WO2012154609A2 - Système clavier/vidéo/souris et son procédé de fourniture et d'utilisation - Google Patents

Système clavier/vidéo/souris et son procédé de fourniture et d'utilisation Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012154609A2
WO2012154609A2 PCT/US2012/036663 US2012036663W WO2012154609A2 WO 2012154609 A2 WO2012154609 A2 WO 2012154609A2 US 2012036663 W US2012036663 W US 2012036663W WO 2012154609 A2 WO2012154609 A2 WO 2012154609A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
category
host
devices
peripheral devices
selected host
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2012/036663
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2012154609A3 (fr
Inventor
Carlos Del Toro
Chad Singer
Abraham Camacho
Thorben Neu
Michael E. Wick
Adam BELMONTE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Belkin International Inc
Original Assignee
Belkin International Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Belkin International Inc filed Critical Belkin International Inc
Priority to CN201280033468.XA priority Critical patent/CN103649929A/zh
Priority to CA2835118A priority patent/CA2835118A1/fr
Priority to AU2012253786A priority patent/AU2012253786A1/en
Priority to EP12782558.6A priority patent/EP2705431A4/fr
Publication of WO2012154609A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012154609A2/fr
Publication of WO2012154609A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012154609A3/fr
Priority to US14/072,741 priority patent/US20140059257A1/en
Priority to US14/072,725 priority patent/US9336161B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0227—Cooperation and interconnection of the input arrangement with other functional units of a computer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G2370/00—Aspects of data communication
    • G09G2370/24—Keyboard-Video-Mouse [KVM] switch

