SCREENS Project
Keyboard and mouse switching development
Another useful function of the multimedia switching network is that the instructor can take control over the keyboard and the mouse of the computer he/she has selected. This feature enables the instructor at his/her own computer to guide a student when it is needed. This feature also enables a teacher to prepare software and files for all computers remotely before the lesson on his/her own computer.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector is replacing old keyboard and mouse connectors in personal computers. USB brings ease of use, reduced system cost and true Plug and Play convenience to PC users but at the same time it is challenge for developers due to its complexity.
The main components of the USB board are USB controller and ARM7 microcontroller. The software of the USB module consists of USB host and device drivers as well as command interpreter. The main development work of the USB board and the User Panel was done by Consorzio Roma Ricerche.
Picture 5: USB board