(12) United States Patent
`US 6,625,738 Bl
`{10) Patent N0.:
`(45} Date of Patent:
`Sep. 23, 2003
`Shiga
`
`USUO66 25T38B1
`
`(54) USB APPARATUS THAT TURNS ON
`COMPUTER POWER SUPPLY USING
`SIGNALS SUBSTANTIALLY LONGER THAN
`INFORMATION CONVEYING PULSE
`WIDTHS WHEN PREDETERMINED
`OPERATION lS PERFORMED ON INPUT
`DEVICE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Sadakazn Shiga, liukushima-ken (JP)
`
`(73) Assignee: Alps Electric (20., Ltd., Tokyo (JP)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(2]) Appl. No.: Mint-54,621
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 6, 1999
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Dec. 15, 1993
`
`(JP)
`
`Int. Cl.7
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`(58)
`Field of Search
`
`10-35mm
`
`GflfiF U26
`713/310; “ (V67
`1131310, 323,
`7131324; 710(67
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`9.31993 Bolan et al.
`5,249,298 A *
`................ “3,840
`9.31996 Forrest elal.
`5,553,296 A *
`“31921
`5,590,343 A " 121’1996 Bolan et al.
`..... 7131300
`
`5363.844 A *
`61’1998 Stoyc .........
`34515312
`5,799,196 A *
`8.31998 Flannery
`“3,820
`
`6,092,207" A " W200i) Kolinski et al.
`7131323
`
`n,2rr2,1n1 Bl
`13,205,502 Bl
`6,231,100 Bl
`
`*
`==
`1‘
`
`3,1200] Wang
`3200] Endo et al.
`512001 Cromer et al.
`
`
`
`“3:310
`110nm
`T131300
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`
`III-312235
`
`Ilt'l998
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`l'homas Lee
`Primary ha'riiiiincr
`Assistant Examiner—Albert Wang
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Brinks [-Iofer Gilson &
`Lione
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply in
`which when an input operation of a predetermined key is
`carried out, predetermined H signals are output to a first
`signal line and a second signal line of a USB chip provided
`in a keyboard. Since this signal combination is not a USB
`standard signal combination, they can be distinguished from
`ordinary data signals. Since a wake-up device which has
`received these signals outputs predetermined start—up signals
`to a main power supply, the main power supply can be
`turned on. When the main power supply is turned on,
`connections of a first relay contact and a second relay
`contact of a switching device switch are switched, whereby
`first signal lines and second signals between the host com—
`puter and a keyboard are connected together, making it
`possible to carry out communication using the signals. By
`virtue of this structure, it is possible to start up the host
`computer whose main power supply is in an 011‘ state by
`operating the keyboard.
`
`81 Claims, 1 Drawing Sheet
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`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0001
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0001
`IPR2018-00110
`|PR201 8-001 10
`
`

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`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0002
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0002
`IPR2018-00110
`|PR2018—001 1O
`
`
`

`

`US 6,625,738 Bl
`
`1
`USB APPARATUS THAT TURNS ON
`COMPUTER POWER SUPPLY USING
`SIGNALS SUBSTANTIALLY LONGER THAN
`INFORMATION CONVEYING PULSE
`WIDTHS WHEN PREDETERMINED
`OPERATION IS PERFORMED ON INPUT
`DEVICE
`
`It]
`
`15
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`1E]
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`40
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`60
`
`BACKGROUND 01-5 TIME. INVEN'I'ION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to a power-on function of,
`for example, a host computer including a universal serial bus
`(USB) interface, and more particularly to an apparatus for
`turning on a computer power supply, which is constructed so
`as to start up the host computer as a result of an operation
`of an input device, such as a keyboard, when a main power
`supply of the host computer is in an olf state.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`In conventional computers, pieces of software are built in
`as resident programs in order to prevent wasteful energy
`consumption and to increase the efficiency with which
`energy is saved when the host computer is not used for a
`long time.
