Touch screen power control in a computer system

Abstract: A touch screen power control function in a computer system is disclosed, wherein a touch screen input device is employed to control power modes for the computer system. A touch screen controller senses a touch input from the touch screen input device. If the computer system is in a full power mode, the touch screen controller determines the input coordinates corresponding to the touch input, and transfers the input coordinates to a central processing system. If the computer system is in a power down mode, the touch screen controller asserts a main power on signal to a power subsystem, which causes the power subsystem to supply power to the central processing system according to the touch input.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION: This invention relates to the field of power control functions in computer systems. More particularly, this invention relates to a touch screen power control function in a computer system. ART BACKGROUND: Past computer systems typically implement a hard power control system for supplying power to the various portions of the computer system. A hard power control system includes a physical switch that directly controls the input power to the computer system. The input power may consist of main incoming alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Soft power control is commonly implemented in personal computer systems and portable computer systems to conserve power and increase battery life. Soft power control in a computer system usually encompasses several power control modes, including a full power mode and a sleep mode. In the full power mode, the main portions of the computer system are supplied with power and are all in an active state. In the sleep mode, one or more portions of the computer system are not supplied with power and are in an inactive state. The power supply for a soft power control system typically provides more than one power output. One power output is always switched on to provide power for the logic that controls the soft power function. Another power output provides power to the main portions of the computer system., When the computer system is in the sleep mode, a user depresses a key on the keyboard to cause the soft power control logic to switch on power to the main portions of the computer system. An example of a prior art data input and display apparatus is disclosed and discussed in EP-a2-0496383 (Sony Corporation). As will be described, the present invention is a method and apparatus for a soft power control function in a computer system that provides power control from a touch screen. The present invention minimizes system power consumption while eliminating the need for a separate power switch for selective power mode control. A touch screen power control function in a computer system is disclosed, wherein a touch screen input device is employed to control power modes for the computer system. A touch screen controller senses a touch input from the touch screen input device. The touch screen controller processes the touch input according to a power mode for the computer system. In a preferred embodiment, if the computer system is in a full power mode, the touch screen controller determines the input coordinates corresponding to the touch input, and transfers the input coordinates to a central processing system. If the computer system is in a power down mode, the touch screen controller asserts a main power on signal to a power subsystem of the computer system after the touch input is sensed. The main power on signal causes the power subsystem to supply power to the central processing system. The power subsystem also asserts a reset signal to the central processing system. The reset signal to the central processing system causes the computer system to enter the full power mode. A user command input causes the computer system to enter the power down mode. Alternatively, the system software causes the computer system to enter the power down mode through a time-out mechanism. In one embodiment, while in the power down mode, the touch screen controller senses a touch input from the touch screen input device by sensing a duration of the touch input from the touch screen input device. The touch screen controller asserts the main power on signal to a power subsystem of the computer system if the duration of the touch input from the touch screen is greater than a predetermined duration. Alternatively, the touch screen controller maintains a tap count by sensing and counting at least one tap input from the touch screen input device while in the power down mode. The touch screen controller asserts the main power on signal to the power subsystem of the computer system if the tap count exceeds a predetermined tap count. Alternatively, the touch screen controller senses an X and a Y coordinate from the touch screen input device while in the power down mode. The touch screen controller asserts the main power on signal to the power subsystem of the computer system, such that the X and the Y coordinates determine a percentage of the central processing system to be supplied with power by the power subsystem. Alternatively, the touch screen controller measures the duration of the touch to determine a percentage of the central processing system to be supplied with power by the power subsystem. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a computer system including a central processing system, a power subsystem, as well as a touch screen and a touch screen controller. Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the functions of the touch screen controller during the full power on mode and the power down mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A touch screen power control function in a computer system is disclosed. In the following description for purposes of explanation specific applications, numbers, apparatus, configurations and circuits are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances well known systems are shown in diagrammatical or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention unnecessarily. Referring now to Figure 1 , a functional block diagram of a computer system 100 is shown. The computer system 100 comprises a central processing system 20. The central processing system 20 includes a central processing unit (CPU), memory subsystems, mass storage subsystems, a display device, and an assortment of other input/output devices. For one embodiment, the display device comprises a liquid crystal digital (LCD) display device. Alternatively, the display device comprises a cathode ray tube (CRT). The computer system 100 also comprises a power subsystem 10, a touch screen 40, and a touch screen controller 30. The touch screen 40 is positioned in relation to the display device of the central processing system 20 such that images generated on the display device are visible through the touch screen 40. The touch screen 40 and the touch screen controller 30 are powered independently from the central processing system 20. The power subsystem 10 comprises a soft power regulator 12, a main power regulator 14, and a power switch 16. The power switch 16 may be a power field effect transistor (FET) or a power relay. The soft power regulator 12 receives a power input 70 through a power-on switch 60. The main power regulator 14 is supplied with the power input 70 through the power switch 16. The soft power regulator 12 generates a power control signal 53 to switch the power switch 16 on and off. The main power regulator 14 supplies the central processing system 20 with a regulated power 72. The soft power regulator 12 supplies the touch screen controller 30 and the touch screen 40 with a regulated power 74. The touch screen 40 and the touch screen controller 30 provide a means for entering X and Y positioning information into the central processing system 20. The X and Y positioning information corresponds to coordinates on the display surface of the display device of the central processing system 20. The touch screen 40 and the touch screen controller 30 also provide Z information into the central processing system 20. The Z information provides an indication of pressure applied to the touch screen 40. The positioning of the touch screen 40 in relation to the display device provides a direct physical link between X and Y positions sensed by the touch screen 40 and X and Y positions on the display surface of the display device. A user generates X and Y and Z inputs to the central processing system 20 by pointing to a portion of the display surface of the display device and physically touching the surface of the touch screen 40. The touch screen 40 generates touch screen control signals 51 in response to the user's physical contact with the surface of the touch screen 40. The touch screen controller 30 implements a CPU and associated software for performing the process steps described herein. The touch screen controller 30 senses touch screen control signals 51, and determines the X and Y and Z positioning information corresponding to the user's physical contact. The touch screen controller 30 transfers the X and Y and Z positioning information to the central processing system 20 over signal lines 57. For one embodiment, the touch screen 40 comprises a resistive touch screen. The resistive touch screen 40 comprises two sheets of clear conductive material forming a pair of clear conductive layers in front of the display device. When the user presses on the top layer, the electrical resistance between the two layers is altered. The user presses on the top layer of the touch screen 40 with either a pen or a finger. For an alternative embodiment, the touch screen 40 comprises a capacitive touch screen. The capacitive touch screen 40 comprises a sheet of clear conductive material positioned in front of the display device. When the user presses on the clear conductive material, the electrical capacitance of the conductive material is altered. The user presses on the capacitive layer of the touch screen 40 with either a pen or a finger. For another embodiment, the touch screen 40 comprises an inductive touch screen. The inductive touch screen 40 is positioned in front of the display surface of the display device. Alternatively, the inductive touch screen 40 is positioned behind the display surface of the display device. The user positions a pen near the surface of the touch screen 40 to induce electrical signals in the touch screen 40. The computer system 100 is in a hard power off mode when the input power 70 is removed from the power subsystem 10. The hard power off mode includes removal of both battery power and an AC or DC supply. The computer system 100 transitions from the hard power off mode to full power on mode when the input power 70 is reapplied to the power subsystem 10. The input power 70 is reapplied to the power subsystem 10 by pressing the power-on switch 60. Pressing the power-on switch 60 causes the power subsystem 10 to apply power to both the touch screen controller 30 and the central processing system 20. While the computer system 100 is in the full power on mode, the power subsystem 10 supplies power to the touch screen 40, the touch screen controller 30, and the central processing system 20 including the memory subsystems, the mass storage subsystems, and the display device. Pressure applied to the touch screen 40 with a pen or finger causes the touch screen controller 30 to interrupt the CPU of