Display Command Integrator for Multi-Subsystem Workstation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring and controlling multiple disparate computer systems are limited in their ability to integrate display information and control inputs, often requiring users to manage separate systems with different operating systems and display devices, lacking real-time functionality and customization options.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an integrator interfacing between a workstation and multiple subsystems, translating incompatible display signals and commands into a common form for integrated monitoring and control, featuring a display processor for generating composite display signals and a command processor for managing input devices and access limitations, allowing customization of the display layout and saving/retrieving user-defined layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate systems are used to monitor and control different subsystems, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and users must manage multiple workstations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate monitoring and control systems into a single integrated workstation. The display integrator merges video outputs from multiple subsystems onto one display device, while the command integrator combines multiple input devices (keyboards, mice) into a single control interface, eliminating the need for multiple workstations while maintaining compatibility with diverse subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated workstation is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can monitor and control different types of subsystems (video conferencing, telephony, messaging, etc.) through a single interface. The system provides universal compatibility with various input devices and display devices, allowing one workstation to replace multiple specialized systems
2Ease of operation
If display integrators are used to combine multiple images, then users can monitor multiple systems from a single display, but control input devices are not reduced and command inputs cannot be redirected
Solution Approach 1:
The command integrator merges multiple input devices (keyboards, mice, other control devices) into a single unified control interface. It combines the functional capabilities of multiple input devices so that users can control all subsystems through one integrated keyboard and one integrated mouse, reducing the number of physical control devices while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The command integrator acts as an intermediary between the user's input devices and the various subsystems. It receives commands from integrated input devices, translates them into appropriate formats, and redirects them to the target subsystems, enabling unified control without requiring direct connections between each input device and each subsystem
3Device complexity
If keyboard, video, and mouse switches (KVMs) are used, then users can switch between multiple computer systems using a single workstation, but only one system can be viewed and controlled at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The display integrator divides the display device into multiple independent display regions or windows, with each region showing the output of a different subsystem. This segmentation allows users to view multiple systems simultaneously on different portions of the same display, eliminating the need to switch between full-screen displays while maintaining the ability to monitor all systems at once
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a display, input device, display processor, and command processor. The display may receive a composite display signal and render a composite image corresponding thereto viewable by a user. The input device may receive commands from a user. The display processor may receive display signals of disparate forms from each of various electronic devices, generate the composite display signal to define multiple windows wherein each of the display signal corresponds to at least one window, and transmit the composite display signal to the display. The command processor may be configured to selectively control, according to the commands received from a user through the input device, the relative size, position, or the like of each window presented on the display.