WO2006092149A1

WO2006092149A1 - Power supply unit with alarm device

Info

Publication number: WO2006092149A1
Application number: PCT/DK2006/000131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Von Scholten
Original assignee: Von Scholten Management Group Aps
Priority date: 2005-03-03
Filing date: 2006-03-03
Publication date: 2006-09-08
Also published as: EP1861836A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power supply unit (PSU) having an input for feeding power to the PSU and at least one output for supplying power to different electrical components, wherein the PSU comprises a power supply and an alarm device, and wherein the alarm device comprises at least one sensor for generation of at least one trigger signal, and an alarm generator for generation of at least one alarm signal in response to a trigger signal.

Description

POWER SUPPLY UNIT WITH ALARM DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an alarm device for protection, e.g. anti theft protection of electrical devices such as personal computers, servers or other electrical equipment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years computers have become more commonplace in commerce, in industry and in the home. The increasing number and distribution of computers and electrical devices in general have resulted in a need for protecting the devices against theft.

Alarm devices for protection of computers are well known. For example, an alarm device, which is to be inserted in an expansion slot, such as in a floppy drive, a

PCMCIA-drive, parallel or serial port, is disclosed in WO 03/071546. A limited number of expansion slots are available in a computer, and provision of such alarm device in a computer limits the use of other hardware components in the computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, a power supply unit (PSU) having an input for feeding power to the PSU and at least one output for supplying power to different electrical components, wherein the PSU comprises a power supply and an alarm device, and wherein the alarm device comprises at least one sensor for generation of at least one trigger signal, and an alarm generator for generation of at least one alarm signal in response to a trigger signal, fulfills the above-mentioned and other objects.

It is an important advantage of the present invention that the alarm device does not occupy internal input/output ports in a computer, such as floppy drive, USB-ports, or motherboard slots, such as PCI, ISA or EISA.

Furthermore it is an important advantage of the present invention that the alarm device is an integrated part of the PSU providing protection of the alarm device.

The alarm generator may comprise an alarm signal generator for generating the at least one alarm signal. The alarm signal generator may comprise a sound generator such as a loudspeaker or a siren, a smoke generator, a wireless signal generator, such as one or more antennas, a LED, and/or a GPS unit, a message generator for sending electronic messages, such as e-mail or SMS, and/or a spray device for spraying liquid, such as UV-paint, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, the alarm signal generator comprises a sound generator and a wireless signal generator. Further, the alarm generator may comprise an alarm signal controller for, e.g. controlling the type and/or characteristics of one or more alarm signals. The alarm signal controller may comprise a user interface, e.g. dipswitches, for user setting of the alarm signal characteristics or user control of the alarm unit. Alternatively or in combination, a controller in the alarm device may control alarm signal characteristics.

The one or more alarm signals may comprise one or more sound signals, smoke signals, wireless signals, such as radio signals or infrared signals, electronic messages, such as SMS or e-mail, or combinations thereof. Further, the one or more alarm signals may comprise a signal identifying the alarm device and/or indicating the position of the alarm device.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more alarm signals may comprise one or more control signals for activation and/or deactivation of external alarm devices, such as one or more sirens, smoke generator, etc.

The alarm device may comprise one or more sensors or detectors, such as motion sensors, tilt sensors, such as mercury tilt sensors, temperature sensors, sound sensors, light sensors, electrical sensors and combinations thereof. The choice of sensors depends on the desired type of detection. The sensor(s) may, e.g. depending on a control signal, detect if the PSU e.g. is moved, is powered/not powered, is overheated, overloaded, makes noise, fails and/or is tampered with, e.g. vandalized. Status of the PSU, such as power consumption and temperature, may be monitored by the sensor(s).