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to keyboard- video-mouse systems, and relates more particularly to such systems for conditionally switching peripheral devices of the keyboard- video-mouse systems and methods of providing and using the same.
  • Keyboard-video-mouse systems represent a class of switching systems administrating selected communication between one or more peripheral devices and one or more host devices.
  • the peripheral device(s) may be and are frequently located remotely from the host device(s).
  • the KVM switching device the user(s) can select and switch between the host device(s) to operate the host device(s) with the peripheral device(s).
  • the KVM switching devices can route audio-visual data and/or command data between the peripheral device(s) and host device(s). From the host devices' perspective, it appears as if the peripheral device(s) are directly coupled to the host device(s). When the user(s) switch between the host device(s), communication between the previously selected host computer and any switched peripheral device(s) is disconnected.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a system, according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a computer that is suitable for implementing an embodiment of a host device and/or a switching device computer system of the system of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a representative block diagram of an example of elements included in circuit boards inside a chassis of the host device of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method of providing a system;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method of using a keyboard- video-mouse switching device configured to be coupled with two or more system peripheral devices and two or more host devices and to permit a user of the keyboard-video-mouse switching device to designate a selected host device of the two or more host devices;
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a procedure of designating the selected host device of the host devices, according to the embodiment of the method of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface for a keyboard- video-mouse switching device, according to the embodiment of the system of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary process of determining whether to switch category- two peripheral device(s) to a selected host device, according to the embodiment of the method of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary activity of manufacturing a keyboard- video-mouse (KVM) switching device, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary method of operating a keyboard- video-mouse (KVM) switching device
  • FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary activity of conditionally establishing communication between one or more category-two peripheral devices of two or more system peripheral devices and a selected host device based on one or more specified conditions.
  • Couple should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise.
  • Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled together, but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled together; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled together; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled together.
  • Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.
  • Electrode coupling and the like should be broadly understood and include coupling involving any electrical signal, whether a power signal, a data signal, and/or other types or combinations of electrical signals.
  • Mechanical coupling and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.
  • Some embodiments include a system.
  • the system comprises a keyboard- video- mouse switching device configured to be coupled with two or more system peripheral devices and two or more host devices and to permit a user of the keyboard-video-mouse switching device to designate a selected host device of the two or more host devices.
  • the two or more system peripheral devices can comprise one or more category-one peripheral devices and one or more category-two peripheral devices.
  • the keyboard- video-mouse switching device can be configured such that when the user designates the selected host device of the two or more host devices, the one or more category-one peripheral devices switch to the selected host device and the one or more category-two peripheral devices conditionally switch to the selected host device.
  • Various embodiments can include a method of providing a system.
  • the method can comprise providing a keyboard-video-mouse switching device configured to be coupled with two or more system peripheral devices and two or more host devices and to permit a user of the keyboard-video-mouse switching device to designate a selected host device of the two or more host devices.
  • the two or more system peripheral devices can comprise one or more category- one peripheral devices and one or more category-two peripheral devices.
  • the keyboard-video- mouse switching device can be configured such that when the user designates the selected host device of the two or more host devices, the one or more category-one peripheral devices switch to the selected host device and the one or more category-two peripheral devices conditionally switch to the selected host device.
  • FIG. 1 Other embodiments include a system.
  • the system comprises a keyboard-video- mouse switching device configured to communicate with two or more system peripheral devices and two or more host devices. Further, the keyboard- video-mouse switching device permits a user of the system to select a selected host device of the two or more host devices.
  • the two or more system peripheral devices comprise one or more category-one peripheral devices and one or more category-two peripheral devices. Meanwhile, the keyboard-video-mouse switching device is configured such that when the user selects the selected host device of the two or more host devices: (a) the one or more category-one peripheral devices communicate with the selected host device; and (b) the one or more category-two peripheral devices conditionally communicate with the selected host device if one or more specified conditions are fulfilled.
  • Additional embodiments include a method of providing a system.
  • the method comprises: manufacturing a keyboard- video-mouse switching device, the keyboard- video-mouse switching device (i) being configured to communicate with (a) two or more system peripheral devices comprising one or more category-one peripheral devices and one or more category-two peripheral devices and (b) two or more host devices and (ii) permitting a user of the system to select a selected host device of the two or more host devices; configuring the keyboard-video- mouse switching device such that when the user selects the selected host device of the two or more host devices, the one or more category-one peripheral devices communicate with the selected host device; and configuring the keyboard-video-mouse switching device such that when the user selects the selected host device of the two or more host devices, the one or more category-two peripheral devices conditionally communicate with the selected host device if one or more specified conditions are fulfilled.
  • Further embodiments include a method of operating a keyboard-video-mouse switching device.
  • the method comprises: receiving a new selection of a selected host device of two or more host devices; after receiving the first selection of the selected host device, establishing communication between one or more category-one peripheral devices of two or more system peripheral devices and the selected host device; and after receiving the first selection of the selected host device, conditionally establishing communication between one or more category-two peripheral devices of the two or more system peripheral devices and the selected host device based on one or more specified conditions.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating system 100, according to one embodiment.
  • System 100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
  • System 100 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.
  • System 100 comprises keyboard- video-mouse (KVM) switching device 101.
  • System 100 can also comprise (a) one or more system peripheral devices of two or more system peripheral devices 102 and/or (b) one or more host devices of two or more host devices 103. Further, system 100 can comprise user interface 140. In some embodiments, KVM switching device 101 can comprise user interface 140.
  • KVM switching device 101 is configured to communicate with system peripheral devices 102 and host devices 103. Accordingly, KVM switching device 101 can be coupled with one or more system peripheral devices of system peripheral devices 102 and/or one or more host devices of host devices 103. Further, KVM switching device 101 can permit one or more users of KVM switching device 101 to select a selected host device of host devices 103. Meanwhile, KVM switching device 101 can be configured such that when the user(s) select the selected host device of host devices 103, category-one peripheral device(s) 104 communicate with the selected host device and category-two peripheral device(s) 105 conditionally communicate with the selected host device.
  • System peripheral devices 102 can comprise (a) one or more category-one peripheral devices 104 and (b) one or more category-two peripheral devices 105.
  • Category-one peripheral device(s) 104 can comprise one or more peripheral electronic devices (e.g., an audio-visual display device, one or more speaker(s), a computer keyboard, a computer mouse, a common access card (CAC) reader, a printer, an external storage module such as an external hard drive, a modem, a router, a biometric reader, etc.) configured to receive and/or send data to at least one host electronic device (e.g., a computer system, a home theater system, etc.).
  • peripheral electronic devices e.g., an audio-visual display device, one or more speaker(s), a computer keyboard, a computer mouse, a common access card (CAC) reader, a printer, an external storage module such as an external hard drive, a modem, a router, a biometric reader, etc.
  • host electronic device e.g.,
  • category- two peripheral device(s) 105 can comprise one or more peripheral electronic device(s) configured to operate as a slave electronic device (e.g., the CAC reader, the printer, the external storage module, the modem, the biometric reader, etc.) to at least one host electronic device configured to operate as a master electronic device.
  • category-two peripheral device(s) 105 can comprise the same type of peripheral electronic device as any of category-one peripheral device(s) 104, but category-one peripheral device(s) 104 cannot necessarily comprise the same type of peripheral electronic device as category-two peripheral device(s) 105.
  • category-two peripheral devices 105 can be devoid of speaker(s).
  • category-two peripheral device(s) 105 can consist of one CAC reader (e.g., CAC reader 113).
