TWI476592B - Remote management system and method thereof - Google Patents

Description

Remote management system and its operation method

The present invention relates to a remote management system and an operation method thereof; in particular, the present invention relates to a remote control module capable of selectively turning on or off a differential drive module capable of converting a single-ended video signal into a differential video signal. Management system and its method of operation.

The Keyboard-Video-Mouse Switch (KVM Switch) allows users to manage and control multiple computers from a single set of keyboards, screens, and mice (generally referred to as a center console or central control unit). A Keyboard-Video-Mouse Extender (KVM Extender) or Video Extender can greatly extend the distance between a console and a single computer. The KVM switch and the computer extender can be collectively referred to as KVM.

As shown in FIG. 1, U.S. Patent No. 5,721,842 discloses a matrix type KVM switch which integrates the functions of the above-mentioned KVM switch and computer extender, so that users of a plurality of central control devices can use the multi-computer The switch selects 32 computers located at the far end for manipulation. As shown in Figure 1, the matrix is centered on a KVM switch (component number 60), plus a number of computer interface modules (Computer Interface Module) and multiple CAT-5 cables. (Element 72 or 74) is constructed. The computer interface module refers to the component of Figure 76. The CAT-5 cable is the transmission line used by the general Ethernet, and the interior contains four pairs of twisted pairs.

As shown in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B, a device and method for transmitting image-related signals output from a computer to a remote console is also disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,721,842. In order to extend the distance that image-related signals can be transmitted, and reduce image distortion caused by long-distance transmission (the main cause of distortion is noise interference and attenuation), there is a computer interface between each computer and the KVM switch. The group is used to process the image related signals outputted by the computer (mainly including the single-ended RGB component and the vertical/horizontal synchronization signal). The processing includes converting a RGB component from a single-ended signal to three differential signals at a transmitting end by a differential driver to offset the introduction of the long-distance transmission at the receiving end. Noise. This loads the vertical/horizontal sync signals on two of the pairs of twisted pairs that carry the RGB components. The receiver will restore this differential signal to a single-ended signal.

Traditionally, the number of consoles that can be connected to a matrix KVM switch is usually less than the number of host computers that can be connected. In this case, most of the computer hosts are not selected by the user, but even if most of the computer hosts are not selected by the user, the difference in the computer interface module connected to each computer host The drive will continue to convert the single image signal output by the host computer into a differential video signal and transmit it to the KVM switch, but these differential video signals will not be converted into screens inside the KVM switch. The identified image single-ended signal will cause waste on the power supply. For example, a conventional matrix KVM switch can provide two sets of remote computers connected via a network and a group of near-end users to select 32 controlled computers. Connect the 32 controlled computers with the above computer interface module. Under such a framework, at most three groups of controlled computers can be selected by the user. In other words, the remaining 29 controlled computers are not selected by the user, but the 29 controlled computers are connected. The computer interface module will continue to convert the single image signal output by the host computer into a differential image signal. This waste of power will be more serious in the case of multiple matrix KVM switches in series, such as the number of connected computer hosts in the architecture formed by the serial connection of three aforementioned matrix KVM switches. Will be up to about 8192 units.

In addition, in some matrix-type KVM switches supporting Virtual Media, the computer interface module simulates a human interface device (Human Interface Device; HID) to the connected computer by its USB device controller. ) or a Mass Storage Device to transfer keyboard/mouse signals or virtual media-related data generated by the console to the connected computer. Virtual media data requires a faster transfer rate than keyboard/mouse signals. In the traditional KVM switch that supports both human-machine interface devices and virtual media, even if the virtual media is not in use, the RS-485 transceiver (Transceiver) of the KVM switch transmits the keyboard/slip at the highest rate. Mouse data, this will cause waste on the power supply. Because the keyboard/mouse signal can be transmitted at a lower rate.

An object of the present invention is to provide a remote management system having one or more computer-side modules, which can turn on or off the differential driving module of the corresponding computer-end module according to the selected state of each computer. In order to enable the remote management system to save power and thus reduce the operating cost of the remote management system.

