Abstract:
An improved control and monitoring system for managing more than one computer system using a witch with a single connector for keyboard, video and mouse signals for each computer being managed. A notebook style display, keyboard, and pointing device attached to the switch provide a human interface. Each computer is attached to the switch using a cable having a single connector at the attachment point to the switch and separate connectors for keyboard, video, and pointing device signals at the attachment point to each computer, thus allowing a greater density of connections to computers without modifying the computers being controlled and monitored. Even greater densities may be realized by designating one switch as a master and attaching additional switches to the master.

Description:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
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                 ADMCTRL.HEX 
                 20,827 
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                 CPDnld.exe 
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                 defNVRAM.hex 
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                 hostdec.cmd 
                 74 
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                 hostdec.jed 
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                 InstallCenterpoint16SW.doc 
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                 maindec.cmd 
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                 maindec.jed 
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                 OPERCTRL.HEX 
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                 OPERDNLD.HEX 
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                 PORTCTRL.HEX 
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                 proghost.bat 
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                 progmain.bat 
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                 The file “InstallCenterpoint16SW.doc” appears as “INSTAL˜1.DOC” on the compact disc.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the control and monitoring of computers, specifically to an improved Keyboard-Video-Mouse switch fully integrated with a video display, character input device, and pointing device. 
     2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
     Many computers capable of performing general purpose and specialized tasks require a computer room with raised flooring and air conditioning. Because computer room space is quite expensive, such computers must be mounted in a rack. Having a separate video display, character input device, and pointing device for each computer is impractical and wastes valuable computer room space. Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) switches were developed which allows a single video display, character input device, and pointing device to communicate with one or more rack-mounted computers. However, requiring a separate video display, a separate character input device, a separate pointing device, and a separate KVM switch has the disadvantages of: 
     (a) consuming valuable rack space 
     (b) requiring a separate connector for video display, character input, and pointing data and signals on the KVM switch 
     (c) likelihood of malfunction due to a loose connection or failure of the aforementioned connectors and cables 
     (d) requiring the user to slide a video display monitor separately from a keyboard and pointing device from the rack before using the video display monitor and the keyboard and pointing device. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,721,842 (1998) and 5,884,096 (1999) and 5,937,176 (1999) to Beasley, et. al. (1998) merely specify a switching system but no display, character input device, or pointing device. Video signals are sent on cables separate from the keyboard and mouse signals. Furthermore, separate connectors are required on the switch side and on the remote computer side of cables used for video display, keyboard, and mouse. The programmable switch described as part of the claims uses only a single processor. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,212 to Perholtz, et. al. (1998) provides for a method of redirecting video display, keyboard, and mouse signals to a switch via a serial or parallel port or over a modem or network device on the computer being monitored or controlled. However, said method requires the use of special software or hardware which must be installed on the computer being monitored or controlled. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,377 to Lee (1996) describes a multi-computer access switching system. Although sixteen (16) computers may be accessed from a work center the system requires a cable bus and a manual switch rather than an electronically controlled switch which may be controlled by a command entered from a keyboard. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,643 to Batio (1999) describes a portable computer having split keyboard and pivotal display screen halves. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,364 to Karidis (1999) describes a tri-fold personal computer with touchpad and keyboard. U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,034 to Malcolm (1999) describes an administrator station for a computer system. However, such a device requires a notebook computer in order to function. In fact all of the described inventions and devices like them provide a display, keyboard, and pointing device but they are full fledged computers complete with CPU, memory, and secondary storage device and require an operating system in order to function. Such devices are relatively expensive and consume more power and space compared to a device which only has a display, keyboard, and pointing device. 
     Similarly, devices such as the device access controller in U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,248 to Tehranian, et. al. (1999) also require a computer. Such devices also do not offer the convenience of easily multiplexing keyboard data, pointer data, and video signals from multiple computers. 
     The reference http://www.compaq.com/products/storageworks/options/1udrawerindex.html describes a keyboard drawer which consumes 1U (1.75 in rack space and the reference http://www.compaq.com/products/storageworks/options/skvm_index.html describes a KVM switch which may be mounted behind the 1U keyboard drawer but a video display device must be mounted separately in a rack. 
     ICS provides a flat panel display attached by a hinge to a drawer for a keyboard and pointing device. However, it consumes 2U (1.75 inches ×2) of vertical rack space. 
     Raritan offers a KVM switch, which offers one processor per channel or computer system. However, only one processor is active at a time and only when the channel associated with it is actively selected. Raritan KVM switches also offer a single connector for each computer system but. the connector is wide and space consuming. The cascade mechanism used by Raritan does not utilize differential signaling for improved reliability. 
     Current KVM switches do not provide a means for upgrade, downloading or uploading of code, testing, or configuration of the KVM switch from a remote location. Furthermore, existing KVM switches do not have the capability of communicating with each other such that a plurality of interconnected KVM switches appear to the human user as a single KVM switch. The human user must be aware of which KVM switch a particular computer is connected in order to make use of the KVM switch. For example, the video output port, keyboard input port, and mouse input port of a first KVM switch must be connected into one of the video input ports, one of the keyboard output ports, and one of the mouse output ports of a second KVM switch. A human user must first select the video input port, keyboard output port, and mouse output port on the second KVM switch before the user is able to access the first KVM switch. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention a intelligent control and monitoring system comprises at least one first processor communicating with a second processor, a video switch, video display, character input device, pointing device, and cable capable of carrying video signals, character input data, and pointing input data. 
     Objects and Advantages 
     Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are: 
     (a) To provide a compact control and monitoring system which minimizes the amount of rack space consumed by the following separate elements: KVM switch, video display, character input device, and pointing device; 
     (b) To provide a compact control and monitoring system which accepts data for video display and transmits data for character input and pointing to a computer but requires a single connector at the KVM switch; 
     (c) To provide a compact control and monitoring system which reduces the likelihood of a malfunction due to a loose connection or cable failure by reducing the number of cables and connections that must be made; 
     (d) To provide a compact control and monitoring system which extends out of a rack as a single unit; 
     Further objects and advantages are: 
     (a) To provide a control and monitoring system which allows upgrades, downloading or uploading of code, testing, and configuration from a remote location; 
     (b) To provide a control and monitoring system which can communicate with other control and monitoring systems; 
     (c) To provide a plurality of interconnected control and monitoring systems which appear to be a single control and monitoring system to a human user; 
     (d) To provide a control and monitoring system which has the ability to switch off power to the video display after a period of time has elapsed, where said period of time has been specified by a human user; 
     (e) To provide a control and monitoring system which utilizes a plurality of processing units, thereby reducing the likelihood of losing data from one of the computers connected to the compact control and monitoring system; 
     (f) To provide a control and monitoring system where a video display, a character input device, and a pointing device are protected from dust and impact from objects when the control and monitoring system is stored in a rack; 
     (g) To provide a control and monitoring system where no special software or hardware is required on the computer being monitored or controlled. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 shows a rear view of the main unit. 
     FIG. 2 shows front view of the main unit. 
     FIG. 3 shows a rear view as installed in a rack. 
     FIG. 4 shows a front view as installed in a rack. 
     FIG. 5 shows a cable used to connect a computer system to the and monitoring system. 
     FIG. 6 shows the connectors used on the cable used to connect a computer system to the control and monitoring system. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 show a block diagram of the control and monitoring system. 
     FIG. 9 shows a cable used to daisy chain multiple control and monitoring systems together. 
     FIG. 10 shows the connectors used on the cable in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a terminator used on the open end of the last cable used in a daisy chain of multiple control and monitoring systems. 
     FIG. 12A shows a rear view of the terminator in FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 12B shows a front view of the terminator in FIG.  11 . 
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
       8  Housing 
       10  External Video Out—fifteen position D-sub 
       12  Communications Port 
       14  External Keyboard Porte—Mini-DIN 
       16  External Mouse Port—Mini-DIN 
       20  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  1 —fifteen position D-sub 
       22  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  2 —fifteen position D-sub 
       24  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  3 —fifteen position D-sub 
       26  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  4 —fifteen position D-sub 
       28  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  5 —fifteen position D-sub 
       30  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  6 —fifteen position D-sub 
       32  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  7 —fifteen position D-sub 
       34  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  8 —fifteen position D-sub 
       36  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  9 —fifteen position D-sub 
       38  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  10 —fifteen position D-sub 
       40  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  11 —fifteen position D-sub 
       42  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  12 —fifteen position D-sub 
       44  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  13 —fifteen position D-sub 
       46  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  14 —fifteen position D-sub 
       48  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  15 —fifteen position D-sub 
       50  Keyboard-Video-Mouse Port  16 —fifteen position D-sub 
       54  Internal Video Port—fifteen position D-sub 
       56  Internal Keyboard Port—Mini-DIN 
       58  Internal Mouse Port—Mini-DIN 
       60  DC Power Out to display, mouse, and keyboard 
       62  DC Power In 
       64  Power Supply AC Adapter receptacle 
       66  AC Power Supply 
       68  Video display 
       69  Housing for video display 
       70  Keyboard and touchpad housing 
       72  Keyboard 
       74  Touchpad 
       80  DC Power Cable 
       82  Cable stress relief arm 
       84  DC Power Cable 
       86  Mouse Cable 
       88  Keyboard Cable 
       90  Video Cable 
       92  Rail 
       94  Rail 
       100  Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) Cable 
       102  KVM Connector—Male fifteen position D-sub 
       104  Video Connector—Male fifteen position D-sub 
       106  Keyboard Connector—Male Mini-DIN 
       108  Mouse Connector—Male Mini-DIN 
       121  KVM Connector Position  1 —Red Video 
       122  KVM Connector Position  2 —Green Video 
       123  KVM Connector Position  3 —Blue Video 
       124  KVM Connector Position  4 —Keyboard Power 
       125  KVM Connector Position  5 —Keyboard Clock 
       126  KVM Connector Position  6 —Video Ground 
       127  KVM Connector Position  7 —Video Ground 
       128  KVM Connector Position  8 —Video Ground 
       129  KVM Connector Position  9 —Mouse Power 
       130  KVM Connector Position  10 —Keyboard Data 
       131  KVM Connector Position  11 —Mouse Clock 
       132  KVM Connector Position  12 —Mouse Data 
       133  KVM Connector Position  13 —Horizontal Sync 
       134  KVM Connector Position  14 —Vertical Sync 
       135  KVM Connector Position  15 —Keyboard and Mouse Ground 
       141  Video Connector Position  1 —Red Video. 
       142  Video Connector Position  2 —Green Video 
       143  Video Connector Position  3 —Blue Video 
       144  Video Connector Position  4 —ID BIT  2   
       145  Video Connector Position  5 —DDC Signal Return 
       146  Video Connector Position  6 —Red Video Signal Return 
       147  Video Connector Position  7 —Green Video Signal Return 
