U.S. patent application number 12/110763 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for option menu for use with a computer management system.
Invention is credited to Alan Hsu, Alex Lee, Yee Liaw.
Application Number | 20080238870 12/110763 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34653403 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080238870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Alex ; et al. |
October 2, 2008 |
OPTION MENU FOR USE WITH A COMPUTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A method for improving video quality of a video stream. The
method decodes the video stream and generates subblocks of video
data from the video stream. The method then removes effects of
subblock boundaries from previous deblocking. Each subblock is then
smoothed to create pixel values and optionally, subblocks are
merged if a predetermined quality is not achieved from the
smoothing analysis. The pixels values are filled into each pixel
position in the subblock. The subblocks are deblocked and then at
least one subblock is outputted to a rendering device.
Inventors: |
Lee; Alex; (Taipei Hsien,
TW) ; Liaw; Yee; (Warren, NJ) ; Hsu; Alan;
(Taipei Hsien, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIBBONS P.C.
ONE GATEWAY CENTER
NEWARK
NJ
07102
US
|
Family ID: |
34653403 |
Appl. No.: |
12/110763 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10734602 |
Dec 12, 2003 |
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12110763 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/157 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/14 20130101; G06F
3/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/157 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/033 20060101
G06F003/033 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for producing an option menu for display on a video
monitor in a computer management system to facilitate selection and
control of any of a plurality of remote devices from a user
workstation of the type including a keyboard, cursor control device
and a video display, said apparatus comprising: a daughter board
including a plurality of circuits for producing a plurality of
video output signals, and a processor for receiving said video
output signals and for producing an option menu with said signals,
wherein said option menu identifies said remote devices; a first
interface for coupling said workstation to a programmable switch;
and a second interface for coupling said programmable switch to
said plurality of remote devices.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processor
automatically updates said option menu if said remote devices are
connected or disconnected.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said option menu is
generated utilizing said video output signals of at least one of
said plurality of circuits.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: at least
one circuit for producing a cursor within said option menu, wherein
said processor integrates said cursor with said option menu.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said apparatus is
disposed in a KVM switching system.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said cursor is
controlled via an attached keyboard or cursor control device.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a user can select at
least one said remote device from said option menu utilizing said
cursor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
10/734,602, filed on Dec. 12, 2003, entitled "OPTION MENU FOR USE
WITH A COMPUTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM," which is incorporated herein by
reference. This application also relates to co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, filed on ______, entitled "OPTION MENU
FOR USE WITH A COMPUTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an option menu
for use with a computer management system. Specifically, the
enhanced video display of the present invention combines or
organizes multiple video signals to provide a single option menu
video display having more colors, more characters, and/or a larger
size than traditional option menus. Although the present invention
may be utilized in many applications, it is described herein to
create an option menu that is incorporated within a computer/server
management system. That is, the enhanced video display provides a
menu of options (e.g., computers connected to the management
system, video display adjustment settings, diagnostics, etc.) that
is displayed on a system user's monitor. The system user then
responds to the option menu (i.e., makes a selection) via the
user's keyboard and/or cursor control device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In a typical computer environment, a Local Area Network
(LAN) allows for one or more computer servers to be connected to
several computers such that the resources of each server are
available to each of the connected computers. In this system, a
dedicated keyboard, video monitor, and cursor control device may be
employed for each computer and computer server.
[0004] To maintain proper operation of the LAN, the system
administrator must maintain and monitor the individual servers and
computers. This maintenance frequently requires the system
administrator to perform numerous tasks from the user console
located at each server or computer. For example, to reboot a
computer or to add or delete files, the system administrator is
often required to operate the server or computer from its local
user console, which may be located at a substantial distance from
the system administrator's computer. Therefore, to accomplish the
task of system administration, the system administrator must often
travel far distances to access the local user consoles of remotely
located servers and computers.
[0005] As an alternative, dedicated cables may be installed from
each remotely located server and computer to the system
administrator's user console to allow the system administrator to
fully access and operate the remote computer equipment. However,
such an alternative requires substantial wiring and wire
harnessing, both of which may require tremendous cost.
Additionally, as the distance between the system administrator's
user console and the remote computer equipment increases, a
decrease in the quality of the transmitted signal often results.
Thus, utilizing dedicated cables between the system administrator's
user console and remote computer equipment is often not a feasible
alternative.
[0006] Space is also an important concern for many networked
computer environments, especially large-scale operations such as
data-centers, server-farms, web-hosting facilities, and
call-centers. These environments typically require space to house a
keyboard, video monitor, and cursor control device for each piece
of computer equipment and for all of the wiring required to connect
and power these components. As more equipment is added to a
computer network, it becomes more probable that the space required
for the equipment and associated cabling will exceed the space
allotted for the network. Therefore, network architecture,
equipment size, and available space are important issues when
designing an effective computer network environment.
[0007] One method of reducing the amount of space required to house
a computer network is to eliminate any equipment (i.e., keyboard,
video monitor, cursor control device, etc.) that is not essential
for proper operation of the computer network. Elimination of this
equipment also eliminates the wiring associated with such
equipment. This equipment and its associated wiring may be
eliminated if a system administrator is able to access the remote
computers from one user console, thereby eliminating the dedicated
equipment and its associated wiring. Elimination of this
unnecessary equipment decreases the amount of space required for
computer network environments.
[0008] A keyboard, video monitor, and mouse ("KVM") switching
system may be utilized to allow one or more user workstations to
select and control any one of a plurality of remote computers via a
central switching unit. Such systems are well known in the art and
have been used by system administrators for at least 10 years.
Specifically, a KVM switching system allows a system user to
control a remote computer using a local user workstation's
keyboard, video monitor, and cursor control device as if these
local devices were directly connected to the remote computer. In
this manner, a system user may access and control a plurality of
remote computers, such as servers, from a single location (i.e.,
the location of the user workstation). The system user may select a
specific remote computer to access or control using any one of a
variety of methods known in the art. For example, the computer
management system component can include an array of buttons where
each button corresponds with the desired remote computer.
Alternatively, a user can select the computer from a list displayed
on a computer management system component's LCD or LED display,
press one or more hot keys on the local user workstation's keyboard
(e.g., F1ALT-F1, F2, etc.), select the remote computer from a list
displayed on the user workstation's monitor by pointing to it or
scrolling to it using the user workstation's keyboard and/or cursor
control device, etc.
[0009] The following references, which are discussed below, were
found to relate to the field of computer management systems: Asprey
U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,390 ("Asprey '390 patent"), Asprey U.S. Pat.
No. 5,268,676 ("Asprey '676 patent"), Asprey U.S. Pat. No.
5,353,409 ("Asprey '409 patent), Perholtz et al. U.S. Pat. No.
5,732,212 ("Perholtz"), Chen U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,389 ("Chen '389
patent"), Chen U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,148 ("Chen '148 patent"), Fujii
et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,191 ("Fujii"), Beasley U.S. Pat. No.
6,345,323 ("Beasley"), and Wilder et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,170
("Wilder").
[0010] The Asprey '390 patent, filed on Jul. 26, 1991 and issued on
Oct. 26, 1993, discloses an extended range communications link for
coupling a computer to a mouse, keyboard, and/or video monitor
located remotely from the computer. The end of the link that is
coupled to the computer has a first signal conditioning network
(i.e., a network of circuitry that dampens the ringing and
reflections of the video signals and biases them to a predetermined
voltage level) that conditions the keyboard, video monitor and
mouse signals. Conditioning the video monitor signals includes
reducing their amplitude in order to minimize the "crosstalk"
induced on the conductors adjacent to the video signal conductors
during transmission of the video signals. This first signal
conditioning network is coupled to an extended range cable having a
plurality of conductors that transmits the conditioned signals,
power, and logic ground potentials to a second signal conditioning
network (i.e., a network of circuitry that terminates the video
signals using a voltage divider and amplifies them), which restores
the video signals to their original amplitude and outputs them to a
video monitor.
[0011] The Asprey '676 patent, filed on Mar. 5, 1990 and issued on
Dec. 7, 1993, discloses a communications link for use between a
computer and a display unit, such as a video monitor, that allows
these two components to be located up to three hundred (300) feet
apart. An encoder located at the computer end of the communications
link receives analog red, green, and blue signals from the computer
and inputs each signal to a discrete current amplifier that
modulates the signal current. Impedance matching networks then
match the impedance of the red, green and blue signals to the
impedance of the cable and transmit the signals to discrete
emitter-follower transistors located at the video monitor end of
the cable. Thereafter, these signals are amplified prior to
inputting them to the video monitor. Concurrently, the horizontal
synchronization signal is inputted to a cable conductor and its
impedance is not matched to the impedance of the cable, thereby
allowing the conductor to attenuate the horizontal synchronization
signal and reduce noise radiation.
