application is currently assigned to International Business Machines Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Derek Ryan Brewer, Kerry Michael Langford, Robert Dale Wilhelm.
Application Number | 20140330989 13/874980 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51841084 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140330989 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brewer; Derek Ryan ; et
al. |
November 6, 2014 |
Intelligent Power Strip
Abstract
A method and implementing computer system are provided in which
a smart power strip is controlled by a master device which is also
plugged-into the power strip. In an exemplary implementation, a
computer or PC operates as a master device and a direct line of
communication from the computer allows the OS to make a decision
based on settings whether or not to power on or off individual
power outlets on the power strip used in common by the computer and
various peripheral devices. Thus, only selected peripheral devices
are powered-on along with the computer when the computer or other
master device is powered-on at a common power strip.
Inventors: |
Brewer; Derek Ryan;
(Independence, OH) ; Langford; Kerry Michael;
(Rochester, MN) ; Wilhelm; Robert Dale; (Cheyenne,
WY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION |
Armonk |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
International Business Machines
Corporation
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
51841084 |
Appl. No.: |
13/874980 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
710/14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/266 20130101;
H02J 13/0075 20130101; H02J 3/00 20130101; H02J 13/0005 20200101;
Y02D 10/00 20180101; H02J 13/00007 20200101; Y02B 90/20 20130101;
Y04S 40/121 20130101; Y04S 20/00 20130101; H02J 13/00004 20200101;
G06F 13/385 20130101; Y04S 40/126 20130101; H02J 2310/16
20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
710/14 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/26 20060101
G06F001/26; G06F 13/38 20060101 G06F013/38 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable,
tangible storage device(s) and computer-readable program
instructions stored on the computer-readable, tangible storage
device(s) for enabling and disabling selective power strip
connections to peripheral devices plugged into outlets of said
power strip, said peripheral devices being selectively usable in
conjunction with a master device, the computer-readable program
instructions, when executed by a processing system, being operable
for implementing a method comprising: detecting when a peripheral
device is connected to an outlet of a power strip, said power strip
containing a plurality of outlets arranged to separately enable
individual power connections between a power source and each of one
or more peripheral devices; identifying each of said peripheral
devices which is plugged into said power strip; identifying a
master device which is plugged into said power strip; identifying
corresponding outlets at which said peripheral devices and said
master device are plugged into said power strip; creating a
correlation listing of said peripheral devices and said master
device, said listing including an identification of each of said
peripheral devices and an identification of said master device,
said correlation listing further including an identification of
said corresponding outlets to which each of said peripheral devices
and said master device are connected to said power strip; detecting
a mode of operation of said master device, said mode of operation
being one of several modes of operation in which said master device
may be operating, said master device being operable for using
different peripheral devices depending upon said detected mode of
operation of said master device; and enabling a power connection at
outlets of said power rip only to said master device and selected
peripheral devices which are to be used with said master device as
determined by said detected mode of operation of said master
device.
11. The computer program product as set forth in claim 10 wherein
said method further includes saving said correlation listing at
said power strip.
12. The computer program product as set forth in claim 11 wherein
said method further includes: determining when said master device
has been turned on; and sending said correlation listing from said
power strip to said master device in response to said
determining.
13. The computer program product as set forth in claim 10 wherein
said method further includes disabling power connections at outlets
of said power strip to peripheral devices which are not to be used
with said master device in said mode of operation of said master
device.
14. The computer program product as set forth in claim 10 wherein
said master device is a computer device.
15. The computer program product as set forth in claim 10 wherein
said master device is a television device.
16. The computer program product as set forth in claim 10 wherein
said master device is an audio processing device.
17. The computer program product as set forth in claim 10 wherein
said method further includes: determining when said master device
is turned-off; and disconnecting power to said selected peripheral
devices upon said determining that said master device is turned
off.
