Display Device Network Bridge for Multi-Host Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current widescreen display devices can only provide network connectivity and remote wake-up for one host when connected to two hosts, limiting their functionality in multi-host setups.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system and method that utilizes a display device with network interface ports, control units, and USB hubs to enable multiple hosts to connect to an external network and wake up remotely, using network bridging and KVM switching to manage connections and wake-up signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a widescreen display device supports dual connectivity to two hosts, then it can display screens of both hosts simultaneously, but it can only allow one host to access the network and wake up from power-saving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network connectivity function by introducing a network bridge mode that creates separate virtual network interfaces for each host. The display device divides its network capabilities into distinct channels, allowing each host to have independent network access through virtualization of the physical network interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network bridge as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple hosts and the external network. This bridge function acts as a mediator that manages network traffic from multiple hosts, enabling simultaneous network access while maintaining control over connection management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a display device provides network bridging function, then multiple hosts can connect to the network, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the display device automatically detects host presence, manages network bridge activation, and handles wake-up signal routing without requiring manual user configuration. The system autonomously manages the complexity of multi-host network management through automatic detection and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the display device universally capable of handling multiple hosts by integrating multiple functions into a single device. The display device simultaneously performs display, network bridging, and wake-up management functions, eliminating the need for separate network management devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the display device wakes up one host from power-saving mode, then that host can access the network, but other hosts remain in power-saving mode and cannot be woken up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic wake-up signal routing that can adaptively direct wake-up signals to different hosts based on current active state. The system dynamically switches between wake-up pathways, allowing flexible and selective activation of any connected host receiving a wake-up signal while others remain in power-saving mode.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system includes a display device, a first host and a second host. The display device includes a network interface port for connecting to an external network, a first port, a second port, a control unit for recording information associated with a designated network bridge target, and a hub unit for controlling the signal transmission between the network interface port, the first port, the second port and the control unit. The first host is coupled to the first port and configured to activate network bridge function when set as the designated network bridge target, thereby connecting to the external network. The second host is coupled to the second port and configured to connect to the external network using the network bridge function via the second port, the hub unit and the first port.