[0012] The Asprey '409 patent, filed on Jul. 19, 1990 and issued on
Oct. 4, 1994, discloses an extended range communications link for
transmitting transistor-transistor logic video signals from a local
computer to a video monitor located up to a thousand feet (1,000)
from the computer. The link includes a first signal conditioning
circuit (i.e., a circuit that reduces the amplitude of the video
signals, biases them to a selected potential, and applies them to
discrete conductors of an extended cable) located at the computer
end of the link for conditioning the received signals and
transmitting them via the extended cable to a second signal
conditioning circuit. The second signal conditioning circuit (i.e.,
a circuit that utilizes a threshold or pair of thresholds to effect
reconstruction of the video signals prior to applying the signals
to a video monitor) receives the transmitted video signals prior to
inputting them to the video monitor. According to the Asprey '409
patent, performance of this process reduces the appearance of high
frequency video noise on the keyboard clock conductor of the
transmission cable, thereby preventing keyboard errors.
[0013] Perholtz, filed on Jan. 13, 1994 and issued on Mar. 24,
1998, discloses a method and apparatus for coupling a local user
workstation, including a keyboard, mouse, and/or video monitor, to
a remote computer. Perholtz discloses a system wherein the remote
computer is selected from a menu displayed on a standard size
personal computer video monitor. Upon selection of a remote
computer by the system user, the remote computer's video signals
are transmitted to the local user workstation's video monitor. The
system user may also control the remote computer utilizing the
local user workstation's keyboard and monitor. The Perholtz system
is also capable of bi-directionally transmitting mouse and keyboard
signals between the local user workstation and the remote computer.
The remote computer and the local user workstation may be connected
either via the Public Switched Telephone System ("PSTN") and modems
or via direct cabling.
[0014] The Chen '389 patent, filed on Mar. 12, 1998 and issued on
Nov. 2, 1999, discloses a device for multiplexing the video output
of a plurality of computers to a single video monitor. The system
includes three sets of switches for receiving the red, green, and
blue components of the video signals from each computer. To select
the video output of a specific computer for display on the video
monitor, a user inputs two video selecting signals into a control
signal generating circuit. Depending upon the inputted video
selecting signals, the control signal generating circuit produces
an output signal corresponding to the selected video output.
Thereafter, a control signal is generated that indexes the three
sets of switches to switch the video signals being output by the
desired computer to the single video monitor. The three sets of
switches transfer the incoming video signals to three sets of
switch circuits and current amplifying circuits that provide input
and output impedance matching, respectively. The tuned video
signals are then displayed on the single video monitor.
[0015] The Chen '148 patent, filed on Jul. 29, 1998 and issued on
Sep. 12, 2000, discloses a video signal distributor that receives,
processes, and distributes video signals received from one or more
computers to a plurality of video monitors. The video signal
distributor includes three transistor-based, voltage-amplifying
circuits to individually amplify the red, green and blue video
signals received from each computer prior to transmitting these
signals to a video monitor. The video signal distributor also
includes a synchronization signal buffering device that receives
horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from each computer
and generates new synchronization signals based upon the quantity
of video signals that are output to the video monitors.
[0016] Fujii, filed on Feb. 10, 1998 and issued on Oct. 24, 2000,
discloses a system for selectively operating a plurality of
computers that are connected to one common video monitor. The Fujii
system includes a data input device for entering data in any one of
the plurality of connected computers. The system also includes a
main control circuit, which is connected to the data input device,
and a selection circuit for providing the entered data and
receiving the video signals from the selected computer. A user
selects a remote computer by supplying the command code associated
with the desired remote computer utilizing the keyboard and/or
mouse. A selection circuit receives the inputted commands and
identifies the selected computer. The selection circuit then sends
a signal indicative of the selected remote computer to a main
control circuit, which provides communication between the keyboard,
video monitor, and mouse and the selected remote computer.
[0017] Similar to Perholtz, Beasley, filed on Jun. 9, 2000 and
issued on Feb. 5, 2002, discloses a specific implementation of a
computerized switching system for coupling a local keyboard, mouse
and/or video monitor to one of a plurality of remote computers. In
particular, a first signal conditioning unit includes an on-screen
programming circuit that displays a list of connected remote
computers on the local video monitor. To activate the menu, a user
depresses, for example, the "print screen" key on the local
keyboard. The user selects the desired computer from the list using
the local keyboard and/or mouse.
[0018] According to Beasley, the on-screen programming circuit
requires at least two sets of tri-state buffers, a single on-screen
processor, an internal synchronization generator, a synchronization
switch, a synchronization polarizer, and overlay control logic. The
first set of tri-state buffers couples the red, green, and blue
components of the video signals received from the remote computer
to the video monitor. That is, when the first set of tri-state
buffers are energized, the red, green, and blue video signals are
passed from the remote computer to the local video monitor through
the tri-state buffers. When the first set of tri-state buffers are
not active, the video signals from the remote computer are blocked.
Similarly, the second set of tri-state buffers couples the outputs
of the single on-screen processor to the video monitor. When the
second set of tri-state buffers is energized, the video output of
the on-screen programming circuit is displayed on the local video
monitor. When the second set of tri-state buffers is not active,
the video output from the on-screen programming circuit is blocked.
Alternatively, if both sets of tri-state buffers are energized, the
remote computer video signals are combined with the video signals
generated by the on-screen processor prior to display on the local
video monitor.
[0019] The on-screen programming circuit disclosed in Beasley also
produces its own horizontal and vertical synchronization signals.
To dictate which characters are displayed on the video monitor, the
CPU sends instructional data to the on-screen processor. This
causes the on-screen processor to retrieve characters from an
internal video RAM for display on the local video monitor.
[0020] The overlaid video image produced by the on-screen
processor, namely a Motorola MC141543 on-screen processor, is
limited to the size and quantity of colors and characters that are
available with the single on-screen processor. In other words, the
Beasley system is designed to produce an overlaid video that is
sized for a standard size computer monitor (i.e., not a wall-size
or multiple monitor type video display) and is limited to the
quantity of colors and characters provided by the single on-screen
processor.
[0021] During operation of the Beasley system, a remote computer is
chosen from the overlaid video display. Thereafter, the first
signal conditioning unit receives keyboard and mouse signals from
the local keyboard and mouse and generates a data packet for
transmission to a central cross point switch. The cross point
switch routes the data packet to the second signal conditioning
unit, which is coupled to the selected remote computer. The second
signal conditioning unit then routes the keyboard and mouse command
signals to the keyboard and mouse connectors of the remote
computer. Similarly, video signals produced by the remote computer
are routed from the remote computer through the second signal
conditioning unit, the cross point switch, and the first signal
conditioning unit to the local video monitor. The horizontal and
vertical synchronization video signals received from the remote
computer are encoded on one of the red, green or blue video
signals. This encoding reduces the quantity of cables required to
transmit the video signals from the remote computer to the local
video monitor.
[0022] Wilder, filed on May 5, 1998 and issued on Apr. 29, 2003,
discloses a keyboard, video monitor, mouse, and power ("KVMP")
switching system having an on screen display circuit that provides
a visual means for accessing the KVMP switch. A first set of
switching circuits coupled to a plurality of computers and the on
screen display circuit allows a user to access and control any of
the remote computers using a local keyboard, video monitor, and
mouse. A second set of switching circuits coupled to the power
supply of each remote computer and the on screen display circuit
allows a user to control the electrical power to each remote
computer. To select a remote computer using the Wilder system, a
user activates the on-screen display by entering a "hot key" with
either the keyboard and/or mouse. Initially, the on-screen display
prompts the user to enter a username and password. After the user
is verified, the user is provided a list of all attached remote
computers. The user utilizes the local keyboard and mouse to select
and control the power supply of the desired remote computer. Wilder
incorporates a single on-screen processor for generation of the
list of remote computers.