The remote management system of the present invention comprises at least one or more computer end modules and a remote management device. Each of the computer end modules further comprises: a casing; one or more cables extending from the casing, and a first connector at one end away from the casing for connecting to a controlled computer An image output port for receiving a single-ended image signal, a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal output by the controlled computer; and a differential driving module for converting the single-ended image signal into a differential The image signal is output. The differential driving module can further load the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal into the differential image signal. The computer module can further include at least a second connector and an RS-485 transceiver. The second connector is disposed at one end of the cable away from the housing and is used to connect one of the control inputs of the computer. The RS-485 transceiver is used as an interface for exchanging a control signal sent by the central control device between the central control device and the remote management device, to input an instruction issued by a keyboard of the central control device or a cursor control device to the computer. The remote management device further includes: a first end having a plurality of computer ports, each computer port being coupled to a computer module via a cable; and a second end connected to the computer a screen of the central control device, a central control module or a network, such that the central control device and another central control device connected to the central control module can interact with the controlled computer, or The central control computer can interact with the controlled computer via the network; a central processing unit; a switching module, one input end of the switching module is coupled to the one or more computer end modules for The computer or another computer is coupled to one of the central control device screens, the central control module or the network, and switches between the computer or the other computer according to the control of the central processing unit. And a differential receiving module corresponding to the output end of the switching module, and the differential image signal is restored to the single-ended video signal and output to the screen or an image processing module. The image processing module is used for encoding and/or compressing the image signal output from the computer to the remote management device. The remote management device may further include a network interface for exchanging images output by the controlled computer, the keyboard or cursor control signals of the central control computer through the network between the remote management device and the central control computer. And/or virtual media data. When the central control computer provides virtual media to the controlled computer, the RS-485 transceiver will be able to run at the first speed; when the central control computer does not provide virtual media to the controlled computer, the RS-485 transceiver will be able to run at the second speed. And the first speed is higher than the second speed. The remote management device can also be connected in series with one or more additional remote management devices to increase the number of manageable computers and the number of the computer-side modules in the remote system. Wherein, when a certain computer end module is not selected, the differential driving module is turned off; or, when a certain computer end module is selected, the differential driving module is turned on.

The operating method of the remote management system of the present invention comprises the steps of: respectively connecting the one or more computer end modules to the remote management device; connecting the remote management device to a central control device and a central control module Or a network such that the central control device and another central control device connected to the central control module can interact with the controlled computer, or a central control computer can be generated via the network and the controlled computer. Interacting; receiving a control signal and selecting one of the controlled computers according to the control signal; in response to a selection signal, opening a differential driving module in the computer module corresponding to the selected controlled computer a differential driving module in the computer-side module corresponding to the unselected controlled computer; and receiving, from the selected controlled computer, a single-ended video signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a vertical synchronization signal, The single-ended video signal, the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal can form a desktop image of the controlled computer; the single-ended video signal, the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal are converted into the differential image And transmitting the differential image signal to the remote management device to display the controlled device in the central control device, the central control device connected to the central control module, or the connected computer Desktop image of the computer. The operating method of the remote management system may further include: serially connecting one or more additional remote management devices to increase the number of manageable controlled computers and the computer-side module in the remote management system. number.

