U.S. patent application number 14/072741 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-27 for keyboard-video-mouse system and method of providing and using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Belkin International, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Belkin International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Adam Belmonte, Abraham Camacho, Carlos del Toro, Thorben Neu, Chad Singer, Michael E. Wick.
Application Number | 20140059257 14/072741 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50149058 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140059257 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
del Toro; Carlos ; et
al. |
February 27, 2014 |
KEYBOARD-VIDEO-MOUSE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AND USING THE
SAME
Abstract
Some embodiments include keyboard-video-mouse systems. Other
embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
del Toro; Carlos; (Whittier,
CA) ; Singer; Chad; (Santa Monica, CA) ;
Camacho; Abraham; (West Hollywood, CA) ; Neu;
Thorben; (Los Angeles, CA) ; Wick; Michael E.;
(Long Beach, CA) ; Belmonte; Adam; (Beverly,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Belkin International, Inc. |
Playa Vista |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Belkin International, Inc.
Playa Vista
CA
|
Family ID: |
50149058 |
Appl. No.: |
14/072741 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US2012/036656 |
May 4, 2012 |
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14072741 |
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PCT/US2012/036663 |
May 4, 2012 |
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PCT/US2012/036656 |
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61482850 |
May 5, 2011 |
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61483628 |
May 6, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
710/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1454 20130101;
G06F 3/038 20130101; G06F 13/122 20130101; G06F 3/023 20130101;
G09G 2370/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
710/72 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/023 20060101
G06F003/023 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a keyboard-video-mouse switching device
configured to communicate with two or more system peripheral
devices and two or more host devices, the keyboard-video-mouse
switching device permits a user of the system to select a selected
host device of the two or more host devices; wherein: the two or
more system peripheral devices comprise one or more category-one
peripheral devices and one or more category-two peripheral devices;
and the keyboard-video-mouse switching device is configured such
that when the user selects the selected host device of the two or
more host devices: the one or more category-one peripheral devices
communicate with the selected host device; and the one or more
category-two peripheral devices conditionally communicate with the
selected host device if one or more specified conditions are
fulfilled.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein: the one or more specified
conditions comprise a demand condition that the selected host
device requires at least one of the one or more category-two
peripheral devices in order for the selected host device to be
operated.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein: the one or more specified
conditions comprise an active condition that one or more
category-two peripheral devices are not presently operating when
the user selects the selected host device.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein: the two or more host devices
comprise two or more host computer systems.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein: the one or more category-one
peripheral devices comprise at least one of an audio-visual display
device, one or more speakers, a computer keyboard, or a computer
mouse.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein: the one or more category-two
peripheral devices comprise at least one of a common access card
reader, a printer, an external storage module, a modem, or a
biometric reader.
7. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a user interface;
wherein: the user interface is configured to communicate with the
keyboard-video-mouse switching device; and the user is able to
select the selected host device using the user interface.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of: a manufacturer of
the system establishes at least one first specified condition of
the one or more specified conditions; the user creates at least one
second specified condition of the one or more specified conditions;
or the user selects at least one third specified condition of the
one or more specified conditions from multiple predetermined
specified conditions.
9. A method of providing a system, the method comprising:
manufacturing a keyboard-video-mouse switching device, the
keyboard-video-mouse switching device (i) being configured to
communicate with (a) two or more system peripheral devices
comprising one or more category-one peripheral devices and one or
more category-two peripheral devices and (b) two or more host
devices and (ii) permitting a user of the system to select a
selected host device of the two or more host devices; configuring
the keyboard-video-mouse switching device such that when the user
selects the selected host device of the two or more host devices,
the one or more category-one peripheral devices communicate with
the selected host device; and configuring the keyboard-video-mouse
switching device such that when the user selects the selected host
device of the two or more host devices, the one or more
category-two peripheral devices conditionally communicate with the
selected host device if one or more specified conditions are
fulfilled.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein at least one of: the one or more
specified conditions comprise a demand condition that the selected
host device requires at least one of the one or more category-two
peripheral devices in order for the selected host device to be
operated; or the one or more specified conditions comprise an
active condition that one or more category-two peripheral devices
are not presently operating when the user selects the selected host
device.
11. The method of claim 9 further comprising at least one of:
providing the two or more host devices, where providing the two or
more host devices comprises providing two or more host computer
systems; providing the one or more category-one peripheral devices,
where providing the one or more category-two peripheral devices
comprises providing at least one of an audio-visual display device,
one or more speakers, a computer keyboard, or a computer mouse; or
providing the one or more category-two peripheral devices, where
providing the one or more category-two peripheral devices comprises
providing at least one of a common access card reader, a printer,
an external storage module, a modem, or a biometric reader.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein: manufacturing the
keyboard-video-mouse switching device comprises manufacturing a
user interface, the user interface being configured to communicate
with the keyboard-video-mouse switching device and being configured
to permit the user to select the selected host device using the
user interface.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein: manufacturing the
keyboard-video-mouse switching device comprises at least one of:
configuring the keyboard-video-mouse switching device with at least
one first specified condition of the one or more specified
conditions; configuring the keyboard-video-mouse switching device
such that the user is able to create at least one second specified
condition of the one or more specified conditions; or configuring
the keyboard-video-mouse switching device such that the user is
able to select at least one third specified condition of the one or
more specified conditions from multiple predetermined specified
conditions.
14. A method of operating a keyboard-video-mouse switching device,
the method comprising: receiving a new selection of a selected host
device of two or more host devices; after receiving the first
selection of the selected host device, establishing communication
between one or more category-one peripheral devices of two or more
system peripheral devices and the selected host device; and after
receiving the first selection of the selected host device,
conditionally establishing communication between one or more
category-two peripheral devices of the two or more system
peripheral devices and the selected host device based on one or
more specified conditions.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein: conditionally establishing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and the selected host device comprises: establishing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and the selected host device and discontinuing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and a previously selected host device of the two or more
host devices if the selected host device meets the one or more
specified conditions and the previously selected host device also
meets the one or more specified conditions.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: before receiving the
new selection of the selected host device, receiving a previous
selection of the previously selected host device.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein: conditionally establishing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and the selected host device comprises: establishing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and the selected host device and discontinuing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and a previously selected host device of the two or more
host devices if the selected host device meets the one or more
specified conditions and the previously selected host device does
not meet the one or more specified conditions.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: before receiving the
new selection of the selected host device, receiving a previous
selection of the previously selected host device.
19. The method of claim 14 wherein: conditionally establishing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and the selected host device comprises: maintaining
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and a previously selected host device of the two or more
host devices if the selected host device does not meet the one or
more specified conditions and the previously selected host device
meets the one or more specified conditions.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: before receiving the
new selection of the selected host device, receiving a previous
selection of the previously selected host device.
21. The method of claim 14 wherein: conditionally establishing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and the selected host device comprises: maintaining
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and a previously selected host device of the two or more
host devices if the selected host device does not meet the one or
more specified conditions and the previously selected host device
also does not meet the one or more specified conditions.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising: before receiving the
new selection of the selected host device, receiving a previous
selection of the previously selected host device.
23. The method of claim 14 further comprising at least one of:
establishing at least one manufacturer specified condition for the
one or more specified conditions; receiving at least one user
created specified condition for the one or more specified
conditions; or receiving at least one user selected specified
condition of multiple predetermined specified conditions for the
one or more specified conditions.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to keyboard-video-mouse
systems, and relates more particularly to such systems for
conditionally switching peripheral devices of the
keyboard-video-mouse systems and methods of providing and using the
same.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is a continuation of International Patent
Application No. PCT/US2012/036656, filed May 4, 2012, and
International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/036663, filed May
4, 2012. International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/036656
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/482,850, filed May 5, 2011, and International Patent Application
No. PCT/US2012/036663 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/483,628, filed May 6, 2011. International Patent
Application No. PCT/US2012/036656, International Patent Application
No. PCT/US2012/036663, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/482,850, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/483,628
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND
[0003] Keyboard-video-mouse systems (i.e., systems employing a
keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switching device) represent a class of
switching systems administrating selected communication between one
or more peripheral devices and one or more host devices. The
peripheral device(s) may be and are frequently located remotely
from the host device(s). Through the KVM switching device, the
user(s) can select and switch between the host device(s) to operate
the host device(s) with the peripheral device(s). For example, the
KVM switching devices can route audio-visual data and/or command
data between the peripheral device(s) and host device(s). From the
host devices' perspective, it appears as if the peripheral
device(s) are directly coupled to the host device(s). When the
user(s) switch between the host device(s), communication between
the previously selected host computer and any switched peripheral
device(s) is disconnected.