       148  Video Connector Position  8 —Blue Video Signal Return 
       149  Video Connector Position  9 —Power Line for DDC 
       150  Video Connector Position  10 —SYNC Signal Return 
       151  Video Connector Position  11 —ID Bit  11  (Reserved) 
       152  Video Connector Position  12 —Data Line for DDC 
       153  Video Connector Position  13 —Horizontal Sync 
       154  Video Connector Position  14 —Vertical Sync 
       155  Clock Line for DDC 
       161  KB Connector Position  1 —Keyboard Data 
       162  KB Connector Position  2 —No Connection 
       163  KB Connector Position  3 —Signal Ground 
       164  KB Connector Position  4 —+5V Supply 
       164  KB Connector Position  5 —KB Clock 
       166  KB Connector Position  6 —No Connection 
       171  Mouse Connector Position  1 —Mouse Data 
       172  Mouse Connector Position  2 —No Connection 
       173  Mouse Connector Position  3 —Signal Ground 
       174  Mouse Connector Position  4 —+ 5  Supply 
       175  Mouse Connector Position  5 —Mouse Clock 
       176  Mouse Connector Position  6 —No Connection 
       200  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  20   
       202  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  22   
       204  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  24   
       206  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  26   
       208  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  28   
       210  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  30   
       212  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  32   
       214  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  34   
       216  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  36   
       218  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  38   
       220  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  40   
       222  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  42   
       224  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  44   
       226  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  46   
       228  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  48   
       230  Keyboard and Mouse signals to KVM port  50   
       232  Processor 
       234  Processor 
       236  Processor 
       238  Processor 
       240  Processor 
       242  Processor 
       244  Processor 
       246  Processor 
       248  Clock generator for processor  232   
       250  Clock signal 
       252  Clock generator for processor  234   
       254  Clock signal 
       256  Clock generator for processor  236   
       258  Clock signal 
       260  Clock generator for processor  238   
       262  Clock signal 
       264  Clock generator for processor  240   
       266  Clock signal 
       268  Clock generator for processor  242   
       270  Clock signal 
       272  Clock generator for processor  244   
       274  Clock signal 
       276  Clock generator for processor  246   
       278  Clock signal 
       280  Keyboard and Mouse signals from processor  232   
       282  Keyboard and Mouse signals from processor  234   
       284  Keyboard and Mouse signals from processor  236   
       286  Keyboard and Mouse signals from processor  238   
       288  Keyboard and Mouse signals from processor  240   
       290  Keyboard and Mouse signals from processor  242   
       292  Keyboard and Mouse signals from processor  244   
       294  Keyboard and Mouse signals from processor  246   
       296  Processor 
       298  Programmable Logic 
       300  Control 
       302  Non-volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) 
       304  Control 
       306  Data 
       308  Flash memory 
       310  Data 
       312  Clock generator 
       314  Clock signal 
       316  Keyboard signals 
       318  Mouse signals 
       320  Data 
       322  Video Select 
       324  Video Switch 
       326  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  20   
       328  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  22   
       330  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  24   
       332  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  26   
       334  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  28   
       336  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  30   
       338  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  32   
       340  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  34   
       342  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  36   
       344  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  38   
       346  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  40   
       348  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  42   
       350  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  44   
       352  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  46   
       354  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  48   
       356  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, and Vertical sync video signals from KVM Port  50   
       358  Horizontal sync 
       360  Vertical sync 
       362  Red, Green, and Blue video signals 
       364  Programmable Logic 
       366  Data 
       367  Horizontal Sync and Vertical sync 
       368  Data 
       370  Processor 
       372  Clock generator 
       374  Clock signal 
       376  EIA-RS-232 Transmitter/Receiver 
       378  EIA-RS-485 Transceiver 
       380  EIA-RS-485 Transceiver 
       382  EIA-RS-485 Transceiver 
       384  Transmit Data (TX) 
       386  Receive Data (RX) 
       388  Transmit Data (TX) 
       390  Receive Data (RX) 
       392  Differential Transmit/Receive High(Tx+) 
       396  Differential Transmit/Receive Low(Tx−) 
       398  Single-ended Transmit/Receive 
       400  Differential Receive/Transmit High(Rx+) 
       404  Differential Receive/Transmit Low(Rx−) 
       406  Single-ended Receive/Transmit 
       408  Differential Clock Out/In High (Clock+) 
       412  Differential Clock In/Out Low (Clock−) 
       414  Single-ended Clock In/Out 
       420  Video Driver 
       422  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, Vertical sync 
       424  Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal sync, Vertical sync 
       440  Daisy Chain cable 
       442  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain 
       444  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain 
       446  Connector for Communications Port and Termination 
       448  Connector for Communications Port and Termination 
       450  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  1 —EIA-RS-485 Tx+ 
       452  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  2 —EIA-RS-232 TxD 
       454  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  3 —EIA-RS-232 RxD 
       456  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  4 —EIA-RS-485 Rx− 
       458  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  5 —Ground 
       460  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  6 —EIA-RS-485 Tx− 
       462  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  7 —EIA-RS-485 Clock− 
       464  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  8 —-EIA-RS-485 Clock+ 
       466  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  9 —EIA-RS-485 Rx+ 
       468  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  1 —EIA-RS-485 Tx+ 
       470  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  2 —EIA-RS-232 TxD 
       472  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  3 —EIA-RS-232 RxD 
       474  Connector for Communications-Port and Termination position  4 —EIA-RS-485 Rx− 
       476  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  5 —Ground 
       478  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  6 —EIA-RS-485 Tx− 
       480  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  7 —EIA-RS-485 Clock− 
       482  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  8 —EIA-RS-485 Clock+ 
       484  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  9 —EIA-RS-485 Rx+ 
       486  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  1 —EIA-RS-485 Tx+ 
       488  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  2 —EIA-RS-232 TxD 
       490  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  3 —EIA-RS-232 RxD 
       492  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  4 —EIA-RS-485 Rx− 
       494  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  5 —Ground 
       496  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  6 —EIA-RS-485 Tx− 
       498  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  7 —EIA-RS-485 Clock− 
       500  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  8 —EIA-RS-485 Clock+ 
       502  Connector for Communications Port and Daisy Chain position  9 —EIA-RS-485 Rx+ 
       504  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  1 —EIA-RS-485 Tx+ 
       506  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  2 —EIA-RS-232 TxD 
       508  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  3 —EIA-RS-232 RxD 
       510  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  4 —EIA-RS-485 Rx− 
       512  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  5 —Ground 
       514  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  6 —EIA-RS-485 Tx− 
       516  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  7 —EIA-RS-485 Clock− 
       518  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  8 —EIA-RS-485 Clock+ 
       520  Connector for Communications Port and Termination position  9 —EIA-RS-485 Rx+ 
       610  Terminator for Daisy Chain 
       612  Resistor 
       614  Resistor 
       616  Resistor 
       620  Terminator Position  1   
       626  Terminator Position  4   
       630  Terminator Position  6   
       632  Terminator Position  7   
       634  Terminator Position  8   
       636  Terminator Position  9   
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred Embodiment—FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4   
     A preferred embodiment of the control and monitoring system of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 (rear view). In the presently preferred embodiment of the control and monitoring system, up to sixteen (16) computer systems may be controlled and monitored from a single control and monitoring system and up to two hundred fifty six (256) if a plurality of control and monitoring systems are connected together. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the number of possible connections may be modified to accommodate an unlimited number of computer systems. 
     A main unit housing  8  provides a mounting base for the Mini-DIN, DB9, and fifteen position D-sub connectors. An external video display device compatible with the VGA standard may be connected to an External Video Port  10 . An External keyboard may be connected to an External Keyboard Port  14 . An external mouse or other pointing device may be connected to an External Mouse Port  16 . A computer or communications device capable of communicating with a computer may be connected via a standard IBM-type DB9 serial cable to the Communications Port  12 . A computer system may be connected to any of Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) Ports  1 - 16  ( 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 ). 
     FIG. 2 details the present front view of the main unit  8  of the control and monitoring system. Power is supplied to the control and monitoring system through a power connector  62 . Power to a video display  68  (FIG.  4 ), a keyboard  72 , and a touchpad  74  (FIG. 3) is sent out through a power connector  60 . The video display  68  is connected to an internal video port  54 . The keyboard  72  is connected to an internal keyboard port  56 . The touchpad  74  is connected to an internal mouse port  58 . 
     FIG. 3 details the present rear view of the control and monitoring system in the open position. A power supply  66  receives power when a power cord is plugged into AC power receptacle  64  and connecting the male end of the three-prong AC power cord into a source for AC power such as a public utility wall outlet or a battery backup system. The control and monitoring system receives power from a power supply cable  80  connected to a power connector  60 . A first housing  69  houses a display  68 . A second housing  70  houses a combined keyboard and pointing device comprising a keyboard  72 , and a touchpad  74 . The first housing and second housing are rotatably connected such that the display may be stored against the keyboard and pointing device and flipped out when needed. The first housing and second housing so connected are referred to as the administration station. The second housing may have a cowling or cover in a shape complementary to the shape of the power supply  66  and the main unit housing  8  such that any cables running between the administration station and the main unit housing B are covered when the administration station is stored. A power cable  84  supplies power from the main unit housing  8  through a power connector  60  to a display  68 , a keyboard  72 , and a pointing device  74 . A keyboard cable  86  connects the internal keyboard port  56  to the keyboard  72 . A mouse cable  88  connects the internal mouse port  58  to the touchpad  74 . A video cable  90  connects the internal video port  54  to the video display  68 . A cable tray arm  82  relieves stress on the cables, organizes the cables neatly and prevents them from tangling. The main unit  8  is connected to the power supply  66  and attached to a rail  92  and a rail  94 . The cable tray arm  82  is attached to the rail  94 . The keyboard  72 , touchpad  74 , and display  68  are mounted on a rail  92  and a rail  94  and may slide forward and backward along the rails. The display  68  rotates up and down via two hinges or other rotation mechanism. 
     FIG. 4 details the present front view of the control and monitoring system in an open position. The control and monitoring system may be mounted in a standard nineteen-inch wide rack but may also be used without the benefit of a rack. The preferred embodiment of the present invention consumes not more than 1U (1.75 inches) of vertical space while the keyboard  72 , touchpad  74 , and display  68  are in the stored position of course, the control and monitoring system may consume more or less vertical space while maintaining a compact profile. 
     FIG. 5 details a cable used to connect a computer system to any of the KVM Ports  1 - 16 . The fifteen position D-sub connector  102  connects to any of the KVM Ports  1 - 16  ( 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 ,  42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 ). The fifteen position D-sub connector  104  connects to the graphics adapter of the remote computer. The mini-DIN connector  106  connects to the keyboard port of the remote computer. The mini-DIN connector  108  connects to the mouse port of the remote computer. 
     FIG. 6 details a head on view of the connectors shown in FIG.  5 . The positions are connected in the following manner: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Keyboard-Video-Mouse 
                   