The invention provides a remote management system and a management method thereof, the purpose of which is to solve the problem of waste of the above energy.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the remote management system 50 of the present invention can couple the central control devices 100A, 100B of the user end to one or more second computers 200 (controlled computers), so that the central control devices 100A, 100B The user can manage and control one or more controlled computers 200 from a near end or a remote end with a single set of keyboards/mouses and screens. The remote management system 50 of the present invention further enables a first computer 110 (the central control computer) to be coupled to one or more second computers 200 (controlled computers) via the network 800 to enable the user of the first computer 110 One or more second computers 200 can be controlled by the remote end. The number of the central control devices 100A, 100B or the central control computer 110 is not limited to one. The remote management system 50 of the present invention includes at least one remote management device 500, one or more computer end modules 530, and one or more central control modules 535. The remote management device 500 further includes a first end 510 and a second end 520. The computer module 530 is used to extend the distance between the second computer 200 and the remote management device 500. The central control module 535 is used to extend the distance between the central control device 100B and the remote management device 500. Details are given later.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the remote management system 50 includes at least one or more computer end modules 530 and a remote management device 500. In this embodiment, the computer end module 530 is preferably a computer interface module (CIM). In the remote management system 50 of the present invention, the computer end module 530 can extend the distance between the remote management device 500 and a controlled computer 200. Each of the computer end modules 530 further includes at least one housing HS, one or more cables CA, and a differential driving module 531. As shown, the cable CA extends from the housing HS and has a first connector 530A and/or a second connector 530B at one end remote from the housing HS. The cable CA is coupled to the housing HS in a fixed or detachable manner. The first connector 530A and the second connector 530B are electrically connected to an output/input port of a controlled computer 200. In this embodiment, the first connector 530A is preferably a VGA connector, and is used to connect an image output port of the controlled computer 200 to receive the controlled computer output signal 210 output by the controlled computer 200. It includes a single-ended video signal, a horizontal sync signal, and a vertical sync signal. The second connector 530B is represented by a USB connector and is used for transmitting a central control device 100A, a central control device 100B, and/or a keyboard/mouse signal outputted by a central control computer 110 of a network. To the controlled computer 200. However, it must be noted that the number and type of connectors of the computer end module 530 are not limited to the above description. As is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, in order to connect a controlled computer 200 having a different interface, the VGA connector of the first connector 530A can be replaced by a DVI connector or an HDMI connector; the second connector 530B The USB connector can be replaced by a PS/2 or other connector. In addition, the housing of the computer end module 530 is further provided with an RJ-45 interface 530E for connecting a CAT-5 cable or other similar cable, such as CAT-5e or CAT-6.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the computer module 530 has a differential driver module 531 (Differential Driver) for converting a single-ended video signal into a differential video signal. Specifically, the differential driving module 531 of the computer module 530 converts the image signal (usually a single-ended signal) output by the controlled computer 200 into a plurality of differential video signals, and then passes through the RJ-45 interface. The 530E and the CAT-5 cable are output to the remote management device 500 to extend the distance over which the image can be transmitted (e.g., up to 1000 inches). Other signals may also be included in these differential image signals, such as vertical/horizontal sync signals or test signals for detecting attenuation or skew of the image. In a preferred embodiment, the differential drive module 531 can be a differential driver of the AD8146, AD8147 or AD8148 provided by Analog Devices.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the differential driving module 531 further includes a first differential driving circuit 531A, a second differential driving circuit 531B, and a third differential driving circuit 531C, which respectively correspond to the output of the controlled computer 200. Different components of the image signal (RGB) and the vertical sync signal V-Sync and the horizontal sync signal H-Sync. Taking the first differential driving circuit 531A as an example, the first image component (for example, the R component) is converted into a first differential signal D1, and the horizontal synchronization signal H-Sync is loaded into the first differential signal D1. . Similarly, the second differential driving circuit 531B converts the second image component (for example, the G component) into a second differential signal D2, and loads the vertical synchronization signal V-Sync into the second differential signal D2. The third differential driving circuit 531C converts the third image component (for example, component B) into a third differential signal D3, and selectively loads a test signal TS into the third differential signal D3. The test signal TS is provided by the computer end module 530 for image compensation at the receiving end (the remote management device 500 or the central control module 535).

As shown in FIG. 3, the remote management device 500 further includes a first end 510, a second end 520, one or more RS-485 transceivers 525 (Transceiver), a central processing unit 580, and a switching module. 550, an image processing module 560, a memory 570, a network interface 515, a USB device control module 700, and a programmable logic component 900. The hardware structure of the remote management device 500 is preferably represented by KN4140, KN2132 or KN1118 manufactured by Acer Automation Co., Ltd., but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, as shown, the second end 520 can be connected to the network 800, the central control device 100A, and/or the central control module 535, so that the central control device 100A is connected to the network 800. The control computer 110 and/or another central control device 100B connected to the central control module 535 can interact with a certain controlled computer 200.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the switching module 550 has an input 550A and an output 550B. The input end 550A is coupled to the plurality of computer end modules 530 by the first end 510 of the remote management device 500. As mentioned above, the controlled computer 200 outputs the controlled computer output signal 210 to its corresponding computer end module 530, and the plurality of differential video signals output by the computer end module 530 to the remote management device 500 are The input to the input terminal 550A is selected by the switching module 550, and then outputted from the output terminal 550B to a differential receiver 555 for restoring the differential image signal to a single-ended video signal. In a preferred embodiment, the switching module 550 is a switching matrix composed of a plurality of Crosspoint Switches, such as a forty-five selected five AD8177s provided by Analog Devices. Switch matrix with forty input pins and five output pins. In another preferred embodiment, the switching module 550 can also be composed of multiple multiplexers.

The differential receiving module 555 may be located in the housing of the remote management device 500, or may be located in another central control device 100B, depending on the distance between the different central control devices 100A or 100B and the remote management device 500. Corresponding to the central control module 535. When the differential receiving module 555 is located in the central control module 535, the distance between the remote management device 500 and the central control device 100B can be extended because the differential video signal from the computer end module 530 is reached until the arrival. The central control module 535 will be restored to a single-ended video signal.

