DEVICE AND SYSTEM WITH AN INPUT DEVICE WITH MULTI-HOST SWITCHING

Abstract

A procedure encompassing: Establishing a first wireless connection (105a) between a first data input device (130) and a first host computing device (110); Receiving a command (306) to switch the first wireless link (150a) of the first data input device (130) from the first host computing device (110) to a second host computing device (120); in response to receiving the order (306): Establishing a wireless connection (150b) between the first data input device (130) and the second host computing device (120); and Interrupting the wireless connection (150a) between the first data input device (130) and the first host computing device (110); and in response to the establishment of a wireless connection (150b) between the first data input device (130) and the second host computing device (120) or the interruption of the wireless connection (150a) between the first data input device (130) and the first host computing device (110): Causing a second data input device (140) to establish an independent wireless connection (160b) between the second data input device (140) and the second host computing device (120) and to interrupt an existing wireless connection (160a) between the second data input device (140) and the first host computing device (110).

Description

[0001] This application claims priority over provisional US patent application No. 62 / 066,023, filed on October 20, 2014, and non-provisional US patent application No. 14 / 884,381, filed on October 15, 2015. The present invention relates to a device and a system comprising an input device with multi-host switching. BACKGROUND

[0002] Physical input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, stylus) are commonly used by users to perform actions (e.g., keystrokes, mouse movements). These actions are then converted into data that can be provided to a computing device to represent human interaction with that device. Nowadays, it is common for a user to own multiple computing devices, which they use regularly and even simultaneously. For example, a single user might own a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, and a tablet computer.

[0003] As a result, users can often interact with more than one of these computing devices via interfaces on a regular basis. For example, a user might use a laptop computer for business purposes and a tablet computer for entertainment. It would be cumbersome for the user to carry separate input devices for each computing device and to physically move from one input device connected to one computing device to a second input device connected to a second host computing device in order to use both devices. Some alternatives allow the reuse of a single input device for data input into multiple computing devices. However, these solutions have their drawbacks.

[0004] A significant drawback of earlier solutions lies in the way the process of switching multiple data input devices from a first host computing device to a second host computing device is handled. With some earlier solutions, switching both the keyboard and mouse devices to a second host computing device required the user to perform two separate actions, which could negatively impact the user experience. For example, earlier solutions paired both the keyboard and mouse devices independently with each of the two or more host computing devices. If the user wanted to switch from using a first host computing device to a second host computing device, the user would have to change the pairing for each keyboard and mouse device individually.

[0005] For a better understanding of the present invention, the disclosure in TW I 277 305 B may be helpful. This publication describes a wireless high-frequency (HF) remote control device and a multi-computer switching system controlled by it, which enables a plurality of hosts to share a set of mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Each host is assigned a host number, so that each user can use an input selection module to select a host number. In this way, an HF signal conversion module can convert the host number into an HF signal, and an HF signal transmission module can transmit the HF signal to an HF signal receiving module of the multi-computer switching system for a processing module to find the corresponding host number by analyzing the HF signal. Finally, the switching module connects the selected host, mouse, keyboard, and monitor for communication.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved method and systems for more efficient switching of connections that pair input devices with multiple computing devices. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments may include features of dependent claims. QUICK OVERVIEW

[0007] The present invention generally relates to input devices such as human interface devices (user interface devices) configured for use with electronic or computing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems for using a combination of input devices (e.g., a keyboard device and a mouse device) with multiple host computing devices and for efficiently and automatically switching the combination of input devices between the multiple host computing devices while minimizing the amount of user interaction required to effect such switching.In particular, embodiments of the invention generally relate to systems and methods for switching several independently connected data input devices together from a first host computing device to a second host computing device on the basis of a single command or a single operation.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for establishing a wireless connection between a data input device and a host computing device. The method includes establishing a first wireless connection between a first data input device and a first host computing device from a plurality of host computing devices, and a second wireless connection between a second data input device and the first host computing device. The method further includes receiving a signal from a first data input device to switch the first wireless connection from the first host computing device to a second host computing device from the plurality of host computing devices. A command is then sent to the second data input device to switch the second wireless connection from the first host computing device to the second host computing device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the indication from the first data input device is a user selection made through interaction with the first data input device, via user input detected by a sensor device, and a command from a host computing device. In some embodiments, the indication from the first data input device is a movement of an input pointer associated with the first data input device, displayed on a screen of one of the plurality of host computing devices, to a predetermined position on the screen.

[0010] In some embodiments, sending the command to the second data input device to switch the second wireless link from the first host computer to the second host computer further includes determining that the first and second data input devices are capable of establishing a connection with the second host computer, and receiving an indication of the result of the determination. If the first and second data input devices are capable of establishing a connection with the second host computer, the method further includes initiating a connection between the first and second data input devices and the second host computer.

[0011] In some embodiments, determining that the first data input device and the second data input device are capable of establishing a connection with the second host computing device includes further determining that pairing profiles exist for each wireless connection between the second host computing device and the first data input device and the second data input device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first data input device and the second data input device are associated in a subset of the plurality of data input devices, wherein, when the signal is received from the first data input device, the subset of the plurality of data input devices switches its wireless connections from the first host computing device to the second host computing device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first data input device and the second data input device are connected by a third wireless link. In such embodiments, the first data input device and the second data input device are configured to send switching commands to each other via the third wireless link.

