Display Switching Component for Peripheral Device Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for switching peripheral devices between multiple computer systems are cumbersome and disruptive to user workflow, requiring manual adjustments or complex network connections.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement that enables automated, software-based switching of peripheral devices between two computer systems connected to a common display, using a switching component and evaluation unit within the display to process software-generated commands, allowing seamless switching without manual intervention or additional interface setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual switching methods (OSD menu or USB upstream settings) are used to change peripheral device connection, then the peripheral device can be switched between computer systems, but the process is cumbersome and interrupts user workflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of switching peripheral deviceVSAvoidtime for switching operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when a peripheral device is connected to multiple computer systems and autonomously manages the switching process. The evaluation unit monitors connection states and the switching component automatically redirects peripheral devices between systems without requiring user intervention through OSD menus or USB settings adjustments, thereby eliminating manual operation steps and workflow interruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation unit continuously monitors the connection state of peripheral devices to computer systems and uses this feedback information to automatically control the switching component. When the evaluation unit detects that a peripheral device is connected to both computer systems, it automatically triggers the switching component to redirect the peripheral device to the appropriate system, creating a closed-loop automatic switching mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If network-based switching solutions are used to switch peripheral devices between computer systems, then automated switching is achieved, but the computer systems must be connected via the same network which limits flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of switchingVSAvoidflexibility of system connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display device acts as an intermediary between computer systems and peripheral devices. It incorporates an evaluation unit that monitors connection states and a switching component that automatically redirects peripheral devices. This intermediary approach enables automated switching without requiring the computer systems to be connected via the same network, as the display manages the switching logic locally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device performs multiple functions: it displays video signals from multiple computer systems, monitors peripheral device connection states, and automatically switches peripheral devices between systems. This multi-functionality consolidates the switching capability within the display itself, eliminating the need for separate network-based switching solutions and allowing flexible connections between different computer systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional switching methods are used, then peripheral devices can be switched between computer systems, but additional interface setup and configuration are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of switching processVSAvoidcomplexity of interface setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects peripheral device connections and manages switching without requiring user configuration. The evaluation unit monitors connection states and the switching component automatically redirects peripheral devices based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for users to configure interface settings or adjust USB upstream parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is pre-configured with the switching functionality and evaluation unit that continuously monitors connection states. When a peripheral device is connected to multiple computer systems, the evaluation unit has already detected this condition and automatically triggers the switching component to redirect the peripheral device, eliminating the need for subsequent manual configuration or interface setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3961356B1Method for exchanging peripheral units between two computer systems
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 FUJITSU CLIENT COMPUTING LTD
  • EP3961356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3961356B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3961356B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for switching a peripheral device (1) between two computer systems (2, 3). The peripheral device (1) and the two computer systems (2, 3) are connected to a common display (4), wherein the peripheral device (1) is connected to a first of the two computer systems (2, 3) via the common display (4). According to the method, a software-based switching command (5) is generated by software (6, 7) in one of the two computer systems (2, 3) and transmitted to the display (4). In the display (4), a switching component (8) is triggered by the software-based switching command (5), thereby switching the connection of the peripheral device (1) from the first of the two computer systems (2, 3) to the second of the two computer systems (2, 3).