JP2007522565A - Computer presentation and command integration apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

  A device (10) comprising a display (28), an input device (30), a display processor (38), and a command processor (40) and a method of using the device. The display (28) receives the composite display signal (26) and renders a corresponding composite image visible by the user. The input device (30) receives commands (32, 34, 36) from the user. The display processor (38) receives a completely different type of display signal (18) from each of the various electronic devices (12), each of the display signals (18) corresponding to at least one window (80). A composite display signal (26) for forming a number of windows (80) is generated and the composite display signal (26) is transmitted to the display (28). The command processor (40) is programmed to route at least one of the commands (32, 34, 36) to at least one device of the various electronic devices (12) via the input device (30). In accordance with commands (32, 34, 36) received from the user, the relative size, position, etc. of each window (80) presented on the display (28) is selectively controlled and stored for reuse by the user. Is configured to do.

Description

  The present invention relates to control systems, and more particularly to new systems and methods for integrated monitoring and control of multiple subsystems.

  The proliferation of computers, control systems, and other electronic devices creates a more difficult problem for human operators and users who must be monitored and controlled. In many processing and control centers, the user must monitor and control three, four or more separate systems in order to fulfill the stated responsibilities. An operator's work area is common with a large number of visual display terminals, keyboards, pointing devices and the like.

  In many situations, this problem is exacerbated when the various systems being monitored and controlled utilize different operating systems and use different visual display devices. Often, the most important systems in a processing center or control room are relatively old systems that cannot be easily modified or integrated with newer systems. Thus, the information that is most important to the user is often distributed across various display devices.

  Currently, there are devices such as keyboard, video, and mouse switch (KVM) that allow users to switch between multiple computer systems while using a single workstation. These devices have significant limitations. For example, such devices typically allow a user to view and control only one system at a time.

  Display integration devices have also been developed. Typically, a display integration device combines multiple images, thereby allowing the user to monitor multiple system outputs from a single display device. However, the display integration device does not reduce the number of control input devices and does not enable redirection of command input. It simply aggregates the displayed images.

  Currently, personal computers and televisions monitor and control one or more systems by displaying images from connected systems and redirecting control from a keyboard and pointer. However, such devices also have significant limitations. For example, the ability to process in real time with many different systems is limited. Furthermore, it does not allow the user to customize the display image by sizing and positioning the various display elements as desired. Furthermore, it does not support the creation of arbitrarily selected subwindows, nor the storage and reuse of information layouts.

  What is needed is a system that gives the user the power to integrate the monitoring and control of a variety of different systems (subsystems). What is also needed is a system that gives the user the power to customize the display image generated on the workstation display to meet the needs of one individual, facilitate their work, and adjust their preferences. is there.

  In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the present invention, which is implemented and described extensively herein, one embodiment of the present invention includes a system that provides integrated monitoring and control of one or more subsystems. As a method and apparatus. The system that provides control integration can be any device in which a user issues commands to and receives monitoring display information from multiple subsystems. In selected embodiments, such a system may include an integrated device that interfaces between a workstation and multiple subsystems.

  For certain applications, the subsystem outputs the display signal in a particular format (eg, an interface standard). Similarly, this subsystem receives commands in a specific format. The display signals and commands of another subsystem may not be compatible with those of the first subsystem. In such applications, the integration device according to the present invention can function as a conversion device between a workstation and other incompatible subsystems.

  In selected embodiments, the integration device converts display signals received from the subsystem in a variety of physically different formats into a common format. When in common format, the display signal is integrated into the composite display signal. The composite display signal is transmitted from the integrated device to the workstation display. Similarly, the integrated device translates commands received from the various input devices of the workstation into commands that are understandable by the various subsystems to which the commands are supplied.

  In certain embodiments, the integrated device may include a display processor and a command processor. The display processor receives various display signals from the connected subsystems, generates composite display signals that form various windows, and transmits the composite display signals to the workstation display. In some embodiments, each incoming display signal is assigned to at least one window formed by the composite display signal. In other embodiments, only a selected incoming display signal or some portion of the incoming display signal is assigned a window, respectively.

  The command processor supplies commands received from one or more input devices of the workstation to its appropriate destination. Suitable destinations may include the integration device itself, adjacent integration devices, one or more of the connected subsystems, and the like. If necessary, the command processor may translate the command before supplying it to its destination.

  In selected embodiments, the command processor communicates the selected command received from the workstation to the display processor. For example, a command processor provides commands to a display processor that implements commands that command opening, closing, sizing, positioning, and the like. Thus, the command processor can provide a mechanism for handling windows that users select, size, position, or present real-time visual feedback from multiple subsystems. In certain embodiments, the command processor supports the storage and recall of various display layouts, including the arrangement of windows that the user has created and found useful.

  In certain embodiments, the command processor may be configured to receive, store and enforce access restrictions corresponding to the user. An access restriction can be any constraint on what commands are forwarded by a command processor to a specified destination. For example, in selected situations, it may be desirable to limit which users are able to control selected essential functions of the subsystem. Thus, access restrictions may indicate that if a particular user issues a command that affects an essential function of subsystem 12, that command is ignored and not forwarded.

  The above features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. With the understanding that these drawings only depict exemplary embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the invention will be further illustrated with the aid of the accompanying drawings. And it explains in detail.

  While the components of the present invention are generally described and illustrated herein with reference to the drawings, it will be readily understood that they may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of the system and method embodiments of the present invention depicted in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as claimed. Rather, it merely represents various embodiments of the invention. The present invention is best understood by referring to the drawings. In the drawings, like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

  With reference to FIG. 1, selected embodiments according to the present invention may include a system 10 that provides control integration across one or more subsystems 12. Control is formed in terms of control loops. The control loop may include two information flows. The information that flows out is called a command. The information that flows in is called feedback. With feedback, the user or system issuing the command verifies that the command was correctly received, understood and implemented by the controlled system or subsystem. Thus, control is defined as the process in which a command is issued and verification feedback is received.

  System 10 that provides control integration is hardware, software, or the like that allows users, workstations, etc. to issue commands and receive feedback from multiple subsystems 12 via a convenient small interface. Any device that can be given any combination. In selected embodiments according to the present invention, the system 10 that provides control integration (ie, an integrated control system or ICS) includes an integration device 14 that interfaces between a workstation 16 and multiple subsystems 12. obtain.

