JP2005018135A - Kvm switching unit and kvm switching method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To widely apply this invention according to the number of computers to be used by not only individual users but also big users. <P>SOLUTION: This KVM switching unit 10 is configured so that a plurality of computer devices and peripheral equipment such as a keyboard, mouse and display for inputting/outputting a signal to the plurality of computer devices can be connected to each other, and the computer devices being the target of the input and output of a signal are switched by the peripheral equipment. This KVM switching unit 10 is provided with a plurality of slots 13a-1 to 13a-4 configured so that a module 20a having a plurality of ports 22a-1 to 22a-4 to which the computer devices are connected can be mounted and a front panel 11 for selectively switching the connection of the ports to which the computer devices are connected with the peripheral equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a KVM switching device and a KVM switching method for switching computer devices when peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display are shared by a plurality of computer devices such as servers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a KVM (Keyboard / Video / Mouse) switcher that switches computer devices when a peripheral device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display is shared by a plurality of computer devices such as servers is switched to a 2-port switch and a 4-port switch. There are multiple types of switches, 8-port switchers, 16-port switchers and switchers for each product, and development, production lines, product management, system construction, etc. are performed for each device.
[0003]
As such a KVM switching device, for example, a computer switching system for switching a startup computer in the computer while connecting two or more computers and peripheral equipment, the computer switching system includes at least one computer switching system. A computer switching system having one central processing unit, one probing circuit as the peripheral equipment, one main keyboard, and an electronic switch corresponding to the number of the two or more computers. The electronic switch has the same number as the peripheral equipment connected to the first end, the first end and the second end being a transmission end, and the third end being a control end. The first end is connected to one computer in the system, the second end is connected to the peripheral equipment, and the third end is connected to the central function. When the signal line receives a signal from a peripheral line that is required for the computer to start up on the signal line, the probing circuit transmits the signal from the signal line to the central processing unit. The main keyboard has keys that can correspond to the two or more computers, and the central processing unit directly with a data line, and when the key is pressed, the key code passes through the data line and the central processing unit. The key processing unit is connected to transmit the key code until the central processing unit has functions of theoretical calculation and opening / closing control of the electronic switch, and when the central processing unit receives a signal from the probing circuit, The peripheral circuit and the peripheral equipment to be operated are directly connected to the keyboard after acquiring the signal of the computer that wants to operate (activate) the peripheral equipment and the peripheral equipment with the data line Connect the connected data line to the computer you want to operate (activate), and press the key on the keyboard with the data line directly connected to the keyboard to send the key code to the central processing unit. Control the opening and closing of the electronic switch in the processing unit, connect it directly to the computer you want to operate (activate) the necessary peripheral equipment, connect the main keyboard to the data line of the central processing unit, and the same as the keyboard A computer switching system characterized by having a function has been considered (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
Further, a KVM switching device as described above is considered to have a USB function or a Hub function (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
[0005]
Further, in an operating device for operating a computer, a collective connection cord for connecting an audio output terminal, a keyboard terminal, an external storage device terminal, a mouse terminal, and a video output terminal of a plurality of computers to the operating device, and an operating device A display device connected to a keyboard, an audio output device, an external storage device, and a video output interface of the operation device by switching a connection between a plurality of computers connected to the computer, an input / output device connected to the operation device, a display device and a mouse And a mouse connected to the mouse interface, an input / output connection switching mechanism that operates multiple computers, file exchanges with multiple computers connected to the operating device, and file exchanges between each computer Connected to an external storage device A keyboard unit for performing key input to the computer, a mouse interface unit for connecting a mouse for performing mouse input to the connected computer, and an audio output device for outputting the sound of the connected computer; A switchable multiple-unit operating device is considered that includes a video output interface for connecting a display device that displays a display output of a computer.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-32322 A [Patent Document 2]
Utility Model Registration No. 3091500 [Patent Document 3]
JP-A-9-319476
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional KVM switch as described above, it is necessary to set a switch according to the number of computers to be used, and since this switch is not compatible, a system was once constructed. Later, there is a problem that the number of computers to be used cannot be easily increased.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the conventional techniques as described above, and is a KVM switching device that can be widely applied depending on the number of computers to be used, from individual users to large-scale users. And a KVM switching method.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A plurality of computer devices and peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display for inputting / outputting signals to / from the plurality of computer devices are configured to be connectable, and signals are input / output by the peripheral devices. In a KVM switcher that switches computer devices,
A plurality of slots configured to be mountable with a module having a plurality of ports for connecting to the computer device;
It has an operation means for selectively switching the connection between the port to which the computer apparatus is connected and the peripheral device.
