Showing papers on "Sleep (system call) published in 1995"

Method and apparatus for reducing power consumption in a computer network without sacrificing performance

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actively managing the overall power consumption of a computer network which includes a plurality of computer systems interconnected to each other. In turn, each computer system has one or more modules. Each computer system of the computer network is capable of independently initiating a transition into a power-conserving mode, i.e., a "sleep" state, while keeping its network interface "alive" and fully operational. Subsequently, each computer system can independently transition back into fully operational state, i.e., an "awake" state, when triggered by either a deterministic or an asynchronous event. As a result, the sleep states of the computer systems are transparent to the computer network. Deterministic events are events triggered internally by a computer system, e.g., an internal timer waking the computer system up at midnight to perform housekeeping chores such as daily tape backups. Conversely, the source of asynchronous events are external in nature and include input/output (I/O) activity. The illusion of the entire network being always fully operational is possible because the system controllers, the interconnects and network interfaces of each computer system remain fully operational while selected modules and peripheral devices are powered down. As a result, each computer system is able to rapidly awake from sleep state in response to stimuli by powering down selected modules thereby accomplishing power conservation without requiring a static shut down of the computer network, i.e., without the overall performance and response of the computer network.

Semiconductor memory device having a sleep mode

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer memory device having a sleep mode characterized by extremely low current consumption and relatively large turn on delay. The invention includes circuitry (66, 50) for disabling current sinking elements (62, 64) internal to the device in response to a sleep signal. In one embodiment, the invention includes circuitry (84, 86) for disconnecting the bit lines and memory cell loads of a nonvolatile static random access memory (nvSRAM) array (38, 46) from a source of power in response to a sleep signal. This embodiment is capable of first transferring the data stored in a volatile portion (38) of the array to a nonvolatile portion (46) of the array before entering sleep mode to prevent loss of the data.

Sleep, Dreams and memory: an overview

Abstract: SUMMARY Investigations into the role played by sleep in information processing have consistently shown that the retention of information is better when the memory storage is followed by a period of sleep than of waking. Less definitive evidence, however, is available as to whether the better performance is mainly due to (a) reduction of interference during sleep, (b) slowing down of decay, or (c) consolidation processes at work during sleep. Important insights as to whether consolidation takes place during sleep have recently been provided by the thematic continuity of dreams elaborated in the same night and by the repeated incorporation of pre-sleep stimuli into dream contents. The analysis of such aspects of dreaming indicates that the items of information which are repeatedly accessed during sleep and elaborated for insertion into the ongoing dream experience are better retained at delayed recall. Finally, it is suggested that the use of the strategies applied in studying the information processing in normals may also be extended to sleep-disturbed individuals, in order to establish how memory functioning during sleep is influenced by sleep disturbances.

Method of sleep time measurement

Abstract: A method to aid the treatment of sleeping disorders that are aggravated by an insomniac's underestimation of total sleep time and sleep efficiency, and overestimation of time necessary to fall asleep. The method includes an observation of the beginning of rest time and self-actuated measurement of the time necessary to fall asleep. The insomniac is made aware of the elapsed wake time and total sleep time upon wakening by further observing the time of awaking and the elapsed wake time as recorded on a wrist watch or other device. The apparatus can include a wrist mounted timer with a hand mounted actuator that stops timing when the insomniac falls asleep and disengages contact with the actuator.

Sleep-preventing alarm operable in conjunction with a motor vehicle

Abstract: A sleep-preventing alarm including timer circuitry for selectively transmitting a periodic indicator signal upon completion of a characteristic time interval in one of a number of modes of operation; a lamp for transmitting a visual alert upon receipt of a lamp indication signal; a speaker for transmitting an audible alert upon receipt of a speaker activation signal; indicator circuitry coupled to the timer circuitry, the speaker, and the lamp and with the indicator circuitry generating both a periodic lamp indication signal for a pre-determined amount of time and a periodic speaker activation signal for a pre-determined amount of time upon receipt of the indicator signal from the timer circuitry; keypad circuitry for placing the timing circuitry in one of the modes of operation; and a power cable for providing electrical energy to the circuitry for operation.

Driving circuit for a microcomputer that enables sleep control using a small-scale timer

Abstract: For a system which receives a sleep command to terminate the application of machine clock signals to a microprocessor and which clocks control execution time and stabilization time after the return from sleep control and resumes the supply of the machine clock signal, the clocking device for each of the time durations is implemented using a small-scale timing device. Following a sleep command from a microprocessor, sleep control, which terminates the operation of the main oscillator and the machine clock generation circuit that generates the machine clock signal based on the oscillation of the main oscillator, is started. Then, counting the oscillation signal from an RC oscillator used for clocking using an RC timer, the lapse time after starting sleep control is started and if the clocked time reaches a predetermined time, the main oscillator is reactivated. After reactivating the main oscillator, the RC timer is reset so that it begins to count the time thereafter starting from "0" and if the clocked time reaches the time needed for the oscillation of the main oscillator to stabilize, the machine clock generation circuit resumes its operations.

