JP5235435B2 - KVM switch and KVM system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a KVM switch and a KVM system connected between a computer and peripheral devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a monitor.

  Conventionally, a KVM (K: keyboard, V: video, M: mouse) switch including a terminal emulator connected between a plurality of servers and peripheral devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a monitor is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

  The KVM switch converts communication data output from a communication port (for example, a serial port or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port) of the selected server into analog video data and outputs the analog video data to a monitor. That is, the KVM switch can switch communication data output from a plurality of servers and display it on the monitor as an analog image.

  When this KVM switch is used, video output from a plurality of servers is switched by the KVM switch, so that a plurality of video data output from the server cannot be viewed simultaneously.

  Conventionally, a KVM switch including a module having a plurality of ports for connecting to a plurality of computers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This KVM switch also includes a plurality of the above modules.

Furthermore, a KVM switch that enables a computer provided on the local side to be operated from the remote operation side via a network, and when the computer is operated from the remote operation side, the computer is operated from the remote operation side. Is known to the local side where the computer is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
US Patent 6,567,869 (KVM SWITCH INCLUDING A TERMINAL EMULATOR) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-18135 JP 2007-34376 A

  However, in Patent Documents 1 to 3, one video output output from each server is output to a remote terminal using one KVM switch. For this reason, in order to realize a multi-monitor environment, a plurality of KVM switches are required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a KVM switch and a KVM system that can provide a multi-monitor environment to a user with a single device.

In order to achieve the above object, the KVM switch of the present invention includes an input unit capable of inputting a plurality of video signals output from the information processing apparatus, and a video corresponding to each of the plurality of video signals input by the input unit. Adding a signal identification information, transmitting a plurality of video signals with the identification information added to a remote terminal via a network, a plurality of connection means for connecting to a plurality of display devices, respectively, Setting means for setting the positional relationship of the display device, and the transmission means includes a plurality of pieces of information set by the connection means identification information and the setting means in the difference video data to which the identification information of the video signal is added. Information on the positional relationship of the display device is added and transmitted to the remote terminal via a network. Based on the positional relationship information of the display device to display the video data of the difference, the position information of the relation of the display device and comprising information indicating each of the coordinates of the plurality of display devices To do.

According to such a configuration, since a plurality of video signals are input, identification information of the corresponding video signals is added to the plurality of video signals, and transmitted to the remote terminal via the network, one KVM switch Can provide a multi-monitor environment to the user. In addition, the arrangement state of the plurality of display devices (multi-monitors) on the local side is restored on the remote terminal side, and the user on the remote terminal side confirms the arrangement state of the plurality of display devices (multi-monitors) on the local side. be able to.

  Preferably, the KVM switch detects a difference between the storage unit for sequentially storing a plurality of video signals input by the input unit as video data, and the old and new video data for one screen in each sequentially stored video data. A difference detecting unit configured to add the identification information of the corresponding video signal to the detected difference video data, and network the difference video data to which the identification information is added to the remote terminal. It is characterized by transmitting via.

  According to such a configuration, a plurality of video signals are sequentially stored as video data, a difference between old and new video data in each video data is detected, and identification information of the corresponding video signal is added to the video data of the difference. Since it is transmitted to a remote terminal via a network, a multi-monitor environment can be provided to the user with a single KVM switch. In addition, since the difference video data is transmitted to the remote terminal, the data transmission amount can be reduced.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of video signals is one of an analog signal and a digital signal.

  According to such a configuration, the plurality of video signals output from the information processing apparatus can correspond to both analog signals and digital signals.

  Preferably, the KVM switch further includes A / D conversion means for converting the analog signal into a digital signal when at least one of the plurality of video signals is an analog signal.

  According to this configuration, an analog video signal can be converted into a digital signal that is not easily affected by the communication environment.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus includes a plurality of output terminals for outputting the plurality of video signals, the input means is one input terminal, and one is provided between the plurality of output terminals and the input terminal. It is connected with the cable of this.

  According to such a configuration, since a plurality of video signals output from the information processing apparatus are input through one input terminal, the KVM switch can be reduced in size.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus includes a plurality of output terminals that output the plurality of video signals, and the input unit includes a plurality of input terminals that are smaller in number than the plurality of output terminals, and the plurality of input terminals. Each of the terminals is connected to a predetermined number of output terminals of the plurality of output terminals by one cable.

  According to such a configuration, each input terminal is connected to a predetermined number of output terminals of the plurality of output terminals with one cable, so the input terminal and the output terminal are connected with a cable in a one-to-one relationship. It is easier for the user to attach and remove the cable than if it were.

  More preferably, the cable has a structure in which the number of cores is reduced by deleting a signal indicating display attribute information output from each of the plurality of output terminals.

  According to this configuration, the cable connecting the input terminal and the output terminal can be thinned, and the cost of the cable can be suppressed.

  Preferably, the KVM switch further includes connection means for connecting to a plurality of display devices, and switching means for switching a plurality of video signals input from the input means and respectively displayed on the plurality of display devices. And

  According to this configuration, it is possible to switch a plurality of video signals displayed on a plurality of display devices.

  Preferably, the KVM switch further includes connection means for connecting to a display device, and image processing means for reducing and synthesizing a plurality of video signals input from the input means and outputting the reduced video signals to the display device. Features.

  With this configuration, a plurality of video signals can be displayed on one display device.

Preferably, KVM switches, in response to depression or a predetermined key input of Jo Tokoro switch, the multiple display devices, further comprising an identification information display means to display the identification information of the corresponding connection means Features.

  According to such a configuration, the user on the KVM switch side (local side) can confirm the positional relationship between the plurality of display devices (multi-monitors).

  More preferably, the setting means further sets size and resolution information of each of the plurality of display devices, and the transmission means adds the difference information to the video data to which the identification information of the video signal is added. The identification information of the connecting means, the positional relationship information of the plurality of display devices set by the setting means, and the size and resolution information of each of the plurality of display devices are added to the remote terminal via the network. The remote terminal transmits the difference video data based on the identification information of the connection means, the positional relationship information of the plurality of display devices, and the size and resolution information of each of the plurality of display devices. Is displayed.

  According to this configuration, the size, resolution, and arrangement state of the plurality of display devices (multi-monitors) on the local side are restored on the remote terminal side, and the user on the remote terminal side allows the plurality of display devices on the local side ( The size, resolution and arrangement state of the multi-monitor) can be confirmed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the KVM system of the present invention inputs an analog video signal output from one of a plurality of output terminals included in an information processing apparatus, and converts the analog video signal into a digital video signal. A / D conversion means for converting, serial data conversion means for converting the digital video signal into serial data, and an optical signal / differential signal for converting the serial data into an optical signal or a differential signal and outputting it to the KVM switch A plurality of adapters having conversion means, storage means for sequentially storing optical signals or differential signals output from the respective adapters as video data, and a difference between old and new video data for one screen in the sequentially stored video data is detected. Identification information of the corresponding analog video signal is attached to the detected difference video means and the detected difference video data. And characterized by comprising a KVM switch having a transmitting means for transmitting over the network the video data to which the identification information is added to the remote terminal.

  According to such a configuration, each of the plurality of adapters converts an analog video signal into a digital optical signal or a differential signal and outputs it to the KVM switch, and the KVM switch performs an optical signal or a differential signal as video data. Difference is detected, identification information of the corresponding video signal is added to the detected difference video data, and the video data with the identification information added is transmitted to the remote terminal via the network, so one KVM switch Can provide a multi-monitor environment to the user. In addition, since the difference video data is transmitted to the remote terminal, the data transmission amount can be reduced.

  Preferably, when a digital video signal is output from each of a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, each adapter does not include the A / D conversion unit, and the transmission unit detects the detected signal The identification information of the corresponding digital video signal is added to the difference video data, and the video data with the identification information added is transmitted to the remote terminal via a network.