the central processing system 20. The touch screen controller 30 provides to the CPU the X and Y and Z coordinates sensed by the touch screen 40 and corresponding to the contact point between the pen or finger and the display surface of the display device. The touch screen controller 30 provides the X and Y and Z coordinates to the CPU while the finger or pen is contacting the display surface of the display device. Thereafter, the touch screen controller 30 interrupts the CPU when the finger or pen is lifted, thereby enabling the CPU to process the X and Y and Z inputs. While the computer system 100 is in the full power on mode, the CPU initiates several power down sequences in response to either a low battery power condition, a user command, or a system software time-out. The CPU causes the computer system 100 to switch from the full power on mode to a full power off mode or to a power down mode. For one embodiment, the user selects an item in a power control menu of a graphical user interface to cause the computer system 100 to transition from the full power on mode to the full power off mode or the power down mode. For an alternative embodiment, the user runs a special program on the central processing system 20 to transition from the full power on mode to the full power off mode or the power down mode. For another alternative embodiment, a set of X, Y and Z touch screen coordinates corresponding to a "hot corner" of the display device indicate to the CPU the percentage of the central processing system 20 to be supplied with power in the power down mode. The CPU of the central processing system 20 causes the computer system 100 to transition from the full power on mode to the full power off mode by asserting a full power off signal over power control signal lines 52 to the power subsystem 10. The full power off signal causes the power subsystem 10 to turn off the regulated power 72 to the central processing system 20 and the regulated power 74 to the touch screen controller 30 and the touch screen 40. The CPU of the central processing system 20 causes the computer system 100 to transition from the full power on mode to the power down mode by asserting a soft power signal over the power control signal lines 52 to the touch screen controller 30. The soft power signal causes the touch screen controller 30 to enter the power down mode. The CPU of the central processing system 20 then asserts a main power off signal over power control signal lines 52 to the power subsystem 10. Alternatively, the touch screen controller 30 asserts the main power off signal over power control signal lines 52 to the power subsystem 10. The main power off signal causes the power subsystem 10 to turn off the regulated power 72 to the central processing system 20. While the computer system 100 is in the power down mode, the touch screen controller 30 and the touch screen 40 are powered, and the central processing system 20 is unpowered. Pressure applied to the touch screen 40 with a pen or finger causes the touch screen controller 30 to assert a main power on signal over signal line 54 to the soft power regulator 12. The main power on signal 54 causes the soft power regulator 12 to switch on the power switch 16, and causes the main power regulator 14 to supply the regulated power 72 to the central processing system 20. The restoration of the regulated power 72 causes the central processing system to reactivate. For one embodiment, the touch screen controller asserts the main power on signal 54 for an unspecified time period. After the touch screen 40 is pressed, the touch screen controller 30 asserts the main power on signal 54, and the power on signal remains asserted. The time period between assertion of the power on signal 54 and a stable supply of the regulated power 72 to the computer system 20 will vary because the power subsystem 10 incurs some latency before providing the stable regulated power 72. However, once the regulated power 72 is fully supplied to the central processing system 20, the power subsystem 10 generates a system reset signal. The system reset signal causes the CPU to reset, and causes the touch screen controller 30 to reset. The reset of the touch screen controller 30 causes the touch screen controller 30 to transition from the power down mode to the full power on mode. As a consequence, the transition of the computer system 100 from the power down mode to the full power on mode is completely self timed. The difference between the full power on mode, the power down mode, and the full power off mode is the percentage of the computer system 100 that is receiving power in an active state. For alternative embodiments, a plurality of power modes exist between the full power on mode, the power down mode, and the full power off mode. Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the functions of the touch screen controller 30 during the full power on mode and the power down mode. After the power subsystem 10 switches on the regulated power 72 to the central processing system 20, the power subsystem 10 generates a reset signal for the central processing system 20. The reset signal causes the touch screen controller 30 to enter a reset state 101. The touch screen controller 30 transitions from the reset state 101 to a state 102. At the state 102, the touch screen controller 30 sets an internal full power on mode flag. Thereafter, the touch screen controller 30 proceeds through a loop comprising a decision state 104 and a state 106 to process touch inputs from the touch screen 40. At the decision block 104, the touch screen controller 30 checks for touch inputs from the touch screen 40. If the touch screen controller 30 senses an input from the touch screen at decision state 104, the touch screen