JP2000056870A - Low-power-consumption monitor standby system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the power management system which manages electric power use by a video monitor in a computer system equipped with a host computer having a central processor, a memory, an input/output device, and the video monitor. SOLUTION: This system includes a dedicated timer 613 triggering a power management routine with preset input, a random generator 611 which is connected to the timer and generates a count frequency to the timer at random in response to a start signal, a signal generator which generates at least one power management command to a peripheral device, and a power managing circuit in the video monitor. The random generator generates a time interval to the preset input of the timer at random in response to the start signal, the timer makes the signal generator send the power management command to the video monitor the time interval later, and the video monitor enters a power- saving state other than a power-OFF state in response to the power management command.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is in the field of automatic power saving devices and more particularly to reducing power consumption by computer video monitors.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A typical color video monitor consumes 50 to 80% of the total electrical energy consumed by a personal computer (PC). Video monitors dissipate this energy as visible light radiation, heat consumption, electromagnetic radiation, high energy radiation and acoustic energy from the phosphor screen. Only the emission of the fluorescent material is usually considered to be effective, and usually only if it is actively being observed by an observer. Radiation emission is a hotly debated concern because it can be dangerous to health if exposed for long periods of time. Manufacturers incur significant extra losses to reduce radiation emissions from video monitors. Some are
It is plagued by acoustic emissions generated from some monitors. Heat loss from the video monitor places an additional load on the air conditioner. The energy efficiency of video monitors has historically been improved, mostly as a result of advances in electronic circuit elements, such as the increased use of integrated circuit (IC) devices. Cathode ray tube (CRT) technology has improved little with respect to energy efficiency.

[0003] The number of PCs in use at all times is increasing rapidly, reaching the stage where they mainly consume power. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has promulgated the target power efficiency of computer manufacturers designing new systems. Low voltage ICs use less energy, and microprocessor power management techniques can reduce energy consumption when the computer is idle. CRT
Until a suitable replacement for or a more efficient CRT is developed, it will be difficult to substantially improve the energy efficiency of personal computers.

[0004]

What is needed is a way to disable high energy consuming circuitry in a video monitor when the computer determines that the display is not of interest to anyone. This is determined by the inactivity of input devices such as modems, mice and keyboards. Many computers and video terminals use such techniques to activate screen blanking circuits or programs that display moving images (or no images) to avoid burning screen phosphors. Activating the input device, such as pressing a key or moving the mouse, restores the previous screen image. By signaling microcontrollers or add-on devices for "no data processing" monitors found in many modern designs of monitors, some or all monitor power circuits may be disabled or restored. This technology can be extended to reduce video monitor power consumption.

[0005]

One key to accomplishing this object is to send a signal to the monitor without adding it to the signal currently being supplied to the monitor to stall the monitor to a selected level. Means.

In one embodiment of the present invention, signals are sent to a monitor in a general purpose computer having a CPU, a memory means, a monitor, and a video signal means for supplying horizontal synchronization (HSYNC) and vertical synchronization (VSYNC) signals to the monitor. , A system for taking another state is provided.
The system includes a timing means configured to measure a period of inactivity, reset to zero upon an input interruption, and provide an overflow signal at a preset overflow value, and monitor according to an overflow condition of the timing means. And synchronous disable means for interrupting at least one of the HSYNC and VSYNC signals for

In one embodiment, the video signal means comprises:
A video adapter circuit having a VSYNC generator and an HSYNC generator, wherein the disabling means comprises a register associated with the video adapter circuit, wherein one bit in the register is a vertical retrace polarity bit and another The bit is the horizontal retrace polarity bit. The timing means is provided by the CPU according to a monitor power management instruction routine stored in the memory means, and the SYNC signal is disabled by the CPU writing to a register. The monitor power management routine may be stored in the system BIOS.

In another embodiment, the system comprises an add-in timeout controller having sensing means for sensing interruption of user input, wherein the disable means is operable by the timeout control;
It has one or more switches located in a line that carries one of the SYNC and VSYNC signals. In yet another embodiment, the system is implemented by an add-on (external) timeout controller connected to the interface device at the port to which the user input device is connected. The interface device monitors the interruption of the input, and the add-on timeout controller is connected to the interruption device at the monitor port for interrupting the SYNC signal.

[0009] In another aspect, the invention includes a CRT monitor configured to respond to a power level signal from a host computer. The monitor includes a SYNC detector that monitors for the presence of the VSYNC and HSYNC signals from the host computer, and in response, power level control means that disables the power circuit in the CRT monitor.

