POS Head Unit Remote Wake via I/O Controller Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing POS systems with separate head and I/O modules face challenges in implementing remote wake functionality due to the LAN chip being located externally, preventing direct communication with the CPU, thus limiting the applicability of standard Wake-on-LAN methods.
Innovation Solution
A novel solution involving an I/O module with an embedded controller and power delivery controller, which receives Wake-on-LAN events and signals a unique voltage level sequence to wake up the head unit, bypassing direct CPU connection by using USB-C communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the POS system uses a separate head unit and I/O module with external LAN chip, then the system modularity and power management are improved, but remote wake functionality cannot be implemented due to lack of direct CPU connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an embedded controller as an intermediary component between the I/O module and head unit. This controller receives wake-up events from the I/O module and generates power-on signals to wake the processor in the head unit, enabling remote wake functionality without requiring direct CPU connection to the external LAN chip.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the system enters low-power state to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but network responsiveness and remote wake capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller is configured to remain active or in a light sleep state even when the main processor is in low-power mode. This preliminary action allows the controller to detect and respond to wake-up events from the I/O module, ensuring network responsiveness is maintained while the system operates in low-power state.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is a point of sale system that includes a head unit and an input output (I/O) unit coupled to the head unit and coupled to a network. The I/O unit includes a first controller adapted to, in response to a wake up event received from the network, generating a wake up message and transmitting the wake up message to the head unit. The head unit includes a second controller and a processor, the second controller adapted to receive the wake up message and in response generate a power on signal to the processor.