[0004] Accordingly, a need or potential for benefit exists for an
apparatus or system that permits one or more peripheral devices to
conditionally switch independently of one or more other peripheral
devices of the peripheral devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the
following drawings are provided in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a system, according to one
embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a computer that is suitable for
implementing an embodiment of a host device and/or a switching
device computer system of the system of FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a representative block diagram of an
example of elements included in circuit boards inside a chassis of
the host device of FIG. 2;
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method of providing a system;
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method of using a keyboard-video-mouse switching device configured
to be coupled with two or more system peripheral devices and two or
more host devices and to permit a user of the keyboard-video-mouse
switching device to designate a selected host device of the two or
more host devices;
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a procedure of designating the selected
host device of the host devices, according to the embodiment of the
method of FIG. 5;
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface for a
keyboard-video-mouse switching device, according to the embodiment
of the system of FIG. 1; and
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary process of determining
whether to switch category-two peripheral device(s) to a selected
host device, according to the embodiment of the method of FIG.
5;
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary activity of manufacturing a
keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switching device, according to the
embodiment of FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary method of operating a
keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switching device; and
[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary activity of conditionally
establishing communication between one or more category-two
peripheral devices of two or more system peripheral devices and a
selected host device based on one or more specified conditions.
[0017] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same
elements.
[0018] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore,
the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list
of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
[0019] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
[0020] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or
otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically
coupled together, but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled
together; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically
coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled
together; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically
coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled
together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent
or semi-permanent or only for an instant.
[0021] "Electrical coupling" and the like should be broadly
understood and include coupling involving any electrical signal,
whether a power signal, a data signal, and/or other types or
combinations of electrical signals. "Mechanical coupling" and the
like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling
of all types.
[0022] The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the
like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the
coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Some embodiments include a system. The system comprises a
keyboard-video-mouse switching device configured to be coupled with
two or more system peripheral devices and two or more host devices
and to permit a user of the keyboard-video-mouse switching device
to designate a selected host device of the two or more host
devices. The two or more system peripheral devices can comprise one
or more category-one peripheral devices and one or more
category-two peripheral devices. The keyboard-video-mouse switching
device can be configured such that when the user designates the
selected host device of the two or more host devices, the one or
more category-one peripheral devices switch to the selected host
device and the one or more category-two peripheral devices
conditionally switch to the selected host device.
[0024] Various embodiments can include a method of providing a
system. The method can comprise providing a keyboard-video-mouse
switching device configured to be coupled with two or more system
peripheral devices and two or more host devices and to permit a
user of the keyboard-video-mouse switching device to designate a
selected host device of the two or more host devices. The two or
more system peripheral devices can comprise one or more
category-one peripheral devices and one or more category-two
peripheral devices. The keyboard-video-mouse switching device can
be configured such that when the user designates the selected host
device of the two or more host devices, the one or more
category-one peripheral devices switch to the selected host device
and the one or more category-two peripheral devices conditionally
switch to the selected host device.
[0025] Further embodiments include a method of using a
keyboard-video-mouse switching device configured to be coupled with
two or more system peripheral devices and two or more host devices
and to permit a user of the keyboard-video-mouse switching device
to designate a selected host device of the two or more host
devices, where the two or more system peripheral devices comprise
one or more category-one peripheral devices and one or more
category-two peripheral devices. The method can comprise
designating a selected host device of the two or more host devices,
where designating the selected host device comprises: (a) switching
the one or more category-one peripheral devices to the selected
host device and (b) determining whether to switch the one or more
category-two peripheral devices to the selected host device.
[0026] Other embodiments include a system. The system comprises a
keyboard-video-mouse switching device configured to communicate
with two or more system peripheral devices and two or more host
devices. Further, the keyboard-video-mouse switching device permits
a user of the system to select a selected host device of the two or
more host devices. The two or more system peripheral devices
comprise one or more category-one peripheral devices and one or
more category-two peripheral devices. Meanwhile, the
keyboard-video-mouse switching device is configured such that when
the user selects the selected host device of the two or more host
devices: (a) the one or more category-one peripheral devices
communicate with the selected host device; and (b) the one or more
category-two peripheral devices conditionally communicate with the
selected host device if one or more specified conditions are
fulfilled.
[0027] Additional embodiments include a method of providing a
system. The method comprises: manufacturing a keyboard-video-mouse
switching device, the keyboard-video-mouse switching device (i)
being configured to communicate with (a) two or more system
peripheral devices comprising one or more category-one peripheral
devices and one or more category-two peripheral devices and (b) two
or more host devices and (ii) permitting a user of the system to
select a selected host device of the two or more host devices;
configuring the keyboard-video-mouse switching device such that
when the user selects the selected host device of the two or more
host devices, the one or more category-one peripheral devices
communicate with the selected host device; and configuring the
keyboard-video-mouse switching device such that when the user
selects the selected host device of the two or more host devices,
the one or more category-two peripheral devices conditionally
communicate with the selected host device if one or more specified
conditions are fulfilled.
[0028] Further embodiments include a method of operating a
keyboard-video-mouse switching device. The method comprises:
receiving a new selection of a selected host device of two or more
host devices; after receiving the first selection of the selected
host device, establishing communication between one or more
category-one peripheral devices of two or more system peripheral
devices and the selected host device; and after receiving the first
selection of the selected host device, conditionally establishing
communication between one or more category-two peripheral devices
of the two or more system peripheral devices and the selected host
device based on one or more specified conditions.
[0029] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram
illustrating system 100, according to one embodiment. System 100 is
merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented
herein. System 100 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein.
[0030] System 100 comprises keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switching
device 101. System 100 can also comprise (a) one or more system
peripheral devices of two or more system peripheral devices 102
and/or (b) one or more host devices of two or more host devices
103. Further, system 100 can comprise user interface 140. In some
embodiments, KVM switching device 101 can comprise user interface
140.
[0031] KVM switching device 101 is configured to communicate with
system peripheral devices 102 and host devices 103. Accordingly,
KVM switching device 101 can be coupled with one or more system
peripheral devices of system peripheral devices 102 and/or one or
more host devices of host devices 103. Further, KVM switching
device 101 can permit one or more users of KVM switching device 101
to select a selected host device of host devices 103. Meanwhile,
KVM switching device 101 can be configured such that when the
user(s) select the selected host device of host devices 103,
category-one peripheral device(s) 104 communicate with the selected
host device and category-two peripheral device(s) 105 conditionally
communicate with the selected host device. Both the manner of
selecting the selected host device of host devices 103 and the
manner of switching communication of system peripheral devices 102
when selecting the selected host device of host devices 103 are
explained in further detail below with respect to KVM circuitry 122
(and the switching device computer system, if applicable) and/or
user interface 140 (FIG. 1).