In yet another aspect, a monitor power system includes an external SYNC detector located in a monitor cable to a host computer. This controller drives a switch that controls the AC mains power to the monitor.

A computer system according to the present invention includes a timing means configured to reset to zero upon system interruption, and a signal S for interrupting a SYNC signal to a monitor.
Associated with YNC disable means and monitor,
SYNC that senses the presence of a SYNC signal on the monitor
It includes a detection means and a power level control means associated with the monitor and responsive to the absence of the SYNC signal for deactivating the monitored power usage circuit.

In yet another aspect, the interruption of input from the user operating device is sensed, the timer is reset to zero upon receipt of such interruption, and the VSYNC for the monitor is monitored.
Providing a first power level signal to the monitor based on at least one disable of the signal and the HSYNC signal; providing a second power level signal in a form different from the first power level signal; A method is provided for conserving power in a video display monitor that includes the step of sensing the presence of a power supply circuit and shutting down a power circuit in response to a power level signal. The cathode heater is left in the presence of the first signal and power is completely shut off in response to receiving the second signal.

In another aspect of the invention, the elapsed time without input to initiate monitor power management may be randomly generated, and in yet another aspect, the computer is a local area or wide area network (LAN). Or a WAN) to provide different start times for individual computers connected based on a wide variety of factors, such as time of day or day of week. Is also good. In terms of network management, activity at the local computer station may also be monitored by a power management server on the network, and when the inactivity at the computer station exceeds a preset threshold, a power management mode or sequence is entered. Sends a command to the computer station.

The invention in some of these aspects is:
In response to periods of inactivity, a method is provided that saves power at the monitor, minimizes the emission of radiation, and maximizes the existing components and capabilities of a general purpose computer.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG.
Figure 3 shows a functional element of a preferred embodiment of the present invention that can provide three different signals to a monitor to adjust to one state. In one embodiment of the invention, the state is a selected level of monitor power management (MPM). The signal to the monitor is based on interrupting one or the other, or both, of the HSYNC and VSYNC signals. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the PC 111 includes a basic input / output system (BIOS) 113 and a video graphics adapter (VGA) 117. Virtually all such adapters have HSYNC signals and V
Due to the use of the SYNC signal, the invention works equally well with other video adapters. In some other adapters, equivalent means of interrupting the HSYNC and VSYNC signals are used.

The BIOS 113 contains instructions for the MPM, which are sent to the central processing unit (CPU) 115 by the VGA.
The state of the synchronous enable control in 117 is changed. In another embodiment, the instructions to execute the MPM may be embedded in an operating system (OS) device driver routine or a terminate and stay resident (TSR) program.

The MPM instruction causes CPU 115 to monitor for interruptions to input devices (not shown), such as a timer, keyboard, and serial communication port. The MPM instruction advances the timeout counter at each timer interruption,
Reset the count to an initial value at each monitored interruption. The initial value of the MPM timeout counter may be fixed or adjustable.
If the MPM timeout counter reaches a preset overflow value, the stop of the monitored interruption changes the state of the HSYNC enable 124 and VSYNC enable 126 control circuits so that the horizontal sync generated by the horizontal sync generator 122 is changed. Signal (HSYNC)
An instruction is executed to disable the output of 123 and / or the vertical sync signal (VSYNC) 125 generated by the vertical sync generator 120, or both.
Subsequent monitored interruptions are indicated by HSYNC Enable 12
4 and changes the state of the control circuit of the VSYNC enable 126 to execute an instruction to enable the output of the HSYNC signal 123 and the VSYNC signal 125 from the VGA 117.

In the case of a VGA controller, the enable / disable capability is determined by the CPU's register 3C by the CPU.
2 through a write to bit 2
And 7 are reserved for horizontal retrace polarity and vertical retrace polarity, respectively. HSYNC signal 12
3 and VSYNC signal 125 are sent to interface 121 along with other signals such as R, G, B signals from D / A converter 119. The signal is sent to the monitor over a VGA cable 127 as is known in the art.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, useful for refitting existing computers, the current technology PC 211 having a CPU 215 is a VGA 217 VSYN.
C output 225 and VSYN to video interface 221
This is enhanced by the installation of a switch 231 connecting to the C input 226. In the color computer, the R, G and B signals are sent from DAC 219 to interface 221. The add-in timeout controller 229 including the MPM instruction monitors the activity of the input device as described above with respect to FIG. A timeout on all input devices will cause a command to change the state of the program controlled switch 231 and execute the VSY to the video interface 221.
Block NC input 225. Recovery of the monitored interruption will cause switch 231 to close and return the VSYNC signal on line 226. A second switch 232 may be used on the HSYNC line to interrupt the HSYNC signal on line 224, in this embodiment an add-in timeout controller controls both switches. In yet another embodiment, the HSYNC signal and the VSYNC
One switch may be used to interrupt both signals.

