Switch device

Abstract

This switch device 600 comprises: a switch unit 621 which receives input for enabling at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used to execute maintenance work for a maintenance target device through a remote operation; and an execution unit 622 which executes the maintenance function which is of the plurality of maintenance functions and corresponds to the input received by the switch unit 621.

Description

Switching device

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device, an execution method, and a program.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Techniques are known that are used to remotely deal with problems in information processing devices such as personal computers.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102666) describes a method for conducting a remote control help session on a computing device. According to Patent Document 1, a malfunctioning computing device is securely connected to an online service data center, and a remote service provider computer is connected to the malfunctioning computing device via the online service data center through a PC session indicated by a personal identification number. The remote service provider computer then allows a service provider technician to diagnose, repair, and / or optimize the malfunctioning computing device via firmware resident on the malfunctioning computing device.

[0004] JP 2011-175622 A

[0005] When a user receives a service such as maintenance work, it is necessary to provide information about the information processing device, such as video of the information processing device, to a technician or the like. In this case, for example, from a security perspective, the user may want to selectively disable transmission of some of the information required for the maintenance work, such as temporarily disabling transmission of video information or disabling reception of operation signals. However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is not always easy to selectively switch the availability of such partial functions.

[0006] As such, when receiving services such as remote maintenance work, it can be difficult to reflect the user's wishes, such as by allowing the user to select the functions to be enabled.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a switch device, an execution method, a program, and a maintenance system that solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] In order to achieve this object, a switch device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to have a switch unit that accepts input to enable at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation, and an execution unit that executes the maintenance function for which the switch unit has accepted input.

[0009] In addition, an execution method that is another form of the present disclosure is configured such that a switch device receives input that enables at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation, and the switch unit executes the maintenance function of the plurality of maintenance functions for which the switch unit has received input.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for realizing a process in which a switch device receives input to enable at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation, and the switch unit executes the maintenance function for which the switch unit has received input.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned configurations, the above-mentioned problems can be solved.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a maintenance system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a KVM switch; Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a switch set; Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when establishing a maintenance session; Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a KVM switch; Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a switch device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a switch device.

[0013] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a maintenance system 100. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a KVM switch 300. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a switch set 310. Figs. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the KVM switch 300.

[0014] In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a maintenance system 100 is described that can easily switch whether or not a maintenance function used when performing maintenance work remotely is enabled, for example, on a function-by-function basis. As will be described later, the maintenance system 100 in this embodiment includes a KVM switch 300 having a switch set 310, which is a switch unit that accepts an input for enabling at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions. With this configuration, the maintenance system 100 can execute a maintenance function in response to a user input to the switch set 310 of the KVM switch 300.

[0015] In this embodiment, maintenance work refers to work to provide various types of support, such as troubleshooting, when some kind of trouble occurs in an information processing device such as a personal computer or tablet, which is a maintenance target device, or as otherwise needed. For example, maintenance work may include investigation work to investigate symptoms, related situations, past operations performed up to that state, logs, hardware status, software versions, etc.; response work to provide answers such as suspected parts and how to deal with problems; and operation work to remotely operate the maintenance target device for the purpose of troubleshooting, etc. In addition to the above examples, maintenance work may also include various types of work required to provide various types of support, such as resolving troubles that occur to users.

[0016] The term "maintenance function" refers to various functions used when performing the above-described maintenance work remotely. For example, the term "maintenance function" includes various functions that need to be executed to perform maintenance work remotely and various functions that are desirable when performing maintenance work remotely. As an example, the term "maintenance function" includes a transmission function for transmitting a video signal to the maintenance server 400 and a reception function for receiving an operation signal transmitted by the maintenance server 400 to remotely operate a maintenance target device. Here, the term "video signal" refers to, for example, a signal output by an information processing device, which is the maintenance target device, to a screen display device such as a display device. The term "operation signal" refers to, for example, a signal output by an operation input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or trackpad, to the information processing device, which is the maintenance target device. The video signal and operation signal correspond to part of the maintenance information used when performing maintenance work remotely. The maintenance function may include functions other than those exemplified above. For example, the maintenance function may include a request function that sends a request for maintenance work to the maintenance server 400, an image processing function that performs predetermined processing on at least a portion of the image to be sent, a storage function that stores information that can be used during maintenance work, a routine processing execution function that performs routine processing, an authentication function, a function for switching between maintenance target devices that are subject to remote operation, and any other function.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a maintenance system 100. Referring to FIG. 1, the maintenance system 100 includes a destination device 200, a KVM switch 300, a maintenance server 400, and an operator device 500. As shown in FIG. 1, the destination device 200 and the KVM switch 300 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The KVM switch 300 and the maintenance server 400 can be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network or the like. The maintenance server 400 and the operator device 500 can be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance system 100 can include multiple destination devices 200 and multiple operator devices 500. The maintenance system 100 may also include multiple KVM switches 300 and multiple maintenance servers 400.