  • one or more category-one peripheral devices of category-one peripheral device(s) 104 can be a same type or a different type of peripheral electronic device as one or more other category-one peripheral devices of category-one peripheral device(s) 104.
  • An equivalent relationship can also apply between the category-two peripheral device(s) 105.
  • category-one peripheral device(s) 104 can refer to the system peripheral device(s) of system peripheral devices 102 that the user(s) desire to always shift to a host device of host devices 103 when selected for use by the user(s).
  • category-two peripheral device(s) 105 can refer to the system peripheral device(s) of system peripheral devices 102 that the user(s) may desire to shift (e.g., conditionally) to the selected host device of host devices 103 when selected for use by the user(s), that is to say, the system peripheral devices of system peripheral devices 102 that shift to the selected host device of host devices 103 only upon satisfaction of one or more specified conditions.
  • the specified condition(s) could comprise a condition where the system peripheral device(s) of system peripheral devices 102 are necessary to operate the selected host device of host devices 103 (e.g., where category-two peripheral device(s) 105 comprise a CAC reader and the selected host system is protected with CAC security).
  • the specified condition(s) can be established by the manufacturer of KVM switching device 101 while in other embodiments, KVM switching device 101 can be configured such that the user(s) can create and/or select (e.g., by choosing one or more predetermined specified conditions provided by the manufacturer) the specified condition(s).
  • the user(s) could, in various examples, specify that category-two peripheral device(s) 105 will not shift to a newly designated selected host device of host devices 103 in the event that the category-two peripheral device(s) 105 are presently operating at a host device of host devices 103 configured to need that category-two host device (e.g., where the category-two peripheral device(s) 105 comprise a printer and the printer is presently printing a document, etc.) unless the newly designated selected host device of host devices 103 is also configured as a host device of host devices 103 needing that category-two peripheral device.
  • the user(s) can provide the specified condition(s) by (a) using computer software, (b) mechanical selection, such as by activating any of various mechanical inputs (e.g., toggle inputs 708 (FIG. 7), etc.) of user interface 140, as is described in further detail below, and/or (c) configuring KVM switching device 101 to simply detect when a data cable and/or bus is coupling a host device (of host devices 103) to a category-two port connector (of category-two port connector(s) 128) of that respective host port (of host ports 119) associated with that host device of host devices 103, as described below (i.e., where the specified condition(s) for switching category-two peripheral device(s) 105 comprise whether the coupling exists).
  • mechanical selection such as by activating any of various mechanical inputs (e.g., toggle inputs 708 (FIG. 7), etc.) of user interface 140, as is described in further detail below
  • KVM switching device 101 configuring KVM switching device 101 to simply detect when a
  • Category-one peripheral device(s) 104 can comprise one or more peripheral output devices 106 and/or one or more peripheral input devices 107.
  • Peripheral output device(s) 106 can comprise audio-visual display device 108, one or more speakers 109, and/or any other suitable peripheral device configured to communicate with host devices 103 and to receive data (e.g., audio-visual data) from host devices 103.
  • Audio-visual display device 108 can be similar or identical to refreshing monitor 206 (FIG. 2).
  • peripheral input device(s) 107 can comprise computer keyboard 110, computer mouse 11 1, and/or any other suitable peripheral device configured to communicate with host devices 103 and to provide data (e.g., command data, audio-visual data, etc.) to host devices 103.
  • Computer keyboard 110 can be similar or identical keyboard 204 (FIG. 2)
  • computer mouse 111 can be similar or identical to mouse 210 (FIG. 2).
  • host devices 103 can comprise any suitable host electronic device (e.g., a computer system, a home theater system, etc.).
  • host devices 103 can comprise four host devices (e.g., first host device 115, second host device 116, third host device 117, and/or fourth host device 118).
  • host devices 103 can comprise more or fewer host devices, as appropriate.
  • each of host devices 103 e.g., first host device 115, second host device 116, third host device 117, and/or fourth host device 118) can comprise a computer system.
  • the computer system can be similar or identical to computer system 200 (FIG. 2), as described below.
  • the computer system can be similar or identical to chassis 202 (FIG. 2) of computer system 200 (FIG. 2) and any of the circuit boards and/or component(s) contained in chassis 202 (FIG. 2), as described below.
  • KVM switching device 101 can comprise two or more host ports 119, one or more category-one peripheral ports 120, one or more category-two peripheral ports 121, and/or KVM circuitry 122.
  • KVM circuitry 122 can be configured to administrate communication between (e.g., by selectively and/or conditionally coupling) (a) category-one peripheral device port(s) 120 and/or category-two peripheral device port(s) 121 and (b) host ports 119, thereby administrating communication (e.g., selective communication and/or conditional communication) between system peripheral devices 102 and host devices 103 when system peripheral devices 102 are coupled to host ports 119, category-one peripheral devices 104 are coupled to category-one peripheral port(s) 120, and/or category-two peripheral devices 105 are coupled to category-two peripheral port(s) 121, as described in further detail below.
  • host ports 119 comprise four host ports (e.g., first host port 123, second host port 124, third host port 125, and/or fourth host port 126, etc.). In other embodiments host ports 119 can comprise more or fewer host ports, as appropriate. In various embodiments, the number of host ports of host ports 119 may be complimentary to the number of host devices of host devices 103. However, in other embodiments, there can be fewer host devices of host devices 103 than host ports of host ports 119 (i.e., KVM switching device 101 can be operated with less than all of host ports 119 being coupled to host devices 103).
  • each host device of host devices 103 can be configured to be coupled to a different host port of host ports 119 (e.g., via category-one port connector(s) 127 and/or category-two port connector(s) 128 at that one host port of host ports 119), and/or vice versa, by at least one data and/or bus cable.
  • the data and/or bus cable(s) can comprise one or more of and/or any combination of any suitable data and/or bus cable(s) (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector, a digital visual interface (DVI) connector, a display port (DP) connector, a video graphics array (VGA) connector, composite cable connectors, an S-Video connector, an optical audio connector, Radio Corporation of America (RCA) connectors, a tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connector such as a 3.5 millimeter TRS connector, etc.).
  • USB universal serial bus
  • HDMI high-definition multimedia interface
  • DVI digital visual interface
  • DP display port
  • VGA video graphics array
  • composite cable connectors e.g., composite cable connectors, an S-Video connector, an optical audio connector, Radio Corporation of America (RCA) connectors, a tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connector such as a 3.5 millimeter TRS connector
  • each host port of host ports 119 can comprise one or more category- one port connectors 127 (e.g., first category-one port connector 129, second category-one port connector 131, third category-one port connector 133, and/or fourth category-one port connector 135, etc.) and/or one or more category-two port connectors 128 (e.g., first category-two port connector 130, second category-two port connector 132, third category-two port connector 134, and/or fourth category-two port connector 136, etc.).
  • category- one port connectors 127 e.g., first category-one port connector 129, second category-one port connector 131, third category-one port connector 133, and/or fourth category-one port connector 135, etc.
  • category-two port connectors 128 e.g., first category-two port connector 130, second category-two port connector 132, third category-two port connector 134, and/or fourth category-two port connector 136, etc.
  • each category- one port connector (of category-one port connector(s) 127) of each host port (of host ports 119) can be configured to be coupled to a complimentary connector (not shown) at the respective host computer coupled to that host port comprising that category-one port connector.
  • each category-two port connector (of category-two port connector(s) 128) of each host port (of host ports 119) can be configured to be coupled to a complimentary connector (not shown) at the respective host computer coupled to that host port comprising that category-two port connector.
  • category-one port connectors 127 of host ports 119 and/or first category-one port connector 129 of first host port 123 of host ports 119 can comprise (a) a DVI connector to permit communication between a respective host device (e.g., first host device 115) of host devices 103 and audio-visual display device 108, (b) a USB-B connector to permit communication between the respective host device and computer keyboard 110 and/or computer mouse 111, and (c) a 3.5 millimeter TRS connector to permit communication between the respective host device and speaker(s) 109.
  • a DVI connector to permit communication between a respective host device (e.g., first host device 115) of host devices 103 and audio-visual display device 108
  • a USB-B connector to permit communication between the respective host device and computer keyboard 110 and/or computer mouse 111
  • a 3.5 millimeter TRS connector to permit communication between the respective host device and speaker(s) 109.
  • category-two port connectors 128 of host ports 119 and/or first category-two port connector 130 of host port 123 of host ports 119 can comprise another USB-B connector to permit communication between category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (e.g., CAC reader 113) and the respective host device (e.g., first host device 115) of host devices 103.
  • category-two peripheral device(s) 105 e.g., CAC reader 113
  • the respective host device e.g., first host device 115
  • each corresponding category-one port connector of category-one port connector(s) 127 can be configured to be coupled to one same and corresponding category-one peripheral port of category-one peripheral port(s) 120.
  • each corresponding category-two port connector of category-two port connector(s) 128 can be configured to be coupled to one same and corresponding category-two peripheral port of category-two peripheral port(s) 121.