[0032] System peripheral devices 102 can comprise (a) one or more
category-one peripheral devices 104 and (b) one or more
category-two peripheral devices 105. Category-one peripheral
device(s) 104 can comprise one or more peripheral electronic
devices (e.g., an audio-visual display device, one or more
speaker(s), a computer keyboard, a computer mouse, a common access
card (CAC) reader, a printer, an external storage module such as an
external hard drive, a modem, a router, a biometric reader, etc.)
configured to receive and/or send data to at least one host
electronic device (e.g., a computer system, a home theater system,
etc.). Further, category-two peripheral device(s) 105 can comprise
one or more peripheral electronic device(s) configured to operate
as a slave electronic device (e.g., the CAC reader, the printer,
the external storage module, the modem, the biometric reader, etc.)
to at least one host electronic device configured to operate as a
master electronic device. Stated differently, category-two
peripheral device(s) 105 can comprise the same type of peripheral
electronic device as any of category-one peripheral device(s) 104,
but category-one peripheral device(s) 104 cannot necessarily
comprise the same type of peripheral electronic device as
category-two peripheral device(s) 105. In many examples,
category-two peripheral devices 105 can be devoid of speaker(s). In
further examples, category-two peripheral device(s) 105 can consist
of one CAC reader (e.g., CAC reader 113). Likewise, one or more
category-one peripheral devices of category-one peripheral
device(s) 104 can be a same type or a different type of peripheral
electronic device as one or more other category-one peripheral
devices of category-one peripheral device(s) 104. An equivalent
relationship can also apply between the category-two peripheral
device(s) 105.
[0033] Further, category-one peripheral device(s) 104 can refer to
the system peripheral device(s) of system peripheral devices 102
that the user(s) desire to always shift to a host device of host
devices 103 when selected for use by the user(s). Meanwhile,
category-two peripheral device(s) 105 can refer to the system
peripheral device(s) of system peripheral devices 102 that the
user(s) may desire to shift (e.g., conditionally) to the selected
host device of host devices 103 when selected for use by the
user(s), that is to say, the system peripheral devices of system
peripheral devices 102 that shift to the selected host device of
host devices 103 only upon satisfaction of one or more specified
conditions. For example, the specified condition(s) could comprise
a condition where the system peripheral device(s) of system
peripheral devices 102 are necessary to operate the selected host
device of host devices 103 (e.g., where category-two peripheral
device(s) 105 comprise a CAC reader and the selected host system is
protected with CAC security). In many embodiments, the specified
condition(s) can be established by the manufacturer of KVM
switching device 101 while in other embodiments, KVM switching
device 101 can be configured such that the user(s) can create
and/or select (e.g., by choosing one or more predetermined
specified conditions provided by the manufacturer) the specified
condition(s). Further, the user(s) could, in various examples,
specify that category-two peripheral device(s) 105 will not shift
to a newly designated selected host device of host devices 103 in
the event that the category-two peripheral device(s) 105 are
presently operating at a host device of host devices 103 configured
to need that category-two host device (e.g., where the category-two
peripheral device(s) 105 comprise a printer and the printer is
presently printing a document, etc.) unless the newly designated
selected host device of host devices 103 is also configured as a
host device of host devices 103 needing that category-two
peripheral device. In some embodiments, the user(s) can provide the
specified condition(s) by (a) using computer software, (b)
mechanical selection, such as by activating any of various
mechanical inputs (e.g., toggle inputs 708 (FIG. 7), etc.) of user
interface 140, as is described in further detail below, and/or (c)
configuring KVM switching device 101 to simply detect when a data
cable and/or bus is coupling a host device (of host devices 103) to
a category-two port connector (of category-two port connector(s)
128) of that respective host port (of host ports 119) associated
with that host device of host devices 103, as described below
(i.e., where the specified condition(s) for switching category-two
peripheral device(s) 105 comprise whether the coupling exists).
[0034] Category-one peripheral device(s) 104 can comprise one or
more peripheral output devices 106 and/or one or more peripheral
input devices 107. Peripheral output device(s) 106 can comprise
audio-visual display device 108, one or more speakers 109, and/or
any other suitable peripheral device configured to communicate with
host devices 103 and to receive data (e.g., audio-visual data) from
host devices 103. Audio-visual display device 108 can be similar or
identical to refreshing monitor 206 (FIG. 2). Meanwhile, peripheral
input device(s) 107 can comprise computer keyboard 110, computer
mouse 111, and/or any other suitable peripheral device configured
to communicate with host devices 103 and to provide data (e.g.,
command data, audio-visual data, etc.) to host devices 103.
Computer keyboard 110 can be similar or identical keyboard 204
(FIG. 2), and/or computer mouse 111 can be similar or identical to
mouse 210 (FIG. 2).
[0035] Still referring to FIG. 1, host devices 103 can comprise any
suitable host electronic device (e.g., a computer system, a home
theater system, etc.). In some embodiments, host devices 103 can
comprise four host devices (e.g., first host device 115, second
host device 116, third host device 117, and/or fourth host device
118). In other embodiments, host devices 103 can comprise more or
fewer host devices, as appropriate. In many embodiments, each of
host devices 103 (e.g., first host device 115, second host device
116, third host device 117, and/or fourth host device 118) can
comprise a computer system. The computer system can be similar or
identical to computer system 200 (FIG. 2), as described below. In
another embodiment, the computer system can be similar or identical
to chassis 202 (FIG. 2) of computer system 200 (FIG. 2) and any of
the circuit boards and/or component(s) contained in chassis 202
(FIG. 2), as described below.
[0036] KVM switching device 101 can comprise two or more host ports
119, one or more category-one peripheral ports 120, one or more
category-two peripheral ports 121, and/or KVM circuitry 122. KVM
circuitry 122 can be configured to administrate communication
between (e.g., by selectively and/or conditionally coupling) (a)
category-one peripheral device port(s) 120 and/or category-two
peripheral device port(s) 121 and (b) host ports 119, thereby
administrating communication (e.g., selective communication and/or
conditional communication) between system peripheral devices 102
and host devices 103 when system peripheral devices 102 are coupled
to host ports 119, category-one peripheral devices 104 are coupled
to category-one peripheral port(s) 120, and/or category-two
peripheral devices 105 are coupled to category-two peripheral
port(s) 121, as described in further detail below.
[0037] In some embodiments, host ports 119 comprise four host ports
(e.g., first host port 123, second host port 124, third host port
125, and/or fourth host port 126, etc.). In other embodiments host
ports 119 can comprise more or fewer host ports, as appropriate. In
various embodiments, the number of host ports of host ports 119 may
be complimentary to the number of host devices of host devices 103.
However, in other embodiments, there can be fewer host devices of
host devices 103 than host ports of host ports 119 (i.e., KVM
switching device 101 can be operated with less than all of host
ports 119 being coupled to host devices 103). Accordingly, each
host device of host devices 103 can be configured to be coupled to
a different host port of host ports 119 (e.g., via category-one
port connector(s) 127 and/or category-two port connector(s) 128 at
that one host port of host ports 119), and/or vice versa, by at
least one data and/or bus cable. The data and/or bus cable(s) can
comprise one or more of and/or any combination of any suitable data
and/or bus cable(s) (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector,
a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector, a digital
visual interface (DVI) connector, a display port (DP) connector, a
video graphics array (VGA) connector, composite cable connectors,
an S-Video connector, an optical audio connector, Radio Corporation
of America (RCA) connectors, a tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connector such
as a 3.5 millimeter TRS connector, etc.).
[0038] Further, each host port of host ports 119 (e.g., first host
port 123, second host port 124, third host port 125, and/or fourth
host port 126, etc.) can comprise one or more category-one port
connectors 127 (e.g., first category-one port connector 129, second
category-one port connector 131, third category-one port connector
133, and/or fourth category-one port connector 135, etc.) and/or
one or more category-two port connectors 128 (e.g., first
category-two port connector 130, second category-two port connector
132, third category-two port connector 134, and/or fourth
category-two port connector 136, etc.). As described briefly above,
each category-one port connector (of category-one port connector(s)
127) of each host port (of host ports 119) can be configured to be
coupled to a complimentary connector (not shown) at the respective
host computer coupled to that host port comprising that
category-one port connector. Meanwhile, each category-two port
connector (of category-two port connector(s) 128) of each host port
(of host ports 119) can be configured to be coupled to a
complimentary connector (not shown) at the respective host computer
coupled to that host port comprising that category-two port
connector.
