KR20010078954A - Apparatus for sharing a computer adapting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus for sharing a computer peripheral device is provided to enable computers to share peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor and the like. CONSTITUTION: A programmable logic circuit(111) processes a data transfer path change and data type conversion between an input and an output under the control of a microprocessor(110). An EEPROM(112) reads and writes necessary data in response to access control of the microprocessor(110). An oscillator(114) provides a synchronization frequency necessary for outputting a video signal to a connected monitor. A video RAM controller(115) converts the video signal, and then outputs it to the monitor. The video signal is inputted via a video comparator(117). A keyboard controller(116) transmits key data to a keyboard connection port of a computer. A joystick controller(118) sends joystick data from a joystick.

Description

Computer Peripheral Sharing Device {APPARATUS FOR SHARING A COMPUTER ADAPTING DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a computer peripheral sharing apparatus, and more particularly, to a computer peripheral sharing apparatus capable of sharing between at least one or more computers and peripherals with a simple setting.

A typical computer can be seen that a peripheral device such as a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, or a printer is connected to the main body and used. In addition, another kind of user handler device such as a joystick may be connected and used depending on the type of software embedded in the main body.

Peripherals can be broadly classified into output devices such as monitors and printers, and input devices such as mice, keyboards and joysticks. In the case of the output devices, the result, contents, and progress of the executed program can be recognized by the user as an appropriate state or the result can be obtained. Used to ensure proper control.

However, as computers are being used in various places and situations with the increase in computer spread, users may experience inconvenience by using only one peripheral device of the same type in one computer.

This can be explained as the following case.

First, a programmer may use two computers at the same time to do the necessary work. In this case, conventionally, two monitors should be connected to each of two computer bodies, and peripheral devices such as a keyboard and a mouse must be connected to each other before use.

In this case, however, the programmer has to operate each mouse and keyboard alternately when performing necessary tasks, and the monitor also has to check and work with each other alternately. Conversely, it is advantageous to operate two computer bodies with one keyboard and mouse, and to be able to check the contents and results operated by the two computer bodies on one monitor. However, the existing method could not solve this problem.

The same holds true for securities analysts who analyze stocks through the simultaneous use of multiple computers, and designers who make more than one computer use for product design.

In another case, some recent game softwares require more than one operator on a computer, with the variety of functions being improved.

In this case, the use of a plurality of joysticks and keyboards, or a mouse may be required for one computer, but the conventional method has not been satisfied. In the existing method, a single keyboard can be handled separately so that two people can operate the keyboard, or a separate dedicated interface card can be used to connect a plurality of input peripherals.

However, when the key assignment is handled by several people to operate the keyboard, various inconveniences are incurred in user use, and a separate dedicated interface faces a problem of scalability applicable to specific software and specific peripherals.

In this way, as the computer environment is expanded and the usage environment is diversified and specialized, a peripheral device sharing device for operating a plurality of peripheral devices as a single computer, or operating a plurality of computers as a single peripheral device, displaying a status, and outputting the same There is a demand, but a peripheral sharing device has not been proposed in the past.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a computer peripheral sharing apparatus that allows sharing between at least one or more computers and peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor connected thereto.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral device sharing device for operating a plurality of peripheral devices as one computer, or to operate, display and output a plurality of computers with a single peripheral device.

More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral device sharing device that allows data communication between computers, sharing output peripherals such as a printer and a monitor, and sharing input peripherals such as a keyboard, a joystick, and a mouse.

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a peripheral device comparator that receives and compares peripheral device data and outputs it, a peripheral device controller that converts and outputs data input with reference to the backed up data, and preset settings from a user. A memory for storing state data, an address and data manipulation of a programmable logic circuit according to a reference of setting state data stored on the memory, and a microprocessor for backing up the stored setting state data to a register of the peripheral controller; And a programmable logic circuit for generating a decoder according to a result of the manipulation of the address and data on a data and signal transmission path between the peripheral comparator and the peripheral controller.

1 is an internal block diagram of a computer peripheral sharing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2A is a view illustrating a configuration process of a computer peripheral sharing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

2B is a view illustrating a monitor sharing operation process of a computer peripheral sharing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

2C is a view illustrating a joystick sharing operation process of a computer peripheral sharing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

3A is a diagram illustrating a data processing process based on a video signal input and output in a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

3B is a diagram illustrating a data processing process according to a joystick signal input / output in a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

3c is a diagram illustrating a data processing process according to communication port signal input and output in a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is an external perspective view of a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

5 is an installation configuration diagram of a computer peripheral sharing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a view showing an example of a screen state displayed on the monitor in the environment setting process of the computer peripheral sharing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a view showing an example of a screen state displayed on the monitor in the environment setting process of the computer peripheral sharing device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configurable connection port and a result of selection thereof in a table state of a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The peripheral sharing device shown in the accompanying drawings can be applied in a conventional computer device, as the practical implementation of the sharing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied to a computer which is commonly used.

