WO2003071408A1

WO2003071408A1 - Personal computer failsafe protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2003071408A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/004857
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Kouropoulos
Original assignee: Peter Kouropoulos
Priority date: 2002-02-19
Filing date: 2002-02-19
Publication date: 2003-08-28
Also published as: JP2005518044A; AU2002242196A1

Abstract

A personal computer failsafe protection device for disconnecting a computer system from a communications channel during power down periods. The personal computer failsafe protection device includes a voltage sensor (48) for sensing a voltage drawn by the computer system, input ports (18, 20, 22) for connecting to a communications channel, output ports (38, 40, 42) for connecting the communication channels to the computer systems and relays (50, 52, 54) connected between input ports and output ports. The relays selective disconnects the imput port and the output port when the sensor senses the voltage drawn is below a threshold value thereby indicating the computer system is in a powered down or sleep state.

Description

PERSONAL COMPUTER FAILSAFE PROTECTION DEVICE

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to computers and, more specifically, to a device able to block access to communications lines connected to a personal computer at times of inactivity thus preventing others from accessing the computer without authorization.

Disclosure of the Invention

A personal computer failsafe protection device for disconnecting a computer system from a communications channel during power down periods is described by the present invention. The personal computer failsafe protection device includes a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage drawn by the computer system, an input port for connecting to a communications channel, an output for connecting the input port to a communications channel input of the computer system and a relay connected between the input port and output port. The relay selectively disconnects the input port and output port when the sensor senses the voltage drawn is below a threshold value thereby indicating the computer system is in a powered down or sleep state.

The device preferably includes first, second and third input ports, first, second and third corresponding output ports and first second and third relays, each relay being connected between a respective pair of input and output ports. The first input and first output are preferably cable connectors, the second input and second output are preferably xDSL connectors and the third input and third output ports are preferably telephone connectors. The device also includes a telephone/facsimile which is powered on at all times. A manual override switch is provided for manually triggering the relay. The sensor also triggers the relay to connect said input and output port during a predetermined period during a day thereby allowing a user to contact the computer system through the communications channel during the predetermined time of day.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of the personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front view of the personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a top view of the personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention;

FIGURE 5 is a block diagram illustrating the elements forming the personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention for sensing the voltage of a monitor; and FIGURE 6 is a block diagram showing the elements of the personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention for connection to a one piece computer system including processor and monitor in a single unit.

The reference numbers utilized in the drawing figures are defined as follows:

10 personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention

12 housing

14 top side

16 front side

18 cable connector

20 xDSL connector

22 modem line connector

24 AC input line power override switch

AC power switch

indicator light

another side of the housing

power cord

second side of the housing

cable output connector

xDSL output connector

modem line connector

phone/fax connector

AC power supply

voltage sensor 50 first relay

52 second relay

54 third relay

56 computer system

58 microprocessor of computer system

60 memory

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, Figures 1 through 6 illustrate the personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention

indicated generally by the numeral 10.

The personal computer failsafe protection device 10 is shown in Figure 1 and includes a housing 12. From this view, a first side 14 and top side 16 of the housing 12 are clearly visible. The first side 14 includes a cable input connector 18 for connection with a cable line, a xDSL input connector 20 for connection with a high speed DSL line and a modem line connector 22 for connection with a telephone line.

On the top side 16 are an AC input 24 for a computer monitor, a line power override switch 26 and an AC power switch 28. The AC input 24 is provided for connection to a monitor of a computer (not shown) for supplying power to the monitor and sensing the amount of voltage being drawn by the monitor. The line power switch 26 is provided for manually disconnecting the cable connector 18, xDSL connector 20

and modem line connector 22 from an output thereof. The AC power switch 28

switches the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 between the on and off modes. An indicator light 30 provides a visual indication to a user that the personal

computer failsafe protection device 10 is in the on mode when illuminated.

Extending from another side 32 of the housing 12 is a power cord 34 for connection to an AC power source. Shown in phantom on a second side 36 of the housing are a cable output connector 38 for connection with a cable input port of a

computer, a xDSL output connector 40 for connection with a DSL input connector of a computer and a modem line connector 42 for connection with a modem line input of a computer. A telephone/fax connector 44 is also provided on the second side 36.

