WO2008067810A1 - A computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices - Google Patents

A computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008067810A1
WO2008067810A1 PCT/DK2006/000698 DK2006000698W WO2008067810A1 WO 2008067810 A1 WO2008067810 A1 WO 2008067810A1 DK 2006000698 W DK2006000698 W DK 2006000698W WO 2008067810 A1 WO2008067810 A1 WO 2008067810A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
peripheral hardware
control
power
control device
computer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2006/000698
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Simon Cramer Calonius Christensen
Original Assignee
Ccc Concept Aps
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ccc Concept Aps filed Critical Ccc Concept Aps
Priority to PCT/DK2006/000698 priority Critical patent/WO2008067810A1/en
Publication of WO2008067810A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008067810A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/266—Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/32—Means for saving power
    • G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
    • G06F1/3234—Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
    • G06F1/325—Power saving in peripheral device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/32—Means for saving power
    • G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
    • G06F1/3234—Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
    • G06F1/325—Power saving in peripheral device
    • G06F1/3284—Power saving in printer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/32—Means for saving power
    • G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
    • G06F1/3206—Monitoring of events, devices or parameters that trigger a change in power modality
    • G06F1/3215—Monitoring of peripheral devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/04 - G06F1/32
    • G06F2200/26—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/26
    • G06F2200/261—PC controlled powerstrip
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02D—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
    • Y02D10/00—Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Definitions

  • a solution to this problem is represented by the docking station in which a user can insert a portable computer, expanding it to a desktop computer equivalent.
  • a typical docking station provides drive bays, expansion slots, all the ports on an equivalent desktop computer to connect to peripheral hardware devices, and AC power.
  • USB mains panel Due to increasing electricity costs and high power consumption of hardware in standby state, it has become advantageous to stop the power supply when peripheral hardware devices are not in use. For this reason, the USB mains panel was invented.
  • a state of the art USB mains panel is a USB controlled power socket having multiple power sockets for connection of peripheral hardware devices.
  • the panel is typically connected to power mains and is furthermore interconnected to a computer USB data communication port in which it receives a DC signal when the computer is switched on.
  • the USB mains panel may provide power on the output sockets when it receives a signal from the switched on computer. This makes sure that peripheral hardware devices are only power supplied when the main computer is switched on.
  • At least one control device related to said portable computer for control of said at least one peripheral hardware device via said central base, comprising a separate monitor means for providing a visual output from said control device to the user of the portable computer.
  • the present invention presents a very advantageous system for easy utilization of peripheral hardware devices typically located in an office.
  • the invention provides an improved system for combination using a portable computer or laptop and the use of the home office with several peripheral hardware devices such as printer, scanner, external monitor, mouse, keyboard, webcam, etc.
  • the invention furthermore presents an improved way of controlling the peripheral hardware devices by means of a control device which in an embodiment of the invention comprises a touch screen also called a touch-sensitive screen.
  • a control device constitutes a quick and easy used shortcut to several facilities.
  • the system comprises at least one central base connectable to at least one peripheral hardware device, but preferably two or more peripheral hardware devices.
  • the control device is according to an embodiment of the invention a further control option that is isolated from conventional control means such as the main computer screen and the keyboard operation facilities.
  • peripheral hardware devices are understood as all hardware devices to be utilized in a modern office. This may e.g. be loudspeakers, router, printer, scanner, external hard disc drive, external CD-rom or CD-recorder, keyboard, mouse, monitor, projector, television, IP-telephone, etc.
  • said control device constitutes an integral part of said portable computer.
  • the data bridge may in accordance with the present invention be established on the basis of cabling or on the basis of a wireless connection. However, it is advantageous if the data bridge is established on the basis of a wireless connection in that the user may have instant access to the peripheral hardware devices as soon as he is within the wireless network area. This makes it very easy to e.g. make use of the printer when needed without any need for plugging in any plugs or cables.
  • said portable computer and said central base are interconnected via a data bridge established by means of a wireless connection.
  • the data bridge is a wireless connection.
  • the peripheral hardware devices may be controlled from the control device related to the portable computer or directly from the portable computer. This means that a user do not have to plug in any cables before using the peripheral devices, e.g.' playing a song and turning up the sound level of the loudspeakers.
  • said control device comprises a graphical user interface.
  • the term graphical user interface is understood as an interface that incorporates a variety of media, especially text and graphics.
  • a graphical user interface may have text, icons and visuals that represent actions the peripheral hardware devices or software applications of the portable computer can perform.
  • the user points to and clicks on the text, icons or visual representations with a pointing device, e.g. a finger.
  • a touchpad is according to an embodiment of the invention understood as an input device commonly used in laptop computers which is used to move the cursor, scrolling or clicking, using motions of the user's finger as a substitute for a computer mouse.
  • the control device comprises facilities for controlling the cursor of the main screen. This means that the control device may replace the existing cursor controller (e.g. mouse or touch pad) of the portable computer.
  • said control device comprises means for browsing files on the portable computer storage and for selection of a file to be executed on said portable computer.
  • the files on the portable computer may be selected and executed directly from the control device.
  • a user for example may find a media file and execute it directly from the control device, e.g. play a music file from hard disc or a CD in a portable computer disc drive, while e.g. writing a document without needing to close or minimize an open word processing program to browse for a media file on the computer main screen.
  • the browsing of files may thus according to an embodiment of the invention be done directly from the control device.
  • all other files than media files such as text documents or other executable files, may be browsed and executed from the control device.
  • said control device comprises means for controlling the sound level of loudspeakers.
  • the invention relates to a computer system for power-control of peripheral hardware devices comprising - at least one central base connectable to at least one peripheral hardware device, wherein the at least one central base comprises at least one power socket for supplying power to said peripheral hardware devices,
  • the power output of the power sockets may be automatically controlled according to the use of plugged peripheral hardware device. This entails that the user does not have to care about switching peripheral devices on or off.
