JP5475831B2 - Multi-user KVM switch - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-user KVM switch in which a plurality of users operate different servers.

  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 1).

  Further, as an example of the KVM switch, there is a multi-user KVM switch that is connected between a plurality of servers and a plurality of consoles (each console includes a mouse, a keyboard, and a monitor), and switches a server connected to each console. Are known.

  In the current multi-user KVM switch, the number of users using one server is 1, and a plurality of users cannot use one server at the same time.

  Conventionally, there has been known a collaborative design support system that supports a task of simultaneously editing the same design data included in one server using a plurality of terminals (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this collaborative design support system, the operation right of each user is managed by the operator list and authority setting to realize collaborative work.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-18135 JP 2002-342385 A

  However, in the conventional multi-user KVM switch, when the user switches the server to be operated to another server and tries to operate the original server again, there are cases where another user is operating and the operation cannot be performed.

  In the collaborative design support system, the user's operation right is managed so that the same design data included in one server can be used by a plurality of users. Since the user's operation right is managed so as to operate the server, the collaborative design support system and the multi-user KVM switch have different methods for managing the user's operation right.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-user KVM switch that allows each user to smoothly operate a desired server.

The multi-user KVM switch of the present invention is a multi-user KVM switch connected to a plurality of consoles and a plurality of servers respectively used by a plurality of users, and setting means for setting a reservation of operation right for each server; When at least one operation right of the plurality of servers is reserved by the means , permission means for allowing the server operation from the console used by the user who reserved the operation right of the server according to the reservation order ; When the order of the users who reserve the operation right of the server becomes the order in which the server can be used, the permission means indicates that the user who has reserved the operation right of the server indicates that the order of the reserved servers has come. Notify the console to be used, and the user who has reserved the right to operate the server is currently using the target server even after a certain period of time If from the server does not switch to the server that the reservation, the enabling means, said disable the reservation server operation right, characterized by migrating the operation right of the server to the next subscriber.

According to such a configuration, the server operation right can be reserved in advance, so that each user can smoothly operate the desired server. Moreover, since it is notified that the order of the reserved servers has come, it is possible to operate a desired server without forgetting that the user has reserved the servers.

  Preferably, the setting means further sets a reservation time for an operation right for each server.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to reserve a server operation right by specifying a time, and thus each user can smoothly operate a desired server.

  Preferably, an on-screen display means for displaying various screen data on a console used by a user is provided, and the permission means inputs a command for confirming a reservation number from a console used by a user who has reserved the operation right of the server. The on-screen display means is controlled to display on the console used by the user who has reserved the operation right of the server when the screen is displayed. .

  According to such a configuration, the user who has reserved the server operation right can confirm his / her reservation number.

  Preferably, the setting unit sets an authority level and an operation right level for each user and sets an access level for each server, and the permission unit sets a predetermined authority level set as the access level, or the access level The server operation is permitted from a console used by a user having an operation authority level equal to or higher than a predetermined operation authority level set as a level.

  According to such a configuration, users who can access each server can be managed using the authority level and the operation authority level.

  More preferably, the authority level includes an administrator authority level capable of various settings including a setting for enabling or disabling operation of each server from each console or each user, and a standard capable of setting some functions. And an authority level.

  According to such a configuration, users who can access each server can be managed by distributing the user to either the administrator authority level or the standard authority level.

  More preferably, the setting means sets the operation right level for each user as a value from 1 to the number of registered users.

  According to such a configuration, users who can access each server can be managed using the value of the operation right level.

  More preferably, the setting unit executes setting of prohibiting at least one of an operation from a specific console, an operation from a specific user, and an operation to a specific server. .

  According to such a configuration, at least one of an operation from a specific console, an operation from a specific user, and an operation to a specific server can be prohibited.

  More preferably, the setting means executes the operation prohibition setting by combining at least any two of an operation from a specific console, an operation from a specific user, and an operation to a specific server. And

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prohibit an operation that satisfies a condition that combines at least two of an operation from a specific console, an operation from a specific user, and an operation to a specific server.

  More preferably, the on-screen display means uses each user name, an authority level corresponding to each user name, an operation level corresponding to each user name, and a relationship between a server and a console used by each user. A list is displayed on the console.

  According to such a configuration, each user can check the authority level, the operation authority level, the server to be used, and the console of all users.