A top view of the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 is shown in Figure 2. From this view, the top side is clearly shown. On the top side are provided the AC input 24 for connection with and providing power to a computer monitor, a line power override switch 26 and an AC power switch 28. The line power override switch

26 disconnects the cable input 18 from the cable output 38, the XDSL input 20 from the xDSL output 40 and the modem input 22 from the modem output 42. The AC power switch is movable between an on position supplying power to the monitor and an off position disconnecting the supply of power to the monitor. The indicator light 30 provides a visual signal indicating the mode of operation of the personal computer

failsafe protection device 10. On the first side 14 are provided the cable input connector 18, xDSL input connector 20 and modem line connector 22. On the second side 36 are the cable output connector 38, xDSL output connector 40, a modem line

connector 42 and the telephone/fax connection 44 for connection with an external phone or fax machine. The AC power cord is shown extending from one side 32 for supplying power to the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 and all components connected thereto.

The first side 14 of the housing 12 of the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 is shown in Figure 3. This view shows the cable input connector 18, xDSL input connector 20 and modem line connector 22. On the top side 16, the AC input 24 for connection to the monitor and the indicator light 30 are shown extending therefrom. The AC power cord 34 is shown extending from the side of the housing 12.

The second side 36 of the housing 12 of the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 is shown in Figure 4. This view shows the cable output connector 38, xDSL output connector 40, modem line output connector 42 and the telephone/fax connector 44. On the top side 16, the AC input 24 for connection to the monitor and the indicator light 30 are shown extending therefrom. The AC power cord 34 is shown

extending from the side of the housing 12.

A block diagram of the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 used to sense the power usage of a monitor is shown in Figure 5. As can be seen from this figure, The AC input for the monitor is connected to a power supply 46 via a voltage sensor 48. The voltage sensor 48 senses the amount of voltage being drawn by a

monitor connected to receive power from the AC power supply 46. The voltage sensor 48 is connected to a first relay 50, a second relay 52 and a third relay 54. The first relay 50 is connected between the cable input connector 18 and the cable output connector 38. The second relay 52 is connected between the xDSL input 20 and the xDSL output 40. The third relay is connected between the modem input port 22 and the modem output port 42. The manual override switch 26 is also coupled to the first, second and third relays 50, 52 and 54, respectively. The first relay 50 is triggered by the voltage sensor 48 to disconnect the cable input connector 18 and the cable output

connector 38 upon sensing the monitor is drawing a voltage below a predetermined threshold voltage. The second relay 52 is triggered by the voltage sensor 48 to disconnect the xDSL input 20 and the xDSL output 40 upon sensing the monitor is

drawing a voltage below a predetermined threshold voltage. The third relay 54 is triggered by the voltage sensor 48 to disconnect the modem input port 22 and the modem output port 42 upon sensing the monitor is drawing a voltage below a predetermined threshold voltage. The manual override switch 26 causes the first, second and third relays 50, 52 and 54, respectively, to be triggered upon activation to disconnect the input ports from the output ports. The telephone/fax port 44 is

connected to the telephone line via the modem input port 22 and is operational at all times. The operation of the telephone/fax port is not controlled by triggering of the third relay switch 54.

A block diagram of the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 used to monitor the voltage drawn by a one piece computer system 56 is illustrated in Figure 6. As can be seen from this figure, the AC power supply 46 is connected to supply power to the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 through the power cable 34. The

voltage sensor 48 is connected between the power cable 34 and the AC power outlet 24. A processor 58 of the one piece computer system 56 is connected to receive power

through the AC power outlet 24. The microprocessor 58 is connected to a memory 60 and to the other operational elements of the one piece computer system 56. The voltage sensor 48 senses the amount of voltage being drawn by the one piece computer system

56. The voltage sensor 48 is connected to the first relay 50, second relay 52 and third relay 54. The first relay 50 is connected between the cable input connector 18 and the cable output connector 38. The second relay 52 is connected between the xDSL input 20 and the xDSL output 40. The third relay 54 is connected between the modem input port 22 and the modem output port 42. The manual override switch 26 is also coupled

to the first, second and third relays 50, 52 and 54, respectively. The first relay 50 is triggered by the voltage sensor 48 to disconnect the cable input connector 18 and the cable output connector 38 upon sensing the one piece computer system 56 is drawing a voltage below a predetermined threshold voltage. The second relay 52 is triggered by the voltage sensor 48 to disconnect the xDSL input 20 and the xDSL output 40 upon sensing the one piece computer system 56 is drawing a voltage below a predetermined threshold voltage. The third relay 54 is triggered by the voltage sensor 48 to disconnect the modem input port 22 and the modem output port 42 upon sensing the one piece computer system 56 is drawing a voltage below a predetermined threshold voltage. The manual override switch 26 causes the first, second and third relays 50, 52 and 54, respectively, to be triggered upon activation to disconnect the input ports from the output ports. The telephone/fax port 44 is connected to the telephone line via the modem input port 22 and is operational at all times. The operation of the telephone/fax

port is not controlled by triggering of the third relay switch 54.

The operation of the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 will now be described with reference to the figures. In operation, the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 is connected to a monitor of a computer system or to a one piece computer system 56 for measuring the amount of power being drawn thereby. The personal computer failsafe protection device 10 receives the power cord from either the monitor or the one piece computer system 56 at the AC power outlet 24. Any desired communication channel, cable, xDSL, modem, etc. is then connected to its respective input port in the personal computer failsafe protection device 10. A cable is then connected to the output port corresponding to the desired form of communications channel to be used. The other end of the cable is connected to the corresponding communications port of the computer system or one piece computer system 56. The power cord 34 is then connected to a power supply 46 and the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 is ready for operation.

In operation, the power switch 28 is turned to the on position placing the personal computer failsafe protection device 10 in an operating mode. The computer system and monitor or one piece computer system 56 are also placed in an on mode. The voltage sensor 48 continually senses the voltage being supplied to the monitor or

one piece computer system 56 to determine when the voltage being drawn by the computer system and monitor or one piece computer system 56 is less than a predetermined value.

When the monitor remains inactive for a predetermined period of time, the monitor will enter a sleep mode. In the sleep mode, the voltage required to power the monitor decreases to a minimal amount thus saving energy when the monitor is not in use. Furthermore, when the power to the monitor or one piece computer system 56 is turned off, the voltage used thereby is minimal. During each of these instances, the lines of communication, e.g. cable line, xDSL line and modem lines, are still powered up due to power present on the communications channel. At this time, a hacker is able to break into the computer system through these communications channel due to the power present on the communications channel. In order to prevent the possibility of hackers breaking into the computer system when the monitor or computer are powered down or in an idle/sleep state, the input ports to the computer system must be isolated from the system. When the voltage sensor 48 senses the voltage drawn by the monitor or one piece computer system 56 has dropped below a threshold level such as during a sleep state or power down of the system, the voltage sensor will activate the first, second and third relays 50, 52 and 54, respectively, to be triggered. Triggering of the first relay causes the cable input connector 18 to be disconnected from the cable output connector

38 thereby isolating the computer system from the cable line. Triggering of the second relay 52 causes the xDSL input connector 20 to be disconnected from the xDSL output connector 40 thereby isolating the computer system from the xDSL line. Triggering of the third relay 54 causes the modem input port 22 to be disconnected from the modem

output port 42 thereby isolating the computer system from the modem line. The telephone/fax line 44 will remain connected tot he telephone line at all times.

Alternatively, the user is able to manually disconnect the computer system from the communications channels by activating the manual override switch 26. The manual override switch 26 is connected to the first, second and third relays and triggers each upon activation. Upon triggering by the manual activation switch 48, the first relay

causes the cable input connector 18 to be disconnected from the cable output connector 38 thereby isolating the computer system from the cable line, the second relay 52 causes the xDSL input connector 20 to be disconnected from the xDSL output connector 40 thereby isolating the computer system from the xDSL line and the third relay 54 causes the modem input port 22 to be disconnected from the modem output port 42 thereby isolating the computer system from the modem line. When the voltage sensor 48 senses the voltage being drawn by the monitor or the one piece computer system 56 moves above the threshold level, the first, second and third relays 50, 52 and 54, respectively, are triggered again. When triggered, the first relay will reconnect the cable input connector 18 and the cable output connector 38 thereby reconnecting the computer system and the cable line, the second relay 52 causes the xDSL input connector 20 to be reconnected to the xDSL output connector 40

thereby reconnecting the computer system and the xDSL line and the third relay 54 causes the modem input port 22 to be reconnected to the modem output port 42 thereby reconnecting the computer system and the modem line.