  For a particular application, one or more subsystems 12 are designed with a particular control system in mind. In such an application, subsystem 12a outputs feedback (eg, display signal 18a) in a particular format that may be similar to a particular language. Similarly, subsystem 12a receives commands (eg, key command 20a) in a particular format that may also be similar to a particular language. Depending on the application, the display signal 18b and key command 20b of the second subsystem 12b may be in a language different from or incompatible with the language of the first subsystem 12a. In such an application, the subsystems 12a, 12b can also be considered physically different and say they communicate via display signals 18a, 18b and key commands 20a, 20b that are physically different in form. You can also

  Physically distinct subsystems 12 are often the result of technological advances. For example, the first subsystem 12a may be designed and constructed when a particular type of display is considered standard. Accordingly, the first subsystem 12a may be designed to output the display signal 18a in a format understood by such a display. However, due to advances in technology, new display technologies may have been developed. A more recently developed second subsystem 12b may be designed to output the display signal 18b in a format understood by such a new display. Accordingly, the display signal 18a of the first subsystem 12a may not be compatible with the display signal 18b of the second subsystem 12b.

  In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, an integration device 14 according to the present invention is connected to three representative subsystems 12a, 12b, 12c. In other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of subsystems 12 of various input / output formats or languages may be connected to the integration device 14. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but merely illustrates the selected subsystem 12 that applies control integration according to the present invention. To express.

  The first subsystem 12a shows an example of a relatively old computer system that uses DOS (ie, an operating system used on IBM personal computers and compatible machines) to run applications. The first subsystem 12a may be designed to output a display signal 18a that is compatible with a monochrome display. However, instead of sending the display signal 18a to the monochrome display, the first subsystem 12a sends the display signal 18a to the integration device 14. Similarly, instead of receiving the key command 20a directly from the keyboard, the first subsystem 12a receives the key command 20a from the integration device 14.

  The second subsystem 12b shows an example of a more advanced computer system designed to interface with a keyboard, pointing device (eg, “mouse”), and a color high resolution display. Rather than sending the display signal 18b in RGB format to a color higher resolution display, the second subsystem 12b sends the display signal 18b to the integration device 14. Similarly, rather than receiving key commands 20b and pointer commands 22 directly from the keyboard or mouse, the second subsystem 12b receives key commands 20b and pointer commands 22 from the integration device 14.

  The third subsystem 12c shows an example of a customized subsystem. Such a subsystem 12c may include a first serial communication port that outputs a display signal 18c to a character terminal in the form of ASCII characters. Rather than sending the display signal 18c to the character terminal, the third subsystem 12c sends the display signal 18c to the integration device 14. A first serial port, or a second serial port, or other type of interface is connected to the integration device 14 to facilitate communication of the control commands 24.

In addition to the monochrome, RGB, and ASCII display signals 18 described herein above, other suitable display signals 18 that are received and processed by the integration device according to the present invention may be any of a wide variety of components, composites, or compressed. The signal may also be included regardless of whether it is digital or analog (eg, YC _b C _r , YP _b P _r , NTSC, PAL, S-video, MPEG, JPEG, etc.). In selected embodiments, the display signal 18 may include more than just an image. For example, any voltage, current, touch condition, encoded digital signal, value corresponding to the state of the component, etc. can be used to control any type of display or indicator device and is considered a display signal.

  In selected embodiments, the integration device 14 may function as a conversion device between the workstation 16 and the subsystem 12. The integration device 14 converts display signals 18 received from the subsystem 12 in various physically distinct formats into a common format. When in common form, the display signal 18 is integrated into a composite display signal 26 that can be provided from the integration device 14 to the display 28 of the workstation 16. The workstation 16 according to the present invention may include any combination of displays 28. If desired, one or more of the displays 28 used at the workstation 16 may be high resolution displays.

  The workstation 16 according to the present invention may include any combination of input devices 30. Suitable input devices 30 may include control panels, keyboards, pointers or cursor control devices, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the workstation 16 includes three input devices 30 (ie, a keyboard 30a, a pointer 30b, and a custom control panel 30c). The keyboard 30 a transmits the key command 32 to the integration device 14. The pointer 30 b transmits a pointer command 34 to the integration device 14. The custom control panel 30 c communicates a serial, parallel, or other type of command 36 to the integrated device 14. The integration device 14 converts the commands 32, 34, 36 received from the various input devices 30 into commands 20, 22, 24 that can be understood by the various subsystems 12 to which the commands 32, 34, 36 are supplied. Convert.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the integration device 14 according to the present invention may include a display processor 38 and a command processor 40. The display processor 38 receives the display signal 18 from the connected subsystem 12 and converts the display signal 18 (if necessary) into a common or compatible format to produce a composite display signal 26. To do. The command processor 40 receives commands 32, 34, 36 from the workstation and understands the commands 32, 34, 36 (if necessary) by the various subsystems 12 to which the commands 32, 34, 36 are supplied. Command 20, 22, 24, and forward the command 20, 22, 24 to the appropriate subsystem 12.

  In selected embodiments, command processor 40 communicates the selected command received from workstation 16 to display processor 38. For example, the command processor 40 provides commands to the display processor 38 for implementation, such as command, open, close, sizing, positioning, etc., for the image. Thus, the integration device 14 according to the present invention may provide a mechanism for allowing a user to select, size, position or process real-time visual feedback from multiple subsystems 12. .

  If desired, the integration device 14 according to the present invention may include a data link 41. In certain embodiments, the data link 41 connects the command processor 40 of one integrated device 14 to the command processor 40 of another integrated device 14. Thus, one integrated device 14 can exert control over another integrated device 14. Further, the data link 41 may cause the integration device 14 to be controlled by an external data processing system. In one embodiment, such data link 41 may include an IEEE 802.3 network interface.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the display processor 38 according to the present invention may include various interface modules 42. An interface module 42 may service each incoming display signal 18. In selected embodiments, the interface module 42 can function as an emulator and provides the mechanical and electrical requirements normally presented by the display to which the display signal 18 is sent. For example, the interface module 42 may provide mechanical connection, voltage, impedance, etc. that would normally be supplied by a display device.

  After passing through the interface module 42, the display signal 18 may enter the image structure converter 44. Image structure converter 44 converts display signal 18 to a common image structure. In embodiments where the incoming display signal 18 is already a common image structure, it may be provided unchanged. Any suitable structure may be sufficient for a common image structure. In one embodiment, an image structure converter converts the entire incoming display signal 18 to an RGB structure, for example, of a predetermined degree of resolution.

  In general, the image structure converter 44 may apply whatever processing is necessary to achieve the conversion. For example, in certain embodiments, the image structure converter 44 applies 8-bit, linear RGB, progressive scan. In embodiments where the display signal 18 is interlaced monochrome analog, the image structure converter 44 deinterlaces the display signal 18 and converts the luminance information to a common image structure. In embodiments where the display signal 18 includes serial ASCII characters, the image structure converter creates a virtual image of the character terminal based on the incoming display signal 18 and then transforms the virtual image into a common image structure.