`In executing the resident program, when an input opera-
`tion is not performed within a predetermined period of time
`from the most recent operation that has been performed at
`the input device, such as a keyboard, an operation which
`changes an electrical power mode ofthe host computer to a
`suspend mode is carried out. In the suspend mode, the clock
`speed of a central processing unit (CPU) is reduced, a drive
`motor of a hard disk or a floppy disk is stopped, and a
`display is turned olT, so that the amount of electrical cuiTent
`supplied to the host computer for consumption is such that
`the host computer is set in a low electrical power state.
`When the host computer is set in the suspend mode, and
`the input device, such as a keyboard, is operated, the host
`computer receives information that the input device has been
`operated. This information is received in the form of a
`start-u p signal. When this start-up signal is input to the host
`computer, the clock speed of the CPU returns to its original
`speed, the hard disk or the floppy disk drive motor is started
`again, and the display is turned on again. Accordingly, the
`host computer is restored to the slate prior to the suspend
`mode state.
`
`Personal computer peripheral interfaces that have been
`primarily used for a long time are serial ports (R8232—C) and
`Centronics parallel ports. However, these types of peripheral
`interfaces have the following problems. The first problem is
`that the transfer speed limit is low. The second problem is
`that a larger number of ports need to be used when con—
`necting a plurality of devices because only one device can be
`connected to one port. The third problem is that separate
`ports need to be provided for connecting a keyboard, a
`mouse, a display, etc., so that various connectors get
`crowded on the back side of the personal computers.
`To overcome the above—described problems,
`there has
`been proposed the USB, which allows various peripheral
`devices to be connected to only one connector as a result of
`integrating these interfaces. The USB has been rapidly
`attracting attention as a standard peripheral interface of the
`next generation.
`However,
`in the above—described conventional
`computers, the suspend and restore functions are provided
`on the assumption that the main power supply of the host
`
`2
`
`computer is in an on state. 'I'herefore, when the main power
`supply is in an 011‘ state, the host computer cannot be started
`with the above—described software.
`
`There has been a demand for adding value to such
`computers connected with the USB interface by providing a
`function that the USB does not have, that is, by providing a
`key called a power—on key, which allows the host computer
`to be started by a key input operation at a keyboard.
`SUMMARY 01" THE INVENTION
`
`it is an object of the present invention to
`Accordingly,
`provide an apparatus for turning on a computer power
`supply, which is constructed so as to start up a host computer
`including a USB interface by turning on a main power
`supply as a result of operating an input device when a switch
`of the main power supply of the host computer is in an oIT
`state.
`
`To overcome the abovedescribed conventional problems,
`according to a basic form of the present invention, there is
`provided an apparatus for turning on a computer power
`supply, comprising a host computer; an input device con-
`nected to the host computer through an interface; a main
`power supply for starting up the host computer; and a
`sub—power supply for applying electrical power to the input
`device when the main power supply is in an off state;
`wherein the host computer Comprises wake-up means for
`turning on the main power supply to start up the host
`computer as a result of a predetermined operation performed
`at the input device when the main power supply is in an off
`state.
`
`According to the present invention, when the switch of the
`main power supply of the host computer is in an 011' state,
`and a keyboard, for example, is operated, the main power
`supply is turned on to start up the host computer.
`To make this operation possible, the sub-power supply
`(which is a battery) of the host computer supplies electrical
`power to the input device, such as a keyboard, through the
`interface. Therefore, when the main power supply of the host
`computer is in an off state, the electrical power level of the
`host computer is set low (which is also the case when the
`host computer is set in in; ordinary suspend mode).
`When the predetermined operation is performed at the
`input device, the main power supply is turned on. Here, the
`operation may be performed on a special—purpose power—on
`key on the keyboard or on any combination of a plurality of
`keys. The operation may also be performed on a switch of,
`for example, a mouse for a predetermined time or a prede—
`termined number of times.
`
`In another form of the present invention, an apparatus for
`turning on a computer power supply may further comprise
`switching means disposed at the interface, wherein when the
`main power supply is in an on state, the switching means
`connects a signal line of the host computer and a signal line
`of the input device, and wherein when the main power
`supply is in an olf state,
`the switching means switches
`connections so that the wake-up means and the signal line of
`the input device are connected together; and
`wherein when the main power supply is in the 011' state,
`and a predetermined operation is performed at
`the input
`device, a start-up signal generated by the wake-up means is
`applied to the main power supply to turn on the main power
`supply, whereby the switching means switches connections
`so that the signal line of the host computer and the signal line
`of the input device are connected together.