controller 30 proceeds to state 106. At the state 106, the touch screen controller 30 processes the touch input from the touch screen 40, interrupts the CPU, and transfers the corresponding touch screen X, Y and Z coordinates to the CPU. Thereafter, the touch screen controller 30 loops back to the decision state 104 to check for another touch input from the touch screen 40. If the touch screen controller 30 does not sense a touch input from the touch screen 40 at decision state 104, the touch screen controller 30 proceeds to a decision state 108. At the decision state 108, the touch screen controller 30 checks for the soft power signal from the central processing system 20 over the power control signal lines 52. If the touch screen controller 30 does not sense the soft power signal at the decision state 108, the touch screen controller 30 loops back to the decision state 104 to check for further touch inputs from the touch screen 40. If the touch screen controller 30 does sense the soft power signal at the decision state 108, the touch screen controller 30 proceeds to a state 110. At the state 110, the touch screen controller 30 sets an internal power down mode flag and deasserts the power on signal 54. The deasserted power on signal 54 causes the soft power regulator 12 to switch off the power switch 16, thereby turning off the main power regulator 14. Thereafter, the touch screen controller 30 proceeds to a decision state 112. At the decision state 112, the touch screen controller 30 checks for touch inputs from the touch screen 40. The touch screen controller 30 remains in the decision state 112 until sensing a touch input from the touch screen 40. If the touch screen controller 30 senses a touch input from the touch screen at decision state 112, the touch screen controller 30 proceeds to a state 114. At the state 114, the touch screen controller 30 asserts the main power on signal 54 to the power subsystem 10. The touch screen controller 30 asserts the main power on signal 54 indefinitely. The main power on signal 54 causes the soft power regulator 12 to switch on the power switch 16, and causes the main power regulator 14 to supply the regulated power 72 to the central processing system 20. The power subsystem 10 also asserts a reset signal that causes the touch screen controller 30 to transition to the reset state 101. For one embodiment, the touch screen 40 must be pressed for a predetermined duration before the touch screen controller 30 asserts the main power on signal 54 to the power subsystem 10. Pressing the touch screen 40 for the predetermined duration prevents an accidental transition from the power down mode to the full power mode caused by random contact with the touch screen. For another embodiment, the touch screen controller 30 must sense multiple press/lift inputs from the touch screen 40 before asserting the main power on signal 54. For example, the touch screen controller 30 may require a quick double tap on the touch screen 40 before asserting the main power on signal. For another embodiment, the power subsystem 10 provides multiple regulated power outputs for sub elements of the central processing system 20. The touch screen controller 30 determines the length of time that the touch screen 40 is pressed while in the power down mode. Based upon the length of time that the touch screen 40 is pressed, the touch screen controller 30 asserts power control signals to the power subsystem 10 to switch on a subset of the regulated outputs. The regulated outputs that are switched on varies according to the length of time that the touch screen 40 is pressed. For example, a short duration press on the touch screen 40 switches on only the CPU. A longer duration press on the touch screen 40 switches on the CPU and the display. An even longer duration press on the touch screen 40 switches on the CPU and the display, and the mass storage subsystems. For another embodiment having multiple regulated power outputs, the touch screen controller 30 determines the magnitude of pressure on the touch screen 40 while in the power down mode. Based upon the magnitude of the pressure on the touch screen 40, the touch screen controller 30 asserts the power control signals to the power subsystem 10 to switch on a subset of the regulated outputs. For example, a low magnitude press on the touch screen 40 switches on only the CPU. A higher magnitude press on the touch screen 40 switches on the CPU and the display. An even higher magnitude press on the touch screen 40 switches on the CPU and the display, and the mass storage subsystems. For another embodiment having multiple regulated power outputs, the touch screen controller 30 counts a number of taps on the touch screen 40 while in the power down mode. Based upon the number of taps on the touch screen 40, the touch screen controller 30 asserts power control signals to the power subsystem 10 to switch on a subset of the regulated outputs. For example, one tap on the touch screen 40 switches on only the CPU, two taps on the touch screen 40 switches on the CPU and the display, while three taps on the touch screen 40 switches on the CPU and the display, and the mass storage subsystems. For another embodiment having multiple regulated power outputs, the touch screen controller 30 determines the X and Y and Z coordinates of pressure on the touch screen 40 while in the power down mode. Based upon the X and Y and Z coordinates, the touch screen controller 30 asserts power control signals to the power subsystem 10 to switch on a subset of the regulated outputs. The selective switching on of the regulated outputs is determined by the X and Y and Z coordinates. In the foregoing specification the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The