KVM Graphics Data Transfer via Out-of-Band PCIe Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing KVM systems require additional analog or digital pins and circuitry, such as analog-to-digital converters, to connect with external graphics cards, increasing complexity and cost for remote control functionality over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A KVM system communicates directly with a graphics subsystem using existing platform interfaces like PCIe, enabling commands and data transfer without the need for additional pins or converters, employing out-of-band signaling and DMA transactions to sample and transmit graphics data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional analog or digital pins and circuitry such as analog-to-digital converters are added to connect with external graphics cards, then the KVM system can obtain sampled graphics data output, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the graphics data sampling function from the KVM system hardware and relocates it to the graphics card's existing frame buffer. The KVM system now receives pre-sampled digital data directly from the frame buffer through the existing PCIe interface, eliminating the need for separate A/D converters and analog signal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing PCIe interface serve multiple functions: it continues to handle standard graphics data transmission while also carrying KVM control commands and sampled graphics data. This multi-functional use of the existing interface eliminates the need for dedicated KVM hardware connections.
2Reliability
If special connectors or wiring are connected to connect to the external graphics card's output signals, then the KVM system can access graphics data, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing PCIe interface is designed to handle multiple protocols and data types. The patent leverages this by using the same interface for both standard graphics operations and KVM functionality, eliminating the need for special connectors or dedicated wiring harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the KVM data path with the existing graphics data path at the PCIe interface level. Both KVM commands and graphics data share the same physical interface and communication channel, reducing the need for separate hardware connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an external A/D chip is added to the solution when the KVM system does not support analog signals, then analog video sampling can be achieved, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting analog signals to digital in the KVM system (the traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having the graphics card maintain digital signals throughout the entire path. The frame buffer stores and transmits graphics data in digital form directly over PCIe, eliminating the need for A/D conversion entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the A/D conversion step from the signal chain by extracting graphics data directly from the digital frame buffer. This eliminates the need for external A/D chips and analog signal processing circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for providing a command from a keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) system of a first system to a graphics card of the first system via an existing system interface, sampling data from a frame buffer of the graphics card and providing the sampled data to a sample buffer of the KVM system, and processing the sampled data in the KVM system. Also, data to be displayed at a graphics card may be sent as out-of-band (OOB) data from the KVM system. Other embodiments are described and claimed.