Energy efficient variable-function or multi-function apparatus and methods
US7770033B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/26
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A variable function assembly having a power source, a computer coupled to the power source and including a power switch for allowing operative power to be provided to the computer when in an “on” position and for terminating operative power to the computer when in an “off” position, and a variable function device (e.g. a device having a microprocessor) having a generally fixed circuitry and receiving operative power from the computer when the power switch is in the “off” position. The variable function assembly also has at least one module coupled to the generally fixed circuitry so that the variable function device may provide at least one function. A method of providing a function in a variable-function device. The method comprises providing a variable-function device, transmitting operative power from a function-producing device (e.g. a computer) to the variable-function device when the function-producing device is in an “off” mode, removing a function (e.g. a computer function) from the function-producing device, and providing the removed function in the variable-function device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.