description and drawings are accordingly to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims: A method for selectively and interactively controlling the supply of power to a plurality of regulated power outlets in a computer system (100), said computer system including a central processing unit (CPU) forming part of a central processing system (20), a touch sensitive display screen (40) and a touch screen controller (30) coupling the touch sensitive display screen (40) and the CPU, said method comprising the steps of: placing said computer system (100) in a power down mode wherein said CPU is powered down while said touch sensitive display screen (40) and said touch screen controller (30) are provided with at least partial power through one of the regulated power outlets; sensing a touch of said touch sensitive display screen (40) by a user while said computer system (100) is in said power down mode, and providing power control signals in response to one or more characteristics of the touch; in response to said power control signals : providing power to said CPU through one of the regulated power outlets thereby reactivating said CPU; and selectively supplying power through one or more of the regulated power outlets to the central processing system (20). The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the reactivation of said CPU further includes asserting a signal that resets said touch screen controller (30). The method as defined by claim 2, wherein the reset of said touch screen controller (30) results in said touch screen controller (30) transitioning from a power down mode to a full power mode. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein said step of sensing a touch of said touch sensitive display screen (40) and providing power control signals further comprises the step of generating a tap count by sensing and counting at least one tap input to said touch sensitive display screen (40) by said user, and wherein the power control signals are provided in response to the tap count. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the power control signals are provided in response to a duration of the touch by said user on said touch sensitive display screen (40). The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the power control signals are provided in response to one or more coordinates describing a location of the touch by the user on said touch sensitive display screen (40). The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the step of sensing a touch of said touch sensitive display screen (40) and providing power control signals further comprises the step of measuring a magnitude of pressure for the touch of said touch sensitive display screen (40), and wherein the power control signals are provided in response to a coordinate describing said magnitude of pressure. An apparatus for selectively and interactively controlling the supply of power to a plurality of regulated power outlets in a computer system (100), said computer system including a central processing unit (CPU) forming part of a central processing system (20), a touch sensitive display screen (40) and a touch screen controller (30) coupling the touch sensitive display screen (40) and the CPU, said apparatus comprising: means for placing said computer system (100) in a power down mode wherein said CPU is powered down while said touch sensitive display screen (40) and said touch screen controller (30) are provided with at least partial power through one of the regulated power outlets; means (30) for sensing a touch of said touch sensitive display screen by a user while said computer system is in said power down mode; means (30) for providing power control signals in response to one or more characteristics of the touch; means (10) for responding to said power control signals by: providing power to said CPU through one of the regulated power outlets thereby reactivating said CPU; and selectively supplying power through one or more of the regulated power outlets to the central processing system (20). The apparatus as defined by claim 8, wherein the means (10) for responding to said power control signals include means for asserting a signal that resets said touch screen controller upon reactivation of the CPU (20). The apparatus as defined by claim 9, further including means for transitioning the touch screen controller (30) from a power down mode to a full power mode. The apparatus as defined by claim 8, wherein the means (30) for sensing a touch of the touch sensitive display screen (40) further comprise means for generating a tap count by sensing and counting at least one tap input to said touch sensitive display screen (40) by the user, and wherein the power control signals are provided in response to the tap count. The apparatus as defined by claim 9, wherein the power control signals are provided in response to a duration of the touch by said user on said touch sensitive display screen (40). The apparatus as defined by claim 9, wherein the power control signals are provided in response to one or more coordinates describing a location of the touch by the user on said touch sensitive display screen (40). The apparatus as defined by claim 9, wherein the means (30) for sensing a touch of said touch sensitive display screen (40) further comprise means for measuring a magnitude of pressure for the touch of said touch sensitive display screen, and wherein the power control signals are provided in response to a coordinate describing said magnitude of pressure.

Inventors: FORREST CRAIG S, FRANK EDWARD H, FORREST, CRAIG S., FRANK, EDWARD H.
Applicants: SUN MICROSYSTEMS INC, SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.
Application year: 1993
Main classification: G06F1
IPC codes: G06F1