                   
               
               
                 (KVM) Male fifteen 
                   
                   
               
               
                 position D-sub 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Connector 102 
                 Connection 
                   
               
               
                 Position 
                 Description 
                 Position Connection 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Red Video 
                 Video Connector 
               
               
                 Position 121 
                   
                 Position 141 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Green Video 
                 Video Connector 
               
               
                 Position 122 
                   
                 Position 142 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Blue Video 
                 Video Connector 
               
               
                 Position 123 
                   
                 Position 143 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Keyboard Power 
                 Keyboard Connector 
               
               
                 Position 124 
                   
                 Position 164 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Keyboard Clock 
                 Keyboard Connector 
               
               
                 Position 125 
                   
                 Position 165 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Red Video Signal 
                 Video Connector 
               
               
                 Position 126 
                 Return 
                 Position 146 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Green Video Signal 
                 Video Connector 
               
               
                 Position 127 
                 Return 
                 Position 147 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Blue Video Signal 
                 Video Connector 
               
               
                 Position 128 
                 Return 
                 Position 148 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Mouse Power 
                 Mouse Connector 
               
               
                 Position 129 
                   
                 Position 174 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Keyboard Data 
                 Keyboard Connector 
               
               
                 Position 130 
                   
                 Position 161 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Mouse Clock 
                 Mouse Connector 
               