In order to extend the distance between the remote management device 500 and the central control computer 110, the second end 520 may further include a network interface 515 among the remote management devices 500. In this embodiment, the network interface 515 is preferably a network controller (ie, a Network Interface Controller, a NIC). When the differential receiving module 555 is located in the housing of the remote management device 500, the output of the differential receiving module 555 is coupled to a screen of the central control device 100A (referred to as a local screen) or to an image processing module. Group 560 is configured to perform the aforementioned image encoding and/or compression. The image processing module 560 can further include a JPEG compression engine, such as the AST1000 provided by ASPEED; or the image processing module 560 can be a field programmable array that performs Wavelet Transform operations (ie, Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA). The encoded and/or compressed image data is transmitted to the central control computer 110 by the central processing unit 580 and the network interface 515 in a network packet.

As described above, in order to extend the distance between the remote management device 500 and the controlled computer 200, the first end 510 may further include one or more RS-485 transceivers (Transceiver) among the remote management devices 500. 525, for exchanging data between the controlled computer 200 and the remote management device 500 according to the RS-485 protocol, the keyboard, the mouse, or other devices connected to the remote management device 500, for example, transmitted by the central control device 100A. The incoming keyboard or cursor control signal or virtual media related data (Virtual Media) from the central control computer 110. Between the central processing unit 580 and one or more RS-485 transceivers 525, there is a programmable logic element 900 for converting data from a plurality of different protocols of the controlled computer 200 into data of a single protocol. The burden on the central processing unit 580 is alleviated. On the other hand, the keyboard or cursor control signal transmitted by the central control device 100A is transmitted to the user's selected control via the programmable logic component 900 via parsing, processing, and routing of the central processing unit 580. The RS-485 transceiver 525 corresponding to the computer 200 is sent to the corresponding computer end module 530 through the RS-485 transceiver 525. In a preferred embodiment, the RS-485 transceiver 525 can be the MAX1483 provided by MAXIM Corporation. The user in front of the central control device 100A or 100B can display the menu button (ie, On-screen display, OSD), hotkey commands, mouse button or panel button of the remote management device 500. A selection is made between a plurality of controlled computers 200. The user in front of the central control computer 110 can select among the plurality of controlled computers 200 by using a management interface provided by a web browser or other application.

As shown in FIG. 3, the memory 570 is used to store the firmware required by the central processing unit 580 and the related data of the aforementioned image encoding and/or compression. Memory 570 can include dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and/or flash memory.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the remote management device 500 of the present invention, a USB device control module 700 is also provided for simulating a USB human interface device on the corresponding controlled computer 200 (Human Interface Device). , HID), USB Mass Storage Device or other types of USB devices. In more detail, the USB device control module 700 transmits a corresponding descriptor to the controlled computer 200 during the USB enumeration process, so that the controlled computer 200 can recognize the USB device control module 700, and It is related to the initial configuration and subsequent USB communication. A USB human interface device is simulated on the corresponding controlled computer 200 so that the remote control device 500 is actually connected to the central control device for hot swapping, or when switching between different controlled computers 200, Enumeration is performed; a USB mass storage device is simulated on the corresponding controlled computer 200 so that the remote management device 500 can provide a virtual media function to the controlled computer 200. When the remote management device 500 is directly connected to the controlled computer 200, the USB device control module 700 is in the housing of the remote management device 500; when the remote management device 500 and the controlled computer 200 are connected by When the computer module 530 is coupled, the USB device control module 700 is located in the housing of the computer module 530.

Referring to FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment further connects a plurality of remote management devices 500 in series to increase the number of manageable computers 200 and the number of computer modules 530 in the remote management system 50. . As shown in FIG. 4, the three remote management devices 500 form a three-layer architecture, assuming that the remote management device 500A of the first layer A can be coupled to 32 controlled computers 200; the remote management of the second layer B The device 500B can be coupled to the 16 controlled computers 200; the remote management device 500C of the third layer C can be coupled to the 16 controlled computers 200. The number of controlled computers managed by the remote management system 50 under such an architecture is about 8192. However, this embodiment is merely for showing how the remote management system 50 of the present invention increases the number of controlled computers 200 and computer modules 530. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the remote management system 50 can be expanded to more layers as needed.

However, if a conventional KVM and computer interface module is used, the above-described multi-layered remote management system 50 causes a problem of power waste. Assume that the KVM can be coupled to 8192 controlled computers 200 by the 8192 computer interface module 530. If only three of the 8192 controlled computers 200 are selected, the difference among the 8189 computer interface modules 530 is left. The dynamic drive module 531 will still continuously convert the single-ended image received from the corresponding controlled computer 200 into a differential image message. This situation will result in wastage of electricity. In contrast, the remote management system 50 of the present invention provides a power saving function. The remote management system 50 can cause the differential drive module 531 of the unselected computer end module 530 to enter the power saving mode or cut off its power supply until the computer end module 530 is selected by the user. After entering the power saving mode or powering off, the differential driving module 531 among the unselected computer end modules 530 will not convert the single-ended image into a differential image signal. And restarted when selected to avoid unnecessary power waste.

As shown in Figure 5A, the power consumption of a single differential drive module 531 in the normal mode is approximately 580 milliwatts, according to the data sheet of the AD8146 supplied by Intersil. This value is calculated according to the formula that the power is equal to the current multiplied by the voltage (P = IV). The required voltage of the AD8146 is positive 5 volts and negative 5 volts, and the current input from the voltage source is 58 milliamperes. As shown in Figure 5B, in the power saving mode, 5 volts and minus 5 volts, but the positive voltage input current is 6 milliamperes; the negative voltage input current is 37 milliamps, so the power consumption can be calculated. It is about 215 mW.

Please refer to the power consumption comparison between the conventional computer interface module shown in FIG. 5C and the computer end module 530 of the remote management system 50 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5C, when the controlled computer 200 in the remote management system 50 is not selected, the computer-side module 530 corresponding to the unselected controlled computer 200 consumes only 0.06 watts of power. The difference between the power consumed by the traditional computer interface module and the 0.58 watt is 0.36 watts. In other words, a single computer-side module 530 can save 62% of the power. The present invention can save up to 2,949 watts of power supply power, as exemplified by the example of 8192 controlled computers 200 shown in FIG.

In the architecture of FIG. 3, the central control computer 110 can provide a virtual medium for use by the controlled computer 200. In more detail, the central control computer 110 shares the connected physical storage device (such as a built-in SATA hard disk drive, SATA CD player, floppy disk drive, external USB storage device, etc.) to the charged via the network 800. The computer 200 is used by the controlled computer 200 to read the data or the application. Through the USB simulation, the controlled computer 200 regards the physical storage device shared by the central control computer 110 as one of its own USB devices.

Still referring to FIG. 3, according to the present invention, for the remote management device 500 supporting virtual media, when the virtual media is not in use, the RS-485 transceiver 525 of the computer module 530 and the programmable logic component 900 are The transmission speed between the two will also be reduced to save power. Specifically, when a central control computer 110 provides a virtual medium to a controlled computer 200, the RS-485 transceiver 525 corresponding to the controlled computer 200 normally runs at a first speed, for example, its transmission speed is about When the central control computer 110 does not provide virtual media to the controlled computer 200, the RS-485 transceiver 525 operates at a second speed, for example, the transmission speed is about 19.2 Kbps. Obviously, the first speed is much higher than the second speed. The first and second speeds mentioned herein are not limited and can be adjusted according to design requirements.

Referring to Figure 6, the present invention also provides an operational method for use by a remote management system. The method of operation of the remote management system of the present invention comprises the following steps.

Step 1000: Connect one or more computer end modules to a remote management device, wherein each of the computer end modules is connected to one of the different controlled computers. In this embodiment, the remote management system 50 includes one or more computer end modules 530 and a remote management device 500. Each of the computer modules 530 is connected to a different controlled computer 200. When each computer end module 530 is connected to the remote management device 500, the remote management device 500 can interact with each computer end module 530. Preferably, the connection is implemented by a cable, such as a CAT-5 cable, to enable the remote management device 500 to be electrically coupled to each of the computer end modules 530.

Step 1010: Connect the remote management device to a central control device, a central control module, or a network, so that the central control device and another central control device connected to the central control module are The controlled computer generates an interaction or enables a central control computer to interact with the controlled computer via the network. Specifically, the remote management device 500 can be connected to the central control device 100A, the central control module 535, or the network. In this way, the remote management device 500 can interact with the central control device 100A, the central control device 535 connected to the central control device 100B, or the network through the central control computer 110. Each remote controlled computer 200 can interact with the central control device 100A, 100B or the central control computer 110 by the remote management device 500.

