EP2742430A1

EP2742430A1 - Device and method for remote computer operation

Info

Publication number: EP2742430A1
Application number: EP12822492.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicholas J. CASTINE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-08-10
Filing date: 2012-08-10
Publication date: 2014-06-18
Also published as: EP2742430A4; CA2881459A1; WO2013023195A1

Abstract

A network device comprising: a processor, an interface for emulating a human interface device, a video input, a data storage for storing data from a target device or transferring data to said target device, a first network interface, wherein said network device is configured to provide control of a target device, through said interface for emulating a human interface device.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOTE COMPUTER OPERATION

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional application no. 61/521,788 which was filed on Aug. 10, 201 1 , of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technical field relates to remote control of a computer system.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Remote control devices and methods are generally known. Keyboard- Video-Mouse ("KVM") switches provide a way to provide a target computer system emulated keyboard and mouse signals while receiving a video signal from the target computer system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] With parenthetical reference to the corresponding parts, portions or surfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for the purpose of illustration and not by way of limitation, provided is a network device (130) comprising: a processor (160), an interface for emulating a human interface device (140), a video input (134), a data storage (150) for storing data from a target device (1 10) or transferring data to said target device, a first network interface (170), wherein said network device is configured to provide control of the target device, through the interface for emulating a human interface device. The first network interface may be connected to a network 120.

[0005] In another aspect, provided is a network device (230) comprising: a processor (260), an interface for emulating a human interface device (240), a video input (234), a data storage (250) for storing data from a target device (210) or transferring data to said target device, a first network interface (270), wherein said network device is configured to provide control of the target device, through the interface for emulating a human interface device. The first network interface may be connected to a network 220.

[0006] The interface for emulating a human interface device may include emulation of a keyboard or pointing device. The pointing device may be a mouse, a virtual mouse, a touchpad, a trackpoint, or other similar device. The pointing device is a virtual mouse. The interface for emulating a human interface device may include emulation for a virtual device or for emulation of a physical device at another location. The interface for emulating a human interface device may include a USB interface, and the USB interface may be capable of acting as either a USB host or USB peripheral. The USB interface may be a USB on the go interface. The interface for emulating a human interface device may include emulation of a hard drive and/or disk drive.

[0007] The first network interface may be capable of connecting to the network without manual configuration. The network interface may be a wireless interface. The wireless interface may be a mobile data interface, and/or may be a 3G, 4G, LTE, EDGE, GPRS, EV-DO, UMTS, or Wi-Fi interface.

[0008] The network device may be configured to relay human interface device data received from the network interface over the interface for emulating a human interface device.

[0009] The data storage may be configured to act as a peripheral storage device for the target device. The data storage may be a flash solid state drive, a hard disk drive, or may be an external data storage interface such as an SD card slot, usb port, or SATA port. The data storage device may include data and/or software to be transferred to the target device. The software on the data storage device may be for installation on the target device, and/or may be for providing network based control of the target device by a remote user.

[0010] The network device may include a second network interface, and the second network interface may be for connecting to the target device. The second network interface may be an Ethernet interface, a Wi-Fi hotpot, or other similar interface.

[0011] The network device may further include a speaker, display, touchpad, and/or touchscreen. The network device may further include a video camera, and/or a physical optical disk drive. The network device further including a battery and/or a power converter. The network device may contain indicia for identifying the interface for emulating a human interface device. Such indicia may include color coding of cables, ports, and/or adapters of the interface for emulating a human interface device. [0012] In another aspect, provided is a method of providing (300) remote support comprising the steps of: providing (303) a network device comprising a processor, an interface for emulating a human interface device, a video input, a data storage for storing data from a target device or transferring data to the target device, a first network interface, in which the network device is configured to provide control of the target device, through the interface for emulating a human interface device; connecting (306) the network device to a target device having a video output at a first location; connecting (309) the network device to a computer network; linking (312) said network device to a control interface at a second location; relaying (315) video data from the target device video output to the. control interface; and relaying (318) human interface device commands from the control interface to the target device.

[0013] In another aspect, provided is a method of providing (400) remote support comprising the steps of: accepting (403) a service request from a user with a target device at a first location; transporting (406) a network device from a second location to the first location for connection to the target device (409), said network device including a processor, an interface for emulating a human interface device, a video input, a data storage for storing data from a target device or transferring data to said target device, and a first network interface; providing (412) a server computer; accepting (415) a connection from the network device linking said network device to a control interface at a second location; relaying (419) video from said target device video output to said control interface; and relaying (421) human interface device commands from said control interface to said target device. The network device may include a wireless data modem. The network device may include a data storage. The method of providing remote support may include the step of copying data from the target device to the data storage and/or copying data from the data storage to the target device.