  According to such a configuration, even when a digital video signal is output from each of a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, a multi-monitor environment can be provided to the user with a single KVM switch. In addition, since the difference video data is transmitted to the remote terminal, the data transmission amount can be reduced.

  Preferably, each adapter includes a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal.

  With this configuration, a signal indicating display attribute information can be transmitted to the remote terminal via the KVM switch.

  Preferably, each adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal.

  According to such a configuration, the amount of optical signals or differential signals output to the KVM switch can be reduced, and the communication speed of the entire system is improved.

  Preferably, each adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal, and outputs the signal to the KVM switch in an independent form. .

  With this configuration, a signal indicating display attribute information can be transmitted to the remote terminal via the KVM switch.

  In order to achieve the above object, the KVM system of the present invention inputs a plurality of analog video signals output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, and converts each analog video signal into a digital video signal. A / D conversion means, serial data conversion means for converting the digital video signal into serial data, and optical signal / differential signal conversion for converting the serial data into an optical signal or a differential signal and outputting it to the KVM switch An adapter having means, storage means for sequentially storing the optical signal or the differential signal as video data, difference detection means for detecting a difference between old and new video data for one screen in the sequentially stored video data, and The identification information of the corresponding analog video signal is added to the detected difference video data, and the identification information is added. Characterized in that it comprises a KVM switch having a transmitting means for transmitting over the network to the remote terminal a video data.

  According to such a configuration, one adapter converts each of a plurality of analog video signals into a digital optical signal or a differential signal and outputs the digital optical signal or a differential signal to the KVM switch, and the KVM switch detects the optical signal or difference as video data. Since the difference between the moving signals is detected, the identification information of the corresponding video signal is added to the detected difference video data, and the video data with the identification information added is transmitted to the remote terminal via the network. The KVM switch can provide a multi-monitor environment to the user. In addition, since the difference video data is transmitted to the remote terminal, the data transmission amount can be reduced.

  Preferably, when a plurality of digital video signals are output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, the adapter does not include the A / D conversion unit, and the transmission unit detects the detection. The identification information of the corresponding digital video signal is added to the difference video data, and the video data to which the identification information is added is transmitted to the remote terminal via the network.

  According to such a configuration, even when a plurality of digital video signals are output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, a multi-monitor environment can be provided to the user with a single KVM switch. In addition, since the difference video data is transmitted to the remote terminal, the data transmission amount can be reduced.

  Preferably, the adapter includes a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal.

  With this configuration, a signal indicating display attribute information can be transmitted to the remote terminal via the KVM switch.

  Preferably, the adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal.

  According to such a configuration, the amount of optical signals or differential signals output to the KVM switch can be reduced, and the communication speed of the entire system is improved.

  Preferably, the adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal, and outputs the signal to the KVM switch in an independent form. .

  With this configuration, a signal indicating display attribute information can be transmitted to the remote terminal via the KVM switch.

  In order to achieve the above object, the KVM system of the present invention inputs an analog video signal output from one of a plurality of output terminals included in an information processing apparatus, and converts the analog video signal into a digital video signal. A / D conversion means for conversion, storage means for sequentially storing the digital video signals, difference detection means for detecting a difference between the old and new video signals for one screen in the digital video signals that are sequentially stored, and detected differences Serial data conversion means for converting the video signal into serial data, and a plurality of adapters having optical signal / differential signal conversion means for converting the serial data into optical signals or differential signals and outputting them to the KVM switch, The identification information of the corresponding analog video signal is added to the optical signal or differential signal output from the adapter, and the identification information is added. Characterized in that it comprises a KVM switch having a transmitting means for transmitting via the network the remote terminal as the video data optical signal or the differential signal is.

  According to this configuration, each of the plurality of adapters converts an analog video signal into a digital video signal, converts a digital video signal corresponding to a difference for one screen into an optical signal or a differential signal, and converts it into a KVM. Since the KVM switch adds the identification information of the corresponding analog video signal to the optical signal or differential signal and transmits it as video data to the remote terminal via the network, one KVM switch Can provide a multi-monitor environment to the user. In addition, since the difference video data is transmitted to the remote terminal, the data transmission amount can be reduced.

  Preferably, when a digital video signal is output from each of a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, each adapter does not include the A / D conversion unit, and the transmission unit outputs from each adapter. The identification information of the corresponding digital video signal is added to the optical signal or differential signal to be transmitted, and the optical signal or differential signal to which the identification information is added is transmitted as video data to the remote terminal via the network. It is characterized by.

  According to such a configuration, even when a digital video signal is output from each of a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, a multi-monitor environment can be provided to the user with a single KVM switch. In addition, since the difference video data is transmitted to the remote terminal, the data transmission amount can be reduced.

  Preferably, each adapter includes a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal.

  With this configuration, a signal indicating display attribute information can be transmitted to the remote terminal via the KVM switch.

  Preferably, each adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal.

  According to such a configuration, the amount of optical signals or differential signals output to the KVM switch can be reduced, and the communication speed of the entire system is improved.

  Preferably, each adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal, and outputs the signal to the KVM switch in an independent form. .

  With this configuration, a signal indicating display attribute information can be transmitted to the remote terminal via the KVM switch.

  In order to achieve the above object, the KVM system of the present invention inputs a plurality of analog video signals output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, and converts each analog video signal into a digital video signal. A / D conversion means for performing storage, storage means for sequentially storing the digital video signals, difference detection means for detecting a difference between old and new video signals for one screen in the digital video signals that are sequentially stored, and detection of the detected difference Serial data conversion means for converting a video signal into serial data, an adapter having optical signal / differential signal conversion means for converting the serial data into an optical signal or a differential signal, and outputting it to a KVM switch, and output from the adapter The identification information of the corresponding analog video signal is added to the optical signal or differential signal, and the identification information is added. Characterized in that it comprises a KVM switch having a transmitting means for transmitting over the network to the remote terminal to the optical signal or the differential signal as the video data.

  According to this configuration, one adapter converts each of the plurality of analog video signals into a digital video signal, and converts the digital video signal corresponding to the difference for one screen into an optical signal or a differential signal. Output to the KVM switch, and the KVM switch adds the identification information of the corresponding analog video signal to the optical signal or differential signal, and transmits it as video data to the remote terminal via the network. A KVM switch can provide a multi-monitor environment to the user. In addition, since the difference video data is transmitted to the remote terminal, the data transmission amount can be reduced.

  Preferably, when a plurality of digital video signals are output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, the adapter does not include the A / D conversion unit, and the transmission unit detects the detection. The identification information of the corresponding digital video signal is added to the difference video data, and the video data to which the identification information is added is transmitted to the remote terminal via the network.

  According to such a configuration, even when a plurality of digital video signals are output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, a multi-monitor environment can be provided to the user with a single KVM switch. In addition, since the difference video data is transmitted to the remote terminal, the data transmission amount can be reduced.

  Preferably, the adapter includes a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal.

  With this configuration, a signal indicating display attribute information can be transmitted to the remote terminal via the KVM switch.

  Preferably, the adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal.

  According to such a configuration, the amount of optical signals or differential signals output to the KVM switch can be reduced, and the communication speed of the entire system is improved.

  Preferably, the adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal, and outputs the signal to the KVM switch in an independent form. .

  With this configuration, a signal indicating display attribute information can be transmitted to the remote terminal via the KVM switch.

  Preferably, the KVM switch switches a plurality of video signals output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus and connected to a plurality of display apparatuses and respectively displayed on the plurality of display apparatuses. And a switching means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to switch a plurality of video signals displayed on a plurality of display devices.

  Preferably, the KVM switch reduces and synthesizes a plurality of video signals output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus and a connection unit that connects to the display apparatus, and outputs the resultant to the display apparatus And an image processing means.

