WO2000002370A1

WO2000002370A1 - System which visually indicates the presence and automatically downloads e-mail

Info

Publication number: WO2000002370A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/014330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guenter Schaefer
Original assignee: Guenter Schaefer
Priority date: 1998-07-03
Filing date: 1999-06-24
Publication date: 2000-01-13
Also published as: WO2000002370B1

Abstract

Apparatus (1) and methods are provided for determining if electronic mail is waiting on a network for a system user during automatic, or unattended, operation of the apparatus (1), for making the mail available within the apparatus (1), and for providing a visual indication, with the apparatus (1) disconnected from the network onto a hard drive within the apparatus (1) or by printing the mail through a printer (3). The visual indication, which is provided by illuminating an indicator light (22) or by providing information on a display unit screen (2), may also indicate that other types of messages have been sent to the apparatus (1).

Description

DESCRIPTION

SYSTEM WHICH VISUALLY INDICATES THE PRESENCE AND AUTOMATICALLY DOWNLOADS E-MAIL

This application claims benefit of a prior filed copending U.S. Application, serial number 09/110,061 , filed 07/03/98

Technical Field

This invention relates to a method for accessing electronic mail available through the Internet or through a proprietary service, and, more particularly, to an automatic method for accessing and downloading electronic mail when the system is unattended. This invention also relates to a method for providing an indication that electronic mail is waiting.

Background Art

An electronic mail, or "E-mail" capability is one of the most popular features of the Internet, being widely used both in home computing applications and in business applications. For no additional cost, or for a modest cost, e-mail makes it possible to communicate quickly with friends and associates across the country or across the world.

However, to send and receive E-mail, a serious penalty is often paid by the user in terms of the time required to access his Network service and to access the individual "mail box" maintained for him be the Network service, where urgent messages may be waiting. While this process is generally quite simple, involving no more than a few selections of icons on a computer screen, the time required is often quite substantial. The process is usually started when the user selects an icon on his computer screen representing his Network service, causing his system to begin the process of making a telephone connection with the service. First an available access telephone line has to be found; it is often necessary for the system to try several telephone numbers before finding one which is not busy. Next, various types of encoded information must be exchanged between the user's system and Network service. Then the user is presented with a screen offering various services, including e-mail. When the user selects the e-mail option, he is presented with a list of e-mail (if the is any) which has been received for his address by the Network service. At this point, the user can select which mail (if any) he will read as it is displayed on his screen under control of the Network service, and which mail (if any) he wants to download to the hard drive of his computer from the Network service.

Within the user's computer, processes such as the transfer or display of data occur very rapidly, but various processes involving the use of the Network occur much more slowly. This is particularly true of placing the telephone calls necessary to access the Inter net, and, to a lesser extent, of accessing the particular mail box of the user within the Network data.

What is needed is an automatic method for e-mail retrieval, which performs certain predetermined routines at times preset according to the requirements and convenience of the user. Such a method would ideally allow the relatively slow processes, such as Network access and E-mail selection, to occur while the system user is not attending to his computer or waiting to use it for something else, with the processes of viewing and printing individual messages occurs under control of the user, making use of the relatively fast processes occurring within the computing system and peripheral units connected directly to the computing system.

Some computing systems are either "on" or "off," being switched between these states through the use of an electrical switch interrupting the primary power (e.g. 120 volts) to the system. Other systems include a power management feature providing an intermediate, or "suspended" state, in which certain, limited system functions operate while a minimum level of electrical power is consumed by the system. In desk-top systems, the suspended state is primarily used to allow theuse of the system as a telephone answering machine or as a fax machine on a 24-hour basis. The system is left in the suspended state overnight. If an incoming call is received while the system is in the suspended state, the ring in signal from the modem causes the system to return to a normal "on" state, so that call is answered with all of the capabilities of the system. Furthermore, the system is turned on from a suspended state whenever another event generating an interrupt request, such as a keystroke or a movement of the mouse.

What is needed are automatic methods allowing e-mail retrieval on systems with or without a power management feature allowing operation of the systems in a suspend state.