  • each category-one peripheral device of category-one peripheral device(s) 104 can be configured to be coupled to at least one of the one same and corresponding category-one peripheral port(s) of category-one peripheral port(s) 120
  • each category-two peripheral device of category-two peripheral device(s) 105 e.g., CAC reader 113, other slave device 114, etc.
  • CAC reader 113, other slave device 114, etc. can be configured to be coupled to at least one of the one same and corresponding category- two peripheral port(s) of category-two peripheral port(s) 121.
  • category-one peripheral port(s) 120 can comprise (a) a DVI connector configured to permit communication between audio-visual display device 114 and host devices 103, (b) two USB-A connectors and/or two keyboard/mouse connectors configured to permit communication between computer keyboard 110 and/or computer mouse 111 and host devices 103, and (c) a 3.5 millimeter TRS connector configured to permit communication between speaker(s) 109 and host devices 103.
  • Category-two peripheral port(s) 121 can comprise another USB-A connector configured to permit communication between category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (e.g., CAC reader 113) and host devices 103.
  • the wired and/or wireless communication can be implemented using any one or any combination of wired and/or wireless communication network topologies (e.g., ring, line, tree, bus, mesh, star, daisy chain, hybrid, etc.) and/or protocols (e.g., personal area network (PAN) protocol(s), local area network (LAN) protocol(s), wide area network (WAN) protocol(s), cellular network protocol(s), Powerline network protocol(s), etc.), as desirable.
  • PAN personal area network
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • cellular network protocol(s) cellular network protocol(s
  • Powerline network protocol(s) e.g., Powerline network protocol(s), etc.
  • Exemplary PAN protocol(s) can comprise Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB), Z-Wave, etc.
  • exemplary LAN and/or WAN protocol(s) can comprise Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.3, IEEE 802.11, etc.
  • exemplary wireless cellular network protocol(s) can comprise Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution- Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), 3GSM, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Digital AMPS (IS-136/Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), etc.
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
  • GPRS General Packet Radio Service
  • CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
  • EV-DO Evolution- Data Optimized
  • EDGE Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution
  • 3GSM Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications
  • DECT Digital
  • KVM circuitry 122 can comprise any of various electrical networks comprising hardware and/or software suitable for selectively coupling host ports 119 to KVM circuitry 122.
  • the various electrical networks of KVM circuitry 122 can be configured such that the user(s) can switch (e.g. toggle) between which host port of host ports 119 is presently communicating with KVM circuitry 122.
  • KVM circuitry 122 can also comprise any of various electrical networks and/or a switching device computer system suitable for (a) selectively coupling category-one port(s) 120 to KVM circuitry 122 and/or (b) selectively and/or conditionally coupling category-two peripheral port(s) 121 to KVM circuitry 122.
  • KVM circuitry 122 can be configured such that when host devices 103 are coupled to KVM switching device 101 via host ports 119, category-one peripheral device(s) 104 are coupled to KVM switching device 101 via category-one peripheral port(s) 120, category-two peripheral device(s) 105 are coupled to category-two peripheral port(s) 121, and the user(s) use KVM switching device 101 to switch between host devices (e.g., to designate the selected host) of host devices 103 (i.e., host ports of host ports 119), then category-one peripheral devices 104 (e.g., category-one peripheral port(s) 120) automatically switch from communicating with a previously designated host device to a presently designated host device (e.g., via KVM circuitry 122), but category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (e.g., category-two peripheral port(s) 121) conditionally switch from communicating with the previously designated host device to the presently designated host device based on the specified condition(s), as described above with respect to category-one
  • category-two peripheral device(s) 105 which switch only when the specified condition(s) exist, can switch independently of category-one peripheral device(s) 104, which (in many embodiments) always switch when the user(s) switch between host devices of host devices 103.
  • category-two peripheral device(s) 105 can comprise CAC reader 113
  • first host device 115 can comprise a first computer system
  • second host device 116 can comprise a second computer system
  • category-one peripheral device(s) 104 can comprise audio-visual display device 108, computer keyboard 110, and computer mouse 111.
  • the user(s) could presently be operating first host device 115 at a control terminal comprising system peripheral devices 102 and then desire to switch from first host device 115 to second host device 116.
  • the first computer system of first host device 115 could be CAC-enabled while the second computer system of second host device 116 could not be CAC- enabled.
  • the user(s) could have provided a CAC to CAC reader 113. Now, if the user(s) were to switch from first host device 115 to second host device 116, the category-one peripheral device(s) 104 would switch from first host device 115 to second host device 116.
  • KVM switching device 101 and/or KVM circuitry 122 could be configured so as to conditionally switch category-two peripheral device(s) 105 from a previously designated host device (e.g., first host device 115) to a presently designated host device (e.g., second host device 116) of host devices 103 if the presently designated host device requires CAC access to operate.
  • a previously designated host device e.g., first host device 115
  • a presently designated host device e.g., second host device 116
  • the category-two peripheral device(s) 105 e.g., CAC reader 113 stay in communication with first host device 115.
  • category-two peripheral device(s) 105 do not break communication with first host device 115 (e.g., the first computer system) to prevent the first host device 115 from logging the user(s) out from first host device 115 so that the user(s) can later switch back to first host device 115 and continue using the same login session.
  • first host device 115 e.g., the first computer system
  • this application of KVM switching device 101 can be particularly advantageous where the user(s) need to frequently switch back and forth between a CAC-enabled computer system and a computer system that is not CAC-enabled.
  • category-two peripheral devices 105 comprise a printer that is printing a document at first host device 115 while the user(s) are using (or want to use) second host device 116 or could also include a scenario where category-two peripheral devices 105 comprise a modem and the user(s) want to maintain a download at first host device 115 while operating second host device 116, etc.
  • KVM circuitry 122 can also comprise the switching device computer system, discussed previously above, to determine whether or not to switch category-two peripheral device(s) 105.
  • the switching device computer system can be similar or identical to computer system 200 (FIG. 2), as described below.
  • the switching device computer system can be similar or identical to chassis 202 (FIG. 2) of computer system 200 (FIG. 2) and any of the circuit boards and/or component(s) contained in chassis 202 (FIG. 2).
  • the switching device computer system may not have the level of sophistication and/or complexity of host computer system(s) 102 (FIG. 1).
  • the switching computer system may only have those processing capabilities and/or memory storage capabilities as are reasonably necessary to determine whether or not to switch category-two peripheral device(s) 105 to the selected host device of host devices 103, as is described in further detail below.
  • the switching device computer system could simply be implemented as a microcontroller comprising flash memory, or the like. Reducing the sophistication and/or complexity of the virtual computer system can reduce the size and/or cost of implementing system 100 (FIG. 1). Nonetheless, in other embodiments, the switching device computer system may need additional sophistication and/or complexity to operate as desired. In some embodiments, the switching device computer system can be omitted.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of computer system 200, all of which or a portion of which can be suitable for implementing an embodiment of host devices 103 (FIG. 1) and/or the switching device computer system of KVM circuitry 122 (FIG. 1) and/or another part of system 100 (FIG. 1) as well as methods 500 (FIG. 5) and 1000 (FIG. 10) and/or any of the various procedures, processes, and/or activities of methods 500 (FIG. 5) and 1000 (FIG. 10).
  • chassis 202 (and its internal components) can be suitable for implementing each of host device 103 and/or the switching device computer of KVM circuitry 122.
  • Computer system 200 includes chassis 202 containing one or more circuit boards (not shown), Universal Serial Bus (USB) 212, Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) and/or Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive 216, and hard drive 214.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • CD-ROM Compact Disc Read-Only Memory
  • DVD Digital Video Disc
  • FIG. 2 A representative block diagram of the elements included on the circuit boards inside chassis 202 is shown in FIG. 2.
  • Central processing unit (CPU) 310 in FIG. 3 is coupled to system bus 314 in FIG. 3.
  • the architecture of CPU 310 can be compliant with any of a variety of commercially distributed architecture families.
  • System bus 314 also is coupled to memory 308, where memory 308 includes both read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). Non-volatile portions of memory 308 or the ROM can be encoded with a boot code sequence suitable for restoring computer system 200 (FIG. 2) to a functional state after a system reset.
  • memory 308 can include microcode such as a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS).
  • BIOS Basic Input-Output System
  • the one or more storage modules of the various embodiments disclosed herein can include memory 308, USB 212 (FIGs. 2-3), hard drive 214 (FIGs. 2-3), and/or CD-ROM or DVD drive 216 (FIGs. 2-3).
  • the one or more storage modules of the various embodiments disclosed herein can comprise an operating system, which can be a software program that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer and/or a computer network.
  • the operating system can perform basic tasks such as, for example, controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing the processing of instructions, controlling input and output devices, facilitating networking, and managing files.
  • Examples of common operating systems can include Microsoft® Windows, Mac® operating system (OS), UNIX® OS, and Linux® OS.