  With this configuration, a plurality of video signals can be displayed on one display device.

  According to the present invention, a multi-monitor environment can be provided to a user with a single KVM switch.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a multi-monitor compatible switching system including a KVM switch.

  As shown in the figure, the multi-monitor switching system includes a KVM switch (K: keyboard, V: video, M: mouse) 1, a server 2, and a monitor 3-N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1. That is, N = 1, 2,...), Keyboard 4 and mouse 5. The server 2 is an operation target computer (local computer). Note that the number of servers is not limited to one and may be plural.

  Further, the multi-monitor compatible switching system includes a PC 11 to which a monitor 12, a keyboard 13, and a mouse 14 are connected. The PC 11 is a computer (a computer on the remote operation side) operated by a user at a remote location, and is a remote terminal connected to the KVM switch 1 via the network 10. Note that the number of remote terminals is not limited to one and may be plural.

  The server 2 and the PC 11 have a general computer configuration (for example, a CPU, a memory, a hard disk, a network interface, a CD-ROM drive, a monitor, a keyboard 13, and a plurality of terminals to which the mouse 14 is connected).

  The KVM switch 1 outputs a video terminal 101-N for outputting a video signal to the monitor 3 (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1. The same applies hereinafter) (connection means), and is output when the keyboard 4 is pressed. PS / 2 terminal 102 for inputting a keyboard signal, PS / 2 terminal 103 for inputting a mouse signal generated by moving or clicking the mouse 5, and video terminal 104 for inputting a plurality of video signals from the server 2. -N (input means), a PS / 2 terminal 105 for outputting a keyboard signal to the server, and a PS / 2 terminal 106 for outputting a mouse signal to the server.

  The server 2 includes a video terminal 201-N for outputting a video signal to the video terminal 104-N, a PS / 2 terminal 202 for inputting a keyboard signal, and a PS / 2 terminal 203 for inputting a mouse signal. I have.

  When the keyboard 4 and the mouse 5 have USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminals, the KVM switch 1 has two USBs instead of the PS / 2 terminals 102 and 103 or in addition to the PS / 2 terminals 102 and 103. It has a terminal. The PS / 2 terminals 105 and 106 and the PS / 2 terminals 202 and 203 may also be configured by USB terminals.

  In the figure, symbol K indicates a keyboard signal, symbol M indicates a mouse signal, and symbol V indicates a video signal.

  A video cable 301-N is connected between the monitor 3-N and the video terminal 101-N. A cable 302 extending from the keyboard 4 is connected to the PS / 2 terminal 102, and a cable 303 extending from the mouse 5 is connected to the PS / 2 terminal 103. A video cable 304-N is connected between the video terminal 104-N and the video terminal 201-N. Cables are also connected between the PS / 2 terminal 105 and the PS / 2 terminal 202 and between the PS / 2 terminal 106 and the PS / 2 terminal 203, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the video cable 304-N is used for red, green, and blue signals, for a horizontal sync signal (Hsync), for a vertical sync signal (Vsync), and for a DDC signal (Display Data Channel: display attribute information). (Signal indicating vendor name, model number, resolution, etc.) and GND for a total of seven signal lines. Signals that flow through the video cable 304-N are Red, Green, and Blue signals, a horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), a vertical synchronization signal (Vsync), and a DDC signal. GND has a signal line with respect to the ground (ground), but no signal flows. In this case, the number of cores of each video terminal 201-N and the number of cores of each video terminal 104-N are seven.

  The video cable 304-N may include a plurality of signal lines for DDC signals. Further, the signal line for the DDC signal may not be included in the video cable 304 -N, and the signal line for the DDC signal may be separately connected between the server 2 and the KVM switch 1. In this case, the server 2 and the KVM switch 1 need a terminal for connecting the signal line.

  The video signal output from the server 2 to the KVM switch 1 is a digital signal (for example, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) differential) in addition to the analog RGB signals as described above. Signal). When the video signal output from the server 2 to the KVM switch 1 is a DVI or HDMI differential signal, the video terminal 104-N and the video terminal 201-N become a DVI terminal or an HDMI terminal.

  In FIG. 1, when data is output from the server 2 to the PC 11, a line (Ethernet (registered trademark)) connected to the KVM switch 1 is used, but there is only one line. Therefore, the KVM switch 1 identifies the video signal into data output from the KVM switch 1 to Ethernet (registered trademark) (that is, data obtained by converting the video signal output from the server 2 to the KVM switch 1). The identification information is added. Thereby, the PC 11 on the remote operation side can correctly reproduce the video signal.

  When the monitor 12 is the only monitor connected to the PC 11, the same number of windows as the number of video signals output from the server 2 to the KVM switch 1 are displayed on the screen of the monitor 12, and each video signal is displayed in the window. By displaying, a multi-monitor environment is provided to the user. When the number of monitors connected to the PC 11 is the same as the number of video signals output from the server 2 to the KVM switch 1, a multi-monitor environment is provided to the user by displaying each video signal on each monitor. To do.

  FIG. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of the KVM switch 1.

  The KVM switch 1 includes a KM signal conversion circuit 110, an A / D conversion unit 111-N (A / D conversion unit), a frame memory storage circuit 112, a frame memory 113-N (storage unit), and a difference detection circuit 114 (difference detection). Means), a signal conversion / data generation unit 115 (transmission unit), an input selection circuit 116 (switching unit), an input selection switch 117 (switching unit), a D / A conversion unit 121, and a terminal number detection / display circuit 122. ing.

  The keyboard signal from the keyboard 4 and the mouse signal from the mouse 5 are transmitted to the server 2 via the KM signal converting circuit 110. Further, data indicating a keyboard signal and data indicating a mouse signal output from the PC 11, which is a remote terminal (not shown), are converted into a keyboard signal and a mouse signal by the signal conversion / data generation unit 115, respectively. The mouse signal is transmitted to the server 2 via the KM signal converting circuit 110.

  Each video signal from the server 2 is input to the A / D converter 111-N and converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. When each video signal from the server 2 is a digital signal, the A / D converter 111-N is not required for the KVM switch 1.

  The converted digital signal is transmitted as video data from the A / D converter 111-N to the frame memory storage circuit 112, and the frame memory storage circuit 112 sequentially stores the video data in the frame memory 113-N. The difference detection circuit 114 compares the old and new video data in the frame memory 113-N, detects a change point (difference) in the video data, and transmits the detected difference video data to the signal conversion / data generation unit 115. To do. Note that since there is no difference video data in the initial state, all of the video data is transmitted to the signal conversion / data generation unit 115. Also, the difference video data includes position information indicating the changed portion and color plane information indicating the changed color plane.

  The signal conversion / data generation unit 115 adds the identification information of the video signal to the difference video data and outputs it to the PC 11. The reason why the identification information of the video signal is added is to identify which video signal corresponds to the video data when the PC 11 receives the video data from the KVM switch 1. The video signal identification information is automatically determined according to the order in which the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 reads the difference video data.

  The input selection circuit 116 switches video signals displayed on one or a plurality of monitors 3-N according to the operation of the input selection switch 117. When the number of monitors 3-N connected to the video terminal 101-N is one, after switching from one video terminal 104-N that inputs a video signal from the server 2 to the other video terminal 104-N, The video signal input from the video terminal 104-N is displayed on the monitor 3-N. When the number of video terminals 101-N is the same as the number of monitors 3-N, switching of video signals is not necessary, so that the input selection circuit 116 is not necessary.

  The input selection circuit 116 also displays a video signal displayed on one or more monitors 3-N in response to a predetermined keyboard signal received from the keyboard 4 (for example, a keyboard signal of the “F1” key on the keyboard 4). May be switched. When the input selection circuit 116 receives a predetermined keyboard signal from the keyboard 4 (for example, the keyboard signal of the “F2” key on the keyboard 4), the input selection circuit 116 displays a menu screen on the monitor 3 -N and uses the mouse 5. The video signal displayed on one or more monitors 3-N may be switched according to the selected menu.