Automatic motion-producing device for soothing a young child

Abstract: There is provided an automatic device for soothing and/or inducing sleep in a young child. The device is capable or producing motion which is transmitted to the child. The device may be operated by an electric power source and may be adapted to alternate between different types or combinations of motion. The device may be adapted to accept or be fitted to the wheels of a pram, pushchair or legs of a cot into which the child is placed. The device may include a timer switch or other child proof controls, a sensor for detecting whether the child is restless and may incorporate means for monitoring the child from a distance.

Clock radio volume control appraratus

Abstract: A clock radio volume control apparatus including a conventional volume control apparatus and a supplemental volume control device for use in operation of the clock radio in sleep mode at substantially reduced volume levels including electronic means for controlling whether the conventional volume control or the sleep volume control is activated based upon a timer or other sleep switch responsive to energize a relay for choosing the sleep or standard mode of operation. A delay device is included to prevent a momentary significant increase in volume at the end of the sleep period for a predetermined time to prevent awakening of a user.

Development of sleep position monitor

Abstract: \"Performance of a computer system for recording eye fixation using limbus reflection,' Behav. Res. Meth. lnstrum., 12, pp. 63--66 DE LA MONEDA, CH~NETTE, E. R., and VAN OER Zt~L. (1971): \"Noise in phototransistors,' 1EEE Trans., ED-18, pp. 340-346 DtTCHBUItN, R. W., and FOLEY FISHER, J. A. (t967): 'Assembled data on eye movements,' Optica Acta, 14, pp. 113--118 DrrcHBoRN, R. W., and GINSaORG, B. H. (1953): 'Involuntary eye movements during fixation,' d. Physiol., 119, pp. 1-17 Frtf~TMAN E. E. (1984): 'The detection of eyeball movements with the eye-sistant' /n: GALZ, A. D., and JOHNSON, F. (Eds.) 'Theoretical and applied aspects of eye movement research' (Elsevier, Amsterdam) pp. 5-12 GOWAR, J. (1986): 'Optical communication systems' (Prentice Hall, London) pp. 420-426 LARSEN, J., and STAR~, L. (1988): 'Difficulties in calibration of eye movements.' Proc. IEEE Conf. on Systems Man and Cybernetics, Beijing, China, pp. 297-298 REULEN, J. P. H., MAaCUS, J. T., KooPs, D., D~ VaiLS, F. R., T1ESmO*, G., STARK, L., and SANDSeRG, A. (1961}: 'A simple instrument for measuring eye movements,\" MIT Electron. Lab. Quarterly Rep., 62, pp. 268-270 WHEeLESS, L. L., BOYNTON, R. M., and CoH~.~, G. H. {1966): 'Eye-movement responses to step and pulse-step stimuli,' ,/. Opt. Soc. Am., 56, pp. 956--960 YouNG, L. R., and SHeENA, D. (1975): 'A survey of eye movement recording methods,' Behav. Res. Meth. Instrum., 7, pp. 397--429

Two-way av bus system

Abstract: PURPOSE:To prevent a failure in video recording for a program desired, e.g. by the user by displaying a message when a specific command is received while a sleep timer is started and executing the drive of a device after the intention of the user is confirmed. CONSTITUTION:An AV center 1 is made up of a reception section 9, a connection changeover section 10, a monitor 11, an amplifier 12, a control section 13 and a remote commander 14. In this case, even when the system is in any state, the control section 13 fulfills a 'observation and then recording' feature to execute the recording completely as desired by the user through the provision of a control means. Then the AV center 1 always monitors and stores the system operating state and displays the current system state such as device use state and a future state based on a set sleep timer and channel reservation or the like for the user upon the receipt of a specific command and controls the designated device based on the command by the user observing the display.

Status of cardiorespiratory polysomnographic diagnosis in the sleep laboratory

Abstract: The different types of sleep related breathing and cardiovascular disorders are well known and defined nowadays. Thereby it is possible to present a configuration by which a cardiorespiratory sleep laboratory is enabled to perform a complete differential diagnosis. This configuration consists of the function sleep with EEG, EOG and EMG, the function respiration with respiratory effort, respiratory flow and oxygen saturation, and the cardiovascular function with ECG and blood pressure if indicated. Continuous monitoring by videocamera and a patient call system with a technician present during the entire recording time must be assured. Recording and evaluation of all signals can be done with chart polygraphs or with computer systems if they provide a high-resolution graphic monitor. Automatic sleep analysis systems support evaluation of polysomnograms. But automatic analysis of sleep stages as well as automatic analysis of respiratory disorders needs visual counterchecking before results can be accepted. On the basis of today's knowledge recommendation for the setting of a sleep laboratory were set and new sleep labs are controlled on a voluntary basis by a commission of the German society for sleep research and sleep medicine. This first step of quality control is introduced to establish a procedure to keep quality of diagnosis and treatment on a high level in this medical specialty.