  • one or several peripheral hardware devices may be power supplied when a portable computer or control station is connected to the central base.
  • the central base comprises a combination of power sockets of high current power supply and power sockets with a low current power supply.
  • control device or the portable computer furthermore comprises means for controlling the power of said peripheral hardware devices via control of output of power sockets of the central base individually, and wherein said control device moreover comprises power- control icons for a user to control the power input of peripheral hardware devices by means of touching said power-control icons.
  • a user may control the power input of peripheral hardware devices directly from the control station by means of controlling the power sockets of the base station individually.
  • Computers of today are often switched on the most of the day which makes is very advantageous that not all peripheral hardware devices must be switched on while the computers are switched on.
  • the power-control feature within the scope of the present invention makes it possible to only power supply the peripheral hardware devices that is in use by means of simply touching an icon on the power-control interface in the touch screen.
  • the data bridge is a wireless connection.
  • the peripheral hardware devices may be controlled and power-controlled from the control device related to the portable computer or directly from the portable computer.
  • a user may e.g. switch on the power supply to the printer, sending a print job and switching the printer off.
  • the printer may be power-controlled directly from the portable computer which thereby constitutes a power-saving facility.
  • the peripheral hardware device does not consume power when not used.
  • the invention relates to a central base for connection of peripheral hardware devices comprising
  • the invention relates to a method of controlling and power-controlling peripheral hardware devices from a control device related to a portable computer, via a central base, said method comprising the steps of
  • the invention relates to a computer comprising a main computer screen and computer standard keyboard operation facilities and a separate monitor means for providing an output to a user, wherein said separate monitor means moreover comprises a touch screen for detection of input from a user.
  • said touch screen is at least partly functioning as a touch pad for control of a pointer on the computer main screen.
  • Computer standard keyboard operation facilities are according to an embodiment of the invention understood as a keyboard applicable for desktop or portable computers. Examples are: PC keyboard, with 84 keys, AT keyboard, also with 84 keys, and the enhanced keyboard with 101 keys. It should be noted that the separate monitor means for providing an output to a user and for detection of input from a user is a separate means compared to the existing visual and keyboard operation facilities such as screen, mouse and touchpad.
  • fig. 1 illustrates a computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices according to an embodiment of the invention
  • fig. 2 illustrates a more detailed view of a central base CB
  • fig. 5 illustrates an example of a user interaction of peripheral hardware devices via the control device
  • fig. 6 illustrates a control device CD according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • the central base is connectable to peripheral hardware devices PHDl, PHD2, ..., PHDn via a data communication network DCN.
  • a data communication network DCN is understood as any wired or wireless network communicating data. This may e.g. be a LAN 5 wireless LAN (WLAN), USB cabling, serial cabling, etc.
  • peripheral hardware devices devices PHDl, PHD2, ..., PHDn are loudspeakers, router, printer, scanner, external hard disc drive, external CD-rom, external CD-recorder, keyboard, mouse, monitor, projector, television, IP-telephone, etc.
  • the portable computer may comprise a control device from which it is possible to control peripheral hardware devices PHD connected to the central base CB, and moreover for control of portable computer POC related applications. This may e.g. be turning up the volume (sound level) of the loudspeakers or sending a print job to the printer.
  • control device may be connected to the portable computer POC via a data port which e.g. may be the USB (universal serial bus) port.
  • a control device according to the invention may be applied to existing portable computers as an add-on.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a more detailed view of a central base CB.
  • the central base CB comprises a base communication interface BCI, power sockets PS and control sockets CS.
  • the power socket PS may be sockets or alternatively plugs that provide power typically in the form of a grid voltage between 100 and 300 volts AC having a frequency in the range of 40 to 70 Hz.
  • the power may be a low current signal typically between 3-20 volts DC. This may be advantageous in cases where the peripheral hardware devices PHD use a low current signal and therefore normally use a transformer.
  • the figure illustrates a number of control sockets CS.
  • the control sockets CS constitute a number of connection points for peripheral hardware devices PHD to connect.
  • the peripheral hardware devices PHD may be connected to the control sockets via cables to different communication sockets CS or communication ports. These may e.g. be USB ports, mini-jack ports, serial ports, parallel ports, RS232 ports, PS/2 ports, Ethernet ports or any other suitable data communication port.
  • the communication between a peripheral hardware device PHD and the central base CB may be by means of cabled data communication or alternatively wireless data communication.
  • peripheral hardware devices PHD to be connected to the central base may be loudspeakers, router, printer, scanner, external hard disc drive, external CD- rom or CD-recorder, keyboard, mouse, monitor, projector, television, IP-telephone, webcam, etc.
  • a user utilizes a finger of his hand H to point at icons on the touch screen of the control device CD.
  • a touch screen TS of the control device CD may comprise control device icons CDI to be activated by means of touching these.
  • icons to be displayed on the control device are: internet browser start icon, media player start icon, media player control icons (play, stop, next, etc.), word processing applications start icon, volume control (sound level), etc.
  • select a file e.g. a media file to be played from a file browser FB on the control device. This may e.g. be selecting an audio file to be executed and played on a media player of the portable computer POC.
  • control device may in an embodiment of the invention control peripheral hardware devices PHD merely by means of linking to existing possible commands or executable files of the portable computer POC.
  • the finger of the hand H is touching an icon to turn up the volume (sound level) of the portable computer POC.
  • the content of the touch screen TS may be edited by a user by means of using a special for the purpose editor on the portable computer POC. It is by means of this editor possible to edit the content of the touch screen of the control device either by means of a graphical interface where a number of predefined icons may be dragged and dropped, or by means of hard coding via an application program interface (API). This is moreover very advantageous in that a user may apply an icon to activate a special feature according a special feature of a peripheral hardware device.
  • API application program interface
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a control device CD according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • the control device CD comprises a touch screen TS, control device icons CDI and a user hand H according to the description in fig. 3.