The functional blocks shown in FIG. 2 are an internal solution to the add-in hardware / software aspect, and the blocks are not intended to be taken literally as hardware devices and interfaces. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are many equivalent ways of implementing the functional blocks. Keyboard, mouse and modem inputs are monitored by the add-in controller and are also available to the CPU in a typical manner.

FIG. 3 is an external solution to the hardware / software aspect. In this solution,
The add-on timeout controller 259 is outside the computer system 233, and each port supporting an input device and the video output port has an interface device connected to the add-on timeout controller. For example, C used for modem 245
The interface 243 of the OM port 241 monitors modem activity and reports to the controller 259 on line 244. An interface 249 at keyboard port 247 monitors the activity of the keyboard 251 and a control 259 on line 250.
Report to The interface 255 at the pointer port 253 is a pointer 257 (mouse, joystick,
The activity of the trackball is monitored and reported to controller 259 on line 256.

In this embodiment, controller 259 performs the timer function and outputs a signal on line 238 to interface device 237 at video port 235. Line 239 is to the monitor. The device 237 is configured to control the HSY according to the overflow condition of the add-on control device 259.
Interrupt the NC signal and the VSYNC signal.

A color video monitor 347 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The monitor 347 includes an interface 333, a microcontroller 339 having MPM instructions according to the present invention, and a video circuit (VC) 345 having a voltage control circuit. HSYNC pulse 335
And VSYNC pulse 337 are connected to interface 333.
To the microcontroller 339. The microcontroller 339 outputs the HSYNC signal 335 and the VSYNC signal 33
Monitor 7 The previously described MPM instruction is VSYNC
The number of HSYNC pulses occurring between each pair of pulses is counted. The counted zero HSYNC pulse causes the voltage on the level 2 signal line 343 to change upon an MPM instruction in the microcontroller 339. Similarly, monitor
HSYNC, which significantly exceeds the maximum video scan rate for V.347 and indicates that VSYNC signal 337 has been lost.
The interval count of the C pulse 335 is determined by the microcontroller 339.
Then, the voltage of the level 1 signal line 341 is changed. VSY
When the HSYNC pulse 335 for the pulse interval count of the NC 337 recovers from the minimum scan rate to the maximum scan rate, the MPM instruction in the microcontroller 339 causes the quiescent voltage to be applied to the level 1 signal line 341 and the level 2 signal line 343. Restore level.

The video circuit 345 has a level 1 signal line 341
When the active voltage level is sensed by the microcontroller 339
, Cuts off any power required by interface 333 and power to all circuits in monitor 347 except for the power control circuit (not shown) of video circuit 345. In this level one standby mode, the power consumption of the monitor 347 is reduced by more than 90%. If the monitor 347 is in the level 1 standby state for more than a few seconds, a full warm-up time is required to restart it. The active voltage level on level 2 signal line 343 is applied to video circuit 345,
Cut off power to all circuits except those previously described plus the CRT cathode heater. In the level 2 standby mode, the power consumption of the monitor 347 is reduced by 80-90%. Since the CRT is maintained at a high temperature, restarting the monitor 347 from the level 2 standby mode requires less than about 5 seconds. The restart of the monitor 347 occurs when the voltage on the level 1 signal line 341 and the level 2 signal line 343 returns to the quiescent state, so that the video circuit 345 activates power to all the circuits of the monitor 347. Will be able to