[0014] The step of transporting the network device may include mailing (407) the network device with a postal service. The step of transporting the network device may include providing return postage and/or a return postage mechanism.

[0015] The method of providing remote support may include the step of providing

(408) a wireless data network connection to the network device.

[00 6] The method of providing remote support may include the steps of sending

(416) a message from the network device to the server computer; receiving (417) the message at the server computer; determining (41 8) routing information from the message at the server computer; and using (430) the routing information in order to facilitate a network connection between the control interface and the network device.

[0017] The method of providing remote support may include the step of receiving or retrieving (423) the network device upon completion of a service. The method of providing remote support may include the step of mounting (420) an emulated local drive on the target device.

[0018] The method of providing remote support may include the step of altering BIOS on the target device. The method of providing remote support may include the step of booting the target device to a provided operating system.

[0019] The first location may be a customer home and/or a commercial business location. The second location may be a regional warehouse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is an object diagram of a first embodiment network device.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an object diagram of a second embodiment network device.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a third embodiment method of providing remote support with a network device.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a fourth embodiment method of providing remote support with a network device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , provided is a network device (130) comprising: a processor (160), an interface for emulating a human interface device (140), a video input (134), a data storage (150) for storing data from a target device (1 10) or transferring data to said target device, a first network interface (170), wherein said network device is configured to provide control of the target device, through the interface for emulating a human interface device. The first network interface may be connected to a network 120.

[0026] In another aspect, provided is a network device (230) comprising: a processor (260), an interface for emulating a human interface device (240), a video input (234), a data storage (250) for storing data from a target device (210) or transferring data to said target device, a first network interface (270), wherein said network device is configured to provide control of the target device, through the interface for emulating a human interface device. The first network interface may be connected to a network 220.

[0027] The interface for emulating a human interface device may include emulation of a keyboard or pointing device. The pointing device may be a mouse, a virtual mouse, a touchpad, a trackpoint, or other similar device. The pointing device is a virtual mouse. The interface for emulating a human interface device may include emulation for a virtual device or for emulation of a physical device at another location. The interface for emulating a human interface device may include a USB interface, and the USB interface may be capable of acting as either a USB host or USB peripheral. The USB interface may be a USB on the go interface. The interface for emulating a human interface device may include emulation of a hard drive and/or disk drive.

[0028] The first network interface may be capable of connecting to the network without manual configuration. The network interface may be a wireless interface. The wireless interface may be a mobile data interface, and/or may be a 3G, 4G, LTE, EDGE, GPRS, EV-DO, UMTS, or Wi-Fi interface.

[0029] The network device may be configured to relay human interface device data received from the network interface over the interface for emulating a human interface device. [0030] The data storage may be configured to act as a peripheral storage device for the target device. The data storage may be a flash solid state drive, a hard disk drive, or may be an external data storage interface such as an SD card slot, usb port, or SATA port. The data storage device may include data and/or software to be transferred to the target device. The software on the data storage device may be for installation on the target device, and/or may be for providing network based control of the target device by a remote user.

[0031] The network device may include a second network interface, and the second network interface may be for connecting to the target device. The second network interface may be an Ethernet interface, a Wi-Fi hotpot, or other similar interface.

[0032] The network device may further include a speaker, display, touchpad, and/or touchscreen. The network device may further include a video camera, and/or a physical optical disk drive. The network device further including a battery and/or a power converter. The network device may contain indicia for identifying the interface for emulating a human interface device. Such indicia may include color coding of cables, ports, and/or adapters of the interface for emulating a human interface device.

[0033] In another aspect, provided is a method of providing (300) remote support comprising the steps of: providing (303) a network device comprising a processor, an interface for emulating a human interface device, a video input, a data storage for storing data from a target device or transferring data to the target device, a first network interface, in which the network device is configured to provide control of the target device, through the interface for emulating a human interface device; connecting (306) the network device to a target device having a video output at a first location; connecting (309) the network device to a computer network; linking (312) said network device to a control interface at a second location; relaying (315) video data from the target device video output to the control interface; and relaying (318) human interface device commands from the control interface to the target device.