In particular, the operation and operation environment setting of the computer peripheral sharing apparatus described below is made through a monitor output result on a computer to be connected, and setting input thereof may be performed through a connected keyboard.

In addition, in adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals have the same reference numerals as much as possible even if displayed on different drawings.

Also, in the following description, many specific details such as components of specific circuits are shown, which are provided to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. It is self-evident to those of ordinary knowledge in Esau. In the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, Figure 1 shows an internal block diagram of a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to this, the microprocessor (MPU) 110 controls the overall operation of the sharing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The MPU 100 may be replaced with a CPU or a microcomputer.

The MPU 110 performs a decoder generation operation of a programmable logic circuit (PLC) 111 provided in an embodiment of the present invention through an operation of an address and data, and stores key data input from a user through access of a memory EEPROM 112 provided. The controller performs the control of storing the set state data and storing the display data according to the display of the setting screen.

The programmable logic circuit (PLC) 111 is a logic gate circuit implemented to realize various functions by only changing a S / W program in the same H / W circuit configuration, and according to an embodiment of the present invention, address and data control of the MPU 110. It handles data transfer path change and data type conversion between input and output. In the case of the data transfer path and the data type conversion operation, the data transfer path and the data type conversion are performed as a reference result of the preset setting data stored by the user.

The EEPROM 112 is a ROM that can modify the contents of the memory. The EEPROM 112 is a memory implemented to repeatedly erase or reprogram (write) using a voltage higher than normal. The EEPROM 112 reads and writes data necessary through the access control of the MPU 110 in the embodiment of the present invention. The stored data may be key data corresponding to a result input from a user, environment setting state data, display data according to a setting screen display, and the like. In addition, the operation program of the MPU 110 is stored.

The oscillator 114 oscillates the sync frequency related frequency required for outputting the video signal to the connected monitor. In the implementation of the present invention, a video signal output in a proper state is achieved through a result of comparative analysis of video signals output from a connected computer. In this case, necessary frequency signal oscillation is performed through the oscillator 114.

The video RAM controller 115 converts an input video signal to a preset environment and outputs the same to a connected monitor. It receives a video signal such as a horizontal synchronization signal (HSYNC), a vertical synchronization signal (V SUNC), R (Red), G (Green), B (Blue), and generates a signal required by the connected monitor.

The video signal is input through the video comparator 117, and the state of the generated signal is determined as a control result of the MPU 110. The control result is determined according to the screen setting state requested by the previous user.

That is, the video comparator 117 compares and analyzes the vertical and horizontal synchronizing frequencies output from the connected computer, and the MPU 110 stores the setting data so that the video signal input on the connected monitor can be appropriately displayed with reference to the analysis result. To backup processing to the video RAM controller 115.

The keyboard controller 116 sends key data to the keyboard connection port on the computer. The key data becomes key data inputted from a connected keyboard. In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding key data is transmitted to the keyboard connection port on the computer according to the operation result of the connected joystick.

Joystick controller 118 transmits the joystick data output from the connected joystick. The transmission is via a joystick connection port on the computer.

The port controller 119 transmits data input in a predetermined protocol such as USB, LPT, and COM to a connection port on a corresponding computer. In addition, a data transmission protocol such as IEEE 1394 may be applied.

The video comparator 117 compares and analyzes the video signal output from the connected computer and transmits the result to the MPU 110. The video signal is a vertical and horizontal sync frequency signal.

The keyboard comparator 120 receives key data output from the connected keyboard to identify and detect predetermined specific key data. The detected specific key data is transferred to the MPU 110, and other key data is transferred to the keyboard controller through the PLC 11. The specific key data becomes key data according to a configuration mode entry request.

Joystick A comparator 121 and B comparator 122 detects the joystick data output from the connected joysticks and transfers it to the MPU 110. The figure shows a configuration used when two joysticks are connected in the practice of the present invention. That is, joystick data output from one joystick is input through the joystick A comparator 121, and joystick data output from another joystick is input through the joystick B comparator 122.

The port comparator 123 receives data of a predetermined type such as USB, LPT, and COM and transfers the data to the port controller 119 through the PLC 111. The transfer may be performed while changing, transforming, and converting according to a preset result.