[0014] In some embodiments, one or more of the multiple data input devices are configured to maintain wireless connections with a multiple host computing devices simultaneously.

[0015] In some versions, the data communication link is a Bluetooth® Smart communication protocol.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first data input device is a keyboard, and the second data input device is a mouse.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a notification to the user if one or more of the first data input devices and the second data input devices are unable to establish a connection with one of the plurality of host computing devices.

[0018] Additional embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising a plurality of host computing devices and a plurality of data input devices, wherein the plurality of data input devices is connected to one of the plurality of host computing devices by means of a method. In some embodiments, the method includes establishing a wireless connection between a data input device and a host computing device. The method may further include establishing a first wireless connection between a first data input device and a first host computing device from the plurality of host computing devices, and a second wireless connection between a second data input device and the first host computing device.The method further involves receiving a signal from a first data input device to switch the first wireless link from the first host computing device to a second host computing device from the plurality of host computing devices. A command is then sent to the second data input device to switch the second wireless link from the first host computing device to the second host computing device.

[0019] In some embodiments, switching software can be installed on each host computing device. The active host computing device (e.g., the host computing device currently connected to the input devices) detects that the user wants to switch its connection to a second host computing device. The switching software sends a command to each input device to switch to the second host computing device. Alternatively, the switching software can send a command to a first input device, and the first input device can forward the command to a second input device. Alternatively, the second host computing device could send a request to the active host computing device to initiate the switching process.

[0020] In other embodiments, no switching software may be installed on the host computing devices. In such embodiments, a switching input is provided by the user to one of the input devices. The first input device switches from the active host computing device to the second host computing device and can then send a command to the other input device to switch similarly from the active host computing device to the second host computing device.

[0021] In other embodiments, a gateway device can be connected to the active host computing device, either through physical interaction with the active host computing device or as a standalone gateway device connected via a wireless link. For example, a USB dongle can include a Bluetooth® receiver for converting between a Bluetooth® channel used to communicate with the input devices and the USB input of the computing device. In other embodiments, the gateway device can use other suitable communication protocols besides USB. The gateway device can receive the toggle command either from the active host computing device or from one of the input devices. The gateway device can either forward the toggle command from one input device to another or send a toggle command from the active host to all input devices.

[0022] Additional embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising a plurality of host computing devices, a plurality of data input devices, and a gateway device. In some embodiments, the gateway device can be configured to transmit data between the plurality of host computing devices and the plurality of data input devices. The gateway device can be configured to switch a wireless connection between the plurality of data input devices and the plurality of host computing devices using a method that includes establishing the wireless connection between the plurality of data input devices and a first host computing device from the plurality of host computing devices.The method further includes receiving a signal from a first data input device from the plurality of data input devices to switch the wireless connection from the first host computing device to a second host computing device from the plurality of host computing devices. The method further includes sending, through the gateway device, commands to each additional data input device of the plurality of data input devices, instructing each of the additional data input devices to independently establish a connection with the second host computing device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a signal from the first data input device of the plurality of data input devices to switch the wireless connection from the second host computing device to a third host computing device of the plurality of host computing devices. The method further includes sending, through the gateway device, commands to each additional data input device of the plurality of data input devices, instructing each of the additional data input devices to independently establish a connection with the third host computing device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the gateway device is a dongle device that physically interacts with at least one of the plurality of host computing devices and the plurality of data input devices. In some embodiments, the gateway device may be wirelessly connected to the other host computing devices and data input devices with which it does not physically interact.

[0025] In some embodiments, the gateway device is a dongle device that is connected to the multitude of host computing devices and the multitude of data input devices via a wireless data communication link.

[0026] These and other embodiments of the invention, together with many of their advantages and features, are described in more detail in conjunction with the text below and the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a representation of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a representation of a computer system according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3-5 are flowcharts that describe the process for switching multiple input devices between host computing devices. Fig. Figure 6 is an alternative representation of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention with switching software on the host. Fig. Figure 7 is an alternative representation of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention without switching software on the host. Fig. Figures 8A-8C depict a flowchart illustrating the sequences of commands between multiple input devices and multiple hosts according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figures 9A-9B depict a flowchart illustrating the sequences of commands between multiple input devices and multiple hosts according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10 shows a flowchart illustrating the sequences of commands between multiple input devices and multiple hosts according to embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to systems and methods for jointly switching the data connections of several data input devices from a first host computing device to a second host computing device on the basis of a single command or a single operation.

[0028] Embodiments are described with reference to a multimodal wireless input device in the form of a keyboard and a mouse. However, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to input devices in the form of a keyboard and a mouse. Additional embodiments consider input devices with other forms, including, but not limited to, a touchpad, a stylus, a gamepad, a steering wheel, a presentation pointer, a trackball, a control lever, a headset, and a remote control. I. EXEMPLARY SYSTEMS

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 is a representation of a system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The computer system 100 comprises a first host computing device 110, a second host computing device 120, a keyboard device 130, and a mouse input device 140. In some embodiments, the mouse input device 140 may be a multimodal mouse input device. In some embodiments, the input device may refer to one or both of the keyboard device 130 and a mouse input device 140, or to any other input device. In some embodiments, the input devices may also be referred to as data input devices.