  More preferably, the on-screen display means distributes the items to the items of operating, usable, timed reservation, operation right lock, in use, in use + reserved, and prohibited to use for the plurality of servers. The server name is color-coded and displayed in a list on the console used by the user.

  According to this configuration, the user can check the usage status of each server by color.

  More preferably, the on-screen display means distributes the items to the items of operating, usable, timed reservation, operation right lock, in use, in use + reserved, and prohibited to use the plurality of servers. It is characterized by being color-coded and displayed in a list on the console used by the user.

  According to this configuration, the user can check the usage status of each server by color.

  More preferably, the on-screen display means displays a server name in use and a user name of a user currently using the server so as to correspond to the item in use.

  According to such a configuration, the user can confirm the server name of the server currently in use and the user name of the user using the server.

  More preferably, the on-screen display means displays a server name of a server in use and a reserved number of operation rights of the server so as to correspond to the item in use + reservation.

  According to such a configuration, the user can confirm the server name of the server currently in use and the number of users who have reserved the operation right of the server.

  More preferably, the on-screen display means displays a server name of a server in use and a reservation time for the operation right of the server so as to correspond to the item of time designation reservation.

  According to such a configuration, the user can confirm the server name of the server currently in use and the reserved time for the operation right of the server.

  More preferably, when the user selects a server name corresponding to the usable item or the time-designated reservation item, the permission unit allows the use of the server or the screen for reserving the server operation right. The on-screen display means is controlled to display data on a console used by the user.

  According to this configuration, the user can use the available server immediately or can reserve the operation right of the available server.

  More preferably, when the user selects a server name corresponding to the item being operated, the permission means provides the screen data for locking or unlocking the operation right of the server to the user. The on-screen display means is controlled to display on a console to be used.

  According to such a configuration, the user can lock or release the operation right of the server.

  More preferably, when the user selects a server name corresponding to the operation right lock item, the permission means displays the screen data for setting the use permission of the server on the console used by the user. And controlling the on-screen display means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to ask the user who locks the operation right of the server for permission to use the server.

  More preferably, when the user selects a server name corresponding to the item in use or the item in use + reserved, the permission means may store screen data for reserving the operation right of the server or the server's The on-screen display means is controlled so that screen data for specifying and reserving the operation right is displayed on a console used by the user.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to reserve the operation right of the server, or it is possible to reserve the operation right of the server by specifying a time.

  According to the present invention, each user can smoothly operate a desired server.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the information processing system provided with the multiuser KVM switch concerning this Embodiment. 2 is a configuration diagram of a server unit 11. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main unit 50. It is a figure which shows an example of user authentication data. 3 is a configuration diagram of a console unit 31. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the user authentication screen displayed on a console, when logging in to the multiuser KVM switch. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the user information displayed on arbitrary consoles by an OSD function. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the user information displayed on arbitrary consoles by an OSD function. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the server information displayed on arbitrary consoles by an OSD function. It is a figure which shows an example of the Disable setting screen of the multiuser KVM switch 1 displayed on arbitrary consoles by an OSD function. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the server which locks the operation right displayed on arbitrary consoles by an OSD function. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of use permission of the server where the operation right is locked, (B) is the use permission notification screen notified to the user who has locked the operation right of the server. It is a figure which shows an example. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen for reserving the operation right of a server, (B) is a figure which shows the reservation state of a server, and the transition state of a use condition. It is a figure which shows the modification of the setting screen for reserving the operation right of a server. It is a figure which shows the screen of the selection of a server, and a use condition, (A) shows the figure displayed according to color for every server, (B) shows the figure displayed according to color for every use condition.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system including a multiuser KVM switch according to the present embodiment.

  The information processing system illustrated in FIG. 1 includes servers 101 to 108, a multi-user KVM switch 1, and consoles 201 to 208. The multi-user KVM switch 1 can connect up to 8 sets of servers and consoles. Each of the consoles 201 to 208 includes a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. In the following, the monitor is represented by adding a reference symbol to the reference number of the corresponding console, and the keyboard and mouse are represented by adding a reference symbol b to the reference number.

