Automatic power control system which automatically activates and

Abstract

A selective, non-manual power controller provides the selective, non-manual power control of various components of a data processing equipment from and reports the power status of such components to a central location. As opposed to pass power controllers which were limited to powering on or off all of the computer equipment controlled by a given controlling element, this invention provides a non-manual capability for remotely powering on or off any one or more components of a system or systems in a selective manner and providing the power status thereof. By being able to selectively activate or deactivate any or all of the components of a data processing system, the ability to conserve electrical energy is optimized. In many cases, a single component or a set of components are not used for extended periods of time, such as an entire production period or at least a large portion of a production period. For example, a peripheral subsystem or a particular peripheral device may be used solely for a certain type of job which is active for only a portion of a production period. Alternatively, a multiprocessor system may run as a unit processor system during evenings and weekends. The net result is a substantial saving in electrical energy that may be implemented from and reported to a central location.