               
                 Position 131 
                   
                 Position 175 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Mouse Data 
                 Mouse Connector 
               
               
                 Position 132 
                   
                 Position 171 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Horizontal Sync 
                 Video Connector 
               
               
                 Position 133 
                   
                 Position 153 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Vertical Sync 
                 Video Connector 
               
               
                 Position 134 
                   
                 Position 154 
               
               
                 KVM Connector 
                 Keyboard and Mouse 
                 Keyboard Connector 
               
               
                 Position 135 
                 Ground 
                 Position 163 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Mouse Connector 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Position 173 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Additionally, the cable shield runs along the portion of the KVM cable  100  extending from the Keyboard-Video-Mouse Male fifteen position D-sub Connector  102 ,side to the Video Male fifteen position D-sub Connector  104  side. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 depict a block diagram of the control and monitoring system. Two Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) ports ( 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 ,  36 , 38 , 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 ) connect to a processor  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244 , or  246 . Each of the processors controls two KVM ports. All eight processors  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244 , and  246  connect to a processor  296 . Processor  296  connects to a video switch  324  and a processor  320 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  200  are sent and received between a KVM port  48  and a processor  232 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  202  are sent and received between a KVM port  50  and a processor  232 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  204  are sent and received between a KVM port  44  and a processor  234 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  206  are sent and received between a KVM port  46  and a processor  234 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  208  are sent and received between a KVM port  40  and a processor  236 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  210  are sent and received between a KVM port  42  and a processor  236 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  212  are sent and received between a KVM port  36  and a processor  238 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  214  are sent and received between a KVM port  38  and a processor  238 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  216  are sent and received between a KVM port  32  and a processor  240 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  218  are sent and received between a KVM port  34  and a processor  240 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  220  are sent and received between a KVM port  28  and a processor  242 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  222  are sent and received between a KVM port  30  and a processor  242 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  224  are sent and received between a KVM port  24  and a processor  244 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  226  are sent and received between a KVM port  26  and a processor  244 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  228  are sent and received between a KVM port  20  and a processor  246 . 
     Keyboard and mouse signals  230  are sent and received between a KVM port  22  and a processor  246 . 
     A clock generator  248  provides a clock signal  250  to processor  232 . 
     A clock generator  252  provides a clock signal  254  to processor  234 . 
     A clock generator  256  provides a clock signal  258  to processor  236 . 
     A clock generator  260  provides a clock signal  262  to processor  238 . 
     A clock generator  264  provides a clock signal  266  to processor  240 . 
     A clock generator  268  provides a clock signal  270  to processor  242 . 
     A clock generator  272  provides a clock signal  274  to processor  244 . 
     A clock generator  276  provides a clock signal  278  to processor  246 . 
     A processor  296  is connected to processors  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244 , and  246 . A clock generator  312  provides a clock signal  314  to processor  296 . Data signals  310  travel between a flash memory  308  and a processor  296 . Data signals  300  travel between a programmable logic device and processor  296 . Data signals  306  travel between a Non-volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM)  302  and a processor  296 . Control signals  304  travel between a NVRAM  302  and a programmable logic device  298 . 
     Processors  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244 , and  246  are referred to as Port Controllers. 
     Keyboard signals  316  travels between a processor  296  and keyboard ports  14  and  56 . Mouse signals  318  travel between a processor  296  and mouse ports  16  and  58 . 
     FIG. 8 shows a video switch  324 . A processor  296  asserts a video select signal  322  to a video switch  324 . Processor  296  is referred to as the Main Controller. 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  326  pass from KVM port  20  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  328  pass from KVM port  22  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  330  pass from KVM port  24  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  332  pass from KVM port  26  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  334  pass from KVM port  28  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  336  pass from KVM port  30  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  338  pass from KVM port  32  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  340  pass from KVM port  34  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  342  pass from KVM port  36  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  344  pass from KVM port  38  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  346  pass from KVM port  40  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  348  pass from KVM port  42  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  350  pass from KVM port  44  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  352  pass from KVM port  46  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  354  pass from KVM port  48  to video switch  324 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Vertical Sync, and Horizontal Sync video signals  356  pass from KVM port  50  to video switch  324 . 
     Control  368  travels between a programmable logic device  364  and a processor  370 . Data  320  travels between a processor  296  and a processor  370 . A clock generator  372  provides a clock signal  374  to a processor  370 . Processor  370  is referred to as the Host Controller. 
     Transmit Data (TX) signals  384  travels from an EIA-RS-232 port  12  to an EIA-RS-232 Transmitter/Receiver  376 . Receive Data (RX) signals  386  travels from an EIA-RS-232 Transmitter/Receiver  376  to an EIA-RS-232 port  12 . TX data signals  386  travel from an EIA-RS-232 Transmitter/Receiver to a processor  370 . RX data signals  390  travel from a processor  370  to an EIA-RS-232 Transmitter/Receiver  376 . 
     A single-ended transmit/receive data signal  398  travels between a processor  370  and an EIA-RS-485 transceiver  378 . A differential transmit/receive data high signal  392  travels between the EIA-RS-485 transceiver  378  and the communications port  12 . A differential transmit/receive data low signal  396  travels between the EIA-RS-485 transceiver  378  and the communications port  12 . 
     A differential receive/transmit data high signal  400  travels between the communications port  12  and an EIA-RS-485 transceiver  380 . A single-ended receive/transmit data signal  406  travels between the EIA-RS-485 transceiver  380  and the processor  370 . A differential receive/transmit data low signal  404  travels between the communications port  12  and the EIA-RS-485 transceiver  380 . 
     A single-ended clock signal  414  passes between the processor  370  and an EIA-RS-485 transceiver  382 . A differential clock high signal  408  passes between the EIA-RS-485 transceiver  382  and the communications port  12 . A differential clock low signal  412  travels between the communications port  12  and the EIA-RS-485 transceiver  382 . A Horizontal Sync signal  358  passes from a video switch  324  to a programmable logic device  364 . A Vertical Sync signal  360  passes from a video switch  324  to a programmable logic device  364 . 
     Horizontal Sync and Vertical Sync signals  367  pass from a programmable logic device  364  to a Video Driver  420 . On screen menu display data passes over data path  366  from a programmable logic device  364  to a Video Driver  420 . 
     Red, Green, and Blue video signals  362  pass from a video switch  324  to video driver  420 . 
     Video driver  420  takes the Red, Green, and Blue video signals  362 , and the Horizontal and Vertical Sync signals  367  and sends Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal Sync, and Vertical Sync signals  422  to video port  10  and Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal Sync, and Vertical Sync signals  424  are sent video port  54 . 
     FIG. 9 shows a daisy chain cable  440  used to daisy chain multiple control and monitoring systems together. A connector for the communications port and daisy chain  444  and a connector for the communications port and termination  446  comprises one end of the cable. A connector for the communications port and daisy chain  442  and a connector for the communications port and termination  448  comprise the other end of the cable. 
     FIG. 10 shows a position mapping for each of the connectors of the daisy chain cable  440 . The following tables show the mapping of the positions: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Position on 
                   
                   
               
               
                 connector for 
                   
                   
               
               
                 communications port 
                   
                   
               
               
                 and daisy chain 444 
                 Description 
                 Position Connection 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Position 1 450 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 446 Position 1 468 and 
               
               
                   
                 Tx+ 
                 Connector 442 Position 1 486 
               
               
                 Position 2 452 
                 EIA-RS-232 
                 Connector 446 Position 2 470 
               
               
                   
                 TxD 
               
               
                 Position 3 454 
                 EIA-RS-232 
                 Connector 446 Position 3 472 
               
               
                   
                 RxD 
               
               
                 Position 4 456 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 446 Position 4 474 and 
               