[0023] In view of the foregoing, a need clearly exists for a
computer management system that is compatible with both standard
size video monitors (e.g., monitors ranging from 13'' to 21'') and
larger than standard size video monitors. In addition, a need
clearly exists for a computer management system that provides an
option menu that contains more characters and/or more colors than
those available with a single on-screen processor. There is also a
need for a computer management system having an option menu that
provides greater flexibility and definition for identifying options
and connected computers. Furthermore, there is a need for a
computer management system that provides an option menu having a
large quantity of available colors, which may be used to color code
connected computers or options for purposes such as identifying the
general location of each connected computer (e.g., connected
computers having a blue description are located in Quadrant 1,
connected computers having a green description are located in
Quadrant 2, etc.). Furthermore, there exists a need for a computer
management system that provides an option menu that allows the
system user to choose the desired mode of operation (e.g., larger
video display, more colors, more characters, etc.). Also, a need
exists for a computer management system that provides an option
menu that allows the system user to choose the size of the video
monitor that is connected to the local user workstation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] It is often convenient to control one or more connected
computers from one local set of peripheral devices (i.e., keyboard,
video monitor, cursor control device, etc.). Since the majority of
computers in use today incorporate or are designed to be compatible
with commonly known and used computer technologies (e.g., IBM,
Apple, Sun, etc.), many computers use identical or similar
electrical connectors to connect peripheral devices. Also, a
computer typically contains a dedicated electrical connector for
each type of peripheral device to which the computer is connected.
Generally, the cables that connect such peripheral devices to the
respective electrical connector are approximately six (6) feet in
length, thereby limiting the distance from the computer at which
the peripheral devices may be located. Alternatively, the devices
may communicate wirelessly, however, the wireless signal similarly
degrades as distance between the computer and the devices
increases.
[0025] In many circumstances, it is desirable to separate the
peripheral devices from the computer due to space constraints.
However, one skilled in the art may readily appreciate that
separating a computer from its peripheral devices by substantial
distances is likely to increase cabling costs. In addition, signals
such as cursor control device, keyboard, video, or audio signals
degrade when transmitted over distances greater than fifteen (15)
feet resulting in decreased reliability of keyboard and cursor
control device commands, and lower quality video and audio output.
This degradation occurs for a few reasons including the induction
of "noise", such as "crosstalk", between adjacent conductors and an
increase in the impedance of the signal transmission.
[0026] In addition to extending the distance between a computer and
its peripheral devices, it is also convenient to access and operate
more than one computer from a single set of peripheral devices.
Again, this feature is desirable when space is limited, or when a
large number of computers need to be administered. The use of only
one set of peripheral devices to control multiple computers
eliminates the space required to house a dedicated set of
peripheral devices for each computer to be accessed and controlled.
Furthermore, an increase in maintenance efficiency is realized if a
system administrator can maintain multiple computers from a single
set of peripheral devices. For example, the system administrator no
longer must travel to each computer that requires maintenance.
[0027] The present invention provides a computer management system
having an option menu that facilitates accessing and controlling
connected computers. This option menu allows, for example, a system
administrator to select a connected computer, enter video signal
tuning calibration information, gather network diagnostics, program
computer management system components, etc. The option menu is
activated by entering predetermined keyboard and/or cursor control
device commands. Upon choosing the option of selecting a connected
computer, a sub-menu of connected computers is displayed on the
user workstation's monitor that includes all connected computers.
The system administrator may then scroll the sub-menu or access a
further sub-menu to select the desired connected computer.
[0028] The option menu of the computer management system of the
present invention can have a larger overall size (i.e., it is
visible on a larger screen) and/or contain more colors and more
characters than the typical video display provided by a single
on-screen display integrated circuit ("OSD IC"). The option menu of
the present invention is compatible with both standard size video
monitors (e.g., monitors ranging from 13'' to 21'' in size) and
larger monitors. Monitor size is simply selected by the system user
via the option menu. In addition, the larger quantity of available
characters and/or colors provides greater flexibility and
definition in identifying options and in identifying and selecting
connected computers.
[0029] The option menu is generated by a plurality of OSD ICs. The
video outputs of the OSD ICs can be combined or strategically
organized to produce an option menu having a larger size, more
colors, and/or a greater number of characters than is possible with
a single OSD IC. In the preferred embodiment, a first set of OSD
ICs is utilized to create the option menu, and a second set of OSD
ICs is utilized to create a video image that represents the cursor.
A software algorithm executed by a system level IC works in
conjunction with minimal circuitry to combine and/or strategically
organize the video outputs of the first and second sets of OSD ICs
to provide the option menu and cursor video signals.
[0030] The computer management system of the present invention may
be utilized to provide compatibility between various operating
systems and/or communication protocols. The present invention
allows the same set of local peripheral devices to access connected
computers executing a variety of operating systems and protocols,
including but not limited to, those manufactured by Microsoft
Corporation ("Microsoft") (Windows), Apple Computer, Inc. ("Apple")
(Macintosh), Sun Microsystems, Inc. ("Sun") (Unix), Digital
Equipment Corporation ("DEC"), Compaq Computer Corporation
("Compaq") (Alpha), International Business Machines ("IBM")
(RS/6000), Hewlett-Packard Company ("HP") (HP9000), and SGI
(formerly "Silicon Graphics, Inc.") ("IRIX").
[0031] Additionally, local devices such as a keyboard and cursor
control device may communicate with the local user workstation
using a variety of protocols including, but not limited to
Universal Serial Bus ("USB"), American Standard Code for
Information Interchange ("ASCII"), and Recommend Standard-232
("RS-232").
[0032] A variety of cabling mechanisms may be used to connect the
local user workstations and the connected computers to the computer
management system of the present invention. Preferably, the present
invention incorporates a single Category 5 Universal Twisted Pair
("CAT 5") cable to connect each user terminal ("UST")(i.e., the
computer management system component that connects the keyboard,
video monitor, and cursor control device of the local user
workstation to the computer management system of the present
invention) and each computer interface module ("CIM")(i.e., the
computer management system component that connects the connected
computer to the computer management system of the present
invention) to the matrix switching unit ("MSU") of the computer
management system of the present invention. However, other cabling
or wireless communications may be used without departing from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0033] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved computer management system containing an option
menu that may be larger and/or contain more colors and characters
than is standardly available.
[0034] Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide
an improved computer management system having an option menu that
operates in any one of multiple modes, wherein the modes of
operation allow a system user to select the size, quantity of
characters, and quantity of colors for the option menu based upon
the user's preferences and/or the size of the video monitor
connected to the local user workstation.
[0035] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to
facilitate identification of each computer connected to the
computer management system by allowing information technology
("IT") personnel to designate lengthier names displayed in the
option menu for each connected computer to more adequately describe
each connected computer.
[0036] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide greater organizational flexibility by allowing IT personnel
to color code computer names displayed in the option menu to
facilitate grouping of computers connected to the computer
management system.
[0037] Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present
invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the
related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and
economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description with reference
to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] A further understanding of the present invention can be
obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the
illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the
illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems for carrying
out the present invention, both the organization and method of
operation of the invention, in general, together with further
objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by
reference to the drawings and the following description. The
drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention,
which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or
as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the
invention
[0039] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made to the following drawings in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a computer
management system according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention illustrating the connection of a plurality of
user workstations, which each include a keyboard, video monitor,
and cursor control device, to multiple connected computers, wherein
the system includes a plurality of USTs and CIMs interconnected by
at least one MSU.
[0041] FIG. 2A is a schematic representation of the preferred
embodiment of the internal structure of the UST shown in FIG. 1,
specifically illustrating the circuitry that allows for the
selection of connected computer video signals or option menu video
signals for display on the video monitor.
[0042] FIG. 2B is a schematic representation of the preferred
embodiment of the option menu circuit shown in FIG. 2A, which
generates the option menu and cursor video signals for display on
the video monitor.
[0043] FIG. 2C is a schematic representation of the preferred
embodiment of the tuning circuit shown in FIG. 2A, which
compensates for the amplitude and frequency reduction that occurs
during video signal transmission.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the preferred
embodiment of the four modes of operation of the option menu
circuit shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the MSU shown in
FIG. 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a block diagram of the internal structure of
the MSU and electrical connectors for CAT 5 cables.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the preferred
embodiment of the internal structure of the CIM shown in FIG. 1,
illustrating the connection of the CIM to a connected computer and
to an MSU.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a data packet used
to transmit data in the computer management system according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an alternate
configuration of the computer management system for use with the
present invention illustrating connection of sixteen (16) user
workstations and multiple connected computers to two MSUs, wherein
the alternate embodiment may accommodate as many as thirty-two (32)
connected computers.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of another alternate
configuration of the computer management system for use with the
present invention illustrating connection of multiple user
workstations and multiple connected computers to multiple MSUs,
wherein the alternate embodiment may accommodate as many as
sixty-four (64) user workstations and ten thousand (10,000)
connected computers.
