Input Device Control Module for Shared Keyboard and Mouse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Embedded systems cannot share input devices with notebook computers, leading to increased size, weight, and compromised user experience due to the need for separate input devices.

Innovation Solution

A computer system comprising a host system, an embedded subsystem, an input device control module, and transmission interfaces that enable the input device control module to communicate with both the embedded subsystem and the host system, allowing input data to be processed and shared between the two systems without modifying existing hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate input devices are provided for the embedded subsystem, then the embedded subsystem can independently process input data, but the size and weight of the notebook computer increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent input processing capabilityVSAvoidnotebook computer weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The input device control module is designed to serve dual purposes: it can process input data for the host system and simultaneously transmit processed input data to the embedded subsystem through the first transmission interface. This multi-functionality allows one input device to serve both systems, eliminating the need for separate input devices and reducing overall weight.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The first transmission interface acts as an intermediary component that bridges the input device control module and the embedded subsystem. It enables the transfer of processed input data without requiring direct connection or additional processing hardware in the embedded subsystem, thus reducing weight while maintaining independent processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If separate input devices are provided for the embedded subsystem, then the embedded subsystem can independently process input data, but the notebook computer size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent input processing capabilityVSAvoidnotebook computer size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The input device control module is designed to serve dual purposes: it can process input data for the host system and simultaneously transmit processed input data to the embedded subsystem through the first transmission interface. This multi-functionality allows one input device to serve both systems, eliminating the need for separate input devices and reducing overall size.

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

3Weight of stationary object

If the embedded subsystem shares the input device with the host system, then the size and weight are reduced, but the embedded subsystem requires additional processing capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotebook computer weightVSAvoidembedded subsystem processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first transmission interface acts as an intermediary component that bridges the input device control module and the embedded subsystem. It enables the transfer of processed input data without requiring direct connection or additional processing hardware in the embedded subsystem, thus reducing weight while maintaining independent processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Weight of stationary object

If the embedded subsystem shares the input device with the host system, then the size and weight are reduced, but the device architecture becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotebook computer weightVSAvoidinput device sharing architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first transmission interface acts as an intermediary component that bridges the input device control module and the embedded subsystem. It enables the transfer of processed input data without requiring direct connection or additional processing hardware in the embedded subsystem, thus reducing weight while maintaining independent processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9696823B2Computer and method for sharing input device thereof
Publication Date: 2017.07.04 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD
  • US9696823B2 patent drawing
  • US9696823B2 patent drawing
  • US9696823B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to the present invention, a computer is provided, which comprises a host system, an embedded subsystem, a power source, an input device control module, a first transmission interface and a second transmission interface, the input device control module being connected to the embedded subsystem through the first transmission interface, wherein the input device control module is configured to establish, in response to receipt of a first switching instruction, communication with the embedded subsystem such that the embedded subsystem is enabled to process input data from an input device and to transmit the input data obtained from the input device to the first transmission interface; and the embedded subsystem is configured to receive the input data from the first transmission interface, process the input data and perform an operation corresponding to the input data. According to the present invention, one set of input devices can be shared between a computer and an embedded system through design and modification in software without any change in the existing hardware design for the computer.