At least one Network service displays an icon on the user's menu screen when e-mail is waiting. However, since this feature is provided only when the user is connected with the Network service. Thus, the user is still required to access the service to find out whether mail is waiting; in general, accessing the service is the time consuming part of determining whether mail is waiting. What is needed is a way of providing an indication to the user of whether e-mail is waiting without requiring him to access the Network service.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for receiving electronic mail from and network and for providing a visual indication of presence of electronic mail. The apparatus includes a control unit, a timing mechanism, a mail access program, and a visual indication mechanism. The control unit includes a processor, system memory, and a modem connected to the network. The timing mechanism determines when a predetermined time for mail access has been reached. The mail access program, is executed within the processor in the control unit in response to the timing means to access the electronic mail from the network and to make the electronic mail available within the apparatus. The visual indication mechanism operates in response to the mail access program, providing a visual indication that mail has been found to be waiting. This visual indication is present even when the apparatus has been disconnected from the network.

(The word "Network" is used herein to mean either the Internet, or various types of proprietary networks, such as America On Line or CompuServe, which have their own electronic mail services).

Thus, a method is provided for automatically accessing the Network service of a computing system user at a predetermined time. If the computer system is in a fully "on" state at the predetermined time, the process of accessing the Network service begins first. Otherwise, the computing system is first brought to an operating level at which a network service can be accessed. Since a system not having a suspense mode is usually left turned off for long periods of time, with such a system, this method includes applying electrical power to the system so that the operating system is booted. If the system has a suspense mode, it is preferably left in the suspense mode, with the method of the present invention generating an interrupt request to turn the system back "on" at the predetermined time. In either case with the system turned on and the operating system booted, the Network service is booted.

The method of the present invention next causes the electronic mail box of the Network service corresponding to the computer system user to be accessed. If mail is found, it is handled according to settings previously provided by the user. With a first setting, the fact that mail is present is merely stored to provide a visual indication of that fact. With a second setting, the mail is downloaded to an address in the hardfile of the computer system. With a third setting, the mail is downloaded and printed on the system printer. In any case, a visual indication is provided that mail is ready, so that the user can determine this fact without a need to access the Network. This indication is preferably a light which is turned on when it is determined that mail is waiting or that mail has been received. Alternatively, an icon indicating that mail is waiting or has been received may be displayed in the system display unit to provide this visual indication. After the mail has been received, the system terminates the network session, and the system unit is shut off or returned to a suspense state. If the suspense state is available, the return to it may occur as a normal time-out function of the system operating system. If the system does not have a suspense state, it may be turned off either as a result of the completion of certain programmed activities or as the result of the expiration of a predetermined interval of time following the time at which the system was turned on.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of apparatus configured to operate in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, including a computer system and peripheral devices;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a program executed by the apparatus of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 4 is an isometric view of apparatus configured to operate in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, including a computer system and peripheral devices.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a program executed by the apparatus of FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is an isometric view of apparatus configured to operate in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, including a computer system and peripheral devices;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of apparatus configured to operate in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, including a printer and a control unit; FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the control unit of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a program executed by the apparatus of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a first alternative form of the apparatus of FIG. 8; FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a second alternative form of the apparatus of FIG. 8. Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a computer system 1 and various peripheral devices configured to operate in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. These peripheral devices include a conventional monitor 2, a conventional printer 3, an indicating device 4 for providing a visual indication that e-mail is waiting, and a timer 5. The computer system includes a drive unit 5a into which a computer-readable medium 6 may be placed, a processor 6a, and random access storage 6b. A telephone cord 7 connects a modem 7a within the computer 1 to a communications line (not shown), such as a telephone line or a cable television line. A power cord 8 provides primary electrical power to the computer 1 from the timer 5, with this power being switchable at the timer 5. Optionally, the timer 5 may also be used to provide switched electrical power to the system printer 3, through a power cord 9. The monitor 2 is also connected to the computer 1 by a conventional cable (not shown) and to electrical power by a standard line cord (also not shown).

In the example of FIG. 1 , the computer system 1 is a type which is turned on by the application of electrical power through line cord 8, and which is turned off when power through this line cord is interrupted. There is no suspense state in which the computer system 1 may be left to provide minimal functions with an ability to return to a fully on state. For this reason, the computer system 1 is switched on and off solely through the timer 5, with the conventional power switch of the computer system 1 (not shown) being left in the "on" position.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , particularly showing circuits within the indicating device 4 and the timer 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the timer 5 is of a conventional type including a motor-driven rotary actuator 10, which rotates through a single revolution during a 24-hour period, and an electrical switch 12, which controls power to a pair of outlets 14. Moving with the rotary actuator 10 and adjustably attached thereto, a first tab (not shown) causes the switch 12 to close, and a second tab (also not shown) subsequently causes the switch 12 to open. These tabs are thus set to determine a first time at which the computer system 1 is turned on and a second time at which it is turned off. The timer 5 also includes an over-ride lever 16, which provides for manual operation of the switch 12, being turned on to turn the computer system 1 on regardless of the time and being is turned off to turn the computer system 1 off regardless of the time. When the over-ride switch is left in a central position, the computer system 1 is turned on and off by means of the tabs moving with the rotary actuator 10.