[0050] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an alternate
embodiment of the computer management system of the present
invention, wherein the computer management system is contained in a
single unit that is directly connected to all connected computers
and user workstations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the
present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems
and operating structures in accordance with the present invention
may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which
may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment.
Consequently, the specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard,
they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of
disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which
define the scope of the present invention. The following presents a
detailed description of the preferred embodiment (as well as some
alternative embodiments) of the present invention.
[0052] Referring first to FIG. 1, depicted is the architecture of
the preferred computer management system in accordance with the
present invention. Specifically, a modular, intelligent, computer
management system is shown including a centrally located MSU 112,
multiple USTs 108 connected to keyboards 102, video monitors 104,
and cursor control devices 106, and multiple CIMs 116 connected to
connected computers 118. Each UST 108 and CIM 116 is connected to
MSU 112 via communication link 110 and communication link 114,
respectively.
[0053] Although single CAT 5 cabling is the preferred cabling for
use with the present invention, other cabling may be used, such as
coaxial, fiber optic or multiple CAT 5 cables, depending on the
specific needs of the system user. CAT 5 cabling is preferred
because it reduces cabling cost while maintaining the strength of
the signals that are transmitted over extended distances.
Additionally, the use of single CAT 5 cabling minimizes the space
required to house the computer system and its associated
wiring.
[0054] Individual CAT 5 cables may be used for connection of each
UST 108 and each CIM 116 to MSU 112. Conventional CAT 5 cables
include four (4) twisted pair of wires. In the preferred embodiment
of the present invention, three (3) of these twisted pair are
utilized for the transmission of video signals. Each of the three
(3) twisted pair transmits one of the three video color signals
(i.e., red, green or blue). To allow all video signals to be
transmitted via only three (3) twisted pair, the horizontal and
vertical synchronization signals, which would otherwise each
require their own twisted pair, are individually encoded on one of
the red, green, or blue video signals. That is, each
synchronization signal is encoded on its own, dedicated color
signal. For example, the vertical synchronization signal may be
encoded on the blue video signal while the horizontal
synchronization signal may be encoded on the green video signal.
All other non-video signals such as keyboard, cursor control
device, and audio signals, are transmitted on the fourth twisted
pair cable.
[0055] The single CAT 5 cables are connected to UST 108, MSU 112,
and CIM 116 by plugging each end into a RJ-45 connector located on
these respective components. Although RJ-45 connectors are
preferred, other types of connectors may be used, including but not
limited to RJ-11, RG-58, RG-59, British Naval Connector ("BNC"),
and ST connectors.
[0056] As depicted in FIG. 1, the connected computer management
system includes local user workstations 100, each preferably
comprising dedicated peripheral devices such as keyboard 102, video
monitor 104, and/or cursor control device 106. Other peripheral
devices may also be located at workstation 100, such as printers,
scanners, video camera biometric scanning devices, microphones,
etc. Each peripheral device is directly or indirectly (i.e.,
through another component) connected to UST 108, which is attached
to MSU 112 via communication link 110. Of course, wireless
peripheral devices may also be used with this system. During
operation, all electronic signals received at UST 108 from attached
peripheral devices are transmitted to MSU 112 via communication
link 110. Thereafter, the signals are transmitted to the desired
CIM 116 via another communication link 114. CIM 116, which is
coupled to a connected computer 118 via communication link 120,
transmits the received signals to the respective ports of connected
computer 118.
[0057] Each UST 108 incorporates the option menu circuit of the in
accordance with the present invention that enables a user to access
and control a connected computer via an option menu displayed on
the local user workstation's video monitor. For example, if a user
wishes to connect to a specific connected computer 118, the user
may first enter a series of keyboard and/or cursor control device
commands to cause UST 108 to produce the option menu on video
monitor 104. This option menu, as discussed in detail below, lists
all connected computers 118. By utilizing keyboard 102 and cursor
control device 106, the user selects the desired connected computer
118 from the option menu. The user is then provided access to the
selected connected computer 118. The option menu also facilitates
system programming and provides information useful for system
operation. Furthermore, multiple security features such as
passwords, system user histories, etc. may be implemented and
operated in conjunction with the option menu.
[0058] CIM 116 is compatible with all commonly used, present day
computer operating systems and protocols, including, but not
limited to, those manufactured by Microsoft (Windows), Apple
(Macintosh), Sun (Unix), DEC, Compaq (Alpha), IBM (RS/6000), HP
(HP9000) and SGI (IRIX). Additionally, local devices such as
keyboard 102 and cursor control device 106 may communicate with
connected computers via a variety of protocols including Universal
Serial Bus ("USB"), American Standard Code for Information
Interchange ("ASCII") and Recommend Standard-232 ("RS-232").
[0059] The computer management system of the present invention is
scalable and may be configured to connect a large number of user
workstations 100 with a large number of connected computers 118.
Preferably, the system according to the present invention allows
eight (8) USTs 108 and thirty-two (32) CIMs to be connected via one
MSU 112 while still achieving optimal signal transmission. If
additional USTs or CIMs must be added, alternate embodiments of the
present invention allows multiple MSUs 112 to be utilized to
connect as many as sixty-four (64) user workstations 100 and ten
thousand (10,000) connected computers 118.
[0060] Turning next to FIG. 2A, depicted is a schematic diagram of
the preferred internal structure of UST 108 according to the
present invention. As shown, UST 108 couples keyboard 102, video
monitor 104, and cursor control device 106 with MSU 112. Signals
generated by keyboard 102 and cursor control device 106 are
received by UST CPU 308 via keyboard port 300 and cursor control
device port 310, respectively, using industry standard connectors
and cabling. Wireless keyboards and cursor control devices may also
be used. UST CPU 308 then generates data packets that represent the
keyboard and cursor control device information in the received
signals (as discussed below with reference to FIG. 6). The newly
generated data packets are transmitted to UART 306, whereupon the
they are converted to a serial format and transmitted through port
302 to MSU 112 via independent communication link 110. It should be
noted that the converted data packets may alternatively be
transmitted via a wireless connection.
[0061] Conversely, keyboard and cursor control device signals
received from connected computer 118 (FIG. 1) through MSU 112 and
communication link 110 are received as serial data packets at port
302. Thereafter, UART 306 de-serializes the received serial data
packets and transmits them to UST CPU 308. Of course, in the
alternative, a non-UART device may be used to de-serialize the
received serial data packets. UST CPU 308 then uses the information
contained in the data packets to emulate keyboard and cursor
control device signals to keyboard 102 and cursor control device
106 via keyboard port 300 and cursor control device port 310,
respectively.
[0062] Unidirectional video signals generated at connected computer
118 (FIG. 1) are also received at port 302 from MSU 112 via
communication link 110. However, these video signals are
transmitted to tuning circuit 304, which tunes the video signals
(discussed below with respect to FIG. 2C) to a desired amplitude
and frequency characteristics (e.g., to correct for signal
degradation). The tuned red, green, and blue components of the
video signals are transmitted to video switch 314. Thereafter,
video switch 314 determines whether to transmit the video signals
received from tuning circuit 304 (i.e., the video signals received
from one of the connected computers 118) or the video signals
received from option menu circuit 318 to video amplifier 316.
Finally, the amplified video signals are transmitted via video
monitor port 312 for display on video monitor 104.
[0063] Option menu circuit 318 is shown in greater detail in FIG.
28. Preferably, option menu circuit 318, and all of its components
are implemented on a daughter board (i.e., a printed circuit board
that plugs into another printed circuit board to augment its
capabilities). As shown, option menu circuit 318 comprises OSD ICs
350-357, system level IC 358, PLL 360, clock buffer 362, digital to
analog ("D/A") converter 364, and connector 366. According to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the option menu and
cursor video displays are generated by eight (8) Myson Technology
MTV 118 On-Screen Display for LCD Monitor ICs, depicted in FIG. 2B
as OSD ICs 350-357. However, a different quantity and/or a
different type of OSD IC may be substituted without departing from
the spirit of the present invention. Alternatively, an option menu
circuit comprising individual electronic components (e.g., logic
gates, resistors, capacitors, etc.) or a combination of non-OSD ICs
(e.g., a processor IC, a programmable logic controller IC, etc.)
configured to produce the same output as OSD ICs 350-357 may be
used to generate the option menu and cursor video displays.