  The multi-user KVM switch 1 includes server units 11 to 18, a main unit 50, and console units 31 to 38. The server units 11 to 18 are connected to the servers 101 to 108, respectively, and the console units 31 to 38 are connected to the consoles 201 to 208, respectively. The server units 11 to 18 and the main unit 50 are connected by a cable having a maximum length of about 100 m, and the console units 31 to 38 and the main unit 50 are connected by a cable having a maximum length of about 300 m.

  Here, the main unit 50 of the multi-user KVM switch 1 selectively switches a set of consoles that operate one server. That is, one server receives mouse or keyboard data from a set of consoles, and RGB signals from the server are output to the console monitor.

  In this embodiment, in the multi-user KVM switch 1, the server unit, the main unit 50, and the console unit are separated from each other, but either or both of the console unit and the server unit are integrated with the main unit. And may be configured.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the server unit 11.

  The server unit 11 includes an RGB port 121, a PS / 2 port 122, a USB port 123, a console transmission MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 124, and a differential conversion circuit 125.

  The RGB port 121 is connected to the server 101, receives the RGB signal from the server 101, and outputs it to the differential conversion circuit 125. The differential conversion circuit 125 converts the RGB signal into a balanced transmission signal and outputs it to the main unit 50, and also receives keyboard or mouse operation data from the main unit 50, and operates for the PS / 2 port 122 or the USB port 123. The data is converted and output to the console transmission MCU 124.

  The console transmission MCU 124 outputs operation data for the PS / 2 port 122 or the USB port 123 to the server 101 via the PS / 2 port 122 or the USB port 123. The server unit 11 may further include a COM port for connecting to an external device. The USB port 123 can be connected to a USB device other than the server. The configuration of the other server units is the same as the configuration of the server unit 11, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the main unit 50.

  The main unit 50 includes a control MCU 505 (setting means) including differential conversion circuits 501 and 504, a switching circuit 502, an OSD controller 503-N (N = 1, 2,...) (On-screen display means), and a nonvolatile memory 506. , Prohibition means, permission means).

  The differential conversion circuit 501 converts the balanced transmission signal from each server unit into an RGB signal and outputs the RGB signal to the switching circuit 502, and converts keyboard or mouse operation data into a predetermined format. The switching circuit 502 switches the output destination of the converted RGB signal and operation data according to the control command of the control MCU 505. The OSD controller 503 -N receives on-screen display (OSD) function setting screen data stored in the nonvolatile memory 506 from the control MCU 505 and outputs the data to each console unit via the differential conversion circuit 504. .

  The differential conversion circuit 504 converts the RGB signal into a balanced transmission signal and outputs it to each console unit, and converts keyboard and mouse operation data into predetermined operation data and outputs it to the switching circuit 502.

  The control MCU 505 controls the operation of the switching circuit 502 and the OSD controller 503-N.

  The nonvolatile memory 506 includes user authentication data shown in FIG. 4 that defines a relationship between a user name and a password used when logging in to the multi-user KVM switch 1. Furthermore, the nonvolatile memory 506 includes various setting screen data displayed by an on-screen display (OSD) function.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the console unit 31.

  The console unit 31 includes a differential conversion circuit 311, a console reception MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 312, an RGB port 313, a PS / 2 port 314, and a USB port 315.

  The differential conversion circuit 311 converts the balanced transmission signal into an RGB signal, outputs the RGB signal to the monitor 201a via the RGB port 313, and receives operation data for the PS / 2 port 314 or the USB port 315 from the keyboard or mouse 201b. , Converted into operation data of the keyboard or mouse, and output to the main unit 50.

  The RGB port 313 is connected to the monitor 201a, and outputs the RGB signal converted by the differential conversion circuit 311 to the monitor 201a. The console reception MCU 312 outputs keyboard or mouse operation data to the differential conversion circuit 311 via the PS / 2 port 314 or the USB port 315. The console unit 31 may further include a COM port for connecting to an external device. The USB port 315 can be connected to a USB device other than a keyboard or a mouse. The configuration of the other console units is the same as the configuration of the console unit 31 and will not be described.

  Hereinafter, user authority levels and operation authority levels registered in the multi-user KVM switch 1 will be described.

  The user registers the user name and password in the nonvolatile memory 506 of the main unit 50 using an arbitrary console. There is no limit on the number of registered users.