[0030] For simple illustration, in Fig. Figure 1 shows a certain number of components. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may include more than one of each component. For example, the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 may be able to establish a connection with two or more host computing devices. In some embodiments, there may be additional input devices such as a control lever or input stylus. Additionally, some embodiments of the invention may include fewer than all of the components shown in Figure 1. Fig. The components shown in section 1 are included.

[0031] For System 100, the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 can be configured to control various aspects of the first host computing device 110 and the second host computing device 120. The first host computing device 110 and the second host computing device 120 can each include a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium (not shown) configured to store computer code, such as keyboard driver software, mouse input device driver software, and the like, wherein the computer code is executable by a processor (not shown) of the host computing device to bring about control of the host computing device by the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140. In some embodiments, the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 can be hardwired, wirelessly coupled, or integrated into the host computing devices (e.g.,a touch field region on the host computing device).

[0032] As in Fig. Figure 1 shows the first host computing device 110 and the second host computing device 120 as laptop computers. However, the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 can be wirelessly connected to other types of computing devices (e.g., a smartphone and / or a tablet computer) and provide them with input. The first host computing device 110 and the second host computing device 120 can be referred to collectively or individually as host computing devices. Other examples of host computing devices include a smartphone and a tablet computer. Alternatively, the invention can be used with any other computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a server, a set-top box, a smart TV, a smart home appliance, a remote control hub, or any other device with processing circuits.In embodiments of the invention, the first computer device 110 and the second host computing device 120 can be any combination of the aforementioned computing devices as well as other similar or comparable computing devices. In addition to providing data input for a computer system 100, the mouse input device 140 can be used in any number of configurations and systems (e.g., personal computers, servers, terminal devices), as the average person skilled in the art will recognize.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 paired with the first host computing device 110 via wireless connections 150a and 160a, respectively. Fig. Figure 1 also illustrates the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 paired with the second host computing device 120 via wireless connections 150b and 160b, respectively. In some embodiments, the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 can maintain two or more connections simultaneously. In other embodiments, the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 can maintain a single connection. In some embodiments, the wireless connections can use a Bluetooth® connection. Bluetooth® is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances between devices, which can be either stationary or mobile.Some embodiments may include other means for providing near-field contact or non-contact communication capability, such as RF, RFID, infrared, or other data transmission capability, which can be used to exchange data between the keyboard device 130, the mouse input device 140, and the host computing devices 110 and 120. In other embodiments, communication between the keyboard device 130 and the host computing devices 110 and 120 may be carried out using a communication protocol. For example, the communication protocol may operate at 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 is a representation of a computer system 200 according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first host computing device 110, the second host computing device 120, the keyboard device 130, and the mouse input device 140 can all be connected to a gateway device 170. The gateway device 170 can be located on one of the host computing devices (e.g., a dongle device) or be a standalone device (e.g., a central hub). The gateway device 170 can receive and send communications between all devices connected to it. The first host computing device 110, the second host computing device 120, the keyboard device 130, and the mouse input device 140 can all be connected to the gateway device 170 via wireless connections.In such embodiments, the first host computing device 110, the second host computing device 120, the keyboard device 130, and the mouse input device 140 may not be directly connected or paired with each other. In some embodiments, the wireless connections between the devices and the gateway device 170 may be Bluetooth® connections or any other suitable communication protocol.

[0035] In embodiments of the invention, which comprise the computer system 200 Fig. Using the gateway device 170, the gateway device 170 can be used as a proxy to forward data and commands from the keyboard device 130 to the mouse input device 140 and vice versa. For example, the mouse input device 140 can send HID data to the gateway device 170, which can then be transmitted to the currently paired host computing device. Additionally, switch commands between the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 can be sent via the gateway device 170 to switch the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 between host computing devices. In such embodiments, a direct wireless connection between the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 may not be required. II. EXAMPLE PROCEDURES a. Implementation with software on host

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart diagram for switching multiple input devices between host computing devices. In the Fig. In the embodiment described in Section 3, software for facilitating the switching process is installed on the host computing devices. Embodiments of the present invention are described with two host computing devices. However, embodiments of the present invention consider the use of more than two host computing devices, as described in Section 3. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates that the keyboard input device 130 and the mouse input device 140 can be switched from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120 and to the xth host computing device 180.

[0037] In step 302, the data input devices 130 and 140 are paired with a first host computing device 110 and a second host computing device 120. In such embodiments, the data input devices 130 and 140 can be paired with the first host computing device 110 by a standard wireless pairing process (e.g., a Bluetooth® discovery and connection process). Similarly, the data input devices 130 and 140 can be paired with the second host computing device 120 by the standard wireless pairing process.

[0038] In some embodiments, an I / O and communication block can be configured in the mouse input device 140 to establish a connection between the mouse input device 140 and the first host computing device 110. In some embodiments, the pairing process can be used to establish a wireless connection between the mouse input device 140 and the first host computing device 110. In some embodiments, the wireless connection can be Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Smart (or Bluetooth® Low Energy), or any other standard or proprietary wireless network protocol.