[0064] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each
individual OSD IC is capable of producing eight (8) background
colors, eight (8) foreground colors, and a video display having a
maximum of fifteen (15) rows by thirty (30) columns of characters,
wherein each character comprises a 12 by 18 pixel matrix. However,
the present invention combines the video signals generated by
multiple OSD ICs to create a single option menu that is larger
(i.e., contains more characters) and/or contains more colors than
the display provided by an individual OSD IC. Preferably, OSD ICs
350-355 generate the non-cursor portion of the option menu in any
one of four (4) modes A-D, which are illustrated in FIG. 3. The
remaining two (2) OSD ICs 356-357 generate the cursor video display
used in conjunction with the option menu.
[0065] As depicted in the upper left hand corner of FIG. 3, when
the system of the present invention is indexed to Mode A, all six
(6) OSD ICs 350-355 supply video to the same portion A1 of a
fifteen (15) row by thirty (30) column video display. This
configuration allows the eight colors of each OSD IC 350-355 to be
combined to produce a maximum of two hundred sixty two thousand one
hundred forty four (262,144) colors. Each OSD IC is capable of
supplying two (2) different green signals, (2) different red
signals, and (2) different blue signals, wherein the difference in
the signals is a difference in the signal's color. Since the color
of each pixel is the combination of the colors of the red, blue,
and green signals that create the pixel, two (2) colors of red,
green, and blue allow 2.sup.3, or eight (8), color combinations
(i.e., pixel colors) to be created by an individual OSD IC.
Similarly, when each of the red, green, and blue signals of six OSD
ICs 350-355 are combined, 2.sup.6 (i.e., 64) colors of each of the
red, green, and blue signals may be created. Since each pixel is a
combination of any one of each of the sixty-four (64) red, green,
and blue signals, the total number of resulting pixel colors is
64.sup.3 (i.e., 262,144). Thus, in Mode A, the system of the
present invention uniquely combines the outputs of six standard OSD
ICs into one on-screen display with the ability to represent a
pixel in this display with any of 262,144 different color
values.
[0066] If the system is indexed to Mode B (see upper right-hand
corner of FIG. 3), the video output of three (3) OSD ICs 350, 352,
and 354 are combined to supply video to the left half (i.e.,
section B1) of a fifteen (15) row by sixty (60) column video
display. The video output of three (3) OSD ICs 351, 353, and 355
are combined to supply video to the right half of the screen (i.e.,
section B2). Combining three OSD ICs allows 2.sup.3, or eight (8),
colors for each of the red, green, and blue signals, resulting in
8.sup.3, or five hundred twelve (512), total pixel colors. Thus, in
Mode B, the system of the present invention again combines the
outputs of six standard OSD ICs into one on-screen display with the
ability to represent a pixel with any of 512 different color
values. Further, in Mode B, the system of the present invention
allows for a larger on-screen menu (15 row by 60 column display)
than is possible with systems that only use one OSD IC or for a
display with more characters than was previously possible.
[0067] Alternatively, if the system is indexed to Mode C (see lower
left-hand corner of FIG. 3), each of the six (6) OSD ICs 350-355
supplies its own portion of a thirty (30) row by eighty (80) column
video display. The video output of OSD IC 350 is displayed in
section C1. Similarly, the video outputs of each one of OSD ICs
351-355 is displayed in one of the sections C2-C6. Importantly,
this configuration of OSD ICs 350-355 is capable of producing a
thirty (30) row by ninety (90) column video display, thus allowing
for an on-screen display on monitors that are larger than standard
size. Of course, the size of the video display in sections C3 and
C6 can be cut or cropped in order to be compatible with various
sized monitors.
[0068] If the system is indexed to the Mode D, as depicted in the
lower right-hand portion of FIG. 3, only the four (4) OSD ICs
350-353 are required, and each of OSD ICs 350-353 supplies its own
portion of a twenty-two (22) row by sixty (60) column video
display. The vide output of each one of OSD ICs 350-353 is
displayed in one of each of the sections D1-D4. Similar to that
described above for Mode C, the configuration of OSD ICs 350-353 in
Mode D is capable of producing a thirty (30) row by sixty (60)
column video display. Again, this size can be cropped to fit
certain size monitors.
[0069] Mode D also represents an alternate embodiment of the
present invention in which only four (4) total OSD ICs 350-353 are
used to create the option menu (i.e., OSD ICs 354 and 355 are
eliminated). While such an embodiment may be produced at a lower
cost than the disclosed preferred embodiment, Modes A-C would not
be available.
[0070] Preferably, OSD ICs 356 and 357 are used in each of Modes
A-D to generate the cursor portion of the option menu video
display. OSD IC 356 generates the video signals that represent the
outline of the cursor, while OSD IC 357 generates the video signals
that represent the body of the cursor. The present invention allows
the cursor video image to be programmed as any one of eight (8)
different fonts.
[0071] Referring back to FIG. 2B, preferably, each of OSD ICs
350-357 operate in conjunction with system level IC 358, PLL 360,
clock buffer 362, and D/A converter 364. PLL 360 is a phase-locked
loop ("PLL") (i.e., an electronic circuit that controls an
oscillator) that drives clock buffer 362 via connection 394 based
upon a system level IC 358-generated option menu horizontal
synchronization signal input to PLL 360 via connection 390.
Alternatively, PLL 360 may be supplied a 14.318 MHz crystal
oscillator via connection 399 in lieu of the option menu's
horizontal synchronization signal. Clock buffer 362 supplies a
pixel clock signal to OSD ICs 350-357 and system level IC 358 via
connection 396. In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the clock buffer is implemented with an external PLL,
specifically AMI Semiconductor's Programmable Line Lock Clock
Generator FS6131, which is controlled by system level IC 358 via
12C bus 392. However, the clock buffer may be implemented in any
one of the various methods known in the art. For example, one such
method utilizes a clock buffer IC that includes an integrated
PLL.
[0072] Furthermore, according to the preferred embodiment, system
level IC 358 is an Atmel AT94K series system level IC that includes
an 8-bit microcontroller (i.e., a single IC that contains a
processor, RAM, ROM, clock, and input/output control unit), Field
Programmable Gate Array ("FPGA") (i.e., a programmable logic
controller having a high density of gates), Static RAM ("SRAM"),
and a JTAG in-circuit emulator. This IC is preferably driven by a 4
MHz clock signal via connection 376, although clock signals having
other frequencies may also be employed. Also, system level IC 358
may be implemented as a plurality of individual electronic
components (e.g., logic gates, resistors, capacitors, etc.) or a
combination of non-system level ICs (e.g., a processor IC, a
programmable logic controller IC, an emulator IC, etc.) without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0073] To facilitate manufacturing of the computer management
system, option menu circuit 318, and all of its components (e.g.,
OSD ICs 350-357, system level IC 358, PLL 360, clock buffer 362,
and D/A converter 364) may be implemented on a daughter board
(i.e., a printed circuit board that plugs into another printed
circuit board to augment its capabilities). This daughter board
then plugs into the main UST circuit board, a block diagram of
which is illustrated in FIG. 2A, via connector 366. This feature
allows the object of the present invention (i.e., an option menu
that is larger, contains more colors, and/or more characters) to be
easily implemented as an option to a standard computer management
system.
[0074] UST CPU 308 controls system level IC 358 via remote control
interface ("RCI") 378, which uses a 16-bit address, an 8-bit data
access, and a busy module. That is, UST CPU 308 sends instructions
to system level IC 358 via RCI 378. UST CPU 308 may command system
level IC 358 to perform many actions via RCI 378 such as
enabling/disabling the cursor, changing the cursor font, changing
the cursor color, debugging the cursor, displaying the video
outputs of all six (6) OSD ICs 350-357 on a single monitor,
displaying the video output of a single OSD IC on a monitor,
changing the video to any one of modes A-D as discussed above,
debugging the option menu video display, displaying the built-in
OSD IC patterns (i.e., 12.times.18 pixel matrix characters and
symbols that are pre-programmed in the OSD IC's read only memory
("ROM")), debugging the pixel clock stability and position,
enabling/disabling the option menu, changing the vertical size of
individual option menu characters, indexing the display to a single
color or a combination of red, green, and blue, etc.
