U.S. patent application number 15/615892 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-21 for pc power monitoring.
The applicant listed for this patent is Embertec Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Giuseppe Antonio Gelonese.
Application Number | 20170269665 15/615892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48140229 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170269665 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gelonese; Giuseppe Antonio |
September 21, 2017 |
PC POWER MONITORING
Abstract
An energy saving device that has an electrical inlet which
connects to a general power outlet, and has at least one monitored
electrical outlet connecting to a computing device, the energy
saving device having at least one switched electrical outlet which
connects to, and supplies electrical power to, at least one
peripheral device, which in a preferred embodiment is a computer
monitor. The energy saving device includes a switch to control
electrical connection of the inlet to the switched electrical
outlet, and thus to control supply of electric power to the
peripheral devices. Other peripherals may include printers,
speakers and desk lamps.
Inventors: |
Gelonese; Giuseppe Antonio;
(Dulwich, AU) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Embertec Pty Ltd |
Dulwich |
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AU |
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|
Family ID: |
48140229 |
Appl. No.: |
15/615892 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14350917 |
Apr 10, 2014 |
9703349 |
|
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PCT/AU2012/001269 |
Oct 18, 2012 |
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15615892 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/32 20130101; G06F
1/3231 20130101; H01R 13/6683 20130101; G06F 1/3206 20130101; G06F
1/325 20130101; H02J 9/007 20200101; H01R 13/70 20130101; G06F
2200/261 20130101; Y04S 20/20 20130101; H01R 25/003 20130101; Y02B
70/30 20130101; G06F 1/3215 20130101; Y02D 10/00 20180101; Y10T
307/469 20150401; G06F 1/3246 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/32 20060101
G06F001/32; H01R 13/66 20060101 H01R013/66; H01R 13/70 20060101
H01R013/70 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2011 |
AU |
2011904296 |
Claims
1. A method for reducing energy use by a computing device, the
method including the steps of: a. detecting the presence of a user
in the vicinity of the computing device, b. when user presence is
not detected for a pre-selected time period, determining that the
computing device is not in active use, c. when the computing device
is determined not to be in active use, instructing the computing
device to enter a low power standby mode.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of detecting the presence
of a user includes detecting movement in the vicinity of the
computing device.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of detecting the presence
of a user is performed by a passive infra-red sensor.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of detecting the presence
of a user is performed by an active infra-red sensor.
5. The method of claim 1: a. wherein: (1) the computing device
includes an input device, the input device being configured to
provide user input to the computing device, and (2) an input
detection device is configured to sense use of the input device,
the input detection device being external to the computing device,
b. the method further includes the step of determining that the
computing device is not in active use when use of the input device
is not detected for a pre-selected time period.
6. The method of claim 1: a. wherein an energy saving device is
provided in combination with the computing device, the energy
saving device including: (1) an electrical inlet configured to
connect to a general power outlet, (2) a monitored electrical
outlet configured to supply electrical power to the computing
device, (3) a switched electrical outlet configured to supply
electrical power to a peripheral device, (4) a power sensor
configured to sense electrical power flow through the monitored
electrical outlet to the computing device, b. further including the
step of removing power from the switched electrical outlet when the
electrical power flow sensed by the power sensor indicates that the
computing device is in a low power standby state.
7. An energy saving device including: a. a presence detection
sensor configured to sense a parameter indicating the presence of a
user in the vicinity of a computing device, b. a communication
module configured to communicate a signal to the computing device
when the presence detection sensor does not detect user presence
for a pre-selected time period, the signal instructing the
computing device to enter a low power standby mode.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the presence detection sensor is a
passive infra-red sensor.
9. The device of claim 7 wherein the presence detection sensor is
an active infra-red sensor,
10. The device of claim 7 wherein the presence detection sensor is:
a. external to the computing device, and b. configured to sense use
of an input device adapted to provide user input to the computing
device.
11. The device of claim 7 in combination with a personal computer
programmed to: a. receive the signal instructing the computing
device to enter the low power standby mode, b. query a user for an
indication whether the computing device is required to be active,
and c. if the indication whether the computing device is required
to be active is negative, place the computing device into the low
power standby mode.
12. A method of using the device of claim 7, the method including
the device's performance of the steps of: a. determining that no
user is present in the vicinity of the computing device, b.