               
                   
                 Rx− 
                 Connector 442 Position 4 492 
               
               
                 Position 5 458 
                 Ground 
                 Connector 446 Position 5 476 and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Connector 442 Position 5 494 
               
               
                 Position 6 460 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 446 Position 6 478 and 
               
               
                   
                 Tx− 
                 Connector 442 Position 6 496 
               
               
                 Position 7 462 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 446 Position 7 480 and 
               
               
                   
                 Clock− 
                 Connector 442 Position 7 496 
               
               
                 Position 8 464 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 446 Position 8 462 and 
               
               
                   
                 Clock+ 
                 Connector 442 Position 8 500 
               
               
                 Position 9 466 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 446 Position 9 484 and 
               
               
                   
                 Rx+ 
                 Connector 442 Position 9 502 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Position on 
                   
                   
               
               
                 connector for 
                   
                   
               
               
                 communications port 
                   
                   
               
               
                 and daisy chain 442 
                 Description 
                 Position Connection 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Position 1 486 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 448 Position 1 504 and 
               
               
                   
                 Tx+ 
                 Connector 444 Position 1 450 
               
               
                 Position 2 488 
                 EIA-RS-232 
                 Connector 448 Position 2 506 
               
               
                   
                 TxD 
               
               
                 Position 3 490 
                 EIA-RS-232 
                 Connector 448 Position 3 508 
               
               
                   
                 RxD 
               
               
                 Position 4 492 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 448 Position 4 510 and 
               
               
                   
                 Rx− 
                 Connector 444 Position 4 456 
               
               
                 Position 5 494 
                 Ground 
                 Connector 448 Position 5 512 and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Connector 444 Position 5 458 
               
               
                 Position 6 496 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 448 Position 6 514 and 
               
               
                   
                 Tx− 
                 Connector 444 Position 6 460 
               
               
                 Position 7 498 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 448 Position 7 516 and 
               
               
                   
                 Clock− 
                 Connector 444 Position 7 462 
               
               
                 Position 8 500 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 448 Position 8 518 and 
               
               
                   
                 Clock+ 
                 Connector 444 Position 8 464 
               
               
                 Position 9 502 
                 EIA-RS-485 
                 Connector 448 Position 9 520 and 
               
               
                   