  The common image structure display signal 18 is provided to a frame rate converter 46. Frame rate converter 46 converts each incoming display signal 18 to a common frame rate. The common frame rate may be any suitable value. In one embodiment, the frame rate converter converts the entire incoming display signal 18 to 70 progressive frames per second. If desired or necessary, display processor 38 may include an operatively connected clock 48 to support the operation of frame rate converter 46.

  The common image structure and frame rate display signal 18 is transmitted to an image resizer 50. The image resizer 50 processes the incoming display signal 18 so that multiple display signals 18 can be included in the composite display signal 26. For example, the display 28 of the workstation 16 may have a limited number of pixels. For illustrative purposes, assume that the display 28 is limited to 1600 × 1200 pixels. A user may desire a 640 × 480 pixel window on display 28 to present a display signal originally sized for an 800 × 600 pixel display. In such a situation, the image resizer 50 “downconverts” the display signal 18 by 1.25 times its original linear pixelation.

  Also for illustrative purposes, the user wishes to create another window of 480 × 360 pixels on the display to present the display signal 18 that was originally sized for a 320 × 240 pixel display. Assume that Under such circumstances, the image resizer 50 “upconverts” the display signal 18 by a factor of 1.5. In certain embodiments, the display signal 18 can be up-converted or down-converted by a factor of up to eight.

  In selected embodiments, the image resizer 50 can up-convert or down-convert the display signal 18 in accordance with commands received from the image controller 52. In certain embodiments, the image controller 52 determines whether to resize the display signal 18 by comparing the size of the display signal 18 with the size of the window in which the display signal 18 is to be presented.

  In certain embodiments, the display processor 38 according to the present invention may include a graphics generator 54. The graphics generator 54 adds various image features to the composite display signal 26. For example, in selected embodiments, the graphics generator 54 may include windows, buttons, and other control icons that facilitate control over the integration device 14 or the functionality of any subsystem 12 connected to the integration device 14 and Add a border around the macro. In certain embodiments, the graphics generator 54 is synchronized by a clock 48 having a processed display signal 18.

  In selected embodiments, the image controller 52 controls various operations and processing of the display processor 38. In some embodiments, the image controller 52 receives commands from the command processor 40. Such commands may reflect how the user desires to modify the composite display signal 26 to produce the desired visual output on the display 28 of the workstation 16. For example, the image controller 52 receives commands from the command processor 40 regarding the opening, closing, sizing, positioning, and layering of the various windows formed by the composite display signal 16. Image controller 52 also receives commands regarding which image areas of a particular display signal 18 are to be displayed in any particular window.

  Under the control of the image controller 52, the multiplexer 56 receives input from the connected subsystem 12 processed display signal 18, image features generated by the graphics generator 54, and, if necessary, clock 48. Receive and combine to form the composite display signal 26. Composite display signal 26 is forwarded to display 28 of workstation 16 by display driver 58.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a display processor 38 according to the present invention may include one or more buffers 60 as desired. For example, buffers 60a, 60b, 60c are assigned to each display signal as each display signal 18a, 18b, 18c moves from image resizer 50 to multiplexer 56. Physically, such buffers 60a, 60b, 60c may be independent components or subcomponents included in one or both of image resizer 50 and multiplexer 56.

  In selected embodiments, the buffer 60d can be logically positioned between the image controller 52 and the multiplexer 56 and physically positioned as an independent component or a subcomponent included in one or both of the two. The

  In one embodiment, the buffer 60d between the image controller 52 and the multiplexer 56 may be an addressed buffer 60d. A conventional buffer provides an array or matrix of the same size or dimension as the display to which the display signal is sent. For example, a conventional buffer for a 1600 × 1200 pixel RGB display may include a 1600 × 1200 matrix, with each element containing the RGB values for the corresponding pixel. In contrast, addressed buffer 60d in accordance with the present invention provides each pixel address information (eg, RGB value) or an address that provides an indirect element from which pixel color information for the corresponding pixel can be found. It can contain an array or matrix that the element contains.

  For example, the address contained in the addressed buffer 60d instructs the multiplexer 56 to look for actual pixel color information in some other buffer 60. In selected embodiments, to facilitate the determination of whether an element contains pixel color information or an address, the various data bits corresponding to each element may contain the element as pixel color information or Identify as corresponding to the address. The addressed buffer 60d according to the present invention simplifies the hardware and software required by the display processor 38. For example, the control code for multiplexer 56 is contained in addressed buffer 60d.

  With reference to FIG. 5, in selected embodiments, a workstation 16 according to the present invention may include more than one display 28. Multiple displays 28 may be desired when multiple subsystems 12 are included in the system 10 or when some of the subsystems 12 provide a relatively high resolution display signal 18.

  In certain embodiments, multiple displays 28 are treated as a single logical display. That is, the multiplexer 56 divides the composite display image 26 into as many parts as the display 28. Each portion of the composite display signal 26 is then forwarded to the corresponding display 28. For example, in one embodiment, multiplexer 56 divides synthesized display signal 26 into first and second portions. The first part is forwarded to the first display 28a of the workstation 16 by the first display driver 58a. The second part is forwarded to the second display 28b of the workstation 16 by the second display driver 58b.

  Referring generally to FIG. 6, a command processor 40 in accordance with the present invention processes two types or types of commands 32, 34, 36. The first type may include commands 32, 34, 36 specified by the user for one or more subsystems 12. The commands 32, 34, 36 for adjusting the heat generated in the specific temperature zone control by the first subsystem 12a may be examples of the first type of commands 32, 34, 36. The second type may include commands 32, 34, 36 specified by the user for the integration device 14 itself. Commands 32, 34, 36 for opening, closing, sizing, positioning, or activating a window presented on the display 28 of the workstation 16 are the second type of commands 32, 34, 36. It can be an example.

  Any type of command 32, 34, 36 is entered in any suitable manner. For example, commands 32, 34 and 36 are clicked with pointer 30b, dragged with pointer 30b, clicked with pointer 30b and dragged, typed with keyboard 30a, or special function keys on keyboard 30a or control panel 30c. Input by manipulating virtual buttons, knobs, dials, etc. on the screen image console.

