Delicate metering of computer usage
First Claim
1. A method of metering usage in a computer comprising:
- measuring usage of the computer according to a first usage schedule;
monitoring an activity level of the computer; and
measuring usage of the computer according to a second usage schedule when the activity level of the computer reaches a threshold.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A pay-per-use or metered-use computer uses a balance manager to monitor usage and update a value balance according to a first usage schedule when the computer is in active use. When the activity level of the computer is reduced below a threshold, the balance manager may update the value balance according to a second usage schedule. Activity level of the computer is determined by monitoring the activity level of a one or more components of the computer including input devices, communication controllers, and the processing unit. Rules can be applied to determine when to switch between usage schedules and if credits to the value balance should be made.
32 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method of metering usage in a computer comprising:
-
measuring usage of the computer according to a first usage schedule;
monitoring an activity level of the computer; and
measuring usage of the computer according to a second usage schedule when the activity level of the computer reaches a threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A computer adapted for metering of usage comprising:
-
a memory for storing data and program code; and
a processor coupled to the memory wherein the processor executes a metering program for sensing an activity level of the computer and for metering usage responsive to the activity level of the computer. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A computer-readable media storing computer executable instructions for use in a computer, the computer executable instructions for executing a method of metering, comprising:
-
assessing an activity level of a component of a computer;
determining when metering of computer usage is active in response to the activity level of the component of the computer. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification