Modular USB on / off switch with optional mechanical actuation and extended version as a docking station and standby system with USB authentication

Abstract

An intelligent control unit for controlling a portable computer, which is connected between a power supply and the computer and includes a power supply connection between the power supply and the computer, a USB communication interface for executing scripts, a wireless communication interface via Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth, a time recording unit for logging operating times, a temperature sensor unit for monitoring the system temperature, and a mechanical actuation unit for physically actuating the on / off switch of the computer, wherein the control unit is configured to turn the computer on or off automatically or remotely.

Description

1. General description

[0001] The present invention relates to an intelligent control unit that is connected between a power supply and a portable computer (e.g., a laptop). The device combines a USB communication interface, a time recording unit, a temperature monitoring unit, and optionally a mechanical actuation unit for physically actuating the computer's on / off switch.

[0002] The control unit is powered directly via the input voltage of the power supply and has two output ports (USB-C and USB 3.0) that can be controlled independently.

[0003] The integrated real-time clock (RTC) allows the device to record and log the operating time of the connected computer. A wireless communication interface (Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth) enables remote control via a mobile application.

[0004] The USB interface is used to execute predefined scripts on the computer, such as for shutting down, restarting, or waking from standby mode. Additionally, the device monitors the computer's temperature and can automatically initiate a shutdown in case of overheating.

[0005] The mechanical actuation unit, e.g. a servo motor or a solenoid, is positioned so that it can actuate the physical power button of the computer, thus enabling automatic or remote power-on.

[0006] The combination of power control, USB communication, time and temperature monitoring, and mechanical actuation makes the device particularly suitable for automated maintenance processes, energy-efficient use, and remote control of portable computers.

[0007] The control unit is equipped with an integrated vacuum mount, allowing for easy and secure attachment to the surface of a laptop. The vacuum mechanism works similarly to navigation mounts or smartphone holders, enabling flexible positioning of the device near the computer's physical power button.

[0008] Additionally, the device features a manual activation button (P1) located directly on the control unit. Pressing this button triggers the mechanical actuator, which physically operates the computer's power button. This feature allows the user to turn on the computer simply by pressing the control unit, without directly touching the laptop. 2. Types of embodiment

[0009] The invention comprises several embodiments of an intelligent control unit for portable computers: Option 1 - Mechanical + intelligent control • Vacuum mount for attaching to the laptop • Servo drive for the physical actuation of the power button • Button P1 protrudes from the housing for manual activation • USB-C and USB 3.0 outputs • Input from power supply (DC 19V) • Bluetooth / Wi-Fi communication • Scripts for shutdown, sleep mode and restart • RTC for recording operating time • Temperature sensor • Option for automatic shutdown in case of overheating Option 2 - Intelligent control only (without mechanical actuator) • No physical actuator present • Works exclusively via USB communication • Scripts for software shutdown and sleep mode • Wake-on-LAN function for remote activation (if supported) • Bluetooth / Wi-Fi for remote control • RTC and temperature monitoring • USB-C and USB 3.0 outputs • Input from the power supply Variant 3 - Extended version as a docking station

[0010] The enhanced version of the invention integrates docking station functionality into the intelligent control unit. In addition to controlling the power-on / off process, the device offers additional ports such as USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, audio, and an SD card reader. The device enables power delivery to the laptop via USB-C Power Delivery and simultaneously provides a central interface for peripherals. The combination of docking station and control unit allows for complete automation, remote control, and energy optimization of portable computers. Option 4 - Standby system with USB authentication

[0011] The device enables a standby system with USB authentication, replacing the physical shutdown of the computer with the consistent use of standby mode. The intelligent control unit performs the following functions: • Putting into standby mode: The computer is deliberately put into deep sleep mode (S3 / S4) via USB communication. • Wake-on-LAN / WLAN: The device supports remote activation of the computer via network commands. • USB security key: The control unit functions as a modern USB key with integrated authentication (fingerprint sensor, PIN or universal password). • Remote control via mobile devices: The user can establish a secure connection via smartphone or another PC and activate the laptop remotely. • Temperature and time monitoring: Operating data is also recorded in standby mode to ensure energy efficiency and safety. • This variant eliminates the need for the computer's physical on / off switch and replaces it with a software-based, secure, and universal system. This creates a future-proof solution that increases both energy efficiency and security. General characteristics

[0012] All variants of the control unit feature: • USB-C and USB 3.0 outputs • An input for power supply (e.g., DC 19V) • A real-time clock (RTC) for time recording and logging • Temperature monitoring with automatic shutdown in case of overheating • Wireless interfaces (Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth) for remote control • Putting the computer into deep sleep mode (S3 / S4) via USB communication • Activation via Wake-on-LAN / WLAN from a distance • Use as a USB security key with integrated authentication (fingerprint sensor, PIN or universal password) • Remote control via smartphone or other PC with a secure connection • Temperature and time monitoring even in standby mode • This variant eliminates the need for a physical on / off switch and replaces it with a software-based, secure, and universal system. This creates a future-proof solution that increases both energy efficiency and security. Summary of modularity

[0013] The invention is available in four variants to cover different areas of application: • Compact control controller for direct laptop use • Expansion module for existing docking stations • Standalone docking station with extended interfaces • Standby system with USB authentication and network activation

[0014] This modular structure allows for flexible use depending on needs and target group, and covers both current and future requirements for energy efficiency, security and remote control of portable computers.

Claims

[1] Intelligent control unit for controlling a portable computer, which is connected between a power supply and the computer and includes a power supply connection between the power supply and the computer, a USB communication interface for executing scripts, a wireless communication interface via Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth, a time recording unit for logging operating times, a temperature sensor unit for monitoring the system temperature and a mechanical actuation unit for physically actuating the on / off switch of the computer, wherein the control unit is configured to turn the computer on or off automatically or remotely. [2] Control unit according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical actuating unit is attached to the computer via a vacuum holder. [3] Control unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the USB interface is used to execute predefined scripts such as shutdown, restart or activation from standby mode. [4] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature sensor unit automatically triggers a shutdown of the computer when a threshold value is exceeded. [5] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the time recording unit is equipped with a real-time clock module (RTC). [6] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mobile application is provided for controlling and configuring the device. [7] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed as an extension module for an existing docking station. [8] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed as a standalone docking station with additional ports such as USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet and audio. [9] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Wake-on-LAN function for remote activation of the computer is integrated. [10] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a manual activation button (P1) is attached to the housing, which enables the user to mechanically switch on the computer. [11] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device selectively puts the computer into standby or deep sleep mode (S3 / S4) via USB communication. [12] Control unit according to claim 11, wherein the device supports activation of the computer via Wake-on-LAN or Wake-on-WLAN. [13] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed as a USB security key with integrated authentication, comprising fingerprint sensor, PIN entry or universal password. [14] Control unit according to claim 13, wherein authentication is carried out via a mobile terminal (smartphone or PC) that establishes a secure connection to the control unit. [15] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein operating data such as temperature and duration are also recorded and logged in standby mode to ensure energy efficiency and safety.

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