Ethernet powered computing device and system

• US 8,671,292 B2
• Filed: 07/13/2011
• Issued: 03/11/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AmZetta Technologies, LLC (American Megatrends International, LLC)
• Original Assignee: American Megatrends Incorporated
• Inventors: Sivertsen, Clas Gerhard
• Primary Examiner(s): Huynh, Kim
• Assistant Examiner(s): KINSEY, BRANDON MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US13/182,308
• Publication Number:
  US 20110271125A1
• Time in Patent Office: 972 Days
• Field of Search: 713/300, 174/520, 174/53, 174/58, 361/679.02, 220/3.5
• US Class Current: 713/300
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/18 Packaging or power distribution
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/10 Current supply arrangements

Abstract

Apparatus and systems provide processing capabilities while utilizing power received via an Ethernet. A computing device has an Ethernet connector for receiving power and data, internal power supply circuitry for extracting power from the Ethernet connector, and a Central Processing Unit (CPU) for receiving the power. A housing may encompass the components of the computing device and be configured for installation in an electrical wall box. The housing may include a display or connectors for peripherals. A system includes at least two computing devices. Each device has an Ethernet connector for receiving power and communicating with other devices and are installed within a housing within an electrical wall box. One device has a display for receiving user input instructions for transmittal to another device, while another device has a peripheral connector for controlling a peripheral according to the instructions.

Claims

1. A wall mounted computing apparatus comprising:

an Ethernet connector configured to receive power and data;

internal power supply circuitry configured to extract the power from the Ethernet connector connected to wires that carry data and power;

a Central Processing Unit (CPU) configured to receive the power from the internal power supply circuitry;

a display unit having a touch panel;

a motion sensor, wherein the CPU executes a first instruction when an object is detected by the motion sensor within a first proximity, wherein the CPU executes a second instruction when the object is detected by the motion sensor within a second proximity, the second proximity being different from the first proximity; and

a housing encompassing the Ethernet connector, the internal power supply circuitry, the CPU, and the motion sensor, wherein the housing is configured for retrofitting and installation within a standard single electrical wall box of standard double electrical wall boxes that are disposed substantially within a wall, wherein the display unit is configured for retrofitting with the standard double electrical wall boxes.

2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the display unit is removable and mountable without the use of removable fasteners.

3. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the display unit comprises a backlight and wherein the CPU is operative to control the color and intensity of the backlight.

4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the display unit is configured to replace monitor, keyboard and mouse of the computing device.

5. The computing device of claim 1, further comprising:

a peripheral port in communication with the CPU; and

a peripheral device attached to the peripheral port, wherein the display unit is configured to transmit user instructions to the CPU, wherein the CPU communicates with the peripheral device in accordance with the user instructions.

6. The computing device of claim 5, wherein the CPU transmits media content from a media source to the peripheral device for playing the media content at the peripheral device based on user interactions with the touch panel.

7. The computing device of claim 6, wherein the peripheral device is a speaker or a display.

8. The wall mounted computing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first instruction is to turn on a light.

9. The wall mounted computing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second instruction is to turn on an audio device.