[0039] For example, category-one port connectors 127 of host ports
119 and/or first category-one port connector 129 of first host port
123 of host ports 119 can comprise (a) a DVI connector to permit
communication between a respective host device (e.g., first host
device 115) of host devices 103 and audio-visual display device
108, (b) a USB-B connector to permit communication between the
respective host device and computer keyboard 110 and/or computer
mouse 111, and (c) a 3.5 millimeter TRS connector to permit
communication between the respective host device and speaker(s)
109. Meanwhile, category-two port connectors 128 of host ports 119
and/or first category-two port connector 130 of host port 123 of
host ports 119 can comprise another USB-B connector to permit
communication between category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (e.g.,
CAC reader 113) and the respective host device (e.g., first host
device 115) of host devices 103.
[0040] Further, each corresponding category-one port connector of
category-one port connector(s) 127 (e.g., first category-one port
connector 129, second category-one port connector 131, third
category-one port connector 133, and/or fourth category-one port
connector 135, etc.) can be configured to be coupled to one same
and corresponding category-one peripheral port of category-one
peripheral port(s) 120. Also, each corresponding category-two port
connector of category-two port connector(s) 128 (e.g., first
category-two port connector 130, second category-two port connector
132, third category-two port connector 134, and/or fourth
category-two port connector 136, etc.) can be configured to be
coupled to one same and corresponding category-two peripheral port
of category-two peripheral port(s) 121. Meanwhile, each
category-one peripheral device of category-one peripheral device(s)
104 (e.g., audio-visual display device 108, speaker(s) 109,
computer keyboard 110, and/or computer mouse 111, etc.) can be
configured to be coupled to at least one of the one same and
corresponding category-one peripheral port(s) of category-one
peripheral port(s) 120, and each category-two peripheral device of
category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (e.g., CAC reader 113, other
slave device 114, etc.) can be configured to be coupled to at least
one of the one same and corresponding category-two peripheral
port(s) of category-two peripheral port(s) 121.
[0041] For example, category-one peripheral port(s) 120 can
comprise (a) a DVI connector configured to permit communication
between audio-visual display device 114 and host devices 103, (b)
two USB-A connectors and/or two keyboard/mouse connectors
configured to permit communication between computer keyboard 110
and/or computer mouse 111 and host devices 103, and (c) a 3.5
millimeter TRS connector configured to permit communication between
speaker(s) 109 and host devices 103. Category-two peripheral
port(s) 121 can comprise another USB-A connector configured to
permit communication between category-two peripheral device(s) 105
(e.g., CAC reader 113) and host devices 103.
[0042] Further still, although communication between KVM switching
device 101, host ports 119, category-one peripheral ports 120,
and/or category-two peripheral ports 121 is described with respect
to wired communication, in some embodiments, some or all of the
communication could be implemented via wireless communication
instead. Still, implementing wired communication (as opposed to
wireless communication) can provide for increased security where
security is an issue. Meanwhile, regardless of whether the
communication is wired or wireless, the wired and/or wireless
communication can be implemented using any one or any combination
of wired and/or wireless communication network topologies (e.g.,
ring, line, tree, bus, mesh, star, daisy chain, hybrid, etc.)
and/or protocols (e.g., personal area network (PAN) protocol(s),
local area network (LAN) protocol(s), wide area network (WAN)
protocol(s), cellular network protocol(s), Powerline network
protocol(s), etc.), as desirable. Exemplary PAN protocol(s) can
comprise Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB),
Z-Wave, etc.; exemplary LAN and/or WAN protocol(s) can comprise
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.3, IEEE
802.11, etc.; and exemplary wireless cellular network protocol(s)
can comprise Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),
Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM
Evolution (EDGE), 3GSM, Digital Enhanced Cordless
Telecommunications (DECT), Digital AMPS (IS-136/Time Division
Multiple Access (TDMA)), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network
(iDEN), etc. The components implementing the wired and/or wireless
communication can be dependent on the network topologies and/or
protocols in use, and vice versa.
[0043] KVM circuitry 122 can comprise any of various electrical
networks comprising hardware and/or software suitable for
selectively coupling host ports 119 to KVM circuitry 122.
Specifically, the various electrical networks of KVM circuitry 122
can be configured such that the user(s) can switch (e.g. toggle)
between which host port of host ports 119 is presently
communicating with KVM circuitry 122. Meanwhile, KVM circuitry 122
can also comprise any of various electrical networks and/or a
switching device computer system suitable for (a) selectively
coupling category-one port(s) 120 to KVM circuitry 122 and/or (b)
selectively and/or conditionally coupling category-two peripheral
port(s) 121 to KVM circuitry 122. Accordingly, KVM circuitry 122
can be configured such that when host devices 103 are coupled to
KVM switching device 101 via host ports 119, category-one
peripheral device(s) 104 are coupled to KVM switching device 101
via category-one peripheral port(s) 120, category-two peripheral
device(s) 105 are coupled to category-two peripheral port(s) 121,
and the user(s) use KVM switching device 101 to switch between host
devices (e.g., to designate the selected host) of host devices 103
(i.e., host ports of host ports 119), then category-one peripheral
devices 104 (e.g., category-one peripheral port(s) 120)
automatically switch from communicating with a previously
designated host device to a presently designated host device (e.g.,
via KVM circuitry 122), but category-two peripheral device(s) 105
(e.g., category-two peripheral port(s) 121) conditionally switch
from communicating with the previously designated host device to
the presently designated host device based on the specified
condition(s), as described above with respect to category-one
peripheral device(s) 104 and category-two peripheral device(s) 105.
The result is that category-two peripheral device(s) 105, which
switch only when the specified condition(s) exist, can switch
independently of category-one peripheral device(s) 104, which (in
many embodiments) always switch when the user(s) switch between
host devices of host devices 103.
[0044] The conditional (e.g., independent) switching of
category-two peripheral device(s) 105 can be advantageous where the
user(s) of KVM switching device 101 do not want the category-two
device peripherals to switch when the user(s) switch between host
devices of host devices 103. For example, in one scenario,
category-two peripheral device(s) 105 can comprise CAC reader 113,
first host device 115 can comprise a first computer system, second
host device 116 can comprise a second computer system, and
category-one peripheral device(s) 104 can comprise audio-visual
display device 108, computer keyboard 110, and computer mouse 111.
In this scenario, the user(s) could presently be operating first
host device 115 at a control terminal comprising system peripheral
devices 102 and then desire to switch from first host device 115 to
second host device 116. However, the first computer system of first
host device 115 could be CAC-enabled while the second computer
system of second host device 116 could not be CAC-enabled. At the
same time, in order to operate first host device 115 (e.g., the
first computer system) the user(s) could have provided a CAC to CAC
reader 113. Now, if the user(s) were to switch from first host
device 115 to second host device 116, the category-one peripheral
device(s) 104 would switch from first host device 115 to second
host device 116. Meanwhile, KVM switching device 101 and/or KVM
circuitry 122 could be configured so as to conditionally switch
category-two peripheral device(s) 105 from a previously designated
host device (e.g., first host device 115) to a presently designated
host device (e.g., second host device 116) of host devices 103 if
the presently designated host device requires CAC access to
operate. In this scenario, because the second host device (e.g.,
the second computer system) is not CAC-enabled, the category-two
peripheral device(s) 105 (e.g., CAC reader 113) stay in
communication with first host device 115. As a result, category-two
peripheral device(s) 105 do not break communication with first host
device 115 (e.g., the first computer system) to prevent the first
host device 115 from logging the user(s) out from first host device
115 so that the user(s) can later switch back to first host device
115 and continue using the same login session. Accordingly, this
application of KVM switching device 101 can be particularly
advantageous where the user(s) need to frequently switch back and
forth between a CAC-enabled computer system and a computer system
that is not CAC-enabled. Further analogous examples could include a
scenario where category-two peripheral devices 105 comprise a
printer that is printing a document at first host device 115 while
the user(s) are using (or want to use) second host device 116 or
could also include a scenario where category-two peripheral devices
105 comprise a modem and the user(s) want to maintain a download at
first host device 115 while operating second host device 116,
etc.