[0075] System level IC 358 controls OSD ICs 350-357 via 12C bus 398
(i.e., a bi-directional, two wire, serial bus that provides a
communication link between ICs). System level IC 358 also provides
independent horizontal and vertical synchronization signals to OSD
ICs 350-355 and OSD ICs 356-357 via connections 372 and 374,
respectively. The provided synchronization signals are created
based upon the adjustable gain control circuit horizontal and
synchronization signals that are transmitted to system level IC 358
via connector 366 and connections 380 and 382, respectively. These
signals synchronize the horizontal and vertical scans of the video
signals to determine the start of each horizontal and vertical
line.
[0076] System level IC 358 thus ensures that the OSD ICs 350-355
remain synchronized in creating the video to be displayed to the
user as the option menu. System level IC 358 also combines the RGB
output data received on line 370 to create the option menu output
for the user. Specifically, if the system is in Mode A, then each
OSD IC 350-355 contributes data for every pixel to be displayed
thus increasing the color depth of the on-screen menu (e.g., to
allow a list of connected computers to be color-coded). The system
level IC 358 concatenates this data to be displayed to the user.
Thus, Mode A allows for a greater number of colors or characters to
be displayed than is standardly available with systems that utilize
only one OSD IC.
[0077] If the system is in Mode B, each of the OSD ICs 350-355
contributes data for half of the pixels that comprise the
on-screen. In Modes C and D, the outputs of each individual OSD IC
provide a separate portion of the option menu thus allowing for
display on a larger screen, or for a display with more characters.
In these modes, the outputs are not combined to increase color
depth, but instead to increase the size of the option menu. Again,
system level IC 358 receives the data from each OSD IC 350-355 and
creates the on-screen menu.
[0078] The cursor horizontal and vertical synchronization signals
are supplied by system level IC 358 independent of the option menu
horizontal and vertical synchronization signals to allow them to be
shifted, which causes the cursor to appear as if it is moving in
relation to the system user's movement of the cursor control
device. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a
different type of OSD IC may be incorporated that accepts a single
composite horizontal and vertical synchronization signal in lieu of
two, independent synchronization signals. After OSD ICs 350-357
generate the red, green, and blue video signals, system level IC
358 receives independent red, green, and blue video signals from
each OSD IC 350-357 via connections 368 and 370. That is, system
level IC 358 receives eighteen (18) different red, green, and blue
video signals (i.e., one red, green, and blue signal from each of
the six (6) OSD ICs 350-357). System level IC 358 processes these
inputs and creates one combined red, green, and blue video signal,
which is transmitted to D/A converter 364. The analog video signals
are then transmitted to video switch 314 (FIG. 2A) via connection
388 and connector 366. Also, the combined (i.e., option menu and
cursor) horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are
transmitted to the main circuit board via connections 384 and 386,
respectively, via connector 366. Thereafter, video switch 314 (FIG.
2A) transmits either the option menu video signals or the connected
computer's video signals to video monitor 104 via video monitor
port 312 (FIG. 2A).
[0079] As discussed earlier, the connected computers video is first
tuned by tuning circuit 304. As shown in FIG. 2C, tuning circuit
304 preferably comprises red variable gain amplifier 610a, green
variable gain amplifier 610b, blue variable gain amplifier 610c,
red frequency compensation amplifier 612a, green frequency
compensation amplifier 612b, blue frequency compensation amplifier
612c, slow peak detector 614, voltage source 616, comparator 618,
slow peak detector 624, voltage source 626, comparator 628, video
switch 630, fast peak detector 632, and comparator 634.
[0080] During system operation, the video signals generated at
connected computer 118 are transmitted via communication link 120
to CIM 116 (FIG. 1). Thereafter, the video signals are transmitted
from CIM 116 to MSU 112 via communication link 114 (FIG. 1). Even
at this point in the transmission of the video signals, the
amplitudes of the transmitted video signals may be significantly
reduced and the frequencies of the video signals may be attenuated.
Subsequently, the video signals are further transmitted from MSU
112 to UST 108 via communication link 110, wherein the video
signals can experience further degradation. Therefore, tuning
circuit 304 is implemented to automatically tune the received video
signals to achieve the desired amplitude and frequency
characteristics.
[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal synchronization
signal is encoded on and transmitted with the green video signal,
and the vertical synchronization signal is encoded on and
transmitted with the blue video signal utilizing techniques known
in the art. However, the horizontal and vertical synchronization
signals may be encoded on and transmitted with any one of the red,
green, or blue video signals. It is preferable that the horizontal
and vertical synchronization signals are encoded as negative
pulses, since the video signals (i.e., red, green, and blue) are
typically positive pulses. This allows the system of the present
invention to easily extract the sync signals.
[0082] The components of tuning circuit 304 combine to create three
dedicated signal tuning circuits (i.e., one for each of the red,
blue, and green video color signals), gain amplification adjustment
circuit 615, frequency compensation amplification adjustment
circuit 635, and additional filtering enablement circuit 625:
[0083] In operation, the red component of the video signal is
initially transmitted to red variable gain amplifier 610a and red
frequency compensation amplifier 612a. Preferably, red variable
gain amplifier 610a adjusts the amplitude of the red component of
the video signals based upon the output of gain amplification
adjustment circuit 615. Concurrently, red frequency compensation
amplifier 612a adjusts the frequency of the red component of the
video signals based upon the output of frequency compensation
amplification adjustment circuit 635. The outputs of red variable
gain amplifier 610a and red frequency compensation amplifier 612a
are electrically combined and transmitted via wire 622 to video
switch 314 (FIG. 2A).
[0084] The green component of the video signal, including the
encoded horizontal synchronization signal, is transmitted to green
variable gain amplifier 610b and green frequency compensation
amplifier 612b. The two outputs are then electrically combined and
transmitted to gain amplification adjustment circuit 615 and
frequency compensation amplification adjustment circuit 635. Gain
amplification circuit 615 comprises slow peak detector 614, which
receives the electrically combined outputs of green variable gain
amplifier 610b and green frequency compensation amplifier 612b.
Slow peak detector 614 detects the amplitude of the horizontal
synchronization signal, which is encoded on the green component of
the video signals, and transmits a signal representing this
amplitude to comparator 618 and comparator 634. Comparator 618 then
compares the signal received from slow peak detector 614 to a
constant reference voltage supplied by voltage source 616. The
signal supplied by voltage source 616 represents the desired
amplitude for the horizontal synchronization signal. Next,
comparator 618 transmits a signal to red variable gain amplifier
610a, green variable gain amplifier 610b, and blue variable gain
amplifier 610c to adjust the level of amplification of the red,
green, and blue components of the video signals until the desired
amplitude is achieved.
[0085] Similarly, green frequency compensation amplifier 612b
adjusts the level of amplification of the frequency of the
horizontal synchronization signal based upon the output of
frequency compensation amplification adjustment circuit 635.
Frequency compensation amplification adjustment circuit 635
comprises fast peak detector 632 that also receives the
electrically combined outputs of green variable gain amplifier 610b
and green frequency compensation amplifier 612b. Fast peak detector
632 detects the rising edge of the horizontal synchronization
signal and transmits a signal representing this rising edge to
comparator 634. Then, comparator 634 compares the signal received
from fast peak detector 632 to the output of slow peak detector 614
to compare the amplitude of the rising edge of the horizontal
synchronization signal pulse to the amplitude of the horizontal
synchronization signal pulse itself. Next, comparator 634 sends a
signal that is fed to red frequency compensation amplifier 612a,
green frequency compensation amplifier 612b, and blue frequency
compensation amplifier 612c to adjust the level of amplification of
the red, green, and blue components of the video signals until the
desired frequency is achieved. Optionally, a system administrator
may manually adjust (e.g., using the option menu discussed above or
controls located on the exterior of the UST) the signal transmitted
by comparator 634, whereupon this adjustment is input to tuning
circuit 304 via manual input 633. Such a feature would allow the
system user to manually "weak" the gain of the video signals until
a desired video output is achieved.
