The provision of power to a peripheral of a computer system is controlled by first receiving input signals from an input source, such as a keyboard, mouse, printer port, or an occupancy sensor. The input signals are then processed to determine whether power should be provided to the peripheral, and if...http://www.google.co.uk/patents/US5408668?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5408668 - Method and apparatus for controlling the provision of power to computer peripherals
