Redirecting input and output for multiple computers

• US 8,001,302 B2
• Filed: 11/17/2010
• Issued: 08/16/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: American Megatrends International, LLC
• Original Assignee: American Megatrends Incorporated
• Inventors: Sivertsen, Clas Gerhard
• Primary Examiner(s): CHEN, ALAN S
• Application Number:
  US12/948,400
• Publication Number:
  US 20110066773A1
• Time in Patent Office: 272 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 710/72
• 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;

a KVM switch operative to selectively provide KVM signals to any one of a plurality of local computers;

the removable KVM redirection module, configured for removable installation within the KVM switch and operative to grab screen frames from a video signal provided from a local computer of the plurality of local computers via the KVM switch, and to provide screen frame data corresponding to the grabbed screen frames to the remote computer via a network interface device;

an interface connector connected to the at least one internal connector; and

a housing that encloses the printed circuit board and the removable KVM redirection module, wherein the removable KVM redirection module is configured for installation 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.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable KVM redirection module is configured for installation 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.

3. 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.

4. The system of claim 3, 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.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

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

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.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the guiding means comprises slide rails disposed within the housing substantially perpendicular to the first vertical surface.

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