U.S. patent application number 13/151104 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-24 for television with integrated asynchronous/synchronous kvmp signal switch for console and peripheral devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to ATEN TECHNOLOGY, INC.. Invention is credited to Victor C. Wang, Sampson Shih Shien Yang, JOSEPH ZHANG.
Application Number | 20110289244 13/151104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38668462 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110289244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZHANG; JOSEPH ; et
al. |
November 24, 2011 |
TELEVISION WITH INTEGRATED ASYNCHRONOUS/SYNCHRONOUS KVMP SIGNAL
SWITCH FOR CONSOLE AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES
Abstract
A television with integrated signal switch (100) for sharing a
television screen (14), a plurality of console devices compliant
with an industry standard (16, 18) and at least one peripheral
devices (20) with any computer system in a plurality of computer
systems (12), is provided comprising a CPU (30); a hub switch
module (32) connected to the CPU (30) and configured to communicate
with any of the plurality of computer systems (12), and the at
least one peripheral devices (20); a device control module (38) for
emulating, according to the industry standard, the plurality of
console devices, connected to the CPU (30) and the hub switch (32);
a host control module (44) connected to the CPU (30) and configured
to communicate with the plurality of console devices (16, 18); and
a video control module (50) connected to the CPU (30) and
configured to communicate with the television screen (14).
Inventors: |
ZHANG; JOSEPH; (Chino Hills,
CA) ; Wang; Victor C.; (Chino Hills, CA) ;
Yang; Sampson Shih Shien; (Irvine, CA) |
Assignee: |
ATEN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
38668462 |
Appl. No.: |
13/151104 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12398943 |
Mar 5, 2009 |
7970967 |
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13151104 |
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11956226 |
Dec 13, 2007 |
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12398943 |
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11414638 |
Apr 27, 2006 |
7330919 |
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11956226 |
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10065375 |
Oct 10, 2002 |
6957287 |
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11414638 |
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60338071 |
Nov 9, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
710/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 5/006 20130101;
H04N 21/4104 20130101; G09G 5/003 20130101; G09G 2370/24 20130101;
H04N 21/4113 20130101; H04N 21/4122 20130101; G06F 3/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
710/72 |
International
Class: |
G06F 13/38 20060101
G06F013/38 |
Claims
1. A television for sharing a television screen, a plurality of
console devices compliant with an industry standard, and at least
one peripheral device, with any computer in a plurality of computer
systems, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU); a hub switch
module coupled to the CPU and configured to communicate with any
computer system in the plurality of computer systems and the at
least one peripheral device for coupling the at least one
peripheral device and any computer system in the plurality of
computer systems; a host control module coupled to the CPU and
configured to communicate with the plurality of console devices;
and a video control module coupled to the CPU and configured to
communicate with the television screen.
2. The television of claim 1, wherein the CPU comprising a first
memory for storing a management program for managing the television
with integrated signal switch.
3. The television of claim 1, wherein the television further
comprises an audio circuit and an audio switch coupled to the CPU
and configured to communicate with at least one computer system in
the plurality of computer systems to selectively receive and route
audio signals between the at least one computer system and the
audio circuit.
4. The television of claim 1, wherein the video control module is
coupled to the plurality of computer systems and configured to
cause the television screen to display, in a first frame, content
received from a first computer system in the plurality of computer
systems, and, in a second frame, content received from a second
computer system in the plurality of computer systems.
5. The television of claim 1, wherein the video control module is
coupled to the plurality of computer systems and configured to
cause the television screen to display, in a first frame, content
received from a first computer system in the plurality of computer
systems, and, in a second frame, content received from another
source.
6. The television of claim 1, wherein a first console devices is
coupled to the host control module, the at least one peripheral
device is coupled to a first computer system in the plurality of
computer systems, and the first console device is switchable
between the first computer system and a second computer system in
the plurality of computer systems without interrupting the coupling
of the at least one peripheral device to the first computer
system.
7. The television of claim 1, further comprising a device control
module coupled to the CPU and the hub switch module for emulating,
according to the industry standard, the plurality of console
devices.
8. The television of claim 1, further comprising an On Screen
Display (OSD) control device coupled to the CPU and the video
control module.