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention in a monitor 447 with video circuitry that is functionally similar to that described for the monitor shown in FIG. Interface 433 and video circuit 44
5 but no microcontroller. The synchronization detection circuit 451 provides the HSY for the time constant of the appropriate period.
The pulse intervals of the NC signal 435 and the VSYNC signal 437 are compared to allow for a short interruption of the sync pulse. If the HSYNC 435 pulse or the VSYNC 437 pulse is lost for a period longer than the associated time constant, the synchronization detection circuit 451 will cause the voltage on the level 1 signal line 441 or level 2 signal line 443 to be increased as described for FIG. To its active state, producing the same result. Similarly, the recovery of the HSYNC 435 and VSYNC 437 pulses is monitored by the monitor 447 as described above with respect to FIG.
To restart.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention suitable for an add-on device for use with a monitor 547 having an interface 533. The synchronization detection circuit 551 in the external container having a feed-through is inserted into the VGA cable 127. Sync detection circuit 551 monitors the video signal on VGA cable 127 and compares the SYNC interval for one or the other of VSYNC and HSYNC with a time constant in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIG.
If the monitored SYNC signal on the VGA cable 127 is lost for an interval longer than this time constant, the synchronization detection circuit 551 changes the voltage on the power control line 561 to its active level and then opens the electronic control switch 553. Let
The electronic control switch 553 connects the monitor 54
7 controls the AC main power to the power cord 557 receiver.
When the electronic control switch 553 is opened, the AD
Power is lost, thus causing an overall outage of the monitor 547. When the SYNC signal is restored in the video signal on the VGA cable 127, the synchronization detection circuit 551 changes the power control line 561 to its quiescent state, thus closing the electronic control switch 553 and restoring the AC power input to the DC power supply 555. Then restart the monitor 547.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the time before the start of power management is randomly generated. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating this situation. Instead of using a predetermined value to count by a timer before activating the power down phase (first, second or both),
Each time a preset is performed, a random value is generated to preload the timer. Referring to FIG. 7, a random number generator 611 is connected to a timer 613 by one or more lines 615 that provide a preset input. Basic control logic (not shown) is used to control the sequence. The result is a randomly generated timeout other than a fixed preset value or a user preset (predetermined) value.

In another aspect, illustrated in FIG. 8, a computer station (711a, 711b, 711n) is connected to a network (not shown) with a server 715 adapted by an MPM application 717 to provide power management parameters to connected computer stations. LAN or WA
N) 713. Values are sent or broadcast over a network to control the time period in response to any parameter, such as environment, time of day, year, randomly generated number, and the like. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such a timer may be present on a computer, a monitor, both, or even a network. The realization means can be integrated into the IC as hardware or firmware, and the equivalent means can be programmed in software in a server on a network together with software in a computer and / or monitor (firmware) or both. It should be clear.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the initiation of the power management process for one or more computers may be accomplished by providing no means to provide the time period to be measured on the local computer, such as server 715 in FIG. It may be performed from a remote computer such as a server on a network.
In this regard, server 715 monitors activity on the local computer. The local computer may for example be configured to send periodic reports to the power management server. The power management server tracks the receipt of periodic reports from the local computer and, if the local computer fails to report activity for a certain number of reporting periods, initiates a power management The server sends a command to the local computer. Thus, the power management program that is initiated is very much more than just simply shutting down the local computer's monitor, going into suspend or sleep mode on the computer or monitor, or entering time continuously at the local computer by timing. It may vary widely, such as discriminating between modes.

In one embodiment, which includes a random occurrence of a time period, managing power usage by a video monitor in a computer system having a host computer having a central processing unit (CPU), memory, input devices, and a video monitor. A power management system is provided. The power management system includes a timer dedicated to triggering a power management routine having a preset input, a random generator connected to the timer and configured to randomly generate a count number for the timer in response to a start signal. , A signal generator for generating at least one power management command for the peripheral device, and a power management circuit in the video monitor. In this embodiment, the random generator randomly generates a time interval for the preset input of the timer in response to the start signal, and after the time interval has elapsed, the signal generator issues a power management command to the video monitor. The video monitor takes a reduced power state other than off in response to the power management command. In this embodiment, a VGA standard signal is supplied to the video monitor,
The power management commands are encoded in a VGA standard signal provided to the video monitor.

In another embodiment, the central processing unit (CP)
A power management system is provided for managing power usage by a video monitor in a computer system having a host computer having U), a memory, an input device, and a video monitor. The power management system includes a timer dedicated to triggering a power management routine having a preset input, a random generator connected to the timer and configured to randomly generate a count number for the timer in response to a start signal. , At least one for peripheral devices
A signal generator for generating two power management commands and a power management circuit in a peripheral device are included. In this embodiment, the random generator randomly generates a time interval for the preset input of the timer in response to the start signal, and after the time interval has elapsed, the signal generator issues a power management command to the video monitor. The video monitor takes a reduced power state other than off in response to the power management command.

