Service Processor Virtual Display Adapter for Server Video Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Server computers without a physical display adapter cannot redirect video output due to the lack of a physical display adapter, which is costly and sometimes impractical, limiting their ability to support out-of-band video redirection.

Innovation Solution

A service processor with a virtual display adapter is used to redirect video data from a host computer to a remote client, exposing a software-emulated display adapter to the host operating system, allowing video data to be sent to a remote client without the need for physical video hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a physical display adapter is included in a server computer to enable video redirection, then video redirection capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo redirection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of a physical display adapter through software emulation. The service processor implements a virtual display adapter that mimics the functionality of a physical display adapter without requiring actual video hardware. This allows the server to present a display interface to remote clients while using only processing and memory resources, eliminating the need for costly physical video adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical display adapter hardware with a software-based virtual display adapter. Instead of using physical video processing circuits and display interfaces, the system uses firmware and software emulation layers to provide identical functional capabilities. This substitution transforms a hardware-dependent solution into a software-based solution, reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a physical display adapter is included in a server computer to enable video redirection, then video redirection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo redirection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive physical video adapter hardware with inexpensive software-based virtual display adapter implementation. The virtual display adapter uses readily available service processor resources (CPU, memory) that are already present in modern servers, eliminating the need to purchase and install additional costly video hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If video data is sent to remote clients, then video redirection functionality is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo redirection functionalityVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements incremental updates where only changed portions of the display buffer are transmitted to remote clients. Instead of sending complete screen images continuously, the service processor detects changes in the display buffer and transmits only the updated regions at periodic intervals. This periodic incremental transmission significantly reduces network bandwidth consumption while maintaining real-time video redirection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transmits only the necessary portion of video data - specifically, only the changed regions of the display buffer - rather than transmitting complete or excessive video data. This partial transmission approach sends minimal required data to maintain video redirection, optimizing network bandwidth utilization while preserving functional completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8429678B1Redirecting video to a remote client using a service processor

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 AMERICAN MEGATRENDS

AI summary

Technologies are provided herein for redirecting video data from a host computer to a remote client using a service processor. The service processor exposes a virtual display adapter to the host computer so that the host computer can send video data to the service processor. The service processor includes a processor, a random access memory, and a device endpoint configured to communicate with the host computer. The service processor also includes a non-volatile memory that stores a firmware that executes on the processor to expose a virtual display adapter to the host computer by way of the device endpoint. Upon exposing the virtual display adapter to the host computer, the service processor receives video data directed to the virtual display adapter from the host computer and sends the video data to a remote client.