9. The television of claim 1, wherein the host control module
comprises a root hub.
10. A method for creating a device for sharing a display, a
plurality of console devices compliant with an industry standard
and at least one peripheral device with any of a plurality of
computer systems, comprising: providing a television comprising a
television screen; and, integrating a video switch with the
television, the video switch comprising: a central processing unit
(CPU); a hub switch module coupled to the CPU and configured to
communicate with any computer system in the plurality of computer
systems and the at least one peripheral device for coupling the at
least one peripheral device and any computer system in the
plurality of computer systems; a host control module coupled to the
CPU and configured to communicate with the plurality of console
devices; and a video control module coupled to the CPU and
configured to communicate with the television screen.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the CPU comprising a first
memory for storing a management program for managing the television
with integrated signal switch.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the video control module is
coupled to the plurality of computer systems and configured to
cause the television screen to display, in a first frame, content
received from a first computer system in the plurality of computer
systems, and, in a second frame, content received from a second
computer system in the plurality of computer systems.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the video control module is
coupled to the plurality of computer systems and configured to
cause the television screen to display, in a first frame, content
received from a first computer system in the plurality of computer
systems, and, in a second frame, content received from another
source.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein a first console devices is
coupled to the host control module, the at least one peripheral
device is coupled to a first computer system in the plurality of
computer systems, and the first console device is switchable
between the first computer system and a second computer system in
the plurality of computer systems without interrupting the coupling
of the at least one peripheral device to the first computer
system.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising a device control
module coupled to the CPU and the hub switch module for emulating,
according to the industry standard, the plurality of console
devices.
16. The method of claim 10, further comprises an On Screen Display
(OSD) control device coupled to the CPU and the video control
module.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the host control module
comprises a root hub.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Claim of Priority
[0001] The present application is a continuation of application
Ser. No. 11/956,226, filed on Dec. 13, 2007, which is continuation
of application Ser. No. 11/414,638, filed on Apr. 27, 2006, now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,330,919, which is a continuation of application
Ser. No. 10/065,375, filed Oct. 10, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,957,287, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to
Provisional Application No. 60/338,071, filed Nov. 9, 2001, the
contents of all four of which are expressly incorporated herein by
referenced as though fully set forth in full.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to media television
display devices with enhanced connectivity functionality, and more
particularly, to a television with integrated signal switch for
console and peripheral devices.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] A single user or multi-user Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM)
switch system is a signal switch that allows a single user or
multiple users, respectively, to share just a single keyboard,
video device and mouse, or multiple sets of keyboards, video
devices and mice (collectively referred to herein as "console
devices"). In addition, if a peripheral device such as a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) printer is connected to the switch, the peripheral
device can be shared as well.
[0006] USB is a standard communications architecture and protocol
that gives a computer the ability to connect to a variety of
devices using a simple cable. USB utilizes a serial connection
link
[0007] The most current source providing information concerning the
USB standard is maintained at the following site on the World Wide
Web: http://www.usb.org. Available at that source is the USB
Specification, the Device Class Definition for a class of devices
referred to as Human Interface Devices (HID), and the USB HID Usage
Supplement. The HID class consists primarily of devices that are
used to control the operation of computer systems. Typical examples
of HID class devices include: keyboards and cursor control (e.g.,
pointing) devices--for example, the standard mouse devices,
standard and multimedia keyboards, trackballs, and joysticks;
front-panel controls--for example, knobs, switches, buttons, and
sliders; controls that might be found on devices such as
telephones, video cassette recorders (VCRs), televisions, kitchen
and other appliances, and remote controls; games or simulation
devices--for example, data gloves, throttles, steering wheels, and
rudder pedals; and devices that may not require human interaction
but provide data in a similar format to HID class devices--for
example, barcode readers, thermometers, or voltmeters.
[0008] A signal switch that is both a KVM and a USB peripheral
sharing switch allows all computers connected to the signal switch
to share any USB peripheral device coupled to the signal switch
without interruption of data flow to that peripheral device when
the signal switch is operated to change the coupling of the console
devices to different computers. This type of signal switch would
also allow the switching of KVM channels and peripheral channels to
a common computer or to different computers either asynchronously
or synchronously.