  The terminal number detection / display circuit 122 detects the number of the video terminal 101-N to which the monitor 3-N is connected, displays the detected number on the corresponding monitor 3-N, and also converts the data into a signal conversion / data generation unit. 115. The D / A conversion unit 121 is the size of each monitor set in the signal conversion / data generation unit 115, the resolution of each monitor, the coordinates of each monitor, and the number of the video terminal 101-N to which each monitor is connected. Information such as (hereinafter referred to as monitor number) is D / A converted. Here, the D / A converted information is displayed on an arbitrary monitor via the input selection circuit 116 and the terminal number detection / display circuit 122, and the user can measure the size of each monitor, the resolution of each monitor, and the coordinates of each monitor. And the number of the video terminal 101-N to which each monitor is connected are set or changed.

  The terminal number detection / display circuit 122 includes a switch 123. When the switch 123 is pressed or a specific key combination (for example, shift + [A]) of the keyboard 4 is input, the monitor 3-N is activated. The number (monitor number) of the connected video terminal 101-N is detected, and the detected number is displayed on the corresponding monitor 3-N. Thereby, the user on the local side can confirm the positional relationship of the multi-monitors.

  Further, the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 adds the identification information of the video signal to the difference video data and outputs it to the PC 11, and further, the size of each monitor, the resolution of each monitor, and each monitor. And information such as the number of the video terminal 101-N to which each monitor is connected (hereinafter referred to as monitor number) may be added and output to the PC 11. The PC 11 outputs the difference video data to the screen of the monitor 12 based on the added information, so that the state of the local multi-monitor is restored. The status of the monitor can be confirmed. Further, the PC 11 sends the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 the size of each monitor, the resolution of each monitor, the coordinates of each monitor, or the number of the video terminal 101-N to which each monitor is connected (hereinafter referred to as the monitor number). A command for inquiring about the above, and a response is received and output to the monitor 12. This also allows the user on the remote operation side to check the state of the local multi-monitor.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a GUI for setting a monitor arrangement relationship. A program for displaying the GUI is stored in the signal conversion / data generation unit 115. When the user on the local side inputs a specific key combination (for example, shift + [G]) of the keyboard 4, the GUI of FIG. 14 is displayed on the monitor 3-N. With this GUI, the layout (arrangement) of the monitor can be easily determined or changed with the cursor of the mouse 5. When the monitor layout (arrangement) is changed with this GUI, the monitor coordinate data set in the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 is updated, and when the input or change of the monitor layout (position) is completed, the signal is displayed. The conversion / data generation unit 115 adds the identification information of the video signal, the monitor number, and the coordinate data of the monitor to the difference video data, and outputs to the PC 11. The PC 11 changes the layout of the local multi-monitor displayed on the screen of the monitor 12 based on the monitor number and the coordinate data of the monitor. The signal conversion / data generation unit 115 may output not only the monitor number and monitor coordinate data, but also monitor size data to the PC 11.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a GUI for setting a monitor arrangement relationship. A program for displaying the GUI is also stored in the signal conversion / data generation unit 115. In this GUI, monitor placement is instructed by inputting a monitor number in a virtual grid. When the input or change of the monitor layout (arrangement) is completed, the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 adds the identification information of the video signal, the monitor number, and the coordinate data of the monitor to the difference video data, and outputs to the PC 11 To do. The PC 11 changes the layout of the local multi-monitor displayed on the screen of the monitor 12 based on the monitor number and the coordinate data of the monitor.

  When the GUI shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 15 is used, the remote operation side displays a plurality of windows corresponding to the number of monitors on the local side and the positions of the monitors on the screen of the monitor 12, and displays each video signal in the window. Thus, a multi-monitor environment is provided to the user. When the number and size of monitors connected to the PC 11 are the same as the number and size of monitors on the local side, each monitor connected to the PC 11 is connected to each monitor. Displaying each video signal may provide a multi-monitor environment to the user.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of monitors arranged in a rack connected to the video terminal 101-N, and FIG. 17A shows a first GUI of setting the arrangement relationship of the monitors in FIG. FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating a second example of a GUI for setting the monitor arrangement relationship of FIG. 16.

  A program for displaying the GUI shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B is also stored in the signal conversion / data generation unit 115.

  In FIG. 17A, the position of the monitor is specified as a relative position with respect to a reference monitor that differs for each monitor. In the GUI of FIG. 17A, the monitor number, the reference monitor number, the monitor position (specifically, relative position (horizontal), relative position (vertical)), monitor size (specifically, monitor width) , Monitor height) and the resolution of the monitor are input, and the corresponding data set in the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 is updated based on the input data. Further, the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 adds the video signal identification information, monitor number, reference monitor number, monitor position (specifically, relative position (horizontal), relative position (vertical)) to the difference video data. ), The monitor size (specifically, the monitor width and monitor height), and the monitor resolution are added and output to the PC 11. The PC 11 has this monitor number, reference monitor number, monitor position (specifically, relative position (horizontal), relative position (vertical)), monitor size (specifically, monitor width, monitor height), Then, the layout, size, and resolution of the local multi-monitor are changed based on the monitor resolution. Thereby, the arrangement state of the local multi-monitor is restored on the remote operation side, and the user on the remote operation side can confirm the arrangement state of the local multi-monitor.

  In FIG. 17B, the position of the monitor is designated by an absolute position with respect to the reference monitor (here, monitor 1). In the GUI of FIG. 17B, the monitor number, monitor position (specifically, absolute position (horizontal), entertainment position (vertical)), monitor size (specifically, monitor width, monitor height) And the resolution of the monitor are input, and the corresponding data set in the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 is updated based on the input data. The reference for the absolute position of the monitor is, for example, the coordinates of the upper left corner of the screen of monitor number 1, but is not limited to this.

  The signal conversion / data generation unit 115 adds the video signal identification information, the monitor number, the monitor position (specifically, the absolute position (horizontal), the absolute position (vertical)), and the monitor size to the difference video data. (Specifically, monitor width and monitor height) and the resolution of the monitor are added and output to the PC 11. The PC 11 monitors the monitor number, monitor position (specifically, absolute position (horizontal), absolute position (vertical)), monitor size (specifically, monitor width, monitor height), and monitor resolution. Based on the above, the layout, size, and resolution of the multi-monitor on the local side are changed. As a result, the size, resolution, and arrangement state of the local multi-monitor are restored on the remote operation side, and the user on the remote operation side confirms the size, resolution, and arrangement state of the local multi-monitor. Can do.

  When the GUI shown in FIG. 17A or FIG. 17B is used, a plurality of windows corresponding to the number of monitors on the local side, the size of the monitor, and the position of the monitor are displayed on the screen of the monitor 12 on the remote operation side. By displaying each video signal in the window, a multi-monitor environment is provided to the user. However, the number and size of monitors connected to the PC 11 are the same as the number and size of monitors on the local side. In some cases, a multi-monitor environment may be provided to the user by displaying each video signal on each monitor connected to the PC 11.

  The program for displaying the GUI shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 17 (A) or FIG. 17 (B) is stored in the signal conversion / data generation unit 115, and application software including these programs is stored in the server 2. It may be stored. In this case, the user on the local side or the user on the remote operation side accesses the server 2 via the KVM switch 1 and starts the application software, whereby FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 17 (A) or FIG. The GUI of (B) can be displayed on an arbitrary monitor on the local side or an arbitrary monitor on the remote operation side, and the setting and change of the position and resolution of each monitor can be performed. When the OS of the server 2 is windows (registered trademark), the application software can acquire the position information of each monitor held by the OS (for example, the position information of each monitor from the screen properties). Can get).