Preferably, the sensor(s) provides one or more trigger signals for triggering and/or controlling an alarm signal. A plurality of trigger signals may be employed for triggering different alarm signals depending on the type of detection, such as motion, tilting, power off, power on, change in temperature, change in noise level, change in power consumption etc. The trigger signals may be fed directly to the alarm signal generator and/or to controller. The sensor(s) may also provide monitoring of a battery unit, which may be included in the alarm device, or an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) in the PSU, e.g. detecting when the battery capacity is low. Preferably, the alarm device further comprises a controller for controlling different parts of the alarm device. The controller may be connected to at least one sensor for input of at least one trigger signal from the at least one sensor and/or for output of control signal(s) to the at least one sensor. Furthermore, the controller may be connected to the alarm generator for receiving input signal(s) from and/or transmitting control signal(s) to the alarm generator. The control signal(s) from the controller may depend on the at least one trigger signal. The controller may comprise an alarm signal controller. One or more control signals and/or trigger signals from the controller may control the alarm generator.

One or more specific alarm signals may be generated in response to respective one or more specific trigger signals. For example, a first alarm signal, e.g. a sound alarm signal, may be generated under certain conditions, e.g. if the battery power is high and motion is sensed, and a second alarm signal, e.g. an SMS alarm signal, may be generated if the battery power is low. The alarm device may have different preset alarm programs that may be selected by the user for use of the PSU in different environments.

In one embodiment of the PSU, the at least one alarm signal comprises a first alarm signal and/or a second alarm signal. The first alarm signal is a loud sound signal, e.g. above 90 such as about 110 db, generated by a siren, and the second alarm signal is a wireless control signal for activation of an external alarm device. Preferably, the alarm device comprises a user interface for controlling and/or setting the function of different parts of the alarm device. The user interface may provide communication with e.g. a wireless remote control for user input and output to the alarm device. Further, the user interface may comprise one or more switches. The user interface may, in addition to comprising switches for switching the alarm device on and off, provide for setting characteristics of the at least one alarm signal, e.g. volume, length, type, such as sound alarm signal, SMS-alarm, text, etc.

Preferably, the alarm device is adapted for communication with one or more external devices such that the alarm device may control and/or receive input from one or more external devices. The one or more external devices may for example comprise external alarm units and/or external sensor units.

The user interface may comprise a display and/or be connected to a display for display and output of alarm device state, such as on/off and/or alarm signal characteristics. The display may be wired or wirelessly connected to the user interface. The display may for example comprise one or more LEDs or a LCD display. Preferably, the display is integrated in the remote control.

Preferably, the alarm device comprises a battery unit for providing uninterrupted power supply to the alarm device. Alternatively or additionally, an UPS in the PSU may provide power to the alarm device and to the computer in case the main power supply is disconnected. Preferably, the alarm device is powered from the main power supply that powers the PSU, regardless if the power switch of the PSU is turned off. Upon disconnection of the main power supply, the battery unit and/or the UPS in the PSU power the alarm device and/or the computer. Status of the battery and/or the UPS may be monitored by the sensor(s) and/or indicated in the display. The battery unit may comprise one or more rechargeable battery cells. The battery unit and/or the UPS may be charged by external renewable energy sources, e.g. solar panels, windmills, etc.

The PSU may be adapted for connection to a network, e.g. the Internet, a LAN, a WLAN, a phone network, a cellular phone network, etc. Thus the PSU may comprise one or more network connectors. Further, the PSU may comprise an Internet gateway device providing communication with and control of the PSU over a network, such as the Internet or a LAN.

Further, the PSU according to the invention may comprise one or more antennas for provision of wireless communication. The PSU may be adapted for Bluetooth, or other wireless communication protocols. The alarm device may be connected to a network, e.g. the Internet, a LAN, a WLAN, a phone network, a cellular phone network, etc. Connection of the alarm device to a network facilitates enhanced controlling and monitoring of the alarm device and/or the PSU, and thus more advanced types of alarm signals are thus possible. Further the alarm device may comprise a GPS-unit. In one embodiment, the alarm device may be adapted to control the function of the

PSU, enabling a user to remotely control the PSU, e.g. switch the power of the PSU on and off. Thereby, a remote user may perform complete start, restart, and/or shutdown of computers and servers. In addition or alternatively, a user may be able to monitor the status of the PSU. The PSU comprises an input for feeding power to the PSU from a main power supply.

