PCI-E to USB-C Remote Control via Image Capture Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional KVM switches require network connections and have complex build processes and high costs, limiting their effectiveness and usability for remote operation.

Innovation Solution

A method using a PCI-E connector connected to a USB-C connector for remote control, where an image capture unit with a processing device and voltage controller enables control signal transfer between terminals without a network switch, leveraging hot plugging and heat exchange for power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional KVM switch is used for remote operation, then remote control capability is achieved, but the system requires network connection and has high complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the image capture unit with KVM switch functionality into a single integrated device. The image capture unit includes both image capturing capabilities and control signal processing capabilities, eliminating the need for separate KVM switch equipment and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image capture unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture images, process control signals, and enable remote operation. This multi-functional design replaces the need for dedicated KVM switch hardware, simplifying the system while maintaining remote control capability

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

2Ease of operation

If a conventional KVM switch is used for remote operation, then remote control capability is achieved, but network connection is required which reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the remote control functionality from the network-dependent KVM switch architecture and integrates it directly into the image capture unit. This eliminates the network connection requirement by processing control signals locally through the PCI-E interface, thereby improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a conventional KVM switch is used for remote operation, then remote control capability is achieved, but the build process and implementation cost are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidbuild process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the KVM switch functionality into the image capture unit, allowing a single device to serve both purposes. This integration simplifies the build process by reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering implementation costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables remote control of terminals with a simple flow, enhanced speed, and reduced costs by eliminating the need for network connections and complex setups.

Implementation Method 1

transferring the control signal by the controlling terminal to the PCI-E connector of the image capture unit through the first port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

transferring the control signal from the USB-C connector to the controlled terminal through the second port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

the voltage controller provides power to the controlling terminal in a gradual manner until a normal-operation voltage level of the controlling terminal is reached

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage control: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11144494B1Method of remote control using USB through PCI-E
Publication Date: 2021.10.12 YUAN HIGH TECH DEV CO LTD
  • US11144494B1 patent drawing
  • US11144494B1 patent drawing
  • US11144494B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is provided for remote control. Peripheral component interconnect express (PCI-E) is used for controlling with universal serial bus (USB) type-C (USB-C). A controlling terminal inputs a control signal of switching through a user interface. The controlling terminal transfers the control signal to a PCI-E connector of an image capture unit through a first port. After being handled and transformed by a processing device, the control signal is transferred with a USB-C connector of the image capture unit to at least one controlled terminal through a second port. Thus, the image capture unit is expanded in function to obtain keyboard-video-mouse switch (KVM Switch) among the category of image capturing cards. In summary, with a remote connection, a controlling terminal remotely controls a controlled terminal while simple flow, enhanced speed, and effective cost-down are achieved.