Redirecting input and output for multiple computers

• US 7,861,020 B1
• Filed: 02/27/2009
• Issued: 12/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American Megatrends Incorporated
• Original Assignee: American Megatrends Incorporated
• Inventors: Sivertsen, Clas Gerhard
• Primary Examiner(s): CHEN, ALAN S
• Application Number:
  US12/395,015
• Time in Patent Office: 669 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 710/73
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes

Abstract

Apparatus, methods, and systems provide for remote management of a set of local computers by transferring screen frames produced by the local computer for viewing at a remote computer. A redirection module captures and transmits video signals from a local computer through over a network, such as the Internet, to a remote computer where the remote computer produces a display that contains the screen frames being transferred. The module is configured for use with and installation within a keyboard, video, and mouse switch configured for receiving the module. The redirection module is further configured for use with and installation on a server-blade to allow remote management of the server-blade.

Claims

1. A system for allowing control of a plurality of local computers from a remote computer, comprising:

a printed circuit board having at least one internal connector for connection to a removable KVM redirection module, wherein the printed circuit board is coupled to switching components operative to selectively provide video signal data from a local computer of the plurality of local computers to the removable KVM redirection module in response to receiving a switch request from the remote computer;

a housing that encloses the printed circuit board and the removable KVM redirection module; and

the removable KVM redirection module, comprising

an interface connector connected to the at least one internal connector, wherein the interface connector is configured to receive video signals from a local computer of the plurality of local computers through the at least one internal connector,

a frame grabber that grabs screen frames from the video signals to create screen frame data,

a network interface device configured to distributing screen frame data from one of a plurality of computers over a network, and

at least one processing device configured to provide the screen frame data to the network interface device for distribution across a network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable KVM redirection module can be installed in the housing while the housing is fully assembled and while the plurality of local computers are connected to a plurality of keyboard, video, and mouse input connectors.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable KVM redirection module can be installed in the housing such that the interface connector is mated to the internal connector to begin operation without removing power from the printed circuit board.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable KVM redirection module further comprises an RS-232 port that is externally accessible through the housing when the interface connector is connected to the internal connector on the printed circuit board for connection to a local computer for configuration of the module.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the removable KVM redirection module further comprises an RS-232 port that is externally accessible through the housing when the interface connector is connected to the internal connector on the printed circuit board for connection to a power control device to control power on and off to a local computer.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable KVM redirection module further comprises a USB controller, wherein the processing device controls the USB controller to emulate a storage device of the remote computer for use by each of the plurality of local computers.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable KVM redirection module further comprises an analog-to-digital converter that digitizes analog video signals to produce digitized video signals.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable KVM redirection module further comprises a front surface that is substantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board and has connecting means for securing the front surface to a housing surface.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable KVM redirection module further comprises opposing edges and wherein the distance between the opposing edges is equal to or less than 1.625 inches.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises:

a first vertical surface parallel to and opposing the printed circuit board, wherein the at least one opening is through the first vertical surface at a location opposing the at least one internal connector;

guiding means for slidably receiving the removable KVM redirection module such that the interface connector engages the internal connector on the printed circuit board while a face surface of the module contacts the first vertical surface of the housing.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the guiding means comprises slide rails disposed within the housing substantially perpendicular to the first vertical surface.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing has a height dimension equal to or less than 1 U.

13. A method of controlling a plurality of local computers from a remote computer, comprising:

connecting the plurality of local computers to a corresponding plurality of input connectors on a KVM switch operative to selectively provide video signal data from a local computer of the plurality of local computers to a KVM redirection module in response to receiving a switch request from the remote computer;

installing the KVM redirection module in the KVM switch by inserting the KVM redirection module through an opening in a housing surface of the KVM switch such that an interface connector disposed on a first edge of the KVM redirection module connects to an internal connector disposed on a surface of a printed circuit board within the KVM switch, wherein the KVM redirection module is operative to grab screen frames from video signals of the plurality of local computers and transmit corresponding a screen frame data to the remote computer;

connecting a network cable to a network and to a network connector disposed on the KVM redirection module;

selecting a local computer from the plurality of local computers;

receiving the corresponding screen frame data at the remote computer from the selected local computer transmitted over the network by the KVM redirection module;

providing keyboard or mouse input to the local computer at the remote computer; and

transmitting the keyboard or mouse input over the network to the local computer via the KVM redirection module and KVM switch.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein installing a KVM redirection module in the KVM switch further comprises sliding the KVM redirection module into the KVM switch on slide rails until the interface connector of the KVM redirection module mates with the internal connector of the KVM switch.

15. A method of controlling a plurality of local computers from a remote computer, comprising:

receiving a KVM redirection module in a KVM switch operative to selectively provide video signal data from a local computer of the plurality of local computers to the KVM redirection module in response to receiving a switch request from the remote computer, wherein the KVM redirection module is operative to grab screen frames from video signals of the plurality of local computers and transmit corresponding screen frame data to the remote computer;

electrically connecting an internal connector on a printed circuit board within the KVM switch to an interface connector on the KVM redirection module to enable communications between the KVM redirection module and the KVM switch;

receiving a selection of a local computer from the plurality of local computers;

receiving video signals from the local computer at the KVM redirection module via the KVM switch;

transmitting the corresponding screen frame data to the remote computer via a network cable connected to a network connector on the KVM redirection module;

receiving keyboard or mouse input from the remote computer at the network connector; and

transmitting the keyboard or mouse input from the KVM redirection module to the local computer via the KVM switch.