JP2011248796A - Kvm switch and server unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a KVM switch and a server unit that allows a user to easily grasp connection relation between an input/output device and an information processing device.SOLUTION: A KVM switch according to the invention comprises: a plurality of server units 30 each of which is connected to a server 32; a user unit 10 which is connected to an input/output device 12 for operating the server 32; and a main unit 20 for selecting one or more server units 30 from the plurality of server units 30 to connect the user unit 10. The server units 30 perform a first notification to a user of the user unit 10 in response to a request of the user unit 10 so as to identify positions of the server units 30 that are connected to the user unit 10.

Description

  The present invention relates to a KVM switch and a server unit.

  When a plurality of servers (information processing apparatuses) are used by a plurality of users, the server and input / output devices (console) such as a keyboard, a display, and a mouse for operating the server are connected to KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouth; (Keyboard, video, mouse) may be connected via a switch.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a KVM switch that is connected to a plurality of servers and can switch servers to be operated. Patent Document 2 discloses a KVM switch that determines an abnormality of a server based on voice data generated by the server.

JP 9-319476 A JP 2009-163344 A

  When a plurality of servers are connected to the KVM switch, it may be difficult to grasp the connection relationship between the input / output device and the server.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a KVM switch and a server unit capable of easily grasping a connection relationship between an input / output device and an information processing device.

  The present invention provides a plurality of server units each connected to an information processing device, a user unit connected to an input / output device for operating the information processing device, and at least one server among the plurality of server units A main unit for selecting a unit and connecting to the user unit, wherein the at least one server unit is responsive to a request of the user unit to inform a user of the user unit of the at least one server unit. It is a KVM switch that performs a first notification for specifying a position. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the connection relationship between an input / output device and an information processing device.

  In the above configuration, the at least one server unit may perform a second notification of transmitting a signal for identifying the at least one server unit from the plurality of server units to the user unit. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the connection relationship between the input / output device and the information processing device.

  In the above configuration, the operation unit provided in the at least one server unit is provided, and when the first notification is performed, the at least one server unit is operated according to the operation of the operation unit. When the first notification is stopped and the first notification is not performed, the at least one server unit performs the second notification in response to the operation of the operation unit. be able to. According to this configuration, it is possible to more easily grasp the connection relationship between the input / output device and the information processing device in accordance with both the operation on the user unit side and the operation on the server unit side. Moreover, energy saving is attained by stopping the first notification.

  In the above configuration, the main unit may connect the at least one server unit and at least one user unit among the plurality of user units. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the connection relationship between the input / output device and the information processing device in the multi-user KVM switch.

  In the above configuration, the at least one server unit may be configured to perform the first notification by sound generated by the at least one server unit or information displayed by the at least one server unit. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the connection relationship between the input / output device and the information processing device by specifying the position of the server.

  The present invention is a server unit connected to an information processing device and a main unit, and is connected to a user unit selected by the main unit and connected to an input / output device for operating the information processing device. If there is a server unit, the server unit includes a first notification unit that performs a first notification that identifies a position of the server unit to a user of the user unit in response to a request from the user unit. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the connection relationship between an input / output device and an information processing device.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It can be set as the structure provided with the 2nd notification part which performs the 2nd notification which transmits the signal for identifying the server unit connected to the said user unit among several said server units. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the connection relationship between the input / output device and the information processing device.

  In the above configuration, when an operation unit is provided and the first notification is performed, the first notification unit stops the first notification in response to the operation of the operation unit, and the first notification When the first notification is not performed, the second notification unit can be configured to perform the second notification in response to the operation of the operation unit. According to this configuration, it is possible to more easily grasp the connection relationship between the input / output device and the information processing device in accordance with both the operation on the user unit side and the operation on the server unit side. Moreover, energy saving is attained by stopping the first notification.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the KVM switch and server unit which can grasp | ascertain easily the connection relationship of an input / output device and information processing apparatus can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a KVM switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a schematic view illustrating a display connected to the KVM switch according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a schematic view illustrating the server unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2C is a schematic view illustrating a server unit of a KVM switch according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the control of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the user unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the main unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating the server unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a functional block diagram illustrating the server unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a schematic view illustrating a display connected to the KVM switch according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a sequence diagram illustrating control of the KVM switch according to the second embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a KVM switch according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the KVM switch 1 includes a user unit 10, a main unit 20, and a server unit 30. Each of the plurality of user units 10 is connected to an input / output device 12 such as a keyboard, a display, a mouse, and a touch panel. The user unit 10 is arranged close to the input / output device 12. Each of the plurality of server units 30 is connected to a server 32 (information processing apparatus). The server unit 30 is disposed in the vicinity of the server 32.