  • processor and/or “processing module” means any type of computational circuit, such as but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a controller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processor or processing circuit capable of performing the desired functions.
  • CISC complex instruction set computing
  • RISC reduced instruction set computing
  • VLIW very long instruction word
  • various I/O devices such as disk controller 304, graphics adapter 324, video controller 302, keyboard adapter 326, mouse adapter 306, network adapter 320, and other I/O devices 322 can be coupled to system bus 314.
  • Keyboard adapter 326 and mouse adapter 306 are coupled to keyboard 204 (FIGs. 2-3) and mouse 210 (FIGs. 2-3), respectively, of computer system 200 (FIG. 2).
  • graphics adapter 324 and video controller 302 are indicated as distinct units in FIG. 3, video controller 302 can be integrated into graphics adapter 324, or vice versa in other embodiments.
  • Video controller 302 is suitable for refreshing monitor 206 (FIGs. 2-3) to display images on a screen 208 (FIG.
  • Disk controller 304 can control hard drive 214 (FIGs. 2-3), USB 212 (FIGs. 2-3), and CD-ROM drive 216 (FIGs. 2-3). In other embodiments, distinct units can be used to control each of these devices separately.
  • network adapter 320 can be part of a WNIC (wireless network interface controller) card (not shown) plugged or coupled to an expansion port (not shown) in computer system 200.
  • the WNIC card can be a wireless network card built into computer system 200.
  • a wireless network adapter can be built into computer system 200 by having wireless Ethernet capabilities integrated into the motherboard chipset (not shown), or implemented via a dedicated wireless Ethernet chip (not shown), connected through the PCI (peripheral component interconnector) or a PCI express bus.
  • network adapter 320 can be a wired network adapter.
  • FIG. 2 Although many other components of computer system 200 (FIG. 2) are not shown, such components and their interconnection are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, further details concerning the construction and composition of computer system 200 and the circuit boards inside chassis 202 (FIG. 2) are not discussed herein.
  • program instructions stored on a USB-equipped electronic device connected to USB 212, on a CD-ROM or DVD in CD-ROM and/or DVD drive 216, on hard drive 214, or in memory 308 (FIG. 3) are executed by CPU 310 (FIG. 3).
  • a portion of the program instructions, stored on these devices, can be suitable for carrying out at least part of system 100 (FIG. 1), method 500 (FIG. 5), and/or method 1000 (FIG. 10).
  • computer system 200 is illustrated as a desktop computer in FIG. 2, there can be examples where computer system 200 may take a different form factor (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a laptop computer) while still having functional elements similar to those described for computer system 200.
  • computer system 200 may comprise a single computer, a single server, or a cluster or collection of computers or servers, or a cloud of computers or servers.
  • a cluster or collection of servers can be used when the demand on computer system 200 exceeds the reasonable capability of a single server or computer.
  • KVM circuitry 122 can implement the conditional switching of category-two peripheral device(s) 105 and/or category-two peripheral port(s) 121 according to the logical framework provided below.
  • This logical framework can be implemented as computer software (e.g., at the switching device computer system) and/or as computer hardware within KVM circuitry 122.
  • the logical framework can be implemented mechanically, such as by providing various mechanical inputs (e.g., toggle inputs 708 (FIG. 7), etc.) at user interface 140 of KVM switching device 101, as mentioned briefly above and described in further detail below with respect to the description of user interface 140 below.
  • the logical framework can be implemented by comparing (a) whether or not a previously designated selected host device of host devices 103 and/or respective host port of host ports 119 is flagged or not and (b) whether a presently designated selected host device of host devices 103 and/or respective host port of host ports 119 is flagged or not.
  • flags are assigned to those host devices of host devices 103 and/or those respective host ports of host ports 119 that meet the specified condition(s) (e.g., require CAC security for access) and flags are not assigned to host devices of host devices 103 that do not meet the specified condition(s) (e.g., do not require CAC security for access).
  • KVM circuitry 122 can be configured to implement the conditional switching of category-two peripheral device(s) 105 as follows: (1) when switching from a flagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e., a flagged host port of host ports 119) to another flagged host device of host devices 103 and/or host port of host ports 119 (i.e., the selected host device and/or host port), category-two peripheral device(s) 105 switch to the selected host device and/or host port; (2) when switching from an unflagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e., an unflagged host port of host ports 119) to a flagged host device of host devices 103 and/or host port of host ports 119 (i.e., the selected host device and/or host port), category-two peripheral device(s) 105 switch to the selected host device and/or host port; (3) when switching from a flagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e., a flagged host port of host ports 119) to an un
  • Category four (4) of this logical framework can be important in the event that the user(s) switch from a flagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e., a flagged host port of host ports 119) to an unflagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e., an unflagged host port of host ports 119) and then to another unflagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e., another unflagged host port of host ports 119).
  • a flagged host device of host devices 103 i.e., a flagged host port of host ports 119
  • an unflagged host device of host devices 103 i.e., an unflagged host port of host ports 119
  • another unflagged host device of host devices 103 i.e., another unflagged host port of host ports 119.
  • category-two peripheral device(s) 105 could undesirably switch away from the previous flagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e., the previous flagged host port of host ports 119).
  • switching to a CAC-enabled host device of host devices 103 by designating the CAC-enabled host of host device 103 from another CAC-enabled host device of host devices 103 can cause category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (e.g., CAC reader 113) to switch from the another CAC-enabled host device of host devices 103 to the CAC-enabled host device of host devices 103. Accordingly, the user(s) can then operate CAC reader 113 at the CAC-enabled host device of host devices 103 to login to and gain access to that CAC-enabled host device of host devices 103.
  • This example can be logically carried through with each of the four scenarios depicted above. Also, this logical framework can be expanded to accommodate three or more categories of peripheral device(s), as desired. Expanding this logical framework to accommodate additional categories of peripheral device(s) would simply require expanding this logic to incorporate additional condition(s).
  • Implementing the logical framework in the above scenario can provide numerous advantages to the user(s) of system 100 and/or KVM switching device 101. For example, in some embodiments, if the user(s) of system 100 and/or KVM switching device 101 were previously operating a host device of host devices 103 requiring CAC security access before switching to a host device of host devices 103 that does not require CAC security access and then switch back to the previous host of host devices 103 that does require CAC security access, implementing this logical framework can prevent the user(s) from having to re-authenticate their CAC credentials because the category-two peripheral device(s) (e.g., the CAC reader) would not break communication with the previous host device of the host devices 103.
  • the category-two peripheral device(s) e.g., the CAC reader
  • a newly selected host device of host devices 103 that also requires CAC security access can rely on the previous CAC authentication at the previous host device requiring CAC security access (e.g., provided that the user(s) have not first switched to a host device of host devices 103 that does not require CAC security access) so that re-authentication is unnecessary.
  • system 100 and/or KVM switching device 101 can be configured so that when switching between host devices of host devices 103 requiring CAC security access as described in the previous sentence, re-authentication could be unnecessary when switching from a host device of host devices 103 requiring a higher level CAC security clearance (e.g., the second level) to a host device of host devices 103 requiring a lower level CAC security clearance (e.g., the first level) while re-authentication could be necessary when switching from a host device of host devices 103 requiring the lower level CAC security clearance to a host device of host devices 103 requiring the higher level CAC security clearance.
  • a higher level CAC security clearance e.g., the second level
  • CAC security clearance e.g., the first level
  • system 100 and/or KVM switching device 101 can comprise user interface 140.
  • user interface 140 can be integral with KVM switching device 101 or can be separate from KVM switching device 101.
  • User interface 140 can be configured to communicate with and/or control KVM circuitry 122. Accordingly, user interface 140 can permit the user(s) to control KVM circuitry 122 to designate the selected host device of host devices 103.
  • user interface 140 can further permit the user(s) to select whether each host port of host ports 119 (i.e., each host device of host devices 103) are flagged or not (e.g., meet the specified condition(s)), for purposes of the logical framework.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface 140, according to the embodiment of system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • user interface 140 can comprise one or more user modules 701.
  • user module(s) 701 can comprise first user module 702, second user module 703, third user module 704, and/or fourth user module 705.
  • user module(s) 701 can comprise more or fewer user modules.
  • the number of user modules 701 can be complimentary to the number of host ports 119 (FIG. 1).
  • Each user module of user modules 701 can be (a) configured to permit the user(s) to control KVM switching device 101 (FIG. 1) and/or KVM circuitry 122 (FIG. 1), (b) associated with one host port of host ports 119 (FIG. 1), and/or (c) configured to indicate a status of the one host port of host ports 119 (FIG. 1) to which that user module of user modules 701 is associated.