  In certain embodiments, the command processor 40 may include various interface modules 62. An interface module 62 may provide each incoming command 32, 34, 36 and outgoing command 20, 22, 24. Similar to interface module 42 of display processor 38, in selected embodiments, interface module 62 of command processor 40 can function as an emulator and is typically presented by a corresponding system or input device. Give mechanical and electrical requirements. That is, for example, the interface module 62 for incoming commands 32, 34, 36 may provide the mechanical connection, voltage, impedance, etc. that the system would normally provide to the input device 30. Similarly, the interface module 62 for outgoing commands 20, 22, 24 may provide the mechanical connection, voltage, impedance, etc. that the system would normally receive from an input device.

  In selected embodiments, the command processor 40 may include a command controller 64. The command controller 64 receives the incoming commands 32, 34 and 36 from the selected interface module 62, and issues the commands 20, 22 and 24 to the other modules 62. In certain embodiments, the command controller 64 may include a CPU 66 operably connected to the memory element 68. The memory element 68 may include a data structure in the form of an executable file and operational data. The data structure may comprise various modules. For example, in one embodiment, the data structure comprises a conversion module 70, an access control module 72, a topology tracking module 74, and a layout module 76.

  The conversion module 70 according to the present invention is configured to receive incoming commands 32, 34, 36 and determine their destination. If commands 32, 34, 36 are provided to a destination (eg, subsystem 12, image controller 52, etc.) that receives input in a different format or language than commands 32, 34, 36, commands 32, 34, 36 is converted into commands 20, 22, and 24 in the correct format by the conversion module 70. In selected embodiments, conversion of command 34 from pointer 30b may include appropriate scaling of cursor movement. The correctly formatted commands 20, 22, 24 are forwarded to the destination by the translation module 70.

  The access control module 72 according to the present invention is configured to receive, store and enforce access restrictions corresponding to any user. For example, in selected embodiments, each user of system 10 according to the present invention may be required to log in using a username and password. Access module 72 receives the username and applies a corresponding set of access restrictions. The access restriction may be any constraint on what commands 32, 34, 36 are forwarded by the integration device 14 to a specified destination (eg, subsystem 12, image controller 52, etc.).

  For example, in selected situations, it may be desirable to limit which users can restart the subsystem 12. Thus, an access restriction may indicate that if a particular user provides a restart command (eg, Control-Alt-Delete) to subsystem 12, that command is ignored and never forwarded. In other situations, access restrictions may prevent a particular user from opening or closing a particular window presenting a display signal 18 of a particular subsystem 12. In certain embodiments, the access control module 72 receives access restrictions for various users from an administrator associated with the user name with virtually no access restrictions.

  In selected embodiments, the access control module 72 controls access on a user or command basis. For example, each username can be combined with or associated with a list of forbidden (or, if more convenient, allowed) commands. Alternatively, the access control module 72 controls access according to a series of access levels. In such an embodiment, each access level is associated with a selected access privilege. Access granted to a user is controlled by selecting the access level assigned to the user. For example, a user assigned an access level of 5 may have fewer access restrictions than a user assigned an access level of 3.

  The topology tracking module 74 according to the present invention is configured to maintain a current record of all subsystems 12 connected to the integration device 14. In selected embodiments, topology tracking module 74 may also maintain current records of various input formats or languages used by various subsystems 12. Accordingly, the topology tracking module 74 works in conjunction with the conversion module 70 to identify how the various commands 32, 34, 36 will be converted (ie, in what form or language). .

  In certain embodiments, the topology tracking module 74 is configured to maintain a current record of all subsystems 12 associated with any adjacent integrated device 14 connected via the data link 41. Yes. Such a topology tracking module 74 also maintains current records of the various input formats or languages used by the subsystem 12 so connected. Accordingly, topology tracking module 74 may facilitate the conversion and transfer of commands 32, 34, 36 and display signal 18 from one integrated device 14 to another integrated device 14.

  The layout module 76 according to the present invention is configured to support the creation, storage, and recall of various display layouts. The display layout may be any configuration such as a window, virtual control panel, etc. formed or generated on the display 28 of the workstation 16 by the composite display signal 26. In selected embodiments, the user issues commands 32, 34, 36 until the desired display layout is reached. When commanded, the desired display layout is saved by the layout module 76. Later, if the user wishes to view the stored display layout, he issues commands 32, 34, 36 that cause the layout module 76 to retrieve or recall that particular display layout.

  Referring to FIG. 7, in selected embodiments, two or more integration devices 14 according to the present invention are interconnected. In the illustrated embodiment, the first integration device 14 a is connected to the second integration device 14 b via the data link 41. The first integrated device 14a provides an interface between the first workstation 16a and the first and second subsystems 12a, 12b. The second integrated device 14b provides an interface between the second workstation 16b and the third and fourth subsystems 12c, 12d. In other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of subsystems 12 of various input / output formats or languages are connected to a greater or lesser number of integration devices 14. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of FIG. 7 is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but simply how many integrated devices 14 according to the present invention may be interconnected. Indicates whether it can be done.

  In certain embodiments, display signals 18 from one subsystem 12 are provided to a plurality of integration devices 14. For example, the display signal 18b of the second subsystem 12b and the display signal 18c of the third subsystem 12c are supplied to both the integration devices 14a and 14b. If desired or necessary, one or more devices or modules (eg, distributed amplifier 78) may assist in the division, regeneration, or amplification of signals 18b, 18c.

  By receiving display signals 18a, 18b, 18c from the first, second, and third subsystems 12a, 12b, 12c, the first integrating device 14a causes the window 80 to display each display signal 18a, 18b, 18c. Alternatively, a composite display signal 26a is generated that is dedicated to a part of the composite display signal 26a. For example, the first window 80a can display the entire content corresponding to the display signal 18a of the first subsystem 12a, and the second window 80b can be the content of the display signal 18c of the third subsystem 12c. The third window 80c displays a part of the display content corresponding to the signal 18b of the second subsystem 12b. Similarly, by receiving the display signals 18b, 18c, 18d from the second, third, and fourth subsystems 12b, 12c, 12d, the second integration device 14b opens the windows 80d, 80e, 80f, A composite display signal 26b is generated that is dedicated to each corresponding display signal 18b, 18c, 18d or portion thereof.

  In such a configuration, the user of each workstation 16a, 6b may have shared control of two subsystems 12 and exclusive control of one subsystem 12. However, each user may have exclusive control over that user's own display layout (without any access restrictions to the contrary). That is, each user configures the positioning, sizing, etc. of the various windows 80 in a manner that best suits the individual, independent of other users. Accordingly, the user of the second workstation 16a may prefer a window 80e that presents the entire contents of the display signal 18b of the second subsystem 12b, and the user of the first workstation 16a One may prefer a window 80c that presents only a selected portion of the contents of display signal 18b of system 12b.