  When the user who first registers in the multi-user KVM switch 1 registers the user name and password in the user authentication data stored in the nonvolatile memory 506 using an arbitrary console, the authority level of the user is the administrator authority. Becomes level (Admin). When the additionally registered user registers the user name and password in the user authentication data stored in the nonvolatile memory 506 using an arbitrary console, the authority level of the user becomes the standard authority level (Standard). In addition, the authority level includes an administrator authority level that allows various settings including setting of enabling or disabling operation of each server from each console or each user, and a standard authority level capable of setting some functions. including.

  When a user having an administrator authority level additionally registers a new user, the authority level of the new user can be set to either the administrator authority level or the standard authority level.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user authentication screen displayed on the console when logging into the multi-user KVM switch 1.

  On this user authentication screen, the number of the console used by the user is displayed. When the user inputs a user name and password registered in advance, information on the user name and password is transmitted to the control MCU 505 of the main unit 50 via the console unit corresponding to the console used by the user, and the control MCU 505 inputs the information. The user authentication is performed on the basis of the user name and password and the user authentication data stored in the nonvolatile memory 506. When user authentication is permitted, the control MCU 505 executes access to the server requested by the user. On the other hand, if the user authentication is not permitted, the control MCU 505 transmits information indicating that the user authentication has failed to the corresponding OSD controller, and the OSD controller uses the information indicating that the user authentication has failed. Send to the console you are viewing.

  7 and 8 are diagrams showing examples of user information display screens displayed on an arbitrary console by the OSD function. FIG. 7 shows an initial state, and FIG. 8 shows a custom setting state.

  When each user inputs a command for reading user information to the console in use, a command for reading user information is transmitted to the control MCU 505, and user information display screen data is transmitted from the control MCU 505 via the corresponding OSD controller. Sent to the console in use and displayed.

  In the user information display screens of FIGS. 7 and 8, a list of users is displayed, and the authority level, operation authority level, and usage status of each user can be confirmed.

  For each user, an operation authority level is set separately from the authority level. The operation right level is a level used to determine whether or not each server can be operated, and is set to a value lower than the server access level compared to the server access level described later. The user can access the server, and if a numerical value higher than the numerical value of the access level of the server is set, the user cannot access the server. Note that the operation authority level and authority level setting information for each user are stored in the nonvolatile memory 506 and referred to by the control MCU 505.

  The operation authority level is “1”, which is the highest operation authority level. The greater the number, the lower the operation authority level. In addition, a user with a high operation right level can preferentially acquire an operation right for the server over a user with a low operation right level, that is, can access the server with priority.

  When the user name and password are registered in the non-volatile memory 506, as shown in FIG. 7, the control MCU 505 assigns the highest operation right level “1” to the user with the administrator authority level and assigns the user with the standard authority level to the user. The lowest operation authority level “10” is automatically assigned. The lowest operation right level is changed according to the number of users. For example, when 20 users are registered, the lowest operation right level is “20”.

  A user whose authority level is “Admin” can change the setting of the operation authority level on the display screen of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, but a user whose authority level is “Standard” can set the operation authority level. Can not be changed. For example, when a user whose authority level is “Admin” performs an operation of changing the operation authority level of FIG. 7 to the operation authority level of FIG. 8, the control MCU 505 changes the setting information of the operation authority level of FIG. Is stored in the nonvolatile memory 506. Thereby, users who can access each server can be managed using the authority level and the operation authority level.

  If the user whose authority level is “Admin” does not set the operation authority level for each user, the control MCU 505 divides the user into an administrator authority level user and a standard authority level user as shown in FIG. The operation authority level is roughly divided.

  When a user whose authority level is “Admin” performs an operation of separately assigning the value of the number of registered users (for example, “10”) to “1” as the operation authority level of each user according to the number of users. The control MCU 505 stores setting information of different operation right levels for the user in the nonvolatile memory 506. Thereby, users who can access each server can be managed using the value of the operation right level. In addition, users with the authority level “Admin” can perform operations to assign the same operation authority level to multiple users, and set the superiority of operation authority for multiple users with the same authority level. You can also

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server information display screen displayed on an arbitrary console by the OSD function.

  When each user inputs a command for reading the server information to the console in use, the command for reading the server information is transmitted to the control MCU 505, and the server information display screen data is transmitted from the control MCU 505 via the corresponding OSD controller. Sent to the console in use and displayed.