[0039] In some embodiments, the user may need to interact with the first host computing device 110 to initiate a connection between the first host computing device 110 and the mouse input device 140. For example, the user may need to enter a code into the first host computing device 110 to confirm that they wish to pair the mouse input device 140 with it. In other embodiments, the user may need to access settings in the first host computing device 110 and select the mouse input device 140 from a list of available or detectable input devices. In still other embodiments, the user does not need to interact with the first host computing device 110 to initiate the connection with the mouse input device 140, and the connection and pairing process can be completed automatically.Similar steps and processes may also be required to establish a connection between the mouse input device 140 and the second host computing device 120, and between the keyboard device 130 and both the first host computing device 110 and the second host computing device 120.

[0040] In step 304, wireless connections 150a and 160a are established between the first host computing device 110 and the data input devices 130 and 140. After the data input devices 130 and 140 have undergone a pairing process with the first host computing device 110 and the second host computing device 120, the keyboard device 130 can be connected to the first host computing device 110 via a wireless connection 150a, and the mouse input device 140 can be connected to the first host computing device 120 via a wireless connection 160a, so that data inputs (e.g., HID data) from the data input devices 130 and 140 can be sent to the first host computing device 110 based on user interactions with the data input devices 130 and 140 (e.g., a keystroke selection on the keyboard device 130 and / or mouse movements / selections on the mouse input device 140).

[0041] In step 306, the first host computing device 110 receives a signal to switch the wireless links 150a and 160a from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120. The signal received by the first host computing device 110 can be internal or external to the first host computing device 110.

[0042] In some embodiments, an internal sign may include the movement of an input pointer associated with the mouse input device to a designated region of a computer display of the first host computing device 110. Additional internal signs may include the movement of the input pointer associated with the mouse input device out of the computer display of the first host computing device 110. In such embodiments, the internal signs may be detected by the software installed on the first host computing device 110.

[0043] In some embodiments, external indicators may include the movement or selection by the user of a switch, button, toggle switch, or other similar input element on either the keyboard device 130 or the mouse input device 140. Other external indicators may include a predetermined change in the orientation of the keyboard device 130 or the mouse input device 140 (e.g., orienting the keyboard from facing the first host device to facing the second host device). Other external indicators may include a predetermined gesture that can be detected by a sensor or receiver device (e.g., a movement of the user's body orientation toward the desired host computing device, a movement to point at the desired host computing device to which the data input devices are not currently connected).Additional external indicators can be tactile contact or visual movement of the user, which can be detected by a sensor or receiver device. For example, the user can shift their line of sight from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120 to initiate a switching of the data input devices 130 and 140. A sensor device configured to record the user's eye movement can detect the user's eye movement from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120. The detected eye movement can provide an indication that the connections of the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device to the second host computing device 120 should be switched.

[0044] In step 308, a command is sent from the first host computing device 110 to switch the wireless connections 150a and 160a with the data input devices 130 and 140 respectively from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120.

[0045] In step 310, the data input devices 130 and 140 are connected to the second host computing device 120 via wireless connections 150b and 160b.

[0046] It goes without saying that the in Fig. The specific steps illustrated in section 3 provide a particular method 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Other step sequences can also be carried out according to alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments of the present invention can perform the steps shown above in a different order. In addition, the steps shown in Fig. The three illustrated individual steps comprise several sub-steps that can be performed in different sequences, as appropriate for the individual step. Furthermore, depending on the specific application, additional steps may be added or omitted. An average professional will recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives.

[0047] Fig. Figures 8A-8C depict a flowchart illustrating the sequence of commands between multiple input devices and multiple hosts according to embodiments of the present invention. The first host computer 110 receives an indication that a switching process has been triggered, either internally or externally from the first host computer (step 801). In embodiments of the present invention, the first host computer 110 can determine whether the connection of the first data input device 130 to the second host computer 120 is possible (step 802). The first host computer 110 can also determine whether the connection of the second data input device 140 to the second host computer 120 is possible (step 805).

[0048] If a first data input device 130 is capable of multiple connections (e.g., the data input device can maintain two or more connections to host computing devices simultaneously) and is not already connected to the second host computing device 120, the software on the first host computing device 110 can, in some embodiments, send a command to the first data input device 130 instructing the first data input device 130 to attempt to establish a connection with the second host computing device 120 (step 803). If the second data input device 140 is capable of multiple connections, the first host computing device 110 can, in such embodiments, also send a command to the second data input device 140 instructing the second data input device 140 to attempt to establish a connection with the second host computing device 120.The data input devices 130 and 140 can send a response to the first host computing device 110 indicating that a connection to the second host computing device 120 is possible.

[0049] In embodiments of the present invention, in which the first data input device 130 is capable of multiple connections and is already connected to the second host computing device 120, the first data input device can be switched to the second host computing device 120 with little or no latency (e.g., no delay when switching from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120). In other embodiments, the first host computing device 110 can send a switching instruction to the data input devices 130 and 140 (steps 808 and 812).The first data input device can switch a message channel from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120 (step 809), and the second data input device can switch a message channel from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120 (step 813).

[0050] In embodiments of the present invention in which the first data input device 130 is not capable of multiple connections, the first host computer 110 can determine whether a connection key exists for the second host computer 120 (step 804). In embodiments of the present invention, the connection key can include the address of the host computers for which the data input device has pairing data (e.g., a pairing profile) and any encryption data required for the connection. If the connection key for the second host computer 120 exists, the first host computer 110 can send a command to establish a connection with the second host computer 120 to the first data input device 130 (step 808).A similar operation can be performed if the second data input device 140 is not capable of multiple connections (step 807). The first data input device 130 and the second data input device 140 can disconnect from the first host computing device 110 (steps 810 and 814, respectively) and then connect to the second host computing device 120 (steps 811 and 815, respectively).