[0010]
The plurality of slots are characterized in that the modules are daisy-chain connected to each other when the modules are mounted.
[0011]
The operation means displays a connection state between the port and the peripheral device.
[0012]
Further, a plurality of computer devices and peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display for inputting / outputting signals to / from the plurality of computer devices are configured to be connectable. A KVM switching method in a KVM switching unit for switching a computer device to be
Depending on the number of computer devices to be connected, a module having a plurality of ports for connecting to the computer device is mounted in a plurality of slots provided in the KVM switch, and the computer device is connected to the port of the module In addition, any one of the computer devices connected to the port is connected to the peripheral device.
[0013]
Further, when the modules are mounted in the plurality of slots, the modules are daisy chain connected to each other.
[0014]
Further, the connection state between the port and the peripheral device is displayed.
[0015]
(Function)
The present invention configured as described above is provided with a plurality of slots configured so that a module having a plurality of ports for connecting to a computer apparatus can be mounted, so that the number of computer apparatuses such as PCs and servers to be used Depending on the number of computer devices to be used, from individual users to large-scale users, these modules can share peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, and displays. can do.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a KVM switching device according to the present invention.
[0018]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, four slots 13a each having a module 20a having four ports 22a-1 to 22a-4 connectable to a computer apparatus (not shown) such as a PC or a server can be mounted. 13d, the console port 12 connected to peripheral devices (not shown) of the keyboard, mouse and display, the fact that the module 20a is installed in the slots 13a to 13d, and the module 20a installed in the slots 13a to 13d The front which is an operation means for displaying the power-on state of the computer device connected to the ports 22a to 22d and selecting the computer device connected to the ports 22a to 22d of the module 20a installed in the slots 13a to 13d. Panel 11 and slots 13a to 13d. Thus, the module located in slot 13a~13d are daisy chained. In addition, when the module 20a is installed in the slots 13a to 13d, the computer device connected to the ports 22a to 22d is connected to the peripheral device connected to the console port 12 for each of the ports 22a to 22d of the module 20a. There is provided a microcomputer 21a that controls as if connected, and connects the console port 12 to a port selected by an on screen mode (hereinafter referred to as OSD) or a switching instruction from the front panel 11. . In this embodiment, among the slots 13a to 13d, the module 20a is mounted in the slot 13a. However, in each of the slots 13b to 13d, a module having the same configuration as that of the module 20a can be mounted. ing. Further, the numbers of the slots 13a to 13d and the ports 22a to 22d are not limited to this.
[0019]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the physical structure and logic are such that the modules can be inserted and removed from the slots 13a to 13d. In the case where the module 20a has a minimum configuration, up to four computer devices (for example, , Server) can be connected, and in the case of the maximum configuration of four, up to 16 computer devices (for example, servers) can be connected, and the module 20a can be mounted according to the system configuration scale. If the slots 13b to 13d are free when they are added, a module 20a can be added to add a computer device such as a server. Here, when modules are respectively mounted in the slots 13a to 13d, these modules are daisy-chain connected to each other, so that the microcomputers in the modules cooperate to operate as a single KVM switch. In this case, the slot 13a is the main control and the slots 13b to 13d are the subordinate controls.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration when a module 20b is further mounted on the KVM switching device 10 shown in FIG.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, a module 20b having the same configuration as that of the module 20a can be further mounted in the slot 13b of the KVM switching machine 10 shown in FIG. In this case, the module 20a and the module 20b are daisy chain connected to each other, the microcomputer 21a in the module 20a and the microcomputer 21b in the module 20b are linked, the slot 13a is the main, and the slots 13b to 13d are the subordinates. Operates as a single KVM switch.
