Peripheral device including a user interface for controlling a computer system unit optionally attached to the peripheral device

A computer system includes a system unit and a peripheral device connected by an electrical connection. The peripheral device includes a main power switch that turns power off within both the peripheral device and the system unit, together with a drive indicator light that is turned on to indicate when data is being written or read at a hard disk drive within the system unit. Preferably, the peripheral device is a display device including a screen and receiving a video signal from the system unit, with a power indicator light indicating whether power is on and whether the system unit is running in an operational state or in a suspended state. The peripheral device can also be used with a system unit not having these capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a user interface to control and monitor basic functions of a computer system, and, more particularly, to providing such an interface on a peripheral device to which the computer system is optionally attached without affecting the functionality of the peripheral device when the computer system is not attached thereto.

2. Summary of the Background Art

Typical “desktop” computer systems include a system unit providing basic functions such as a microprocessor, data storage, and various forms of connectivity, together with a number of peripheral devices, which typically always include a display unit and a keyboard, and which often further include a printer, a scanner, and an additional form of data storage. Since the keyboard, pointing device, and display unit provide interfaces that are used throughout typical operation of the computer system, these peripheral devices are generally kept within easy reach of the user. On the other hand, the system unit does not need to provide such interfaces, particularly in an environment in which floppy diskettes, which have traditionally been inserted into a drive within the system unit, are being used with decreasing frequency, with data being more typically transmitted over wired or wireless networks.

The patent literature includes a number of descriptions of methods for providing a user interface at a display device and for transferring control information from the display device to the system unit of a computer system. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,268,845 and 6,289,466 describe a computer system including a display unit having a universal serial bus (USB) connection as well as a VGA connection with the base system unit. Multiple button and LED controls are conveniently placed on a front bezel of the monitor. As the buttons are actuated, commands are passed to the base system via the USB. An onscreen display button causes an application to be launched on the base system for modifying screen attributes stored in a monitor controller in the monitor. A USB controller in the monitor updates the monitor controller via the USB. A multifunction audio dial is toggled bv a bezel button between volume, bass and treble functions. The USB controller is also operable to provide and sustain a blinking LED even while the base system is in a sleep state, with LEDs on the front bezel indicating monitor and base system power status.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,178 describes a display system configured to provide a user interface for use in ophthalmic surgery, with the display system having a screen and a bezel with a generally horizontal shelf aligned with the bottom of the screen and a generally vertical portion aligned with a side of the screen. A plurality of spaced apart switches is disposed on the horizontal shelf, with each switch being provided for activating a corresponding vertical display aligned with the switch on the screen. A sliding touch control panel, disposed in a continuous strip along the bezel vertical portion allows selections of functions and alphanumeric data appearing in a vertical display that can be presented on the screen. A computer attached to the display device is used for generating vertical displays generally parallel to the vertical display.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,260 describes a method and apparatus providing bi-directional communication between a video monitor and a computer system unit, without providing an additional user interface at the monitor. This method enables the video monitor to inform the system unit of its capabilities without direct user involvement and also enables the system unit to directly control or adjust all the functions of the video monitor. In the preferred embodiment, bi-directional communication between the video monitor and the system unit is provided utilizing a mouse port in the keyboard controller of the system unit. Multiplexers are coupled between the mouse port and each of the mouse and the video monitor to select between data paths and to selectively allow communications between the system unit and the video monitor.

What is needed is a way to provide for a user interface at a peripheral device, such as a display device, with the user interface providing at least a capability for turning a system unit attached to the display device off and on. Preferably, such a user interface is provided in a way that does not interfere with the use of the display device attached to a system unit not having a capability of being switched off and on in this way. Since such an interface must be capable of turning the system unit on, it should not rely on the execution of programs within the system unit for operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a peripheral unit with a user interface including a power switch turning both the peripheral device and a computer system unit attached to the peripheral device on and off.

It is another objective of the invention to provide such a user interface within a peripheral device with a drive indicator light indicating when data is written to or read from a hard disk drive within the system unit.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide such a user interface within a display device with a power indicator light indicating whether power is turned on and whether the system unit is operating in an operational state or in a suspended state.

