Hub Device Signal Routing for Multi-Host Input Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display technologies require separate input devices for multiple computers, leading to inconvenience in operation as users need to switch between devices for different signal sources.
Innovation Solution
A hub device with upstream and downstream ports and bridges allows multiple hosts to share the same input device by transmitting indication signals between hosts, enabling seamless operation across multiple display areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate input devices are used for each host, then each host can be operated independently, but user convenience deteriorates as users need to switch between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal input device that can control multiple hosts through a hub device. The hub receives input signals from a single input device and distributes them to connected hosts based on active display areas, allowing one input device to serve multiple functions and control multiple computing systems without requiring separate keyboards or mice for each host.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device acts as an intermediary between the input device and multiple hosts. It receives input signals from the single input device, determines which host should receive the input based on the active display area, and forwards the appropriate signals. This mediator approach allows seamless switching and shared control without requiring users to physically switch between multiple input devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hosts are connected to display, then display functionality is diversified, but operation complexity increases as users need to manage multiple input devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a single input device to universally control multiple hosts that are connected to the display. The hub device manages the distribution of input signals based on which display areas are active, allowing users to interact with multiple computing systems through one unified input interface, thereby maintaining diversified display functionality while simplifying input operation management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display into multiple display areas, each associated with a specific host. The hub device uses this segmentation to determine which host should receive input signals based on the current active display area. This segmentation approach allows the system to manage multiple hosts independently while presenting a unified input interface to the user.
3Ease of operation
If a single input device controls multiple hosts, then user convenience improves, but signal routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device serves as an intelligent intermediary that manages signal routing between the single input device and multiple hosts. It monitors the active display areas and automatically routes input signals to the appropriate host without requiring complex user intervention or manual switching. This mediator approach simplifies the user experience while managing the underlying signal routing complexity within the hub device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the hub device continuously monitors the state of display areas and adjusts signal routing accordingly. When a display area becomes active or inactive, the hub receives feedback about this state change and automatically modifies which host receives input signals. This feedback loop enables dynamic signal routing that adapts to user actions without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A hub device includes first and second upstream ports, a first bridge, and first and second downstream ports. The first and second upstream ports are connected to a first host and a second host. The first bridge is connected to the second upstream port. The first downstream port is connected to the first bridge and the first upstream port. The second downstream port is connected to the first upstream port and an input device. The first host generates a first operation result according to the input operation of the input device on the first display area. The first host transmits a first indication signal to the second host through the first bridge according to the input operation of the input device on a second display area, so that the second host emulates the input operation on the second display area to generate a second operation result.