Thin-Client Multiplier Digital Signal Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thin-client terminal systems face limitations in providing high-quality video output over long distances due to the use of analog signals, and they require separate power supplies, increasing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A thin-client multiplier device that uses bi-directional digital communications to connect multiple thin-client terminal systems to a server, allowing for high-resolution video and audio output generation locally within the terminal systems, while sharing a power supply and using a single network address for each terminal, thereby reducing costs and expanding the distance between terminals and the server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If analog signals are used for video output in thin-client terminal systems, then video output can be transmitted, but video quality deteriorates over long distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo output qualityVSAvoiddistance between terminal and server

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces analog signal transmission with digital signal transmission. The thin-client multiplier receives digital video signals from the server and converts them to analog signals for local display, while also generating local analog video outputs. This substitution of transmission methods eliminates signal degradation over distance, as digital signals can be regenerated without quality loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The thin-client multiplier acts as an intermediary device between the server and terminal systems. It receives digital video signals from the server, processes them, and generates both digital and analog video outputs for distribution to multiple terminals. This intermediary function allows high-quality video transmission over long distances by handling signal conversion and regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If separate power supplies are provided for each thin-client terminal system, then each terminal has independent power, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply independenceVSAvoidpower supply configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply function into the thin-client multiplier device. The multiplier receives power from a single power supply and distributes it to multiple terminal systems through its multiple output interfaces. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies at each terminal, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining reliable power delivery to all connected devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If multiple thin-client terminal systems are connected to a server, then more users can access the system, but maintenance and power supply costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of terminal usersVSAvoidmaintenance and power supply costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The thin-client multiplier provides multi-functionality by serving multiple terminal systems through a single device. It handles video signal distribution, audio signal distribution, and power supply distribution to multiple terminals simultaneously. This universal function allows one device to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, reducing maintenance burden and power supply costs while supporting multiple users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If digital communication channels are used instead of analog signals, then signal quality is improved, but compatibility with existing systems may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidsystem compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by accepting digital signals from the server and converting them to analog signals for compatibility with traditional terminal displays. The thin-client multiplier also generates additional analog video outputs from the digital input, effectively translating between digital and analog domains. This parameter transformation maintains high signal quality from digital transmission while ensuring compatibility with existing analog display equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9432442B2System and method for a graphics terminal multiplier

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 NCOMPUTING GLOBAL INC

AI summary

Thin-client terminal systems allow server computer systems to be shared by multiple computer users. However, thin-client terminal systems that use analog signals can only be placed a limited distance from the main server computer system. On the other hand, thin-client terminal systems that rely purely on digital signals can be expensive to produce. A thin-client multiplier that combines the two different approaches communicates digitally with main server computer system such that it can be placed any distance from the main server computer system. The thin-client multiplier also provides output information received from the server system and electrical power to analog thin-client terminal systems and receives input information from the analog thin-client terminal systems. The received input information is provided to the server system for processing.