Step 1020: Receive a control signal, and select one of the controlled computers according to the control signal. When the central control device 100A, 100B or the central control computer 110 is connected to the remote management device 500, the user in front of the central control device 100A, 100B or the central control computer 110 can transmit control through the central control device 100A, 100B or the central control computer 110. The signal is sent to the remote management device 500. The control signal may include a signal from a keyboard or cursor control device of the central control device, or a keyboard or cursor control signal and/or virtual media data issued by the central control computer. Specifically, the remote management device 500 further includes an RS-485 transceiver as the central control device or the control exchanged between the central control computer and the remote management device by the central control device or the central control computer. The interface of the signal. The remote management device 500 determines, according to the received control signal, the controlled computer 200 to which the control signal 100A, 100B or the central control computer 110 is to be connected or selected. Based on this determination, the remote management device 500 causes the switching module 550 to switch the control signal to the selected controlled computer 200. In this way, the central control device 100A, 100B or the central control computer 110 can issue an instruction input to the controlled computer 200.

Step 1030: In response to a selection signal, a differential driving module in the computer end module corresponding to the selected controlled computer is turned on, and the computer end module corresponding to the unselected controlled computer is closed. Differential drive module. In this embodiment, the remote management device 500 can determine whether the controlled computer 200 is controlled by the central control device 100A, 100B, and/or according to a selection signal received from the controlled device 100A, 100B and/or the central control computer 110. The control computer 110 is selected. According to this judgment, the remote management device 500 will turn on or off each computer end module 530. The selection signal is sent by the user to the central processing unit 580 by a near end, a remote end, or the network via a hotkey command, a screen display menu, a web browser, or any other suitable means. For example, the user of the central control computer of FIG. 2A can send the selection signal to the remote management device 500 via a web browser; the user of the central control device 100A can display the menu at the near end to the far end via a hotkey command or a screen display. The management device 500 sends the selection signal; the user of the central control device 100B can send the selection signal to the remote management device 500 remotely via a hotkey command or a screen display menu. Any other suitable manner includes a mouse button, a mouse movement track, a sound control, or a panel button using the remote management device 500.

Specifically, when a controlled computer 200 is selected, the differential driving module 531 in the computer end module 530 corresponding to the selected controlled computer 200 will be turned on, so that the differential driving module 531 is enabled. The computer module 530 that is turned on converts the single-ended video signal transmitted by the selected controlled computer 200 into a differential video signal. Meanwhile, when a controlled computer 200 is not selected, the remote management device 500 will turn off the differential driving module in the computer module 530 corresponding to the unselected controlled computer 200 for power saving. 531. In the present embodiment, the term "on" or "off" refers to starting or stopping the function of the differential driving module 531 of the computer end module 530; however, but not limited thereto, in other different embodiments, the remote end The management system 50 can also completely shut down the computer-end module 530 corresponding to the unselected controlled computer 200 or put it into the power-saving mode.

Step 1040: Receive a single-ended video signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a vertical synchronization signal from the selected controlled computer. The single-ended video signal, the horizontal synchronization signal, and the vertical synchronization signal may constitute the controlled computer. Desktop imagery. In detail, the controlled computer 200 can be directly connected to the remote management device 500, or can be coupled to the remote management device 500 through the computer end module 530 if the distance is longer. When the distance between the selected controlled computer 200 and the remote management device 500 is not long (the computer terminal module 530 is not used), the controlled computer 200 can directly transmit its desktop image signal to the remote management device 500. However, if the distance between the controlled computer 200 and the remote management device 500 exceeds the distance that the single-ended video signal can transmit, the controlled computer 200 can transmit the desktop image to the remote management through the computer module 530. Device 500. Specifically, the computer module 530 receives a single-ended video signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a vertical synchronization signal from the corresponding controlled computer 200. The function and composition of the computer-side module 530 have been described in detail above, and will not be described herein.

Step 1050: Convert the single-ended video signal, the horizontal synchronization signal, and the vertical synchronization signal into the differential video signal. In this embodiment, the computer end module 530 is used to extend the distance between the controlled computer 200 and the remote management device 500 to electrically connect the controlled computer 200 to the remote end by a cable CA. The management device 500, wherein the cable CA is preferably a network cable of CAT-5. In this step 1050, the single-ended video signal, the horizontal synchronization signal, and the vertical synchronization signal received by the controlled computer 200 are converted into differential video signals, so that the CAT-5 cable CA can be used for a long distance (for example, up to 1000 inches). The transmission to the remote management device 500.