[0009] Currently, televisions may only receive and display video
input from one computer. Thus, the television may not access
multiple computers to obtain content, which limits the flexibility
of the configuration of the television setup. In addition, current
television displays do not allow a keyboard and mouse, or similar
input devices to be connected directly to the television--either
wirelessly or otherwise.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention provides an integrated solution for
media displays such as televisions to provide a variety of
functions, such as: (1) obtain and display content from multiple
computers; (2) operate as a computer display to allow a user to
perform "work-related" tasks such as typing documents or accessing
the Internet using picture-in-picture features in the television;
(3) access the Internet either by an Internet connection built into
the television or through one of the computer connected to it; (4)
obtain and display content from various devices that can be
connected to the television, such as "thumb" drives, portable hard
drives, or other storage devices with Universal Serial Bus (USB) or
Firewire connections; (5) record digital content delivered through
other such sources as the Internet on digital recording devices
connected directly to the television while simultaneously viewing
the digital content; and (6) obtain and display content from
networks such as a home-based broadband network.
[0011] The present invention also allows multiple user interface
control devices to be coupled to the television, such as one or
more keyboards, mice, remote controls, or other user interface
control devices (i.e., console devices), to allow a user to
communicate with a common computer at the same time. The inventive
television provides multiple peripheral channels so that a variety
of USB or Firewire peripherals, such as hubs, printers, scanners,
cameras, etc., can be connected the television.
[0012] The present invention also provides peripherals haring
functionality for the television that allows all computers
connected to the television to share any peripheral device that is
coupled to the television, and also allows the switching of one or
more peripheral channels to a common computer or to different
computers, without interruption of data flow to that peripheral
when the KVM channels are switched. In one preferred embodiment,
the peripheral channels may be synchronously or asynchronously
switched with the KVM channels.
[0013] The switching functionality is preferably provided in the
television by integrating a signal switch having KVM and peripheral
device switching capabilities into the television and coupling a
video output of a signal switch to one of the video input channels
inside the television, and an audio output of the signal switch to
one of the audio channels inside the television, and an audio
output of the signal switch to one of the audio channels inside the
television. Thus, a television with integrated signal switch is
disclosed that is capable of sharing the television, at least one
console device and at least one peripheral device with any of a
plurality of computer systems. The television with integrated
signal switch preferably includes switching circuitry having a
central processing unit (CPU) with a first memory for storing a
management program for managing the signal switch; a hub switch
module connected to the CPU and configured to communicate with any
of the plurality of computer systems and the at least one
peripheral device, such that a signal passing from the hub switch
module to the at least one peripheral device emulates signals
originating from a computer; a device control module for emulating
a television screen and a plurality of console devices, the device
control module connected to the CPU and the hub switch module; a
host control module connected to the CPU and configured to
communicate with the television screen. In another preferred
embodiment, part or all of the functionality described herein maybe
contained in one Application Specific Integrated Circuit
(ASIC).
[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the television with
integrated signal switch further includes an on-screen display
(OSD) control device connected to the CPU and the video control
module.
[0015] In yet another preferred embodiment, the host control module
of the television with integrated signal switch includes a root
hub, where the at least one peripheral device is USB compliant, and
the at least one console device complies with an industry standard
specification.
[0016] A method is also described for sharing a television screen,
at least one console device compliant with an industry standard and
at least one peripheral device, with any of a plurality of computer
systems through a television with integrated signal switch. The
preferred method including initializing the integrated signal
switch; emulating the at least one console device according to the
industry standard; enumerating a plurality of ports of a root hub,
the plurality of ports including downstream parts; determining
whether any downstream ports exist, and, if so, enumerating at
least one downstream port in the plurality of ports; determining
whether the at least one console device is connected to one of the
root hub and the at least one downstream port, and, if so, then
enumerating each connected console device; determining whether any
of the connected console devices is compliant with the industry
standard; enumerating each compliant connected console device and
parsing any data from such compliant connected console device; and
polling repeatedly to determine whether the connected console
device, the at least one peripheral device, or the at least one
downstream port, has been plugged or unplugged, and, if so,
resetting control.