  • the figure illustrates a touch pad TP.
  • a touch pad TP is according to an embodiment of the invention understood as an input device commonly used in laptop computers which is used to move the cursor, using motions of the user's finger as a substitute for a computer mouse.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the control device is subdivided in a touch screen TS and a touch pad TP.
  • the touch screen TS is in this embodiment of the invention positioned at the top of the control device and may comprise the same control device icons CDI to be activated as described with reference to fig. 3.
  • a touch pad TP may be located in the lower. It should be noted that this is only an example of the positions of the touch screen TS and the touch pad TP respectively and these may evidently be positioned differently.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a user interaction of peripheral hardware devices via the control device.
  • the figure illustrates a control device CD 5 a touch screen TS, a user hand H, a base communication interface BCI, a control communication interface CCI, a data bridge DB, a central base CB, control device icons CDI, a communication socketCS, a data communication network DCN, a peripheral hardware device loudspeakers PHD LS and 3 event indicating arrows.
  • the figure illustrates the principles in a user interaction to control peripheral hardware devices PHD from the control device CD.
  • a user touches the touch screen TS on a volume down icon.
  • This entails as illustrated by the dotted arrow 1 that a signal is sent from the control communication interface CCI to the base communication interface BCI at the central base CB as illustrated by the dotted arrow 2.
  • the signal is hereafter transmitted to the relevant peripheral hardware device PHD via a communication socketCS, in this example the loudspeakers PHD LS.
  • This step is illustrated by the dotted arrow 3.
  • the signal which is transmitted to make the loudspeakers PHD LS turn down is the same signal that in a conventional system may be transmitted directly from the computer to the peripheral hardware device PHD.
  • the central base CB may thus be seen as an intermediate data transmitter that redirects data from the control device CD in the portable computer POC to the peripheral hardware devices and vice versa.
  • this figure is not limiting but is merely constituting an example of the communication between the control device CD, the central base CB and the peripheral hardware devices PHl, PH2 , ... , PHn.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a control device CD according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • the figure is a snapshot of another possible display of the control device CD in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the figure moreover illustrates control device icons CDI, power-control icons PCI, a file browser FB a user hand H and a power-control interface.
  • control device may comprise icons PCI for controlling the power of the peripheral hardware devices PHD via individual control of the power sockets PS of the central base CB.
  • icons PCI for controlling the power of the peripheral hardware devices PHD via individual control of the power sockets PS of the central base CB.
  • the figure illustrates that the user may touch an icon in the power-control interface PCI which entails the corresponding peripheral hardware device PHD to be turned on or off.
  • the system may according to another embodiment of the invention control other electrical devices that are plugged into the power sockets of the central base.
  • These may e.g. be a lamp, a stereo set, a garage door, etc. This is very advantageous in that a user may for example turn on a lamp directly from the control device.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates another example a user interaction of peripheral hardware devices via the control device.
  • the figure illustrates a control device CD 3 a user hand H, a base communication interface BCI, a control communication interface CCI, a data bridge DB, a central base CB, a touch screen TS, a power-control interface PCI 5 a communication socketCS, a power socket PS, a data communication network DCN, a data communication network DCN, a power cable PC, a peripheral hardware device scanner PHD SC and 3 event indicating arrows.
  • the figure illustrates the principles in a user interaction to control peripheral hardware devices PHD from the control device CD.
  • a user control the power to the current peripheral hardware device PHD which is a scanner SC in this example.
  • a user touches the touch screen TS on a scanner icon in the power- control interface PCI.
  • This entails as illustrated by the dotted arrow 1 that a signal is sent from the control communication interface CCI to the base communication interface BCI at the central base CB as illustrated by the dotted arrow 2.
  • the central base CB will subsequently activate or deactivate the power supply of the power socket PS of the relevant peripheral hardware device PHD, in this example a scanner SC. This step is illustrated by the dotted arrow 3.
  • the system or the central base CB control the power sockets in which the peripheral hardware devices PHD are power-controlled automatically, e.g. automatically supply power to the printer (switch on printer) when a user sends a print job, and stop the power supply again when finished (switch printer off).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
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Abstract

The invention relates to a computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices comprising - at least one central base connectable to at least one peripheral hardware device, - at least one portable computer, providing a main computer screen and keyboard operation facilities, connectable to said central base, - at least one control device related to said portable computer for control of said at least one peripheral hardware device via said central base, comprising a separate monitor means for providing a visual output from said control device to the user of the portable computer. The present invention presents a very advantageous system for easy utilization of peripheral hardware devices typically located in an office. The invention provides an improved system for combination using a portable computer or laptop and the use of the home office with several peripheral hardware devices such as printer, scanner, external monitor, mouse, keyboard, webcam, etc. The invention furthermore presents an improved way of controlling the peripheral hardware devices by means of a control device which in an embodiment of the invention comprises a touch screen also called a touch-sensitive screen. This is a very advantageous feature of the invention in that the control device constitutes a quick and easy used shortcut to several facilities. Thus, by using the control station, a user may take over the control of the laptop and the peripheral hardware devices. Moreover, the invention relates to a computer system for power-control of peripheral hardware devices.

Description

A COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF PERIPHERAL HARDWARE DEVICES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Until recently, desktop computers have provided several advantages over laptops
(portable computers) for several reasons: processor speed, memory size, internal CD- ROM or diskette drives, and built-in LAN and internet connectivity. Today, however, we all know that laptops offer many advantages over desktops. Processor speeds in today's laptops are in deed comparable to those in desktops. Laptops include many necessary internal hardware devices, such as: diskette and DVD drives. Evidently, a remarkable size advantage exists in laptops compared to desktops.