  • Each user module of user modules 701 can comprise one button input of one or more button inputs 706, one toggle input of one or more toggle inputs 708, and/or one status indicator of one or more status indicators 707.
  • Each one button input of button input(s) 706 can be configured to permit the user(s) of system 100 (FIG. 1) to designate the host port of host ports 103 (FIG. 1) associated with that user module of user modules 107 comprising that button input of button inputs 706 (i.e., the user(s) can use button inputs 706 to designate the selected host device of host devices 103).
  • Each toggle input of toggle inputs 708 can be configured to permit the user(s) to specify whether or not the host port of host ports 103 (FIG. 1) that is associated with the user module (of user modules 701) comprising that toggle input (of toggle inputs 708) meets the specified condition(s) for the logical framework described above.
  • each toggle input of toggle inputs 708 can comprise a first toggle status and a second toggle status.
  • each toggle input of toggle inputs 708 can be configured such that (a) when that toggle input of toggle inputs 708 is set to the first toggle status, the associated host port (i.e., the associated host device of that host port) is unflagged with respect to the specified condition(s) for the logical framework), and (b) when the toggle input of toggle inputs 708 is set to the second toggle status, the associated host port (i.e., the associated host device of that host port) is flagged with respect to the specified condition(s) of the logical framework).
  • each toggle input of toggle inputs 708 can be configured to indicate whether the host port associated with that user module comprising that toggle input requires or does not require CAC security access.
  • each status indicator of status indicator(s) 707 can be configured to indicate to the user(s) whether or not the host device (of host devices 103 (FIG. 1)) associated and/or coupled with the host port (of host ports 103) that is associated with the user module (of user modules 701) comprising that status indicator (of status indicators 707) is presently communicating with category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (FIG. 1).
  • Each status indicator of status indicators 707 can comprise a light emitting diode or another suitable status indicating device, such as an illuminated graphic.
  • each user module of user modules 701 can also comprise an additional status indicator (not shown) of status indicators 707.
  • the additional status indicator can be configured to indicate to the user(s) whether or not the host device (of host devices 103 (FIG. 1)) associated and/or coupled with the host port (of host ports 103) that is associated with the user module (of user modules 701) comprising that status indicator (of status indicators 707) is presently the selected host device of host devices 103.
  • Each additional status indicator of status indicators 707 can comprise a light emitting diode or another suitable status indicating device, such as an illuminated graphic.
  • FIG. 4 a flow chart illustrated for an embodiment of method 400 of providing a system.
  • Method 400 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
  • Method 400 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.
  • the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 400 can be performed in the order presented.
  • the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 400 can be performed in any other suitable order.
  • one or more of the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 400 can be combined or skipped.
  • the system can be similar or identical to system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • Method 400 can comprise activity 401 of manufacturing a keyboard- video-mouse (KVM) switching device.
  • KVM keyboard- video-mouse
  • the KVM switching device can be similar or identical to KVM switching device 101 (FIG. 1).
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary activity 401.
  • activity 401 can comprise activity 901 of manufacturing a user interface.
  • the user interface can be similar or identical to user interface 140 (FIG. 1).
  • performing activity 901 can comprise integrating the user interface with the KVM switching device.
  • performing activity 901 can comprise manufacturing the user interface to remain separate from the KVM switching device.
  • Activity 401 can comprise: (a) activity 902 of configuring the KVM switching device with at least one first specified condition of the one or more specified conditions; (b) activity 903 of configuring the KVM switching device such that the user is able to create at least one second specified condition of the one or more specified conditions; and/or (c) activity 904 of configuring the KVM switching device such that the user is able to select at least one third specified condition of the one or more specified conditions from multiple predetermined specified conditions.
  • one or two of activities 902 through 904 can be omitted.
  • one or more of activities 902 through 904 can be performed approximately simultaneously with one or more other of activities 902 through 904.
  • method 400 can comprise activity 402 of configuring the KVM switching device such that when a user selects a selected host device of two or more host devices, one or more category-one peripheral devices communicate with the selected host device.
  • the host devices can be similar or identical to host devices 103 (FIG. 1), and the selected host device can be similar or identical to the selected host device as described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • the category-one peripheral device(s) can be similar or identical to category-one host device(s) 104 (FIG. 1).
  • method 400 can comprise activity 403 of configuring the KVM switching device such that when the user selects the selected host device of the two or more host devices, one or more category-two peripheral devices conditionally communicate with the selected host device if one or more specified conditions are fulfilled.
  • the category-two peripheral devices can be similar or identical to category-two peripheral devices 105 (FIG. 1).
  • the specified condition(s) can be similar or identical the specified condition(s) described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • the specified condition(s) can comprise (a) a demand condition that the selected host device requires at least one of the one or more category-two peripheral devices in order for the selected host device to be operated, and/or (b) an active condition that one or more category-two peripheral devices are not presently operating when the user selects the selected host device.
  • one or more of activities 401, 402, and/or 403 can be performed as part of one or more other of activities 401, 402, and/or 403. Further, in many embodiments, activities 401, 402, and/or 403 can be performed approximately simultaneously with each other.
  • Method 400 can comprise activity 404 of providing the host devices.
  • performing activity 404 can comprise providing two or more host computer systems.
  • performing activity 404 can comprise coupling the host devices with the KVM switching device.
  • Method 400 can comprise activity 405 of providing the category-one peripheral devices.
  • performing activity 405 can comprise providing at least one of an audio-visual display device, one or more speakers, a computer keyboard, or a computer mouse.
  • performing activity 405 can comprise coupling the at least one of the audio-visual display device, the one or more speakers, the computer keyboard, or the computer mouse with the KVM switching device.
  • Method 400 can comprise activity 406 of providing the category-two peripheral devices.
  • performing activity 406 can comprise performing activity 406 can comprise providing at least one of a common access card reader, a printer, an external storage module, a modem, or a biometric reader.
  • performing activity 406 can comprise coupling the at least one of the common access card reader, the printer, the external storage module, the modem, or the biometric reader with the KVM switching device.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of method 500 of using a keyboard- video-mouse (KVM) switching device configured to be coupled with two or more system peripheral devices and two or more host devices and to permit a user of the KVM switching device to designate a selected host device of the host devices.
  • the system peripheral devices can comprise one or more category-one peripheral devices and one or more category-two peripheral devices.
  • Method 500 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 500 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 500 can be performed in the order presented.
  • the KVM switching device can be similar or identical to KVM switching device 101 (FIG. 1).
  • the system peripheral devices can be similar or identical to system peripheral devices 102 (FIG. 1).
  • the host devices can be similar or identical to host devices 103 (FIG. 1).
  • the category-one peripheral device(s) can be similar or identical to category-one peripheral device(s) 104 (FIG. 1), and/or the category-two peripheral device(s) can be similar or identical to category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (FIG. 1).
  • At least part of method 500 can be implemented as one or more computer instructions configures to be executed at one or more processing modules and to be stored at one or more memory storage modules of a switching device computer system.
  • the switching device computer system can be similar or identical to the switching device computer system described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • method 500 comprises procedure 501 of designating a selected host device of the host devices.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates procedure 501 of designating the selected host device of the host devices, according to the embodiment of method 500.
  • Performing procedure 501 of designating the selected host device of the host devices can be performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • procedure 501 can comprise process 601 of switching from a first host device of the host devices to a second host device of the host devices using the KVM switching device, where the second host device comprises the selected host device.
  • process 601 of designating the selected host device of the host devices can be performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • process 601 can comprise facilitating switching from a first host device of the host devices to a second host device of the host devices with a button input of a user module of a user interface of the KVM switching device by which a user of the KVM switching device is able to mechanically designate the selected host device.
  • the button input can be similar or identical to any button input of button input(s) 706 (FIG. 7), the user module can be similar or identical to any user module of user modules 701 (FIG. 7) and/or the user interface can be similar or identical to user interface 140 (FIG. 1).
  • Procedure 501 can continue with process 602 of switching the category-one peripheral device(s) to the selected host device.