In yet another embodiment, a central processing unit (CPU), a memory coupled to the CPU for storing data and instruction routines, and an input device coupled to the CPU for providing user input to the computer. And a user input device dedicated to starting the random time period generator connected to the preset input of the timer, and configured to send at least one power management command to a port configured to communicate with the video monitor. A computer comprising a signal generator is provided. In this embodiment,
Upon activation of the user input device, the random time period generator provides a time period to the timer, and after the time period elapses, the timer generates a signal to send a power management command to a port configured to communicate with the video monitor. Start the container.

In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for saving operating power of a video monitor in a computer system in which a host computer sends a signal to communicate with the video monitor. The method includes: (a) sensing the operation of a start input in a random time period generator; (b) providing a randomly generated time period to a preset input of a timer in response to the start input; A) transmitting a power management command to the video monitor in response to the timeout of the timer, (d) detecting the power management command in the video monitor, and (e) detecting that the power management command has been received. Sending a signal to the circuit, and (f) reducing the power to the power consuming circuit in the video monitor to a level other than off by the power management circuit in response to the signal indicating that the power management command has been received.

In still another embodiment, a timer dedicated to triggering a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, a video monitor, a power management routine, and a signal generator for generating at least one power management command to a peripheral device. A power management system for managing power usage by a video monitor in a computer system having a host computer having a power management circuit in a video monitor and a plurality of computer stations connected on a network is provided. . The power management system includes a power management server connected on a network, and a monitor power management code set executed on the power management server. In this embodiment, the power management server supplies a preset number of times to a timer in a networked computer and, when the timer times out, triggers a power management command for the monitor to cause the video monitor to enter a reduced power state.

In yet another embodiment, a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, a video monitor, a timer dedicated to triggering a power management routine, and a signal generator for generating at least one power management command for the video monitor. A method is provided for saving operating power of a plurality of computer stations connected to a network, each having a host computer having a power management circuit in a video monitor. The method includes the steps of: (a) transmitting a preset time period to each of the computer stations from a power management server connected to the network; (b) starting time counting by a timer; Sends a power management command to the video monitor in response to the timer
(D) detecting a power management command at the video monitor; and (e) reducing power to a power usage circuit in the video monitor to a level other than off in response to the power management command.

In yet another embodiment, a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, a video monitor, a signal generator for generating at least one power management command for the video monitor, and a power management circuit in the video monitor. A power management system is provided for managing power usage by a video monitor in a computer system having a host computer having a computer station connected to a network. The power management system includes a power management server connected on a network,
A monitor power management code set executed on the power management server. In this embodiment, the power management server
Monitor activity at the computer station and send a command to the computer station to enter a power management sequence when there is no activity for more than a threshold time period.