  An access level is set for each server. The access level setting information for each server is stored in the nonvolatile memory 506. The access level is set to prohibit the server operation according to the authority level or the operation authority level. If the access level is set to an administrator authority level or higher, the administrator authority level is required for the operation of the set server, and the user of the standard authority level cannot operate. Further, when an operation right level (for example, “4”) is set as the access level, only a user having an operation right level (for example, “1” to “4”) higher than the set operation right level can operate the server. A user with an operation authority level (for example, “10”) lower than the operation authority level thus made cannot operate the server.

  A user with the administrator authority level can change the access level of the server, but a user with the standard authority level cannot change the access level of the server.

  The control MCU 505 selects an arbitrary value based on the access level setting information for each server in FIG. 9 and the operation right level or authority level setting information for each user in FIG. 7 or 8, which is stored in the nonvolatile memory 506. It is determined whether or not an operation to an arbitrary server from the user is permitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the Disable setting screen of the multiuser KVM switch 1 displayed on an arbitrary console by the OSD function.

  When each user inputs a command for reading the Disable setting screen to the console in use, a command for reading the Disable setting screen is transmitted to the control MCU 505, and the data of the Disable setting screen is transmitted from the control MCU 505 via the corresponding OSD controller. Sent to the console in use and displayed.

  In the Disable setting screen of FIG. 10, a user having an administrator authority level can set prohibition of an operation from a specific user, prohibition of an operation from a specific console, or prohibition of an operation on a specific server. Further, the operation can be prohibited by a combination of a user name, a console number, or a server name. Users and consoles whose operations are prohibited are prohibited from performing operations on all servers and cannot be operated. For servers that are prohibited from being operated, operations from all users are prohibited. In the example of FIG. 10, operations to all servers are prohibited from the users “User_3” and “User_8” and the console 206, and operations from all users are prohibited from the server 108. Further, the operation of the server 107 and the server 108 is prohibited for the user “User_8”. The user who executed this setting is “User_1”, and uses the server 101 via the console 201.

  Information set on the Disable setting screen is stored in the non-volatile memory 506, and the control MCU 505 performs an operation from a specific user, an operation from a specific console based on the information set on the Disable setting screen, Or operation to a specific server is prohibited. Accordingly, at least one of an operation from a specific console, an operation from a specific user, and an operation to a specific server can be prohibited.

  When the user whose operation is prohibited attempts to log in, the control MCU 505 displays that the operation is prohibited on the user authentication screen via the corresponding OSD controller. The control MCU 505 displays that the operation is prohibited on the console screen via the corresponding OSD controller even when accessed from the console where the operation is prohibited. Also, when access to a server for which operation is prohibited is requested, the control MCU 505 displays that the operation is prohibited on the console screen via the corresponding OSD controller.

  A user with the administrator authority level can cancel the prohibition of the user, console operation, or server operation by appropriately deleting the setting information on the Disable setting screen of FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server setting screen for locking the operation right displayed on an arbitrary console by the OSD function.

  In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which the user “User_1” locks the operation right of the server 101 currently in use via the console 201.

  When each user inputs a command for reading the setting screen of the server that locks the operation right to the console in use, a command for reading the setting screen of the server that locks the operation right is transmitted to the control MCU 505, and data of the setting screen is displayed. Is transmitted from the control MCU 505 to the console in use via the corresponding OSD controller and displayed.

  When each user switches the server currently in use to another server, if the user does not want to use the server currently in use by another user, the user is targeted for the server setting screen for locking the operation right in FIG. Enter the server name and press the OK button.

  The control MCU 505 locks the operation right of the server based on the server name input on the setting screen, and prohibits other users from operating the server until the operation right is unlocked. To do.

  FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for permission to use a server whose operation right is locked, and FIG. 12B is notified to a user who locks the server's operation right. It is a figure which shows an example of a use permission notification screen.

  When the user wants to use a server with the operation right locked, the user inputs a command for reading the setting screen for permission to use the server with the operation right locked to the console in use, and presses the OK button. To do. The command for reading the setting screen for permitting use of the server is transmitted to the control MCU 505, and the data on the setting screen is transmitted from the control MCU 505 to the console in use via the corresponding OSD controller and displayed.