The indicator unit 4 is connected to a serial port 18 of the computer system 1 by means of a cable 20. The indicator unit 4 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 22, which is turned on in response to a first encoded signal transmitted from the computer system 1 , and which is turned off in response to a second encoded signal transmitted from the computer system 1 and when the system user depresses a reset button 24. A power supply 26, which may be either a battery pack or a power converting supply plugged into primary power, such as 120 volts AC, by means of a line cord 27, provides electrical power within the indicator unit 4, which further includes a receiving circuit 28 turning on, or setting, an electronic switch 30 when a first signal from the computing device 1 is decoded. The electronic switch 30 if of a type remaining set, with current flowing through the LED 22, until a reset signal is applied from the receiving circuit 28 in response to decoding a second encoded signal from the computer system 1 , or until the reset button 24 is depressed.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention and under the control of both the timer 5 and a program executing within the computer system 1. This program is configured particularly to access e-mail in an automatic fashion, without user intervention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 -3, operation of the computing system 1 begins when power is turned on in block 36. At this point, power may have been turned on by the rotary actuator 10 of the external timer 5 at the time set to begin the process of automatic e-mail access, or the power may have been manually turned on by the system user by means of the over-ride handle 16. In either case, the computing system 1 proceeds through its normal initialization procedures, with diagnostics being run in block 38 and with the operating system being booted in block 40. Next, the program for accessing e-mail is loaded in block 42.

The mail access program has a capability of writing particular data to the system unit hard drive so that these bits of data can be later read, even if the computer system 1 has been shut off between the time of writing and reading. This data includes preferences established by the system user regarding the operation of the program, including the time(s) of day at which automatic e-mail access is to be attempted. For the system to work properly, he must also adjust the external timer 5 to operate at these time(s).

Thus, in block 44, a determination is made of whether the present time is within a time period which has been set aside for automatic e-mail access. If the present time is within such a time period, the system proceeds to block 46, in which an internal timer is started. This timer, which operates with the system clock, runs for a predetermined time, within which various operations of the mail access program are to be performed. When this timer expires, in block 48, or when these operations are completed before the expiration of the timer, the system is shutdown electronically in block 50. In this way, the proper files are closed or otherwise handled before electrical power is shut off by the external timer 5 in block 52.

After the internal timer is set in block 46, a network access program is loaded in block 54. This program, which is dependent on the particular network service of the user of the system unit, includes a subroutine for placing a telephone call, through the system modem, to reach a server carrying information from the network, including the e-mail addressed particularly to the user. Next, through the network access program access to the network is requested in block 56. The exchange of data associated with this request may include the transmission of a password from the user's system to the network. When the user's system is logged onto the network, access to e-mail is requested in block Next, in block 60, a determination is again made of whether the present time is within the time period which has been set aside for automatic e-mail access. This determination is necessary because the preceding steps 54-58 may occur either during automatic access within such a time or during access by the system user at a different time. If it is determined that the present time is indeed within the time period set aside for this purpose, the system proceeds to block 62, where a determination is made of whether mail is waiting.