  In the selected embodiment, each user controls any connected subsystem 12 that has one or more windows 80 on his display 28. Any suitable method may be used to arbitrate control among users. In certain embodiments, only one user actively controls the subsystem 12 (as opposed to simply monitoring) at any given time. For example, if desired, the user who last selected and activated window 80 may have control of the corresponding subsystem 12.

  Other methods may be used to arbitrate control between users if desired. For example, in some embodiments, a fixed distribution is used. In fixed distribution, each user is mapped to a designated subsystem 12. Therefore, only that user controls these designated subsystems 12.

  In other embodiments, dynamic distribution is used. For example, in a “round robin” distribution, every operator has control of the subsystem 12. Thus, control activation by one user can automatically release control from all other users. Such distribution may require linguistic communication between users. However, such distribution can facilitate rapid changes in control.

  In yet another embodiment, priority distribution is used. In such distribution, a user with higher priority can take control from a user with lower priority. A user with a lower priority will take control of the subsystem 12 only if a user with a higher priority has not activated the subsystem 12 (with a focus on control thereto). This may require a higher priority user to explicitly release control of subsystem 12 when finished.

  In some situations, the user may wish to send one or more commands 32, 34, 36 to a subsystem 12 that is not directly connected to the integration device 14 utilized by the user. For example, referring to the illustrated embodiment, the user of the first workstation 16a may wish to send commands 32, 34, 36 to the third subsystem 12c. The third subsystem 12c supplies the display signal 18c directly to the first integration device 14a, but cannot receive commands 20, 22, 24 directly from the first integration device 14a.

  In such a situation, the first integration device 14a may recognize that the third subsystem 12c receives the commands 20, 22, 24 directly from the second integration device 14b. Thus, the first integration device 14a provides any commands 32, 34, 36 received for the third subsystem 12c for delivery to the second integration device 14b. In some embodiments, raw, raw or unconverted commands 32, 34, 36 are sent from the first integration device 14a to the second integration device 14b. In other embodiments, the first integration device 14a generates processed or converted commands 20, 22, 24 and sends them to the second integration device 14b. In selected embodiments, transfer of commands 32, 34, 36 (converted or unconverted) between the integration devices 14 a and 14 b is performed by the data link 41.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in operation, command processor 40 according to the present invention receives commands 32, 34 and 36 (82) and determines their context (84). By determining 84 the context of commands 32, 34, 36, command processor 40 determines what to do with commands 32, 34, 36. In selected embodiments, the context determination 84 of the commands 32, 34, 36 may include an identification 86 of the user who issued the command 32, 34, 36, which is used when the user logs in. By referring to the user name. The context determination 84 of the commands 32, 34, 36 may also include an identification 88 of the designated destination of the commands 32, 34, 36.

  Knowing the user and destination, the command processor 40 is pre-granted whether the user has access rights, that is, the user is authorized to send such commands 32, 34, 36 to such destination. It is determined whether or not (90). If the user does not have access, the commands 32, 34, 36 may be ignored (92) and the user is informed that the command will not be executed due to lack of correct access (94). If the user has access, the commands 32, 34, 36 are converted (96) if necessary.

  Commands 32, 34, 36 are translated 96 in various ways in accordance with the present invention. In the selected situation, commands 32, 34, 36 are translated directly (98). For example, commands 32, 34, 36 for restarting in one form or language are converted to commands 20, 22, 24 for restarting in a different form or language that can be understood by the destination subsystem 12. The The direct conversion 98 would be similar to the conversion from English “hello” to Spanish “hola”.

  In other situations, commands 32, 34, 36 are translated by extension 100 (96). In such a situation, the commands 32, 34, 36 may actually include a virtual shorthand notation for a particular list of actual commands 20, 22, 24. For example, in the command processor 40, the list of commands 20, 22, 24 is assigned to a designated function key. The list of commands 20, 22, 24 may include commands for multiple destinations. For example, one command 20, 22, 24 in the list is supplied to the first subsystem 12a, and another command 20, 22, 24 in the list is supplied to the second subsystem 12b. The Thus, when a designated function key is pressed, the various commands 20, 22, 24 included in the list are identified. Extended transformation 100 is similar to the transformation from “task identified at storage location 1” to “subsystem 1 performs tasks 1 and 2 and subsystem 2 performs task 5”, etc. I will.

  When conversion 96 is complete, the resulting commands 20, 22, 24 are forwarded (102) to the appropriate destination or destinations. Suitable destinations may include subsystem 12, selected components or modules within the same integration device 14, selected components or modules within adjacent integration devices 14, and the like. In situations where the extended translation 100 yields a list of commands that are supplied to various destinations, the commands 20, 22, 24 are forwarded almost simultaneously to the various destinations.

  Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, to create a display layout 104, a user may first log in at the workstation 16 of the system 10 according to the present invention (106). In the selected embodiment, when a new user starts, the default settings may display thumbnail windows 110a, 110b, 110c for the connected subsystems 12a, 12b, 12c, respectively (108). Alternatively, the selected command 32, 34, 36 triggers a default setting to display a “thumbnail” or small 110a, 110b, 110c for each connected subsystem 12a, 12b, 12c. (108).

  In selected embodiments, the thumbnail 110 may be a complete view of the image 112 formed by the display signal 18. Thumbnail 110 may include a real-time image 112 of display signal 18 output by a particular subsystem 12. In the generation of the thumbnail 110, the resolution of the image 112 can be reduced. Thus, some thumbnails 110 can fit within the display layout 104.

  By reviewing the thumbnails 110a, 110b, 110c of each connected subsystem 12a, 12b, 12c, the user identifies the subsystem 12 that is desired to be included in the display layout 104. Accordingly, the user closes (114) the thumbnail 110 corresponding to the unwanted subsystem 12. In the selected situation, the administrator may require that the selected subsystem 12 is always displayed in the form of at least a thumbnail 110. In such a situation, access restrictions may prevent a user from closing (114) the thumbnail 110 corresponding to the selected subsystem 12. The unclosed thumbnail 110 is sized (116) and positioned (118) according to user preferences.

  In selected embodiments according to the present invention, the user chooses to include 120 additional features in the display layout 104 (120). For example, the user chooses (120) to create (122) one or more full windows. In certain embodiments, the full window may be a complete, highest resolution real-time image 112 formed by the display signal 18 of the selected subsystem 12. Maximum resolution may reduce the possibility that perturbations caused by sub-sampling hide information and distort the grid. Once created (122), the full window 124 is sized (126) and positioned (128) according to the user's desires or preferences. In some embodiments, sizing of the full window 124 may be limited to “up-conversion” so that details that may be significant are not lost. In other embodiments, sizing (126) of the full window 124 may be prohibited, and the full window 124 may simply represent the full resolution image 112 formed by the display signal 18.

