Thin-Client Terminal USB Transcoder for Legacy PS/2 Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern thin-client terminal systems face limitations in supporting USB devices, as they typically rely on outdated PS/2 connectors for input, which are less versatile and being replaced by USB connectors, necessitating a solution to integrate USB input effectively while maintaining the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the thin-client architecture.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a combination USB Hub and transcoder within the thin-client terminal system, which translates USB user input data into PS/2 formatted data for compatibility with existing thin-client server systems, allowing for bi-directional communication over a multi-conductor cable that also carries video, audio, and power signals, thereby replacing the need for external power and maintaining a hub-and-spoke network architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thin-client terminal system uses PS/2 connectors for input devices, then the system maintains simplicity and cost-effectiveness, but the system loses versatility and adaptability to modern USB devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB-to-PS/2 adapter as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between modern USB input devices and the thin-client terminal system's PS/2 interface. This adapter translates USB protocols to PS/2 protocols, enabling compatibility without modifying the core system architecture. The adapter handles protocol conversion, allowing the system to support both legacy PS/2 devices and modern USB devices through a single interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thin-client terminal system integrates USB support, then the system gains versatility, but the system increases complexity and may compromise the hub-and-spoke network architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB support functionality into a separate, modular USB controller component within the thin-client terminal system. This segmentation allows the USB interface to be added as an independent module that operates alongside the existing PS/2 interface, rather than integrating deeply into the core architecture. The modular approach maintains the hub-and-spoke network model while adding USB capability through a discrete component.
3Ease of operation
If the system uses a multi-conductor cable for bi-directional communication, then the system reduces the need for external power and simplifies connectivity, but the cable infrastructure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-conductor cable that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries bidirectional data communication signals, provides power supply to the thin-client terminal system, and supports both USB and PS/2 interface protocols. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single cable infrastructure, the system eliminates the need for separate power cables and external power adapters, simplifying connectivity despite the increased cable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Thin-client terminal systems allow computer systems to be shared by multiple computer users. With modern technology, the cost of implementing a thin-client terminal system can be very low. To improve thin-client terminal systems, a thin-client terminal system accepts user input data in a first serial interface format and transcodes the user input data into a second serial interface format for transmission to a server.