Obtaining from a user an indication whether the computing device is
required to be active, and c. if the indication whether the
computing device is required to be active is negative, placing the
computing device into a low power standby mode.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of obtaining an
indication whether the computing device is required to be active
includes: a. upon determining that no user is present in the
vicinity of the computing device, displaying on a monitor screen a
warning that the computing device will shut down, and b. monitoring
the computing device for user input indicating that the computing
device is required to be active.
14. An energy saving device including: a. an electrical inlet
configured to connect to a general power outlet, b. a monitored
electrical outlet configured to supply electrical power to the
computing device, c. a switched electrical outlet configured to
supply electrical power to a peripheral device, d. a switch
configured to control electrical connection of the electrical inlet
to the switched electrical outlet, thereby controlling supply of
electric power from the electrical inlet to any peripheral device
connected to the switched electrical outlet, e. a presence
detection sensor configured to sense the presence of a user, f. a
communication module configured to communicate a signal to the
computing device when the presence detection sensor does not detect
user presence for a pre-selected time period, the signal
instructing the computing device to enter a low power standby
mode.
15. The device of claim 14: a. further including a power sensor
configured to sense electrical power flow through the monitored
electrical outlet to the computing device, b. wherein the switch
removes power from the switched electrical outlet when the
electrical power flow sensed by the power sensor indicates that the
computing device is in a low power standby state.
16. The device of claim 14 wherein the device includes a wired
connection between the communication module and the computing
device.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the wired connection is a USB
connection.
18. The device of claim 14 in combination with a personal computer
programmed to: a. receive the signal instructing the computing
device to enter the low power standby mode, b. query a user for an
indication whether the computing device is required to be active,
and c. if the indication whether the computing device is required
to be active is negative, place the computing device into the low
power standby mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 14/350,917 filed Apr. 10, 2014, which is a 35
USC '371 national stage filing of international (PCT) application
PCT/AU2012/001269 filed Oct. 18, 2012 (which in turn claims
priority to Australian application AU2011/904296 filed Oct. 18,
2011).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method to
regulate the supply of power to and to control the power modes of a
device, in particular of a computer.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Computer devices, in particular personal computer devices,
enter a low power or standby mode when a user has not operated the
computer for a defined period of time. This is sometimes referred
to as a standby or low power mode.
[0004] The low power or standby mode is often referred to as the
"sleep" or "hibernate" mode, where the computer cuts or attempts to
reduce the provision of power to superfluous areas of the computing
device and allow a user to resume working or operating a machine
from the standby mode without having to go through an extended
reboot process.
[0005] Entering a low power mode on a computer device will provide
power savings. However, users may find such entry to be
inconvenient, especially when it is unexpected. Since the delay
period for entering standby is typically set by the user this often
results in users setting extended time frames for the low power
mode to be entered resulting in a significant delay before the
onset of the power saving functionality.
[0006] Typically, a computer device will determine when to enter a
low power mode based on a time period for which user input, usually
in the form of keyboard or mouse use, is absent. Since a computer
may be in use without such user input, this may lead to unexpected
and unwanted activation of the low power mode. Such an occurrence
is likely to prompt a user to disable the low power mode or at
least to extend the time period before it is entered.
[0007] In a business environment, it is not uncommon for users to
disable the standby power mode, preferring the convenience of
having the computer always on and ready to use without the need to
provide user input (keyboard or mouse use) to stop the computer
entering into the standby mode when the user does not wish this to
happen. The issue of unwanted entry into the standby mode is
magnified when a user is working on the computer but not providing
user input, such as when watching or giving a presentation such as
a slide show or when involved in video conferencing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one form of the invention, it may be said to lie in an
energy saving device including an electrical inlet which connects
to a general power outlet, with at least one monitored electrical
outlet connecting to a computing device, the energy saving device
having at least one switched electrical outlet which connects to,
and supplies electrical power to, at least one peripheral device,
which in a preferred embodiment is a computer monitor. Other
peripherals may include printers, speakers and desk lamps.
[0009] The energy saving device includes a switch to control
electrical connection of the inlet to the switched electrical
outlet, and thus to control supply of electric power to the at
least one peripheral device. There is a sensor adapted to sense at
least one characteristic of an electrical power flow through the
monitored electrical outlet to the computing device, and means to
communicate a signal to the computing device when the sensed
characteristic indicates that the computing device is not in active
use. The signal is used to request the computing device to enter a
low power standby mode.