  The main unit 20 selects at least one user unit 10 from the plurality of user units 10 and connects to the server unit 30. Further, the main unit 20 selects at least one server unit 30 among the plurality of server units 30 and connects to the user unit.

  The main unit 20 can selectively switch the input / output device 12 that operates the server 32. The server 32 receives a keyboard signal and a mouse signal output from the input / output device 12. A display included in the input / output device receives a video signal output from the server 32. That is, the user can operate the server 32 using the input / output device 12.

  The user unit 10 and the main unit 20 are connected with, for example, a 100 m cable. The server unit 30 and the main unit 20 are connected by a 300 m cable, for example. For this reason, it is difficult for a user who controls the server 32 using the input / output device 12 to specify the position of the server that he / she is using, and it may be difficult to grasp the connection relationship. In particular, in a multi-user KVM in which a plurality of input / output devices 12 and a plurality of servers 32 are connected as shown in FIG. 1, the connection relationship is complicated, and it may be more difficult to grasp the connection relationship.

  In the first embodiment, the server unit 30 arranged in the vicinity of the server 32 generates a sound, thereby giving a notification for specifying the position of the server unit 30 connected to the user unit 10. FIG. 2A is a schematic view illustrating a display connected to the KVM switch according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a schematic view illustrating a server unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2C will be described later in a modification of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a position specifying screen that is a screen for specifying the position of the server is displayed on the display included in the input / output device 12. When the user selects “Yes”, the server unit 30 performs notification for specifying the position.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the server unit 30 includes a speaker 34 and a button 36. In response to the selection of “Yes” in FIG. 2A, the server unit 30 generates sound from the speaker 34. Further, in response to the operation of the button 36, the server unit 30 stops the sound. Details will be described later. The button 36 can be replaced with other operation means such as a switch or a dial.

  Next, control of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the control of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, the main unit 20 notifies the user unit 10 of a menu screen (step S10). The menu screen is a screen for the user to perform an operation for specifying the position of the server. The menu screen is displayed on the display of the input / output device 12 connected to the user unit 10.

  After step S10, when the user selects position specification on the menu screen, the main unit 20 transmits a signal notifying that position specification has been selected to the main unit (step S11). After step S11, the main unit 20 transmits a position specifying screen to the user unit 10 in response to selection of position specifying (step S12). The position specifying screen is illustrated in FIG.

  After step S12, when the user selects “Yes” on the screen to agree with the server location, the user unit 10 transmits a signal notifying that “Yes” has been selected to the main unit 20. (Step S13).

  After step S13, in response to the selection of “Yes”, the main unit 20 transmits a control signal to the server unit 30 (step S14). After step S14, the server unit 30 generates sound from the speaker 34 in response to receiving the control signal (step S15).

  After step S15, in response to the operation of the button 36 (step S16), the server unit 30 stops the sound (step S17). After step S17, the control ends.

  Next, control of the user unit, the main unit, and the server unit will be described. First, the user unit will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the user unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the user unit 10 receives a menu screen from the main unit 20 (step S20). After step S20, the user unit 10 determines whether position specification is selected in the input / output device 12 (step S21). If No, the control ends.

  In the case of Yes, the user unit 10 transmits a signal notifying that the position specification has been selected to the main unit 20 (step S22). After step S22, the user unit 10 receives a screen from the main unit 20 (step S23). This is the screen illustrated in FIG. 2A and displayed on the display of the input / output device 12.

  After step S23, the user unit 10 determines whether “yes” is selected (step S24). If No, the control ends. In the case of Yes, the user unit 10 transmits a signal notifying that “Yes” has been selected to the main unit 20 (step S25). After step S25, the control of the user unit 10 ends.

  Next, the main unit will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the main unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main unit 20 transmits a menu screen to the user unit 10 (step S30). After step S30, the main unit 20 determines whether or not a signal notifying that the location specification has been selected from the user unit 10 has been received (step S31, "location specification received" in the figure). If No, the control ends.

  In the case of Yes, the main unit 20 transmits a screen to the user unit 10 (step S32). After step S32, the main unit 20 determines whether or not a signal notifying that “Yes” has been selected on the screen has been received (step S33, “Yes” is received in the drawing)). Control ends.

  In the case of Yes, the main unit 20 deletes the menu screen displayed on the input / output device 12 (step S34). After step S34, the main unit 20 identifies the server unit 30 connected to the user unit 10 that has transmitted the signal indicating “Yes” in step S33 from among the plurality of server units 30 (step S35).