Preferably, the main power supply is AC in the range from about 10 V to 500 V, e.g. around 110 V, around 230 V, or around 380 V. Additionally, the PSU may comprise one or more outputs for supplying power to different electrical components, such as computer parts, e.g. CD-ROM drive, motherboard, hard disc, computer screen or other displays. The input and/or the one or more outputs may comprise one or more standard plugs, such as one or more USB-ports and/or one or more molex connectors.

Preferably, the PSU supplies DC power in the range from about -50 V to about 50 V.

Different outputs may supply different voltage levels such as about 0 V, about +3.3 V, about ±5 V, about ±12 V, or combinations thereof. The PSU comprises a power supply for converting power from the input to the output. Further, the PSU may comprise a UPS and/or a fan.

Preferably, the PSU has a housing which complies with the ATX-format. Alternatively the PSU may meet other standards, such as BTX. Provision of a PSU comprising an alarm device facilitates monitoring and/or control of the PSU. Power consumption and general status of the PSU can be monitored and/or controlled, and results of the monitoring may be provided as an E-mail or SMS.

Incorporating an alarm device in a PSU facilitates wireless communication, e.g. infrared communication or radio based communication such as GPS, WLAN, mobile phone, etc., between the alarm device and the surroundings, since an antenna for wireless communication may be positioned outside a computer cabinet in which the PSU is installed. Hereby, the antenna is not shielded by the computer cabinet. The PSU may be adapted for Bluetooth communication or other wireless communication protocols. Furthermore, it is believed that a more secure alarm device is provided, since the interior of a PSU is not easy accessible as the interior of a computer or server cabinet.

According to a further aspect a PSU system is provided, comprising a PSU according to the first aspect of the invention and a remote control that is adapted to control the PSU.

According to a further aspect a PSU system is provided, comprising a PSU according to the first aspect of the invention and an external alarm device that is adapted to provide an external alarm signal in response to an alarm signal from the PSU.

The PSU system may comprise both an external alarm device that is adapted to provide an external alarm signal in response to an alarm signal from the PSU, and a remote control that is adapted to control the PSU. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the figures of the drawings, wherein

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a circuit diagram of one embodiment of an alarm device, Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a PSU according to the invention,

Fig. 4 shows a circuit diagram of a part of an alarm device of a PSU according to the invention, Rg. 5 shows a circuit diagram of a part of an alarm device of a PSU according to the invention, and

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a PSU according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following, like reference numerals refer to like features of the present invention.

Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the present invention. A power supply unit (PSU) 100 comprises an alarm device 2 comprising an alarm generator 4 for generating an alarm signal. The PSU 100 further comprises at least one sensor 6 for generating a trigger signal and a controller 8 for controlling the function of the alarm device. The alarm generator 4 and the at least one sensor 6 are connected to the controller 8 thus enabling control of the alarm generator 4 and the at least one sensor 6. Additionally or alternatively, the alarm generator 4 may be connected to the at least one sensor 6. Addition of a controller 8 provides a more advanced alarm device. The controller 8 receives input from a user interface 10. Preferably, the user interface 10 is wirelessly connected to a remote control 12 enabling a user to control the alarm device 2. Preferably, the communication between the user interface 10 and the remote control 12 is infrared. The user interface 10 may comprise switches for switching the alarm device on and off, or setting alarm device characteristics. The controller 8 controls the function of the alarm device 2. When the alarm device 2 is switched on, e.g. by a remote control 12, the alarm generator gives a signal, e.g. one or two beeps to indicate that the alarm device is on. When the alarm device 2 is switched off, e.g. by a remote control 12, the alarm generator gives a signal, e.g. one or two beeps to indicate that the alarm device is off. Motion sensor(s) in the at least one sensor 6 monitor if the PSU is moved. Upon detection of movement of the PSU, the at least one sensor 6 provides a trigger signal to the controller 8, which activates the alarm generator 4 comprising a loudspeaker, which sends out an alarm signal (loud noise). Additionally or alternatively, the alarm device may activate an external alarm unit in the external device 14, preferably by wireless communication via a wireless connection 16.