  When the server name, the purpose of use, the usage time, and the urgency level of the server to be used are entered on the use permission setting screen in FIG. 12A and the OK button is pressed, the console in use is displayed as the server to be used. Server name, purpose of use, time of use, and urgency information, and a command requesting permission to use the server are sent to the control MCU 505, and the control MCU 505 is currently using the server via the corresponding OSD controller. The use permission notification screen shown in FIG. 12B is displayed on the user console. Thereby, it is possible to notify the user who has locked the operation right of the server that permission to use the server is required.

  In the example of FIG. 12A, the operation right of the server 102 is locked, and it is set that the server 102 is used for 30 minutes for maintenance purposes and that the degree of urgency is high. In FIG. The usage purpose, usage time, urgency level of the server set in the usage permission setting screen of FIG. 12A and the user name requesting the usage permission are displayed. One of the items "Unlock" and "Do not allow use" can be selected. As a result, it is possible to provide a user who locks the operation right of the server with a material for determining whether or not to permit the use of the server. Can determine whether or not to release the operation right of the server to other users.

  When the user who locks the operation right receives the use permission notification, selects the “permit use” item, and presses the OK button, the control MCU 505 sends the server requesting the use permission to the server. Unlock the operation right for. When the operation of the user who has requested the use permission is completed, the control MCU 505 notifies the console used by the user who has locked the operation right of the end of the operation, and locks the operation right of the server again. When the user who has locked the operation right receives the notification of permission to use, selects the item “unlock operation right” and presses the OK button, the control MCU 505 locks the operation right of the current server. Is released. In this case, even if the operation of the user who has requested permission to use is completed, the operation right of the server is not locked. When the user who locks the operation right receives the use permission notification, selects the item “Do not allow use” and presses the OK button, the control MCU 505 is used by the user requesting the use permission. That the console is not allowed to be used.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for reserving the server operation right, and FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating a transition state of the server reservation status and usage status. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modification of the setting screen for reserving the server operation right.

  The setting screen for reserving the server operation right in FIG. 14 is different from the setting screen for reserving the server operation right in FIG. 13A in that the time can be specified.

  When the user wants to reserve the server operation right, the user inputs a command for reading the server operation right reservation setting screen to the console in use and presses the OK button. The command for reading the setting screen for the server operation right reservation is transmitted to the control MCU 505, and the data on the setting screen is transmitted from the control MCU 505 to the console in use via the corresponding OSD controller and displayed.

  Enter the server name and user name of the server to be reserved on the server operation right reservation setting screen in FIG. 13A and press the OK button, or on the server operation right reservation setting screen in FIG. When the server name, the user name, and the reservation time of the server to be reserved are input and the OK button is pressed, the control MCU 505 accepts the reservation of the operation right of the corresponding server. Thus, the server operation right can be reserved in advance, or the server operation right can be reserved at a specified time, so that each user can operate the desired server smoothly.

  The control MCU 505 assigns reservation numbers 1, 2, 3,... In FIG. 13B, in the initial state, the current user of the server 104 is “User_10”, the user with the reservation number 1 is “User_9”, and the user with the reservation number 2 is “User_7”. The user of “User_6” acquires the reservation number 3 when making a reservation in the server 104. When the user (“User_10”) finishes the operation, the operation right of the server 104 is transferred to “User_9” of the reservation number 1, and the other reservation numbers are incremented by one. As described above, when the operating user finishes the operation, the control MCU 505 transfers the server operation right to the user with the reservation number 1. The reservation numbers 2, 3, 4,... Are incremented by 1 to become reservation numbers 1, 2, 3,.

  When the server operating right reservation person inputs a command for confirming his / her reservation number to the console in use, the command is transmitted to the control MCU 505. For example, a server reservation as shown in FIG. A screen showing the status and usage status is transmitted to the console in use via the corresponding OSD controller and displayed. Therefore, the reservation person of the server operation right can confirm his / her reservation number.

  When the server operating right is transferred to the user with the reservation number 1, if the user is operating another server, the control MCU 505 reserves the server reserved for the console in use via the corresponding OSD controller. Notify that the turn has come. This makes it possible to operate a desired server without forgetting that the user has reserved the server.

  If the user with the reservation number 1 does not switch the operation target server from the currently used server to the reserved server even after a certain time (for example, 10 minutes) has passed after the notification, the control MCU 505 invalidates the reservation, Transfer the server operation right to the next reservation person.