  The main unit 20 transmits a control signal to the server unit identified in step S35 (step S36). After step S36, the control of the main unit 20 ends. As described above, the server unit 30 generates sound in response to receiving the control signal transmitted in step S36.

  Next, the server unit will be described. Before describing the control, the configuration will be described. FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating the server unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a functional block diagram illustrating the server unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the server unit 30 includes a speaker 34, a button 36, interfaces 38a and 38b, and a control unit 40. The interfaces 38 a and 38 b are, for example, a video port, a PS / 2 port, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, and the like, and mediate the connection between the server unit 30 and the server 32. The interface 38b mediates connection between the server unit 30 and the main unit 20. The control unit 40 is, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The control unit 40 controls communication via the interface 38a, communication via the interface 38b, and generation of sound using the speaker 34. The control unit 40 receives a signal transmitted in response to the operation of the button 36.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 40 functions as a communication control unit 42 (second notification unit) and a voice control unit 44 (first notification unit). The communication control unit 42 controls communication via the interface 38a and communication via the interface 38b. As will be described later in the second embodiment, the communication control unit 42 transmits an identification signal in response to the operation of the button 36. In response to the operation of the button 36, the sound control unit 44 controls the sound generation by the speaker 34.

  Next, control of the server unit will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the server unit of the KVM switch according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 40 first determines whether a control signal has been received from the main unit 20 (step S40). In the case of Yes, the audio | voice control part 44 produces | generates an audio | voice from the speaker 34 (step S41). That is, the server unit 30 generates sound in response to a request from the user unit 10.

  In the case of No in step S40 and after step S41, the control unit 40 determines whether the button 36 has been operated (step S42). If No, the control ends. In the case of Yes, the control unit 40 determines whether voice is being generated (step S43). The case of No will be described later in the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the case of Yes will be considered. In the case of Yes, the audio | voice control part 44 stops an audio | voice (step S44). That is, when notification by voice is performed, the server unit 30 stops the voice in response to the operation of the button 36. After step S44, the control of the server unit 30 ends.

  According to the first embodiment, when the server unit 30 is selected as the main unit 20 and connected to the user unit 10, the server unit 30 generates sound from the speaker 34 in response to a request from the user unit 10. That is, the server unit 30 notifies the user who operates the server 32 by voice to specify the position of the server unit 30 (first notification). This makes it easy for the user to specify the position of the server 32 that he is using. As a result, the connection relationship between the input / output device and the server can be easily grasped.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the server unit 30 generates sound in response to the user operating the input / output device 12. For this reason, it becomes easy for the user to specify the position of the server 32 while staying in the vicinity of the input / output device 12. In particular, even when the connection relationship is complicated, such as the multi-user KVM switch shown in FIG. 1, the connection relationship can be easily grasped. For example, the position of the server 32 can be easily grasped even during maintenance of the server 32 or when the server is rearranged, and convenience is improved.

  Also, by operating the button 36, the server unit 30 stops the sound. Since the server 32 is arranged close to the server unit 30, the voice can be stopped immediately after the position of the server 32 is specified. This makes it possible to reduce noise and save energy.

  The voice control unit 44 may change the voice generated for each of the plurality of server units 30. For example, a number may be assigned to the server unit 30 according to the user designation or the main unit 20 designation, and the sound may be changed for each number. Further, the voice control unit 44 may change the voice for each user unit 10 connected to the server unit 30. Further, the sound may be changed according to the combination of the server unit 30 and the user unit 10. Thereby, the connection relationship between the input / output device and the server can be grasped more easily.

  Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. The modification is an example in which notification is performed using an image. FIG. 2C is a schematic view illustrating a server unit of a KVM switch according to a modification of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the server unit 30 includes a button 36 and a display 46 which is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). In response to receiving the control signal, the display 46 displays an image indicating that the control signal has been received (first notification). This corresponds to step S15 in FIG. 3 and step S41 in FIG. For example, when the server unit connected to the server A among the plurality of server units 30 receives the control signal, the display 46 of the server unit displays that the server unit corresponding to the server A has received the control signal. By confirming the image, it becomes easy to specify the position of the server 32. Further, in response to the operation of the button 36, the display 46 deletes the image. This makes it possible to save energy.

  In the modification, in order to check the display 46, it is preferable that a collaborator is present in the vicinity of the server unit 30 in addition to the user who operates the input / output device 12. Alternatively, the user may move to the vicinity of the server unit 30 and check the display 46. In the modification, the speaker 34 in FIG. 6A is replaced with a display 46, and the sound control unit 44 in FIG. 6B is replaced with an image control unit (first notification unit). Moreover, it is good also as a structure which performs both the notification by an audio | voice and the notification by an image, combining Example 1 and a modification. Further, notification may be performed by displaying information such as lighting and blinking of the lamp in addition to the sound and the image.