18. The computer program product as set forth in claim 10 wherein
said method further includes; determining when said master device
has changed said mode of operation from a first mode to a second
mode; and responding to said determined change of mode of operation
of said master device by disconnecting power at outlets of said
power strip connected to said selected peripheral devices used in
said first mode and by connecting power at outlets of said power
strip to peripheral devices which are to be used with said master
device in said second mode of operation of said master device.
19. A power strip device containing a plurality of electrical
outlets for selectively applying power to selected peripheral
devices which are plugged into outlets of said power strip device,
said power strip device comprising: a control system for
selectively controlling connections between a power source and
individual ones of said outlets, said control system being operable
for identifying peripheral devices which are plugged into said
power strip device, said control system being further operable for
identifying corresponding outlets at which said peripheral devices
are plugged into said power strip device, said control system being
further operable for creating a correlation listing of said
peripheral devices and said corresponding outlets to which said
peripheral devices are connected and detecting a mode of operation
of a master device connected to said power strip device, said mode
of operation being one of several modes of operation in which said
master device may be operating, said master device being operable
for using different peripheral devices depending upon said detected
mode of operation of said master device, said control system being
further operable for enabling a power connection at outlets of said
power strip only to selected peripheral devices which are to be
used with a master device depending upon said mode of operation of
said master device.
20. The power strip device as set forth in claim 19 and further
including a disconnection device for disabling power connections at
outlets of said power strip to peripheral devices which are not to
be used with said master device in said mode of operation of said
master device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to information
processing systems and more particularly to a methodology and
implementation for an electrical power strip that can be used in
conjunction with a master device so as to all selected peripheral
devices associated with the master device to be powered-on or
powered-off depending upon inputs to and applications running on
the master device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Power strips exist which are capable of turning the power
off completely to eliminate the "phantom" or "vampire" power draw
from devices which can occur even when the component is turned off.
"Smart" power strips also exist which use a master/peripheral
correlation by which if the master is turned off, the peripheral
outlets are also turned off. One example of this smarter power
strip might describe a TV plugged-into the master outlet and home
theater components (DVD player, cable box, home theater receiver,
etc) all of which are plugged-into the peripheral outlets of the
power strip. When the TV is powered off, which is typically
detected by measuring wattage use at the outlet, all of the
component devices that are plugged-into the power strip are also
powered off to eliminate any power draw. Thus, either all
peripheral devices are powered on or they are all powered off.
However, when peripheral devices are connected or powered on at the
power strip, the "phantom" or "vampire" power draw from those
devices can still occur if the component is powered-on at the power
strip even when the peripheral component its is turned off at the
device and not currently used in conjunction with a master device
which is turned on, e.g. when a DVD device is used but not a cable
box device in conjunction with a powered on TV in a user viewing
system.
[0003] Thus there is a need for an improved methodology and
implementation for eliminating the unintended "phantom" or
"vampire" power draw by devices that are turned off at the
peripheral device itself but still connected at a common power
strip with a turned on master or computer device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A method and implementing computer system are provided in
which a smart power strip is controlled by a master device which is
also plugged-into the power strip. In an exemplary implementation,
a computer or PC operates as a master device and a direct line of
communication from the computer allows the OS to make a decision
based on settings whether or not to power on or off individual
power outlets on the power strip used in common by the computer and
various peripheral devices. Thus, only selected peripheral devices
are powered-on along with the computer when the computer or other
master device is powered-on at a common power strip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION O THE DRAWINGS
[0005] A better understanding of the present invention can be
obtained when the following detailed description of a preferred
embodiment is considered in conjunction with the following
drawings, in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of a system in
which the present invention may be implemented;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing several of the major
components of an master device used in conjunction with a power
strip as illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary operation
in one embodiment of the power strip device shown in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a continuation of the flow chart illustrated in
FIG. 3; and
[0010] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary operation
in one embodiment of the TV master device shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The various methods discussed herein may be implemented in
any system, including a computer system, which includes a master
device and one or more peripheral devices or peripheral devices
which are designed to operate in conjunction with the master
device. Since the individual components of a system which may be
used to implement the operating functions used in practicing the
present invention are generally known in the art and composed of
electronic components and circuits which are also generally known
to those ski lied in the art, circuit details beyond those shown
are not specified to any greater extent than that considered
necessary as illustrated, for the understanding and appreciation of
the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not
to obfuscate or distract from the teachings of the present
invention.