`The switching means may be, for example, a relay or a
`logic circuit.
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0003
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0003
`IPR2018-00110
`|PR201 8-001 10
`
`

`

`US 6,625,738 Bl
`
`3
`In this case, when the main poWer supply is in an off state,
`the wake—up means and the input means, such as a keyboard,
`are connected together. When, for example, a predetermined
`key on the keyboard is operated, the main pOWer supply is
`turned on by the wake—up means to start up the host
`computer, and the signal Line of the host computer and the
`signal
`line of the input device are connected together.
`Therefore, after the host computer has been started, a signal
`indicating that the input operation has been performed at the
`keyboard can be transmitted to the host computer.
`In still another form of the present invention, when an
`apparatus for turning on a computer power supply comprises
`a host computer, an input device connected to the host
`computer through an interface, a main power supply for
`starting up the host computer, and a sub-power supply for
`applying electrical power to the input device when the main
`power supply is in an ofl~ state, and when the host computer
`comprises wake-up means, the interface may comprise four
`signal lines, that is, a universal serial bus standard power
`supply line, a first signal line, a second signal line, and a
`ground fine. In addition, the wake—up means may comprise
`first comparing means for detecting whether or not a value
`of the first signal line is equal to or greater than a predeter-
`mined standard value, second comparing means for, detect—
`ing whether or not a value of the second signal line is equal
`to or greater than the predetermined standard value, and an
`AN D circuit for determining a logical ()R between the first
`comparing means and the second comparing means, with the
`main power supply being turned on when the logical 0R
`reaches a predetermined value.
`In still another form of the present invention, when the
`interface comprises four signal lines,
`that
`is, a universal
`serial bus standard power supply line, a first signal line, a
`second signal line, and a ground line, and when the wake-up
`means comprises first comparing means, second comparing
`means, and an AND circuit, the predetermined operation
`may be performed at the input device in order to output H
`signals of a predetermined pulse width to both the first signal
`line and the second signal line, after which the II signals
`with a predetermined pulse width equal to or greater than the
`predetermined pulse width are output from the AND circuit
`to turn on the power supply.
`The communication mode in which both of the first signal
`line and the second signal line are in an II state result from
`a combination that does not exist in ordinary USB standard
`operation modes. Therefore, when the wake—up means is
`constructed so that it starts up when 11 signals are applied to
`both of these lines, there is no obstacle to carrying out
`ordinary communications using the USB interface. When
`the communication mode is switched at the USB interface,
`the first signal line and the second signal line may both be
`instantaneously set
`in the H state. When the duration in
`which the first signal line and the second signal line are in
`the 11 state becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined
`time period (more specifically, a time period which is longer
`than a USB standard signal transfer rate), and an attempt is
`made to start up the wake—up means, it is possible to prevent
`confusion with the case where communication modes are
`switched by the USB interface.
`With the first signal line and the second signal line being
`set in the H state when the main power supply is on and input
`from the input device is temporarily stopped,
`the main
`power supply can be turned off by setting both the first signal
`line and the second signal line in an I. state for a predeter-
`mined period of time as a result of carrying out the prede—
`termined operation at the input device.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIG. 1 is a structural view of an embodiment of the
`
`1!]
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`15
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`4
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`A description will now be given of the present invention
`with reference to the drawing.
`FIG. 1 is a structural view of an embodiment of the
`
`apparatus for turning on a computer power supply in accor-
`dance with the present invention.
`Referring to FIG. 1, a host computer 1 and a keyboard 11
`(which is an example of an input device) are disposed on the
`left and right sides of Line [—1, respectively.
`In the interior of the host 1 of FIG. 1 are provided a
`universal serial bus (USB) chip 2 of large-scale integration
`for a USB interface; a wake-up means 3; a switching means
`4; a main power supply 5; and a sub—power supply 6. The
`USB chip 2 includes a power supply input terminal Vcc, a
`ground terminal GND, a first signal line D+, and a second
`signal line D—, which correspond to those in a USB interface
`specification. FIG.