If mail is waiting, a determination is made in block 64 of whether a transfer bit has been set. Like the automatic access time(s) to which the present time is compared in blocks 44 and 60, a transfer bit is an example of data written to the system hard drive by the mail access program in response to selections previously made by the operator to indicate his preferences. If a transfer bit is set, the user has indicated his desire to have e-mail automatically transferred to his apparatus, so this occurs in block 68, with the e-mail being downloaded to a predetermined address on the hard drive of the user, printed on the printer 3, or, if needed, both downloaded and printed. Thus, there is a first transfer bit which is set for downloading and a second transfer bit which is set for printing. If neither bit is set, the mail is neither transferred nor printed. In any case, if mail has been found to be waiting in block 64, the LED 22 is turned on in block 70 by transmitting an appropriate code along serial cable 20; otherwise the LED 22 is not turned on. In either case, a number of status bits are set in block 72, indicating, for example, that an attempt has been made to access e-mail, and whether it has been found to be waiting. At this point, the processes associated with automatic mail access have been completed, so the system is shut down in block 50. If a determination is made in block 44 that present time is not within the time period set aside for automatic e-mail access, the system operates in accordance with an assumption that power has been turned on by the user, with over-ride handle 16, so that he may view his e-mail or use the computing system 1 for other purposes. A menu screen is displayed on the screen of display unit 2 in block 74. Various elements of the displayed menu also indicate information previously set in the form of status bits in step 72, indicating whether mail has been found to be waiting, whether it has been downloaded, etc. The user is also presented with several choices, which he makes by selecting among buttons displayed in the menu. If he chooses to view downloaded material now, as determined in block 76, the file previously downloaded in step 68 is displayed. At this point, the user can copy the material to another file, modify it, or print it. In block 80, since it is no longer desirable to indicate that mail is waiting, the LED 22 is turned off by transmitting a turn-off code along serial cable 20. Next, in block 80, the system exits the mail access program, leaving the computer 1 operational and ready to perform other tasks. If, as determined in block 82, the user decides to access the network from the menu displayed in block 74, the system proceeds to block 54, in which the network access program is loaded. This choice may be made from a user who has not selected the download feature, who has been informed of mail waiting by the mail access program, or by a user who has reason to believe that mail has become available since the automatic access time. Next, the network access is requested in block 56 and mail access is requested in block 58. Since the present time is not within the predetermined automatic access time, as determined in block 60, the system returns to block 78, in which the LED 22 is turned off (if it is on), and then to block 80, in which the mail access program is exited. From this point, the user has conventional control of the processes required to access e-mail and to perform other functions of the computer system 1.

On the other hand, it the user decides to exit the mail access program from the menu displayed in block 74, as indicated by a determination made in block 84, this program is exited in block 80 without turning off the LED 22. The user can access his e-mail, in the form of a downloaded file or on the network, at a later time of his choice.

The user may decide to delete the stored e-mail from the menu displayed in block 74, making a choice determined in block 86, which causes the downloaded file to be erased in block 88. When this occurs, the LED 22 is turned off in block 78, since mail is no longer waiting, and the mail access program is exited in block 80. When the user does not make any choice, as alternately indicated in block 86, the system returns to block 76 awaiting his decision.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the computer system 1 and various peripheral devices configured to operate in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Various of these devices and associated components are the same as those described above in reference to FIG. 1 , and are therefore indicated by the same reference numerals. The external timer 94 of this second embodiment includes a electronic timer having a display 96 and a number of buttons 98 operating in a manner similar to an alarm clock. That is, the present time is displayed, and the time to be set aside for automatic mail access is adjusted using the buttons 98 and the display 96. When mail is found to be waiting, an LED 100 on the external timer 94 is turned on. An additional LED 102 in an optional auxiliary display unit 104 is turned on and off with the LED 100 on the external timer. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the computer system 1 and peripheral devices of FIG. 4, showing particularly circuits within the external timer 94. This timer 94 includes a power supply 105, connected to primary power through a line cord 106, and a timing circuit 107, which produces a pulse setting a first electronic switch 108 when the predetermined time for automatic mail access has been reached. When the first electronic switch 108 is set, a relay coil 110 in a relay 111 is actuated, closing an associated contact 112, so that electrical power is available at a pair of sockets 114. Alternately, an additional switch 115 is manually closed and opened by means of a lever on the external timer 94.