[0051] In some embodiments, the first data input device 130 may be capable of multiple connections, while the second data input device 140 may not be capable of multiple connections. In other embodiments, both data input devices 130 and 140 may not be capable of multiple connections.

[0052] If both data input devices 130 and 140 are not capable of multiple connections, but have pairing information for the second host computing device 120 (through a previous pairing process as described in step 302), the connection between the data input devices 130 and 140 and the first host computing device 110 can be disconnected and the data input devices 130 and 140 can then be connected to the second host computing device 120.

[0053] If both data input devices 130 and 140 are not capable of multiple connections and do not have pairing information for the second host computing device 120, the data input devices 130 and 140 can remain connected to the first host computing device 110. Since the data input devices 130 and 140 do not have pairing information for the second host computing device 120, they will not be able to establish a successful connection with the second host computing device 120 in such situations.

[0054] In some embodiments, one of the data input devices may be unable to switch the connection from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120. In some embodiments where the data input device is capable of multiple connections, the data input device may not be able to establish a successful connection with the second host computing device 120 (step 816). In some embodiments where one of the data input devices is not capable of multiple connections, the data input device may not be able to establish a successful connection with the second host computing device 120 because no connection key is available (step 817). In situations where the switching process cannot be completed, a notification may be provided indicating that the data input device cannot switch (step 818).The notification can be audible or visual. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted to authorize the switching of data input devices that can successfully switch to the first host computing device 110, while the data input devices that cannot switch maintain the connection to the first host computing device 110.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first host computing device 110 can determine whether the first data input device 130 and the second data input device 140 are capable of establishing a connection with the second host computing device 120. In such embodiments, the first host computing device 110 can determine whether a pairing profile for a wireless connection exists between the second host computing device 120 and the first data input device 130, and whether a pairing profile for a wireless connection exists between the second host computing device 120 and the second data input device 140. In some embodiments, the pairing profile may have been generated during a prior connection establishment and pairing process.

[0056] As a result of determining that the first data input device 130 and the second data input device 140 are capable of establishing a connection with the second host computing device 120, a connection between the first data input device 130 and the second data input device 140 with the second host computing device 120 can be initiated.

[0057] It goes without saying that the in Fig. The specific steps illustrated in section 8 provide a particular method 800 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Other step sequences can also be carried out according to alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments of the present invention can perform the steps set out above in a different order. In addition, the steps described in Fig. The eight illustrated individual steps comprise several sub-steps that can be performed in different sequences, as appropriate for the individual step. Furthermore, depending on the specific application, additional steps may be added or omitted. An average professional will recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives. B. Implementation without software on host

[0058] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart diagram for switching multiple input devices between host computing devices. In the Fig. In the embodiment described in section 4, no software to facilitate the switching process is installed on the host computing devices. This is also the case in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates how the keyboard input device 130 and the mouse input device 140 send host switching commands to switch from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120 and to the Xth host computing device 180 directly between the two devices.

[0059] In the in relation to Fig. In the embodiments described in section 4, the data input devices 130 and 140 have a capability for multiple connections. For example, the keyboard device 130 can maintain a connection with the mouse input device 140 and the first host computing device 110 simultaneously. In such embodiments, each data input device can send commands (e.g., wireless connection toggle commands) to the other data input devices with which it is paired via the wireless connection through the wireless connection between the data input devices 130 and 140.

[0060] In step 402, the data input devices 130 and 140 are paired together. In some embodiments, the data input devices 130 and 140 may be pre-paired at the factory to form a group of devices. The following applies with respect to Fig. The embodiment described in section 4 describes the group of devices comprising two data input devices. In other embodiments, the group of devices may comprise more than two data input devices. In other embodiments, the data input devices 130 and 140 can be automatically paired when they come within a predetermined proximity of each other. For example, if a keyboard device 130 and a mouse input device 140 are placed within range of each other (e.g., less than eight inches apart), the keyboard device 130 and the mouse input device 140 can be automatically paired into a group.

[0061] In other embodiments, the group of devices can be defined using software installed on the first host computing device 130 and / or the second host computing device 140. For example, the user can pair a plurality of data input devices with the first host computing device 130. The user can then select a subset of the plurality of data input devices and associate them as a first group. The user can then select another subset to form a second group. The data for the different groupings can be stored in pairing profiles in a memory component of the data input devices.

[0062] In step 404, the data input devices 130 and 140 are paired with a first host computing device 110 and a second host computing device 120. The process of pairing the data input devices with the host computing devices is similar to that described in step 302 above.

[0063] In step 406, the wireless links 150a and 160a between the first host computing device 110 and the data input devices 130 and 140 are established. After the data input devices 130 and 140 have undergone a pairing process with the first host computing device 110 and the second host computing device 120, the data input devices 130 and 140 can be connected to the first host computing device 110 via wireless links 150a and 160a, so that data input (e.g., HID data) can be sent from the data input devices 130 and 140 to the first host computing device 110 based on user interactions with the data input devices 130 and 140.