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a modification of the KVM switch 1 of FIG.

  The KVM switch 1 in FIG. 4 includes a video synthesis circuit 118 (image processing means) instead of the input selection circuit 116 and the input selection switch 117 in FIG.

  The video synthesis circuit 118 creates a reduced screen based on each video signal input from the video terminal 104-N, and synthesizes all the reduced screens so as to fit on the screen of the monitor 3-1. The reduced screen data is output to the monitor 3-1. Thereby, a plurality of video signals can be simultaneously displayed on the monitor 3-1.

  In FIG. 4, the KVM switch 1 has one video terminal 101-N and one monitor on the local side, but when the KVM switch 1 has a plurality of video terminals 101-N, A certain monitor is not limited to one. When there are a plurality of monitors on the local side, the video synthesis circuit 118 may output the synthesized reduced screen data to each monitor.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first modification of the multi-monitor switching system of FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the KVM switch 1 includes a video terminal 104A instead of the video terminal 104-N in FIG. A video cable 304A is connected between the video terminal 104A and the video terminal 201-N. The video cable 304A is composed of a single video terminal 104A and a plurality of video cables 201-N. That is, all the video signals output from the server 2 are collected by the video cable 304A and input to the KVM switch 1 through one video terminal 104A.

  For example, since seven video signal lines are connected to each video terminal 201-N as shown in FIG. 2, each video terminal 201-N side of the video cable 304A has a seven-core male terminal. On the other hand, when the server 2 includes ten video terminals 201-N, the video terminal 104A side of the video cable 304A has a male terminal including 70 cores (= 7 cores × 10 terminals) or more. In this case, each video terminal 201-N is a 7-core female terminal, and the video terminal 104A is a female terminal including the number of cores equal to or greater than 70 (= 7 cores × 10 terminals). As described above, the number of cores included in the video cable 304A is equal to or greater than the sum of the core numbers of the plurality of video terminals 201-N included in the server 2.

  According to the configuration of FIG. 5, the KVM switch 1 only needs to have one video terminal connected to the video terminal 201 -N of the server, and the KVM switch 1 can be downsized. Further, since the number of video terminals of the KVM switch 1 is one, the number of troubles when the user attaches or removes the video cable 304A between the KVM switch 1 and the server 2 is reduced, and handling of the video cable 304A becomes easy. .

  In the above description, the video terminal 201-N side of the video cable 304A has a 7-core male terminal, and each video terminal 201-N has a 7-core female terminal. The signal line for the DDC signal may be deleted, the male terminal on the video terminal 201-N side may be a 6-core male terminal, and each video terminal 201-N may be a 6-core female terminal. In this case, when the server 2 includes ten video terminals 201-N, the video terminal 104A side of the video cable 304A has a male terminal including the number of cores of 60 cores (= 6 cores × 10 terminals) or more. The video terminal 104A is a female terminal including the number of cores of 60 or more.

  As a result, the thickness of the video cable 304A can be reduced, and the cost of the video cable 304A can be reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second modification of the multi-monitor switching system of FIG.

  In FIG. 5, all the video signals output from the server 2 are combined into one by the video cable 304A, but in FIG. 6, two video signals output from the server 2 are combined into one by the video cable 304B-N. It is summarized in.

  The KVM switch 1 includes video terminals 104B-N instead of the video terminal 104A of FIG. A video cable 304B-N is connected between one video terminal 104B-N and two video terminals 201-N. The video cable 304B-N has one video terminal 104B-N side and two video terminals 201-N. That is, the two video signals output from the server 2 are collected by the video cable 304B-N and input to the KVM switch 1 via the one video terminal 104B-N.

  For example, since each video terminal 201-N is connected to seven signal lines as shown in FIG. 2, the video terminal 201-N side of the video cable 304B-N has a seven-core male terminal. On the other hand, the video terminal 104B-N side of the video cable 304B-N has a male terminal including the number of cores of 14 cores (= 7 cores × 2 terminals) or more. In this case, each video terminal 201-N is a 7-core female terminal, and the video terminal 104B-N is a female terminal including 14 or more cores. Thus, the number of cores included in the video cable 304B-N is equal to or greater than the sum of the core numbers of the plurality of video terminals 201-N included in the server 2.

  6 increases the number of video terminals provided in the KVM switch 1 as compared with the configuration in FIG. 5, but the video cable 304B-N is thinner than the video cable 304A, so that it is easy for the user to handle. . Further, when the video signal output from the server 2 is smaller than that in the case of FIG. 5, a low-cost video cable can be used.

  In the example of FIG. 6, one video terminal 104B-N is connected to two video terminals 201-N. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one video terminal 104B-N is connected to three or more video terminals 201-N. You may make it connect.

  Also, in the example of FIG. 6, the signal line for the DDC signal is deleted from each video cable 304B-N, each male terminal on the video terminal 201-N side of the video cable 304B-N is made 6 cores, and the video cable 304B. The male terminal on the -N video terminal 104 -N side may have 12 cores. In this case, the video terminal 201-N is a 6-core female terminal, and the video terminal 104-N is a 12-core female terminal. As a result, the thickness of the video cable 304304B-N can be further reduced, and the cost of the video cable 304B-N can be reduced.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third modification of the multi-monitor switching system of FIG.

  The configuration of FIG. 7 is different from the configuration of FIG. 1 in that an adapter 310-N is connected between each video terminal 104-N and the corresponding video terminal 201-N.

  The adapter 310 -N converts the video signal output from the server 2 from an analog signal to a digital signal, and outputs the converted digital signal to the KVM switch 1.

  FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the adapter 310-N, and FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating a first modification of the configuration of the adapter 310-N.

  The adapter 310-N in FIGS. 8A and 8B converts the red, green, and blue signals, the horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), and the vertical synchronization signal (Vsync) included in the video signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. A / D conversion circuit 401 (A / D conversion means) for converting into digital data, a frame buffer and storage circuit 402 for storing each converted digital signal, and the digital signal converted by the frame buffer and storage circuit 402 as serial data Serial data conversion circuit 403 (serial data conversion means) for converting the optical data to the KVM switch 1 and converting the serial data converted by the serial data conversion circuit 403 into an optical signal or a differential signal and outputting it to the KVM switch 1 A conversion circuit 404 (optical signal / differential signal conversion means). The frame buffer and storage circuit 402 stores a digital signal for one screen or a plurality of screens and absorbs a difference between a video signal reception time and a serial data transmission time.

  In the adapter 310 -N in FIGS. 8A and 8B, an optical signal or an operation signal corresponding to a video signal for one screen is sequentially output to the KVM switch 1.

  In FIG. 8A, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310 -N is input to the serial data conversion circuit 403. The serial data conversion circuit 403 reads the A / D converted digital signal from the frame buffer, combines it with the input DDC signal, converts it into serial data, and outputs it to the optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit 404.

  In FIG. 8B, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310-N is directly input to the optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit 404 and converted into an optical signal or a differential signal. , Output to the KVM switch 1. In this case, the optical signal or differential signal corresponding to the DDC signal is different from the optical signal or differential signal corresponding to the Red, Green and Blue signals, the horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), and the vertical synchronization signal (Vsync). Are output to the KVM switch 1 via the signal line. For example, the video cable 304-1 in FIG. 7 includes a signal line for an optical signal or a differential signal corresponding to a DDC signal, a red signal, a green signal, a blue signal, a horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), and a vertical synchronization signal (Vsync). And a signal line for an optical signal or a differential signal corresponding to.

  Note that, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 8A, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310-N may be supplied to the ground (GND) and not input to the serial data conversion circuit 403. . In this case, the amount of data to be serially converted can be suppressed.

  FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating a second modification of the configuration of the adapter 310-N, and FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating a third modification of the configuration of the adapter 310-N.