[0022]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the front panel 11 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 3, on the front panel 11 in this embodiment, module status display sections 3a to 3d indicating whether or not a module is mounted corresponding to each of the slots 13a to 13d, and mounted to the slots 13a to 13d. Switches 4a-1 to 4a-4, 4b-1 to 4b-4, 4c-1 to 4c-4, 4d-1 to 4d-4 for switching the ports of the modules to be switched, and computer devices connected to the ports Port status display sections 2a-1 to 2a-4, 2b-1 to 2b-4, 2c-1 to 2c-4, and 2d-1 indicating that the power supply of the device is ON and that the port is selected ˜2d-4 and a reset button 5 for resetting the KVM switching machine 10 are provided.
[0024]
The module 20a mounted in the slots 13a to 13d has ports 22a-1 to 22a-4 connected to the keyboard / mouse / video interface of the server as the computer device, and the microcomputer 21a is connected to the server control line 23a- 1 to 23a-4, for each of the ports 22a-1 to 22a-4, the keyboard / mouse / video signal is transmitted / received to / from the server, the switching instruction by the switch operation or the keyboard operation is controlled, and the daisy chain connection line 14 Thus, the microcomputer mounted for each module mounted in the slots 13b to 13d is also controlled.
[0025]
The console port 12 includes a keyboard / mouse / video interface connector serving as a console port by a console line 15 connected to the microcomputer 21a of the module 20a mounted in the slot 13a serving as a main daisy chain connection.
[0026]
Below, operation | movement of the KVM switching device 10 comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated.
[0027]
First, when the power to the KVM switching device 10 is turned on, in the microcomputer 21a mounted on the module 20a mounted in the slot 13a, a keyboard (Mouseboard), a mouse (Mouse), and a display (Video) that are device devices are displayed on the console port 12. ) Is confirmed, device information required by the normal server such as vendor information and device information of each peripheral device is collected and stored, and further, the front panel interface line 16 is controlled by the microcomputer 21a. The LED of the module status display section 3a on the front panel 11 is lit through the.
[0028]
When the server connected to the port 22a-1 is turned on when the KVM switch 10 is ready, in the microcomputer 21a, already stored keyboard information, mouse information, and display (display) Video) information is transmitted via the server control line 23a-1 dedicated to the server connected to the port 22a-1, and the LED of the port status display section 2a-1 on the front panel 11 via the front panel interface line 16. Lights up green (meaning that the port is being selected). The server connected to the port 22a-1 is connected to peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display via the module 20a and the console port 12.
[0029]
When the server connected to the port 22a-2 is turned on, the server control line 23a-2 dedicated to the server connected to the port 22a-2 from the microcomputer 21a is the same as the server connected to the port 22a-1. The information is transmitted via, and the LED of the port status display section 2a-2 on the front panel 11 lights up Amber (meaning that the server is connected). As a result, the server connected to the port 22a-2 recognizes that the peripheral device of the keyboard, mouse and display is connected by the microcomputer 21a acting on the control of the peripheral device of the keyboard, mouse and display. The That is, in the microcomputer 21a, communication is individually performed between the server connected to the port 22a-1 and the server connected to the port 22a-2, and the server is always a keyboard regardless of port connection control. It is recognized that peripheral devices such as mouse and display are connected.
[0030]
As described above, when the server 4 is connected to the ports 22a-1 and 22a-2, when the switch 4a-1 or the switch 4a-2 provided on the front panel 11 of the KVM switch 10 is pressed, the switch The signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 21a via the front panel interface line 16, and the console Keyboard / Mouse / Vide signal is connected from the port 22a-1 to the port 22a-2 or from the port 22a-2 to the port 22a-1. The display of the LEDs of the port status display units 2a-1 and 2a-2 on the front panel 11 is controlled via the front panel interface line 16 (Green for the selected port and Amber for the server connection).