[0064] In step 408, the first data input device 130 receives a signal to switch the wireless connections 150a and 160a to the second host computing device 120. The signal can be an external indicator triggered by the user on the first data input device. Such external indicators can include the movement of a switch, button, toggle switch, or other similar input element by the user on either the keyboard device 130 or the mouse input device 140. Other external indicators can include a predetermined change in the orientation of the keyboard device 130 or the mouse input device 140, or a gesture, touch contact, or visual movement by the user that can be detected by a sensor or receiver device.

[0065] In step 410, a command is sent from the first data input device 130 to the second data input device 140, instructing the second data input device 140 to establish a connection with the second host computing device 120. In embodiments of the present invention that use the paired connection between the first data input device 130 and the second data input device 140, the first data input device 130 sends a toggle command to the second data input device 140. In embodiments where there are more than two devices in the pre-paired group of devices, the first data input device 130 can send the toggle command to all data input devices in the group of devices.

[0066] In step 412, the data input devices 130 and 140 are connected to the second host computing device 120 via wireless links 150b and 160b.

[0067] It goes without saying that the in Fig. The specific steps illustrated in section 4 provide a particular method 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Other step sequences can also be carried out according to alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments of the present invention can perform the steps shown above in a different order. In addition, the steps shown in Fig. The four illustrated individual steps comprise several sub-steps that can be performed in different sequences, as appropriate for the individual step. Furthermore, depending on the specific application, additional steps may be added or omitted. An average professional will recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives.

[0068] Fig. Figures 9A-9B depict a flowchart illustrating the sequences of commands between multiple input devices and multiple hosts according to embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first data input device 130 receives an indication that a switching process has been triggered, either internally or externally from the first data input device 130 (step 901). In embodiments of the present invention, the first data input device 130 can determine whether a connection between the second data input device 140 and the second host computing device 120 is possible (step 902).

[0069] If a second data input device 140 is capable of multiple connections (e.g., the data input device can maintain two or more connections with host computing devices simultaneously) and is not already connected to the second host computing device 120, the first data input device 130 can, in some embodiments, send a command to the second data input device 140 instructing the second data input device 140 to attempt to establish a connection with the second host computing device 120 (step 903). The second data input device 140 can send a response to the first data input device 130 indicating that a connection to the second host computing device 120 is possible.If the second data input device 140 is capable of multiple connections, the first data input device 130 can send a command to the second data input device 140 to establish a connection with the second host computing device 120 (step 906). The second data input device 140 can switch a message channel from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120 (step 907).

[0070] In embodiments of the present invention in which the second data input device 140 is not capable of multiple connections, the first data input device 130 can determine whether a connection key exists for the second host computing device 120 (step 905). In embodiments of the present invention, the connection key can include the address of the host computing devices for which the data input device has pairing data (e.g., a pairing profile) and any encryption data required for the connection. If the connection key exists for the second host computing device 120, the first data input device 130 can send a command to establish a connection with the second host computing device 120 to the second data input device 140 (step 906).The second data input device 140 can disconnect from the first host computing device 110 (step 908) and then establish a connection with the second host computing device 120 (step 909).

[0071] If the second data input device 140 has successfully switched from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120, the second data input device 140 can send a notification message indicating this to the first data input device 130 (step 910).

[0072] Once the second data input device 140 has switched to the second host computing device 120, the first data input device 130 can proceed to switch to the second host computing device 120. In embodiments where the first data input device 130 is capable of multiple connections, the first data input device 130 can switch a message channel from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120 (step 911). In embodiments of the present invention where the first data input device 130 is not capable of multiple connections, the first data input device 130 can disconnect the connection with the first host computing device 110 (step 912) and then establish a connection with the second host computing device 120 (step 913).

[0073] In some embodiments, one of the data input devices may be unable to switch the connection from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device. In some embodiments where the data input device is capable of multiple connections, the data input device may fail to establish a successful connection with the second host computing device. In some embodiments where one of the data input devices is not capable of multiple connections, the data input device may fail to establish a successful connection with the second host computing device because no connection key is available. In situations where the switching process cannot be completed successfully, a notification may be provided indicating that the data input device is unable to switch.In some embodiments, the data input device that fails to switch can provide a notification to the user. In other embodiments, the data input device that has successfully switched can provide a notification to the user. The notification can be audible or visual.

[0074] It goes without saying that the in Fig. The specific steps illustrated in section 9 provide a particular method 900 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Other step sequences can also be carried out according to alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments of the present invention may perform the steps set out above in a different order. In addition, the steps described in Fig. The nine illustrated individual steps comprise several sub-steps that can be performed in different sequences, as appropriate for the individual step. Furthermore, depending on the specific application, additional steps may be added or omitted. An average professional will recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives. C. Implementation with gateway device

[0075] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart diagram for switching multiple input devices between host computing devices. In the Fig. In the embodiment described in section 5, a gateway device 170 can be used to facilitate communication between devices. This is also the case in Fig. 2 illustrated.

[0076] In step 502, the data input devices 130 and 140 and the host computing devices 110 and 120 can be paired with a gateway device 170. The gateway device 170 can be a dongle that uses a proprietary 2.4 GHz protocol and can connect to a variety of data input devices and host computing devices simultaneously. Each connection to the gateway device 170 can be a wireless connection. In some embodiments, the wireless connections can be Bluetooth®, Bluetooth LE (Low Energy, known as Bluetooth® Smart), or any other standard or proprietary wireless networking protocol. The process of pairing the data input devices 130 and 140 and the computing devices 110 and 120 with the gateway device 170 can be compared to the one previously described with reference to step 302 in Fig. The process described in point 3 will be similar.