[0045] KVM circuitry 122 can also comprise the switching device
computer system, discussed previously above, to determine whether
or not to switch category-two peripheral device(s) 105. The
switching device computer system can be similar or identical to
computer system 200 (FIG. 2), as described below. In another
embodiment, the switching device computer system can be similar or
identical to chassis 202 (FIG. 2) of computer system 200 (FIG. 2)
and any of the circuit boards and/or component(s) contained in
chassis 202 (FIG. 2). Still, in many embodiments, the switching
device computer system may not have the level of sophistication
and/or complexity of host computer system(s) 102 (FIG. 1). For
example, the switching computer system may only have those
processing capabilities and/or memory storage capabilities as are
reasonably necessary to determine whether or not to switch
category-two peripheral device(s) 105 to the selected host device
of host devices 103, as is described in further detail below. In
these examples, the switching device computer system could simply
be implemented as a microcontroller comprising flash memory, or the
like. Reducing the sophistication and/or complexity of the virtual
computer system can reduce the size and/or cost of implementing
system 100 (FIG. 1). Nonetheless, in other embodiments, the
switching device computer system may need additional sophistication
and/or complexity to operate as desired. In some embodiments, the
switching device computer system can be omitted.
[0046] Turning to the next drawing, FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary
embodiment of computer system 200, all of which or a portion of
which can be suitable for implementing an embodiment of host
devices 103 (FIG. 1) and/or the switching device computer system of
KVM circuitry 122 (FIG. 1) and/or another part of system 100 (FIG.
1) as well as methods 500 (FIG. 5) and 1000 (FIG. 10) and/or any of
the various procedures, processes, and/or activities of methods 500
(FIG. 5) and 1000 (FIG. 10). As an example, chassis 202 (and its
internal components) can be suitable for implementing each of host
device 103 and/or the switching device computer of KVM circuitry
122. Furthermore, one or more parts of computer system 200 (e.g.,
refreshing monitor 206, keyboard 204, and/or mouse 210, etc.) may
also be appropriate for implementing control terminal 113 (FIG. 1).
Computer system 200 includes chassis 202 containing one or more
circuit boards (not shown), Universal Serial Bus (USB) 212, Compact
Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) and/or Digital Video Disc (DVD)
drive 216, and hard drive 214. A representative block diagram of
the elements included on the circuit boards inside chassis 202 is
shown in FIG. 2. Central processing unit (CPU) 310 in FIG. 3 is
coupled to system bus 314 in FIG. 3. In various embodiments, the
architecture of CPU 310 can be compliant with any of a variety of
commercially distributed architecture families.
[0047] System bus 314 also is coupled to memory 308, where memory
308 includes both read only memory (ROM) and random access memory
(RAM). Non-volatile portions of memory 308 or the ROM can be
encoded with a boot code sequence suitable for restoring computer
system 200 (FIG. 2) to a functional state after a system reset. In
addition, memory 308 can include microcode such as a Basic
Input-Output System (BIOS). In some examples, the one or more
storage modules of the various embodiments disclosed herein can
include memory 308, USB 212 (FIGS. 2-3), hard drive 214 (FIGS.
2-3), and/or CD-ROM or DVD drive 216 (FIGS. 2-3). In the same or
different examples, the one or more storage modules of the various
embodiments disclosed herein can comprise an operating system,
which can be a software program that manages the hardware and
software resources of a computer and/or a computer network. The
operating system can perform basic tasks such as, for example,
controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing the processing of
instructions, controlling input and output devices, facilitating
networking, and managing files. Examples of common operating
systems can include Microsoft.RTM. Windows, Mac.RTM. operating
system (OS), UNIX.RTM. OS, and Linux.RTM. OS.
[0048] As used herein, "processor" and/or "processing module" means
any type of computational circuit, such as but not limited to a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, a controller, a complex
instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced
instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long
instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a
digital signal processor, or any other type of processor or
processing circuit capable of performing the desired functions.
[0049] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 3, various I/O devices
such as disk controller 304, graphics adapter 324, video controller
302, keyboard adapter 326, mouse adapter 306, network adapter 320,
and other I/O devices 322 can be coupled to system bus 314.
Keyboard adapter 326 and mouse adapter 306 are coupled to keyboard
204 (FIGS. 2-3) and mouse 210 (FIGS. 2-3), respectively, of
computer system 200 (FIG. 2). While graphics adapter 324 and video
controller 302 are indicated as distinct units in FIG. 3, video
controller 302 can be integrated into graphics adapter 324, or vice
versa in other embodiments. Video controller 302 is suitable for
refreshing monitor 206 (FIGS. 2-3) to display images on a screen
208 (FIG. 2) of computer system 200 (FIG. 2). Disk controller 304
can control hard drive 214 (FIGS. 2-3), USB 212 (FIGS. 2-3), and
CD-ROM drive 216 (FIGS. 2-3). In other embodiments, distinct units
can be used to control each of these devices separately.
[0050] In some embodiments, network adapter 320 can be part of a
WNIC (wireless network interface controller) card (not shown)
plugged or coupled to an expansion port (not shown) in computer
system 200. In other embodiments, the WNIC card can be a wireless
network card built into computer system 200. A wireless network
adapter can be built into computer system 200 by having wireless
Ethernet capabilities integrated into the motherboard chipset (not
shown), or implemented via a dedicated wireless Ethernet chip (not
shown), connected through the PCI (peripheral component
interconnector) or a PCI express bus. In other embodiments, network
adapter 320 can be a wired network adapter.
[0051] Although many other components of computer system 200 (FIG.
2) are not shown, such components and their interconnection are
well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly,
further details concerning the construction and composition of
computer system 200 and the circuit boards inside chassis 202 (FIG.
2) are not discussed herein.
[0052] When computer system 200 in FIG. 2 is running, program
instructions stored on a USB-equipped electronic device connected
to USB 212, on a CD-ROM or DVD in CD-ROM and/or DVD drive 216, on
hard drive 214, or in memory 308 (FIG. 3) are executed by CPU 310
(FIG. 3). A portion of the program instructions, stored on these
devices, can be suitable for carrying out at least part of system
100 (FIG. 1), method 500 (FIG. 5), and/or method 1000 (FIG.
10).
[0053] Although computer system 200 is illustrated as a desktop
computer in FIG. 2, there can be examples where computer system 200
may take a different form factor (e.g., a mobile electronic device,
a laptop computer) while still having functional elements similar
to those described for computer system 200. In some embodiments,
computer system 200 may comprise a single computer, a single
server, or a cluster or collection of computers or servers, or a
cloud of computers or servers. Typically, a cluster or collection
of servers can be used when the demand on computer system 200
exceeds the reasonable capability of a single server or
computer.
[0054] Returning now to FIG. 1, KVM circuitry 122 can implement the
conditional switching of category-two peripheral device(s) 105
and/or category-two peripheral port(s) 121 according to the logical
framework provided below. This logical framework can be implemented
as computer software (e.g., at the switching device computer
system) and/or as computer hardware within KVM circuitry 122. In
the same or different embodiments, the logical framework can be
implemented mechanically, such as by providing various mechanical
inputs (e.g., toggle inputs 708 (FIG. 7), etc.) at user interface
140 of KVM switching device 101, as mentioned briefly above and
described in further detail below with respect to the description
of user interface 140 below.