[0086] The blue component of the video signals, along with the
encoded vertical synchronization signal, is initially transmitted
to blue variable gain amplifier 610c, blue frequency compensation
amplifier 612c, and filtering enablement circuit 625, which is
employed to increase the range of red frequency compensation
amplifier 612a, green frequency compensation amplifier 612b, and
blue frequency compensation amplifier 612c when the video signals
have been transmitted over approximately four hundred fifty (450)
feet. The vertical synchronization signal, which is encoded on the
blue component of the video signals as a precise square wave signal
of known duration and amplitude, is used as a precise reference
point for filtering enablement circuit 625. The blue component of
the video signals and the encoded vertical synchronization signal
are received by slow peak detector 624, which detects the amplitude
of the vertical synchronization signal. Slow peak detector 624
transmits a signal representing the amplitude of the vertical
synchronization signal to comparator 628, which compares it to the
known amplitude of a similar signal transmitted for four hundred
fifty (450) feet. This known amplitude is represented by a constant
reference voltage applied to comparator 628 by voltage source 626.
If comparator 628 determines that the vertical synchronization
signal (and therefore all of the video signals) has been
transmitted over four hundred fifty (450) feet, a signal indicating
this is transmitted to video switch 630. Video switch 630 then
sends a signal to red frequency compensation amplifier 612a, green
frequency compensation amplifier 612b, and blue frequency
compensation amplifier 612c to increase the range of each frequency
compensation amplifier 612a, 612b, and 612c.
[0087] Subsequent to the amplification by gain amplification
adjustment circuit 615 and the frequency compensation by frequency
compensation amplification adjustment circuit 635, the tuned red,
green, and blue components of the video signals are transmitted to
video switch 314 (FIG. 2A). Thereafter, video switch 314 determines
whether to transmit the video signals received from tuning circuit
304 (i.e., the video signals received from one of the connected
computers 118) or the video signals received from option menu
circuit 318 to video amplifier 316. Finally, the amplified video
signals are transmitted via video monitor port 312 for display on
video monitor 104.
[0088] Turning next to FIG. 4, depicted is a schematic
representation of the preferred embodiment of MSU 112, according to
the invention, which enables multiple users to access and operate a
plurality of connected computers. Access by a user to one of the
connected computers from a local user workstation is performed
completely via one or more MSUs 112, independent of any network
that may couple the connected computers to each other such as a
Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, etc. In other words, the
computer management system of the present invention preferably does
not utilize an existing computer network to allow a local user
workstation to control the connected computers. Rather, it is
preferred that all physical connections between the local user
workstation and the connected computers occur through one or more
MSUs 112.
[0089] In the preferred embodiment, MSU 112 comprises a plurality
of CIM ports 202 that are preferably RJ-45 sockets, which allow
each CIM 116 to be connected to MSU 112 via an independent
communication link 114 (FIG. 1). The unidirectionally transmitted
(i.e., from the connected computer to the user workstation only)
video signals are received at the MSU 112 through CIM ports 202
onto video bus 222, whereupon they are transmitted to video
differential switch 206. Video differential switch 206 is capable
of transmitting any video signals received from video bus 222 to
any UST port 216. The transmitted video signals are then
transmitted via independent communication link 110 to attached UST
108 (FIG. 1).
[0090] In addition to transmitting the unidirectional video
signals, MSU 112 bi-directionally transmits keyboard and cursor
control device signals between USTs 108 and CIMs 116 (FIG. 1). When
transmitting the signals from one CIM 116 to one UST 108, these
signals are received through CIM ports 202 on peripheral bus 220,
whereupon they are transmitted to peripheral switch 214.
Thereafter, peripheral switch 214 transmits these signals to the
appropriate CIM universal asynchronous receiver transmitter
("UART") 241, which de-serializes the signals (i.e., converts the
signals from a serial format to a format that is compatible with
the MSU 112, e.g., parallel format) and transmits them to MSU
central processing unit ("CPU") 212. MSU CPU 212 analyzes the
received signals and generates a new data packet based upon command
information contained within the received signals. The new data
packet is transmitted to the appropriate UST UART 230. UST UART 230
then serializes the signals and transmits them to the appropriate
UST port 216 for transmission via independent communication link
110 to the appropriate UST 108 (FIG. 1).
[0091] Conversely, MSU 112 also transmits keyboard and cursor
control device signals received at one UST 108 to one CIM 116
connected to a connected computer 118 (FIG. 1). The keyboard and
cursor control device signals are received at UST 108 and
transmitted via communication link 110 to the respective UST port
216 located at MSU 112. Thereafter, these signals are transmitted
to UST UART 230, which de-serializes the signals and transmits them
to MSU CPU 212. MSU CPU 212 interprets the information contained in
the data packets of the received signals to create new signals,
which also represent newly generated data packets. These new
signals are then transmitted to the CIM UART 241 that is associated
with the desired connected computer 118. CIM UART 241 serializes
the signals and transmits them to peripheral switch 214, which
transmits the signals to the desired CIM port 202 via peripheral
bus 220. Subsequently, the keyboard and cursor control device
signals are transmitted via communication link 114 to the
appropriate CIM 116, which is connected to the desired connected
computer 118 (FIG. 1).
[0092] Turning next to FIG. 5, shown is a schematic diagram of CIM
116. Preferably, each CIM 116 is compatible with all present day
computer systems including, but not limited to, those manufactured
by Microsoft (Windows), Apple (Macintosh), Sun (Unix), DEC, Compaq
(Alpha), IBM (RS/6000), HP (HP9000) and SGI (IRIX). However, it is
foreseeable that the technology of the present invention will also
be compatible with those computer systems not yet contemplated.
[0093] CIM 116 connects video port 412, keyboard port 414 and
cursor control device port 416 of connected computer 118 with MSU
112 via CAT 5 communication link 120 and port 400. Video signals
are transmitted through CIM 116 unidirectionally from connected
computer 118 to MSU 112. However, as discussed previously, keyboard
and cursor control device signals may be transmitted
bi-directionally between connected computer 118 and MSU 112.
[0094] During operation, video signals are transmitted from video
port 412 of connected computer 118 to port 400 of CIM 116 via
communication link 120. From port 400, the unidirectional video
signals are transmitted to video driver 404, which converts the
standard red, green and blue video signals to a differential signal
for transmission through port 402 to MSU 112 via communication link
114. Each color signal is transmitted via its own twisted pair of
wires contained within communication link 114 (when transmitted
from CIM 116 to MSU 112) or communication link 110 (when
transmitted from MSU 112 to UST 108) (FIG. 1). Furthermore, video
driver 404 appends the horizontal and vertical synchronization
signals to one of the red, green or blue video signals to allow all
five components of the video signals to be transmitted via only
three twisted pair of wires of communication links 110 and 114.
That is, preferably, the horizontal and vertical synchronization
signals are each transmitted on its own color signal--not the same
color signal.
[0095] In contrast, keyboard and cursor control device signals
generated at connected computer 118 are received by CIM CPU 406
from keyboard port 414 and cursor control device port 416,
respectively, via communication link 120 and port 400. CIM CPU 406
generates data packets representing the keyboard and cursor control
device information in the received signals. The newly generated
data packets are transmitted to UART 408, which serializes the
signals and transmits them via communication link 114 to MSU 112
through port 402.
[0096] Conversely, keyboard and cursor control device signals
received from the local user workstation through MSU 112 and
communication link 114 (FIG. 1) are received at port 402.
Thereafter, UART 408 de-serializes the received data packet signals
and transmits them to CIM CPU 406. Alternatively, the received data
packet signals may be de-serializes by a non-UART device. CIM CPU
406 uses the information contained in the data packet signals to
emulate keyboard and cursor control device signals. These emulated
signals are applied to keyboard port 414 and cursor control device
port 416 through port 400 via communication link 120.
[0097] Furthermore, CIM 116 contains memory unit 410, which stores
the address and status of connected computer 118. Thus, if a
specific connected computer 118 is not functioning properly, it is
easy to assess which connected computer 118 has malfunctioned. In
addition, the device address facilitates proper transmitting of the
keyboard and cursor control device signals since the device address
is included in the data packets generated by CIM CPU 406 and is
therefore transmitted with these signals. Additionally, memory unit
410 allows a connected computer 118 to be easily identified even if
it is relocated and connected to a new CIM 116. Therefore, the
information contained in memory unit 410 maintains the modular
nature of the computer management system of the present
invention.