[0010] In preference, when the sensor detects that the computing
device has entered a low power standby mode the device will remove
power from the switched electrical outlet, and thus from the
connected peripheral devices, which do not need to be powered when
the computing device is not in use.
[0011] In preference, the sensed characteristic is a characteristic
of one or more of true RMS power, voltage, and current of the
electrical power flow.
[0012] In a further form, the invention lies in a method for
reducing energy used in a computer installation by providing an
energy saving device having an electrical inlet adapted to connect
to a general power outlet, the energy saving device having at least
one monitored electrical outlet adapted to connect to a computing
device, and at least one switched electrical outlet adapted to
connect to, and to supply electrical power to, at least one
peripheral device. The method includes determining that the
computing device is in not in active use, then querying a user to
indicate that the computing device is required to be active, and in
the absence of such indication then placing the computing device
into a low power standby mode.
[0013] In preference, the method further includes determining that
the computing device has entered a power standby mode; then
removing electrical power from the peripheral device.
[0014] In preference, the querying step includes receiving a
communication indicating that the computing device is riot in
active use and displaying a warning that the computing device will
shut down imminently on a monitor screen of the computing device,
monitoring the computing device for user interaction and accepting
such interaction to indicate that the computing device is required
to be active.
[0015] In preference, determining that the computer is not in
active use is performed by sensing at least one characteristic of
an electrical power flow through the monitored electrical outlet to
the computing device.
[0016] In a yet further form, the invention lies in a method for
saving energy in a personal computer installation including
receiving from a monitoring device an indication that a computer is
riot in active use, querying a user to indicate that the computing
device is required to be active, and in the absence of such
indication, placing the computing device into a low power standby
mode.
[0017] In a yet further form, the invention lies in a system for
reducing energy used in a personal computer installation including
an energy saving device including an electrical inlet adapted to
connect to a general power outlet, at least one monitored
electrical outlet adapted to connect to a computing device, at
least one switched electrical outlet adapted to connect to, and to
supply electrical power to, at least one peripheral device, switch
means adapted to control electrical connection of the inlet to the
switched electrical outlet, and thus to control supply of electric
power to the at least one peripheral device, sensor means adapted
to sense at least one characteristic of an electrical power flow
through the monitored electrical outlet to the computing device,
communication means adapted to communicate a signal to the
computing device when said sensed characteristic indicates that the
computing device is not in active use, the signal requesting the
computing device to enter a low power standby mode; a personal
computer in the personal computer installation when programmed to
receive from a monitoring device an indication that a computer is
not in active use; query a user to indicate that the computing
device is required to be active, and in the absence of such
indication; then place the computing device into a low power
standby mode.
[0018] In the prior art, there are devices and software programs
which monitor user interaction with a PC in the form of keystrokes
and mouse movements. When no such interaction is detected for a
specified period, the assumption is made that the PC is riot in use
and the PC is forced into a low power standby mode, or power to the
PC is removed. These have the disadvantage that some uses of a PC,
for example watching video material, or performing long
calculations, may not require any user interaction. When such use
is taking place, these prior art devices will incorrectly assume
that the PC is unused, and will "turn off" the PC.
[0019] In a further form of the invention, an energy saving device
is adapted to detect a power draw condition of the computing device
which allows the energy saving device to categorise the use mode of
the computing device as Active Standby, that is fully powered, but
not performing any user function. When the computing device is
performing activities such as video display, or extended
calculations, the power draw characteristics will be such that the
energy saving device will riot categorise the use mode of the
computer as Active Standby. When the use mode Active Standby is
identified by the energy saving device, the energy saving device
communicates to the computing device. In the event that no user
interaction with the computing device has been detected for a
threshold period, the computing device provides an indication,
visible to a user, if present, that the computing device is about
to be shut down. Where a user is present, and wishes to continue
using the computing device, the user may interact with the
computing device, which will cancel the impending shutdown. If no
such interaction occurs, the computing device is placed in a Low
Power Standby mode.