Although the laptops of today offer many conveniences, laptop users still have to use printer, scanner, external monitor and other peripheral hardware devices typically when using the laptop at the home office. These peripheral hardware devices have to be plugged into the laptop which eliminated the mobility of the laptop because of several cables connected to peripheral hardware devices. Therefore, the desktop computer has been the primary computer while the laptop has been a secondary computer.
A solution to this problem is represented by the docking station in which a user can insert a portable computer, expanding it to a desktop computer equivalent. A typical docking station provides drive bays, expansion slots, all the ports on an equivalent desktop computer to connect to peripheral hardware devices, and AC power.
An improved solution is presented by the wireless docking station as presented in US patent application: US 2005/0246470. Here, a system is presented where the connection from the laptop computer to the docking station is a wireless connection. This allows a laptop user to connect to peripheral hardware devices without the need for cables.
Due to increasing electricity costs and high power consumption of hardware in standby state, it has become advantageous to stop the power supply when peripheral hardware devices are not in use. For this reason, the USB mains panel was invented. A state of the art USB mains panel is a USB controlled power socket having multiple power sockets for connection of peripheral hardware devices. The panel is typically connected to power mains and is furthermore interconnected to a computer USB data communication port in which it receives a DC signal when the computer is switched on. Hereby the USB mains panel may provide power on the output sockets when it receives a signal from the switched on computer. This makes sure that peripheral hardware devices are only power supplied when the main computer is switched on.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices
said system comprising
- at least one central base connectable to at least one peripheral hardware device,
- at least one portable computer, providing a main computer screen and keyboard operation facilities, connectable to said central base,
- at least one control device related to said portable computer for control of said at least one peripheral hardware device via said central base, comprising a separate monitor means for providing a visual output from said control device to the user of the portable computer.
The present invention presents a very advantageous system for easy utilization of peripheral hardware devices typically located in an office. The invention provides an improved system for combination using a portable computer or laptop and the use of the home office with several peripheral hardware devices such as printer, scanner, external monitor, mouse, keyboard, webcam, etc. The invention furthermore presents an improved way of controlling the peripheral hardware devices by means of a control device which in an embodiment of the invention comprises a touch screen also called a touch-sensitive screen. This is a very advantageous feature of the invention in that the control device constitutes a quick and easy used shortcut to several facilities. Thus, by using the control device, a user may take over the control of the laptop and the peripheral hardware devices. The system comprises at least one central base connectable to at least one peripheral hardware device, but preferably two or more peripheral hardware devices. The control device is according to an embodiment of the invention a further control option that is isolated from conventional control means such as the main computer screen and the keyboard operation facilities.
According to an embodiment of the invention, peripheral hardware devices are understood as all hardware devices to be utilized in a modern office. This may e.g. be loudspeakers, router, printer, scanner, external hard disc drive, external CD-rom or CD-recorder, keyboard, mouse, monitor, projector, television, IP-telephone, etc.
A portable computer is according to an embodiment of the invention understood as a machine comprising a central processing unit, a keyboard control facility, storage means and a main computer screen for presenting a graphical user interface. A main computer screen may be a screen or monitor comprising a surface on which a picture or series of pictures are projected or reflected. It should be noted that the invention provides an improved way of controlling peripheral hardware devices and portable computer related applications by means of a further control device which hence is separated from a keyboard control facility and the main screen. This may e.g. be a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a mobile telephone or any similar device. ■
In an embodiment of the invention, said control device constitutes an integral part of said portable computer.
In an embodiment of the invention, said control device is externally connected to said portable computer via an existing data communication port.
Hereby, it is ensured that a control device according to the invention may be applied to existing portable computers as an add-on. This may e.g. be done by connecting the control device to the portable computer via a data port, e.g. the USB port. In an embodiment of the invention, said portable computer and said central base are interconnected via a data bridge established by means of cabling.
The data bridge may in accordance with the present invention be established on the basis of cabling or on the basis of a wireless connection. However, it is advantageous if the data bridge is established on the basis of a wireless connection in that the user may have instant access to the peripheral hardware devices as soon as he is within the wireless network area. This makes it very easy to e.g. make use of the printer when needed without any need for plugging in any plugs or cables.
Evidently, the central base may also be connected to a desktop computer in a similar way.
In an embodiment of the invention, said portable computer and said central base are interconnected via a data bridge established by means of a wireless connection.
In a very advantageous embodiment of the invention, the data bridge is a wireless connection. This is very advantageous in that the peripheral hardware devices may be controlled from the control device related to the portable computer or directly from the portable computer. This means that a user do not have to plug in any cables before using the peripheral devices, e.g.' playing a song and turning up the sound level of the loudspeakers.
In an embodiment of the invention, said control device comprises a separate monitor means for providing an output from said control device to the user of the portable computer and wherein said user may control said at least two peripheral hardware devices and portable computer related applications by means of touching a touch screen. A touch screen is in accordance with the present invention understood as any device which comprises a screen in which an operator can interact by touching icons displayed on the touch screen. I accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the touch screen may be touched and controlled by means of a pen, a finger or any other element that a user finds suitable.
In an embodiment of the invention, said control device comprises a graphical user interface.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the term graphical user interface is understood as an interface that incorporates a variety of media, especially text and graphics. A graphical user interface may have text, icons and visuals that represent actions the peripheral hardware devices or software applications of the portable computer can perform. To execute the actions by means of a touch screen, the user points to and clicks on the text, icons or visual representations with a pointing device, e.g. a finger.
In an embodiment of the invention, said touch screen in a particular mode of operation of the control device is at least partly functioning as a touch pad for control of the pointer of the computer main screen.
A touchpad is according to an embodiment of the invention understood as an input device commonly used in laptop computers which is used to move the cursor, scrolling or clicking, using motions of the user's finger as a substitute for a computer mouse. It is a very advantageous feature according to an embodiment of the invention that the control device comprises facilities for controlling the cursor of the main screen. This means that the control device may replace the existing cursor controller (e.g. mouse or touch pad) of the portable computer. In an embodiment of the invention, said control device comprises means for browsing files on the portable computer storage and for selection of a file to be executed on said portable computer.
