Patent ID: 6418535
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A bi-level power saver method for a computer comprising the steps of:detecting the computer when it is activated, determining a type of power source on which the activated computer is operating, executing one level of power saving operations when the computer is determined to be operating on an external power source, including the steps of: detecting whether an activity of the computer is occurring; powering down devices of the computer if the activity has not been detected; determining whether an application is being executed by the computer if the activity has been detected; executing various power consuming tasks and operations if the application is being executed; and executing various tasks and using devices without preference and restriction if the application is not being executed; executing another level of power saving operations when the computer is determined to be operating on an internal power source, including the steps of: detecting whether an activity of the computer is occurring; powering down devices of the computer if the activity has not been detected; determining whether an application is being executed by the computer if the activity has been detected; executing various power saving operations if the application is being executed; and inhibiting various power consuming tasks and using devices if the application is not being executed.