In yet another embodiment, a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, a video monitor, a power management routine, a signal generator for generating at least one power management command for the video monitor, and a power source in the video monitor. A method is provided for saving operating power of a computer station having a host computer having a management system and connected on a network. The method includes the steps of: (a) monitoring activity at a computer station by a power management server connected to a network; and (b) performing a power management sequence when there is an inactivity period at the computer station beyond a preset threshold. Sending a command from the power management server to the computer station to enter.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are many changes that can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. OS device driver or TS instead of BIOS
Some of these alternatives have already been described, such as MPM instructions implemented in R routines, one-level MPMs instead of two-level MPMs, and external video monitor power controllers. Another method of signaling MPM state changes to the monitor is HSYNC or VSYNC.
, The time-based coding sequence of the frequency change in, the coded value in the color signal, and the absence of the color signal for the extended period. Another embodiment of the MPM routine allows an operator to control MPM operation through command steps such as menus, dialog boxes or command lines. Such controls include pressing a "hot key", typing a command line, or shutting down monitor power at will through other program interface steps. Other features allow the operator to change the idle time required to trigger the MPM and to toggle MPM monitoring on or off. Another MPM routine requires that the operator type a password before enabling the transmission of a normal video signal to the video monitor. Separate devices may be configured for both built-in and post-production modifications to implement monitor power control. Embodiments of the invention for monochrome and grayscale video adapters and monitors are also contemplated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a PC according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a PC enhanced with an add-on device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a PC enhanced by an add-in device according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a microcontroller based video monitor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a “no data processing” monitor with an add-in device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an add-on device for controlling AC main power to a monitor according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a random generator connected to a timer for generating a start signal for power management according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a power management server configured to provide power management parameters to a connected computer and a computer connected over a network, according to an embodiment of the present invention. is there.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A power management system for managing power usage by a video monitor in a computer system having a host computer having a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, and a video monitor, comprising: a power source having a preset input; A timer dedicated to triggering a management routine; a random generator connected to the timer and configured to randomly generate a count for the timer in response to a start signal; and at least one power management command for a peripheral device. And a power management circuit in the video monitor, wherein the random generator randomly generates a time interval for a preset input of the timer in response to a start signal, wherein the timer is After the time interval has elapsed, the signal generator Said power management system to take is to send a power management command, a reduced power state other than off in response said video monitor to the power management command to Nita. 2. The VGA standard signal is supplied to the video monitor, and the power management command is encoded in the VGA standard signal supplied to the video monitor.
A power management system as described. 3. A power management system for managing power usage by a video monitor in a computer system including a host computer having a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, and a video monitor. A timer dedicated to triggering a management routine; a random generator connected to the timer and configured to randomly generate a count for the timer in response to a start signal; and at least one power management command for a peripheral device. And a power management circuit in the peripheral device, wherein the random generator randomly generates a time interval for a preset input of the timer in response to a start signal, wherein the timer is After the time interval elapses, the signal generator activates the video monitor. Said power management system to take is to send a power management command, a reduced power state other than off in response said video monitor to the power management command to. A central processing unit (CPU); a memory coupled to the CPU for storing data and instruction routines; an input device coupled to the CPU for providing user input to a computer; a timer; A user input device dedicated to initiating a random time period generator connected to a preset input of the first and a signal generator configured to send at least one power management command to a port configured to communicate with a video monitor. Upon activation of the user input device, the random time period generator supplies a time period to the timer, and after a lapse of the time period, power to a port configured to communicate with the video monitor. A computer wherein the timer activates the signal generator to send a management command. 5. A method for saving operating power of a video monitor in a computer system in which a host computer signals to communicate with the video monitor, comprising: (a) sensing the operation of a start input in a random time period generator. (B) providing a randomly generated time period to a preset input of a timer in response to the start input; and (c) transmitting a power management command to the video monitor in response to a timeout of the timer. (D) detecting the power management command in the video monitor, (e) transmitting a signal to the power management circuit in the video monitor that the power management command has been received, and (f) transmitting the power management command. In response to the signal indicating the reception, the power management circuit turns off the power to the power using circuit in the video monitor. A method comprising reducing to an outside level. 6. A central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, a video monitor, a timer dedicated to triggering a power management routine, a signal generator for generating at least one power management command for peripheral devices, and power in the video monitor. Each having a host computer having a management circuit,
A power management system for managing power usage by a video monitor in a computer system having a plurality of computer stations connected on a network, comprising: a power management server connected to the network; and a power management server executed on the power management server. Monitor power management code set, wherein the power management server supplies a preset number of times to a timer in the networked computer, and triggers a power management command for the monitor when the timer times out, A power management system for causing the video monitor to enter a reduced power state. 7. A central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, a video monitor, a timer dedicated to triggering a power management routine, a signal generator for generating at least one power management command for the video monitor, and power in the video monitor. A method for saving operating power of a plurality of computer stations connected on a network, each of the computer stations having a host computer having a management circuit, the method comprising: (a) from a power management server connected on the network to the computer station; Transmitting a preset time period to the individual; (b) starting time counting of the timer; (c) sending a power management command to the video monitor in response to the time-out of the timer in the computer station. Transmitting (d) before on said video monitor Detecting the power management command, in response to (e) said power management command, a method comprising the step of reducing the power to the power using circuits in the video monitor to a level other than off. 8. A host computer having a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, a video monitor, a signal generator for generating at least one power management command for the video monitor, and a power management circuit in the video monitor. A power management system that manages power usage by a video monitor in a computer system having a computer station connected to a network; a power management server connected to the network; A monitor power management code set, wherein the power management server monitors activity at the computer station and enters a power management sequence when there is no activity for more than a threshold time period. Send command to Power management system. 9. A power management system in the video monitor including a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input device, a video monitor, a power management routine, a signal generator for generating at least one power management command for the video monitor. A method for saving operating power of a computer station having a host computer and connected on a network, comprising: (a) monitoring activity at the computer station by a power management server connected to the network; (b) Sending a command from the power management server to the computer station to enter a power management sequence when there is an inactivity period at the computer station exceeding a preset threshold.