[0017] In one preferred embodiment, a management program is used
for managing the integrated signal switch.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment, a television with
integrated signal switch is described for sharing at least one
console device and a plurality of peripheral devices with any of a
plurality of computer systems. The television with integrated
signal switch includes a first channel for connecting the at least
one console device to a first selected computer system from the
plurality of computer systems; a second channel connecting the
first selected computer system to a selected peripheral device from
the plurality of peripheral devices, the second channel having a
data flow between the first selected computer system and the
selected peripheral device; a third channel for connecting the at
least one console device to a second selected computer system from
the plurality of computer systems; and means for switching the at
least one console device between the first channel and the third
channel without interruption of the data flow through the second
channel between the first selected computer system and the selected
peripheral device.
[0019] Other objects, features and advantages will become apparent
to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF HE DRAWINGS
[0020] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a system diagram of one possible use of a
television with integrated signal switch configured in accordance
with one preferred embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a system diagram of another possible use of the
television with integrated signal switch;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a system diagram of another possible use of the
television with integrated signal switch;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the television with integrated
signal switch;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a process useable in a management
control program for the television with integrated signal switch;
and,
[0026] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer system that may be
used with the television with integrated signal switch.
[0027] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The present description is directed to a media display such
as a television with an integrated signal switch for sharing one or
more keyboards, mice and other such peripheral devices. In one
preferred embodiment, the television with integrated signal switch
is created by the integration of a single switch that is a
combination of a KeyboardVideo-Mouse (KVM) switch and a peripheral
device sharing switch into the television. The integrated signal
switch allows the computers connected to the television with
integrated signal switch to share the USB peripheral devices
connected to the integrated signal switch.
[0029] The integrated signal switch can either asynchronously or
synchronously switch KVM channels (i.e., data channels over which
KVM data are communicated) and peripheral device channels (i.e.,
data channels over which peripheral device data are communicated),
to a common computer or different computers. In other words, KVM
channels and peripheral device channels may be switched together
(synchronously) or separately (asynchronously).
[0030] In one preferred embodiment, the peripheral devices are
devices compliant with the USB standard, and the television with
integrated signal switch utilizes USB emulation programs to emulate
the HID (Human Interface Devices) specification. The USB emulation
enables the television with integrated signal switch to communicate
with the USB ports of the computers coupled to the television.
Also, through the use of USB host emulation programs, the
television is able to communicate with USB devices such as USB
keyboards, USB mice, and USB hubs. In other words, the use of
emulation allows the television with integrated signal switch to
appear as a computer to peripheral devices while appearing as
peripheral devices to computers coupled to the television with
integrated signal switch. It also enables the television with
integrated signal switch to communicate with USB devices or
computers simultaneously.
[0031] Although one preferred embodiment is described with
reference to the current USB HID specification, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art with reference to this disclosure that
the television with integrated signal switch may be implemented
with any specification for device interfacing.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates one of the many ways in which the present
invention may be used. In a simple configuration, a television with
an integrated signal switch 100 configured in accordance with one
preferred embodiment of the present invention permits a user to
control a plurality of computer systems 12 (represented by a first
computer 121 and second computer 122), and a plurality of USB
compatible peripherals 20 (represented by a first printer 22) with
a television screen 14, first keyboard 16, and a first mouse 18. In
this example, control of the peripheral, first printer 22, can be
maintained by first computer 121 even while television screen 14,
first keyboard 16 and first mouse 18 are used to operate second
computer 122. This is because television with integrated signal
switch 100 can switch between: (1) a first channel (e.g., a first
KVM channel) connecting television screen 14, first keyboard 16 and
first mouse 18 to first computer 121 and a third channel (e.g.,
another KVM channel) connecting television screen 14, first
keyboard 16 and first mouse 18 to second computer 122, while
maintaining a second channel (e.g., a peripheral channel)
connecting first computer 121 to first printer 22 such that a first
data flow between first computer 121 and first printer 22 is not
interrupted. In addition, a sound channel may be switched with the
KVM channels or independently.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 2, a more robust use of the present
invention is shown, permitting a user to control the plurality of
computer systems (represented by first computer 121, second
computer 122, a third computer 123, and a fourth computer 124), and
plurality of USB compatible peripherals 20 with television screen
14, first keyboard 16, and first mouse 18. Note that it is possible
to have a plurality of USB hubs 24 also connected to television
with integrated signal switch 100, which in turn can connect to
peripherals such as a scanner 241, or one or more downstream hubs
such as a downstream hub 242, which in turn may be connected to one
or more peripherals such as a second printer 2421. It thus can be
seen that a "tree" of hubs/peripherals can be connected to
television with integrated signal switch 100 and thus controlled
synchronously or asynchronously by one or more computers in
plurality of computer systems 12 under the management of television
screen 14, first keyboard 16, and first mouse 18.