[0018] The destination devices 200 are devices connected to the KVM switch 300 and transmit and receive various signals, such as video signals and operation signals, to and from the KVM switch 300. At least some of the destination devices 200 correspond to maintenance target devices that are the targets of remote maintenance work. As an example, the destination devices 200 are information processing devices such as personal computers and tablets. The destination devices 200 may include a screen display device such as a display device, an operation input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, or any other device.

[0019] The KVM switch 300 is a switching device that transmits and receives various signals, such as video signals and operation signals, between itself and the connected destination device 200. The KVM switch 300 can also connect to the maintenance server 400 when certain conditions are met, and can also execute maintenance functions according to inputs to the switch set 310.

[0020] 2 shows an example configuration of a KVM switch 300. Referring to Fig. 2, for example, the KVM switch 300 includes a switch set 310, a controller 320, an HDMI socket 330, a USB socket 340, and a communication module 350. The KVM switch 300 may also include at least some of an image processing chip 360, a secondary battery 370, a storage area 380, and a machine learning chip 390. The KVM switch 300 may be configured so that various functions, such as the image processing chip 360, the secondary battery 370, the storage area 380, and the machine learning chip 390, can be removed or installed as needed.

[0021] 2 shows an example configuration of the KVM switch 300, and the configuration of the KVM switch 300 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2. For example, the KVM switch 300 may have one or more HDMI sockets 330 or USB sockets 340. Also, while FIG. 2 shows HDMI and USB as examples, the KVM switch 300 may have another wired interface such as a DisplayPort or S-terminal, or a wireless I / F (interface) such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The KVM switch 300 may use a protocol that wraps TCP / IP communication (for example, RDP, RTSP, or RTMP).

[0022] The switch set 310 is configured to receive an input that enables at least one of the maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work using a remote device. For example, the switch set 310 may be implemented by hardware, such as by a plurality of push buttons. The switch set 310 may also be implemented by a computing device such as a central processing unit (CPU) reading a program, for example, by displaying virtual switches on an arbitrary screen display unit of the KVM switch 300 or the like.

[0023] Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the switch set 310. Referring to Fig. 3, the switch set 310 includes, for example, a video transmission switch 311, an operation acceptance switch 312, an image processing switch 313, and a storage activation switch 314. The switch set 310 may also include a lighting unit 315 that lights up when a corresponding switch is turned on.

[0024] The video transmission switch 311 is a switch that accepts an input to transmit a video signal to the maintenance server 400, which is an external device that performs maintenance work. For example, the video transmission switch 311 accepts an input in response to a user pressing the video transmission switch 311. As an example, when the video transmission switch 311 accepts an input, transmission of a video signal to the maintenance server 400 is started. In other words, the KVM switch 300 can be configured not to transmit a video signal to the maintenance server 400 until the video transmission switch 311 accepts an input.

[0025] The operation acceptance switch 312 is a switch that accepts input from the maintenance server 400 indicating acceptance of an operation signal for remotely operating the destination device 200. For example, the operation acceptance switch 312 accepts input in response to a user pressing the operation acceptance switch 312. As an example, when the operation acceptance switch 312 accepts input, acceptance of the operation signal transmitted by the maintenance server 400 begins. In other words, the KVM switch 300 can be configured not to accept the operation signal transmitted by the maintenance server 400 until the operation acceptance switch 312 accepts input.

[0026] The image processing switch 313 is a switch that accepts an input indicating that predetermined image processing is to be performed on a predetermined area on the screen. For example, the image processing switch 313 accepts the input in response to a user pressing the image processing switch 313. As an example, image processing is initiated when the image processing switch 313 accepts the input. Note that image processing refers to, for example, blurring processing or masking processing using the superimposition of rectangular or circular areas. The predetermined area on which image processing is performed may be, for example, predetermined, or may be configured to be designable in response to an operation by a user operating the destination device 200 or the like. The predetermined area may be the entire image displayed on a screen display device or the like, or may be a portion of the image.