  The adapter 310-N in FIGS. 9A and 9B includes a difference detection circuit 405 (detecting a difference between video signals, that is, a difference between signals of one screen of the current time with respect to signals of one screen of the previous time. Difference detection means) is added to the adapter 310-N in FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively. Circuits other than the difference detection circuit 405 are the same as the corresponding circuits in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  The A / D conversion circuit 401 converts Red, Green, and Blue signals, horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), and vertical synchronization signal (Vsync) included in the video signal from analog signals to digital signals, and the digital signals are frame-buffered. And output to the storage circuit 402 and the difference detection circuit 405. At this time, the digital signal output to the frame buffer and storage circuit 402 and the difference detection circuit 405 is a digital signal for one screen.

  The difference detection circuit 405 inputs the digital signal for the current one screen from the A / D conversion circuit 401, reads the digital signal for the previous one screen from the frame buffer and storage circuit 402, and outputs the digital signal for the previous one screen. The difference of the digital signal for this one screen with respect to the signal is detected. Then, the difference detection circuit 405 outputs the detected digital signal of the difference to the serial data conversion circuit 403 as position information and color plane information.

  In FIG. 9A, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310 -N is input to the serial data conversion circuit 403. The serial data conversion circuit 403 reads the A / D converted digital signal from the frame buffer, combines it with the input DDC signal, converts it into serial data, and outputs it to the optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit 404.

  In FIG. 9B, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310-N is directly input to the optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit 404 and converted into an optical signal or a differential signal. , Output to the KVM switch 1. In this case, the optical signal or differential signal corresponding to the DDC signal is different from the optical signal or differential signal corresponding to the Red, Green and Blue signals, the horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), and the vertical synchronization signal (Vsync). Are output to the KVM switch 1 via the signal line. For example, the video cable 304-1 in FIG. 7 includes a signal line for an optical signal or a differential signal corresponding to a DDC signal, a red signal, a green signal, a blue signal, a horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), and a vertical synchronization signal (Vsync). And a signal line for an optical signal or a differential signal corresponding to.

  Note that, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 9A, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310-N may be supplied to the ground (GND) and not input to the serial data conversion circuit 403. . In this case, the amount of data to be serially converted can be suppressed.

  According to the adapter 310-N in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, one or two optical signals or differential signals are output from the adapter 310-N to the KVM switch 1. Therefore, the number of cores of the video cable connected from the adapter 310-N to the KVM switch 1 can be reduced, and the handling of the video cable becomes easy.

  In addition, when the adapter 310-N of FIGS. 8A and 8B or FIGS. 9A and 9B is connected to the KVM switch 1, the adapter 310-N converts the video signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. Therefore, the A / D conversion unit 111-N included in the KVM switch 1 is not necessary. Therefore, the KVM switch 1 can be reduced in size.

  Further, the adapter 310-N in FIGS. 8A and 8B sequentially outputs an optical signal or an operation signal corresponding to a video signal for one screen to the KVM switch 1, but FIGS. 9A and 9B ) Adapter 310 -N sequentially outputs to the KVM switch 1 an optical signal or an operation signal corresponding to the difference of the digital signal for the current one screen relative to the digital signal for the previous one screen. Therefore, the adapter 310-N in FIGS. 9A and 9B can reduce the amount of signal output to the KVM switch 1 than the adapter 310-N in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the multi-monitor compatible switching system of FIG.

  In the configuration of FIG. 7, the adapter 310-N is connected between each video terminal 104-N and the corresponding video terminal 201-N. However, in the configuration of FIG. 10, one video terminal 104C and a plurality of videos are connected. One adapter 311 is connected between the terminal 201-N.

  The adapter 311 converts each video signal output from the server 2 from an analog signal to a digital signal, and outputs the converted digital signal to the KVM switch 1 in the same manner as the adapter 310 -N described above.

  As the configuration of the adapter 311, the same configuration as that of the adapter 310 -N in FIGS. 8A and 8B or FIGS. 9A and 9B described above can be employed. As an example, FIG. 11 shows a configuration diagram of an adapter 311 that adopts the same configuration as the adapter 310-N in FIG.

  The A / D conversion circuit 401 in FIG. 11 operates in the same manner as the A / D conversion circuit 401 in FIG. 8A, but differs in that the number of input video signals is increased. Further, the number of frame buffers and storage circuits 402 in FIG. 11 is larger than that in FIG. 8A because the number of frame buffers corresponding to the number of video terminals 201-N is required. Since the serial data conversion circuit 403 in FIG. 11 sequentially reads digital signals from the frame buffer and storage circuit 402 and converts them into serial data, one conversion process is possible. The single optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit 404 in FIG. 11 can also perform conversion processing.

  Next, the configuration of the adapter 310-N when the video signal output from the server 2 to the KVM switch 1 is a digital signal will be described.

  FIG. 12A is a block diagram showing a configuration of the adapter 310-N when the video signal is a digital signal, and FIG. 12B shows a configuration of the adapter 310-N when the video signal is a digital signal. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st modification of a structure.

  When the video signal output from the server 2 to the KVM switch 1 is a digital signal, the video signal includes Red, Green and Blue signals and a DDC signal, and includes a horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync) and a vertical signal. Synchronization signal (Vsync) is not included.

  The adapter 310-N in FIGS. 12A and 12B is converted by the frame buffer and storage circuit 402 that stores the Red, Green, and Blue signals included in the video signal, and the frame buffer and storage circuit 402. The serial data conversion circuit 403 that converts the digital signal into serial data, and the optical data / differential signal that converts the serial data converted by the serial data conversion circuit 403 into an optical signal or a differential signal and outputs it to the KVM switch 1 A conversion circuit 404. The frame buffer and storage circuit 402 stores a digital signal for one screen or a plurality of screens and absorbs a difference between a video signal reception time and a serial data transmission time.

  In the adapter 310 -N in FIGS. 12A and 12B, an optical signal or an operation signal corresponding to a video signal for one screen is sequentially output to the KVM switch 1.

  In FIG. 12A, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310 -N is input to the serial data conversion circuit 403. The serial data conversion circuit 403 reads a digital signal from the frame buffer, combines it with the input DDC signal, converts it into serial data, and outputs it to the optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit 404.

  In FIG. 12B, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310-N is directly input to the optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit 404 and converted into an optical signal or a differential signal. , Output to the KVM switch 1. In this case, the optical signal or differential signal corresponding to the DDC signal is output to the KVM switch 1 via a separate signal line from the optical signal or differential signal corresponding to the Red, Green, and Blue signals. For example, the video cable 304-1 in FIG. 7 includes an optical signal or differential signal line corresponding to a DDC signal, and an optical signal or differential signal corresponding to Red, Green, and Blue signals. Including lines.

  Note that, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 12A, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310-N may be supplied to the ground (GND) and not input to the serial data conversion circuit 403. . In this case, the amount of data to be serially converted can be suppressed.

  FIG. 13A is a block diagram showing a second modification of the configuration of the adapter 310-N when the video signal is a digital signal, and FIG. 13B shows the case where the video signal is a digital signal. It is a block diagram which shows the 3rd modification of a structure of adapter 310-N.

  The adapter 310-N in FIGS. 13A and 13B includes a difference detection circuit 405 that detects a difference between video signals, that is, a difference between signals of one screen of the current time with respect to signals of one screen of the previous time. Each is added to the adapter 310-N in FIG. 12 (A) and FIG. 12 (B). Circuits other than the difference detection circuit 405 are the same as the corresponding circuits in FIGS. 12A and 12B.

  Red, Green, and Blue signals included in the video signal are input to the frame buffer and storage circuit 402 and the difference detection circuit 405. At this time, the digital signals input to the frame buffer and storage circuit 402 and the difference detection circuit 405 are digital signals for one screen.

