Controlling a surface temperature of a portable computer for user comfort in response to motion detection
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling a temperature of a housing surface of a portable computer, wherein the method comprises:
- detecting movement of the portable computer;
in response to detecting movement of the portable computer, operating the portable computer in a first mode; and
in response to a failure to detect movement of the portable computer during a first predetermined time period, operating the portable computer in a second mode, wherein the second mode allows operation of the portable computer at a higher internal temperature than the first mode.
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Abstract
A portable computer includes a motion detector providing input signals used for detecting movements indicating that the computer is held on the users lap or in his hands instead of on a desktop. When such movements are detected, the computer is operated in a first mode, with temperatures within the computer being controlled to maintain a surface of the housing at a temperature that is comfortable for the user. Otherwise, temperatures within the computer are allowed to rise to provide for faster processing or less fan noise.
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Citations
49 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a temperature of a housing surface of a portable computer, wherein the method comprises:
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detecting movement of the portable computer;
in response to detecting movement of the portable computer, operating the portable computer in a first mode; and
in response to a failure to detect movement of the portable computer during a first predetermined time period, operating the portable computer in a second mode, wherein the second mode allows operation of the portable computer at a higher internal temperature than the first mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A portable computer comprising:
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a housing a motion sensor producing an output signal in response to movement of the portable computer; and
a microprocessor programmed to detect movement of the portable computer in response to receiving the output signal of the motion sensor, to cause operation of the portable computer in a first mode in response to detecting movement of the portable computer, and to cause operation of the portable computer in a second mode in response to failing to detect the output signal of the motion sensor during a first predetermined time period, wherein the second mode allows operation of the portable computer at a higher temperature within the housing than the first mode. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A computer readable medium having instructions executable within a portable computer for performing a method comprising:
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detecting movement of the portable computer in response to receiving an output signal of a motion sensor;
causing operation of the portable computer in a first mode in response to detecting movement of the portable computer; and
causing operation of the portable computer in a second mode in response to failing to detect the output signal of the motion sensor during a first predetermined time period, wherein the second mode allows operation of the portable computer at a higher temperature within the housing than the first mode. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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38. A computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave having instructions executable within a portable computer for performing a method comprising:
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detecting movement of the portable computer in response to receiving an output signal of a motion sensor;
causing operation of the portable computer in a first mode in response to detecting movement of the portable computer; and
causing operation of the portable computer in a second mode in response to failing to detect the output signal of the motion sensor during a first predetermined time period, wherein the second mode allows operation of the portable computer at a higher temperature within the housing than the first mode. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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Specification