`I shows only the terminals that are
`particularly important for the USB interface, so that the rest
`of the terminals of the USB chip 2 are not shown. In FIG.
`1, an output voltage generated between a +terminal and a
`GND terminal of the main power supply Sis expressed as E,
`and an output voltage generated between an ()UT terminal
`and a GND terminal of the sub—power supply 6 is expressed
`as V. The power supply input terminal Vcc of the USB chip
`2 is connected to the +ten11inal of the main power supply 5,
`while the GND terminal thereof is grounded to a ground
`line. The USB chip 2 is thus driven when electrical power is
`applied thereto from the main power supply 5. It
`is con—
`nected to a central processing unit
`(CPU) in the host
`computer .1 by a local bus, and controlled by the CPU.
`The wake-up mean53 comprises a first comparing means
`3Aand a second comparing means3B, both ofwhjch are, for
`example, OP amplifiers. A first input terminal 3A1 of the
`first comparing means 3A and a first input terminal 3B1 of
`the second comparing means 31% are grounded through
`respective predetermined resistors. Astandard voltage 7 (for
`example, 1.5 volts) is applied to a second input terminal 3A2
`of the first comparing means 3A and to a second input
`terminal 332 of the second comparing means 3“. An output
`terminal 3A3 of the first comparing means 3A is connected
`to an input terminal 8a of an AND circuit 8 and an output
`terminal 3B3 of the second comparing means 3B is con—
`nected to an input terminal 8b of the AND circuit 8. An
`output terminal Sr: of the AND circuit 8 is connected to a
`power-on terminal 5a of the main power supply 5. A USB
`chip 12 is provided in the keyboard 11. It is controlled by,
`for example, an 8—bit microcomputer (not shown), which is
`a controlling means {or a signal—generating means) provided
`in, for example, the keyboard 11. The USB chip 2 provided
`in the host computer 1 and the USB chip 12 provided in the
`keyboard 11 are connected together through a USB cable 9.
`The switching means 4 is, for example, a relay, and is
`provided between a connector terminal 1n, provided for the
`USB cable 9, and the USB chip 2 of the host computer 1.
`The switching means 4 of FIG.
`1 includes a first relay
`contact 4A and a second relay contact 4B. The first relay
`contact 4A includes two connecting terminals 4A1 and 4A2
`provided at the host computer 1 side, and one connecting
`terminal 4A3 provided at the keyboard 11 side. Similarly,
`the second relay contact 4“ includes two connecting ten'ni-
`nals 4B1 and 432 provided at the host computer 1 side, and
`one connecting terminal 4B3 provider] at the keyboard ]_1
`side.
`
`apparatus for turning on a computer power supply in accor-
`dance with the present invention.
`
`The connecting terminal 4A1 of the first relay contact 4A
`is connected to the input terminal 3A1 of the first comparing
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0004
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0004
`IPR2018-00110
`|PR201 8-001 10
`
`

`

`US 6,625,738 Bl
`
`5
`means 3A, and the connecting terminal 4Bl of the second
`relay contact 4B is connected to the input terminal 3B1 of
`the second comparing means 3B. The connecting terminal
`4A2 of the first relay contact 4A is connected to the first
`signal
`line [)+ of the USB chip 2, and the connecting
`terminal 4'32 of the second relay contact 4B is connected to
`the second signal line D— of the USB chip 2. Through the
`connecting connector terminal 1:: and the USB cable 9, the
`connecting terminal 4A3 of the first relay contact 4A and the
`connecting terminal 4P3 of the second relay contact 48 are
`connected to a first signal tine D+ and a second signal line
`D— of the USB chip 12 in the keyboard 11, respectively. The
`switching means 4 also includes a relay actuator 4C actuated
`when electrical power is supplied thereto from the main
`electrical power 5. The first and the second relay contacts 4A
`and 4B can be simultaneously actuated and switched by the
`relay actuator 4C of the switching means 4.
`The main power supply 5 includes a power supply switch
`5A. When the switch 5A is switched on by a person or when
`a predetermined signal is input to the power-on terminal 5a,
`electrical power is supplied to the interior of the host
`computer 1.