  The difference detection circuit 405 inputs the digital signal for the current one screen, reads the digital signal for the previous one screen from the frame buffer and storage circuit 402, and outputs the digital signal for the current one screen relative to the digital signal for the previous one screen. The difference between the digital signals is detected. Then, the difference detection circuit 405 outputs the detected digital signal of the difference to the serial data conversion circuit 403 as position information and color plane information.

  In FIG. 13A, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310 -N is input to the serial data conversion circuit 403. The serial data conversion circuit 403 reads a digital signal from the frame buffer, combines it with the input DDC signal, converts it into serial data, and outputs it to the optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit 404.

  In FIG. 13B, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310-N is directly input to the optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit 404 and converted into an optical signal or a differential signal. , Output to the KVM switch 1. In this case, the optical signal or differential signal corresponding to the DDC signal is output to the KVM switch 1 via a separate signal line from the optical signal or differential signal corresponding to the Red, Green, and Blue signals. For example, the video cable 304-1 in FIG. 7 includes an optical signal or differential signal line corresponding to a DDC signal, and an optical signal or differential signal corresponding to Red, Green, and Blue signals. Including lines.

  Note that, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 13A, the DDC signal included in the video signal input to the adapter 310-N may be supplied to the ground (GND) and not input to the serial data conversion circuit 403. . In this case, the amount of data to be serially converted can be suppressed.

  According to the adapter 310-N in FIGS. 12A, 12B or 13A, 13B, one or two optical signals or differential signals are output from the adapter 310-N to the KVM switch 1. Therefore, the number of cores of the video cable connected from the adapter 310-N to the KVM switch 1 can be reduced, and the handling of the video cable becomes easy.

  Further, when the adapter 310-N of FIGS. 12A and 12B or FIGS. 13A and 13B is connected to the KVM switch 1, the A / D converter 111- included in the KVM switch 1 is used. N becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the KVM switch 1 can be reduced in size.

  Furthermore, the adapter 310-N in FIGS. 12A and 12B sequentially outputs an optical signal or an operation signal corresponding to a video signal for one screen to the KVM switch 1, but FIGS. ) Adapter 310 -N sequentially outputs to the KVM switch 1 an optical signal or an operation signal corresponding to the difference of the digital signal for the current one screen relative to the digital signal for the previous one screen. Therefore, the adapter 310-N in FIGS. 13A and 13B can reduce the amount of signal output to the KVM switch 1 than the adapter 310-N in FIGS. 12A and 12B.

  Even when the video signal output from the server 2 to the KVM switch 1 is a digital signal, one adapter 311 is connected between one video terminal 104C and a plurality of video terminals 201-N as shown in FIG. May be.

  As the configuration of the adapter 311, the same configuration as the adapter 310 -N in FIGS. 12A and 12B or FIGS. 13A and 13B described above can be adopted. In this case, the frame buffer and storage circuit 402 of the adapter 311 needs a number of frame buffers corresponding to the number of video terminals 201-N, and therefore FIG. 12 (A), FIG. 12 (B) or FIG. The number increases compared to the frame buffer (B).

  When the adapter 310-N shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B or FIGS. 13A and 13B is used as described above, an optical signal or a differential signal corresponding to the difference signal is previously stored in the KVM. Since it is output to the switch 1, the KVM switch 1 does not require the frame memory storage circuit 112, the frame memory 113-N, and the difference detection circuit 114 in addition to the A / D conversion unit 111-N. In this case, the optical signal or the differential signal is directly input to the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 of the KVM switch 1, and the video signal identification information is added to the optical signal or the differential signal to be transmitted to the PC 11 as video data. Output.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the video terminal 104-N inputs a plurality of video signals, and the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 corresponds to each of the plurality of video signals. And the video data to which the identification information is added are transmitted to the PC 11 which is a remote terminal via the network 10, so that a single KVM switch can provide the user with a multi-monitor environment. The frame memory 113-N sequentially stores a plurality of video signals as video data, the difference detection circuit 114 detects a difference between the old and new video data in each video data, and the signal conversion / data generation unit 115 performs the difference. Since the video data identification information is added to the video data, and the video data with the identification information added is transmitted to the PC 11 which is the remote terminal via the network 10, the amount of data transmission can be reduced.

  Even when the KVM switch 1 executes a software program for realizing the function of the KVM switch 1, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a multi-monitor compatible switching system including a KVM switch. It is a figure which shows the structure of video cable 304-N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. That is, N = 1, 2, ...). 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of a KVM switch 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a modification of the KVM switch 1 of FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the 1st modification of the switching system corresponding to a multi-monitor of FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of the switching system corresponding to a multi-monitor of FIG. It is a figure which shows the 3rd modification of the switching system corresponding to a multi-monitor of FIG. (A) is a block diagram showing a configuration of the adapter 310-N, and (B) is a block diagram showing a first modification of the configuration of the adapter 310-N. (A) is a block diagram showing a second modification of the configuration of the adapter 310-N, and (B) is a block diagram showing a third modification of the configuration of the adapter 310-N. It is a figure which shows the modification of the switching system corresponding to a multi monitor of FIG. It is a block diagram of the adapter 311 which employ | adopts the structure similar to the adapter 310-N of FIG. 8 (A). (A) is a block diagram showing a configuration of the adapter 310-N when the video signal is a digital signal, and (B) is a first configuration of the adapter 310-N when the video signal is a digital signal. It is a block diagram which shows a modification. (A) is a block diagram showing a second modification of the configuration of the adapter 310-N when the video signal is a digital signal, and (B) is an adapter 310-N when the video signal is a digital signal. It is a block diagram which shows the 3rd modification of a structure of. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of GUI which sets the arrangement | positioning relationship of a monitor. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of GUI which sets the arrangement | positioning relationship of a monitor. It is a figure which shows the example of the some monitor arrange | positioned at the rack connected to the video terminal 101-N. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating a first example of a GUI for setting the monitor arrangement relationship of FIG. 16, and FIG. 17B is a second example of a GUI for setting the monitor arrangement relationship of FIG. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 KVM switch 2 Server 3-N (N is an integer of 1 or more. The same applies hereinafter), 12 Monitor 4, 13 Keyboard 5, 14 Mouse 10 Network 11 PC
101-N, 104-N, 201-N Video terminal 102, 103, 202, 203 PS / 2 terminal 111-NA A / D converter 112 Frame memory storage circuit 113-N Frame memory 114, 405 Difference detection circuit 115 Signal Conversion / data generation unit 116 Input selection circuit 118 Video synthesis circuit 401 A / D conversion circuit 402 Frame buffer and storage circuit 403 Serial data conversion circuit 404 Optical signal / differential signal conversion circuit

Claims (33)