[0012] The present disclosure extends the idea of the
"green"/conserve/intelligent power strip by adding a logic
component to a power strip by which a plugged-in component can be
identified by the power strip. In one embodiment this could exist
simply as manufacturer pre-defined outlets on the power strip into
which the user would manually plug components into (DVD player into
outlet marked as DVD player, cable box into cable box outlet, etc).
In a second embodiment, pluggable components would identify
themselves to the intelligent power strip when attached. This
requires a system by which the device is manufactured to include a
method to identify itself via the power cable and a method for the
intelligent power strip to read the identifying information passed
to it via the power cable from the component. The final aspect of
this scenario is providing a method for a master device (for
example, a TV or computer) to query the power strip and determine
which device is plugged-into which out let as well as the ability
for this master device to control the power for each outlet on the
intelligent power strip.
[0013] The present disclosure describes a dynamic, automated method
for providing power only to devices which are determined to be
activated by the master device. In a cost-savings or "green"
analysis, our solution provides even more savings and less power
consumption due to the interface logic enabled between a master
device and the power strip device.
[0014] In an exemplary implementation, a TV is plugged-in as master
device and peripheral devices such as a DVD player, audio receiver
with powered subwoofer, and cable box are also plugged-in to a
common power strip. The peripheral devices are identified as
peripheral devices which may be used in conjunction with the master
TV device. When the TV is turned on, the TV determines which
component input is active and sends a request to the intelligent
power strip to enable power only to the particular outlet into
which the appropriate peripheral device is connected. For example,
if the TV input is currently set for a cable input, the intelligent
power strip turns on the power to the outlet for the cable box but
leaves the DVD player outlet disabled and un-powered at the power
strip. If the input to the TV is later switched to the DVD player,
the TV then sends a power an request to the outlet for the DVD
player and also sends a disable power request to the outlet for the
cable box.
[0015] An example for handling the audio receiver and subwoofer may
be implemented with a menu option available via the TV which allows
the user to power on/off the receiver and subwoofer. In the present
disclosure, a computer is used as a master device and peripheral
devices such as powered speakers, monitor, and printer are used and
referred to as peripheral devices. As a feature of the present
disclosure, the peripheral devices are controlled via the
intelligent power strip as controlled by the computer, and
additional logic processing on the computer. For example, if the
computer detects there is not an existing audio event (e.g. music
or video with sound) then there is no need for the speakers to
remain powered on and the computer via communication with the
intelligent power strip can disable power to the outlet for the
speakers. When an audio event is detected, for example an incoming
mail alert, the PC determines if the speaker outlet is powered off.
If the speaker system is off, the audio is then queued, the
computer sends the command to enable power to the outlet for the
speakers, and the sound is played. After a time period during which
no further audio events are detected, the computer would then again
disable power to the speakers.
[0016] With reference to the drawings, in FIG. 1, there is shown an
exemplary implementation in which a TV 101 is being operated as a
master device and a DVD player 103 and a cable box 105 are
connected via connections 111, 113 and 115 as peripheral devices to
a common power strip 127 which is arranged to selectively provide
power to any of the connected devices. The power strip device 127
includes an outlet section 131 and also a outlet control section
133. The outlet control section 133 further includes control
circuitry such as logic, memory and processing units (not shown)
which is connected to transmit and received control signals between
the power strip 127 and the various devices such as devices 101,
103 and 10 which are connected to the power strip device 127. As
shown, the power strip device 127 includes a series of outlets e.g.
