Control of a function of a computer other than a power supply function using a system power switch
First Claim
1. A method comprising steps of:
- detecting a power control input of a computer, said power control input capable of being connected in at least a first predetermined manner and a second predetermined manner; and
when the power control input is connected in a first predetermined manner, controlling a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer in response to said step of detecting the power control input.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A function of a computer other than a power supply function of the computer may also be controlled using a power control input of the computer. In response to a pressing of a power button or a closing of a power switch, a signal is provided which indicates that a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer may be performed. This may be implemented, for example, in response to the pressing of the power button or closing of the power switch for a time period longer than a predetermined time period. In response to a first condition at the power control input (for example, a momentary closing of the power switch or pressing of the power button), power is supplied to the computer. In response to a second condition at the power control input (for example, the closing of the power switch or pressing of the power button for a time period longer than a predetermined time period), a signal is provided indicating that a non-power supply function of the computer should be performed. For example, a basic input/output system (BIOS) program running on the computer performs an entering of a setup mode of the computer, a clearing, setting or a changing of the password, or a clearing of the system image of the computer in response to the pressing of the power button or closing of the power switch for a time period which is longer than a predetermined time period. Such an implementation does not require a user to open a system chassis of the computer and disconnect any configuration jumpers on the motherboard of the computer.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method comprising steps of:
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detecting a power control input of a computer, said power control input capable of being connected in at least a first predetermined manner and a second predetermined manner; and when the power control input is connected in a first predetermined manner, controlling a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer in response to said step of detecting the power control input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method comprising steps of:
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detecting a first connected condition at a power control input of a computer; detecting a second connected condition at a power control input of a computer; and in response to said step of detecting the second connected condition at the power control input, providing a signal indicating that a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer should be performed. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A computer comprising:
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a power control input capable of being connected in a first predetermined manner and a second predetermined manner; and a circuit having an input connected to the power control input and having an output indicating that a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer should be performed;
whereinwhen said power control input is connected in said first predetermined manner, the output indicates that a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer should be performed. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A computer comprising:
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a power control input; and a circuit having an input connected to the power control input and having an output indicating that a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer should be performed, wherein the output of said circuit indicates whether a setup mode of the computer is to be entered.
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19. A computer comprising:
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a power control input; and a circuit having an input connected to the power control input and having an output indicating that a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer should be performed, and further comprising a BIOS program running on said computer, wherein said BIOS program enters a setup mode of said computer in response to said output of said circuit.
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20. A computer comprising:
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a power control input; and a circuit having an input connected to the power control input and having an output indicating that a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer should be performed, wherein said computer enters a setup mode in response to said output of said circuit.
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21. A computer comprising:
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a power control input; a header connected to said power control input; and a circuit having an input connected to said header and an output, wherein said input of said circuit is connected to said power control input when said power control input is connected to said header in a first position, and wherein said input of said circuit is not connected to said power control input when said power control input is connected to said header in a second position, said output of said circuit indicating that a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer is to be performed when said power control input is connected to said header in said first position. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A computer comprising:
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a power control input; a first circuit having an input connected to the power control input and having an output responsive to the input; a power supply control circuit having an input connected to the output of the first circuit; and a second circuit having an input connected to the power control input and having an output indicating that a function of the computer other than a power supply function of the computer should be performed. - View Dependent Claims (30)
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Specification