  If desired, the user elects to create (130) one or more sub-windows 132 (120). In certain embodiments, sub-window 132 may provide a method for highlighting and highlighting information that may be essential to the user. For example, in many situations, only a portion of the information displayed in the image 112 is needed by the user. Subwindow 132 may provide the user with the ability to select and enlarge a selected area 134 of image 112 formed by display signal 18 of selected subsystem 12. In the selected embodiment, a portion of the image 112 displayed in the sub-window 132 is adjusted by adjusting the coverage of the selected area 134.

  Once created (130), the subwindow 132 is sized (136) and positioned (138) according to the user's desires or preferences. By determining (136) the size of the sub-window 132, the effective enlargement of the selected area 134 is controlled. A part of the image 112 displayed in the subwindow 132 is updated in real time.

  In selected embodiments, the user chooses to generate (eg, create and display) one or more virtual control panels 142 or graphical control elements 142 (eg, create and display) (120). In some embodiments, the virtual control panel 142 is activated by a system cursor (eg, pointer 30b), a “hot” or special function key, or some other command 32, 34, 36 or data entry. One or more buttons 144, switches 144, knobs 144, etc. may include bitmap images. If desired, activation of a button 144 or the like on the virtual control panel 142 issues one or more commands 32, 34, 36 that are supplied to the operation of the corresponding integrated device 14, subsystem 12, etc. The

  In certain embodiments, incoming data (eg, display signal 18) may be integrated into the integrated device to determine whether to activate or change a graphical representation such as a lamp, LED, alphanumeric display, etc. in virtual control panel 142. 14 is used. In one embodiment, access restrictions ensure that the virtual control panel 142 is always at the top layer and is not obstructed by any window 80 or the like. Once generated (140), the virtual control panel 142 is sized (143) and positioned (145) according to the user's desires or preferences.

  If desired, the user chooses (120) to further customize (146) the display layout 104. In general, any customization that helps the user to distinguish or more logically organize the various windows 80, virtual control panel 142, etc. is supported in the system 10 according to the present invention. For example, the user selects a particular color for window 80 or border 148 of virtual control panel 142. The user can also enter a customized name in the title bar 150 portion of the boundary 148. The user can also select a default tiering scheme for any overlapping window 80, virtual control panel 142, etc.

  When the user creates a display layout 104 that reflects preferences, requests, etc. to the extent permitted under application access restrictions, the display layout 104 is saved so that it can be quickly regenerated in the future ( 152). If desired, the saved display layout 104 is assigned to a particular key (154). Such keys may be real or virtual buttons, switches, knobs, etc. that can be selected or activated by the user with commands 32, 34, 36 entered into the input device 30. In certain embodiments, the keys are renamed (156) to reflect the nature of the assigned (154) display layout. For example, the virtual key on the display 28 is renamed “heating system” to indicate that the assigned display layout 104 is a convenient and logical configuration of the subsystem 12 that controls heating (156). ).

  Once activated (158), the key corresponding to the display layout 104 may issue the commands necessary to provide the display layout 104 to the display 28. If desired, the user can create a number of display layouts 104 to meet requirements, facilitate work, and adjust preferences. In selected embodiments, the display layout 104 is designed and arranged to allow the user to efficiently perform selected monitoring, tasks, etc. For example, all of the feedback and commands required to effectively control heating can be included in the “heating system” display layout 104 and feedback required to effectively control factor allocation. And all of the commands can be included in the “allocation system” display layout 104.

  Once the user has created a display layout 104 that satisfies his / her requirements, facilitates work and adjusts preferences, the user will “repeat what he / she knows” each time he / she logs into the system 10 according to the present invention (106). "No need. Once logged in (106), the user simply activates (158) the key corresponding to the displayed display layout 104. In selected embodiments, the display layout 104 and associated keys are stored in the system 10 according to the present invention by username. Thus, when a user logs on to the workstation 16 (106), the user can access his own display layout 104. When another user logs on to the same workstation 16 (106), the user can access his own display layout 104. If desired, the interconnected integration devices 14 according to the present invention are configured to share the display layout 104. Thus, a user can access his display layout 104 from any one of the various workstations 16.

  In the selected embodiment, the integration device 14 according to the present invention records current state information for all windows 80. The status information may include location, size, coverage, active or closed, etc. Thus, if the integration device 14 is unintentionally powered off, the integration device 14 may return to the last known state when power is cycled. This may also include automatically logging in the last user (106) and displaying each window 80 in the last known state. Further, in certain embodiments, when the window 80 is closed, the integration device 14 records the last state of the window. Thus, the window 80 is presented in the last known state when it is restarted.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in the selected embodiment, at the start, the image 160 formed by the composite display signal 26 presents an array of thumbnails 110 and macros 164 or virtual buttons 164 for each connected subsystem 12. One or more tool bars 162 may be included. The title bar 150 of each thumbnail 110 is “grayed out” to indicate that no thumbnail 110 has been activated or is the focus of control. However, each thumbnail 110 may continue to present a real-time image 112 from the corresponding subsystem 12.

  The tool bar 162 according to the present invention may also have macros 164 as desired or necessary to facilitate the operation of the system 10. In one embodiment, the tool bar 162 may include a login 164a, a save 164b, a recall 164c, a layout 164d, a shift 164e, and a help 164f macro.

  Login macro 164a may identify the user by system 10. In the selected embodiment, when the user logs in (106), the display layout 104 can continue with the current layout 104 or can be changed to the layout 104 last used by the user. In some embodiments, the macro 164 displayed on the tool bar 162 may vary depending on each user's preferences. Thus, when the user logs in (106), the tool bar 162 may change to the configuration last used or formed by the user.

  The save macro 164b immediately saves the current display layout 104 (152). In selected embodiments, layout button 164d or macro 164d may be “grayed out” for a selected period of time. During this period, any of the layout macros 164d allocate (154) (or reassign) to store the newly saved (152) display layout 104. If desired, the period during which the new display layout 104 can be assigned 154 to the layout macro 164d can be controlled as a setup option.

  The recall macro 164c recalls the last display layout 104 saved by a particular user. The last display layout 104 can be recalled even if the layout 104 is also assigned to a designated layout macro 164d. In selected embodiments, as a setup option, the recall macro 164c can be configured as a single register, stack, or circular buffer with a selected depth (eg, storing up to 16).

