Importance

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Abstract

A computer routing band switcher is controlled by icons on a display screen which are programmable to represent any one of a number of devices, which can have multiple inputs and outputs, connected to a cross-point switching matrix. Routing is implemented by selection through use of a touch screen or a mouse of an icon representing a desired source device followed by one or more icons representing desired destination devices. In response to inputs through use of the icons, the computer generates control signals for the switching matrix which, instead of cables, utilizes printed circuit boards with a high density pattern of input and output signal tracks separated by shielding tracks and selectively interconnected by a plurality of modular cross-point switching units arranged together with the output tracks in groups, with only one unit in each group connected to any one input track, but with all of the units in each group connected to all of the output tracks. Additional functions such as adding or deleting devices from a signal route, patching a device into a signal route, storing and implementing frequently used signal routes, breaking away to other sources, either for video and or one or more audio channels, and controlling devices, are all implemented through manipulation of icons.

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First Claim