[0034] In another aspect, provided is a method of providing (400) remote support comprising the steps of: accepting (403) a service request from a user with a target device at a first location; transporting (406) a network device from a second location to the first location for connection to the target device (409), said network device including a processor, an interface for emulating a human interface device, a video input, a data storage for storing data from a target device or transferring data to said target device, and a first network interface; providing (412) a server computer; accepting (415) a connection from the network device linking said network device to a control interface at a second location; relaying (419) video from said target device video output to said control interface; and relaying (421 ) human interface device commands from said control interface to said target device. The network device may include a wireless data modem. The network device may include a data storage. The method of providing remote support may include the step of copying data from the target device to the data storage and/or copying data from the data storage to the target device.

[0035] The step of transporting the network device may include mailing (407) the network device with a postal service. The step of transporting the network device may include providing return postage and/or a return postage mechanism.

[0036] The method of providing remote support may include the step of providing (408) a wireless data network connection to the network device.

[0037] The method of providing remote support may include the steps of sending (416) a message from the network device to the server computer; receiving (417) the message at the server computer; determining (418) routing information from the message at the server computer; and using (430) the routing information in order to facilitate a network connection between the control interface and the network device.

[0038] The method of providing remote support may include the step of receiving or retrieving (423) the network device upon completion of a service. The method of providing remote support may include the step of mounting (420) an emulated local drive on the target device.

[0039] The method of providing remote support may include the step of altering BIOS on the target device. The method of providing remote support may include the step of booting the target device to a provided operating system.

[0040] The first location may be a customer home and/or a commercial business location. The second location may be a regional warehouse.

[0041] While an embodiment of the haptic user interface has been shown and described, and several modifications thereof discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. LABELS

100 a system using a network control device

1 10 target computer

120 computer network

122 control interface

130 first embodiment network control device

132 video signal line

134 video signal input

140 human interface device interface

142 HID interface line

150 data storage

160 processor

170 network interface

200 a system using a network control device

210 target computer

220 computer network

221 computer network

222 control interface

230 first embodiment network control device

232 video signal line

234 video signal input

240 human interface device interface

242 HID interface line

250 data storage

260 processor

270 network interface

ŁPPENDIX

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOTE COMPUTER OPERATION

Background of the Invention

[0001] The remote diagnosis and repair of a computer is an area that has received considerable attention. Businesses have long taken advantage of software that allows remote personnel to "take over" the control of a computer in order to, for example, inspect and/or change parameters, install software, modify files, and the like in order to fix the computer. However, when a computer malfunctions to the point where such remote control software cannot be initiated, a computer support person must be dispatched to the location of the affected computer in order to perform necessary repairs. In the medium to large size business environment, this is only a minor concern since such businesses enjoy ready access to support personnel.

[0002] Several attempts have been made to allow the use of remote control software in the home environment. Even today, businesses exist which provide remote computer repair using software to allow a remote operator to take control of a subject computer and resolve problems on that computer. In the home environment, however, the remote control software is typically not loaded on a machine before the computer begins to malfunction. So an initial first step is to try to load remote control software on an already-malfunctioning computer. To resolve this issue, some commonly-used utilities have incorporated remote control capabilities, notably MSN Messenger (now called Windows Live Messenger) includes "remote assistance." However, if the software cannot be loaded or the problem cannot be resolved remotely, home computer users often resort to disconnecting their computer and driving it to the local repair center.

[0003] Keyboard-Video-Mouse ("KVM") switches were originally devised as a way to consolidate the number of keyboards, mice, and monitors required in computer server rooms. Such switches allowed a single operator console, consisting of a keyboard, monitor, and mouse, to control a plurality of servers. Because a KVM switch emulates an actual keyboard, monitor, and mouse connected to the computer, control of the computer is at a fundamental level. In this way, operation of the computer can be controlled even at times before an operating system is loaded. For example, using a KVM console, an operator can modify the basic input/output system ("BIOS") of a computer. In recent years, KVM switches have been network-enabled such that the switch may be controlled across a network, for example Ethernet, connection. Such devices are generally dubbed KVM over IP switches or IP KVMS (although IP is an acronym for Internet Protocol, here it is used as a general descriptor of network-enabled devices and is not intended to limit devices to the Internet Protocol only). In this way, a remote operator can use their remote computer as a console to operate a controlled-computer in the same way as if the remote operator were sitting at a keyboard of the controlled-computer.