[0034] For example, a first data flow between first computer 121
and first printer 22, a second data flow between third computer 123
and scanner 241, and a third data flow between fourth computer 124
and second printer 2421 all could be maintained without
interruption while keyboard 16 and mouse 18, and optionally
television screen 14, are switched among the computers in plurality
of computer systems 12.
[0035] Peripheral devices that can be connected with the present
invention include but are not limited to USB compliant devices such
as USB hubs, printers, scanners and cameras.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 3, in a still further use of the
present invention, by way of example it is possible to connect
multiple keyboard and mouse devices such as a second keyboard 161,
a third keyboard 162, a second mouse 181, a third mouse 182, a
first composite keyboard/mouse device 191 and a second composite
keyboard/mouse device 192 to television with integrated signal
switch 100. In one preferred embodiment, television 100 only has
two USB console ports, and, to connect more than two devices, one
or more downstream hubs must be connected, such as a first
downstream hub 171 and a second downstream hub 172, to which may be
connected one or more other keyboard, mouse or other console
devices.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 4, television with integrated signal
switch 100 includes a CPU 30 for managing the signal switching
functionality of television with integrated signal switch 100. A
USB hub switch module 32 is connected to CPU 30 and is configured
to communicate with the computers in plurality of computer systems
12 through a first plurality of input/output ports 34. An audio
switch 72 is also coupled to the computers in plurality of computer
systems 12 through plurality of input/output ports 34. As described
further below, audio switch 72 is coupled to the audio ports of the
computers in plurality of computer systems 12 to provide audio
switching capability to television with integrated signal switch
100. USB hub switch module 32 is also configured to communicate
with plurality of peripheral devices 20 through a second plurality
of output ports 36. In FIG. 4, four connections are shown between
first plurality of input/output ports 34 and USB hub switch module
32, and four connections are shown between first plurality of
input/output ports 34 and audio switch 72, but these are by way of
example only. The number of connections will equal the number of
computers in plurality of computer systems 12 with which the
television with integrated signal switch 100 is designed to
interoperate. Likewise, in FIG. 4, two connections are shown
between a second plurality of output ports 36 and USB hub switch
module 32, but this is also by way of example only. The number of
connections will equal the number of peripheral output ports with
which television with integrated signal switch 100 is designed to
interoperate.
[0038] Audio switch 72 is coupled to an audio circuit 74 of
television with integrated signal switch 100. Audio circuit 74
includes audio circuitry normally found on a television set, and
may include pre-amplifiers, switches, amplifiers, speakers and/or
microphones. Audio switch 72 is also coupled to and controlled by
CPU 30. Audio switch 72 provides the routing of the audio signals
received from the computers in plurality of computer systems 12 to
audio circuit 74 such that audio from any of the computers in
plurality of computer systems 12 may be coupled to audio circuit
74. For example, in one preferred embodiment, first computer 121
and second computer 122 contain each contains a computer sound card
that allows the computer to generate sound through a speaker
plugged into the sound card, or record sound through a microphone
plugged into the sound card. Instead of directly being coupled to a
speaker, the sound inputs/outputs of first computer 121 and second
computer 122 may be connected to television with integrated switch
100 through audio switch 72. Sound is then output and/or input to
first computer 121 and second computer 122 from any speakers and/or
microphones, respectively, coupled to television with integrated
switch 100. For example, audio switch 72 can be switched to couple
the sound output/input of first computer 121 to audio circuit 74.
In another example, audio switch 72 can also be switched to couple
the sound output/input of second computer 121 to audio circuit 74.