[0077] In step 504, the data input devices 130 and 140 are paired with a first host computing device 110 and a second host computing device 120. The process of pairing the data input devices 130 and 140 with the host computing devices can be described similarly to that described in step 302 in Fig. 3 described. The process of pairing the devices may include determining the appropriate mapping of keystrokes and mouse selections to the host computing devices 110 and 120.

[0078] In step 506, a wireless connection is established between the first host computing device 110 and the data input devices 130 and 140. After the data input devices 130 and 140 have undergone a pairing process with the gateway device 170, they can be wirelessly connected to the first host computing device 110 via the gateway device 170. In this situation, data inputs based on user interactions with the data input devices 130 and 140 can be sent from the data input devices 130 and 140 to the first host computing device 110 via the gateway device 170.

[0079] In step 508, the gateway device 170 receives a signal to switch the wireless connection from the first host computer 110 to the second host computer 120. The signal can be an external indicator triggered by the user on the first data input device 130 and detected by the gateway device 170. Such external indicators can include the movement of a switch, button, toggle switch, or other similar input element by the user on either the keyboard device 130 or the mouse input device 140. A command to switch the connection from the first host computer 110 to the second host computer 120 can be sent from the first data input device 130 to the gateway device 170. In embodiments of the present invention, the gateway device 170 can receive the command from the first data input device 130.In such embodiments, the gateway device 170 can modify its configuration to send commands received from the first data input device 130 and the second data input device 140 from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120.

[0080] In step 510, the gateway device 170 connects the first data input device 130 and the second data input device 140 to the second host computing device 120. After the wireless connection to the second host computing device 120 has been switched over, the gateway device 170 can send HID data received from the data input devices 130 and 140 to the second host computing device 120 using the wireless connection from the gateway device 170 to the second host computing device 120.

[0081] It goes without saying that the in Fig. The specific steps illustrated in section 5 provide a particular method 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Other step sequences can also be carried out according to alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments of the present invention can perform the steps shown above in a different order. In addition, the steps shown in Fig. The five illustrated individual steps comprise several sub-steps that can be performed in different sequences, as appropriate for the individual step. Furthermore, depending on the specific application, additional steps may be added or omitted. An average professional will recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives.

[0082] Fig. Figure 10 shows a flowchart illustrating the sequences of commands between multiple input devices and multiple hosts according to embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the switching is initiated by a gateway device 170, which has previously been paired with the plurality of host computing devices (110 and 120) and the plurality of data input devices (130 and 140).

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, the gateway device 170 can receive an indication that a switching process has been triggered, either internally or externally (step 1001). In embodiments of the present invention, the gateway device (170) can determine whether a connection between the first data input device 130 and the second host computing device 120 is possible (step 1002). The gateway device 170 can then switch a message channel associated with the first data input device 130 from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120 (step 1003).

[0084] In other embodiments of the present invention, the indication that the switching process has been triggered, either internally or externally, can be detected by the first data input device 130 (step 1004). In such embodiments, the first data input device 130 can send a message to the gateway device 170 to check whether a connection to the second host computing device 120 is possible (step 1005). If the gateway device 170 is not connected to the second host computing device 120, the gateway device 170 can then establish a connection to the second host computing device 120 (step 1006). The gateway device 170 can then provide a signal to the first data input device 130 that the connection to the second host computing device 120 is available (step 1007), and the first data input device 130 can request that the switchover be performed (step 1008).The gateway device 170 can switch a message channel associated with the first data input device 130 from the first host computing device 110 to the second host computing device 120 (step 907).

[0085] In some embodiments, a similar process can be carried out with respect to the second data input device 140. In other embodiments, the request from the first data input device 130 to switch from the second host computing device 120 can cause all data input devices paired with the gateway device to automatically switch to the second host computing device 120.

[0086] It goes without saying that the in Fig. The 10 illustrated specific steps provide a particular method 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Other step sequences can also be carried out according to alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments of the present invention can perform the steps set out above in a different order. In addition, the steps described in Fig. The 10 illustrated individual steps comprise several sub-steps that can be performed in various sequences, as appropriate for the individual step. Furthermore, depending on the specific application, additional steps may be added or omitted. An average professional will recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives.

[0087] The present invention can be implemented in the form of control logic in software or hardware, or a combination of both. The control logic can be stored in an information storage medium as a plurality of instructions adapted to direct an information processing device to perform a set of steps disclosed in embodiments of the present invention. Based on the disclosure and teaching provided herein, a person skilled in the art will recognize other ways and / or methods for implementing the present invention.