[0027] The storage enable switch 314 is a switch that accepts input to start storing data in the storage area 380 or using the data stored in the storage area 380. For example, the storage enable switch 314 accepts input in response to a user pressing the storage enable switch 314. As an example, when the storage enable switch 314 accepts input, data storage in the storage area 380 or using the data stored in the storage area 380 is started. For example, the storage area 380 may be configured to be used as a temporary storage area for patch application, or may be configured to store a bootable image in advance and execute it remotely as needed to reference data or diagnose hardware. The storage area 380 may be configured to store, for example, a Linux® Live image in advance, and to check the operating status of each piece of hardware, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), CPU, and memory, or to diagnose their remaining lifespan, in response to remote control. The storage enable switch 314 may be configured to perform only one of storing data in the storage area 380 and utilizing the data stored in the storage area 380 in response to an input.

[0028] The lighting unit 315 lights up while the corresponding switch is accepting input. For example, lighting unit 315-1 lights up while the video transmission switch 311 is accepting input. Note that the video transmission switch 311 may be configured to detect the cancellation of the input in response to, for example, being pressed again while accepting input. In this case, in response to the cancellation of the input, the lighting unit 315 may cancel the lighting state and turn off.

[0029] The above is an example of the configuration of the switch set 310. Note that at least some of the switches included in the switch set 310 may be configured to accept input after a session, described below, is initiated between the KVM switch 300 and the maintenance server 400 (operator device 500). The switch set 310 may accept input regardless of whether a session is established. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the switch set 310, and the configuration of the switch set 310 is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 3 . The switch set 310 may also include switches other than those illustrated in FIG. 3 that correspond to the above-mentioned maintenance functions. For example, the switch set 310 may include a request switch that transmits a maintenance work request to the maintenance server 400, a routine processing switch that performs predetermined or learned routine processing, a selector switch for the device to be maintained, and the like. The switch set 310 may also include switches for executing any maintenance function in addition to those illustrated above. For example, the switch set 310 may include a switch corresponding to a transmission / reception function that simultaneously initiates transmission and reception of maintenance information, such as transmitting a video signal and receiving an operation signal.

[0030] The controller 320 controls whether to receive various signals such as operation signals and video signals, and the destination of the signals. In other words, the controller 320 functions as an execution unit that executes maintenance functions in response to inputs to the switch set 310. For example, the controller 320 may be realized by a calculation device such as a CPU executing a program stored in a storage device.

[0031] For example, when the video transmission switch 311 does not receive an input, the controller 320 controls the destination of the video signal so that the video signal is transmitted and received between the destination devices 200. On the other hand, when the video transmission switch 311 receives an input, the controller 320 transmits and receives the video signal between the destination devices 200 and controls the destination of the video signal so that the video signal starts being transmitted to the maintenance server 400. In this way, the controller 320 can execute the maintenance function of starting the transmission of the video signal to the maintenance server 400 in response to the input to the video transmission switch 311. Also, for example, when the operation reception switch 312 receives an input, the controller 320 can accept an operation signal received from the maintenance server 400 and transmit the accepted operation signal to the destination devices 200, etc. The controller 320 may be configured to discard the received operation signal without accepting it until the operation reception switch 312 receives an input.

[0032] Similarly, the controller 320 can execute a corresponding maintenance function in response to an input to a switch other than those exemplified above. For example, when the image processing switch 313 receives an input, the controller 320 can instruct the image processing chip 360 to start image processing. Furthermore, the controller 320 can be configured to transmit a request for remote maintenance work to the maintenance server 400 when the request switch receives an input. The controller 320 may be configured to establish a session (maintenance session) with the maintenance server 400 in response to the request from the maintenance server 400. Furthermore, the controller 320 may be configured to perform a predetermined routine process when the routine process switch receives an input. Here, the routine process may be a process implemented based on a predetermined rule, such as "input F6 to open the boot menu and execute the third menu from the top," or a process using image processing or machine learning, such as "input F6, recognize the 'Boot from USB' menu using image processing using machine learning, and output operation input information so that the cursor is positioned appropriately." The rules of the routine process and the learning model that has been trained in advance to execute the routine process may be stored in advance in the storage area 380, for example, or may be configured to be downloaded one by one via the communication module 350. The controller 320 may start executing a corresponding maintenance function in response to an input to another switch.

[0033] HDMI socket 330 is used to receive and transmit video signals. For example, via an HDMI cable connected to HDMI socket 330, video signals can be received from an information processing device or the like which is connection destination device 200, or video signals can be transmitted to a screen display or the like which is connection destination device 200. Note that HDMI socket 330 may be a general type.

