Remote KVM Mouse Synchronization via Absolute Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote KVM systems face synchronization issues with mouse movements due to relative positioning, which can lead to desynchronization, especially when computer operating systems are busy, causing lost or skipped mouse movement messages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mouse synchronization system using human interface descriptors (HIDs) operating on the USB protocol to move the cursor to an absolute position, allowing the local client computer to maintain synchronization without requiring access to the host's internal state, and utilizing existing LAN and IP network infrastructure without significant software or hardware changes to the remote host.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If relative mouse movement messages are used to keep the mouse in sync, then the system can work with standard PS/2 and USB mice, but the mouse pointer may become desynchronized when the operating system is busy and loses or skips mouse movement messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of mouse positioning from relative movement to absolute positioning. Instead of sending relative movement messages (dx, dy) that can be lost, the system sends absolute position commands (x, y coordinates) that directly set the cursor position, ensuring synchronization even when messages are skipped.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (remote KVM system with absolute positioning capability) between the user and the host computer. This intermediary translates user input into absolute position commands that guarantee cursor synchronization, acting as a mediator that solves the reliability issue while maintaining compatibility with standard mice.
2Reliability
If absolute position commands are used to move the cursor, then mouse synchronization is maintained even when OS is busy, but standard relative movement messages cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the message type parameter from relative movement (dx, dy) to absolute position (x, y). This parameter change ensures that each command independently sets the cursor position, making the system reliable even when messages are lost, while the patent maintains compatibility by implementing this in the remote KVM layer rather than requiring changes to standard mice.
3Ease of operation
If remote control software takes over the remote computer to provide keyboard and mouse input, then remote access is enabled, but the system requires significant software changes and network configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the remote control functionality from complex software solutions and implements it through a dedicated hardware device (remote KVM). This extraction simplifies the system by providing remote control capability through a standalone device that interfaces directly with the host computer's USB or PS/2 ports, eliminating the need for complex software installations and network configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote KVM device acts as an intermediary between the user and the host computer, providing remote control functionality without requiring the host OS to run remote control software. The intermediary device handles all communication and control signals locally, reducing the complexity on both the client and host sides.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is disclosed for synchronizing the virtual and physical mouse cursors of a local computer and a remotely controlled computer. Video signals generated by a host computer are transmitted to a client computer in order to allow the user of a client computer to have a virtual presence on the host computer. However, the signals transmitted by the host computer may contain errors that can cause a physical mouse to lose synchronization with a virtual mouse. Therefore this virtual presence architecture uses USB protocol and human interface descriptors that support the movement of a mouse to an absolute position in order to synchronize a virtual mouse cursor with a physical mouse cursor.