[0020] This mode change is detected by the energy saving device,
due to the change in the power draw characteristics. The energy
saving device responds to this by removing power from peripheral
devices which are not needed when the computing device is not in
active use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an energy saving device.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a representation of a home computer installation
including the energy saving device of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the energy saving device of
FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a flow chart describing the function of the energy
saving device of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow chart describing a Hibernate Process.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a warning splash screen displayed by an embodiment
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an energy saving
device 1, which has a plug 2 which is adapted to be connected to a
general purpose electrical outlet (GPO). The energy saving device 1
provides at least two electrical outlets 4,5 adapted to supply
electrical power to electrical appliances. As illustrated there is
a monitored electrical outlet 4 and a switched electrical outlet 5.
In other embodiments multiples of either or both of these two types
of outlet may be provided. Further outlets, which may be designated
always on and which supply power at all times when power is
provided to the energy saving device via plug 2 may also be
provided.
[0028] Each electrical outlet of the energy saving device may be
provided with identical electrical circuitry, with the function of
the outlet being determined by software. Alternatively, each
electrical outlet may include electrical circuitry specific to the
function of that outlet.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, the energy saving device 1 of FIG.
1, is shown connected to GPO 3 which supplies electrical power to
the energy saving device 1. The energy saving device includes
monitored electrical outlet 4 into which is plugged cord 8 which
carries electrical power from monitored outlet 4 to a personal
computer (PC) 6. Any suitable computing device may be used, and is
encompassed by the term PC as used herein, including without
limitation, Apple Macintosh computers; computers running Unix based
operating systems; and laptop, notebook and tablet computers.
[0030] There is a switched electrical outlet 5 which provides
electrical power to a power board 10. The power board includes
multiple power outlets 11. These outlets provide power to devices
used in the computing environment which require power only when the
PC itself is in use. This includes, without limitation, computer
peripheral equipment such as a computer monitor 12, speakers
connected t.COPYRGT. the PC 13, and a printer 14. It may also
include equipment which is not part of the computer installation,
but is nonetheless only required when the computer itself is in
use, such as a desk lamp 15. The term "computer peripherals", as
used herein is to be taken to include all of the foregoing.
[0031] Alternatively, a single peripheral, preferably a computer
monitor, may be powered directly from the switched outlet 5. In
embodiments with multiple switched outlets, multiple peripherals
may be powered from switched outlets, with or without a power
board.
[0032] The energy saving device also includes a communications
port, in the illustrated embodiment, a USB port 7. The USB port is
connected via cable 8 to a USB port 16 of the PC 6. This enables
data communication via the USB protocol between the energy saving
device and the PC. Other types of communication port/communication
protocol, may be used, including, without limitation wireless
communication ports and protocols. In other embodiments,
communication between the energy saving device and the PC may not
be direct, but may occur via a third device such as a
communications server, or a public or private communications
network, or any other suitable device or network.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, which is a partial block diagram of the
circuit of the energy saving device, there is provided a sensor 20
which monitors the power drawn through the monitored electrical
outlet 4. The sensor may measure one or all of true RMS power,
current, voltage and phase angle or power factor drawn by or across
the load connected to the one or more monitored outlets 4.
[0034] There is also provided a switch 21, which operates to
control the connection of electrical power from the GPO via plug 2
to the switched outlet or outlets 5.
[0035] There is a communication module 23 which provides data
communication between the energy saving device and the PC. In the
illustrated embodiment, this is a USB communications module, but
any other suitable communication connection and protocol may be
employed.
[0036] There is a processor 22. The processor receives the output
of the sensor 20 and controls the switch 21. The processor also
receives data from, and sends data to, the PC 6 via the
communications module.
[0037] In alternative embodiments, the communications module may be
incorporated into the processor. Alternatively, the processor may
be absent and the communications module may provide for direct
communication with the PC by the sensor 20 and the switch 21. In
these embodiments, all functions of the processor described herein
are undertaken by software running on the PC or another remote
processor.
[0038] In other embodiments, the sensor, processor and
communications module functions may be provided by a single
unit.
[0039] In use the sensor output is monitored by the processor to
determine a functional state of the PC. The functional state may be
determined from the characteristics and/or magnitude of the power
drawn by the PC, as detected by the sensor. In a preferred
embodiment, fluctuations in the power supplied to the PC through
the energy saving device are monitored. Any or all of relative
magnitude, absolute magnitude and frequency of the fluctuations may
be monitored.
