Importance

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Abstract

A system for lowering the power output of a computer peripheral device connected to a host computer during periods of inactivity of the host or the peripheral device senses a power management command at the peripheral device generated at the host computer. Time sensing means at the host senses inactivity, and gerating circuitry generates a power-management command. Detection circuitry in the peripheral device senses the power-management command, and controls power-using circuitry in the peripheral device in response. In an embodiment applicable to peripherals having a microprocessor, the system may be incorporated entirely in software at the host and the peripheral device. In dumb devices, the system requires add-in and/or add-on apparatus cooperating with software.

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First Claim