It is an additional objective of the invention to provide such an interface in a form having a minimal effect on the use of the peripheral device with a system unit not providing the features of the invention.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a computer system is provided, including a system unit, an electrical connection, and a peripheral device removably connected to the system unit by the electrical connection. The system unit has a system unit power supply system performing a process of supplying at least one voltage level to components within the system unit. The peripheral device includes a peripheral power supply system performing a process of supplying at least one voltage level to components within the peripheral device, and a main power switch electrically connected to the peripheral power supply system and to the system unit power supply system through the electrical connection to turn both of the power supply systems on and off.

Preferably, the system unit includes a hard disk drive and a disk adapter producing a drive indication signal whenever data is written to or read from the hard disk drive. Preferably, the peripheral device includes a drive indicator light that is illuminated through a line extending within the electrical connection whenever the drive indication signal is present.

Preferably, the system unit runs in an operational state and in a suspended state. Preferably, the peripheral device is a display device having a capability for recognizing whether the system unit is running in the operational state or in the suspended state, and additionally including a power indication light giving a first indication when the system unit is running in the operational state and a second indication when the system unit is running in the suspended state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a computer system10including a first type of peripheral device12, in which the invention is implemented, and a system unit14. In this exemplary configuration, the peripheral device12is a display device, having an LCD screen15, attached to the system unit14by means of an adjustable display mounting mechanism16. The peripheral device12is also electrically connected to the system unit10by means of an electrical connection (not shown).

In accordance with the invention, the peripheral device12includes a power switch18that is used to apply electrical power both to circuits within the peripheral device12and the system unit14, a power indicator light20that is turned on when electrical power is turned on to the circuits within the peripheral device12, and a drive indicator light22that is turned on when data is being written to or read from a hard disk drive within the system unit14. Preferably, the power indicator light20provides a first indication, such as a steady light, when the computer system10is in an operational state, and a second indication, such as a flashing light, when the computer system10is in a not-ready state, such as a sleep state. This switch18and the indicator lights20,22are located on the peripheral device12, instead of on the system unit14, because the peripheral device12is located in a position that is more convenient for the placement of the operator interface, being above and in front of the system unit14.

Alternately, the peripheral device12may be electrically disconnected from the system unit14and connected to another system unit (not shown) to operate as a display device in response to the other system unit. This can be achieved without disconnecting the peripheral device12from the mechanical support provided by the system unit14and the associated mounting mechanism16. If the peripheral device12is connected in this way to a system unit not having features of the invention, the power switch18will only turn on power within the peripheral device12; a power switch on the system unit must be used to turn power off or on within the system unit. Additionally, a system unit not having the features of the invention will not provide a means to operate the drive indicator light22, so this light will remain off regardless of the operational state of the hard disk drive within the system unit.

On the other hand, many of the display devices commercially available today have a means for detecting whether a system unit to which the display device is connected is providing a signal to drive the display. Such a signal is present when the display device is in an operational state but not when it is in a sleep state. When this signal is present with the display unit on, the conventional display provides a first indication, such as a green light. When this signal is not present with the display on, the conventional display provides a second indication, such as a yellow light. Therefore, by using a conventional method for detecting the operational state of the system unit to which the peripheral device12is connected, the peripheral device10receives the information needed to provide the same indications through the power light20, whether or not the system unit includes the features of the invention.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of a second type of peripheral device26in which the invention is implemented. For example, this peripheral device20is a display device not mechanically connected to a system unit, but still electrically connected to a system unit by means of an electrical connection (not shown). The peripheral device26includes a power switch18and indicator lights20and22as described above in reference toFIG. 1, which are therefore accorded like reference numerals.

The peripheral device26may be connected by an electrical cable to a system unit (not shown) having the features of this invention, so that the switch22turns electrical power on and off to circuits within the system unit as well as within the peripheral device26, and so that the drive indicator light22is turned on to indicate operation of a hard disk drive within the system unit. Alternately, the peripheral device26may be connected by an electrical cable to a system unit (not shown) not built in accordance with the invention, so that the switch22turns electrical power on and off only to circuits within the peripheral device26, and so that the drive indicator light22is not functional. On the other hand, conventional means are preferably used to determine whether the system unit is in a suspend state, so that the power indication light22provides a different indication under this condition, even if the system unit is not built in accordance with this invention.