[0040] A greater level of power fluctuations indicates that the PC
is in active use. Lower levels of power fluctuations, or the
absence of power fluctuations, indicate that the PC is not in
active use, although it may still be operating at full power
[0041] In other embodiments, the functional state of the PC may be
determined by comparing the power drawn by the PC through the
energy saving device to one or more pre-determined thresholds.
These thresholds may include a time component, that is meeting the
threshold may require the power to be within a particular value
range for a particular time. When to power drawn is below a certain
threshold, the functional state of the PC is determined to be the
corresponding state.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the processor distinguishes at
least three functional states of the PC. These are Active Use, Full
Power Standby, and Low Power Standby. Active Use is detected when
the PC is in use, fully powered, and with a user interacting with
or otherwise actively using the PC. Preferably, use which may not
involve direct physical interaction with the PC, such as watching
video material, or performing extended calculations, will be
categorised as Active Use. Full Power Standby occurs when the PC is
fully powered, but is riot being actively used by a user, that is,
there is no user interacting with the PC. Low Power Standby occurs
when the PC has entered a low power state, which may be "sleep" or
"hibernate". These low power states may be separately identified by
the processor. This state detection may also include the condition
when the PC is off.
[0043] The determination of the functional state may include a
duration component. The determination of a change in the determined
functional state may not coincide in time with any specific change
in the power usage of the PC.
[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the PC will be determined to be
in Active Use functional state when a sufficiently high level of
power fluctuations is detected, over a sufficiently short period of
time. Relative and absolute power measurements may also be used.
Full Power Standby will be determined to be the functional state of
the PC when there is a lower level of power fluctuation detected by
the sensor for a sufficiently long period of time. A particular
range of values of absolute or relative average power use by the PC
may also be required in order for the functional state of the PC to
be categorised as Full Power Standby by the energy saving device.
The categorisation of the functional state of the computing device
as Full Power Standby indicates that the PC is not being actively
used by a user, but has not entered a low power standby mode.
[0045] The processor will cause the switch to operate to remove
power from the switched electrical outlet 5 when Low Power Standby
functional state is detected, thus removing power from the computer
peripherals. This ensures that the computer peripherals are not
drawing power unnecessarily during at least some of the time when
the PC is not in use.
[0046] The PC runs Hibernation Module software which communicates
with the energy saving device. This software may run as a
stand-alone program, as a service, as part of the computer
operating system, or in any other convenient manner. In other
embodiments the Hibernation module may also be implemented as
firmware or hardware built in to or connected to the PC.
[0047] When the processor determines the functional state of the PC
to be Full Power Standby, the processor communicates this to the
Hibernation Module via the Communication Module. In the simplest
embodiment, this communication will be the single command
"Hibernate", instructing the Hibernate Module to cause the PC to
enter a low power standby mode, such as sleep or hibernate, if
possible.
[0048] In some embodiments, the Full Power Standby and Low Power
Standby states may not be distinguished. At any time when the
functional state Active Use is not detected, the processor may
communicate this to the Hibernation Module.
[0049] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of the functionality of the
Hibernation Module. The Hibernation Module performs the action
Monitor USB Port 40 wherein the USB port 16 of the PC is monitored
for incoming data communicated from the energy saving device
processor 22 via Communications Module 23.
[0050] Commands received from the energy saving device are checked
42, in order to detect a Hibernate command from the energy saving
device. Where the command is not a Hibernate command, monitoring 40
continues. Where the command is a Hibernate command, the action Get
inactivity FIG. 43 is performed.
[0051] The action Get inactivity Figure returns a value User
inactivity indicating the degree to which the PC is not engaged in
interactive activity with a user. In a preferred embodiment, this
is the length of time since the PC has recorded a keystroke or a
mouse movement. In the Microsoft Windows operating system, this
value is available as the result of an API call, built in to the
operating system. Similar results are available when other
operating systems are employed. In other embodiments, other means
of detecting user interaction may be employed. This may include,
without limitation, detection of movement using a camera attached
to or integral with the PC; detection of touch on a touchscreen or
touchpad; detection of use of a game pad, joystick or other user
input device; presence detection using passive or active infra-red
sensors; and other suitable forms of presence detection. In these
cases, User Inactivity is a value indicating the length of time
since a user interaction with the PC has been detected.