  • Process 601 of switching the category-one peripheral device(s) to the selected host device can comprise discontinuing communication between the first host device of the host devices and the category-one peripheral device(s) and establishing communication between the second host device of the host device and the category- one peripheral device(s) when the second host device comprises the selected host device.
  • procedure 501 can continue with process 603 of determining whether to switch the category-two peripheral device(s) to the selected host device.
  • process 603 can be performed approximately simultaneously or after process 602.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary process 603 of determining whether to switch the category-two peripheral device(s) to the selected host device, according to the embodiment of method 500 (FIG. 5).
  • activities 801-804 (FIG. 8) and procedure 503 (FIG. 5) below, a state of a host device being flagged and/or unflagged can be similar or identical to a host device being flagged and/or unflagged as described above with respect to the logical framework of system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • process 603 can comprise activity 801 of discontinuing communication between the first host device of the host devices and the category-two peripheral devices and establishing communication between the second host device of the host devices and the category-two peripheral devices if the first host device of the host devices is flagged and the second host device of the host device is flagged.
  • activity 801 can be performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the logical framework of system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • Process 603 can comprise activity 802 of discontinuing communication between the first host device of the host devices and the category-two peripheral devices and establishing communication between the second host device of the host devices and the category-two peripheral devices if the first host device of the host devices is unflagged and the second host device of the host device is flagged.
  • activity 802 can be performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the logical framework of system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • Process 603 can also comprise activity 803 of maintaining communication between the category-two peripheral device(s) and any other host device than the selected host device of the host devices if the first host device of the host devices is flagged and the second host device of the host devices is unflagged.
  • activity 803 can be performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the logical framework of system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • Process 603 can further comprise activity 804 of maintaining communication between the category-two peripheral device(s) and any other host device than the selected host device of the host devices if the first host device of the host devices is unflagged and the second host device of the host devices is unflagged.
  • activity 804 can be performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the logical framework of system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • method 500 can continue with procedure 502 of designating another selected host device of the host devices after designating the selected host device of the host devices.
  • Performing procedure 502 can be similar to performing procedure 501 but with respect to the second host device and a third host device.
  • the third host device can comprise the first host device, described above with respect to procedure 501 and/or process 601 (FIG. 6), or the third host device can comprise another host device of the host devices other than the first host device and the second host device.
  • Method 500 can comprise procedure 503 of flagging one or more host devices of the host devices.
  • procedure 503 can comprise flagging the host device(s) of the host devices by facilitating flagging one or more host device(s) of the host devices by using one or more toggle inputs of a user module of a user interface of the KVM switching device.
  • the toggle input can be similar or identical to any toggle input(s) of toggle inputs 708 (FIG. 7)
  • the user module can be similar or identical to any user module of user modules 701 (FIG. 7)
  • the user interface can be similar or identical to user interface 140 (FIG. 1).
  • procedure 503 can be performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to user interface 140 (FIG. 1), KVM circuitry 122 (FIG. 1) and/or toggle inputs 708 (FIG. 7) of system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • Method 500 can comprise procedure 504 of indicating if any host of the host devices is presently in communication with the category-two peripheral devices.
  • procedure 504 can comprise indicating if any host of the host devices is presently in communication with the category-two peripheral devices by illuminating a status indicator.
  • the status indicator can be similar or identical to any one of status indicator(s) 707 (FIG. 7).
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of method 1000 of operating a keyboard- video-mouse (KVM) switching device.
  • KVM keyboard- video-mouse
  • Method 1000 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1000 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 1000 can be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 1000 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 1000 can be combined or skipped.
  • method 1000 can be implemented as one or more computer instructions configures to be executed at one or more processing modules and to be stored at one or more memory storage modules of a switching device computer system.
  • the switching device computer system can be similar or identical to the switching device computer system described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • the KVM switching device can be similar or identical to KVM switching device 101 (FIG. 1).
  • Method 1000 can comprise activity 1001 of receiving a new selection of a selected host device of two or more host devices.
  • the host devices can be similar or identical to host devices 103 (FIG. 1).
  • Method 1000 can comprise activity 1002 of establishing communication between one or more category-one peripheral devices of two or more system peripheral devices and the selected host device.
  • activity 1002 can occur after activity 1001.
  • the category-one peripheral device(s) can be similar to category-one peripheral device(s) 104 (FIG. 1), and the system peripheral devices can be similar or identical to system peripheral devices 102 (FIG. 1).
  • Method 1000 can comprise activity 1003 of conditionally establishing communication between one or more category-two peripheral devices of the two or more system peripheral devices and the selected host device based on one or more specified conditions.
  • the category-two peripheral device(s) can be similar or identical to category-two peripheral devices 105 (FIG. 1).
  • the specified condition(s) can be similar or identical to the specified condition(s) described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • activity 1003 can occur after activity 1001.
  • activities 1002 and 1003 can occur approximately simultaneously with each other.
  • activities 1001 through 1003 can be repeated one or more times.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary activity 1003.
  • activity 1003 can comprise activity 1101 of establishing communication between the one or more category-two peripheral devices and the selected host device and discontinuing communication between the one or more category-two peripheral devices and a previously selected host device of the two or more host devices if the selected host meets the one or more specified conditions and the previously selected host also meets the one or more specified conditions.
  • Activity 1003 can comprise activity 1102 of establishing communication between the one or more category-two peripheral devices and the selected host device and discontinuing communication between the one or more category-two peripheral devices and a previously selected host device of the two or more host devices if the selected host meets the one or more specified conditions and the previously selected host does not meet the one or more specified conditions.
  • Activity 1003 can comprise activity 1103 of maintaining communication between the one or more category-two peripheral devices and a previous selected host device of the two or more host devices if the selected host does not meet the one or more specified conditions and the previously selected host meets the one or more specified conditions.
  • Activity 1003 can comprise activity 1104 of maintaining communication between the one or more category-two peripheral devices and a previous selected host device of the two or more host devices if the selected host does not meet the one or more specified conditions and the previously selected host also does not meet the one or more specified conditions.
  • activity 1003 when activity 1003 is performed, only one of activities 1101 through 1104 will be performed. Accordingly, the remaining activities of 1101 through 1104 can be omitted, as applicable.
  • method 100 can comprise activity 1004 of receiving a previous selection of the previously selected host. Activity 1004 can occur prior to activity 1001. Further, activities 1002 and 1003 can be performed with respect to activity 1004 in similar manner to that performed for activity 1001.
  • Method 1000 can comprise: (a) activity 1005 of establishing at least one manufacturer specified condition for the one or more specified conditions; (b) activity 1006 of receiving at least one user created specified condition for the one or more specified conditions; and/or (c) activity 1007 of receiving at least one user selected specified condition of multiple predetermined specified conditions for the one or more specified conditions. In some embodiments, one or two of activities 1005 through 1007 can be omitted.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Conformément à certains modes de réalisation, l'invention porte sur des systèmes clavier/vidéo/souris. D'autres modes de réalisation de systèmes et de procédés associés sont décrits.
PCT/US2012/036663 2011-05-05 2012-05-04 Système clavier/vidéo/souris et son procédé de fourniture et d'utilisation Ceased WO2012154609A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201280033468.XA CN103649929A (zh) 2011-05-06 2012-05-04 键盘-视频-鼠标系统以及提供和使用此系统的方法
CA2835118A CA2835118A1 (fr) 2011-05-06 2012-05-04 Systeme clavier/video/souris et son procede de fourniture et d'utilisation
AU2012253786A AU2012253786A1 (en) 2011-05-06 2012-05-04 Keyboard-video-mouse system and method of providing and using the same
EP12782558.6A EP2705431A4 (fr) 2011-05-06 2012-05-04 Système clavier/vidéo/souris et son procédé de fourniture et d'utilisation
US14/072,741 US20140059257A1 (en) 2011-05-05 2013-11-05 Keyboard-video-mouse system and method of providing and using the same
US14/072,725 US9336161B2 (en) 2011-05-05 2013-11-05 Keyboard-video-mouse system and method of providing and using the same

