Claims
- 1. A method allowing a user to remotely manage a plurality of power outlets from a multiple outlet power switch comprising:
providing at least two user interfaces; providing individual outlet current monitoring results; providing at least one interface allowing a user to independently schedule events for each of said power outlets; registering user indications to configure and/or change operating states of said outlets; using a microcontroller operatively connected to said outlets to change states and/or configurations of said outlets in accordance with said user indications.
- 2. The method of claim 1 further wherein:
said at least two user interfaces are two or more selected from:
an web-based interface; a telephone interface; a telnet interface; an email interface; a serial interface; or an SNMP interface.
- 3. The method of claim 2 further wherein:
said telnet interface and/or said serial interface are menu driven text-based interfaces.
- 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
accepting initial configuration through a direct connection interface; and subsequently interacting with users through one or more additional interfaces.
- 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
accepting user indications of a time server; automatically updating the time using said time server.
- 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
accepting indications registering one or more non-administrator users; granting non-administrator users access individually to one or more of said outlets.
- 7. A smart power switch comprising:
logic circuitry able to execute logic instructions and operatively connected to:
two or more interface connections; a memory storing logic instructions; a plurality of relays each individually controlling one or more power outlets; a plurality of current sensors each individually sensing current drawn by one or more outlets; and an inlet for receiving power from an external source.
- 8. The device of claim 7 further wherein:
said at least two interface connections are selected from:
a network connection; a telephone connection; or a direct serial connection.
- 9. The device of claim 7 further wherein:
said logic circuitry provides at least two external interfaces selected from:
an web-based interface; a telephone interface; a telnet interface; an email interface; a serial interface; or an SNMP interface.
- 10. The device of claim 7 further wherein:
said logic circuitry comprises:
a microcontroller.
- 11. The device of claim 10 further wherein:
said logic circuitry further comprises:
one or more drivers and/or processors for operating said interfaces and/or said outlets.
- 12. The device of claim 7 further wherein:
said plurality of relays comprise at least four relays each individually controlling one or more power outlets; and said plurality of current sensors comprise at least four current sensors each individually sensing current drawn from one or more power outlets.
- 13. The device of claim 7 further wherein:
said plurality of relays comprise at least eight relays each individually controlling one or more power outlets; and said plurality of current sensors comprise at least eight current sensors each individually sensing current drawn from one or more power outlets.
- 14. The device of claim 7 further wherein:
said device is configured to fit in one rack unit of a standard network rack of
- 15. The device of claim 7 further wherein:
said device has approximate dimensions 17″ wide×8.38″ deep×1.75″ high.
- 16. A remotely controlled and/or monitored power source comprising:
a plurality of power outlet means; means for monitoring and/or configuring a power outlet using a direct computer connection; means for monitoring and/or configuring a power outlet using a network connection; means for receiving instructions from one or more users; means for presenting data to one or more users; means for individually and accurately sensing current drawn at each said power outlet means.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional patent application No. 60/378,342, filed May 6, 2002, incorporated herein by reference.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60378342 |
May 2002 |
US |