[0052] The User Inactivity value is then checked 44 against an
Inactivity Threshold. In a preferred embodiment, the Inactivity
Threshold is a pre-set value which is the length of time that the
PC is to be allowed to remain in Active Standby before being placed
into Low Power Standby. The threshold value may be set by default,
or the Hibernate Module may include a user interface which allows
the Inactivity Threshold value to be set by a user. In further
embodiments, the value of Inactivity Threshold may be communicated
to Hibernate Module by the energy saving device.
[0053] Where check 44 indicates that User inactivity is greater
than inactivity Threshold, Hibernate Module initiates 46 the
process Hibernation Process. Where User Inactivity is less than
Inactivity Threshold, a Wait command is communicated 45, via the
Communication Module, to the energy saving device. This
communication includes a value Wait Hibernate which is the time
period which must elapse before the energy saving device will again
send a Hibernate command to the Hibernation Module. The value of
Wait Hibernate is slightly more than Inactivity Threshold less User
Inactivity. The energy saving device processor receives the value
Wait Hibernate. No further Hibernate command will be sent from the
energy saving device to the Hibernate Module until the Wait
Hibernate time period has expired. This prevents the energy saving
device from repeatedly sending Hibernate commands which will be
ignored because the PC has not been in an Active Standby functional
state for a sufficient period.
[0054] Following the sending of the Wait command, the Hibernate
Module continues from the Monitor USB Port function 40.
[0055] In other embodiments, the Wait Hibernate value is not
calculated nor sent to the energy saving device. The Hibernate
Module simply returns to the Monitor USB Port function to await the
next Hibernate command. In this embodiment, the energy saving
device will preferably include a fixed delay between sending of
Hibernate commands to avoid overloading the Hibernate Module with
redundant Hibernate commands.
[0056] The Hibernation Process is the process whereby the PC is
placed into a Low Power Standby mode. It is entered when both of
the following criteria are met: [0055] a) The energy saving device
has determined that the PC is in a state where it is fully powered,
but is not in active use by a user; and [0056] b) The Hibernation
Module has determined that there has been no user interaction with
the PC for a period of time sufficient to indicate that the PC is
not in active use.
[0057] The Hibernation Process provides a warning to a user that
the PC is about to be placed in a Low Power Standby mode. The user
is given an opportunity to indicate that the PC is in use and
should not enter Low Power Standby. if no such indication is made,
then the PC is placed in Low Power Standby mode. In a preferred
embodiment, the warning is by way of a splash screen notification
displayed on the monitor of the PC. In other embodiments, other
visual or audible warnings may be used. These warnings include,
without limitation, flashing lights, spoken word notifications and
warning tones. The indication that the PC should not be placed into
Low Power Standby mode may be by an explicit choice, such as
selecting a specific item from a displayed menu, or, it may be
assumed from any interaction with the PC, such as a keystroke or
mouse movement.
[0058] The Hibernation Process is illustrated in the flowchart of
FIG. 5. When the process is entered 51, a Hibernate Countdown Timer
is set to a starting value. This starting value may be set by
default or may be able to be pre-set by a user. In a preferred
embodiment, the value is set to ten minutes. This is the length of
time during which the user is able to indicate that they are
interacting with the PC and that they do not wish the PC to be
placed into Low Power Standby mode. If no user is present, no such
indication will be made, and the PC will be put into a Low Power
Standby mode.
[0059] A warning of impending shut down is then displayed 52 as a
splash screen on a PC monitor. An example warning is shown in FIG.
6. The text of the warning indicates that the PC will shortly be
placed into a nominated Low Power Standby mode, which may be
"sleep" or "hibernate" or any other suitable low power use-mode of
operation. The text invites a user to interact with the PC, by
keystroke or mouse movement, in order to prevent the change in
mode. The time left before shut down, being the value of the
Hibernate Countdown Timer, may also be displayed.
[0060] The process then continues with a check 55 for any user
interaction in response to the warning. If user interaction is
detected, the Hibernate Process is then cancelled 59 and the
Hibernate Module continues with the action Monitor USB Port 40. No
shut down takes place.
[0061] A check 57 is then made to see if the Hibernation Countdown
Timer has reached zero.