An exemplary configuration of the drive indicator light22will now be explained, with particular reference being made toFIGS. 3 and 4.FIG. 3is a fragmentary front view of the peripheral device12, taken to show the drive indicator light22, andFIG. 4is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the peripheral device12, taken as indicated by section line4—4inFIG. 3.

Since the drive indicator light22is non functional in some configurations, it is preferably of a type that is readily apparent only when it is turned on. For example, the drive indicator light22includes translucent or transparent window30having an appearance similar to the surrounding cover32of the peripheral device12. When an LED34, mounted on a circuit board35and held within a housing36behind the window30, is turned on the window30is illuminated through a mask38providing an image40representing the hard drive function, such as a cylinder. Alternately, a simple round or rectangular image may be illuminated to provide an indication of hard file operation within the system unit14. The mask38preferably is composed of a n opaque material presenting a surface having a color close to the color of the adjacent cover surface32toward the window38. The mask38may be a separate part or a surface formed, for example, by printing an image on the inside of the window30using a silk screen process. The window30may also be tinted to match the color of the adjacent cover surface32. For example, if the adjacent cover surface is black, the window30may be clear and transparent, with the mask38being printed in black, and with a cavity42and the LED34beubg colored green to provide a green indication when the LED34is switched on. When the LED34is not switched on, the space within the cavity42is dark enough to appear black.

Preferably, the alternate display device26also has a drive indicator light22composed as described in reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 5is a schematic view of the computer system10, showing functional elements within the peripheral device12, within the system unit14, and within an interconnecting cable50removably connecting the device12with the unit14. The interconnecting cable50includes contacts51at either or both of its ends.

Electrical power for the peripheral device12is supplied through an external power supply52, connected to line voltage through a line cord54, with a DC output from the power supply52at a first switching voltage +V being provided as a power input to a power sequencer56and an inverter58within the peripheral device12. The power sequencer56also has an input provided through a first power switching line60that is connected to the power supply voltage +V through a resistor62, and to electrical ground through switch contacts64when the power switch18is depressed. The power sequencer56produces outputs on a number of lines66, turned on in accordance with a predetermined timing sequence when the power switch18is momentarily depressed to pull the voltage of the first power switching line60down to a ground potential within the peripheral device12. Each of these outputs on the lines66is associated with a particular voltage generated within the inverter58by DC-to-DC conversion from the +V output voltage of power supply52. The various voltages produced within the inverter58are used to drive a number of circuits within display circuits68to operate all functions of the peripheral device12. Thus, the peripheral device12has a power supply system that includes the external power supply52, the power sequencer56, and the inverter58

Preferably, after the first power switching line60is momentarily driven to electrical ground by the depression of switch18, the outputs of the power sequencer56on lines66are turned on in a predetermined sequence so that the power outputs of the inverter68then appear in a preferred sequence. These outputs of the power sequencer56and the corresponding voltages produced by the inverter58then remain on as long as external power remains on from the power supply52, until power within the peripheral device12is turned of by holding the power switch18depressed for a longer time, such as four seconds. Holding the first power switching line60at electrical ground for this longer time causes the outputs from the power sequencer on line66to shut off, with the corresponding output voltages from the inverter68also being shut off.

Electrical power within the system unit14is supplied through an internal power supply70that is connected to line voltage through a line cord72. The system unit14also includes a power sequencer74that operates in a similar fashion to the previously described power sequencer56to turn on voltage levels supplied by the power supply70in response to momentarily grounding an input line76. The input line76is otherwise held at a second switching voltage +V through a resistor78by means of a voltage supplied by the power supply70whenever power is available through the line cord72, even if other outputs of the power supply70have been switched off.

When the power switch18in the peripheral device12is momentarily depressed, a second power switching line80extending through the interconnecting cable50is switched to electrical ground through contacts82of the power switch18. Since this second power switching line80is additionally connected to the input line76of the power sequencer74, a momentary application of electrical ground through the switch contacts82causes the power sequencer74to provide signals causing the power supply70to turn on voltage levels according to a predetermined sequence. Also, the depression of the power switch18for a longer time, such as four seconds, causes these signals from the power sequencer74to the power supply70to be turned off, so that the voltage level outputs of the power supply70are turned off, except for the +V output, which is left on.