[0031]
Further, in the microcomputer 21a, key inputs that are not normally used from the keyboard connected to the console port 12 (for example, simultaneous input of the Tab key, Ctrl key, and Alt key, etc.) are determined in advance, and the determined key input is recognized. If so, it enters On Screen Mode. In On Screen Mode, in the microcomputer 21a, the console Keyboard / Mouse / Vide signal is switched from the port 22a-1 to the port 22a-2 or from the port 22a-2 to the port 22a-1 according to an instruction from the keyboard. The LED display of the port status display units 2a-1 and 2a-2 on the front panel 11 is controlled via the front panel interface line 16 (Green is selected port and Amber is connected to the server).
[0032]
Next, the operation when the modules 20a and 20b are mounted in the slots 13a and 13b as shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
[0033]
When the power to the KVM switch 10 is turned on, a keyboard (Keyboard), a mouse (Mouse), and a display (Video) connected to the console port 12 are connected to the microcomputer 21a of the module 20a installed in the slot 13a. The device information such as vendor information and device information of each peripheral device required by the normal server is collected and accumulated. In the microcomputer 21a, the daisy chain connection line 14 is searched to check whether the module is installed in the other slots 13b to 13d. If the module 20b is installed in the slot 13b, the module is installed. The flag bit of the slot 13b is set to be valid, and the LEDs of the module status display sections 3a and 3b on the front panel 11 are lit through the front panel interface line 16.
[0034]
Control between the microcomputer 21a and each server connected to the ports 22a-1 to 22a-4 of the module 20a, and between the microcomputer 21b and each server connected to the ports 22b-1 to 22b-4 of the module 20b In the meantime, the control is performed in the same manner as in the case of the module 20a alone, thereby causing the server to recognize that peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display are connected.
[0035]
In the switching operation of the KVM switch 10, when the switches 4a-1 to 4a-4 on the front panel 11 are pressed, the switch signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 21a through the front panel interface line 16, and the console Keyboard / The Mouse / Vide signal is switched to the selected port, and the LED display of the port status display portions 2a-1 to 2a-4 on the front panel 11 is controlled via the front panel interface line 16 (the currently selected port). Port is Green and server is connected to Amber). When the switches 4b-1 to 4b-4 on the front panel 11 are pressed, a switch signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 21a via the front panel interface line 16, and the microcomputer of the module 20b is connected to the microcomputer 21a via the daisy chain connection line 14. The port status display units 2a-1 to 2a-4 and 2b-1 to 2b-4 on the front panel 11 are controlled to display via the front panel interface line 16 by switching to the port selected at 21b. (The selected port is Green and the server is connected to Amber).
[0036]
Further, when the flag bit of the slot 13b is set in the microcomputer 21a, the port information of the slot 13b is additionally displayed in the On Screen Mode, and the console Keyboard / Mouse / Video signal is selected by the instruction from the keyboard in the microcomputer 21a. Connected to the ports 22a-1 to 22a-4 directly below the microcomputer 21a or the ports 22b-1 to 22b-4 of the microcomputer 21b of the module 20b via the daisy chain connection line 14, and via the front panel interface line 16. Thus, the display of the LEDs of the port status display sections 2a-1 to 2a-4, 2b-1 to 2b-4 on the front panel 11 is controlled (Green for the selected port and Amber for the server connection).
[0037]
(Other embodiments)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which two KVM switching units 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 are used.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 4, two KVM switching units 10 shown in FIG. 1 are used, and the port 22a-1 of the KVM switching unit 10 and the console port 112 of the other KVM switching unit 110 are cascade-connected. One unit can be connected to the console port 112 of another KVM switching unit 110 as a slave with each port serving as a master.