[0098] Preferably, connected computer 118 provides power to CIM
116, thereby eliminating the equipment, cabling and space required
for a dedicated CIM power source.
[0099] Referring next to FIG. 6, provided is an example of a data
packet used to transmit keyboard and cursor control device
information. In the example, protocol data packet 500 consists of
five bytes. First byte 502 comprises the instructional, or command,
data and data indicating the total length of data packet 500. That
is, the first half of first byte 502 contains the command data and
the second half of first byte 502 contains length data. The
subsequent four bytes 504a-d include the characters typed on
keyboard 102 and clicks performed with cursor control device 106
(FIG. 1).
[0100] It is well known in the art to transmit command and length
data in separate bytes. Therefore, utilizing conventional data
packet technology, the data packet of the present invention would
need to contain six bytes (i.e., one byte for command data, one
byte for length data and four bytes for system data). In contrast,
the preferred embodiment of the present invention minimizes the
size of the data packet by combining the command and length data
into one byte, thereby allowing four bytes of system data to be
transmitted in a five-byte data packet. Consequently, signal
transmission in the intelligent, modular server management system
of the present invention is more efficient, allowing a single CAT 5
cable to be used for transmission of keyboard, cursor control
device and video signals.
[0101] Referring next to FIG. 7, disclosed is an alternate
embodiment of the intelligent, modular computer management system
of the present invention in which the system is expanded to include
two (2) MSUs 112, each having eight (8) inputs and thirty-two (32)
outputs. This configuration allows sixteen (16) USTs 108 to access
and operate thirty-two (32) connected computers 118. In this
alternate embodiment, each UST 108 may be linked to either first
MSU 650 or second MSU 651 via communication link 110. All signals
received at UST 108 are transmitted via its connected MSU (i.e.,
either first MS U 650 or second MS U 651) to CIM 116 that is
connected to the desired connected computer 118. In this alternate
embodiment, CIM 116 provides connectors for two (2) communication
links 114 to allow it to connect to both first MSU 650 and second
MSU 651. Thus, CIM 116 allows sixteen (16) user workstations 100 to
operate thirty-two (32) connected computers 118. Importantly, the
option menu of the present invention may be easily incorporated
into each UST in this alternate embodiment. Therefore, even in this
expanded configuration, each system user may choose one of the four
modes A-D of operation for the option menu displayed on the user
workstation's monitor. In addition, this embodiment allows two (2)
user workstations 100 to simultaneously access and operate the same
connected computer 118. Alternatively, this embodiment allows a
first user workstation 100 to inform a second user workstation 100
that a connected computer 118 is in use and, therefore, access to
it is restricted.
[0102] Referring next to FIG. 8, disclosed is another alternate
embodiment of the intelligent, modular server system of the present
invention. The use of forty (40) total MSUs (i.e., eight (8) first
tier MSUs 702 and thirty-two (32) second tier MSUs 704), wherein
each first tier MSU 702 and second tier MSU 704 has eight (8)
inputs and thirty-two (32) outputs, allows sixty-four (64) user
workstations 100 to operate and access one thousand twenty four
(1,024) connected computers 118. In this alternate embodiment, each
UST 108 is directly linked to one of eight (8) first tier MSUs 702
via single CAT 5 cable 706. First tier MSU 702 transmits all
signals received from user workstation 100 via single CAT 5 cable
708 to second tier MSU 704 that is connected to the CIM 116
associated with the desired connected computer 118. Second tier MSU
704 then transmits the received signals to the respective CIM 116
via single CAT 5 cable 710, whereupon CIM 116 applies these signals
to the respective ports of connected computer 118. In this
embodiment, the second tier of MSUs 704 comprises thirty-two (32)
units. Each second tier MSU 704 is coupled to multiple CIMs 116,
which provide a direct connection to each of the one thousand
twenty four (1,024) potential connected computers 118 via single
CAT 5 cables 710. Importantly, the option menu of the present
invention may also be easily incorporated into each UST in this
alternate embodiment. Therefore, even in this expanded
configuration, each system user may choose one of the four modes of
operation for the option menu displayed on the user workstation's
monitor.
[0103] Although FIG. 8 depicts the configuration used to access and
control one thousand twenty four (1,024) connected computers 118
from sixty-four (64) user workstations 100, many other system
configurations are available to allow a greater number of user
workstations 100 to be connected to a greater number of connected
computers 118. For example, the number of MSU tiers may be
increased, or, alternatively, hubs may be incorporated. Also, each
MSU may be designed to comprise more than eight (8) inputs and more
than thirty-two (32) outputs to further increase the system
capacity. Furthermore, the option menu may be used with any
configuration of the computer management system of the present
invention.
[0104] Because the option menu allows for more colors, and
characters, more information about the available connected
computers can be displayed to a user. Further, because the option
menu can be displayed on a larger screen, the user can view more of
the available network at one time. Therefore, the present invention
allows for a more efficient and user friendly way of managing a
large computer network.
[0105] Turning next to FIG. 9, depicted is an alternate embodiment
of the computer management system of the present invention.
Specifically, single unit computer management system 800 is shown
connected to keyboards 802, cursor control devices 804, and video
monitors 806 via keyboard ports 808, cursor control device ports
810, and video monitor ports 812, respectively, utilizing industry
standard cabling or wireless connections. Also, the keyboard,
cursor control device, and video monitor ports of connected
computers 814 are connected to computer ports 816 on single unit
computer management system 800 via communication links 818.
[0106] Each CPU 822 receives keyboard and cursor control device
signals from its respective computer port 816 via the respective
communication link 830 and converts them to a digital format. After
these signals have been digitized, they are transmitted to
switching device 824. In contrast, video signals transmitted to
computer port 816 by connected computer 814 bypass CPU 822 and are
transmitted directly to central switching device 824 via
communication link 832.
[0107] Switching device 824, based upon instructions received from
switch CPU 826, transmits the keyboard and cursor control device
signals to the intended keyboard 802 and cursor control device 804
via keyboard port 808 and cursor control device port 810,
respectively. In contrast, switching device 824 transmits the video
signals to video switch 828. Then, based upon the instructions
provided by switch CPU 826, video switch 828 supplies either the
video signals received from connected computer 814 or the video
signals generated by option menu circuit 820 to video monitor 806
via video monitor port 812. When the option menu is displayed,
video switch 828 replaces a portion of the video display that is
received from connected computer 814 through switching device 824
with the option menu video display generated by option menu circuit
820.
[0108] Keyboard and cursor control device signals are also routed
from keyboard 802 and cursor control device 804 through keyboard
port 808 and cursor control device port 810, respectively, to
computer CPU 822 via switching device 824. CPU 822 then emulates
keyboard and mouse signals to the selected connected computer 814
via port 816. In contrast, video signals are transmitted only from
connected computer 814 to video monitor 806 only.
[0109] Single unit computer management system 800 incorporates
option menu circuit 820, which comprises the same electrical
components and configuration as option menu circuit 318 (FIGS. 2A
and 2C). Option menu circuit 820 enables a user to select any one
of the connected computers 814 from an option menu displayed on
video monitor 806. For example, if a user wishes to connect to a
specific connected computer 814, the user may first enter
preselected keyboard and/or cursor control device commands
utilizing keyboard 802 and/or cursor control device 804 to display
an option menu on video monitor 806. The option menu includes all
connected computers 814 connected to the computer management
system. By utilizing keyboard 802 and cursor control device 804,
the user selects the desired connected computer 814 from the option
menu. Thereafter, the option menu is no longer displayed and the
video signals generated by connected computer 814 are displayed on
video monitor 806. The user may then control connected computer 814
using keyboard 802 and cursor control device 804 as if they are
directly connected to connected computer 814.
[0110] In addition to selecting one of the connected computers 814,
the option menu is also used to perform administrative functions
such as system programming, tuning the received video signals,
obtaining single unit computer management system diagnostics, etc.
Furthermore, multiple security features such as passwords, system
user histories, etc. may be implemented and accessed via the option
menu. The use of the option menu of the present invention allows
single unit computer management system 800 to display a larger
option menu and/or an option menu having more characters or more
colors to achieve the benefits discussed above with respect to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0111] While the present invention has been described with
reference to the preferred embodiments and several alternative
embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable
detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the
invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not
intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of
all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention,
therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims.
Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that
numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from
the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be
appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied
in other forms without departing from its essential
characteristics.
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