The system unit14also has conventional computer devices, such as a system board84, a display adapter86, a disk adapter88, and a hard disk drive90, which are provided with electrical power from the power supply70. The disk adapter88provides a signal on an output line92, which extends through the interconnect cable50to drive the LED34within the drive indicator light22whenever data is being written or read within the hard disk drive90. The display adapter86generates a number of conventional signals used to drive the display circuits68, with these signals being directed through a number of video signal lines94, additionally extending through the interconnecting cable50.

Preferably, the system unit14is of a type including at least one reduced-power state that is characterized by a lower usage of electrical power and by a recognizable variation in the conventional signals driven along lines94to the display circuits68. For example, the system unit14may be built according to the Display Power Management Standard (DPMS) to use the two synchronizing signals driven along lines94to differentiate between an operational state, in which normal operation occurs within both the system unit14and the peripheral unit12, an optional standby state in which some systems are shut down to conserve power, and a suspend state, in which more systems are shut down for substantial power conservation. In normal operation, both the horizontal and vertical synch signals are present. If the standby state is provided, it is indicated to the peripheral unit12by turning off the horizontal synch signal. In the suspend state, the horizontal synch signal is left on, but the video signal and the vertical synch signal are turned off. Preferably, the display circuits68within the peripheral device12, sensing such changes, provide an image on the LCD screen15only in the normal state and a signal driving the power indicator light20to provide a steady “on” indication only during normal operation. These display circuits68then provide a signal causing the power indicator light20to flash during the suspend state and additionally during the standby state, if it is provided.

The system unit14may additionally include a second power switch95, which can be depressed to connect input line76to electrical ground, so that power within the system unit14to be turned on and off when the peripheral device12is not connected to the system unit14. The system unit14may additionally include a second power light96, driven by circuits within the system board84to provide one or more power on indications, and a second drive indicator light98, driven by the disk adapter88to provide an indication that data is being read or written at the hard disk drive90, again when the peripheral device12is not connected to the system unit14.

For example, the interconnecting cable50and associated connectors may be built in accordance with the DVI (Digital Video Interface) standard, providing24lines, which can be configured to include the video signal lines94, along with the second power switching line80and the drive indicator line92.

While various features of the invention have been discussed in reference toFIG. 5in terms of the computer system10ofFIG. 1, including a system unit14mechanically attached to the peripheral device12, it is understood that the features described in reference toFIG. 5can readily be included in a system unit14connected to the alternate peripheral device26by only a cable, such as the interface cable50, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is further understood that the system unit14and the peripheral device12are generally disconnectable by means of connectors at either or both ends of the cable50, and that the system unit14and peripheral device12are separately operable when disconnected. A particular advantage of the invention is achieved when the peripheral device12is operated separately from the system unit14, but in connection with a system unit not having the features of the invention; a voltage is not present on lines92and80at the connector of the display device12.

FIG. 6is a schematic view of a computer system100built in accordance with an alternate version of the invention, including a peripheral device102and a system unit104. The computer system100is similar to the computer system10, with like elements being afforded like reference numbers. Within the peripheral device102, the second power switching input line80is connected to the same switch contacts64as the first power switching line60to the power sequencer56of the peripheral device102. Within the system unit104, the power switching input line80and a third power switching line103from the contacts of the auxiliary power switch95are connected as separate inputs to an OR gate106, so that depressing either the power switch18of the peripheral device102or the power switch104turns the system unit104on or off as previously described. Compared to the version of the invention described above in reference toFIG. 5, this version has a disadvantage, when the peripheral device102and the system unit104are disconnected from one another, of leaving the +V voltage on the contact of the line80between the peripheral device80and the cable50. On the other hand, an advantage is provided under this condition, since this voltage is not left on the contact of the line80between the system unit104and the cable50.

While the system has been described as including an interconnecting cable50, it is understood that, in the version of the invention shown inFIG. 1, the peripheral device12and the system unit14may be directly connected, with an electrical connection being provided by mating contacts within the device12and the system unit14, without an intervening cable.

While the invention has been described as being applied within a peripheral device12that is a display unit, it is understood that the power switch18and drive indicator light22may be applied similarly within another type of peripheral device, such as a printer or keyboard without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

While the invention has been described in its preferred versions with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example, and that numerous changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.