In alarm state, i.e. when alarm device 2 is switched on, the controller 8 activates the alarm generator 4 in case an undesired event occurs, for example the main power supply, a LAN or a WLAN connection is interrupted, the PSU is moved, the battery capacity is low, or the PSU is overheated, overloaded, vandalized or fails. The choice of type and characteristic of alarm signal(s) may depend on what is detected by the at least one sensor 6 and/or at least one sensor in the external device 14. A first alarm signal, such as an SMS or E-mail may be sent when a first trigger signal is received, e.g. upon interrupt of the main power supply, while a second trigger signal, e.g. upon movement of the PSU or damage of alarm device, such as an antenna, may result in a second alarm signal, such as a sound alarm signal.

The alarm device 2 further comprises a battery unit 18 to provide power to the alarm device 2 when the PSU is not powered from main power supply. Status of the battery unit may be monitored by the at least one sensor 6, which may provide a trigger signal to the controller in case of low battery capacity. The battery unit 18 is continuously charged when the PSU 100 is connected to the main power supply.

Further, the PSU 100 comprises a power supply 20 for converting power at the input 22 to power at the one or more outputs 24. One or more of the output(s) 24 supplies a combination of different power signals, e.g. 3.3 V, 5 V, and/or 12V power signals, to different units in the PC. Furthermore, the PSU comprises a switch 26 for turning at least some of the outputs 24 on and off.

Fig. 2 shows a circuit diagram of a part of one embodiment of an alarm device. Motion sensors 28 are provided to detect movement of the alarm device. External input is provided at input terminals 32 and 34. The alarm is switched on/off by controlling the voltage at on/off terminal or port 32. External triggering of the alarm device, e.g. by wireless communication with an external sensor unit, may be performed on terminal 34. 5V is supplied to terminal 36 from the power supply in the PSU when the main power supply is connected to the PSU. B1 is a battery unit comprising three rechargeable battery cells. A micro controller U1 controls the function of the alarm device. Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a PSU according to the invention. The PSU 110 has a perforated sidewall and comprises an input 38 for connection of the PSU to the main power supply. A switch 40 for switching the PSU on and off is also provided. Furthermore, the PSU 110 comprises an alarm device comprising an antenna device 42. Preferably, the antenna device partly or fully extends outside the sidewall of the PSU to provide enhanced wireless communication with external units. Wireless communication with external units enables remote control of not only the alarm device, but also of the PSU. Plugs for input and output to/from the alarm device may also be provided in a sidewall of the PSU. The PSU complies with at least some of the standards, preferably all, in the ATX-format. Fig. 4 shows a circuit diagram of a part of an alarm device of a PSU according to one embodiment of the present invention. The alarm device of the PSU comprises an alarm generator 4 for generation of a first alarm signal. The first alarm signal is a loud noise generated by a siren 140. The alarm generator 4 is connected to and controlled by a controller 8 that is connected to a sensor 6. In this embodiment, the sensor 6 is a motion sensor detecting movement of the PSU. The sensor 6 provides a trigger signal to the controller upon detection of movement. The sensitivity of the sensor 6 may be selected and adjusted by dipswitches 150 forming a part of a user interface. In this embodiment, the user interface further comprises dipswitches 160 for identifying a remote control, and a send/receive unit connected to RXJN for wireless communication with a remote control. In another embodiment, the PSU generates a unique identification code for the remote control. The user may program the remote control and PSU through a network connection and/or through a USB connection to the PSU. TX_OUT is connected to the send/receive unit, which in addition to forming a part of the user interface also forms a part of the alarm generator 4. The alarm generator is thus able to activate one or more external devices by a second alarm signal that is a wireless signal transmitted via the send/receive unit. The send/receive unit will be described in further detail in connection with Fig. 5.

The PSU comprises a rechargeable battery 162 for power supply of the alarm device in case external power supply is terminated, and a battery switch 164 for activating and deactivating the battery 162.

A remote control controls the function of the PSU and thus the PSU is adapted to be controlled by a remote control. The alarm device may be enabled and disabled via the remote control and further, the alarm device may comprise means 170 for switching a computer fed by the PSU ON and/or OFF in response to a control signal from the remote control. The port 172 may be connected to an ON/OFF-switch in the computer cabinet. The port 174 may be connected to the motherboard of the computer in which the PSU is installed. The ON/OFF-state of the computer may be detected at port 176, e.g. via a connection to the motherboard of the computer, and fed to the controller 8. Thus, a remote user may perform complete start, restart, and/or shutdown of computers and servers.