[0055] The logical framework can be implemented by comparing (a)
whether or not a previously designated selected host device of host
devices 103 and/or respective host port of host ports 119 is
flagged or not and (b) whether a presently designated selected host
device of host devices 103 and/or respective host port of host
ports 119 is flagged or not. In this logical framework, flags are
assigned to those host devices of host devices 103 and/or those
respective host ports of host ports 119 that meet the specified
condition(s) (e.g., require CAC security for access) and flags are
not assigned to host devices of host devices 103 that do not meet
the specified condition(s) (e.g., do not require CAC security for
access). Accordingly, KVM circuitry 122 can be configured to
implement the conditional switching of category-two peripheral
device(s) 105 as follows: (1) when switching from a flagged host
device of host devices 103 (i.e., a flagged host port of host ports
119) to another flagged host device of host devices 103 and/or host
port of host ports 119 (i.e., the selected host device and/or host
port), category-two peripheral device(s) 105 switch to the selected
host device and/or host port; (2) when switching from an unflagged
host device of host devices 103 (i.e., an unflagged host port of
host ports 119) to a flagged host device of host devices 103 and/or
host port of host ports 119 (i.e., the selected host device and/or
host port), category-two peripheral device(s) 105 switch to the
selected host device and/or host port; (3) when switching from a
flagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e., a flagged host port
of host ports 119) to an unflagged host device of host devices 103
and/or host port of host ports 119 (i.e., the selected host device
and/or host port), category-two peripheral device(s) 105 do not
switch to the selected host device and/or host port; and (4) when
switching from an unflagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e.,
an unflagged host port of host ports 119) to another unflagged host
device of host devices 103 and/or host port of host ports 119
(i.e., the selected host device and/or host port), category-two
peripheral device(s) 105 do not switch to the selected host device
and/or host port.
[0056] Category four (4) of this logical framework can be important
in the event that the user(s) switch from a flagged host device of
host devices 103 (i.e., a flagged host port of host ports 119) to
an unflagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e., an unflagged
host port of host ports 119) and then to another unflagged host
device of host devices 103 (i.e., another unflagged host port of
host ports 119). If category four (4) of the logical framework
caused category-two peripheral device(s) 105 to switch,
category-two peripheral device(s) 105 could undesirably switch away
from the previous flagged host device of host devices 103 (i.e.,
the previous flagged host port of host ports 119).
[0057] The following example can illustrate this logical framework
in operation. For instance, assume for the specified condition that
flags are assigned to those host devices of host devices 103 and/or
host ports of host ports 119 that require CAC security access and
are not assigned to those host devices of host devices 103 and/or
host ports of host ports 119 that do not require CAC security
access, and also assume that category-two peripheral device(s) 105
comprise CAC reader 113. In this scenario, switching to a
CAC-enabled host device of host devices 103 by designating the
CAC-enabled host of host device 103 from another CAC-enabled host
device of host devices 103 can cause category-two peripheral
device(s) 105 (e.g., CAC reader 113) to switch from the another
CAC-enabled host device of host devices 103 to the CAC-enabled host
device of host devices 103. Accordingly, the user(s) can then
operate CAC reader 113 at the CAC-enabled host device of host
devices 103 to login to and gain access to that CAC-enabled host
device of host devices 103. This example can be logically carried
through with each of the four scenarios depicted above. Also, this
logical framework can be expanded to accommodate three or more
categories of peripheral device(s), as desired. Expanding this
logical framework to accommodate additional categories of
peripheral device(s) would simply require expanding this logic to
incorporate additional condition(s).
[0058] Implementing the logical framework in the above scenario can
provide numerous advantages to the user(s) of system 100 and/or KVM
switching device 101. For example, in some embodiments, if the
user(s) of system 100 and/or KVM switching device 101 were
previously operating a host device of host devices 103 requiring
CAC security access before switching to a host device of host
devices 103 that does not require CAC security access and then
switch back to the previous host of host devices 103 that does
require CAC security access, implementing this logical framework
can prevent the user(s) from having to re-authenticate their CAC
credentials because the category-two peripheral device(s) (e.g.,
the CAC reader) would not break communication with the previous
host device of the host devices 103. As explained above with
respect to category (4), this can remain true even if the user(s)
switch through various host devices of host devices 103 before
returning to the original host device of host devices 103, provided
the user(s) do not switch to another host device of host devices
103 requiring CAC security access. Further, although the above the
scenario describes the user(s) as having to re-authenticate when
switching between host devices of host devices 103 that require CAC
security access, in some embodiments, a newly selected host device
of host devices 103 that also requires CAC security access can rely
on the previous CAC authentication at the previous host device
requiring CAC security access (e.g., provided that the user(s) have
not first switched to a host device of host devices 103 that does
not require CAC security access) so that re-authentication is
unnecessary. Further still, in some embodiments, where the user(s)
of system 100 and/or KVM switching device 101 have multiple levels
of CAC security credentials (e.g., a first level and a second level
higher than the first level), system 100 and/or KVM switching
device 101 can be configured so that when switching between host
devices of host devices 103 requiring CAC security access as
described in the previous sentence, re-authentication could be
unnecessary when switching from a host device of host devices 103
requiring a higher level CAC security clearance (e.g., the second
level) to a host device of host devices 103 requiring a lower level
CAC security clearance (e.g., the first level) while
re-authentication could be necessary when switching from a host
device of host devices 103 requiring the lower level CAC security
clearance to a host device of host devices 103 requiring the higher
level CAC security clearance.
[0059] As mentioned above, system 100 and/or KVM switching device
101 can comprise user interface 140. For example, user interface
140 can be integral with KVM switching device 101 or can be
separate from KVM switching device 101. User interface 140 can be
configured to communicate with and/or control KVM circuitry 122.
Accordingly, user interface 140 can permit the user(s) to control
KVM circuitry 122 to designate the selected host device of host
devices 103. In some embodiments, user interface 140 can further
permit the user(s) to select whether each host port of host ports
119 (i.e., each host device of host devices 103) are flagged or not
(e.g., meet the specified condition(s)), for purposes of the
logical framework. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface
140, according to the embodiment of system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 7, user interface 140 can comprise one
or more user modules 701. In some embodiments, user module(s) 701
can comprise first user module 702, second user module 703, third
user module 704, and/or fourth user module 705. In other
embodiments, user module(s) 701 can comprise more or fewer user
modules. The number of user modules 701 can be complimentary to the
number of host ports 119 (FIG. 1). Each user module of user modules
701 can be (a) configured to permit the user(s) to control KVM
switching device 101 (FIG. 1) and/or KVM circuitry 122 (FIG. 1),
(b) associated with one host port of host ports 119 (FIG. 1),
and/or (c) configured to indicate a status of the one host port of
host ports 119 (FIG. 1) to which that user module of user modules
701 is associated.
[0061] Each user module of user modules 701 can comprise one button
input of one or more button inputs 706, one toggle input of one or
more toggle inputs 708, and/or one status indicator of one or more
status indicators 707. Each one button input of button input(s) 706
can be configured to permit the user(s) of system 100 (FIG. 1) to
designate the host port of host ports 103 (FIG. 1) associated with
that user module of user modules 107 comprising that button input
of button inputs 706 (i.e., the user(s) can use button inputs 706
to designate the selected host device of host devices 103).
[0062] Each toggle input of toggle inputs 708 can be configured to
permit the user(s) to specify whether or not the host port of host
ports 103 (FIG. 1) that is associated with the user module (of user
modules 701) comprising that toggle input (of toggle inputs 708)
meets the specified condition(s) for the logical framework
described above. For example, each toggle input of toggle inputs
708 can comprise a first toggle status and a second toggle status.
In these embodiments, each toggle input of toggle inputs 708 can be
configured such that (a) when that toggle input of toggle inputs
708 is set to the first toggle status, the associated host port
(i.e., the associated host device of that host port) is unflagged
with respect to the specified condition(s) for the logical
framework), and (b) when the toggle input of toggle inputs 708 is
set to the second toggle status, the associated host port (i.e.,
the associated host device of that host port) is flagged with
respect to the specified condition(s) of the logical framework).
Accordingly, for a specific example, each toggle input of toggle
inputs 708 can be configured to indicate whether the host port
associated with that user module comprising that toggle input
requires or does not require CAC security access.