A cable 20 from a serial port of the computer system 1 is connected to a transmit and receive circuit 116, which sends a reset signal to the first electronic switch 108 in response to a first signal sent from the computer system 1. This reset signal causes the electronic switch 108 to be reset, with relay contact 112 being opened. The transmit and receive circuit 116 also sends a set signal to a second electronic switch 118 when in response to a second signal sent from the computer system 1. When the electronic switch 118 is set, the LED 100 is turned on. If the optional auxiliary display unit 104 is plugged into an auxiliary socket 120, the additional LED 102 is also turned on with LED 100. The transmit and receive circuit 116 also sends a reset signal to the second electronic switch 118 in response to a third signal sent from the computer system 1 , causing the LED(s) to be turned off. The LED(s) are also turned off by depressing the reset button 122, so that the second electronic switch 118 is reset. The transmit and receive circuit 116 also transmits a return signal to the computer system 1 in response to receiving a fourth signal sent from the computer system 1 , only if a contact 124 is closed with the actuation of relay coil 110.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing operation of the apparatus of FIGS. 4 and 5, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention and under control of both the external timer 94 and a program executing in the computer system 1.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, operation begins in block 130, when the electronic timer 107 determines that the time set aside for e-mail access has been reached. Next, in block 132, the coil 110 is activated, to set the relay 111 within the timer 107, so that electrical power is applied to the computer system 1. The next blocks 38-42 operate as corresponding blocks, having the same reference numerals, described above in reference to FIG. 3. Then, in block 133, a determination is made of whether this cycle has been started by a modem interrupt. In the present case, with the computer system 1 not using a suspense mode, this cannot have occurred. Next, in block 134, a determination is made of whether the relay 111 in the timer 107 is set, indicating that an automatic mail access cycle is in progress. This determination is made as described above, by sending the fourth signal from the computer system 1 to the transmit and receive circuit 116, and by receiving the return signal if contact 124 is closed. Next, if the relay 111 is set, the system proceeds through blocks 54-58, with operations as described above for corresponding blocks in FIG. 3. Then, in block 135

Next, in block 136, the determination is again made of whether the relay 111 in timer 107 is set. If it is, the system proceeds though blocks 62-72, again with operations as described above for corresponding blocks in FIG. 3. With the mail access process completed, the system shutdown process begins in block 138. When this process has been performed to an extent at which the system can be safely shut down, the first signal is sent from the computer system 1 to the transmit and receive circuit 116, and power to the computer system 1 is turned off by opening the relay contact 112. If necessary, a time delay within the external timer 94 may be used to allow the computer system 1 to be shut off a significant time after the first signal is transmitted.

Thus, while the first embodiment, described in reference to FIG. 3 requires the use of an internal timer set in block 46 to ensure that system shutdown occurs in block 50 before power is turned off in block 52 by the mechanical timer, the second embodiment, described in reference to FIG. 6, does not require the use of such a timer, as the system is shut down in block 138 after the mail access process is complete.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5 and 6, a process is also begun in block 140 by the system user manually closing the switch 115 in the external timer 94 to turn on power to the computer system 1. Since this action does not cause the relay 111 in the external timer 95 to be set, it is subsequently determined in block 134 that the relay 111 is not set. Then, in block 74, a menu is displayed for the system users choices, with subsequent operations occurring as described above in reference to FIG. 3. If the user chooses to access the network, as determined in block 82, it is subsequently determined, in block 136 that the relay 111 is not set, and the mail access program is exited in block 80, so that the user can proceed to work with the network and other programs.

A first alternative version of the second embodiment of the present invention is formed with the configuration of devices described above in reference to FIGS. 4-6, with computer system 1 being of a type having a suspense mode. Instead of being turned off, the computer system 1 is left in the suspense mode, awaiting the time chosen for automatic mail access. Thus, the computer system is plugged into a full-time power source, such as a wall socket, instead of into the external timer 94. When the access time arrives in block 130, the relay 111 is set as described above, and an encoded signal is transmitted from the transmitting and receiving circuit 116 of the external timer 94 to the computer system 1 , causing a interrupt to be generated in the computer system 1. This interrupt causes the computer system 1 to switch from the suspense mode to the fully on mode. From this point, operation of the system proceeds as described above in reference to FIG. 6. In block 138, the shutdown process returns the computer system 1 to the suspense mode. The user can also bring the computer system 1 from suspense mode to the fully on mode in a number of ways. For example, he can depress a power switch button, depress a key on the keyboard, or move a mouse, so that an interrupt is generated. Such actions begin the program of FIG. 6 in block 140. Since the relay 111 is not set in this way, the system proceeds from block 134 to display the menu in block 74. From this point, the user can make choices as described above.