[0062] If no user interaction is detected, the Hibernate Countdown
Timer is decremented according to the elapsed time. A further check
55 is then made. This continues until either user interaction is
detected by check 55, or the value of the Hibernate Countdown
Tinier is found to be zero at check 57. When the Hibernate
Countdown Timer reaches zero, the action Force Hibernate 54 is
undertaken. In this action, the operating system of the PC is
instructed to place the PC into a Low Power Standby mode which may
be "sleep" or "hibernate". In a preferred embodiment, the Hibernate
Process is coded to select "sleep" as the Low Power Standby mode.
In other embodiments, the Hibernate Module may include a user
interface which allows a user to pre-set which mode should be
chosen.
[0063] In other embodiments, the display of the user warning may
include an option to cause hibernation immediately, without waiting
for the Hibernate Countdown Timer to count down. There may also be
an explicit option which must be selected to prevent shut down,
beyond merely moving a mouse or providing a key stroke.
[0064] In other embodiments, other measures indicating that the PC
is in use, even if there is no user interaction, may be used in
setting the value of User Inactivity. This may include, without
limitation, the PC processor load, the throughput of any I/O
(input/output) ports and whether the display of the computing
device is active. These other measures may be used to directly set
or to modify User Inactivity such that it is more or less likely to
exceed the threshold and cause the PC to be instructed to enter a
low power standby mode. For example, a high level of processor
load, indicating active use, may cause the User Inactivity value to
be decreased, meaning that a longer period without a user
physically interacting with the PC would be required before the
process Hibernate Process is initiated.
[0065] It is a function of the energy saving device that the
processor will cause the switch to operate to remove power from the
switched electrical outlet 5 when. Low Power Standby functional
state is detected, thus removing power from the computer
peripherals.
[0066] When the PC is forced into Low Power Standby by the
Hibernate Module, the power draw characteristics sensed by the
sensor are analysed by the processor to identify that the PC is in
Low Power Standby mode. The processor then controls the switch to
remove power from the switched electrical outlet, thus removing
power from the computer peripherals which are not needed when the
PC is not in use.
[0067] Movement of the mouse, activation of the keyboard, or
pressing the power on button on the PC will bring the PC out of Low
Power Standby mode in the usual manner. The energy saving device
will detect this change in functional state. The processor will
then operate the switch to return power to the switched electrical
outlet returning power to the computer peripherals.
[0068] The terms keystroke and mouse movement as used herein
include analogous actions performed using other hardware, including
without limitation, virtual keyboards, touchscreens, touchpads,
trackballs and thumbwheels.
[0069] In other embodiments, the Hibernation Module may directly
instruct the processor or the switch to remove power from the
switched electrical outlet, before the PC is placed into a Low
Power Standby mode.
[0070] In a further embodiment, the energy saving switch may
include a Peripheral Power-Down Countdown Timer. This Timer is set
when the processor signals the Hibernate command to the PC. The set
value is a default value, which in a preferred embodiment is thirty
minutes. This Timer begins to count down, in accordance with the
elapsed time since the Hibernate command has been sent. When any
communication is received from the PC, the count down of the
Peripheral Power-Down Countdown Timer is cancelled. Where no
communication is received from the PC, the Timer will reach zero.
When the Timer reaches zero, the processor operates the switch to
remove power from the switched. electrical outlet thus removing
power from the computer peripherals which are not needed when the
PC is not in use, in the case when the Hibernation Module is
unavailable, or fails to operate correctly. In a further
embodiment, the Peripheral Power-Down Countdown Timer is not
cancelled when a Wait Hibernate command is received from the PC,
but rather the value is set to the Wait Hibernate value sent by the
PC.
[0071] The energy saving device may take any desired form but
preferably is a power board, a general power outlet (GPO), a wall
plug or an energy centre. It is preferred that the system or method
of the invention are used in connection with "plug-in" electrical
devices, but the system or method may also be used with electrical
devices which are permanently wired to mains electrical power. In
the latter case, the energy saving device could be incorporated
into the mains wiring infrastructure or incorporated as an integral
part of mains powered equipment.
[0072] Although the invention has been herein shown and described
in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is recognised that departures can be made within
the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the
details described herein but is to be accorded the full scope of
the disclosure so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and
apparatus.
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