[0063] Meanwhile, each status indicator of status indicator(s) 707
can be configured to indicate to the user(s) whether or not the
host device (of host devices 103 (FIG. 1)) associated and/or
coupled with the host port (of host ports 103) that is associated
with the user module (of user modules 701) comprising that status
indicator (of status indicators 707) is presently communicating
with category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (FIG. 1). Each status
indicator of status indicators 707 can comprise a light emitting
diode or another suitable status indicating device, such as an
illuminated graphic.
[0064] In another embodiment, each user module of user modules 701
can also comprise an additional status indicator (not shown) of
status indicators 707. The additional status indicator can be
configured to indicate to the user(s) whether or not the host
device (of host devices 103 (FIG. 1)) associated and/or coupled
with the host port (of host ports 103) that is associated with the
user module (of user modules 701) comprising that status indicator
(of status indicators 707) is presently the selected host device of
host devices 103. Each additional status indicator of status
indicators 707 can comprise a light emitting diode or another
suitable status indicating device, such as an illuminated
graphic.
[0065] Turning next to FIG. 4, a flow chart illustrated for an
embodiment of method 400 of providing a system. Method 400 is
merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented
herein. Method 400 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities
of method 400 can be performed in the order presented. In other
embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities
of method 400 can be performed in any other suitable order. In
still other embodiments, one or more of the procedures, the
processes, and/or the activities in method 400 can be combined or
skipped. The system can be similar or identical to system 100 (FIG.
1).
[0066] Method 400 can comprise activity 401 of manufacturing a
keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switching device. The KVM switching
device can be similar or identical to KVM switching device 101
(FIG. 1). FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary activity 401.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 9, activity 401 can comprise activity 901
of manufacturing a user interface. The user interface can be
similar or identical to user interface 140 (FIG. 1). In some
embodiments, performing activity 901 can comprise integrating the
user interface with the KVM switching device. In other embodiments,
performing activity 901 can comprise manufacturing the user
interface to remain separate from the KVM switching device.
[0068] Activity 401 can comprise: (a) activity 902 of configuring
the KVM switching device with at least one first specified
condition of the one or more specified conditions; (b) activity 903
of configuring the KVM switching device such that the user is able
to create at least one second specified condition of the one or
more specified conditions; and/or (c) activity 904 of configuring
the KVM switching device such that the user is able to select at
least one third specified condition of the one or more specified
conditions from multiple predetermined specified conditions. In
some embodiments, one or two of activities 902 through 904 can be
omitted. In some embodiments, one or more of activities 902 through
904 can be performed approximately simultaneously with one or more
other of activities 902 through 904.
[0069] Returning now to FIG. 4, method 400 can comprise activity
402 of configuring the KVM switching device such that when a user
selects a selected host device of two or more host devices, one or
more category-one peripheral devices communicate with the selected
host device. The host devices can be similar or identical to host
devices 103 (FIG. 1), and the selected host device can be similar
or identical to the selected host device as described above with
respect to system 100 (FIG. 1). Further, the category-one
peripheral device(s) can be similar or identical to category-one
host device(s) 104 (FIG. 1).
[0070] Meanwhile, method 400 can comprise activity 403 of
configuring the KVM switching device such that when the user
selects the selected host device of the two or more host devices,
one or more category-two peripheral devices conditionally
communicate with the selected host device if one or more specified
conditions are fulfilled. The category-two peripheral devices can
be similar or identical to category-two peripheral devices 105
(FIG. 1). Further, the specified condition(s) can be similar or
identical the specified condition(s) described above with respect
to system 100 (FIG. 1). For example, the specified condition(s) can
comprise (a) a demand condition that the selected host device
requires at least one of the one or more category-two peripheral
devices in order for the selected host device to be operated,
and/or (b) an active condition that one or more category-two
peripheral devices are not presently operating when the user
selects the selected host device. In some embodiments, one or more
of activities 401, 402, and/or 403 can be performed as part of one
or more other of activities 401, 402, and/or 403. Further, in many
embodiments, activities 401, 402, and/or 403 can be performed
approximately simultaneously with each other.
[0071] Method 400 can comprise activity 404 of providing the host
devices. In some embodiments, performing activity 404 can comprise
providing two or more host computer systems. In further
embodiments, performing activity 404 can comprise coupling the host
devices with the KVM switching device.
[0072] Method 400 can comprise activity 405 of providing the
category-one peripheral devices. In some embodiments, performing
activity 405 can comprise providing at least one of an audio-visual
display device, one or more speakers, a computer keyboard, or a
computer mouse. In further embodiments, performing activity 405 can
comprise coupling the at least one of the audio-visual display
device, the one or more speakers, the computer keyboard, or the
computer mouse with the KVM switching device.
[0073] Method 400 can comprise activity 406 of providing the
category-two peripheral devices. In some embodiments, performing
activity 406 can comprise performing activity 406 can comprise
providing at least one of a common access card reader, a printer,
an external storage module, a modem, or a biometric reader. In
further embodiments, performing activity 406 can comprise coupling
the at least one of the common access card reader, the printer, the
external storage module, the modem, or the biometric reader with
the KVM switching device.
[0074] Turning to the next drawing, FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart
for an embodiment of method 500 of using a keyboard-video-mouse
(KVM) switching device configured to be coupled with two or more
system peripheral devices and two or more host devices and to
permit a user of the KVM switching device to designate a selected
host device of the host devices. The system peripheral devices can
comprise one or more category-one peripheral devices and one or
more category-two peripheral devices. Method 500 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Method 500 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities
of method 500 can be performed in the order presented. In other
embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities
of the method 500 can be performed in any other suitable order. In
still other embodiments, one or more of the procedures, the
processes, and/or the activities in method 500 can be combined or
skipped. The KVM switching device can be similar or identical to
KVM switching device 101 (FIG. 1). The system peripheral devices
can be similar or identical to system peripheral devices 102 (FIG.
1). The host devices can be similar or identical to host devices
103 (FIG. 1). The category-one peripheral device(s) can be similar
or identical to category-one peripheral device(s) 104 (FIG. 1),
and/or the category-two peripheral device(s) can be similar or
identical to category-two peripheral device(s) 105 (FIG. 1). In
some embodiments, at least part of method 500 can be implemented as
one or more computer instructions configures to be executed at one
or more processing modules and to be stored at one or more memory
storage modules of a switching device computer system. The
switching device computer system can be similar or identical to the
switching device computer system described above with respect to
system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0075] Turning now to FIG. 5, method 500 comprises procedure 501 of
designating a selected host device of the host devices. FIG. 6
illustrates procedure 501 of designating the selected host device
of the host devices, according to the embodiment of method 500.
Performing procedure 501 of designating the selected host device of
the host devices can be performed in a manner similar to that
described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0076] In some embodiments, procedure 501 can comprise process 601
of switching from a first host device of the host devices to a
second host device of the host devices using the KVM switching
device, where the second host device comprises the selected host
device. Performing process 601 of designating the selected host
device of the host devices can be performed in a manner similar to
that described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1). In some
embodiments, process 601 can comprise facilitating switching from a
first host device of the host devices to a second host device of
the host devices with a button input of a user module of a user
interface of the KVM switching device by which a user of the KVM
switching device is able to mechanically designate the selected
host device. The button input can be similar or identical to any
button input of button input(s) 706 (FIG. 7), the user module can
be similar or identical to any user module of user modules 701
(FIG. 7) and/or the user interface can be similar or identical to
user interface 140 (FIG. 1).
[0077] Procedure 501 can continue with process 602 of switching the
category-one peripheral device(s) to the selected host device.
Process 601 of switching the category-one peripheral device(s) to
the selected host device can comprise discontinuing communication
between the first host device of the host devices and the
category-one peripheral device(s) and establishing communication
between the second host device of the host device and the
category-one peripheral device(s) when the second host device
comprises the selected host device.