[0034] The USB socket 340 is used to receive and transmit operation signals. For example, operation signals can be transmitted and received between the destination device 200, such as an information processing device or an operation input device, via a USB cable connected to the USB socket 340. The KVM switch 300 may receive power for operating the KVM switch 300 via the USB socket 340. The USB socket 340 may be a general-purpose socket.

[0035] The communication module 350 is used to transmit and receive various signals to and from the maintenance server 400. The communication module 350 may be configured to perform network communication wirelessly or wired. The KVM switch 300 can transmit and receive video signals and operation signals to and from the maintenance server 400 via the communication module 350. The communication module 350 may be a general-purpose module.

[0036] The image processing chip 360 performs predetermined image processing on a predetermined area within the screen. The image processing chip 360 may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Units). For example, the image processing chip 360 can perform image processing in response to an instruction issued by the controller 320 in response to pressing the image processing switch 313. As described above, the image processing chip 360 may perform image processing such as blurring or masking by superimposing rectangular or circular areas. The image processing chip 360 may also perform image processing on a predetermined area, or may receive designation of the area to be subjected to image processing from a user operating the destination device 200.

[0037] The secondary battery 370 is an auxiliary power source that can be utilized in the event of a power outage, etc. The secondary battery may be a general battery that supplies power until a safe shutdown is performed.

[0038] The storage area 380 is a storage device that enables data storage and utilization of pre-stored data in response to input to the storage enable switch 314. The storage area 380 may be configured to be used as a temporary storage area for patch application, or may be configured to store a bootable image in advance and execute the image remotely as needed to reference data or diagnose hardware. That is, the storage area 380 may be configured to store, for example, a Linux (registered trademark) live image in advance and to check the operating status of each piece of hardware, such as HDD, SSD, CPU, and memory, or to diagnose their remaining lifespan in response to remote control. The storage enable switch 314 may be configured to store data in the storage area 380 or utilize the data stored in the storage area 380 in response to input.

[0039] The machine learning chip 390 can be used to learn a learning model used when performing the routine processing described above, etc. The machine learning chip 390 may be a general-purpose computing on graphics processing unit (GPGPU) or the like.

[0040] The above is an example of the configuration of the KVM switch 300.

[0041] The maintenance server 400 can be connected to the KVM switch 300, and can also be connected to an operator device 500, which is an information processing device for an operator to remotely operate the KVM switch 300. For example, the maintenance server 400 can transmit a video signal received from the KVM switch 300 to the operator device 500, and can transmit an operation signal received from the operator device 500 to the KVM switch 300.

[0042] For example, in response to a request from the KVM switch 300, the maintenance server 400 checks whether the operator device 500 can be assigned. If the operator device 500 replies that the assignment is possible, the maintenance server 400 responds to the request to the KVM switch 300 and starts a session with the KVM switch 300. The maintenance server 400 is also configured to be able to appropriately route signals received from the KVM switch 300 with which a session is established to the corresponding operator device 500. Routing may be achieved using known technology. The maintenance server 400 and the operator device 500 may be connected to each other via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0043] As described above, with the KVM switch 300 described in this embodiment, the operator device 500 can receive video signals from the maintenance target device via the KVM switch 300 and the maintenance server 400. In addition, the operator device 500 can send operation signals to the maintenance target device via the KVM switch 300 and the maintenance server 400. As a result, with the above configuration, the operator operating the operator device 500 can remotely operate the maintenance target device while checking the video output from the maintenance target device.

[0044] The above is an example of the configuration of the maintenance system 100. Next, an example of the operation of the KVM switch 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0045] 4 shows an example of the operation of the KVM switch 300 and the maintenance server 400 when a session for performing maintenance work is established. Referring to FIG. 4, the KVM switch 300 receives a maintenance request in response to, for example, a user pressing a request switch (step S101). The controller 320 then transmits the maintenance work request to the maintenance server 400 (step S102).

[0046] In response to the request, the maintenance server 400 inquires of the information processing device for the operator whether an assignable operator exists. If there is no assignable operator (step S201, No), for example, the maintenance server 400 waits for a predetermined time. On the other hand, if there is an assignable operator (step S201, Yes), the maintenance server 400 assigns an assignable operator (step S202). This establishes a session between the user and the operator.

[0047] The above is an example of the operation when a session is established. Next, an example of the operation after the session is established will be described with reference to FIG.