  15A and 15B are diagrams showing a server selection and usage status screen. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a display for each server, and FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a display for each usage status.

  When each user inputs a command for reading the server selection and usage status screen to the console in use, a command for reading the server selection and usage status screen is transmitted to the control MCU 505, and the data on the screen is controlled by the control. The data is transmitted from the MCU 505 to the console in use via the corresponding OSD controller and displayed.

  When an arbitrary user designates AM 10:00 and reserves the operation right of the server 105, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the server 105 displays the AM 10 on the server selection and usage status screen. It is displayed that the reservation is made from 0:00. In this case, other users can operate the server 105 until 10:00 AM, but when the current time approaches AM 10:00 (for example, when the current time becomes AM 9:45), the control MCU 505 It notifies the user's console that is currently using the server 105 that the user's reservation time is near, and requests the end of the operation. In addition, even when the user who reserved the operation right of the server 105 uses another server, the control MCU 505 notifies the console of the user who reserved the operation right of the server 105 that the reservation time is near, Request to switch to the reserved server 105. The control MCU 505 transfers the operation right of the server 105 to the reserved user from AM 10:00. If the user who reserved the server 105 does not operate even after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) from AM 10:00, the control MCU 505 invalidates the reservation and gives the next reservation person the right to operate the server 105. You may migrate.

  In the screens of FIGS. 15A and 15B, the server usage status is displayed in addition to the server name. Server usage status is categorized into 7 items: “In Operation”, “Available”, “Reserved at Time”, “Locked Operation”, “In Use”, “In Use + Reserved”, and “Prohibited Use”. The In FIG. 15A, each item is color-coded, and each server name is displayed in a corresponding item color. In FIG. 15B, each item is color-coded, and each server name is displayed next to the corresponding item. Thereby, each user can confirm the usage status of each server by the color.

  The item “in operation” indicates a server operated by a user who uses the console displaying the screen, and the item “in use” indicates a server operated by another user. Further, the user name of the user is displayed next to the server name for the server in use. The “available” item indicates a currently available server, and the “timed reservation” item indicates a server for which an operation right is reserved and its reserved time. The “operation right lock” item indicates a server on which the operation right is locked, and the “in use + reservation” item is a server that is currently operated by another user and contains an operation right reservation. The “use prohibited” item indicates a server that is currently prohibited from use. For servers that are currently operated by other users and for which operation rights have been reserved, the number of people reserved is displayed next to the server name.

  15A and 15B, when each user selects a server of the item “available” or “time designation reservation”, the control MCU 505 switches the server or operates the server shown in FIG. A setting screen for specifying and reserving the right is displayed on the console used by the user. 15A and 15B, when each user selects a server of the item “in use” or “in use + reserved”, the control MCU 505 controls the server shown in FIG. A setting screen for reserving the operation right or a setting screen for reserving and specifying the operation right of the server shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the console used by the user. Thereby, the user can make a reservation for the operation right of the server. 15A and 15B, when each user selects a server of the item “in operation”, the control MCU 505 sets a server for locking or unlocking the operation right in FIG. Display the screen on the console used by the user. Thereby, the user can lock the operation right of the server, or can release the lock. 15A and 15B, when each user selects a server of the item “operation right lock”, the control MCU 505 uses the server whose operation right shown in FIG. 12A is locked. Display the permission setting screen on the console used by the user. As a result, the user can inquire of the user using the server about permission to use the server operation right.

  It should be noted that all the setting screens described above can always be displayed at any position on the console screen used by the user.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control MCU 505 sets the operation right lock for each server based on the server name input in the setting screen of the server for locking the operation right in FIG. Since the operation of the server where the operation right is locked from the console used by other users is prohibited, each user can smoothly operate a desired server.

  Further, the control MCU 505 sets the reservation of the operation right for each server based on the server name and the user name input on the setting screen for reserving the operation right of the server in FIG. When at least one operation right of a plurality of servers is reserved, server operation is permitted from the console used by the user who reserved the operation right of the server according to the reservation order. Can be reserved, and each user can smoothly operate a desired server.