  In selected embodiments, one or more layout macros 164d may be included as part of the tool bar 162. Activating the layout macro 164d (158) may result in the display 28 having the last display layout 104 assigned to the layout macro 164d (154). In some embodiments, the name applied to the layout macro 164d can be customized by the user.

  The shift macro 164e can be configured to control which layout macro 164d is displayed on the tool bar 162. For example, in one embodiment, the tool bar 162 can only display five layout macros 164d out of a total of ten. Thus, by selecting shift macro 164e, the user can toggle between 1-5 of layout macro 164d and 6-10 of layout macro 164d. In embodiments that utilize more than two sets of layout macros 164d, shift macro 164e may cycle rather than toggle. If desired, shift macro 164e may only be visible if there are multiple sets of layout macros 164d to display. In the selected embodiment, the number of sets and the number of layout macros 164d in the set are controlled as setup options.

  Activating the help macro 164f may wake up the help system. In selected embodiments, the help system stores locally. In other embodiments, the help system is stored remotely. For example, in one embodiment, activating the help macro 164f launches an Internet browser addressed to a website that includes the help system.

  In selected embodiments, macros 164 other than those shown in FIG. 11 may be included. For example, some embodiments according to the invention may include a setup macro 164. Activating the setup macro 164 may allow the user to enter system setup mode. Available setup options may depend on access restrictions introduced by the administrator. However, in one embodiment, various options may be presented to further customize (146) the display layout 104.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in certain embodiments, when window 80 is activated or selected as the focus of control, title bar 150 highlights and colors from inactive “gray”. Or change. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the “automation” subsystem 12 has been selected as the focus of control. Thus, the window 80 (eg, thumbnail window 110 and subwindow 132) corresponding to the “automation” subsystem 12 has a colored title bar 150.

  The title bar 150 of the window 80 according to the present invention may include one or more macros 166 or virtual buttons 166. Suitable buttons 166 may include a sub-window button 166a, a size determination button 166b, a close button 166c, and the like.

  In certain embodiments, selection of subwindow button 166a on thumbnail 110 may cause the user to create subwindow 132 (ie, define its scope). At some point, if a subwindow 132 for that subsystem 12 has been created, selecting the subwindow button 166a will recall the last formed subwindow 132. That is, the new subwindow 132 can have the same size, coverage, and position as the previous subwindow 132. Selecting the subwindow button 166a on the subwindow 132 may allow the user to adjust the coverage of the selected area 134 and thus the coverage of the subwindow 132.

  In selected embodiments, as a setup option, the sub-window button 166a on the thumbnail 110 or full window 124 may also toggle the boundary separating the selected area 134 between “on” and “off”. The application range of the sub-window 132 can be corrected. If the boundary indicating the selected area 134 is off and the operator activates the subwindow button 166a on the subwindow 132, the boundary can appear, and its position or limit depends on the coverage of the selected area 134, Therefore, it can be handled so that the application range of the sub-window 132 is changed.

  In certain embodiments, the sizing button 166b, when selected, determines to the user the size (eg, in pixels) that the corresponding window 80 will occupy in the image 160 present on the display 28. Can be. Changing the size of the window 80 does not require changing the percentage of the image 112 produced by the subsystem 12 shown. In the selected embodiment, only thumbnail 110 and subwindow 132 are sized.

  When activated or selected, the close button 166c according to the present invention “closes” the corresponding window 80. That is, the window 80 is deleted from the image 160 generated on the display 28. In selected embodiments, only full window 124 and subwindow 132 may have a close button 166c. In such an embodiment, the thumbnail 110 cannot be “closed”. Accordingly, thumbnails 110 for each connected subsystem 12 are included as navigation, monitoring or selection aids in all display layouts 104.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the full window 124 according to the present invention can be generated or activated in any suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, the full window 124 can be activated by double clicking on the thumbnail 110 of the subsystem 12 where the user wants the full window 124. When the user quits the full window 124, the full window is “closed” by selecting the appropriate close button 166c. In selected embodiments, the full window 124 may take on the size and positioning of the closest full window 124 relative to the subsystem 12 when subsequently restarted.

  The virtual control panel 142 can take any shape, configuration, or complexity desired by the user. Selection or activation of button 144 on virtual control panel 142 may cause one or more commands to be issued to one or more destinations. In some embodiments, status information from the controlled system is communicated through changes in the appearance of the virtual control panel 142. For example, if a particular sensor in the selected subsystem 12 registers a reading result that is above or below an essential value, one or more “lights”, markers, or colors are uniquely assigned to the virtual control panel 142. And can be activated to call attention to the situation.

  In selected embodiments, the integration device 14 according to the present invention contains software to assist the user in designing and generating the virtual control panel 142 graphically. In addition, such software includes various commands 32 that are issued when the user selects, activates, adjusts, etc. buttons 144, switches 144, knobs 144, dials, step-by-step controls, etc. on the virtual control panel 142. It may also be possible to express 34, 36 clearly.

  The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the basic functions or essential characteristics of the invention. The described embodiments are to be understood in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system according to the present invention comprising an integrated device that interfaces between a workstation and multiple subsystems. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an integrated device according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display processor in an integrated device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display processor equipped with an addressed buffer according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partial schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display processor according to the present invention that provides a composite display signal to multiple workstation displays. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a command processor in an integrated device according to the present invention. A first integration device that interfaces between a first workstation and a number of first subsystems, a second integration that interfaces between a second workstation and a number of second subsystems 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a system according to the invention comprising a device and a data link connecting a first integrated device to a second integrated device. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a command processor in accordance with the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for creating a display layout according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display layout according to the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen shot showing one embodiment of a display layout created by the present invention to include a tool bar and various “thumbnail” windows. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen shot showing an alternative embodiment of a display layout created by the present invention to include a tool bar, various thumbnail windows, and a sub-window corresponding to one of the thumbnail windows. Screen shot showing another alternative embodiment of the display layout created by the present invention to include a tool bar, various thumbnail windows, a full window corresponding to one of the thumbnail windows, and a virtual control panel Schematic showing.