[0004] While it is possible to use an IP KVM to remotely control a computer for diagnostic and repair purposes, ΓΡ KVMs do not adequately address the less-structured environment outside of a computer room (server room). For example, many— if not most— home computer users do not adequately back-up their data. So, whereas a server system administrator may simply choose to reload a malfunctioning operating system from scratch, a person repairing a home computer must make attempts to protect the data on that computer. Furthermore, a remote server operator needing to have a cable unplugged, or a hardware component replaced (e.g., replace a failed hard drive) can count on knowledgeable local support to make the needed changes. At home, however, most computer owners do not have the knowledge to effectuate such changes and could benefit from detailed instructions from the remote operator.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a low-cost device for remote control of a computer, which provides appropriate functionality for remote repair computers, especially home computers. There is also a need for a method of repairing computers wherein a home computer owner can procure assistance from a remote operator.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention meets the above-described needs by providing a device able to be connected to a computer for remote control of the connected computer. The device having a processor, an interconnect port in electronic communication with the processor, a communication port in electronic communication with the processor, and a storage unit in electronic communication with the processor. The device may further comprise a display, a camera, a microphone, and/or a speaker. The present invention^* may also be embodied as a method for remote repair of a computer using a device as further described herein. Description of the Drawings

[0007] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram depicting a device according to an embodiment of the

present invention, the device being connected to a computer, a wide-area network, and a remote console;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram depicting a device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the device being connected to a computer, a wide-area network, and a remote console; and

Fig. 3 is a flowchart depicting a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Invention

[0008] The present invention may be embodied as a remote device 10 for connection to a computer 100, the remote device 10 comprising processor 20 and a interconnect port 12 in electronic communication with the processor 20. When a cable is attached between the interconnect port 12 of the remote device 10 and a corresponding port 110 or ports of the computer 100, a link may be established whereby the remote device 10 is able to send control signals to the computer 100. Such control signals may be, for example, keyboard signals and/or mouse signals. The link also enables the remote device 10 to receive informational signals from the computer 100. The informational signals may be, for example, video images.

[0009] The interconnect port 12 may be a single port which allows bi-directional signaling, for example, a Universal Serial Bus ("USB") port or a Thunderbolt™ port. The interconnect port 12 may be a single port and a physical cable connected between the interconnect port 12 and the computer 100 may "break-out" to include multiple port connections on the computer 100 end of the cable. For example, the cable may connect to a single interconnect port 12 on the device 10 end of the cable and may break-out to connect to a keyboard port, a mouse port, and a video port on the computer 100 side. The interconnect port 12 may comprise more than one port. For example, the interconnect port 12 may comprise a keyboard port 14, a mouse port 16, and a video port 18. The interconnect port 12 may be wireless.

[0010] The interconnect port 12 may be a pass-through port. For example, in a typical home computer configuration, the computer unit is connected to a monitor via a 'VGA' connection, a keyboard via a 'PS/2' connection, and a mouse via a 'PS/2' connection. To interface with such a computer configuration, the interconnect port 12 may be configured as a pass-through such that the keyboard, monitor, and mouse of the computer may be disconnected from the computer and reconnected to corresponding pass-through ports on the remote device 10 and the remote device 10 can then be connected to the VGA and PS/2 ports of the computer. In another pass-through configuration, the cables used to interconnect the remote device 10 with the computer may further comprise splitters such that the keyboard, monitor, and mouse of the computer may be connected to split ports on the cables.

[0011] In other cases, the interconnect port 12 may be able to present as an additional keyboard and an additional mouse. For example, in USB-capable computers, one or more keyboard and/or mouse may be connected using the USB port(s). In this way, the interconnect port 12 may simply be a USB connection which emulates an additional keyboard and/or mouse.

[0012] The remote device 10 further comprises a communications port 22 in electronic communication with the processor 20. The communications port 22 is capable of connecting the remote device 10 to a network 150 such that a remote operator can access the remote device 10 using an operator console 160. The network 150 may be a wide-area network such as, for example, the Internet. The communications port 22 may be a wired port such as, for example, an RJ45 port (commonly referred to as an "Ethernet" port). The communications port 22 may be a wireless port such as, for example, a Wi-Fi® or cellular (e.g., 3G, 4G, etc.) port. The communication may be configured as a pass-through port. In this way, if a computer 100 is connected by Ethernet cable to the Internet (with no other network ports available in the environment), the computer 100 may be Ethernet attached to the remote device 10 and the remote device 10 may, in turn, be connected to the Internet. In another embodiment, the remote device 10 may include a second communication port— e.g., a second Ethernet port 40. [0013] The remote device 10 further comprises a storage unit 24 in electronic communication with the processor 20. The storage unit 24 may be a hard drive, a solid-state drive, an optical disk drive, or any mass storage device. The storage unit 24 may be preloaded with software tools for use by the remote operator. By pre-loading the storage unit 24 of the remote device 10 with software tools, the remote operator will have local (in this context, "local" means near the controlled-computer) access to tools such that the tools do not need to be transferred across the slower wide-area network link.