                 Rx+ 
                 Connector 444 Position 9 466 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a terminator  610  used on the open end of the first and last cables in a daisy chain of multiple control and monitoring systems. A resistor  612  is connected to terminator position  1   620  and terminator position  6   630  such that when the terminator  610  is connected to communications port and termination connector  446 , communications port and daisy chain connector  444  position  1   450  and communications port and daisy-chain connector  444  position  6   460  are terminated. A resistor  614  is connected to terminator position  4   626  and terminator position  9   636  such that when terminator  610  is connected to communications port and termination connector  446 , communications port and daisy chain connector  444  position  4   456  and communications port and daisy chain connector  444  position  9   466  are terminated. A resistor  616  is connected to terminator position  7   632  and terminator position  9   634  such that when terminator  610  is connected to communications port and termination connector  446 , communications port and daisy chain connector  444  position  7   462  and communications port and daisy chain connector  444  position  8   464  are terminated. 
     FIG. 12A shows a rear view of the terminator and FIG. 12B shows a front view of the terminator. All positions on the front connector of the terminator are connected to each respective position on the rear connector of the terminator in a straight through fashion. 
     In the preferred embodiment, processors  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  296 , and  370  are Atmel Corporation model AT89S8252 microcontrollers or equivalent; programmable logic devices  298  and  364  are Xilinx Corporation model XC9536 Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) or equivalent; flash memory  308  is Atmel Corporation model AT29C020 or equivalent; NVRAM  302  is Dallas Semiconductor model DS1230AB-70 or equivalent; EIA-RS-232 Transmitter/Receiver  376  is Dallas Semiconductor model DS232 or equivalent;EIA-RS-485 Transceiver  378 ,  380 , and  382  are Maxim Integrated Products model MAX485 or equivalent. 
     A compact disk comprising object code for the programmable logic and the microcontrollers is attached. The contest of the compact disc should be copied to following equipment should be copied to a floppy disk. The following equipment should be used when programming the programmable logic and the microcontrollers: 
     1) Laptop or PC running Windows (NT, Win95 or Win98) Operating System. 
     2) Equinox Activ8r Programmer connected to the Laptop or PC&#39;s serial port via a serial straight-thru EIA-RS-232 DB9 female to DB9 male cable. 
     3) A 10 conductor flat ribbon cable to perform in system programming (ISP). 
     4) Equinox Meridian Suite programming software installed in the laptop or PC. 
     5) Serial straight-thru EIA-RS-232 DB-9 female to DB-9 male cable to interconnect between the control and monitoring system and the Laptop or PC. 
     6) Xilinx Foundation F1.5 software installed in the laptop or PC, to use the JTAG programmer program jtagprog.exe. 
     7) Xilinx Parallel Cable III Model DLC5 that connects to the laptop or PC. 
     The following procedure should be used in order to program the Programmable Logic, Programmable Logic  298  and  364  should be connected to a 6 pin JTAG connector in order to enable In System Programming from a programming device: 
     1) Make sure the Xilinx Foundation F1.5&#39;s JTAG programmer is properly installed in the laptop or PC and that jtagprog.exe is in the execution path. Open an MSDOS Shell. 
     2) Connect the DB-25 end of the Xilinx DLC5 Parallel Cable III to the laptop or PC&#39;s parallel port. 
     3) Connect the 6 pin ribbon cable end of the Xilinx DLC5 Parallel Cable III to the Host Controller&#39;s Programmable Logic  364  to the 6 pin JTAG connector. Apply power to the control and monitoring system. 
     4) On the laptop or PC in the MSDOS shell, change directory to the floppy diskette source and execute “proghost”. Wait for operations of erase, program and verification of the Host Controller&#39;s Programmable Logic  364  and finally for the command prompt. 
     5) Power down the control and monitoring system and move the 6 pin ribbon cable end of the Xilinx DLC5 Parallel Cable III from the Host Controller&#39;s Programmable Logic  364  JTAG header pins to the Main Controller&#39;s Programmable Logic  298  JTAG header pins. Apply power to the control and monitoring system. 
     6) On the laptop or PC in the MSDOS shell, change directory to the floppy diskette source and execute “progmain”. Wait for operations of erase, program and verification of the Main Controller&#39;s Programmable Logic  298  and finally for the command prompt. Power down the control and monitoring system and remove the 6 pin ribbon cable end of the Xilinx DLC5 Parallel Cable III from the Main Controller&#39;s Programmable Logic  298  JTAG header pins. 
     The following procedure should be used in order to program the Host Controller, processor  370  should be connected to a 10 pin ISP connector in order to enable In System Programming from a programming device: 
     1) Connect the Activ8r programmer to the Host Controller, processor  370  to the 10 pin ISP connector via the 10 conductor flat ribbon cable. Be sure to jumper the programmer to use its own external power source, instead of the target&#39;s. Apply power to the programmer unit and to the control and monitoring system. 
     2) Run Meridian programmer software and initialize the programmer hardware via the serial port for flashing the Host Controller, processor  370 . Load into the buffer the AdmCtrl.hex code from the floppy diskette source. Erase the Host Controller, processor  370  and then program it with the data from the program buffer. 
     3) Power down the control and monitoring system and remove the interconnecting ISP cable. 
     The following procedure should be used in order to program the Main Controller, processor  296  and Port Controllers, processors  232 , 234 , 236 ,  238 , 240 , 242 , 244 , and  246 : 
     1) Power up the control and monitoring system. Connect the serial EIA-RS-232 cable between the DB9 serial port  12  and the Laptop or PC&#39;s serial port. 
     2) Insert the source diskette to Laptop or PC, run CPDnld and use it to communicate with the Host Controller, processor  370  via the DB9 serial port  12 . 
     3) Login with a predetermined password. The following password could be used: “System Administrator”. 
     4) Download to the internal flash EPROM of the Main Controller, processor  296  with the OperDnld.hex code from the floppy diskette source. 
     (a) To the “?” prompt type “Ctrl ]” which will invoke the command mode. 
     (b) To the “Cmd:” prompt type “d” 
     (c) To the “Enter filename:” prompt type “a:\OperDnld.hex” 
     (d) To the “Enter destination (D=OperInternal, E=Port, F=OperFlashEPROM or G=OperNVRAM)” prompt type “D”. 
     (e) After completion of the download process, to the “Cmd:” prompt type “r” to return to terminal mode. 
     (f) Type Enter key to elicit a “?” prompt from the Administrator software. 
     5) Download to one of the internal flash EPROM of one of the Port Controllers, processors  232 , 234 , 236 , 238 , 240 , 242 , 244 , 246  with the PortCtrl.hex code from the floppy diskette source. 
     (a) To the “?” prompt type “Ctrl ]” which will invoke the command mode. 
     (b) To the “Cmd:” prompt type “d” 
     (c) To the “Enter filename:” prompt type “a:\:PortCtrl.hex” 
     (d) To the “Enter destination (D=OperInternal, E=Port, F=OperFlashEPROM or G=OperNVRAM)” prompt type “E”. 
     (e) After completion of the download process, to the “Cmd:” prompt type “r” to return to terminal mode. 
     (f) Type Enter key to elicit a “?” prompt from the Administrator software. 
     6) Download to the Operation processor&#39;s external flash EPROM with the OperCtrl.hex code from the floppy diskette source. 
     (a) To the “?” prompt type “I” to switch to internal Operation code memory. 
     (b) To the “?” prompt type “Ctrl ]I” which will invoke the command mode. 
     (c) To the “Cmd:” prompt type “d” 
     (d) To the “Enter filename:” prompt type “a:\OperCtrl.hex” 
     (e) To the “Enter destination (D=OperInternal, E=Port, F=OperFlashEPROM or G=OperNVRAM)” prompt type “F”. 
     (f) After completion of the download process, to the “Cmd:” prompt type “r” to return to terminal mode. 
     (g) Type Enter key to elicit a “?” prompt from the Administrator software. 
     7) Download to the Operation processor&#39;s NVRAM with the DefNVRAM.hex code from the floppy diskette source. 
     (h) To the “?” prompt type “I” to switch to internal Operation code memory. 
     (i) To the “?” prompt type “Ctrl ]” which will invoke the command mode. 
     (j) To the “Cmd:” prompt type “d” 
     (k) To the “Enter filename:” prompt type “a:\DefNVRAM.hex” 
     (l) To the “Enter destination (D=OperInternal, E=Port, F=OperFlashEPROM or G=OperNVRAM)” prompt type “G”. 
     (m) After completion of the download process, to the “Cmd:” prompt type “r” to return to terminal mode. 
     (n) Type Enter key to elicit a “?” prompt from the Administrator software. 
     7) Reset the control and monitoring system by powering down and then waiting for a few seconds before powering up and the unit should be ready to operate for its designed function. 
     Operation of Invention 
     Each computer to be controlled and monitored is connected to the control and monitoring system via a Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) Cable  100 . A keyboard connector  106  plugs into the keyboard port of the computer to be controlled and monitored. A mouse connector  108  plugs into the mouse port of the computer to be controlled and monitored. A video connector  104  plugs into the video port of the computer to be controlled and monitored. A KVM connector  102  plugs into one of the KVM ports  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 . 
     The processor  296  communicates with the processor  370  via the data path  320 . The processor  370  can also communicate with a computer attached to the communications port  12  via a modem cable or via a null modem cable and a modem. The processor  370 , also known as the Host Controller, also looks for EIA-RS-232 Receive Data signals  386  coming from the EIA-RS-232 Transmitter/Receiver  376  and passes the Receive Data signal  390  to the processor  370 . The processor  370  can send acknowledgements or other data via EIA-RS-232 Transmit Data signal  386  to the EIA-RS-232 Transmitter/Receiver  376  which then passes EIA-RS-232 Transmit Data signals  384 . 
     The computer attached to communications port  12  may transmit any of several commands, including but not limited to: 
     Print the available commands menu 
     Login and establish an administration (admin) session 
     Logout from admin session 
     Reset the entire system 
     Read current configuration settings 
     Set configuration settings 
     Switch operating software between internal flash memory on the processor  296  and flash memory  308 . 
     Perform diagnostic tests 
     Set local options 
     Select the Port Controllers that will be active in subsequent operations of erase, program, and upload. 
     Switch the execution of processor  296  (also known as the Main Controller)—between internal flash memory and flash memory  308   
     Erase internal flash memory on the processor  296 , flash memory  308 , or any or all of the Port Controllers&#39; flash memory. 
     Download code and data and program internal flash memory on the processor  292 , flash memory  308 , or for any or all of the Port Controllers&#39; flash memory. 
     Download code and data to NVRAM  302   
     Upload code and data from flash memory of processor  292 , flash memory  308 , or any or all of the Port Controllers flash memory. 