The use of the relay 111 within the external timer 94 allows the printer 3 to be turned off and on to provide for automatic, unattended printing of e-mail when it is received. If this feature is not needed with a computer system 1 having a suspense mode, the printer 3 can be plugged into a full-time power source, along with the computer system 1 , forming a second alternative version of the second embodiment. In this version, the relay 111 is omitted, with the output of the first electronic switch 108 being connected as an input to the transmit and receive circuit 108, as indicated by dashed line 142. This input causes the transmit and receive circuit 108 to transmit a response corresponding to the "relay set" response in blocks 134 and 136. Other aspects of the operation of this second version are as described above for the first version.

Access to the computer system 1 in suspense mode is also achieved by calling the modem within the system. In response to a call, the modem issues an interrupt in block 143, which moves the system from suspense mode to an operational state in whic ^'■ fax message, voice messages, and "pushed" e-mail messages are received. In accordance with a preferred form of the present invention, the fact that the computing system 1 has been moved out of suspense mode by a modem interrupt is trapped or stored for later use. Thus, in block 133 a determination is subsequently made of whether the computer system 1 has been turned on by an interrupt from the modem. If it has, the system proceeds to block 70, where the LED indicator light is turned on to tell the user that a fax, voice, or pushed e-mail message is waiting. Preferably, this information is further used to set status bits in block 72, so that the menu subsequently displayed in block 74 will additionally provide information regarding such messages. Furthermore, the LED indicator light is preferably additionally turned off in block 78 when the user accesses such messages, in the manner described above in detail relative to accessing e-mail messages.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, operation of the computing system 1 in a manner very similar to that achieved using the suspense mode is also achieved by leaving the computing system fully on, regardless of whether a suspense mode is available within the system. In such an instance, the processes occurring in blocks 38 and 40 are not required, as the operating system has been booted, and the mail access program is loaded in block 42 only if it is needed, i.e. if it is not already running. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the computer system 1 and various peripheral devices configured to operate in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Various of these devices and associated components are the same as those described above in reference to FIG. 1 , and are therefore indicated by the same reference numerals. In this third embodiment, the computing system 1 is of a type capable of running in a suspense mode. The use of an external timer is not required. When the computing system 1 is operating in the suspense mode, a program executing within the processor of the system 1 determines when the present time reaches the predetermined time for e-mail access. Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, and referring again to FIG. 6, operation of the apparatus in FIG. 7 in accordance with the third embodiment proceeds generally as shown in FIG. 6 and as described above in reference thereto. After the system, suspense mode, determines in block 130 that the time set aside for automatic e-mail access has been reached, operation within an automatic mail access cycle is initiated, within block 132, being indicated by setting an AUTO CYCLE bit in a register within the random access memory of the computer system 1. Subsequently, in blocks 134 and 136, this AUTO CYCLE bit is checked to determine whether an automatic mail access cycle is in process. In block 72, this bit is reset, so that, after the system user begins operation in block 140 by bringing the system out of its suspense mode, he is presented with the display menu in block 74.

In a preferred version of the apparatus of FIG. 7, an indicating LED 144 is placed in the display unit 2, in a conspicuous location, being electrically driven through the signal cable 146 extending between the computing system 1 and the display unit 2, so that the LED 144 is turned on in block 70 and turned off in block 78. The system user can also turn the LED 144 off by pressing an adjacent button 145. Alternately, an indicating LED is incorporated into the front cover 146 of computing system 1 , or an auxiliary indicator 104 (shown in FIG. 4) may be provided, being electrically driven from a connector (not shown) provided on the computing system 1 for this purpose. If the feature automatically printing e-mail is needed, a means for automatically turning the printer 3 off and on may be provided in the form of a relay box 148, which is attached by means of a serial cable 150 to a serial port 152 of the computing system 1. The printer 3, being plugged into this box 148, is turned on by closing the relay inside the box 148 in block 68, and is turned off by opening this relay in block 50. If the automatic e-mail printing feature is not required, the printer is plugged into a standard wall socket for power, to be turned off and on by means of the conventional switch incorporated in the printer.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of apparatus configured for operation in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus, which includes a conventional printer 3 and a control unit 160, provides a method for automatically retrieving e-mail using minimal hardware. Like the electronic timer 94, described above in reference to FIG. 4, t h e co nt ro l u n it 1 60 operates as a timer, having a small numeric display screen 96, and a number of control buttons 98, which together are used in the manner of an alarm clock to set the present time and a time which is set aside for the automatic access of e-mail, and an LED indicator light 100, which is turned on when mail is determined to be waiting. The control buttons 98 are also used to determine whether mail will be printed automatically, when it is determined to be waiting, or on an on-demand basis, when the user decides that it should be printed. The control unit 160 is connected to a line over which e-mail service is provided, such as a telephone line or cable television line, by means of a cable 162, and to the printer 3 by means of a cable 164. Electrical power for the apparatus is provided through a line cord 166 extending from the control unit 160.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing major circuits within the control unit 160. A relay 167 within the control unit 160 is operated to provide electrical power to the printer 3 through a line cord 168 (shown in FIG. 8), so that the printer is turned on only when it is needed to print e-mail. The user can also turn on power to the printer 3 by operating a separate over-ride switch 170. The control unit 160 includes a modem 171 and input/output circuits 172 needed to provide an interface between the cable 162 and the printer 3. The control unit 160 preferably includes a microprocessor 173, a moderately-sized random access memory 174, and a program memory 175 having a number of EPROM (Electrically Programmable Read Only Memory) modules, which contain program instructions and fixed data. Electrical power for the various devices is provided through a power network 176, being derived from a power supply 177, which is connected to the line cord 166.