`The sub—power supply 6 is, for example, a battery, and
`supplies electrical power to the first and the second com-
`paring means 3A and 3B of the wake-up means 3 and the
`AND circuit 8. Outputs of the main power supply 5 and the
`sub—power supply 6 are connected to diodes D1 and D2 in
`an ()R connection. They are also connected to a power
`supply input
`terminal Vcc of the USB chip 12 in the
`keyboard 11 through the connector terminal 1a and the USB
`cable 9. In other words, at
`least one of the main power
`supply 5 and the sub—power supply 6 supplies electrical
`power to the keyboard 11. A UNI) terminal of the keyboard
`11 is grounded to a ground line at the host computer 1 side
`through the connector terminal 1n and the USB cable 9.
`Table 1 shows the USB standard signal line states when
`the host computer 1 is set in the suspend mode.
`
`TABLE 1
`
`Low Speed
`
`Full Speed
`
`Uneonneeted
`
`D+
`D—
`
`L (Hi—z;
`II (Iii-Z)
`
`H
`L (IIi—Z)
`
`I. (Hi—7.)
`L ([Ii-Z}
`
`1!]
`
`15
`
`1t]
`
`40
`
`As shown in Table 1, according to the USB standards,
`there are three signal line state modes. They are a lower
`speed mode (hereinafter referred to as “LS mode") or a first
`mode; a full speed mode {hereinafter referred to as “PS
`mode") or a second mode; and an unconnected mode or a
`third mode. In the IS mode, the data transfer speed is 1.5 M
`bitsi's. In the [VS mode, the data transfer speed is 12 M bitsi's.
`In the unconnected mode, the USB cable 9 is in an uncon—
`nected state.
`
`When the host computer 1 is set in the suspend mode, first
`signal line D+ and second signal line D— in the LS mode are
`in an [. (Iii-Z or high-impedance) state and in an 1] {high
`level) state, respectively. In the F8 mode, they are in the H
`state and in the L (Hi—Z) state, respectively. In the uncon—
`nected mode, they are both in the I. (I-[i-Z) state. The state
`in which both of these first and the second signal lines D+
`and D— are in the [I state is not a USB standard state.
`
`60
`
`A description will now be given of the operation of the
`apparatus for turning on a computer power supply, which
`has the above-described structure.
`
`When the power supply switch 5A of the main power
`supply 5 is set in an off state, electrical power supply from
`
`6
`
`In this case, an
`the main power supply 5 is stripped.
`operating system (OS) of the host computer 1 is not turned
`on. Therefore, the operation of the USB chip 2 is stopped.
`Since actuating electrical current is not supplied to the
`relay actuator 4C of the switching means 4, the connecting
`terminals 4A1 and 4A3 of the first relay contact 4A are
`connected, and the connecting terminals 4131 and 4B3 of the
`second relay contact 4B are also connected. Therefore, the
`first signal lines D+ of the host computer 1 and the keyboard
`11 are not connected to each other, and the second signal
`lines l)— of the host computer 1 and the keyboard 11 are not
`connected to each other. The first signal line D+ and the
`second signal line D— of the keyboard 11 are connected to
`the first input terminals 3A1 and 3B1 of the wake—up means
`3, respectively. The first signal line [3+ and the second signal
`line D— of the host computer 1 are pulled down due to a
`predetermined resistance of 15 k9 as a result of the USB
`standards. When the first signal lines D+ of the host com—
`puter 1 and the keyboard 11 are not connected to each other,
`and the second signal lines 0— of the host computer 1 and
`the keyboard ll are not connected to each other, the first
`signal line D+ and the second signal line D— at
`the host
`computer 1 side are set in the L level.
`From the sub—power supply 6, the output voltage V is
`applied to the wake-up means 3. In this case, the amount of
`electrical current supplied to the wake-u p means 3 is equal
`to or greater than 500 ,rrA, and the mode is set
`in a low
`electrical power mode lust as in the case where the host
`computer 1 is set in the suspend mode. The output voltage
`V from the sub-power supply 6 is also applied to the
`keyboard 11 through the diode 02, the connector terminal
`la, the USB cable 9 and the power supply input terminal
`Vcc of the USB chip 12.