It is a very advantageous feature according to an embodiment of the invention that the files on the portable computer may be selected and executed directly from the control device. This means a user for example may find a media file and execute it directly from the control device, e.g. play a music file from hard disc or a CD in a portable computer disc drive, while e.g. writing a document without needing to close or minimize an open word processing program to browse for a media file on the computer main screen. The browsing of files may thus according to an embodiment of the invention be done directly from the control device. Evidently, all other files than media files, such as text documents or other executable files, may be browsed and executed from the control device.
In an embodiment of the invention, said control device comprises means for controlling the sound level of loudspeakers.
In an embodiment of the invention, said central base and said portable computer both comprise a control interface for establishment of a data bridge between said portable computer and the central base.
In an embodiment of the invention, said central base comprises at least one USB (Universal Serial Bus) socket, at least one power output female socket, and at least one fire wire socket for connection of peripheral hardware devices for connection of peripheral hardware devices.
In an embodiment of the invention, said control device moreover comprises means for controlling portable computer related applications. Another advantageous feature according to an embodiment of the invention is that it is possible to control portable computer related applications directly from the control device. This may e.g. be starting an internet browser or a media player program by means of touching icons on a touch screen of the control device. Evidently, it may be possible to control any program to be executed on the portable computer from the control device.
Moreover, the invention relates to a computer system for power-control of peripheral hardware devices comprising - at least one central base connectable to at least one peripheral hardware device, wherein the at least one central base comprises at least one power socket for supplying power to said peripheral hardware devices,
- at least one portable computer, providing a main computer screen and keyboard operation facilities, connectable to said central base, - data communication means for communicating data between said portable computer and said central base, and for communicating data between said central base and said peripheral hardware device, wherein said at least one portable computer comprises means for controlling the power supply to the peripheral hardware device via said central base by means of controlling power sockets individually.
It is a very advantageous feature according to an embodiment of the invention that the central base comprises means for supplying power to peripheral hardware devices. This means that it is possible to control the power supply to each peripheral hardware device individually and hereby save power.
It is according to an embodiment of the invention moreover possible to make the system control the power sockets in which the peripheral hardware devices are power supplied automatically, e.g. automatically supply power to the printer (switch on printer) when a user sends a print job, and stop the power supply again when finished (switch printer off). The system may according to another embodiment of the invention control other electrical devices that are plugged into the power sockets of the central base. These may e.g. be a lamp, a stereo set, a garage door, etc. This is very advantageous in that a user may for example turn on a lamp directly from the control device.
In an embodiment of the invention, said power socket comprises at least one power output female socket for power connection of a peripheral hardware device.
In an embodiment of the invention, said power is a grid voltage between 100 and 300 volts AC having a frequency in the range of 40 to 70 Hz.
In an embodiment of the invention, the power socket for a peripheral hardware device is automatically activated when user utilizes that peripheral hardware device.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, it is very advantageous that the power output of the power sockets may be automatically controlled according to the use of plugged peripheral hardware device. This entails that the user does not have to care about switching peripheral devices on or off. Alternatively, one or several peripheral hardware devices may be power supplied when a portable computer or control station is connected to the central base.
In an embodiment of the invention, said power supplied by at least some of said power sockets is a low current signal between 3-20 volts DC.
By means power supplied by at least some of said power sockets being low current signal between 3-20 volts DC it is ensured that peripheral hardware devices that need low current power supply connectable to the power sockets with no need for power transformation. In an embodiment of the invention, the central base comprises a combination of power sockets of high current power supply and power sockets with a low current power supply.
Moreover, the invention relates to a computer system, wherein the control device or the portable computer furthermore comprises means for controlling the power of said peripheral hardware devices via control of output of power sockets of the central base individually, and wherein said control device moreover comprises power- control icons for a user to control the power input of peripheral hardware devices by means of touching said power-control icons.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, it is very advantageous that a user may control the power input of peripheral hardware devices directly from the control station by means of controlling the power sockets of the base station individually. This constitutes an improved power-control of the peripheral hardware devices in that these are only power supplied when needed. This is a great power saving factor compared to conventional USB socket power-controlled hardware devices where the peripheral hardware devices are constantly power supplied while the computer is switched on. Computers of today are often switched on the most of the day which makes is very advantageous that not all peripheral hardware devices must be switched on while the computers are switched on. The power-control feature within the scope of the present invention makes it possible to only power supply the peripheral hardware devices that is in use by means of simply touching an icon on the power-control interface in the touch screen. Evidently, it is alternatively possible to use the same features, e.g. switch on the printer via a software-implemented panel displayed on the main screen of the computer.
In a very advantageous and preferred embodiment of the invention, the data bridge is a wireless connection. This is very advantageous in that the peripheral hardware devices may be controlled and power-controlled from the control device related to the portable computer or directly from the portable computer. For example a user may e.g. switch on the power supply to the printer, sending a print job and switching the printer off. This is very advantageous in that the printer may be power-controlled directly from the portable computer which thereby constitutes a power-saving facility. Hereby it is ensured that the peripheral hardware device does not consume power when not used.
In an embodiment of the invention, said graphical user interface of said control device comprises icons for a user to control the power input of peripheral hardware devices.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a central base for connection of peripheral hardware devices comprising
- at least one communication socket for data connection of at least one peripheral hardware device, - at least one power socket for providing power to said peripheral hardware devices,
- a base communication interface for connection of a portable computer, and
- means for controlling said control sockets and said power sockets individually.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of controlling and power-controlling peripheral hardware devices from a control device related to a portable computer, via a central base, said method comprising the steps of
- detecting a user input in the touch screen of the control device,
- generating a signal comprising information according to the user input, - transmitting said signal from the control device to the central base according to said input,
- transmitting said signal from the central base to the relevant peripheral hardware device,
- performing a control of the relevant peripheral hardware device according to said user input. Moreover, the invention relates to a computer comprising a main computer screen and computer standard keyboard operation facilities and a separate monitor means for providing an output to a user, wherein said separate monitor means moreover comprises a touch screen for detection of input from a user.