The voltage sensor 48 is able to trigger the first, second and third relays 50, 52 and 54, respectively, to connect the cable, xDSL and/or modem lines to the computer system or one piece processor monitor system during a predetermined time period during the day to allow a user access to the computer. system or one piece processor monitor system. Thus, a user is able to connect with his computer system at a predetermined time which is unknown to others to retrieve data stored in the computer

system. Upon expiration of the time period, the voltage sensor 48 retriggers the first, second and third relays 50, 52 and 54, respectively, to disconnect the cable, xDSL and/or modem lines from the computer system or one piece processor monitor system.

From the above description it can be seen that the personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention is able to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by providing a personal computer failsafe protection device which is able to disconnect a personal computer or a one piece processor monitor system from cable,

DSL and regular modem/phone lines when the computer has been turned off by sensing the voltage at a monitor to determine if the monitor has entered a sleep mode or has been turned off and disconnecting the personal computer from the cable, DSL and regular modem/phone lines upon detecting the monitor has entered a sleep mode or has been turned off. The personal computer failsafe protection device includes input and output ports for cable, DSL and regular modem/phone lines and an additional output port for connection to a telephone or facsimile machine which is operable even when the ports for the cable, DSL and regular modem/phone lines have been disconnected by the device. The personal computer device allows access to the computer for a specific preset period during the day thereby allowing the user to connect with the computer during the predetermined interval. Furthermore, the personal computer failsafe protection device of the present invention is simple and easy to use and economical in cost to manufacture.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

Claims

1. A personal computer failsafe protection device for disconnecting a computer system from a communications channel during power down periods, said personal computer failsafe protection device comprising: a) means for sensing a voltage drawn by the computer system; b) an input port for connecting to a communications channel; c) an output for connecting said input port to a communications channel input of the computer system; and d) a relay connected between said input port and output port for selectively disconnecting said input port and output port upon said sensing means sensing the voltage drawn is below a threshold value indicating the computer system is in a powered down or sleep state.

2. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim 1, wherein said input and output ports are cable connectors, said input port being connectable to a cable line.

3. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim 1, wherein said input and output ports are xDSL, said input port being connectable to a xDSL line.

4. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim

1, wherein said input and output ports are telephone connectors, said input port being connectable to a telephone line.

5. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim 1, wherein said device includes first, second and third input ports, first, second and third corresponding output ports and first second and third relays, each relay being connected between a respective pair of input and output ports.

6. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim

5, wherein said first input and first output ports are cable connectors, said second input and second output ports are xDSL connectors and said third input and third output ports are telephone connectors.

7. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim

6, further comprising a telephone/facsimile connector, said telephone/facsimile connector being powered on at all times said device is in the on mode.

8. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a manual override switch for manually triggering said relay to disconnect said input and output ports.

9. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim

5, further comprising a manual override switch for manually triggering said relay to disconnect said first, second and third input ports from said first, second and third output ports, respectively.

10. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim 9, wherein said means for sensing senses a voltage drawn by a monitor of the computer system.

11. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim 1, wherein said means for sensing triggers said relay to connect said input and output port during a predetermined period during a day thereby allowing a user to contact the computer system through the communications channel during the predetermined time of day.

12. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim 1, wherein said device is connected to a power source and includes a power outlet for connection with an supplying power to the computer system, said means for sensing the amount of voltage used by the computer system.

13. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim

11, wherein said device is connected to a power source and includes a power outlet for connection with and supplying power to a monitor of the computer system, said means for sensing the amount of voltage used by the monitor.

14. The personal computer failsafe protection device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the monitor decreases an amount of voltage needed upon entering a sleep mode after a predetermined period of inactivity, the decreased amount of voltage needed being of a value able to cause said sensing means to trigger said relay to disconnect said input and output ports.