The timer function, determining when the predetermined time for automatic mail access has been reached, is provided through a subroutine executing within the processor 173. Following this time, when it has been determined that mail is waiting, a first electronic switch 178 is set with a pulse from the input/output circuits 172, turning the indicator LED 100 on. If it is further determined that the waiting mail is to be printed, a second electronic switch 179 is set with another pulse from the input/output circuits 172, activating the coil 180 of relay 167. In this way, a relay contact 181 is closed so that electrical power flows to the printer 3 (shown in FIG. 8) through an electrical socket 182. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing operation of the apparatus of FIG. 8 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the process of automatic mail access begins in block 184 when the electronic timer circuits within the control unit 160 determine that the pre-set time for automatic mail access has been reached. An access cycle is next begun in block 186. In block 188, access of the network is requested, and in block 190 access to the e-mail is requested. If mail is not waiting, as determined in block 192, the program is exited in block 194. If mail is waiting, as determined in block 192, a determination is made in block 196 of whether the system has been set, by means of the buttons 98 on the control unit 160, to automatically print the mail. If it has, the mail is printed in block 198, with the printer being turned on before beginning the printing process by closing the relay contact 181 within the control unit 160, and, with the printer being turned off after the printing process by opening this relay contact. After the mail is printed, the system proceeds to block 200, in which the LED indicator 100 is turned on. Next, the system waits to be reset in block 202 by the user through a pushbutton 203. When this occurs, the LED indicator 100 is turned off in block 204, and the program is exited in block 194.

The program of FIG. 9 is also entered from block 206 when the user depresses one of the buttons 98, indicating a desire to access the network. This is normally done after the system indicates that mail is available, when it is to be printed on demand rather than automatically. Thus, the buttons 98 are usually used to reset the automatic printing feature before entering the program from block 196. If this feature is not set, the program may be entered from block 206 merely to determine if mail is waiting.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a first alternative version of apparatus configured for operation in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus includes a conventional printer 3 and a control unit 242 providing a capability to generate and transmit e-mail as well as the ability, described above in reference to FIGS. 8-10, to receive and print e-mail. Electrical power is supplied to the control unit 240 through a line cord 166, and through a relay (not shown) within the control unit 240, to the line cord 168 of the printer 3. The control unit 240 includes a standard type of alphanumeric keyboard 242, which is used to compose e-mail messages, and a display screen 204 on which these messages are viewed and modified. The display screen 244 may be of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) type. An LED indicating light 100 is used to indicate when mail has been found to be waiting. Simple commands made using the keyboard 242 are used to provide the various functions of the keys 98 of control unit 160 (shown in FIG. 8).

In the reception and printing of mail, the apparatus of FIG. 10 operates as described above in reference to FIGS. 8-10. In the transmission of mail, characters formed by strokes from the keyboard 242 are fed into a small RAM buffer as they are displayed on the display screen 244. When a specific command is issued, such as be the depression of an ENTER key, the stored text is transmitted along the line 162. FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a second alternative version of apparatus configured for operation in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This version 246 includes a keyboard 242 and screen 244 integrated with a printer 3. The internal components and operation are as described above for the apparatus of FIG. 11.