[0048] 5 , while a session is being established (step S301, Yes), if a switch included in switch set 310 receives an input (step S302, Yes), controller 320 starts executing a maintenance function corresponding to the received input (step S303). For example, when video transmission switch 311 receives an input, controller 320 transmits and receives a video signal between destination devices 200 and controls the destination of the video signal to start transmitting the video signal to maintenance server 400. Also, for example, when operation reception switch 312 receives an input, controller 320 receives an operation signal received from maintenance server 400 and transmits the received operation signal to destination devices 200, etc.

[0049] For example, input is accepted while the session is established. When the session ends (No in step S301), the acceptance of input to each switch included in the switch set 310 ends, for example. Note that the switch set 310 may be configured to always accept input to each switch included in the switch set 310 regardless of whether a session is established or not.

[0050] As described above, the KVM switch 300 includes the switch set 310. With this configuration, the KVM switch 300 can start executing a maintenance function in response to an input to the switch set 310. As a result, by using the KVM switch 300, when receiving a service such as maintenance work, it is possible to easily select the functions to be enabled, and the user's wishes can be easily reflected. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the execution of each maintenance function can be selected, so the user's wishes can be accurately reflected.

[0051] Furthermore, by including the switch set 310 in the KVM switch 300, it is possible to establish a session and start the execution of a maintenance function before the information processing device, which is the destination device 200, is started. As a result, it is possible to easily check, for example, the startup screen of the Basic Input Output System (BIOS), which starts before the operating system (OS), on the operator device 500. This allows for more accurate maintenance work to be performed.

[0052] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a switch device 600 in which the switch unit 621 is implemented by software. As in the case of the switch set 310 described in the first embodiment, the switch unit 621 may be implemented by hardware such as a plurality of push buttons. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the switch device 600.

[0053] Fig. 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a switch device 600. Referring to Fig. 6, the switch device 600 has the following hardware configuration, as an example: - CPU (Central Processing Unit) 601 (arithmetic device) - ROM (Read Only Memory) 602 (storage device) - RAM (Random Access Memory) 603 (storage device) - Programs 604 loaded into RAM 603 - Storage device 605 storing the programs 604 - Drive device 606 for reading and writing from / to a storage medium 610 outside the information processing device - Communication interface 607 for connecting to a communication network 611 outside the information processing device - Input / output interface 608 for inputting and outputting data - Bus 609 for connecting the respective components

[0054] 7 by the CPU 601 acquiring and executing the program group 604. The program group 604 is stored in advance in the storage device 605 or the ROM 602, for example, and is loaded into the RAM 603 or the like by the CPU 601 for execution as needed. The program group 604 may be supplied to the CPU 601 via the communication network 611, or may be stored in advance in the recording medium 610, and the drive device 606 may read out the program and supply it to the CPU 601.

[0055] 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the switch device 600. The hardware configuration of the switch device 600 is not limited to the above-described case. For example, the switch device 600 may be configured with only a part of the above-described configuration, such as excluding the drive device 606.

[0056] The switch unit 621 receives an input to enable at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation.

[0057] The execution unit 622 executes a maintenance function among the plurality of maintenance functions for which an input has been received by the switch unit 621. For example, the execution unit 622 can be configured not to execute a corresponding maintenance function until the switch unit 621 receives an input.

[0058] As described above, the switch device 600 includes the switch unit 621 and the execution unit 622. With this configuration, the execution unit 622 can execute a maintenance function among a plurality of maintenance functions, the maintenance function being input by the switch unit 621. As a result, it is possible to easily select a function to be enabled, and the user's wishes can be easily reflected.

[0059] The above-described switch device 600 can be realized by incorporating a predetermined program into an information processing device such as the switch device 600. Specifically, a program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for realizing processing in an information processing device such as the switch device 600, to receive input for enabling at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation, and to execute the maintenance function for which the input was received.

[0060] Furthermore, an execution method executed by an information processing device such as the switch device 600 described above is a method in which the information processing device such as the switch device 600 receives input to enable at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation, and executes the maintenance function for which input was received.

[0061] Even if the invention is a program having the above-mentioned configuration, or a computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon, or an execution method, it can achieve the same functions and effects as the above-mentioned switch device 600, and therefore can achieve the above-mentioned objective of the present disclosure.

[0062] <Supplementary Notes> Part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: The following provides an overview of the switch device and other components of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following configuration.