     Upload code and data from NVRAM  302   
     Turn LCD +12V power on and off 
     Turn Debug LED on and off 
     Send commands and/or data to processor  296  (also known as the Main Controller) 
     Get status and/or data from processor  296  (also known as the Main Controller) 
     Submit any of the above to another control and monitoring system connected to communications port  12  via at least one daisy chain cable  440 . 
     Once the Host Controller receives one of the above commands it processes it and looks for more commands from the remote computer communicating through the communications port  12 . 
     Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal Sync, and Vertical Sync (RGBHV) Signals  326 ,  328 ,  330 ,  332 ,  334 ,  336 ,  338 ,  340 ,  342 ,  344 ,  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352 ,  354 ,  356  are received by the video switch  324 . A video select signal  322  causes the video switch  324  to pass Red, Green, and Blue video signals  362  to a video driver  420 . The video select signal  322  also causes the video switch  324  to pass Horizontal and Vertical Sync signals to a Programmable Logic  364 . 
     The processor  370 , also known as the Host Controller, takes the local Horizontal Sync generated by Programmable Logic  364 , generates the local Vertical Sync and passes to the Programmable Logic  364 . The processor  296 , also known as the Main Controller passes data over the data path  366  for on screen menu display to the video driver  420 . Red, Green, and Blue video signals are overlaid with on screen menu display data, if any, and a set of amplified Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal Sync, and Vertical Sync video signals  422  are sent to video port  10 . A set of amplified Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal Sync, and Vertical Sync video signals  424  are sent to video port  54 . 
     The processor  296 , also known as the Main Controller also checks to see if Vertical Sync signal  358  and Horizontal Sync signal  360  are being provided by one of the remote computers through the video switch  324 . If there are no such signals, the Main Controller enables the local Vertical Sync and Horizontal Sync signals and passes Horizontal Sync and Vertical Sync signals  367  and instructs programmable logic device  364  to pass said signals to the video driver  420 . 
     The processor  370  also communicates with other Host Controllers on other control and monitoring units via a daisy chain cable  440  connected to the communications port  12  of each control and monitoring unit. 
     The processor  296 , also known as the Main Controller controls and monitors eight processors  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246 . The Programmable Logic  298  provides the processor  296  with code for being able to communicate with the processor  370  and also the other eight processors  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246 . 
     The Main Controller looks for and processes commands from the Host Controller. Commands coming from the Host Controller include but are not limited to: 
     Get the current status 
     Perform the following diagnostic tests: 
     Select video port  1 - 16  through the video switch 
     Enable and disable video port 
     Turn on and off Horizontal Sync and Vertical sync 
     Enable and disable video driver 
     Show graphics window while measuring the horizontal sync and vertical sync signals 
     Download code and data and program the flash memory  308  or NVRAM  302   
     Upload code and data from flash memory  308  or NVRAM  302   
     Erase flash memory  308   
     Verify code in flash memory  308   
     Turn LCD +12V power on and off 
     Turn Debug LED on and off 
     Echo data back 
     The Main Controller also performs the following tasks as dictated by the program loaded from flash memory  308 : 
     Presents the selected port number or system name associated with the port number on the display  68   
     As keyboard signals  316  and mouse signals  318  are received into processor  296 , the Main Controller detects such a condition and does the following: 
     Reads the keyboard and mouse data 
     Checks to see if the menu entry key has been typed. The menu entry key is a predetermined character sequence. For example, either the “Print Screen” or “Pause” keys could be used to trigger the on screen menu. Other keys to invoke the on screen menu may also be designated by a human user. 
     If the menu entry key has not been typed, the keyboard and mouse data is passed to the currently selected KVM port through the appropriate Port Controller. 
     If the menu entry key has been typed, the Main Controller performs the following: 
     Set currently selected port to DESELECTED to Port Controller 
     Present a Main menu on screen 
     Process the Main menu commands in the following manner until an exit or cancel command or a timeout is received: 
     Present the selected port number on screen 
     Look for a menu command 
     If an Exit command or a timeout is received then 
      Re-initialize the keyboard  72  and the touchpad  70  to the currently selected-port states. For example, the state of the mouse scaling and resolution. 
      Re-initialize any keyboard attached to keyboard port  14  to the currently selected port states. For example, the state of “Num Lock” or “Caps Lock”. 
      Re-initialize any pointing device attached to mouse port  16  to the currently selected port states. 
     Remove the menu from the screen and show the currently selected port&#39;s video. 
     If a Set Selected Port command is received then the user is allowed to select a port using the number keys, function keys, or cursor keys on the keyboard and then confirm the selection with the Enter key on the keyboard. The state of the selected port is set to SELECTED and it informs the associated Port Controller and the Exit command is processed as described above. 
     If an About command is received then show company&#39;s current information, version, and copyright information and wait for Main menu or Exit commands. If the Main menu command is received then return to the Main menu. If the Exit command is received then process it as described above. 
     If a Detail command is received then show information for the first eight KVM ports  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  34 . Information includes the port number, name associated with the port, and whether the port is marked ACTIVE or INACTIVE. The menu code then waits for a command and processes it as follows: 
      If the Main menu command is received the Main menu is displayed. 
      If the Exit command or a timeout is received it is processed as described above. 
      If a Next command is received then show information for the next eight KVM ports  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 . Information includes the port number, name associated with the port, and whether the port is marked ACTIVE or INACTIVE. Then menu code then waits for a command and processes it as follows: 
      If the Main menu command is received the Main menu is displayed. 
      If the Exit command is received it is processed as described above. 
      If a Previous command is received it is processed as the Detail command described above. 
     If a Setup command is received then process commands in the following manner: 
      Disable timeout on waiting for input 
      Display the Setup menu 
      If an Exit command is received then process it as described above 
      If a Discard Setup command is received then return to the Main menu without saving any changes. 
      If an Edit Ports  1 - 8  command is received then display information about KVM ports  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  34  and allow the user to type in a system name and description associated with the port using the arrow keys and character keys. If a Previous command is selected with the arrow keys or page up key then return to the Setup menu. If an Exit command is selected process it as described above. 
      If an Edit Ports F 1 -F 8  command is received then display information about KVM ports  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  and allow the user to type in a system name and description associated with the port using the arrow keys and character keys. If a Previous command is selected with the arrow keys or page up key then return to the Setup menu. If an Exit command is selected process it as described above. 
     If a Save Setup command is received then request the user to enter the password. If the password matches the currently saved password then update and save the settings to flash memory  308  and return to Main menu. If the password does not match then return to the Setup menu. 
     If a Change Password command is received then request the user to enter the currently saved password. If the password does not match then return to the Setup menu. If the password matches the saved password then allow the user to enter a new password twice. If the two new passwords match then save it to flash memory  308  and return to the Main menu. If the two new passwords do not match then repeat the Change Password process. 
     Polls the Port Controller for the selected port for new changes in keyboard and mouse states and status. 
     If new keyboard states and status are available from the KVM port they are sent to the keyboard  72  and the external keyboard port  14 . 
     If new mouse states and status are available from the KVM port they are sent to the touchpad  70  and the external mouse port  16 . 
     If no keyboard or mouse “connected” signals are detected from the KVM port for a specified period of time then the Port Controller will mark the port INACTIVE and return such status. Poll the Port Controller for ports marked as ACTIVE ports 
     If new states and status are available then update the states of the port and mark it as ACTIVE 
     If no keyboard or mouse “connected” signals are detected from the KVM port for a specified period of time then that port is marked INACTIVE 
     Poll the Port Controller for ports marked as INACTIVE ports 
     If keyboard or mouse “connected” signals are detected from the KVM port for a specified period of time then mark the status for the port as ACTIVE 
     If no keyboard or mouse “connected” signals are detected from the KVM port for a specified period of time then keep the status for the port as INACTIVE 
     Any of the eight processors  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246  are also known as a Port Controller. 
     Each Port Controller sends and receives keyboard and mouse data between the Main Controller and each of two KVM ports. Each Port Controller performs the following tasks in a loop: 
     Check for keyboard or mouse data from the Main Controller 
     If the keyboard or mouse data is for one of the two KVM ports connected to the Port Controller then send the keyboard and mouse data through the appropriate KVM port. 
     Check for a request for status from the Main Controller 
     If a request for status from the Main Controller is received then send the keyboard or mouse states and the status of either ACTIVE or INACTIVE for the KVM port to the Main Controller. 
     Check for keyboard or mouse data from the KVM ports 
     If there is keyboard or mouse data from the KVM ports then process it, save the state such as Num Lock, Caps Lock and send the appropriate responses back through the KVM ports. Such states are sent back to the keyboard or mouse on the next poll from the Main Controller. 
     Poll to see if there is a computer that is asserting the keyboard and mouse “connected” signals going to each of the two KVM ports. If there is a connection within a specified period of time then mark the port as ACTIVE. If there is no connection within a specified period of time then mark the port as INACTIVE. 