[0014] The storage unit 24 may be used to back up data from the computer 100. For example, when the remote operator determines that service needed on the computer 100 may jeopardize the data on the computer 100, the remote operator may initiate a backup of the data. The backup configured such that the data is copied to the storage unit 24 of the remote device 10. Here again, because the backup is performed to a "local" storage location, transfer speeds will likely be substantially faster than a backup performed over a non-local (e.g., wide-area) link.

[0015] The backup may be performed using the interconnect port 12 for data transfer.

In an embodiment, the backup may be performed using a data port 26 for data transfer, where the data port 26 is separate from the interconnect port 12. In an embodiment, the backup may be performed by transferring data over a network connection of the computer 100 to the communication port 22 of the remote device 10.

[0016] The remote device 10 may present the storage unit 24 to the computer 100 as a new "drive." For example, when the remote device 10 is connected to the computer via a USB connection (by way of the interconnect port 12 or the data port 26), the remote device 10 may cause the storage unit 24 to appear to the computer 100 to be an external USB hard drive commonly used in the art. In this way, the computer 100 may access the storage space of the storage unit 24 to read data (e.g., software tools for repairing the computer) and/or write data (e.g., backup information).

[0017] , The remote device 10 may include an operating system such as Microsoft® Windows®, Linux®, a custom operating system, or any operating system. The operating system may reside (be stored) in the storage unit 24 or in firmware. The operating system of the remote device 10 may include device drivers in order to permit access to the interconnect port 12, the data port 26, and the communications port 22. The operating system will .present these ports to an application program that allows a remote operator to access the remote device 10 and thereby access the ports and the computer 100. In an embodiment, the application program runs via a web server on the remote device 10 such that a remote operator uses a standard Internet browser to access the remote device 10.

[0018] The remote device 10 may further comprise a camera 28 in electronic communication with the processor. The camera 28 may be used so that the remote operator can see a portion of the computer 100 or the environment that the computer 100 is in. For example, the camera 28 may be used so that the remote operator can see the back of the computer 100 and examine the cable and port configuration of the computer 100. The camera 28 may be a video camera such as, for example, a USB-connected webcam. The camera 28 may be attached to the remote device 10 by way of a cable. By using a cable, the camera 28 may be moved independently of the remote device 10 so that a person local to the computer 100 (e.g., the owner of the computer) can move the camera 28 to show the remote operator different parts of the computer 100.

[0019] The remote device 10 may further comprise a display 30 in electronic communication with the processor 20. Such a display 30 enables the remote operator to show certain instructional pictures or videos to a person local to the computer 100. For example, the remote operator may show the person a video demonstrating how to replace a hard drive of the computer 100. The display 30 may be, for example, an LCD display.

[0020] The remote device 10 may further comprise a speaker 32 and/or a microphone 34. The speaker 32 may be used, for example, when showing the local person an instructional video on the display 30 that includes narrated instructions. When the remote device 10 includes a camera 28, a display 30, a speaker 32, and a microphone 34, the remote operator and the local person can videoconference using the remote device 10.

[0021] It should be recognized that a remote device 10 of the present invention is not limited to connection to— and diagnosis/repair of— what is traditionally thought of as a computer. The remote device 10 may be configured for connection to any compute device. For example, the remote device 10 may be configured for connection to a smartphone (e.g., an Apple® iPhone®, Motorola® Droid®, etc.), a tablet (e.g., an Apple iPad®), a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), or any other device. In an example where a remote device 10 is configured to interface with an Apple iPad, the interconnect port 12 of the remote device 10 is adapted such that an interconnect cable may connect to the interconnect port 12 on one end and connect to the "30-pin dock connector port" of the iPad on the other end. In this manner, input may be provided to the iPad, and video received from the iPad, through the interconnect port 12.

[0022] The present invention may be embodied as a method for providing remote computer repair services. The method may comprise the step of providing a remote device 10 configured as described above. In an embodiment of the method, a local person (e.g., an owner of a home computer) may visit a retail store to obtain a remote device 10. In another embodiment of the method, a local person may call a support center having remote operators to initiate a request for assistance. If it becomes apparent to the remote operator that a remote device is needed, the remote operator can send a remote device to the local person (or direct that one be sent), or the remote operator can instruct the local person as to where a remote device can be obtained.