Step 1060: transmitting the differential video signal to the remote management device, to display the remote control device, the central control device connected to the central control module, or the network connected to the network control computer. Control the desktop image of the computer. When the computer module 530 converts the received single-ended video signal, horizontal sync signal and vertical sync signal received by the selected controlled computer 200 into a differential video signal, the differential video signal will be used by the computer. The module 530 is transmitted to the input 550A of the switching module 550 of the remote management device 500. After being switched by the switching module 550, the output 550B of the switching module 550 is output to a differential receiving module 555 for restoring the differential image signal to a single-ended image. In this embodiment, the differential receiving module 555 can be in the housing of the remote management device 500 and/or in the central control module 535. In detail, when the switching module 550 switches the differential video signal received from the computer module 530 to the central control device 100A, the differential video signal will be firstly changed by the remote management device 500. The receiving module 555 is restored to a single-ended image, and then transmitted to a screen of the central control device 100A to display the desktop image of the controlled computer 200. When the switching module 550 switches the differential video signal to the central control device 100B, since the distance between the central control device 100B and the remote management device 500 is relatively long (up to 1000 inches), the differential video signal is compared. The image is restored to a single-ended image in the differential receiving module 555 in the central control module 535, and is transmitted to the screen of the central control device 100B by the central control module 535 to display the desktop image of the controlled computer 200. . If the switching module 550 selects to switch the differential video signal to the central control computer 110, the differential video signal will be restored to the single-ended video prior to the differential receiving module 555 in the housing of the remote management device 500. The signal is converted into a network packet by the central processing unit 580 and transmitted by the network interface 515 to the central control computer 110 to display the desktop image of the controlled computer 200 on the screen of the central control computer 110.

A step 1070 can be optionally added after step 1000. Step 1070 includes concatenating one or more additional remote management devices to increase the number of manageable computers and the number of the computer-side modules in the remote management system. Specifically, the remote management device 500 is not limited to being connected only to the computer end module 530; the remote management device 500 may also be connected in series with another remote management device 500, and the other One or more remote management devices 500 can each be coupled to other controlled computers 200. In other words, the number of computers that the remote management system 50 can manage and the number of computer modules can be increased.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made to the remote management system of the present invention and its associated methods of operation without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Sex. Accordingly, the invention is to cover all modifications and alternatives

A‧‧‧ first floor

B‧‧‧ second floor

C‧‧‧ third floor

CA‧‧‧ cable

HS‧‧‧shell

50‧‧‧ Remote Management System

60‧‧‧Multicomputer switcher

72/74‧‧‧ cable

76‧‧‧Computer Interface Module

100A/100B‧‧‧ central control unit

110‧‧‧Central computer

200‧‧‧Controlled computer

210‧‧‧Controlled computer output signal

211‧‧‧Keyboard/mouse signal

500/500A‧‧‧ remote management device

500B/500C‧‧‧ remote management device

510‧‧‧ first end

520‧‧‧ second end

515‧‧‧Internet interface

525‧‧‧RS-485 transceiver

530‧‧‧Computer Module

530A‧‧‧First connector

530B‧‧‧Second connector

530E‧‧‧ interface

531‧‧‧Differential drive module

535‧‧‧Central Terminal Module

550‧‧‧Switch Module

550A‧‧‧ input

550B‧‧‧ output

555‧‧‧Differential receiving module

560‧‧‧Image Processing Module

570‧‧‧ memory

580‧‧‧Central Processing Unit

700‧‧‧USB device control module

800‧‧‧Network

900‧‧‧Programmable logic components

Figure 1 is a traditional KVM switch;

2A is a preferred embodiment of the remote management system of the present invention;

2B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a remote management system;

2C is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of converting a single-ended video signal of the differential driving module into a differential video signal;

Figure 3 is a preferred embodiment of a remote management device of the remote management system;

Figure 4 is a preferred embodiment of a remote management system having a plurality of remote management devices;

5A and 5B are a preferred embodiment of a general mode and a power saving mode of the differential drive module;

Figure 5C is a comparison of the power consumption of the conventional computer interface module and the computer end module of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a flow chart of the operation method of the remote management system of the present invention.