`When the power—on key on the keyboard 11 is operated,
`or when a plurality of keys on the keyboard ll are operated
`at the same time, predetermined signals are output towards
`the host computer 1 through the first signal line D+ and the
`second signal line D— of the USB chip 12 in the keyboard
`11. These predetermined signals are generated by the afore—
`mentioned 8-bit microcontroller (not shown), which is a
`controlling means (or signal-generating means) at the key-
`board ].1 side. The first signal line D+ and the second signal
`line D— are in a fourth mode in which both signal lines D+
`and D— are in the II state. The pulse width and the pulse
`voltage of the predetermined signals are, for example, 50 ms
`and 3 volts, respectively.
`The fourth mode of first signal line l)+ and second signal
`line D— in which both of them are in the H level state is not
`shown in Table 1 because it is not a USB standard mode.
`
`Taking into account that the data transfer speed of the USB
`is measured in nanoseconds (nsec), it can be said that a pulse
`width of 50 ms is very large. Therefore, even when fourth
`mode signals (H level signals with a pulse width of 50 ms)
`are set as signals that are not USB standard signals, and then
`transmitted to first signal line 0+ and second signal line D—,
`they can be easily distinguished from USB standard data
`signals.
`When such fourth mode signals are transmitted from the
`keyboard 11, they are input to the USB cable 9, the con—
`nector terminal In, and the first input terminal 3A1 of the
`first comparing means 3A and the first input terminal 3131 of
`the second comparing means SE of the wake—up means 3
`through the first
`relay contact 4A and the second relay
`contact 4B of the switching means 4, respectively. In other
`words, the fourth mode signals are input to the first input
`terminal 3A1 of the first comparing means 3A and the first
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0005
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`IPR2018-00110
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`US 6,625,738 Bl
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`7
`input terminal 3131 ofthe second comparing means 3B. The
`first and the second comparing means 3A and 3B make a
`comparison between the voltages of the fourth mode signals
`and the standard voltage 7 (1.5 volts). Only when the fourth
`mode signals have a voltage greater than the standard
`voltage 7 are the II signals output from the output terminals
`3A3 and 3B3. In other words, the first and the second
`comparing means 3A and 3B act as comparators.
`When the H signals are output from the output terminal
`3A3 of the first comparing means 3Aand the output terminal
`3133 of the second comparing means 313 at the same time, the
`AN D circuit 8 which has received these signals also outputs
`the H signals with the pulse width of 50 msec. When the H
`signals are input to the power—on terminal 5:: of the main
`power supply 5, the main power supply 5 is turned on.
`When the main power supply 5 is turned on, electrical
`power is applied to the host computer 1, the USB chip 2, the
`relay actuator 4C 0f the switching means 4, etc. When a
`predetermined amount of actuating electrical current
`is
`supplied from the main power supply 5 to the relay actuator
`4C of the switching means 4, the connecting terminals 4A2
`and 4A3 of the first relay contact 4A are connected together,
`and the connecting terminals 4B2 and 4-H]: of the second
`relay contact 4B are connected together. Therefore, the first
`signal lines I)+ ofthe host computer 1 and the keyboard 11,
`and the second lines D— of the host computer 1 and the
`keyboard 11 are connected together, making it possible to
`allow transmission of signals between the host computer 1
`and the keyboard 11.
`Since the operating system existing as a resident program
`in the host computer 1 is started up as a result of supplying
`electrical power to the host computer 1, the host computer
`1 is started in order to set an environment that allows an
`
`input operation to be performed at the keyboard 11.
`The power supply turn—0n apparatus of the present inven—
`tion can be powered down when the keyboard 11 is not
`operated for a long time.
`For example, when communication is not carried out from
`the keyboard 11 to the host computer 1, application of 1]
`(high level) signals is continued from the aforementioned
`8—bit microcomputer (which is a controlling means or a
`signal-generating means disposed at the keyboard 11 side) to
`the first signal line I)+ and the second signal line l)— of the
`USI-l chip 2 of the host computer 1 through the USB chip [2.