     Multiple control and monitoring systems may be daisy chained together. The first control and monitoring system is designated as a Master System. Each additional control and monitoring system is referred to as a Slave System. A connector for communications port and daisy chain  444  of a daisy chain cable  440  plugs into the communications port  12  of the Master System. A connector for communications port and daisy chain  442  plugs into the communications port  12  of a Slave System. Additional slave systems are added by connecting a connector for communications port and daisy chain  444  of an additional daisy chain cable  440  into the connector for communications port and termination  448  of a Slave System at the end of the daisy chain and plugging the connector for communications port and daisy chain  442  of the communications cable  440  into the communications port  12  of the Slave System to be added. The first and last daisy chain cable in the daisy chain requires a terminator  610  on the communications port and termination connector  446  or  448 . A KVM Cable  100  also connects each Slave System to the Master System. The keyboard connector  106  is plugged into the external keyboard port  14  of a Slave System. The mouse connector  108  is plugged into the external mouse port  16  of the Slave System. The video connector  104  is plugged into the external video port  10  of the Slave System. The KVM connector  102  plugs into one of the KVM ports  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  of the Master System. 
     The Master System and Slave Systems communicate over the daisy chain cables  440  using the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol as documented in “Microcontroller Data Book, AT86 Series” published December 1997 by Atmel Corporation. The MOSI signal called out in the data book is seen here as an RS-485 Tx signal pair (Tx+, Tx−). The MISO signal called out in the data book are seen here as the RS-485 Rx signal pair (Rx+,Rx−). The SCK signal called out in the data book is seen here as the RS-485 Clock signal pair (Clock+,Clock−). The Master System uses the single-ended Transmit/Receive Data signal  398  to transmit data via EIA-RS-485 Transceiver  378 . The EIA-RS-485 Transceiver  378  transmits data to Slave Systems using the Differential Transmit/Receive Data High signal  392  and the Differential Transmit/Receive Data Low signal  396 . 
     A Slave System uses the single-ended Transmit/Receive Data signal  398  to receive data via EIA-RS-485 Transceiver  378 . The EIA-RS-485 Transceiver  378  receives data from the Master System using the Differential Transmit/Receive Data High signal  392  and the Differential Transmit/Receive Data Low signal  396 . 
     The Master System uses the single-ended Receive/Transmit Data signal  406  to receive data via EIA-RS-485 Transceiver  380 . The EIA-RS485 Transceiver  380  receives data from Slave Systems using the Differential Receive/Transmit Data High signal  400  and the Differential Receive/Transmit Data Low signal  404 . 
     A Slave System uses the single-ended Receive/Transmit Data signal  406  to transmit data via EIA-RS485 Transceiver  380 . The EIA-RS485 Transceiver  380  transmits data to the Master System using the Differential Receive/Transmit Data High signal  400  and the Differential Receive/Transmit Data Low signal  404 . 
     The Master System uses the single-ended Clock signal  414  to transmit a clock signal to an EIA-RS485 Transceiver  382 . The EIA-RS485 Transceiver  382  transmits a differential clock signal to a Slave System using the Differential Clock High signal  408  and the Differential Clock Low signal  412 . 
     A Slave System receives a single-ended clock signal from the EIA-RS485 Transceiver  382  through the Clock signal  414 . The EIA-RS485 Transceiver  382  receives a differential clock signal from the Master System through the Differential Clock High signal  408  and the Differential Clock Low signal  412 . 
     The Master System and Slave Systems communicate with each other through cascade signals using the SPI protocol. The Master System is always in control and through one of its KVM ports  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  it can display the video from a Slave. System port  10  and control the keyboard port  14  and mouse port  16  of the Slave System. Switching KVM ports in the Master System is equivalent to switching groups of computers, each group of computers being attached to a Slave System. The control menu in the Master System allows the switching and selection of one of the KVM ports  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 , each of which could represent KVM ports  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  on a Slave System or a combination of groups of computers and individual computers. Once a group is selected the Master System can use cascade signals to command the group associated with the Slave System to display its port selection and allow a specific KVM port on the Slave System to be connected. The process described saves an additional step of having to first select a KVM port on the Master System and then select a KVM port on the Slave System. The use of cascade signals also provides a way to transfer configuration and operational state information from Slave Systems to the Master System for improved user interface and quick access to each KVM port&#39;s status information. Thus, the combination of Master Systems and Slave Systems appear to function as one large control and monitoring system. 
     Additional Embodiments 
     An additional embodiment is one where the control and monitoring system may be mounted vertically on the side of a rack instead of being mounted horizontally in the rear of a rack. 
     Another embodiment utilizes the keyboard-video-mouse switch and a plurality of keyboard-video-mouse cables without the keyboard, pointing device, and video display. Such an embodiment would allow connection to other keyboard-video-mouse switches in a tiered fashion whereby a video display output port of a first keyboard-video-mouse switch is connected to a video display input port of a second keyboard-video-mouse switch, a keyboard input port of the first keyboard-video-mouse switch is connected to a keyboard output port of the second keyboard-video-mouse switch, and a mouse input port of the first keyboard-video-mouse switch is connected to a mouse output port of the second keyboard-video-mouse switch. In addition the cascade signals between the Systems would improve the user interface of the controlling Master system with the video display, keyboard and mouse devices. 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     An alternative embodiment comprises processor equivalents such as Central Processing Units (CPUs) instead of processors. 
     There are various possibilities with regard to the pointing device and video display. The pointing device could be a trackball, graphics tablet, joystick, or mouse. The video display and pointing device could be combined into a touchscreen device. 
     Another alternative embodiment comprises a KVM switch capable of being daisy chained such that a plurality of interconnected KVM switches appears to be a single switch with more ports than a single KVM switch to a human user. 
     Advantages 
     From the description above, a number of advantages of the control and monitoring system become evident: 
     Rack space required for video display, character input, and pointing device is kept to a minimum. 
     The number of separate connectors required to connect a system to a KVM switch is reduced from three (3) to one (1), reducing the likelihood of a failure due to a loose connection caused by stress on an individual cable. 
     The video display, character input device, and pointing device of the control and monitoring system may extend out of a rack as a single unit. Traditional solutions to control and monitor multiple computer systems require a human user to extend a keyboard drawer. The video display in such solutions had to be extended separately or mounted flush with the rack and consuming valuable vertical rack space. Alternatively, a video display attached to a keyboard drawer by a hinge could be extended out of a rack with a keyboard and pointing device but consumed 2U (3.50 inches) of vertical rack space. 
     An external control port on the opposite side allows a second video display, character input device, and pointing device to be connected to the control and monitoring system. This is useful in a trade show environment where a computer video display output may be sent to a video projection system or line driver and a remote control device may be used to control character input or pointing input or both character input and pointing input. 
     A plurality of control and monitoring systems may be daisy chained together in a tiered fashion whereby a human user may access multiple control and monitoring systems as well as the systems connected to the control and monitoring systems from a single control and monitoring system. Traditional KVM switches may be daisy chained but the number of KVM switches that may be connected is limited. 
     The control and monitoring system may switch off power to the video display after a period of time has elapsed, reducing power consumption and thermal emissions when the control and monitoring system has not been utilized for a specified period of time. 
     A minimum of one processing unit for every two ports on the control and monitoring system allows the control and monitoring system to sample each computer connected to the control and monitoring system for video display independent of the other ports on the control and monitoring system, reducing the likelihood of losing data at a critical time. Another processor reduces the likelihood of losing character input or pointing input to the control and monitoring system from a human user by independently sampling for character input and pointing input. 
     The video display, character input device, and pointing device are protected from dust and impact from objects when the control and monitoring system is in the closed position. 
     No special software or hardware is required to be installed on the computer that is being controlled, other than a cable which has a single connector on one end and connectors for video display, character input, and pointing input on the other end. 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that the control and monitoring system of this invention allows a user to apply input to and view the video display output of multiple computer systems. Loss of data is prevented by utilizing multiple processors to handle keyboard and mouse signals and to pass video signals through a video switch. The control and monitoring system may be restarted by a remote operator or have its programming downloaded or uploaded to a remote computer system, easing the job of troubleshooting and maintenance of upgrades. The control and monitoring system consumes a minimum of space by removing the need for separate mini-DIN connectors for keyboard and mouse signals on the control and monitoring system side and using a single fifteen position D-sub connection for keyboard, mouse, and video display signals. Furthermore, the control and monitoring system has the additional advantages of: 
     (a) allowing more than the eight (8) systems currently allowed by current keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switches while consuming the same amount of vertical rack space as a conventional KVM switch; 
     (b) providing a video display, a character input device, and a pointing device which consumes a minimum of vertical rack space; 
     (c) allowing connection to other control and monitoring systems in a tiered fashion so more than sixteen (16) systems may be controlled and monitored. 
     Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the control and monitoring system can use more processors; more than sixteen (16) ports could be used; a different pointing device could be used, etc. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.