Claims (39)

A device,
At least one display configured to receive a composite display signal and render a corresponding composite image viewable by a user;
At least one input device for receiving commands from a user;
A plurality of display signals including a display signal is received from each device of the plurality of electronic devices, and each signal of the plurality of display signals forms the plurality of windows corresponding to at least one window of the plurality of windows. A display processor configured to generate a composite display signal for transmitting the composite display signal to the at least one display;
At least one of the commands is programmed to be routed to at least one device of the plurality of electronic devices, and for reuse by a user, the relative size of each window of the plurality of windows is determined according to the command. And a command processor configured to be selectively controlled and stored. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the relative size is selected to be any size selected by a user according to personal preferences. The command processor is further configured to selectively control and save a relative positioning of each of the plurality of windows according to the command for reuse by a user. Equipment. At least one of the plurality of display signals corresponds to a constituent image;
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the command processor is further configured to selectively control a portion of a constituent image displayed in one of the plurality of windows according to the command. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least two of the plurality of display signals are physically different in form. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the display processor further processes the plurality of display signals to form a plurality of processed display signals in a common physical format. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the display processor further integrates the plurality of processed display signals to generate the composite display signal. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one input device is selected from the group consisting of a pointing device, a custom input device, a touch screen, and a keyboard. The command processor is further configured to selectively control and save the relative positioning of each window of the plurality of windows according to the command for reuse by a user. The device described. At least one of the plurality of display signals corresponds to a constituent image;
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the command processor is further configured to selectively control a portion of the constituent image displayed in one of the plurality of windows in accordance with the command. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of windows includes at least one thumbnail, subwindow, and full window. The plurality of windows include at least one thumbnail presenting the component image and at least one sub-window presenting a part of the component image, and the thumbnail further defines a boundary that delimits part of the component image 11. The apparatus of claim 10, presenting. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the command processor is further configured to scale cursor movement across the composite image. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one input device is selected from the group consisting of a pointing device, a keyboard, a custom input device, and a touch screen. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the command processor is further configured to share control of one of the plurality of electronic devices with another apparatus. The command processor enlarges and reduces the relative size of each window of the plurality of windows without changing the position of each window of the plurality of windows or changing the display contents in each window. The apparatus of claim 1, further configured to control via the. The plurality of display signals are digital component image signals, analog component image signals, digital composite image signals, analog composite image signals, digital compressed image signals, voltages, currents, contact conditions, encoded digital signals, and component The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is of a type selected from a group of values corresponding to states. A device,
At least one display;
At least one input device for receiving commands from a user;
A display processor for receiving a plurality of display signals including one display signal from each of a plurality of electronic devices, wherein at least two of the plurality of display signals are physically completely different in form; A display processor;
The display processor generates a composite display signal for forming a plurality of windows, each signal of the plurality of display signals corresponding to at least one window of the plurality of windows, and Further configured to transmit to one display;
The at least one of the commands is programmed to route to at least one device of the plurality of electronic devices and is relative to each window of the plurality of windows according to the command for reuse by a user. A command processor configured to selectively control and store positioning. A device,
At least one display;
At least one input device for receiving commands from a user;
A display processor for receiving a plurality of display signals including one display signal from each device of a plurality of electronic devices, wherein at least two of the plurality of display signals are physically different in form, A display processor, wherein at least one of the display signals corresponds to an image;
The display processor generates a composite display signal for forming the plurality of windows, each signal of the plurality of display signals corresponding to at least one window of the plurality of windows, and Further configured to transmit to one display;
At least one of the commands is programmed to route to at least one device of the plurality of electronic devices and is displayed in each of the plurality of windows according to the command for reuse by a user A command processor configured to selectively control and save a portion of the image. A method,
Receiving a plurality of display signals from a plurality of electrical devices;
Generating a composite display signal that forms a plurality of windows, each display signal of the plurality of display signals corresponding to at least one window of the plurality of windows; thing,
Transmitting the composite display signal to at least one display;
Receiving a first command from a first user;
Routing at least one of the first commands to at least one device of the plurality of electronic devices;
Forming a first layout by controlling a relative size of each of the plurality of windows according to the first command;
Saving the first layout for call back. The method of claim 20, wherein forming the first layout further comprises controlling a relative positioning of each of the plurality of windows in accordance with the first command. The method of claim 21, wherein at least one display signal of the plurality of display signals corresponds to an image. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein forming the first layout further comprises controlling a portion of the image displayed in a window of the plurality of windows according to the first command. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the plurality of windows include at least one thumbnail and at least one subwindow. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the plurality of windows include at least one thumbnail that presents the image and at least one sub-window that presents a portion of the image. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the thumbnail further presents a boundary that delimits a portion of the image. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein receiving the first command from the first user comprises receiving a command corresponding to cursor movement. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising scaling the cursor movement. 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising receiving a second command from a second user. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising forming a second layout by controlling the relative size of each window of the plurality of windows in accordance with the second command. 32. The method of claim 30, further comprising saving the second layout for call back. Controlling the relative size of each window of the plurality of windows controls enlargement and reduction without changing the position of each window of the plurality of windows or changing the display contents in each window. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising: The plurality of display signals are digital component image signals, analog component image signals, digital composite image signals, analog composite image signals, digital compressed image signals, voltages, currents, contact conditions, encoded digital signals, and component 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the method is in a form selected from a group of values corresponding to states. The plurality of windows includes at least one thumbnail and at least one subwindow, the at least one thumbnail presents an image, the at least one subwindow presents a portion of the image, and the at least one subwindow 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the thumbnail further presents a boundary that delimits the portion of the image. Receiving a second command from a second user;
Routing at least one of the second commands to at least one device of the plurality of electronic devices;
Forming a second layout by controlling the relative size of each window of the plurality of windows according to the second command, and saving the second layout for recall 21. The method of claim 20, comprising. Controlling the relative size of each window of the plurality of windows controls enlargement and reduction without changing the position of each window of the plurality of windows or changing the display contents in each window. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: A method,
Receiving a plurality of display signals from a plurality of electrical devices;
Generating a composite display signal forming a plurality of windows, wherein each display signal of the plurality of display signals corresponds to at least one window of the plurality of windows; thing,
Transmitting the composite display signal to at least one display;
Receiving commands from users,
Routing at least one of the commands to at least one device of the plurality of electronic devices;
Forming a layout by controlling relative positioning of each of the plurality of windows according to the command;
Saving the layout for call back. A method,
Selecting a system comprising: a user; at least one display; a first electrical device that communicates a first display signal to a processor in a first format; and a second display signal. A processor operably connected to at least one input device for receiving commands from a second electrical device that communicates to the processor in a second format that is completely different from the first format;
Said at least one display for simultaneously presenting a first image in a first window and a second image in a second window;
The first image derived from the first display signal by the processor;
Selecting the system comprising the second image derived from the second display signal by the processor;
Routing the at least one command to at least one of the first and second electronic devices;
Forming a custom layout by changing the area ratio of the at least one display occupied by the first window according to the command;
Saving the custom layout for recall. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein forming a custom layout further comprises changing a position of one of the first and second windows on the at least one display in accordance with the command.

Images