[0088] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described here serve only for illustration and that various modifications or alterations are available to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

[1] A method comprising: Establishing a first wireless connection (105a) between a first data input device (130) and a first host computing device (110); Receiving a command (306) to switch the first wireless connection (150a) of the first data input device (130) from the first host computing device (110) to a second host computing device (120); in response to receiving the command (306): Establishing a wireless connection (150b) between the first data input device (130) and the second host computing device (120); and interrupting the wireless connection (150a) between the first data input device (130) and the first host computing device (110); and in response to establishing a wireless connection (150b) between the first data input device (130) and the second host computing device (120) or interrupting the wireless connection (150a) between the first data input device (130) and the first host computing device (110): Causing a second data input device (140) to establish an independent wireless connection (160b) between the second data input device (140) and the second host computing device (120) and to interrupt an existing wireless connection (160a) between the second data input device (140) and the first host computing device (110). [2] The method of claim 1, wherein the command to switch is made by a user selection made by interaction with the first data input device (130) or via a user input detected by a sensor device, or by a command from one of the plurality of host computing devices. [3] The method of claim 1, wherein the command to switch is a movement of an input pointer associated with the first data input device (130) displayed on a display of one of the plurality of host computing devices to a predetermined location on the display. [4] The method of claim 1, wherein causing the second data input device (140) to establish a wireless connection (150a) between the second data input device (130) and the second host computing device (110) further comprises: Determining that the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140) are capable of establishing a connection with the second host computing device (120); Receiving an indication of the result of the determination; and initiating a connection between the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140) with the second host computing device (120) when the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140) is capable of establishing a connection with the second host computing device (120). [5] The method of claim 4, wherein determining that the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140) are capable of establishing a connection (150b, 160b) with the second host computing device (120) further comprises: Determining that pairing profiles exist for each wireless connection (150b, 160b) between the second host computing device (120) having the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140). [6] The method of claim 1, wherein the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140) are associated in a subset of a plurality of data input devices, wherein, when the command to switch is received, the subset of the plurality of data input devices switches their wireless connections from the first host computing device (110) to the second host computing device (120). [7] The method of claim 1, wherein the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140) are connected by a third wireless connection. [8] The method of claim 7, wherein the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140) are configured to send switching commands to each other via the third wireless connection. [9] The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second data input devices (130, 140) is configured to maintain wireless connections with a plurality of host computing devices simultaneously. [10] The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless connection is a Bluetooth® Smart communication protocol. [11] The method of claim 1, wherein the first data input device (130) is a keyboard and the second data input device (140) is a mouse. [12] The method of claim 1, wherein if one or more of the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140) are unable to establish a connection with one of the plurality of host computing devices (110, 120), the method further includes: Provide a notification to the user. [13] A system (100) comprising: a plurality of host computing devices (110, 120); and a plurality of data input devices (130, 140), wherein the plurality of data input devices (130, 140) are connected to one of the plurality of host computing devices (110, 120) using a method comprising: Establishing a first wireless connection (150a) between a first data input device (130) and a first host computing device (110); Receiving a command to switch the first wireless connection (150a) from the first host computing device (110) to a second host computing device (120) in response to receiving the command: Establishing a wireless connection (150b) between the first data input device (130) and the second host computing device (120); and interrupting the wireless connection (150a) between the first data input device (130) and the first host computing device (110); and in response to establishing a wireless connection (150b) between the first data input device (130) and the second host computing device (120) or interrupting the wireless connection (150a) between the first data input device (130) and the first host computing device (110): Causing a second data input device (140) to establish an independent wireless connection (160b) between the second data input device (140) and the second host computing device (120) and to interrupt an existing wireless connection (160a) between the second data input device (140) and the first host computing device (110). [14] A system (200) comprising: a plurality of host computing devices (110, 120); a plurality of data input devices (130, 140); and a gateway device (170), wherein the gateway device (170) is configured to send data between the plurality of host computing devices (110, 120) and the plurality of data input devices (130, 140), wherein the gateway device (170) is configured to switch a wireless connection between the plurality of data input devices (130, 140) and the plurality of host computing devices (110, 120) using a method comprising: Establishing the wireless connection between the plurality of data input devices (130, 140) and a first host computing device (110) of the plurality of host computing devices; Receiving an indication from a first data input device (130) of the plurality of data input devices (130, 140) to switch the wireless connection from the first host computing device (110) to a second host computing device (120) of the plurality of host computing devices (110, 120); and sending, by the gateway device (170), commands to each additional data input device (140) of the plurality of data input devices (130, 140) instructing each of the additional data input devices (140) to independently establish a connection with the second host computing device (120). [15] The system (200) of claim 14, wherein the first data input device (130) is a keyboard and the second data input device (140) is a mouse. [16] The system (200) of claim 14, wherein the gateway device (170) is a dongle device physically engaged with at least one of the plurality of host computing devices (110, 120) and the plurality of data input devices (130, 140). [17] The system (200) of claim 14, wherein the gateway device (170) is a dongle device connected to the plurality of host computing devices (110, 120) and the plurality of data input devices (130, 140) via a wireless data communication link. [18] The system (200) of claim 17, wherein the wireless data communication link is a Bluetooth® Smart communication protocol. [19] The system (200) of claim 14, wherein the first data input device (130) and the second data input device (140) are associated in a subset of the plurality of data input devices (130, 140), wherein when the indication is received from the first data input device (130), the subset of the plurality of data input devices (130, 140) switches its wireless connections from the first host computing device (110) to the second host computing device (120). [20] The system (200) of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises: Receiving an indication from the first data input device (110) of the plurality of data input devices (110, 120) to switch the wireless connection from the second host computing device (120) to a third host computing device of the plurality of host computing devices; and Sending, by the gateway device (170), commands to each additional data input device (140) of the plurality of data input devices instructing each of the additional data input devices (140) to independently establish a connection with the third host computing device.

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