CA. . . Cable

HS. . . case

50. . . Remote management system

100A/100B. . . Central control unit

110. . . Central computer

200. . . Controlled computer

210. . . Controlled computer output signal

211. . . Keyboard/mouse signal

500. . . Remote management device

510. . . First end

520. . . Second end

530. . . Computer module

530A. . . First connector

530B. . . Second connector

530E. . . interface

535. . . Central control module

555. . . Differential receiving module

800. . . network

Claims (11)

A remote management system comprising: at least one or more computer end modules, each of the computer end modules further comprising: a housing; one or more cables extending from the housing away from One end of the housing has a first connector for connecting to an image output port of a controlled computer to receive a single-ended video signal, a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal output by the controlled computer; a differential driving module for converting the single-ended video signal into a differential video signal, and a remote management device, further comprising: a first end, having a plurality of computer ports, each The computer port can be coupled to a computer module via a cable; a second end can be connected to a screen of a central control device, a common terminal module or a network to enable the group The control device, another central control device connected to the central control module can interact with the controlled computer, or a central control computer can interact with the controlled computer via the network, a central processor; a module, the input end of the switching module is coupled to the Or a plurality of computer-side modules for coupling the computer or another computer to a screen of the central control device, the central control module or the network, and according to the control of the central processor Switching between the computer or the other computer; a differential receiving module corresponding to one of the output terminals of the switching module, and reducing the differential image signal to the single-ended video signal and outputting to the screen Or an image processing module; wherein, when a certain computer end module is not selected, the differential driving module is turned off; or, when a certain computer end module is selected, the differential The drive module will be turned on. The remote management system of claim 1, wherein the computer end module further comprises: a second connector disposed on the one or more cables away from the housing And an RS-485 transceiver as an interface between the central control device and the remote management device for exchanging a control signal sent by the central control device to An instruction issued by a keyboard or a cursor control device of the central control device is input to the computer. The remote management system of claim 1, wherein the remote management device is further connectable to one or more additional remote management devices to increase the number of manageable computers in the remote management system. And the number of the computer-side modules. The remote management system of claim 1, wherein the image processing module is configured to encode and/or compress the image signal output by the computer to the remote management device. The remote management system of claim 1, wherein the differential driving module further loads the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal into the differential image signal. The remote management system of claim 1, wherein the remote management device further comprises a network interface for exchanging the controlled device between the remote management device and the central control computer through the network. The image output by the computer, the keyboard or cursor control signal of the central control computer output, and/or virtual media (Virtual Media) data. The remote management system of claim 2, wherein when the central control computer provides a virtual medium (Virtual Media) to the controlled computer, the RS-485 transceiver operates at a first speed; When the central control computer does not provide the virtual media to the controlled computer, the RS-485 transceiver operates at a second speed, and the first speed is higher than the second speed. A method for operating a remote management system, the remote management system includes at least one or more computer modules and a remote management device, and the method includes: connecting the one or more computer modules to the remote The end management device, wherein each of the computer end modules is connected to one of the different controlled computers; the remote management device is connected to a central control device, a central control module or a network, so that the group is The control device and another central control device connected to the central control module can interact with the controlled computer or control The computer can interact with the controlled computer via the network; receive a control signal, and select one of the controlled computers according to the control signal; in response to a selection signal, open the selected computer corresponding to the controlled computer a differential driving module in the end module, closing a differential driving module in the computer end module corresponding to the unselected controlled computer; receiving a single-ended video signal from the selected controlled computer The single-ended video signal, the horizontal sync signal and the vertical sync signal may constitute a desktop image of the controlled computer; the single-ended video signal, the horizontal sync signal and the vertical Converting the sync signal into a differential video signal; and transmitting the differential video signal to the remote management device, the central control device, the central control device connected to the central control module, or the connection network The road control computer displays the desktop image of the controlled computer. The method of operation of claim 8, further comprising: concatenating one or more additional remote management devices to increase the number of manageable computers and the computer end in the remote management system The number of modules. The operating method of claim 8, wherein the remote management device further comprises an RS-485 transceiver, and the central control device or the central control computer exchanges the central control with the remote management device. The interface of the control signal sent by the device or the central control computer. The operating method of claim 10, wherein when the central control computer provides a virtual media data, the RS-485 transceiver operates at a first speed; when the central control computer is not controlled When the computer provides the virtual media data, the RS-485 transceiver operates at a second speed, and the first speed is higher than the second speed.