Input means capable of inputting a plurality of video signals output from the information processing apparatus;
Transmitting means for adding identification information of the corresponding video signals to the plurality of video signals input by the input means, and transmitting the plurality of video signals to which the identification information is added to a remote terminal via a network ;
A plurality of connection means respectively connected to a plurality of display devices;
Setting means for setting the positional relationship of the plurality of display devices,
The transmission means adds the identification information of the connection means and the positional relationship information of the plurality of display devices set by the setting means to the difference video data to which the identification information of the video signal is added, and Send it to your device over the network,
The remote terminal displays the difference video data based on the identification information of the connection means and the positional relationship information of the plurality of display devices,
The positional relationship information of the plurality of display devices includes information indicating the coordinates of each of the plurality of display devices . Storage means for sequentially storing a plurality of video signals input by the input means as video data respectively;
Differential detection means for detecting a difference between old and new video data for one screen in each video data stored sequentially,
The transmission means adds identification information of a corresponding video signal to the detected difference video data, and transmits the difference video data to which the identification information is added to a remote terminal via a network. The KVM switch according to claim 1.   3. The KVM switch according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of video signals is one of an analog signal and a digital signal. 4.   The A / D conversion means for converting the analog signal into a digital signal when at least one of the plurality of video signals is an analog signal. The described KVM switch. The information processing apparatus includes a plurality of output terminals for outputting the plurality of video signals,
The input means is one input terminal, and the plurality of output terminals and the input terminals are connected by a single cable. KVM switch. The information processing apparatus includes a plurality of output terminals for outputting the plurality of video signals,
The input means is a plurality of input terminals having a smaller number than the plurality of output terminals,
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of input terminals is connected to a predetermined number of output terminals of the plurality of output terminals by a single cable. KVM switch.   The KVM switch according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the cable has a structure in which the number of cores is reduced by deleting a signal indicating display attribute information output from each of the plurality of output terminals. . A plurality of connection means respectively connected to a plurality of display devices;
8. The KVM switch according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching unit that switches a plurality of video signals that are input from the input unit and are displayed on the plurality of display devices, respectively. Connection means for connecting to the display device;
The image processing unit according to claim 1, further comprising: an image processing unit that reduces and synthesizes a plurality of video signals input from the input unit and outputs the reduced video signal to the display device. KVM switch. In response to the pressing or a predetermined key input of Jo Tokoro switch, the multiple display devices, identification information display means to display the identification information of the corresponding connection means
KVM switch according to claim 1, further comprising a. The setting means further sets size and resolution information of each of the plurality of display devices,
The transmission means adds the identification information of the connection means, the positional relationship information of the plurality of display devices set by the setting means, and the plurality of displays to the difference video data to which the identification information of the video signal is added. Adding information on the size and resolution of each of the devices, and sending them to the remote terminal via a network;
The remote terminal displays the difference video data based on identification information of the connection means, positional relationship information of the plurality of display devices, and size and resolution information of each of the plurality of display devices. The KVM switch according to claim 1 . A / D conversion means for inputting an analog video signal output from one of a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus and converting the analog video signal into a digital video signal;
A plurality of adapters having serial data converting means for converting the digital video signal into serial data, and optical signal / differential signal converting means for converting the serial data into an optical signal or a differential signal and outputting the optical signal to a KVM switch; ,
Storage means for sequentially storing optical signals or differential signals output from each adapter as video data,
Difference detection means for detecting a difference between old and new video data for one screen in sequentially stored video data, and identification information of a corresponding analog video signal is added to the detected difference video data, and the identification is performed. A KVM system comprising: a KVM switch having transmission means for transmitting video data to which information is added to a remote terminal via a network. When a digital video signal is output from each of a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, each adapter does not include the A / D conversion unit, and the transmission unit detects the detected difference video. 13. The KVM system according to claim 12 , wherein identification information of a corresponding digital video signal is added to the data, and the video data to which the identification information is added is transmitted to a remote terminal via a network. Each adapter, the optical signal or the differential signal, KVM system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the inclusion of signal indicating the attribute information of the display output from the corresponding output terminal. Each adapter, KVM system according to the optical signal or the differential signal, to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that does not include a signal indicating the attribute information of the display output from the corresponding output terminal. Each adapter, without including a signal indicating the attribute information of the display output from the corresponding output terminal to the optical signal or the differential signal, claim and outputs to the KVM switch independent format 12 Or the KVM system of 13 . A / D conversion means for inputting a plurality of analog video signals output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus and converting each analog video signal to a digital video signal;
Serial data conversion means for converting the digital video signal into serial data; and an adapter having optical signal / differential signal conversion means for converting the serial data into an optical signal or a differential signal and outputting it to a KVM switch;
Storage means for sequentially storing the optical signal or the differential signal as video data;
Difference detection means for detecting a difference between old and new video data for one screen in sequentially stored video data, and identification information of a corresponding analog video signal is added to the detected difference video data, and the identification is performed. A KVM system comprising: a KVM switch having transmission means for transmitting video data to which information is added to a remote terminal via a network. When a plurality of digital video signals are output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, the adapter does not include the A / D conversion unit, and the transmission unit 18. The KVM system according to claim 17 , wherein identification information of the corresponding digital video signal is added to the video data, and the video data to which the identification information is added is transmitted to the remote terminal via a network. The KVM system according to claim 17 or 18 , wherein the adapter includes a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal. The KVM system according to claim 17 or 18 , wherein the adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal. It said adapter does not include a signal indicating the attribute information of the display output from the corresponding output terminal to the optical signal or the differential signal, claim and outputs with independent format to the KVM switch 17 Or the KVM system according to 18 . A / D conversion means for inputting an analog video signal output from one of a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus and converting the analog video signal into a digital video signal;
Storage means for sequentially storing the digital video signals;
Difference detection means for detecting a difference between old and new video signals for one screen in digital video signals stored in sequence;
A serial data converting means for converting the detected video signal of the difference into serial data, and an adapter having an optical signal / differential signal converting means for converting the serial data into an optical signal or a differential signal and outputting it to the KVM switch. Multiple,
The identification information of the corresponding analog video signal is added to the optical signal or differential signal output from each adapter, and the optical signal or differential signal to which the identification information is added is transmitted as video data to the remote terminal via the network. And a KVM switch having a transmission means for transmitting the KVM system. When a digital video signal is output from each of a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, each adapter does not include the A / D conversion unit, and the transmission unit includes light output from each adapter. The identification information of the corresponding digital video signal is added to the signal or the differential signal, and the optical signal or the differential signal to which the identification information is added is transmitted as video data to the remote terminal via the network. The KVM system according to claim 22 . The KVM system according to claim 22 or 23 , wherein each adapter includes a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal. Each adapters, KVM system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the optical signal or the differential signal, characterized in that it does not include a signal indicating property information of the display output from the corresponding output terminal. Each adapter, without including a signal indicating the attribute information of the display output from the corresponding output terminal to the optical signal or the differential signal, claim and outputs to the KVM switch independent format 22 Or the KVM system according to 23 . A / D conversion means for inputting a plurality of analog video signals output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus and converting each analog video signal to a digital video signal;
Storage means for sequentially storing the digital video signals;
Difference detection means for detecting a difference between old and new video signals for one screen in digital video signals stored in sequence;
A serial data converting means for converting the detected differential video signal into serial data, and an adapter having an optical signal / differential signal converting means for converting the serial data into an optical signal or a differential signal and outputting it to the KVM switch; ,
The identification information of the corresponding analog video signal is added to the optical signal or differential signal output from the adapter, and the optical signal or differential signal to which the identification information is added is transmitted as video data to the remote terminal via the network. And a KVM switch having a transmission means for transmitting the KVM system. When a plurality of digital video signals are output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, the adapter does not include the A / D conversion unit, and the transmission unit 28. The KVM system according to claim 27 , wherein identification information of a corresponding digital video signal is added to the video data, and the video data to which the identification information is added is transmitted to the remote terminal via a network. 29. The KVM system according to claim 27 or 28 , wherein the adapter includes a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal. 29. The KVM system according to claim 27 or 28 , wherein the adapter does not include a signal indicating display attribute information output from a corresponding output terminal in the optical signal or the differential signal. The adapter of claim and outputs a signal indicating the attribute information of the display output from the corresponding output terminal not included in the optical signal or the differential signal, the KVM switch independent format 27 Or the KVM system according to 28 . The KVM switch is
Connection means for connecting to a plurality of display devices;
Is output from a plurality of output terminals included in the information processing apparatus, any one of claims 12 to 31, characterized by further comprising a switching means for switching a plurality of video signals to be respectively displayed on the plurality of display devices The KVM system according to item 1. The KVM switch is
Connection means for connecting to the display device;
The information processing apparatus into a plurality of shrinking by and combining a plurality of video signals output from the output terminals included, claims 12 to 31, characterized by further comprising an image processing means for outputting to the display device The KVM system according to any one of the above.

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