  Even when the control MCU 505 of the main unit 50 executes a software program supplied from the outside, 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 Multi-user KVM switch 11-18 Server unit 31-38 Console unit 50 Main unit 101-108 Server 201-208 Console 121,313 RGB port 122,314 PS / 2 port 123,315 USB port 124,312 Console transmission MCU ( Micro Controller Unit)
125, 311 Differential conversion circuit 501, 504 Differential conversion circuit 502 Switching circuit 503-N OSD controller 505 Control MCU
506 Nonvolatile memory

Claims (18)

A multi-user KVM switch connected to a plurality of consoles and a plurality of servers respectively used by a plurality of users,
A setting means for setting an operation right reservation for each server;
When at least one operation right for the plurality of servers is reserved by the setting means, permission means for permitting the server operation from the console used by the user who reserved the operation right for the server according to the reservation order and,
When the order of the users who reserve the operation right of the server becomes the order in which the server can be used, the permission means indicates that the user who has reserved the operation right of the server indicates that the order of the reserved servers has come. If the user who reserved the operation right of the server does not switch the server to be operated from the server currently in use to the reserved server even after a certain time has passed after the notification to the console to be used, the permission means Invalidates the reservation of the operation right of the server, and transfers the operation right of the server to the next reservation person .   The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit further sets a reservation time for an operation right for each server. On-screen display means for displaying various screen data on the console used by the user,
The permission means, when a command for confirming a reservation number is input from a console used by a user who has reserved an operation right of the server, displays the reservation status of the server and screen data indicating the usage status of the server. The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the on-screen display means is controlled to display on a console used by a user who reserves the right. The setting means sets an authority level and an operation right level for each user and sets an access level for each server,
The permission means permits a server operation from a console used by a user having a predetermined authority level set as the access level or an operation authority level equal to or higher than a predetermined operation authority level set as the access level. multiuser KVM switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that. The authority level includes an administrator authority level capable of various settings including setting of enabling or disabling operation of each server from each console or each user, and a standard authority level capable of setting some functions. The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 4 , comprising: The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the setting means sets a different operation right level for each user with a value from 1 to the number of registered users. . The setting means, the operation of the particular console, the operation from a particular user, and of the operations to a particular server, to claim 4, characterized in that to perform a set of at least one of operation prohibition The multiuser KVM switch according to any one of 6 . The setting means executes operation prohibition setting by combining at least any two of an operation from a specific console, an operation from a specific user, and an operation to a specific server. The multi-user KVM switch according to 7 . The on-screen display means displays a list of each user name, authority level corresponding to each user name, operation level corresponding to each user name, and the server and console used by each user on the console used by each user. The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 3 , wherein: The on-screen display means distributes the server name to each item of operating, available, timed reservation, operation right lock, in use, in use + reservation, and use prohibition of the plurality of servers. 4. The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 3 , wherein a list is displayed on a console used by a user. The on-screen display means distributes the items into operating, usable, timed reservation, operation right lock, in use, in use + reservation, and use prohibition, and color-codes each item. The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 3 , wherein a list is displayed on a console used by a user. The on-screen display means, so as to correspond to the item in the use, claim 10 or claim and displaying the user name of the user using the server name and the current that server in use 11. A multi-user KVM switch according to 11 . The on-screen display means, so as to correspond to the item of the busy + reservation, claim 10 or claim and displaying the server name and reservation number in operation right of the server of the server in use 11. A multi-user KVM switch according to 11 . The on-screen display means, wherein as corresponding to the item of time specified reservation, claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that to display the server name and the reservation time of the operation right of the server of the server in use A multi-user KVM switch as described in 1. When the user selects a server name corresponding to the usable item or the time-designated reservation item, the permission means permits the use of the server or designates the operation right of the server by designating a time and reserving 12. The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the on-screen display means is controlled to display screen data on a console used by the user. When the user selects a server name corresponding to the item being operated, the permission means displays the screen data for locking or unlocking the operation right of the server on the console used by the user. 12. A multi-user KVM switch according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the on-screen display means is controlled to display. When the user selects a server name corresponding to the operation right lock item, the permission means displays the on-screen data so that screen data for setting the use permission of the server is displayed on the console used by the user. The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the display means is controlled. When the user selects a server name corresponding to the item in use or the item in use + reserved, the permission means sets the data for the screen for reserving the server operation right or the server operation right for a time. The multi-user KVM switch according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the on-screen display means is controlled so that screen data for designating and reserving is displayed on a console used by the user.

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