In an embodiment of the invention, said touch screen is at least partly functioning as a touch pad for control of a pointer on the computer main screen.
Computer standard keyboard operation facilities are according to an embodiment of the invention understood as a keyboard applicable for desktop or portable computers. Examples are: PC keyboard, with 84 keys, AT keyboard, also with 84 keys, and the enhanced keyboard with 101 keys. It should be noted that the separate monitor means for providing an output to a user and for detection of input from a user is a separate means compared to the existing visual and keyboard operation facilities such as screen, mouse and touchpad.
THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described in the following with reference to the figures in which
fig. 1 illustrates a computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices according to an embodiment of the invention,
fig. 2 illustrates a more detailed view of a central base CB,
fig. 3 illustrates a control device CD according to one embodiment of the invention,
fig. 4 illustrates a control device CD according to another embodiment of the invention,
fig. 5 illustrates an example of a user interaction of peripheral hardware devices via the control device,
fig. 6 illustrates a control device CD according to another embodiment of the invention, and
fig. 7 illustrates another example a user interaction of peripheral hardware devices via the control device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 illustrates a computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices according to an embodiment of the invention. The figure illustrates a portable computer POC comprising a control device CD, a central base CB, a number of peripheral hardware devices PHD 1 , PHD2, ... , PHDn, a data communication network and a data bridge DB.
The figure illustrates a system overview of the elements that may be a part of the system according to an embodiment of the invention. A portable computer is understood as a machine comprising a central processing unit, storage means and a screen for presenting a graphical user interface. This may e.g. be a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone or any similar device. The portable computer POC and the central base CB may be interconnected via a data bridge DB. The data bridge may be a cabled or preferably a wireless data communication network which ensures a stable and fast data communication between the portable computer PB and the central base CB.
The central base is connectable to peripheral hardware devices PHDl, PHD2, ..., PHDn via a data communication network DCN. A data communication network DCN is understood as any wired or wireless network communicating data. This may e.g. be a LAN5 wireless LAN (WLAN), USB cabling, serial cabling, etc.
Examples of peripheral hardware devices devices PHDl, PHD2, ..., PHDn are loudspeakers, router, printer, scanner, external hard disc drive, external CD-rom, external CD-recorder, keyboard, mouse, monitor, projector, television, IP-telephone, etc.
The portable computer may comprise a control device from which it is possible to control peripheral hardware devices PHD connected to the central base CB, and moreover for control of portable computer POC related applications. This may e.g. be turning up the volume (sound level) of the loudspeakers or sending a print job to the printer.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control device may be connected to the portable computer POC via a data port which e.g. may be the USB (universal serial bus) port. Hereby it is ensured that a control device according to the invention may be applied to existing portable computers as an add-on.
Fig. 2 illustrates a more detailed view of a central base CB. The central base CB comprises a base communication interface BCI, power sockets PS and control sockets CS.
The base communication interface BCI provides an interface for establishing a connection to the portable computer POC. This may e.g. be in the form of a data communication port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, LAN, WLAN, etc. The established connection may thus be a wired or wireless data communication connection.
The power socket PS may be sockets or alternatively plugs that provide power typically in the form of a grid voltage between 100 and 300 volts AC having a frequency in the range of 40 to 70 Hz. Alternatively the power may be a low current signal typically between 3-20 volts DC. This may be advantageous in cases where the peripheral hardware devices PHD use a low current signal and therefore normally use a transformer.
Furthermore, the figure illustrates a number of control sockets CS. The control sockets CS constitute a number of connection points for peripheral hardware devices PHD to connect. The peripheral hardware devices PHD may be connected to the control sockets via cables to different communication sockets CS or communication ports. These may e.g. be USB ports, mini-jack ports, serial ports, parallel ports, RS232 ports, PS/2 ports, Ethernet ports or any other suitable data communication port. The communication between a peripheral hardware device PHD and the central base CB may be by means of cabled data communication or alternatively wireless data communication.
Examples of peripheral hardware devices PHD to be connected to the central base may be loudspeakers, router, printer, scanner, external hard disc drive, external CD- rom or CD-recorder, keyboard, mouse, monitor, projector, television, IP-telephone, webcam, etc.
Fig. 3 illustrates a control device CD according to one embodiment of the invention. The figure is a snapshot of one possible display of the control device CD in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The figure moreover illustrates control device icons CDI, a touch screen TS, a file browser FB and a user hand H. The control device CD comprises according to an embodiment of the invention a touch screen in which a user may interact by touching icons displayed on the touch screen. I accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the touch screen may be touched and controlled by means of a pen, a finger or any other element that a user finds suitable.
In this illustration, a user utilizes a finger of his hand H to point at icons on the touch screen of the control device CD.
As illustrated, a touch screen TS of the control device CD may comprise control device icons CDI to be activated by means of touching these. Examples of icons to be displayed on the control device are: internet browser start icon, media player start icon, media player control icons (play, stop, next, etc.), word processing applications start icon, volume control (sound level), etc. Moreover it is according to an embodiment of the invention possible to select a file, e.g. a media file to be played from a file browser FB on the control device. This may e.g. be selecting an audio file to be executed and played on a media player of the portable computer POC.
Note, however, that the control device may in an embodiment of the invention control peripheral hardware devices PHD merely by means of linking to existing possible commands or executable files of the portable computer POC.
In this figure, the finger of the hand H is touching an icon to turn up the volume (sound level) of the portable computer POC.