Fig. 5 shows a circuit diagram of an embodiment of a send/receive unit forming a part of a user interface and a part of the alarm generator in the alarm device of the PSU. TOJTXJDUT is connected to TXJDUT, and TO_RXJN is connected to RXJN in Fig. 4. The send/receive unit comprises an antenna ANT1 for wireless communication with a remote control. Further, the send/receive unit comprises an antenna ANT for sending a second alarm signal for activation of an external alarm device. In a preferred embodiment ANT1 and ANT are incorporated in the same antenna. In this embodiment, the send/receive unit transmits at a frequency about 433.92 MHz. However, any suitable frequency range may be employed, such as from about 20 kHz to about 3 GHz, e.g. in the range from about 20 kHz to about 80 kHz for infra red communication and/or about 2.3-2.5 GHz for Bluetooth. GSM frequencies may also be employed.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of a PSU according to the present invention. The PSU 120 comprises a housing with a perforated sidewall and having an input 38 for connection of the PSU to an external power supply, e.g. a main power supply. A switch 40 for switching the PSU on and off is also provided. Furthermore, the PSU 120 comprises an alarm device comprising an antenna device 42. The antenna device 42 extends outside the housing of the PSU to provide enhanced wireless communication with external units. Wireless communication with external units enables remote control of not only the alarm device, but also of the PSU. Furthermore, the PSU comprises a USB-port 178. The data lines of the USB-port 178 may be fed to the motherboard of a computer via output ports in the PSU. One or more antenna devices may be employed for one or more different frequency ranges. The PSU 120 complies with the ATX- format.

Claims

1. A power supply unit (PSU) having an input for feeding power to the PSU and at least one output for supplying power to different electrical components, wherein the PSU comprises a power supply and an alarm device, and wherein the alarm device comprises at least one sensor for generation of at least one trigger signal, and an alarm generator for generation of at least one alarm signal in response to a trigger signal.

2. A PSU according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a motion sensor.

3. A PSU according to any of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a tilt sensor.

4. A PSU according to any of the claims 1-3, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor.

5. A PSU according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a light sensor.

6. A PSU according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm generator comprises at least one alarm signal generator.

7. A PSU according to claim 6, wherein the at least one signal generator comprises a sound generator such as a loudspeaker or a siren.

8. A PSU according to any of the claims 6 or 7, wherein the at least one signal generator comprises a smoke generator.

9. A PSU according to any of the claims 6-8, wherein the at least one signal generator comprises a wireless signal generator, such as one or more antennas, a LED, and/or a GPS unit, and/or a message generator for sending electronic messages, such as e- mail or SMS.

10. A PSU according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm device further comprises a controller for controlling the function of the alarm device.

11. A PSU according to claim 10, wherein the controller generates one of the at least one trigger signals.

12. A PSU according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a specific alarm signal corresponds to a specific trigger signal.

13. A PSU according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm device comprises a user interface for user control of the alarm device.

14. A PSU according to claim 13, wherein the user interface is adapted to communicate with a wireless remote control.

15. A PSU according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm device is adapted to communicate with external devices.

16. A PSU according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm device is adapted to communicate with external devices via a wireless connection.

17. A PSU according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm device further comprises a battery pack for provision of uninterrupted power supply to the alarm device.

18. A PSU according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the PSU further comprises a UPS to provide uninterrupted power supply to the at least one output.

19. A PSU system comprising a PSU according to any of the preceding claims and a remote control that is adapted to control the PSU.

20. A PSU system comprising a PSU according to any of the claims 1-18 and an external alarm device that is adapted to provide an external alarm signal in response to an alarm signal from the PSU.

21. A PSU system comprising a PSU according to any of the claims 1-18, an external alarm device that is adapted to provide an external alarm signal in response to an alarm signal from the PSU, and a remote control that is adapted to control the PSU.