[0078] Referring again to FIG. 6, procedure 501 can continue with
process 603 of determining whether to switch the category-two
peripheral device(s) to the selected host device. In some
embodiments, process 603 can be performed approximately
simultaneously or after process 602.
[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary process 603 of determining
whether to switch the category-two peripheral device(s) to the
selected host device, according to the embodiment of method 500
(FIG. 5). With respect to activities 801-804 (FIG. 8) and procedure
503 (FIG. 5), below, a state of a host device being flagged and/or
unflagged can be similar or identical to a host device being
flagged and/or unflagged as described above with respect to the
logical framework of system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0080] Turning now to FIG. 8, process 603 can comprise activity 801
of discontinuing communication between the first host device of the
host devices and the category-two peripheral devices and
establishing communication between the second host device of the
host devices and the category-two peripheral devices if the first
host device of the host devices is flagged and the second host
device of the host device is flagged. In some embodiments, activity
801 can be performed in a manner similar to that described above
with respect to the logical framework of system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0081] Process 603 can comprise activity 802 of discontinuing
communication between the first host device of the host devices and
the category-two peripheral devices and establishing communication
between the second host device of the host devices and the
category-two peripheral devices if the first host device of the
host devices is unflagged and the second host device of the host
device is flagged. In some embodiments, activity 802 can be
performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect
to the logical framework of system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0082] Process 603 can also comprise activity 803 of maintaining
communication between the category-two peripheral device(s) and any
other host device than the selected host device of the host devices
if the first host device of the host devices is flagged and the
second host device of the host devices is unflagged. In some
embodiments, activity 803 can be performed in a manner similar to
that described above with respect to the logical framework of
system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0083] Process 603 can further comprise activity 804 of maintaining
communication between the category-two peripheral device(s) and any
other host device than the selected host device of the host devices
if the first host device of the host devices is unflagged and the
second host device of the host devices is unflagged. In some
embodiments, activity 804 can be performed in a manner similar to
that described above with respect to the logical framework of
system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0084] Returning now to FIG. 5, method 500 can continue with
procedure 502 of designating another selected host device of the
host devices after designating the selected host device of the host
devices. Performing procedure 502 can be similar to performing
procedure 501 but with respect to the second host device and a
third host device. In these embodiments, the third host device can
comprise the first host device, described above with respect to
procedure 501 and/or process 601 (FIG. 6), or the third host device
can comprise another host device of the host devices other than the
first host device and the second host device.
[0085] Method 500 can comprise procedure 503 of flagging one or
more host devices of the host devices. In some embodiments,
procedure 503 can comprise flagging the host device(s) of the host
devices by facilitating flagging one or more host device(s) of the
host devices by using one or more toggle inputs of a user module of
a user interface of the KVM switching device. The toggle input can
be similar or identical to any toggle input(s) of toggle inputs 708
(FIG. 7), the user module can be similar or identical to any user
module of user modules 701 (FIG. 7), and/or the user interface can
be similar or identical to user interface 140 (FIG. 1). In some
embodiments, procedure 503 can be performed in a manner similar to
that described above with respect to user interface 140 (FIG. 1),
KVM circuitry 122 (FIG. 1) and/or toggle inputs 708 (FIG. 7) of
system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0086] Method 500 can comprise procedure 504 of indicating if any
host of the host devices is presently in communication with the
category-two peripheral devices. In some embodiments, procedure 504
can comprise indicating if any host of the host devices is
presently in communication with the category-two peripheral devices
by illuminating a status indicator. The status indicator can be
similar or identical to any one of status indicator(s) 707 (FIG.
7).
[0087] Turning ahead now in the drawings, FIG. 10 illustrates a
flow chart for an embodiment of method 1000 of operating a
keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switching device. Method 1000 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Method 1000 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities
of method 1000 can be performed in the order presented. In other
embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities
of method 1000 can be performed in any other suitable order. In
still other embodiments, one or more of the procedures, the
processes, and/or the activities in method 1000 can be combined or
skipped. In some embodiments, at least part of method 1000 can be
implemented as one or more computer instructions configures to be
executed at one or more processing modules and to be stored at one
or more memory storage modules of a switching device computer
system. The switching device computer system can be similar or
identical to the switching device computer system described above
with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1). Further, the KVM switching
device can be similar or identical to KVM switching device 101
(FIG. 1).
[0088] Method 1000 can comprise activity 1001 of receiving a new
selection of a selected host device of two or more host devices.
The host devices can be similar or identical to host devices 103
(FIG. 1).
[0089] Method 1000 can comprise activity 1002 of establishing
communication between one or more category-one peripheral devices
of two or more system peripheral devices and the selected host
device. In many embodiments, activity 1002 can occur after activity
1001. The category-one peripheral device(s) can be similar to
category-one peripheral device(s) 104 (FIG. 1), and the system
peripheral devices can be similar or identical to system peripheral
devices 102 (FIG. 1).
[0090] Method 1000 can comprise activity 1003 of conditionally
establishing communication between one or more category-two
peripheral devices of the two or more system peripheral devices and
the selected host device based on one or more specified conditions.
The category-two peripheral device(s) can be similar or identical
to category-two peripheral devices 105 (FIG. 1). Further, the
specified condition(s) can be similar or identical to the specified
condition(s) described above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1).
In many embodiments, activity 1003 can occur after activity 1001.
In further embodiments, activities 1002 and 1003 can occur
approximately simultaneously with each other. In many embodiments,
activities 1001 through 1003 can be repeated one or more times.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary activity 1003.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 11, activity 1003 can comprise activity
1101 of establishing communication between the one or more
category-two peripheral devices and the selected host device and
discontinuing communication between the one or more category-two
peripheral devices and a previously selected host device of the two
or more host devices if the selected host meets the one or more
specified conditions and the previously selected host also meets
the one or more specified conditions.
[0092] Activity 1003 can comprise activity 1102 of establishing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and the selected host device and discontinuing
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and a previously selected host device of the two or more
host devices if the selected host meets the one or more specified
conditions and the previously selected host does not meet the one
or more specified conditions.
[0093] Activity 1003 can comprise activity 1103 of maintaining
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and a previous selected host device of the two or more host
devices if the selected host does not meet the one or more
specified conditions and the previously selected host meets the one
or more specified conditions.
[0094] Activity 1003 can comprise activity 1104 of maintaining
communication between the one or more category-two peripheral
devices and a previous selected host device of the two or more host
devices if the selected host does not meet the one or more
specified conditions and the previously selected host also does not
meet the one or more specified conditions. In many embodiments,
when activity 1003 is performed, only one of activities 1101
through 1104 will be performed. Accordingly, the remaining
activities of 1101 through 1104 can be omitted, as applicable.
[0095] Returning now to FIG. 10, method 100 can comprise activity
1004 of receiving a previous selection of the previously selected
host. Activity 1004 can occur prior to activity 1001. Further,
activities 1002 and 1003 can be performed with respect to activity
1004 in similar manner to that performed for activity 1001.
[0096] Method 1000 can comprise: (a) activity 1005 of establishing
at least one manufacturer specified condition for the one or more
specified conditions; (b) activity 1006 of receiving at least one
user created specified condition for the one or more specified
conditions; and/or (c) activity 1007 of receiving at least one user
selected specified condition of multiple predetermined specified
conditions for the one or more specified conditions. In some
embodiments, one or two of activities 1005 through 1007 can be
omitted.
[0097] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of
embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative of the
scope of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It is
intended that the scope of the invention shall be limited only to
the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of
ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that methods
400 (FIG. 4), 500 (FIG. 5), and/or 1000 (FIG. 10) and the related
procedures, process, and/or activities of each, may be comprised of
many different procedures, processes, and activities and be
performed by many different modules, in many different orders, that
any element of FIGS. 1-11 may be modified, and that the foregoing
discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily
represent a complete description of all possible embodiments.
[0098] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently,
replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes
reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other
advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with
regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions
to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any
benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced,
however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless
such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly
stated in such claim.
[0099] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *