KVM Switch Digital Video Overlap Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional KVM switches degrade image quality by converting digital video signals to analog and back, leading to interference and inefficiency when managing multiple computers with different display devices.
Innovation Solution
A KVM switch with a digital visual interface that includes a server interface, client interface, switch circuit, and digital/video overlapping circuits, allowing for the overlay of on-screen display images onto digital video signals, enabling efficient switching and management of both analog and digital video signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital video signals are converted to analog for transmission through conventional D-sub 15 pin connectors, then compatibility with traditional display devices is achieved, but image quality degrades due to conversion interference and signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DVI adapter as an intermediary device that bridges digital video signals from computers and digital display devices with analog display devices. The adapter converts digital signals to analog only at the point of connection to traditional displays, while maintaining digital signal integrity throughout the rest of the transmission path. This resolves the contradiction by providing compatibility where needed without forcing complete analog conversion throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signal transmission parameter from analog to digital format by implementing DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connectors and protocols. This parameter change maintains image quality by eliminating the digital-to-analog conversion process that causes interference and signal degradation, while still allowing compatibility with analog displays through optional adapters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital video signals are converted to analog and back for digital display devices, then compatibility with existing infrastructure is maintained, but the process is wasteful and degrades image quality through multiple conversions
Solution Approach 1:
The DVI adapter serves as a selective intermediary that enables digital display devices to interface with analog infrastructure without requiring complete analog conversion. The adapter allows digital signals to pass through to digital displays directly, eliminating the wasteful digital-to-analog-to-digital conversion process while maintaining compatibility with existing analog infrastructure where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical analog signal conversion process with a direct digital signal transmission system. By substituting the analog conversion mechanism with digital signal routing and processing, the system eliminates the energy loss and signal degradation associated with repeated conversions while maintaining the ability to interface with existing devices.
3Ease of operation
If conventional D-sub 15 pin connectors are used for video transmission, then ease of connection is maintained, but the complex analog signal structure introduces interference and degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The DVI adapter acts as an intermediary that preserves the simplicity of direct connections while eliminating the harmful interference caused by complex analog signal structures. The adapter enables straightforward digital-to-digital connections that maintain connection ease while avoiding the interference problems inherent in analog signal transmission through conventional connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard-mouse-video (KVM) switch has a server interface, a client interface, a switch circuit and a digital video overlapping circuit. The server interface is connected to plural computers, and the client interface is connected to plural sets of manipulation and display devices. The switch circuit routes paths between the computers and the sets of manipulation and display device. The digital video overlapping circuit overlaps a digital video overlapping image onto a digital video signal received from one of the computers through the server interface. The overlapped digital video signal is then transmitted to one of the sets of manipulation and display device through the client interface.