[0063] (Supplementary Note 1) A switch device comprising: a switch unit that accepts an input to enable at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation; and an execution unit that executes one of the plurality of maintenance functions for which the switch unit has accepted an input. (Supplementary Note 2) The switch device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the switch unit accepts an input to enable a sending / receiving function that accepts maintenance information to be transmitted or received between an external device that performs maintenance work on the maintenance target device by remote operation and the maintenance target device, and the execution unit transmits the maintenance information to the external device or receives the maintenance information from the external device when the sending / receiving function is enabled. (Supplementary Note 3) The switch device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the switch unit accepts an input to enable a sending function that transmits a video signal to the external device as the maintenance information to be displayed on a display device of the maintenance target device, and the execution unit transmits the video signal to the external device when the sending function is enabled. (Supplementary Note 4) The switch device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the video signal is obtained by performing predetermined image processing on at least a part of an image. (Supplementary Note 5) The switch device according to Supplementary Note 3 or Supplementary Note 4, wherein the switch unit accepts an input indicating that predetermined image processing will be performed. (Supplementary Note 6) The switch device according to any one of Supplements 2 to 5, wherein the switch unit accepts an input that enables an acceptance function that accepts an operation instruction for the maintenance target device transmitted from the external device, and the execution unit accepts the operation instruction when the acceptance function is enabled. (Supplementary Note 7) The switch device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, wherein the switch unit starts accepting input in response to start of a maintenance session with the external device, and the execution unit executes the maintenance function for which the switch unit accepted the input after the maintenance session has started.(Supplementary Note 8) The switch device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein the switch unit accepts an input indicating that a storage function indicating that a storage device possessed by the switch device will be enabled is to be used. (Supplementary Note 9) An execution method in which the switch device accepts an input to enable at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation, and executes the maintenance function for which input has been accepted from among the plurality of maintenance functions. (Supplementary Note 10) A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for realizing processing in which the switch device accepts an input to enable at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation, and executes the maintenance function for which input has been accepted from among the plurality of maintenance functions.

[0064] The programs described in the above embodiments and appendices may be stored in a storage device or a computer-readable recording medium, such as a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

[0066] 100 Maintenance system 200 Connection destination device 300 KVM switch 310 Switch set 311 Video transmission switch 312 Operation acceptance switch 313 Image processing switch 314 Storage activation switch 315 Lighting unit 400 Maintenance server 500 Operator device 600 Switch device 601 CPU 602 ROM 603 RAM 604 Program group 605 Storage device 606 Drive device 607 Communication interface 608 Input / output interface 609 Bus 610 Recording medium 611 Communication network 621 Switch unit 622 Execution unit

Claims

1. a switch unit that receives an input to enable at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on a maintenance target device by remote operation; an execution unit that executes a maintenance function that is input by the switch unit, among the plurality of maintenance functions; have Switch device.

2. 2. The switch device according to claim 1, the switch unit receives an input for enabling a transmission / reception function for receiving maintenance information transmitted or received between an external device that performs maintenance work on the maintenance target device by remote operation and the maintenance target device; The execution unit transmits the maintenance information to the external device or receives the maintenance information from the external device when the transmission / reception function is enabled. Switch device.

3. 3. The switch device according to claim 2, the switch unit accepts an input for enabling a transmission function of transmitting a video signal to be displayed on a display device of the maintenance target device to the external device as the maintenance information; The execution unit transmits the video signal to the external device when the transmission function is enabled. Switch device.

4. 4. The switch device according to claim 3, The video signal is a signal obtained by performing a predetermined image processing on at least a part of an image. Switch device.

5. 5. The switch device according to claim 4, The switch unit receives an input indicating that a predetermined image processing is to be performed. Switch device.

6. 3. The switch device according to claim 2, the switch unit receives an input for enabling an acceptance function for accepting an operation instruction for the maintenance target device transmitted from the external device, The execution unit accepts the operation instruction when the acceptance function is enabled. Switch device.

7. 2. The switch device according to claim 1, the switch unit starts accepting input in response to a start of a maintenance session with the external device; The execution unit executes the maintenance function for which the switch unit has accepted an input after the maintenance session has started. Switch device.

8. 2. The switch device according to claim 1, The switch unit receives an input indicating that a storage function that indicates that a storage device included in the switch device is to be used is to be enabled. Switch device.

9. The switch device is receiving an input for enabling at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on the maintenance target device by remote operation; Executes the maintenance function for which an input has been received among the plurality of maintenance functions. How to do it:

10. The switch device, receiving an input for enabling at least one of a plurality of maintenance functions used when performing maintenance work on the maintenance target device by remote operation; Executes the maintenance function for which an input has been received among the plurality of maintenance functions. A program for implementing processing.