121, 123 and 125, into which the three devices 101, 103 and 105 are
connected, as well as a power strip plug 129 for receiving power
from an outside power source. The power strip device. 127 is
designed to send information concerning which peripheral devices
are plugged-into the power strip as well as device status
information of the devices and to selectively apply or not apply
power to plugged-in devices 101, 103 and 105 at the power strip
device in response to commands received from a master device such
as the TV 101. Connections 111, 113 and 115 are designed to deliver
power as well as control signals between the power strip 127 and
the devices plugged-into the power strip. Alternatively, the
control signals may be transmitted and received between the power
strip and the plugged-in devices through other separate
transmission systems such as RF or IR systems.
[0017] In FIG. 2, several of the major components of en exemplary
master device which may be used in conjunction with a selective or
intelligent power strip device and system are illustrated. As
shown, a processor system 201 is connected to a main bus 203 which
is also connected to a system memory 205, system storage 207, an
input system 209, a display system 211 and a power strip interface
system 213. The master device main bus is arranged for connection
to other systems and circuitry as required for normal operation of
the particular master device being used.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary flow sequence or programming
occurring at the power strip device 127 during an exemplary
operation. As shown, when a device is plugged 301 into the power
strip device 127, the particular device is identified by the power
strip, and as additional devices are plugged-in, a correlation
table is created and saved 303 to list which devices (e.g. 101-105)
are plugged-into which outlets (e.g. 121-125) of power strip 127.
In one embodiment, this correlation is accomplished by the device
identifying itself to the power strip and the power strip creating
the correlation (outlet 121=TV 101, outlet 123=DVD player 103,
etc). The correlation would be initiated and verified every time a
device is plugged-in or unplugged. In another embodiment the
correlation is "hard-coded" into the power strip by identifying the
outlet and the device which should be attached to the particular
outlet. For example, outlet 123 labeled "DVD" player (e.g. by decal
or print on the power strip near the outlet 123) in order that the
DVD player be plugged-into that outlet. This list is correlated
with the existing inputs available to the controlling device. For
example, a TV queries the outlet strip. The outlet strip replies
that a DVD player and cable box are currently plugged-in. Now the
input signal on the TV can be used to communicate with the power
strip in order to intelligently enable and disable power to
specific components. When a controlling or master device, i.e. the
TV 101 in FIG. 1, is plugged-in, the controlling device 101
communicates with the power strip 127 which receives a request for
the list of currently plugged-in devices from the master device.
The power strip 127 then sends 307 the plugged-in device listing to
the requesting master device 101. The master device 101 then sends
a request to power-on only specifically identified peripheral
devices and the power strip receives the request 309 and responds
by powering-on 311 only the specific peripheral devices identified
by the master device 101.
[0019] In the exemplary flow chart shown in FIG. 4, when the power
strip 127 receives notice of a master device turn-off 403, the
power strip control circuitry 133 is effective to power-off 405 all
associated peripheral devices previously identified by that master
device for turn-on. If the power strip receives a notice that a new
master device has been turned-on 409, the peripheral devices
currently turned-on will be turned-off 411 and the processing will
return to block 307 to continue. Similarly, if the power strip
receives notice from a master device that the master device input
has changed. 409, then the peripheral devices currently turned-on
will be turned-off 411 and the processing will return to block 307
to continue.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates the flow sequence or programming
occurring at the master device during an exemplary operation of the
disclosed system. As shown, when a master device is turned on 501,
notice is sent 503 to the power strip 127 of the new master device
turn-on. The master device then obtains a listing of currently
plugged-in devices 505 from the power strip 127. The master device
then determines which of the currently plugged-in peripheral
devices to power-on 507 and sends a power-on command for only the
selected peripheral devices 509 to the power strip 127. When the
master device input changes 511, then notice of such change is sent
to the power strip outlet control 133 of the power strip 127 (which
then turns off current peripheral devices 411) and the process
returns to block 505 to continue. When the master device is turned
off, then notice of the turn-off is sent to the power strip outlet
control 133 of the power strip 127 (which in turn turns off the
associated peripheral devices 405), and the processing is
ended.
[0021] In another embodiment, the power strip includes labels,
printing, icons, or other notation denoting the suggested
peripheral which should be attached at the respective outlets. For
example, individual outlets labeled PC, Monitor, Speakers, Printer,
Scanner, and/or any other common peripherals as necessary. Generic
labeled outlets for non-specific attachments may also be
included.
[0022] In an embodiment in which the power strip dynamically
determines which devices are attached, the electronic devices
plugged into a power strip can communicate data to a processor on
the power strip when it is attached. For example, when PC speakers
are plugged-into the outlet strip and their power button is turned
on, the speakers have a logic component which sends packets of
information over the power cord (or other means) to the power strip
or USB, i.e. the power strip connection can carry and/or transmit
device-identifying information.
[0023] In another example, a processor on a power strip creates a
table of outlets which includes outlet number, current state of
outlet (on/off), and whether the outlet is empty or lists a device
plugged-in. This table is saved at the power strip and sent to the
master device when requested as noted above. Interaction between PC
master and power strip affects the power state of the individual
outlets. Different peripheral devices may be associated with
different applications. For example, a printer is associated with
the print spooler, a scanner is associated with a scanning
application, speakers are associated with player applications, as
well as general sound playback for operating system and application
events. When an application is opened or event occurs, the status
of the associated device is queried via the PC master communicating
with the power strip. If the required peripheral device is already
on and ready, no further action is taken. If, however, the required
peripheral device is powered off, the PC master communicates a
request to the power strip to enable power for the peripheral. The
power strip enables power at only the required outlet. Output which
is directed to the peripheral device (a print job, sound event,
etc) would ideally be spooled or paused at the PC master until the
device is powered and ready.
[0024] Determination of readiness of the end device in one example,
would comprise direct communication from the peripheral device to
the power strip and from the power strip to the PC master device,
or it may simply be accomplished by waiting a pre-determined time
period. Further, peripheral devices may have power disabled based
on a period of inactivity. For example, when an application has
been inactive for a period of time, the PC master device determines
the associated device and communicates a request to the power strip
to disable power to the specific outlet. This action would best be
a default for devices with multiple associated applications
(speakers, for example) or staggered usage (a printer, for
example). If the PC master device will be entering a
shutdown/standby mode due to a period of inactivity, the PC master
communicates a request to the power strip to disable power to
associated peripheral device outlets such as the monitor, speakers,
printer, or any other device which relies on the PC.
[0025] Peripheral devices may also have power disabled based on
application exit. For example, when an application is closed, the
PC determines the associated device and communicates a request to
the power strip to disable power to the specific outlet. This
action would best be a default for devices of one-time/one-session
usage such as a scanner.
[0026] In another example, power to speakers attached to a master
device or master PC and connected to pre-defined outlets on power
strip may be selectively enabled and/or disabled. Speakers may be
plugged-into a power strip-with-predefined outlets into the outlet
labeled "speakers". The predefined outlet labeled as "speakers"
corresponds to outlet 3 on the outlet strip in one example. When a
user presses the power button on external speakers if required,
logic contained within power strip updates the table of
plugged-devices to show the row for outlet 3, state=ON, device
name="speakers". The power strip ideally senses voltage at
individual outlet as well to determine external device power
setting. If the user then opens a music player on the PC master,
the PC notes association between the music player and speakers with
included parameters defining a period of inactivity time to disable
power. This could be incorporated into operating system power
settings or similar settings as well as similar scenarios for
different operating systems. The PC then queries power strip for
the power status of "speakers" using power line networking or USB
power strip connection and requests that if current state is OFF,
initiate power ON. If the power strip responds that speakers are
currently ON, then the speakers operate as normal. If the user then
presses PAUSE, after pre-determined state of inactivity (because
the music player has been paused and no sound events have
occurred), the PC master sends a "power-off" message for the device
"speakers" to the power strip. The power strip receives the
power-off request and correlates the device "speakers" with outlet
3 and disables power to outlet 3. The power at then updates the
table of plugged-devices to show the row for outlet 3, state=OFF,
device name="speakers". Later, if the user presses Play, the PC
notes association between the player and speakers with included
parameters defining a period of inactivity time to disable power.
The PC then queries power strip for the power status of "speakers"
using power line networking or USB power strip connection and
requests that if current state is OFF, initiate power ON. The power
strip responds that speakers are currently OFF. The PC quiesces
playback and the power strip performs power ON for outlet 3.
[0027] The power strip updates tie of plugged-devices to show the
row for outlet 3, state=ON, device name="speakers". The PC master
then waits a few seconds to assume power ON has completed for
speakers and the PC master resumes the play function and the
speakers operate as normal. After pre-determined state of
inactivity/no sound events have occurred, the PC sends a
"power-off" message for the device "speakers" to the power strip.
The power strip receives the power-off request and correlates the
device "speakers" with outlet 3 and disables power to outlet 3. The
power strip updates table of plugged-devices to show the row for
outlet 3, state=OFF, device, name="speakers".
[0028] In another example, power may be enabled and/or disabled to
a scanner attached to PC master which is connected to an
intelligent power strip. A scanner is attached to a PC master
device, and driver software and associated applications have been
installed, and association created between scanner identifying
itself to the intelligent power strip as a specific scanner
plugged-into outlet 5 for example. When a user opens scanning
software on the PC master device, the PC notes an association
between scanning software and the scanner with included parameters.
The PC queries power strip for the power status of "scanner" using
power line networking, USB or other device to the power strip
connection and requests that if current state is OFF, initiate
power ON. The power strip responds that "scanner" is currently OFF.
The power strip then performs power-on for outlet 5. The power
strip updates table of plugged-devices to show the row for outlet
5, state=ON, device name="scanner". The user than performs scanning
actions and exits the scanning application. The PC notes the
application exit event and the association with scanner device and
sends power OFF request for scanner to the intelligent power strip
using power line networking or USB or other connection. The power
strip receives the power-off request and correlates the device
"scanner" with outlet 5 and disables power to outlet 5. The power
strip then updates the table of plugged-devices to show the row for
outlet 5, state=OFF, device name="scanner".
[0029] The flowchart and block diagrams illustrate the
architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In that
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more
executable instructions for implementing the specified logical
function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative
implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of
the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in
succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or
the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted
that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart
illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams
and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special
purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions
or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
[0030] The method, system and apparatus of the present invention
has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment as
disclosed herein. The disclosed methodology may be implemented in a
wide range of sequences, menus and screen designs to accomplish the
desired results as herein illustrated. Although an embodiment of
the present invention has been shown and described in detail
herein, along with certain variants thereof, many other varied
embodiments that incorporate the teachings of the invention may be
easily constructed by those skilled in the art, and even included
or integrated into a processor or CPU or other larger system
integrated circuit or chip. The disclosed methodology may also be
implemented solely or partially in program code stored on a
computer or a computer program product comprising a
computer-readable, tangible storage device(s) and computer-readable
program instructions stored on the computer-readable, tangible
storage device(s) in any portable or fixed, volatile or
non-volatile memory device, including CDs, RAM and "Flash" memory,
or other semiconductor, optical, magnetic or other currently
available or later developed memory device capable of storing code.
The disclosed methodology may also be implemented using any
available, input and/or display systems including touch-sensitive
screens and optically-sensitive input pads. Accordingly, the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific
form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover
such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be
reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *