System for sharing human-computer interface of a legacy device with expansion units
US8291123B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49002
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for sharing a human-computer interface between a legacy device and an expansion unit for supplementing operation of the legacy device includes a logic device configured to selectively route input and output signals between the human-computer interface and the legacy device or the expansion unit. The expansion unit monitors input signals from the human-computer interface for control codes designating usage of the human-computer interface by either the expansion unit or the legacy device. The logic device includes a switching device that selectively decouples inputs from the human-computer interface from the legacy device during usage of the interface by the expansion unit to isolate the legacy device from input signals not intended for the legacy device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.