[0023] The method comprises the step of connecting the remote device to a computer.

The method may comprise the step of connecting the remote device to a network. Where the remote device includes a wireless communication port, the remote device may connect to a network automatically (i.e., without intervention by the local person). The remote operator connects to the remote device and causes the remote device to "connect" to the computer. In connecting to the computer, the remote device is able to send signals (e.g., keyboard, mouse, etc.) to and receive signals (e.g., video, etc.) from the computer.

[0024] The method may further comprise the step of using software tools stored on a storage unit of the remote device to diagnose and/or repair the computer. The method may further comprise the step of copying at least a portion of the data of the computer to the storage unit of the remote device. The method may further comprise initiating a

videoconference between the remote operator and the local person.

[0025] The method may comprise the step of returning the remote device. In this way, remote devices do not have to be purchased by a computer owner. The remote devices may be re-used for repairing other computers, and the costs of the remote device do not need to be shouldered by a single computer owner. [0026] An exemplary embodiment of a suitable remote device is provided below.

Size/Dimensions: Height: 1.4", length: 7.7", depth: 7.7", weight: less than 3.0 lbs.

Processor: Intel® Core2Duo® M, 1.4-1.6GHz, or equivalent; 1.0GB DDR2 RAM (2.0GB/3.0GB optional); 866MHz frontside bus

Inputs: Audio line-in (minijack, digital), 2 USB 2.0 ports, DVI (VGA by adapter), HDMI, Ethernet, external power source

Outputs: 1 USB 2.0 out (acting keyboard), 1 USB 2.0 out (acting mouse), DVA (VGA by adapter), HDMI, dtandard audio out

Storage: 64 GB solid state drive (OS), external drive up to 4 TB by USB (optional), internal drive up to 500 GB, internal USB-enabled flash storage for OS loading

Communications: 802.1 In, cellular 4G or 3G (optional), 2 gigabit Ethernet ports for multiple network access

Operating System: Windows or Linux -based

Software: Remote access client, video imaging remote management of video inputs, virtual keyboard recognition

Miscellaneous Options: Motherboard interface, printer hosting functions, faster processor/upgraded graphics for video streaming, networked iTunes® and other home devices, detachable wireless camera for diagnosis use, 6"x6" LCD display for video playback

[0027] Although the present invention has been described with respect to one or more particular embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and that other embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A network device comprising:

a processor,

an interface for emulating a human interface device,

a video input,

a data storage for storing data from a target device or transferring data to said target device,

a first network interface, [to connect to server]

wherein said network device is configured to provide control of a target device, through said interface for emulating a human interface device.

2. The network device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said interface for emulating a human interface device includes emulation of a keyboard.

3. The network device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said interface for emulating a human interface device includes emulation of pointing device.

4. The network device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said pointing device is a virtual mouse.

5. The network device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said pointing device is a touchpad.

6. The network device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said pointing device is a trackpoint.

7. The network device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said interface for emulating a human interface device includes a USB interface.

8. The network device as set forth in claim 8, wherein said interface for emulating a human interface device includes a USB interface which can act as either a host or a peripheral.

9. The network device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said interface for emulating a human interface device includes emulation of hard drive.

10. The network device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said interface for emulating a human interface device includes emulation of disk drive.

12. The network device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said network interface includes a wireless interface.

13. The network device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said device is configured to relay HID data received from said network interface over said interface for emulating a HID.

14. The network device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said data storage is configured to act as a peripheral storage device for said target device.

15. The network device as set forth set forth in claim 1, wherein said data storage includes software to be transfer

16. The network device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said data storage includes software for installation on said target device for providing network based control of said target device by a remote user.

17. The network device as set forth in claim 1 and further including a second network interface for connecting to said target device.

18. The network device as set forth in claim 1 and further including a speaker.

The network device as set forth in claim 1 and further including a touchscreen.

20. The network device as set forth in claim 1 and further including a video camera.

21. The network device as set forth in claim 1 and further including a battery.

22. A method of providing remote support comprising the steps of

accepting a service request from a user with a target device at a first location; transporting a network device from a second location to said first location for connection to said target device;

providing a server computer;

accepting a connection from said network device;

linking said network device to a control interface at a second location;

relaying video from said target device video output to said control interface; and

relaying HID commands from said control interface to said target device.

23. The method as set forth in claim 22 and further providing local data storage for said target computer.

24. The method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of transporting comprises mailing said network device.

The method as set forth in claim 22 and further providing wireless network.