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating an environment setting process of a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a view illustrating a process of sharing a monitor of a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 2c is a view illustrating a joystick sharing operation process of a computer peripheral sharing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3A is a diagram illustrating a data processing process according to video signal input and output in a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a joystick in a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 3C is a diagram illustrating a data processing process based on a communication port signal input and output in a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

An operation state of a computer peripheral sharing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, referring to FIG. 2A, a standby state is performed in step 210. In operation 211, it is determined whether a predetermined specific setting key input is detected through the keyboard comparator 120, that is, whether there is a setting key input. In this case, in operation 212, the configuration mode window data stored in the EEPROM 112 is read and output to the video RAM controller 115. In operation 213, the video RAM controller 115 is driven. In operation 214, the setting mode window is displayed through the connected monitor. The display state of the setting mode window is configured as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In step 215, the peripheral sharing state setting operation is performed through the user's keyboard manipulation. In this state, the user sets the environment according to the sharing operation, such as a desired screen state, a necessary peripheral sharing state, a key data output state required by the joystick operation, a connection state between communication ports, and the like.

For example, key buttons required for simultaneous execution of two specific game programs can be set corresponding to the direction of the joystick through the setting state, or resolutions, screen sizes, etc., displayed on the monitor when a plurality of computers are connected. To be set. In addition, it sets up data transfer between LPT port and COM port, data transfer between USB and LPT.

In step 216, it is determined whether the setting is completed, and when the setting is completed, the set state is stored as the EEPROM 112 in step 217.

In step 218, the MPU 110 generates a decoder on the PLC 111 with reference to the setting state stored in the EEPROM 112.

FIG. 2B illustrates an operation of outputting a video signal output from a connected computer onto a monitor in a state set as a result of the operation shown in FIG. 2A.

Referring to this, the standby state is performed in step 220. In operation 221, whether a computer is connected is detected. In operation 222, whether a video signal is input is detected. When there is a video signal input in step 222, in step 223, coordinate value data corresponding to a sync frequency of the input video signal compared and analyzed through the operation of the video comparator 117 is read from the EEPROM 112. In operation 224, setting state data corresponding to a preset state is read from the EEPROM112. In step 225, the video RAM controller 115 performs a backup process on the read coordinate value data and the read setting state data using a decoder generated on the PLC 111. The backup consists of a register provided on the video RAM controller 115.

In step 226, an appropriate resolution is determined. In step 227, a video signal input through the video comparator 117 is transferred to the video RAM controller 115, and the transferred video signal is converted and processed according to the backup result. Is output.

Therefore, even when a plurality of computers are connected to one monitor, the video signal output is provided on the monitor as a state suitable for each computer.

FIG. 2C illustrates an operation of outputting joystick data output from a connected joystick to a keyboard connection port of a connected computer in an environment set as a result of the operation illustrated in FIG. 2A. This may be applied to the case where one joystick is connected to generate and output keyboard data. However, the same may also be applied to a case where a plurality of joysticks are connected to generate and output keyboard data.

Referring to this, the standby state is performed in step 230. In operation 231, whether a joystick is connected is detected. If it is detected in the state that the joystick is connected in step 231, the preset setting state data is read from the EEPROM 112 in step 232. The setting state data is a result of designating key data of a required keyboard according to a program and software required by a previous user.

In step 233, the read data is backed up to a register on the keyboard controller 116. In step 234, if there is a joystick input, the joystick data input in step 235 is transmitted to the decoder generated on the PLC 111, and the transferred joystick data is output through the decoder on the PLC 111 and transmitted to the keyboard controller 116. Be sure to This is an operation of processing the setting state data corresponding to the joystick input to be output to the keyboard connection port of the connected computer.

3A is a diagram illustrating a data processing process according to the video signal input and output.

Referring to this, data corresponding to the synchronization (horizontal and vertical frequencies) compared and analyzed by the video comparator 117 is transferred to the MPU 110 (S1). The MPU 110 is in an environment setting state according to an environment setting operation (S2). The coordinate value data in the transferred data is backed up to the video RAM register on the video RAM controller 115 so as to make a window suitable for the frequency (S3).

Then, the preset state data stored in EEPROM 112 is read (S4), and stored in the video RAM register of the video RAM controller (S5).

The video signal output on the connected computer through this state, that is, a predetermined portion of red, green, and blue as the scanned color data is blocked and output to the monitor (S5). This is an output mode state in accordance with a predetermined conversion of the input video signal.