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161483628P 2011-05-06 2011-05-06
US61/483,628 2011-05-06

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2012/036656 Continuation WO2012151552A2 (fr) 2011-05-05 2012-05-04 Système clavier-vidéo-souris et son procédé d'obtention et d'utilisation

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012154609A2 true WO2012154609A2 (fr) 2012-11-15
WO2012154609A3 WO2012154609A3 (fr) 2013-01-17

Family

ID=47139916

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2012/036663 Ceased WO2012154609A2 (fr) 2011-05-05 2012-05-04 Système clavier/vidéo/souris et son procédé de fourniture et d'utilisation

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2705431A4 (fr)
CN (1) CN103649929A (fr)
AU (1) AU2012253786A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2835118A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012154609A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11615199B1 (en) * 2014-12-31 2023-03-28 Idemia Identity & Security USA LLC User authentication for digital identifications

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8176226B2 (en) * 2001-11-09 2012-05-08 Aten International Co., Ltd. KVMP switch allowing asynchronous and synchronous switching for console devices and peripheral devices among different computers
US7559092B2 (en) * 2003-03-04 2009-07-07 Dell Products L.P. Secured KVM switch
US7382360B2 (en) * 2003-04-15 2008-06-03 Synaptics Incorporated Methods and systems for changing the appearance of a position sensor with a light effect
US20050149738A1 (en) * 2004-01-02 2005-07-07 Targosky David G. Biometric authentication system and method for providing access to a KVM system
US20050216620A1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2005-09-29 Francisc Sandulescu KVM and USB peripheral switch
US7730243B2 (en) * 2007-05-18 2010-06-01 Avocent Corporation KVM switch system with a simplified external controller
US7886106B2 (en) * 2008-11-11 2011-02-08 Aten International Co., Ltd. USB sharing switch with automatic switching capabilities
US8271704B2 (en) * 2009-06-16 2012-09-18 International Business Machines Corporation Status information saving among multiple computers
CN102096480A (zh) * 2011-02-28 2011-06-15 浪潮电子信息产业股份有限公司 一种基于ps2接口的kvm系统的级联方法

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of EP2705431A4 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11615199B1 (en) * 2014-12-31 2023-03-28 Idemia Identity & Security USA LLC User authentication for digital identifications

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN103649929A (zh) 2014-03-19
CA2835118A1 (fr) 2012-11-15
EP2705431A2 (fr) 2014-03-12
EP2705431A4 (fr) 2015-02-11
AU2012253786A1 (en) 2014-01-09
WO2012154609A3 (fr) 2013-01-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN109643265B (zh) 自动配置计算设备的通用串行总线（usb）c型端口
US20140059257A1 (en) Keyboard-video-mouse system and method of providing and using the same
CN109690513B (zh) 用于混合扩展坞中的本地虚拟化视频的系统、方法和装置
US10846255B2 (en) Apparatus and methods for dynamic role switching among USB hosts and devices
US8438319B1 (en) Method and apparatus for virtualizing hardware dongle over a wireless connection
EP3529705B1 (fr) Configuration de stations d'accueil
US11703910B2 (en) Docking station, electrical device, and method for configuring basic input output system
US9070199B2 (en) Sharing a graphics-processing-unit display port
US20210351587A1 (en) Interface circuitry with multiple direct current power contacts
JP2015537297A (ja) 全二重差動対を有するｕｓｂインタフェース上のイーサネット（登録商標）
US12035068B2 (en) Providing video content for pre-boot and post-boot environments of computer platforms
WO2024148860A1 (fr) Carte de réseau pcie et procédé de commutation de mode d'interface associé, dispositif électronique et support d'enregistrement
US11011876B2 (en) System and method for remote management of network interface peripherals
CN106843438B (zh) 级联通讯方法、级联电路
US20170293584A1 (en) Cascaded hdmi connectors
CN112433689B (zh) 用于同屏器的数据传输方法、装置、同屏器及介质
US10419227B2 (en) Network card
CN107391419A (zh) 支持多主机的通用序列汇流排集线设备及车用主机
EP3208720A1 (fr) Dispositif d'affichage et procédé de mise en oeuvre de fonction callmaster pour source de signal mhl
EP2705431A2 (fr) Système clavier/vidéo/souris et son procédé de fourniture et d'utilisation
US20180139093A1 (en) Communications Device Configuration Method and Communications device
WO2024094068A1 (fr) Procédé de commande de connexion de communication, dispositif monté sur véhicule, système de communication et support de stockage
CN116226020A (zh) Dp和usb接口的控制方法、装置、设备、存储介质
WO2012151552A2 (fr) Système clavier-vidéo-souris et son procédé d'obtention et d'utilisation
CN115248671A (zh) 一种车载分离式显示屏的控制系统

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12782558

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

ENP Entry into the national phase in:

Ref document number: 2835118

Country of ref document: CA

NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2012782558

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase in:

Ref document number: 2012253786

Country of ref document: AU

Date of ref document: 20120504

Kind code of ref document: A