`When a predetermined key on the keyboard 11 is operated,
`L signals are output from the 8—bit microcomputer to first
`signal line [3+ and second signal line |)— for, for example,
`25 msec. When the [.signals are applied to the USB chip 2,
`the USB chip 2 is put in a state that is identical to the
`pull—down state that occurs when the keyboard 11 is not
`connected. This state of the USB chip 2 is detected at the
`host computer 1 side, and the main power supply is turned
`off.
`
`1!]
`
`15
`
`1E]
`
`40
`
`As can be understood from the foregoing description,
`when the main power supply of the host computer is turned
`off, that is, when it is in the power—0E stale, and the input
`device, such as a keyboard, is operated, the host computer
`can be started.
`
`60
`
`It is possible to add value to a computer by allowing a hOSt
`computer to be started by making use of a combination of
`signals that are not USB standard signals at
`the USB
`interface.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply,
`comprising:
`
`8
`
`a host computer;
`an input device connected to the host computer through an
`interface, the interface supplying data and power to the
`input device;
`a main power supply to supply power to the host com-
`puter; and
`a sub—power supply to supply power to the input device
`when the main power supply is in an 011' state;
`wherein the host computer comprises wake-up means for
`tuming on the main power supply to power the host
`computer as a result of a predetermined operation
`performed at the input device when the main power
`Supply is in the olf state,
`wherein the apparatus further comprises switching means
`disposed at the interface, wherein when the main power
`supply is in an on state, the switching means connects
`a signal line of the host computer and a signal line of
`the input device, and wherein when the main power
`supply is in the olf state, the switching means switches
`connection so that the wake—up means and the signal
`line of the input device are connected together; and
`wherein when the main power supply is in the otl‘state,
`and the predetermined operation is performed at the
`input device, a start—up signal generated by the wake—up
`means is applied to the main power supply to turn on
`the main power supply, whereby the switching means
`switches connections so that the signal line of the host
`computer and the signal line of the input device are
`connected together,
`wherein the interface comprises fOur signal lines: a uni-
`versal serial bus standard power supply line, a first
`signal line, a second signal line, and a ground line; and
`wherein the wake—up means comprises first comparing
`means for detecting whether a value of the first signal
`line is at least a predetermined standard value, second
`comparing means for detecting whether a value of the
`second signal line is at least the predetermined standard
`value, and an AND circuit logically ANDing the first
`comparing means and the second comparing means,
`with the main power supply being turned on when an
`output of the AND circuit reaches a predetermined
`value, and
`wherein when the predetermined operation is performed
`at the input device, 1-] signals of a first predetermined
`pulse width are output to both the first signal line and
`the second signal line, after which the H signals with a
`second predetermined pulse width of at least the first
`predetermined pulse width are output from the AND
`circuit to turn on the main power supply.
`2. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined pulse
`width is substantially greater than a standard pulse width for
`signals transmitted between the host computer and input
`device through the interface when the host computer is the
`main power supply is turned on.
`3. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation
`consists of performing a plurality of individual operations at
`the input device.
`4. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a keyboard
`and the predetermined operation consists of activating a
`plurality of dilTerent keys on the keyboard.
`5. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation
`consists of performing a single operation at the input device.
`6. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a keyboard
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0006
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1006-0006
`IPR2018-00110
`|PR201 8-001 10
`
`

`

`US 6,625,738 Bl
`
`9
`and the predetermined operation consists of activating only
`one key on the keyboard.
`7. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to
`use an interface signal state that is undefined when the main
`p0\ver supply is turned on to turn on the main power supply.
`8. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 1, wherein the input device supplies
`signals to the host computer that consist of an interface
`signal state that is undefined when the main power supply is
`turned on to turn on the main power supply.
`9. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 8, wherein the interface is a universal
`serial bus.
`
`10. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 9, wherein the interface signal state is a
`highr‘high D‘iD‘ signal.
`11. An apparatus for turning on a computer power supply
`according to claim 10, wherein widths of the highihigh
`I)+i’l)" signal are substantially longer than the standard
`widths of D'TD’ signals that convey