3B is a diagram illustrating a data processing process according to the joystick signal input and output.

Referring to this, joystick data according to the operation of the joystick is input through the joystick comparators 120 and 121 (S10). In this case, the MPU 110 is in an environment setting state according to an environment setting operation (S11). In this state, the MPU 110 reads setting state data from the EEPROM 112 (S12). Then, the read setting state data is backed up to a register on the keyboard controller 116 (S13). Then, joystick data input from the connected joystick is transferred to the keyboard controller 116 through a decoder generated on the PLC 111. The transferred data is converted data as keyboard data, which is converted as a reference of the setting data backed up to the keyboard controller 116, which is transferred to the keyboard connection port of the connected computer. That is, the joystick data output mode is performed (S14).

3C is a diagram illustrating a data processing process according to the port input and output.

Referring to this, data input of a peripheral device connected through the port comparator 123 is performed (S20).

In addition, the MPU 110 is in an environment setting state according to an environment setting operation (S21). In this state, the MPU 110 reads setting state data from the EEPROM 112 (S22).

Then, the read setting state data is backed up to a register on the port controller 119 (S23). Then, data transmitted to the port comparator, that is, data input from a peripheral device connected through an input / output port is transferred to the port controller 119 through a decoder generated on the PLC 111. The transferred data is converted into a form suitable for an output port, which is converted as a reference of configuration data backed up to the port controller 119. The converted data is delivered on the corresponding port of the connected computer. That is, the input-output port data conversion operation is performed (S24).

Meanwhile, in the detailed description of the present invention, specific embodiments have been described, but various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the scope of the following claims, but also by the equivalents of the claims.

As described above, an embodiment of the present invention has an advantage of allowing sharing between at least one or more computers and peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor connected thereto.

In addition, the practice of the present invention has the advantage of operating a plurality of peripheral devices as one computer, or operating a plurality of computers with a single peripheral device, displaying the status, and outputting the same.

Moreover, the implementation of the present invention has the advantage that the data communication between computers, sharing output peripherals such as printers and monitors, and input peripherals such as keyboards, joysticks, mice, etc. can be simultaneously performed.

Claims (8)

A computer peripheral sharing device, Peripheral comparator that receives and compares peripheral data and outputs A peripheral controller for converting and outputting data input with reference to the backed up data; A memory for storing preset setting state data from a user; A microprocessor for performing an address and data operation of a programmable logic circuit according to a reference of setting state data stored on the memory, and backing up the stored setting state data to a register of the peripheral controller; And a programmable logic circuit for generating a decoder according to a result of the manipulation of the address and data on a data and signal transmission path between the peripheral comparator and the peripheral controller. The method of claim 1, An oscillator generating vertical and horizontal sync frequencies, A video comparator which compares and analyzes the video signal output from the connected computer and outputs the result; A video RAM controller which converts a video signal input by reference to the backed up setting state and outputs it to a connected monitor; A memory for storing display data according to the setting screen display and preset setting data; And a microprocessor for backing up the stored display data and setting data to the video RAM controller. The method of claim 1, A joystick comparator that receives joystick data and compares and processes them A keyboard controller which converts the input data by reference to the backed up data into key data and outputs the converted data; A memory for storing preset data for outputting key data corresponding to the input joystick data; A microprocessor for backing up the setting state data stored on the memory to a register of the keyboard controller; And a programmable logic circuit configured to generate a decoder according to a result of the manipulation of the address and data on a data transmission path between the joystick comparator and the keyboard controller. The method of claim 3, wherein the joystick comparator, The at least one computer peripheral sharing device, characterized in that for receiving the joystick data of the joysticks connected to each of the comparative analysis process. The peripheral device comparator of claim 1, A keyboard comparator for performing a comparative analysis according to key data input from the keyboard. A joystick comparator for performing a comparative analysis according to joystick data input from at least one connected joystick. A video comparator for performing a comparative analysis according to an input of a video signal output on at least one connected computer. And a port comparator for performing comparative analysis according to the input of communication data input through the other communication port. The method of claim 1, wherein the peripheral controller, Keyboard controller and joystick controller for performing key data output in accordance with the backed up configuration data reference. Video RAM Controller. A computer peripheral sharing device comprising port controllers. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory, Under the control of the microprocessor, a computer peripheral sharing device, characterized in that implemented in the EEPROM that can be repeatedly modified. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein the port comparator and the port controller, A computer peripheral sharing device comprising IEEE 1394, parallel (LPT) and serial (COM), USB port comparators and controllers.