Method for multiple scheduled computer powers-on

• US 20060101290A1
• Filed: 11/06/2004
• Published: 05/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Power Whale Information Limited
• Original Assignee: Power Whale Information Limited
• Inventors: Ma, Yu-Ming
• Application Number:
  US10/983,181
• Publication Number:
  US 20060101290A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/300
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C

Abstract

A method of scheduling multiple automatic powers-on for a computer is provided. The multiple automatic powers-on are achieved by repeatedly reconfiguring the automatic power-on function of the computer'"'"'s BIOS. The method provides a configuration software module and a renewal software module. The configuration software module, when executed, allows a user to specify at least a schedule event through a user interface for powering on the computer at a specific date and time, along with other information relevant to the schedule event. The configuration software module also stores the schedule events into a schedule database. On the other hand, the renewal software module, when triggered, retrieves from the schedule database a schedule event that has a future scheduled date and time closest to the current date and time. The renewal software module then directly updates the automatic power-on configuration of the BIOS so that, at the specified date and time, the computer is powered on automatically by the automatic power-on function of the BIOS.

Claims

1. A method of scheduling multiple automatic powers-on for a computer having a BIOS with an automatic power-on function for starting said computer at a specific date and time, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a schedule database for storing at least a schedule event, said schedule event specifying at least a date and time for powering on said computer;

(b) providing a renewal software module for reading said schedule database and configuring said BIOS automatic power-on function;

(c) triggering an execution of said renewal software module;

(d) searching said schedule database by said renewal software module for a schedule event whose scheduled date and time are closest and not expired yet; and

(e) configuring said automatic power-on function of said BIOS to power on said computer at said scheduled date and time.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said schedule event is entered, updated, and deleted by a user through a user interface of an application program.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said schedule event is entered, updated, and deleted by an application program without user intervention.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said schedule event further specifies a task to be executed based on a power-on condition and whether to shut down said computer when said task is executed.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said power-on condition indicates the following three circumstances:

said computer is powered on by said BIOS automatic power-on function;

said computer is powered on manually; and

said computer is already powered on.

6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said power-on condition is provided as a flag in said BIOS.

7. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said task is an execution of at least an application program.

8. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said task is a shutdown of said computer.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said renewal software module is triggered by one of the following circumstances:

an addition of a new schedule event into said schedule database, and a modification to an existing schedule event in said schedule database.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said renewal software module is triggered after said BIOS automatic power-on function powers on said computer.

11. A method of scheduling multiple automatic powers-on for a computer having a BIOS with an automatic power-on function for starting said computer at a specific time within the next 24 hours, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a schedule database for storing at least a schedule event, said schedule event specifying at least a date and time for powering on said computer;

(b) providing a renewal software module for reading said schedule database and configuring said automatic power-on function;

(c) triggering an execution of said renewal software module;

(d) searching said schedule database by said renewal software module for a schedule event whose scheduled date and time are closest and not expired yet;

(e) configuring said automatic power-on function to power on said computer at said time; and

(f) determining if current time is more than 24 hours away from said scheduled date and time, and, if yes, shutting down said computer.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said schedule event is entered, updated, and deleted by a user through a user interface of an application program.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said schedule event is entered, updated, and deleted by an application program without user intervention.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said schedule event further specifies a task to be executed under a power-on condition and whether to shut down said computer when said task is executed.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said power-on condition indicates the following three circumstances:

said computer is powered on by said automatic power-on function;

said computer is powered on manually; and

said computer is already powered on.

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said power-on condition is provided as a flag in said BIOS.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said task is an execution of at least an application program.

18. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said task is a shutdown of said computer.

19. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said renewal software module is triggered by one of the following circumstances:

an addition of a new schedule event into said schedule database, and a modification to an existing schedule event in said schedule database.

20. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said renewal software module is triggered after said BIOS automatic power-on function powers on said computer.