While the invention has been described in it preferred forms or embodiments with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts or process steps, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for receiving electronic mail from a network and for providing a visual indication of presence of electronic mail, wherein said apparatus comprises a control unit (1 , 160, 240) including a processor (5a), system memory, and a modem (7a) connected to said network, characterized in that said apparatus additionally comprises: timing means (5, 94), for determining when a predetermined time for mail access has been reached; a mail access program, executing within said processor in response to said timing means (5, 94) to access said electronic mail from said network and to make said electronic mail available within said apparatus; and visual indication means (2, 4, 100, 104) operating in response to said mail access program, providing a visual indication when mail has been found to be waiting, wherein said visual indication is present with said apparatus disconnected from said network.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said visual indication means (4, 100, 104) includes an indicator light (22, 100, 102) turned on in response to said mail access program when mail is determined to be waiting.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said visual indication means includes means for turning said indicator light (22, 100, 102) off in response to an access of said electronic mail determined to be waiting.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said apparatus includes a display screen (2) operable in response to said mail access program, and said visual indication means (2) includes presentation of graphical information on said display screen (2) when said control unit (1 , 160, 240) is brought into an operational state.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said control unit (1 ) includes a general purpose computer (1), and said timing means (5, 94) includes an external timer (5, 94) bringing said general purpose computer from a quiescent state, to an operational state in which said mail access program is executed (42), when said predetermined time for mail access has been reached (44).

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said general purpose computer (1) is turned off in said quiescent state, and said external timer (5, 94) turns said general purpose computer (1 ) on by the application of electrical power (36) to bring said general purpose computer (1 ) into said operational state.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said external timer (5, 94) turns said general purpose computer (1) off by the termination of electrical power (52) when a predetermined time for termination of mail access has been reached, and said general purpose computer (1 ) includes an internal timer, started (46) by said mail access program, to shut down processes (50) within said general purpose computer before said predetermined time for termination of mail access has been reached (52).

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said general purpose computer (1) is in a suspense mode in said quiescent state, and said external timer (5, 94) brings said suspense mode to said operational state by causing an interrupt to be generated (132) within said general purpose computer (1).

9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said general purpose computer (1 ) is brought from said operational state to said quiescent state (50) in response to completion of processes (72) executed by said mail access program.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said mail access program makes said electronic mail available within said apparatus by downloading information (68) into said system memory.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said apparatus additionally comprises a printer (3) connected to operate in response to said control unit (1 , 160, 240), and said mail access program makes said electronic mail available within said apparatus by causing information to be printed on said printer (3).

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said timing means (5, 94) turns said printer (3) on to print said information and off following the printing of said information.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said visual indication means (2, 4, 100, 104), operating in response to said mail access program, also provides a visual indication when said modem (7a) is contacted (143) by said network.

14. A method for receiving electronic mail from a network within apparatus connected to said network and for providing a visual indication of presence of electronic mail, wherein said method comprises steps of: (a) determining when a predetermined time for mail access has been reached (44, 130); (b) in response to the determination of step (a), starting a mail access cycle (46, 54, 132); (c) requesting mail access (58) over a network; (d) determining if said electronic mail is waiting (62); (e) if mail is found to be waiting in step (d), making said electronic mail available within said apparatus (68); and (f) if mail is found to be waiting in step (d), providing a visual indication that mail is waiting (70).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, within step (e), said electronic mail is made available within said apparatus by downloading information (68) into electronic storage within said apparatus.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, within step (e), said electronic mail is made available within said apparatus by printing information (198) within said apparatus.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein within step (b), starting said mail access cycle includes bringing a computing device within said apparatus from a quiescent state to an operational state, and step (f) is followed by a step of (g) bringing said computing device from said operational state to said quiescent state (138).

18. The method of claim 17, wherein step (g) is followed by steps of: (h) displaying a menu screen (74) when said computing device is brought from said quiescent state to said operational state; (i) displaying mail information stored in electronic storage within said apparatus in response to a first choice (76) made from said menu screen; and (i) establishing access (78) to mail within said network in response to a second choice made from said menu screen.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein within step (f) said visual indication is provided by turning on (70) an indicator light, and following step (h), turning off (78) said indicator light in response to said first and second choices made from said menu screen.

20. The method of claim 14, additionally comprising steps of: determining if said network has sent a message to said apparatus (62); and In response to determination that said network has sent a message to said apparatus, turning on said indicator light (70).