Examples of peripheral hardware devices which may be controlled from the control device may be any hardware devices which may be utilized in a modern office, e.g. loudspeakers, router, printer, scanner, external hard disc drive, external CD-rom or CD-recorder, keyboard, mouse, monitor, projector, television, IP-telephone, webcam, etc.
In another embodiment of the invention, the content of the touch screen TS may be edited by a user by means of using a special for the purpose editor on the portable computer POC. It is by means of this editor possible to edit the content of the touch screen of the control device either by means of a graphical interface where a number of predefined icons may be dragged and dropped, or by means of hard coding via an application program interface (API). This is moreover very advantageous in that a user may apply an icon to activate a special feature according a special feature of a peripheral hardware device.
Fig. 4 illustrates a control device CD according to another embodiment of the invention. The control device CD comprises a touch screen TS, control device icons CDI and a user hand H according to the description in fig. 3. Moreover, the figure illustrates a touch pad TP. A touch pad TP is according to an embodiment of the invention understood as an input device commonly used in laptop computers which is used to move the cursor, using motions of the user's finger as a substitute for a computer mouse.
This figure illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the control device is subdivided in a touch screen TS and a touch pad TP. The touch screen TS is in this embodiment of the invention positioned at the top of the control device and may comprise the same control device icons CDI to be activated as described with reference to fig. 3. A touch pad TP may be located in the lower. It should be noted that this is only an example of the positions of the touch screen TS and the touch pad TP respectively and these may evidently be positioned differently.
It is according to an embodiment of the invention moreover possible to switch the control device CD between a full touch screen TS exemplified in fig. 3 and a combination of touch screen TS and touch pad TP as exemplified in this figure.
Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a user interaction of peripheral hardware devices via the control device. The figure illustrates a control device CD5 a touch screen TS, a user hand H, a base communication interface BCI, a control communication interface CCI, a data bridge DB, a central base CB, control device icons CDI, a communication socketCS, a data communication network DCN, a peripheral hardware device loudspeakers PHD LS and 3 event indicating arrows.
The figure illustrates the principles in a user interaction to control peripheral hardware devices PHD from the control device CD. A user touches the touch screen TS on a volume down icon. This entails as illustrated by the dotted arrow 1 that a signal is sent from the control communication interface CCI to the base communication interface BCI at the central base CB as illustrated by the dotted arrow 2. From the central base CB the signal is hereafter transmitted to the relevant peripheral hardware device PHD via a communication socketCS, in this example the loudspeakers PHD LS. This step is illustrated by the dotted arrow 3. The signal which is transmitted to make the loudspeakers PHD LS turn down is the same signal that in a conventional system may be transmitted directly from the computer to the peripheral hardware device PHD. The central base CB may thus be seen as an intermediate data transmitter that redirects data from the control device CD in the portable computer POC to the peripheral hardware devices and vice versa.
It should be noted that this figure is not limiting but is merely constituting an example of the communication between the control device CD, the central base CB and the peripheral hardware devices PHl, PH2 , ... , PHn.
Fig. 6 illustrates a control device CD according to another embodiment of the invention. The figure is a snapshot of another possible display of the control device CD in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The figure moreover illustrates control device icons CDI, power-control icons PCI, a file browser FB a user hand H and a power-control interface.
In this example the control device may comprise icons PCI for controlling the power of the peripheral hardware devices PHD via individual control of the power sockets PS of the central base CB. The figure illustrates that the user may touch an icon in the power-control interface PCI which entails the corresponding peripheral hardware device PHD to be turned on or off.
The system may according to another embodiment of the invention control other electrical devices that are plugged into the power sockets of the central base. These may e.g. be a lamp, a stereo set, a garage door, etc. This is very advantageous in that a user may for example turn on a lamp directly from the control device.
Fig. 7 illustrates another example a user interaction of peripheral hardware devices via the control device. The figure illustrates a control device CD3 a user hand H, a base communication interface BCI, a control communication interface CCI, a data bridge DB, a central base CB, a touch screen TS, a power-control interface PCI5 a communication socketCS, a power socket PS, a data communication network DCN, a data communication network DCN, a power cable PC, a peripheral hardware device scanner PHD SC and 3 event indicating arrows.
The figure illustrates the principles in a user interaction to control peripheral hardware devices PHD from the control device CD. In this example a user control the power to the current peripheral hardware device PHD which is a scanner SC in this example. A user touches the touch screen TS on a scanner icon in the power- control interface PCI. This entails as illustrated by the dotted arrow 1 that a signal is sent from the control communication interface CCI to the base communication interface BCI at the central base CB as illustrated by the dotted arrow 2. The central base CB will subsequently activate or deactivate the power supply of the power socket PS of the relevant peripheral hardware device PHD, in this example a scanner SC. This step is illustrated by the dotted arrow 3.
Evidently, a combination of control of peripheral hardware devices PHD as illustrated in figure 5 and power-control of peripheral hardware devices PHD as illustrated in figure 7 is within the scope of the invention.
It is according to an embodiment of the invention moreover possible to make the system or the central base CB control the power sockets in which the peripheral hardware devices PHD are power-controlled automatically, e.g. automatically supply power to the printer (switch on printer) when a user sends a print job, and stop the power supply again when finished (switch printer off).

Claims

1. A computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices (PHD)
said system comprising
- at least one central base (CB) connectable to at least one peripheral hardware device (PHD),
- at least one portable computer (POC), providing a main computer screen and keyboard operation facilities, connectable to said central base (CB),
- at least one control device (CD) related to said portable computer (POC) for control of said at least one peripheral hardware device (PHD) via said central base (CB), comprising a separate monitor means for providing a visual output from said control device (CD) to the user of the portable computer (POC).
2. A computer system according to claim 1, wherein said control device (CD) constitutes an integral part of said portable computer (POC).
3. A computer system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said control device (CD) is externally connected to said portable computer (POC) via an existing data communication port of the portable computer (POC).
4. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-3, wherein said control device (CD) moreover comprises means for controlling portable computer (POC) related applications.
5. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-4, wherein said portable computer (POC) and said central base (CB) are interconnected via a data bridge (DB) established by means of cabling.
6. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-5, wherein said portable computer (POC) and said central base (CB) are interconnected via a data bridge (DB) established by means of a wireless connection.
7. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-6, wherein said separate monitor means involves a touch screen (TS) by which a user may control said at least one peripheral hardware device by means of touching control device icons (CDI).
8. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-7, wherein said separate monitor means involves a touch screen (TS) by which a user may control portable computer (POC) related applications by means of touching control device icons (CDI).
9. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-8, wherein said control device (CD) comprises a graphical user interface.
10. A computer system according to any of the claims 7-9, wherein said touch screen (TS) in a particular mode of operation of the control device (CD) is at least partly functioning as a touch pad for control of a pointer on the computer main screen.
11. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-10, wherein said control device (CD) comprises means for browsing files on the portable computer (POC) and for selection of a file to be executed on said portable computer (POC).
12. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-11, wherein said control device (CD) comprises means for controlling the sound level of loudspeakers.
13. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-12, wherein said central base (CB) comprises at least one communication socket (CS) for connection of peripheral hardware devices (PHD).
14. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-13, wherein said communication socket (CS) is selected from a USB (Universal Serial Bus) socket, mini-jack socket, or at least one of each.
15. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-14, wherein said central base (CB) and said portable computer (POC) both comprise a control interface (CCI, BCI) for establishment of a data bridge (DB) between said portable computer (POC) and the central base (CB).
16. A computer system for power-control of peripheral hardware devices comprising
- at least one central base (CB) connectable to at least one peripheral hardware device (PHD), wherein the at least one central base (CB) comprises at least one power socket (PS) for supplying power to said peripheral hardware device (PHD),
- at least one portable computer (POC), providing a main computer screen and keyboard operation facilities, connectable to said central base (CB),
- data communication means for communicating data between said portable computer (POC) and said central base, and for communicating data between said central base (CB) and said peripheral hardware device (PHD),
wherein said at least one portable computer comprises means for controlling the power supply to the peripheral hardware devices (PHD) via said central base (CB) by means of controlling the power sockets (PS) individually.
17. A computer system according to claim 16, wherein said power socket comprises at least one power output female socket for power connection of a peripheral hardware device (PHD).
18. A computer system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said power supplied by said power sockets (PS) is a grid voltage between 100 and 300 volts AC having a frequency in the range of 40 to 70 Hz.
19. A computer system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said power supplied by at least some of said power sockets (PS) is a low current signal between 3-20 volts DC.
20. A computer system according to any of the claims 16-19, wherein the power socket (PS) for a peripheral hardware device (PHD) is automatically activated when a user utilizes that peripheral hardware device (PHD).
21. A computer system according to any of the claims 1-15, wherein the control device (CD) or the portable computer (POC) furthermore comprises means for controlling the power of said peripheral hardware devices via control of output of power sockets (PS) of the central base (CB) individually according to any of the claims 16-20, and wherein said control device (CD) moreover comprises power- control icons (PCI) for a user to control the power input of peripheral hardware devices by means of touching said power-control icons (PCI).
22. A central base (CB) for connection of peripheral hardware devices (PHD) comprising
- at least one communication socket(CS) for data connection of at least one peripheral hardware device (PHD), - at least one power socket (PS) for providing power to said peripheral hardware devices (PHD),
- a base communication interface (BCI) for connection of a portable computer (POC)5 and
- means for controlling said control sockets (CS) and said power sockets (PS) individually.
23. Method of controlling and power-controlling peripheral hardware devices
(PHDl5 PHD2, ..., PHDn) from a control device (CD) related to a portable computer (POC)5 via a central base (CB) in a system according to claim 17, said method comprising the steps of
- detecting a user input in the touch screen (TS) of the control device (CD)5
- generating a signal comprising information according to the user input,
- transmitting said signal from the control device to the central base (CB) according to said input,
- transmitting said signal from the central base (CB) to the relevant peripheral hardware device (PHDl5 PHD2, ..., PHDn)5
- performing a control of the relevant peripheral hardware device (PHDl, PHD2, ..., PHDn) according to said user input.
24. A computer, comprising a main computer screen and computer standard keyboard operation facilities and a separate monitor means for providing an output to a user, wherein said separate monitor means moreover comprises a touch screen for detection of input from a user.
25. A computer according to claim 24, wherein said touch screen is at least partly functioning as a touch pad for control of a pointer on the computer main screen.
PCT/DK2006/000698 2006-12-08 2006-12-08 A computer system for control of peripheral hardware devices WO2008067810A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

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DE19902306C1 (en) * 1999-01-21 2000-02-24 Hans Hermann Rottmerhusen Central current supply and data allocation arrangement for data processing systems
WO2001043266A1 (en) * 1999-12-10 2001-06-14 Am Group Corp. Electrical power strip with ac to dc power supply
US20020111076A1 (en) * 2001-02-09 2002-08-15 Matthias Wendt Data-interface-controlled multiple plug
US20050024341A1 (en) * 2001-05-16 2005-02-03 Synaptics, Inc. Touch screen with user interface enhancement

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4314668A1 (en) * 1993-05-04 1994-11-10 Geiger Martin Dipl Phys Device and method to control the mains power supply of computer systems and electrical devices via indicator devices on screen display devices
DE19902306C1 (en) * 1999-01-21 2000-02-24 Hans Hermann Rottmerhusen Central current supply and data allocation arrangement for data processing systems
WO2001043266A1 (en) * 1999-12-10 2001-06-14 Am Group Corp. Electrical power strip with ac to dc power supply
US20020111076A1 (en) * 2001-02-09 2002-08-15 Matthias Wendt Data-interface-controlled multiple plug
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