In yet another example, audio switch 72 can be switched to couple
the sound output of first computer 121 and the sound input of
second computer 122 to audio circuit 74.
[0039] USB hub switch module 32 is a bridge between plurality of
peripheral devices 20 and plurality of computer systems 12 and
allows television with integrated signal switch 100 to connect each
computer system of plurality of computer systems 12 to one or more
peripheral devices. In one preferred embodiment, USB hub switch
module 32 includes 4 USB hubs and matrix analog switches that are
controlled by firmware for CPU 30. As an example, Texas
Instruments.RTM. manufactures USB Hub chips that are suitable for
this module, and the module can be constructed using Application
Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) design methodology.
[0040] A USB device control module 38 for controlling signals is
connected to CPU 30 and USB HUB switch module 32. USB device
control module 38 comprises USB device emulation circuitry that is
used to emulate various console devices, such as first keyboard 16
and first mouse 18, for first plurality of input/output ports 34.
In other words, for example, by having USB device emulation
circuitry that emulates virtual console devices that are attached
to first computer 121, actual console devices (e.g., first keyboard
16 and first mouse 18) may be switched to second computer 122 or
other computers, leaving any channels between first computer 121
and peripherals connected. Thus, any data flow in such channels
remain uninterrupted, with first computer 121 still processing as
if the actual console devices, now emulated, were still connected.
The USB device emulation circuitry is controlled by the firmware
for CPU 30. In one preferred, embodiment, the USB device emulation
circuitry is in the form of a computer chip and one chip is used
for each computer in plurality of computer systems 12.
[0041] In FIG. 4, four connections are shown between USB device
control module 38 and USB hub switch module 32, but this is by way
of example only. The number of connections will equal the number of
computers in plurality of computer systems 12 with which television
with integrated signal switch 100 is designed to interoperate. In
one preferred embodiment, USB device control module 38 includes USB
device emulation circuitry for four (4) devices and the USB device
emulation circuitry is also controlled by the firmware for CPU 30.
As an example, Philips Semiconductors.RTM. makes chips suitable for
use in this module, and the module may also be constructed using
Application Specific Integrated. Circuit (ASIC) design
methodology.
[0042] In one preferred embodiment, CPU 30 comprises a first memory
40 for storing a management program 42 for managing the operation
of television with integrated signal switch 100. A flowchart of the
operation of a portion of management program 42 suitable for use in
television with integrated signal switch 100 is illustrated in FIG.
5 and described below.
[0043] A USB host control module 44 is configured to communicate
with a plurality of console devices and is connected to CPU 30. USB
host control module 44 itself comprises a root hub 46 for
communicating with one or more console devices or downstream hubs
through a third plurality of output ports 48. Root hub 46 is a USB
compatible hub.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, one or more downstream hubs may be
connected to television with integrated the signal switch 100, such
as first downstream hub 171 and second downstream hub 172,
communicating with root hub 46 through one of the ports in third
plurality of output ports 48. In one preferred embodiment, it is
possible to daisy chain up to 127 devices by adding additional
downstream hubs.
[0045] In one preferred embodiment, third plurality of output ports
48 comprise two physical ports. Optionally, in a different
preferred embodiment, an internal additional console USB hub (not
shown) may be connected to root hub 46 to increase the number of
third plurality of output ports 48 available for connecting console
devices. In addition, the firmware for CPU 30 has the ability to
handle hub functions.
[0046] A video/panel control device module 50 is connected to CPU
30 for communicating with a variety of optional panel display
devices 54 (shown in broken lines), such as light panels, LEDs,
buttons, video controller switches, or other optional panel
devices. If an on screen display ("OSD") function is provided, then
an optional OSD control device module 56 (shown in broken lines) is
connected to CPU 30 and video/panel control device module 50 for
controlling and adjusting signals to television screen 14 through a
fourth output port 52 coupled to television screen 14. In one
preferred embodiment, television with integrated signal switch 100
is capable of providing a picture in picture (PIP) display on
television screen 14. For example, the PIP display may be comprised
of a first frame displaying content received from a standard
television content source such as an antenna, Cable, or satellite
disk, and a second frame, superimposed on the first frame,
displaying content received from one of the computer systems of the
plurality of computer systems 12 through television with integrated
signal switch 100. The superimposition may be reversed, or the
frames may be displayed next to each other. In another example, the
frames may display content received from a different computer
systems. More than two frames may be displayed on television screen
14, each receiving and displaying content from a different source
(e.g., one of the computer systems of the plurality of computer
systems 12 and/or the standard television content source).