[0039]
At this time, when the power of the KVM switching device 10 serving as a master is turned on, a configuration signal is transmitted to all the ports of the KVM switching device 10 in the microcomputer 21a of the module 20a mounted in the slot 13a of the KVM switching device 10. Is done. In the microcomputer 121a of the module 120a mounted in the slot 113a of the slave KVM switch 110 connected to the port 22a-1, when the configuration signal is received from the console port 112, the microcomputer 121a is a slave microcomputer. It is recognized that an ACK signal is returned to the console port 112.
[0040]
In the microcomputer 21a of the master KVM switching device 10, when an ACK signal is returned via the port 22a-1, it is recognized that the slave KVM switching device 110 is connected to the port 22a-1. Then, the display of the port of the slave switcher 110 is added in the On Screen Mode, and the switching operation becomes possible.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0042]
(1) Since it is modularized for each of a plurality of ports and the number of ports can be changed by installing this module in the slot, it is different from the conventional 4-port switch, 8-port switch, and 16-port switch. The device can be realized in a single housing.
[0043]
(2) Conventionally, dedicated parts were required for each of the 4 port switcher, 8 port switcher, and 16 port switcher. However, by using a common module, the parts can be shared. Since the number of types of finished products is also changed from three to one, management costs from manufacturing to distribution can be reduced. Thereby, manufacturing unit cost reduction and member management cost can be reduced.
[0044]
(3) By modularizing, it is possible to easily add modules and flexibly cope with a change from the minimum configuration to the maximum configuration. Further, even if one module fails during operation, it is possible to replace the server by simply stopping the server connected to the failed module without stopping the entire process. This facilitates the expansion and maintenance of the device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a KVM switching device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration when a module is further mounted on the KVM switching device shown in FIG. 1;
3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a front panel shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.
4 is a diagram showing a configuration in which two KVM switchers shown in FIG. 1 are used. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
2a-1 to 2a-4, 2b-1 to 2b-4, 2c-1 to 2c-4, 2d-1 to 2d-4, port status display units 3a to 3d, module status display units 4a-1 to 4a-4, 4b-1 to 4b-4, 4c-1 to 4c-4, 4d-1 to 4d-4 Switch 10, 110 KVM switch 11 Front panel 12, 112 Console ports 13a to 13d, 113a Slot 14 Daisy chain connection line 15 Console line 16 Front panel interface lines 20a, 20b, 120a Modules 21a, 21b, 121a Microcomputers 22a-1 to 22a-4, 22b-1 to 22b-4, 122a-1 to 122a-4 Ports 23a-1 to 23a-4 , 23b-1 to 23b-4, 123a-1 to 123a-4 Server connection line

Claims (6)

A plurality of computer devices and peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display for inputting / outputting signals to / from the plurality of computer devices are configured to be connectable, and signals are input / output by the peripheral devices. In a KVM switcher that switches computer devices,
A plurality of slots configured to be mountable with a module having a plurality of ports for connecting to the computer device;
A KVM switching device comprising an operation means for selectively switching a connection between the port to which the computer device is connected and the peripheral device. The KVM switch according to claim 1,
The plurality of slots, wherein the modules are daisy chain connected to each other when the modules are mounted. The KVM switching device according to claim 1 or 2,
The operation unit displays a connection state between the port and the peripheral device. A plurality of computer devices and peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display for inputting / outputting signals to / from the plurality of computer devices are configured to be connectable. A KVM switching method in a KVM switching unit for switching a computer device,
Depending on the number of computer devices to be connected, a module having a plurality of ports for connecting to the computer device is mounted in a plurality of slots provided in the KVM switch, and the computer device is connected to the port of the module And a KVM switching method, wherein any one of the computer devices connected to the port is connected to the peripheral device. The KVM switching method according to claim 4,
A KVM switching method, wherein the modules are daisy chain connected to each other when the modules are mounted in the plurality of slots. 6. The KVM switching method according to claim 4, wherein a connection state between the port and the peripheral device is displayed.

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