  The second embodiment is an example in which notification is performed by a signal. FIG. 8A is a schematic view illustrating a display connected to the KVM switch according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a sequence diagram illustrating control of the KVM switch according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the KVM switch is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 1, and the configuration of the server unit 30 is the same as that illustrated in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b).

  As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the display included in the input / output device 12 has received an identification signal for identifying the server unit from the server unit corresponding to the server A among the plurality of server units 30. A message is displayed. This screen is used as an identification screen. Next, control of the KVM switch according to the second embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the server unit 30 transmits a signal notifying that the button 36 has been operated to the main unit 20 (step S50). After step S50, the main unit 20 transmits an identification screen to the user unit 10 (step S51). After step S51, the user unit 10 displays an identification screen as shown in FIG. 8A on the display of the input / output device 12 (step S52). After step S52, the control ends.

  Next, control of the server unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG. Steps S40 to S42 are the same control as in FIG.

  After step S42, the control unit 40 determines whether sound is being generated (step S43). In the second embodiment, the case of No in step S43 will be considered. In No, the communication control part 42 notifies that the button 36 was operated, and transmits the identification signal for identifying the server unit 30 connected to the user unit 10 to the main unit 20 (step S45). That is, when the voice notification is not performed, the server unit 30 transmits an identification signal in response to the operation of the button 36. After step S45, the control ends. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the main unit 20 transmits an identification screen to the user unit 10 in response to receiving the identification signal, and the input / output device 12 displays the identification screen.

  According to the second embodiment, the identification screen is displayed on the display of the input / output device 12 connected to the user unit 10 corresponding to the server unit 30 in response to the operation of the button 36 of the server unit 30. A notification for identifying the server unit 30 connected to the user unit 10 among the plurality of server units 30 is given to the user through the identification screen (second notification). As a result, the user can easily identify the server 32 used by the user. That is, the connection relationship between the input / output device and the server can be easily grasped.

  In the first embodiment, the position of the server 32 used by the user can be specified by an operation on the input / output device 12 side (user unit 10 side). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the server 32 used by the user can be identified by the operation on the server unit 30 side. By combining the first embodiment and the second embodiment as in the control of FIG. 7, the input / output device and the server can be more easily connected in accordance with both the operation on the user unit 10 side and the operation on the server unit 30 side. It is possible to grasp the connection relationship of

  Of the plurality of server units 30, all the server units may perform the control of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, or one or more server units may perform the control, if not all. That is, at least one server unit 30 out of the plurality of server units 30 may perform voice notification and identification signal transmission.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. It can be changed.

KVM switch 1
User unit 10
I / O device 12
Main unit 20
Server unit 30
Server 32
Speaker 34
Button 36
Interface 38a, 38b
Control unit 40
Communication control unit 42
Voice control unit 44
Display 46

Claims (8)

A plurality of server units each connected to the information processing apparatus;
A user unit connected to an input / output device for operating the information processing device;
Selecting at least one server unit from among the plurality of server units, and comprising a main unit connected to the user unit,
The KVM switch, wherein the at least one server unit performs a first notification for specifying a position of the at least one server unit to a user of the user unit in response to a request from the user unit.   2. The KVM according to claim 1, wherein the at least one server unit performs a second notification of transmitting a signal for identifying the at least one server unit from the plurality of server units to the user unit. switch. An operation unit provided in the at least one server unit;
When the first notification is performed, the at least one server unit stops the first notification in response to the operation unit being operated,
3. The KVM switch according to claim 2, wherein, when the first notification is not performed, the at least one server unit performs the second notification in response to the operation unit being operated. .   4. The KVM switch according to claim 1, wherein the main unit connects the at least one server unit and at least one user unit among the plurality of user units. 5.   The at least one server unit performs the first notification by sound generated by the at least one server unit or information displayed by the at least one server unit. Item KVM switch. A server unit connected to the information processing apparatus and the main unit,
When connected to a user unit selected by the main unit and connected to an input / output device for operating the information processing device, in response to a request from the user unit, A server unit comprising a first notification unit that performs a first notification for specifying a position of the server unit.   The server unit according to claim 6, further comprising: a second notification unit that performs a second notification of transmitting a signal for identifying a server unit connected to the user unit among the plurality of server units. . It has an operation part,
When the first notification is performed, the first notification unit stops the first notification in response to the operation unit being operated,
8. The server unit according to claim 7, wherein, when the first notification is not performed, the second notification unit performs the second notification in response to the operation unit being operated.

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