[0047] With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of a portion of a
management program 42 suitable for use in the present invention is
described as follows. In step 210, television with integrated
signal switch 100 is initialized. In step 212, root hub 46 is
enumerated and any root hub message from root hub 46 is saved. In
step 214 it is determined whether any device is connected to root
hub 46. If a device is determined to be connected to root hub 46,
operation continues with step 216, otherwise operation continues
with step 226.
[0048] In step 216, each device that is determined to be connected
to root hub 46 is enumerated, and a device message from each USB
device determined to be connected to root hub 46 is parsed and
saved in a suitable memory.
[0049] Next, in step 218, it is determined whether any downstream
hub is connected to root hub 46. If no downstream hub is determined
to be connected to root hub 46, operation proceeds with step 228.
If a downstream hub is detected, operation proceeds with step 220.
In step 220, each downstream hub determined to be connected to root
hub 46 is enumerated and a downstream port status of the hub is
received. Operation then proceeds with step 222.
[0050] In step 222, it is determined whether any device exists in a
port of a downstream hub. If no device is determined to exist in a
port of a downstream hub, operation proceeds with step 228. If, in
step 222, a device is determined to exist in a port of downstream
hub, operation process with step 224, where each such device is
enumerated and a connecting device message is parsed and saved in
memory of the host. Operation then proceeds with step 228.
[0051] In step 228, it is determined whether the connected device
is a HID keyboard or mouse or other HID compliant device. As will
be evident to those skilled in the art with reference to this
disclosure, this step could test for compliance with any desired
industry standard or device class (e.g., the USB HID device class).
If the connected device is not such a device, operation proceeds
with step 232, which is an error process that results in resetting
USB host control module 44 in step 240. If the connected device is
determined to be compliant, then, in step 230, each such connected
device is enumerated and its report data is parsed. In one
preferred embodiment, the requirement for the compliance test is
that television with integrated signal switch 100 has been
constructed to only emulate certain console devices that comply
with an industry standard device class.
[0052] Operation then continues with step 226, where HUB switch
module 32 is polled. In optional step 234, any panel or LED circuit
is polled. In step 238, it is determined whether any downstream
ports are unplugged or plugged. If a downstream port is unplugged
or plugged, operation proceeds with step 240, where the HOST
control RAM is reset. After resetting the HOST control RAM in step
240, operation returns to step 212. Otherwise, operation proceeds
with step 242, where all KVM devices are polled and operation
returns to step 234.
[0053] In one preferred embodiment, CPU 30 controls USB and console
device emulation. However, it is not necessary for CPU 30 to
control the USB peripherals, since there is a path or channel
between the USB peripherals and respective computers in plurality
of computer systems 12 that is undisturbed by switching the
channels between the keyboard and mouse devices and respective
computers in plurality of computer systems 12.
[0054] The HID specification defines a quasi-language for the
HUD-compliant USB device to inform the host how to interpret the
data that the host receives. This quasi-language is flexible and
permits many alternatives for describing the same functionality.
Television with integrated signal switch 100 will be useable with
other industry standard specifications that define procedures that
allow a host to interpret the data that the host receives from a
device compliant with these industry standards.
[0055] An exemplary Device Class Definition for Human Interface
Devices (HID) Firmware Specification-6/27/01, Version 1.11, is
available at http://www.usb.org/developers/docs/ and is
incorporated herein. The most current version of the specification
and other HID related information is maintained at
http://www.usb.org/.
[0056] Using a bus analyzer, such as one available currently from
Computer Access Technology Corp., it is possible to read the USB
bus and analyze the data packets coming from a keyboard and a
mouse. The HID specification provides interpretation of the meaning
of each packet. By requiring that all console devices be compliant
with the HID specification, or some future standard specification,
it will only be necessary to emulate such HID or
standards-compliant devices.
[0057] In one preferred embodiment, as noted herein, the programs
to be used in the system, which include the USB hub switch control
program, the USB device emulation circuitry (i.e. device emulation)
control program, and the console device emulation (i.e., Host
emulation) program, are all built in CPU 30 (e.g. as a Flash Read
Only Memory (ROM), or Programmable ROM (PROM)). Thus, the USB
emulation program will make television with integrated signal
switch 100 appear as a computer to peripheral devices, and enable
television with integrated signal switch 100 to communicate with
USB devices or computers at the same time.
[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a computer system 600 in
which the features of the present invention may be implemented. In
one preferred embodiment, each of the computers in plurality of
computer systems 12 has some or all of the characteristics of
computer system 600. Computer system 600 includes a bus 602 for
communicating information between the components in computer system
600, and a processor 604 coupled with bus 602 for executing
software code, or instructions, and processing information.
Computer system 600 further comprises a main memory 606, which may
be implemented using random access memory (RAM) and/or other random
memory storage device, coupled to bus 602 for storing information
and instructions to be executed by processor 604. Main memory 606
also may be used for storing temporary variables or other
intermediate information during execution of instructions by
processor 604. Computer system 600 also includes a read only memory
(ROM) 608 and/or other static storage device coupled to bus 602 for
storing static information and instructions for processor 604.
Further, a mass storage device 610, such as a magnetic disk drive
and/or a optical disk drive, may be coupled to computer system 600
for storing information and instructions.
[0059] Computer system 600 is typically coupled via bus 602 to a
display device 634, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid
crystal display (LCD), for displaying information to a user so
that, for example, graphical or textual information may be
presented to the user on display device 634. In one preferred
embodiment, instead of being coupled to display device 634,
computer system 600 is coupled to television with integrated signal
switch 100 as described above. Typically, an alphanumeric input
device 636, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to
bus 602 for communicating information and/or user commands to
processor 604. Another type of user input device shown in the
figure is a cursor control device 638, such as a conventional
mouse, touch mouse, trackball, track pad or other type of cursor
direction key for communicating direction information and command
selection to processor 604 and for controlling movement of a cursor
on display 634. Various types of input devices, including, but not
limited to, the input devices described herein unless otherwise
noted, allow the user to provide command or input to computer
system 600. For example, in the various descriptions contained
herein, reference may be made to a user "selecting," "clicking," or
"inputting," and any grammatical variations thereof, one or more
items in a user interface. These should be understood to mean that
the user is using one or more input devices to accomplish the
input. Although not illustrated, computer system 600 may
optionally, include such devices as a video camera, speakers, a
sound card, or many other conventional computer peripheral options.
In one preferred embodiment, the various types of input devices are
the ones coupled to television with integrated signal switch 100
and, also through such connection, communicate with computer system
600.
[0060] A communication device 640 is also coupled to bus 602 for
accessing other computer systems, as described below. Communication
device 640 may include a modem, a network interface card, or other
well-known interface devices, such as those used for interfacing
with Ethernet, Token-ring, or other types of networks, including
the Internet. In this manner, computer system 600 may be coupled to
a number of other computer systems.
[0061] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will,
however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be
made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of
the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It
should be appreciated that the present invention should not be
construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed
according to the below claims.
[0062] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules,
and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed
herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or
transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination
thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A
general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the
alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0063] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection
with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in
hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a
combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory,
flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a
hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage
medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to
the processor, such that the processor can read information from,
and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative,
the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor
and the storage medium may reside in an AST. The ASIC may reside in
a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage
medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.
[0064] The embodiments described above are exemplary embodiments.
Those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses of, and
departures from, the above-described embodiments without departing
from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Various modifications
to these embodiments may be readily apparent to those skilled in
the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied
to other embodiments, e.g., in a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)-based
displays or televisions; Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)-based displays or
televisions; or plasma-based displays or televisions, without
departing from the spirit or scope of the novel aspects described
herein. Thus, the scope of the invention is not intended to be
limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features
disclosed herein. The word "exemplary" is used exclusively herein
to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any
embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
Accordingly, the present invention into be defined solely by the
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *
References