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lyc233333
lyc233333

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HarmonyOS distributed hardware management: a super practical guide to keyboard and mouse crossing + peripheral sharing

As a worker who repeatedly jumps in multi-device office, I finally discovered how delicious HarmonyOS's distributed hardware management is!Last time I was in the meeting, I used a set of keyboard and mouse to control my computer and tablet. My colleague thought I had turned on plug-ins, so today I will share these magical functions with you~

1. Keyboard and mouse travel: a set of magic to control all devices

1. Application scenario: a magic weapon for meetings?No, it is an efficiency tool!

When the department reported last week, I used the computer keyboard and mouse to directly operate the PPT next to me. The leader thought I had synchronized it in advance~ In fact, HarmonyOS's keyboard and mouse crossing function can allow a set of keyboard and mouse to control multiple devices:

  • Office scene: When typing on the computer, drag the file directly to the tablet next to it without sending it back
  • Family Entertainment: When watching TV dramas, using your phone as a keyboard to send barrage is 100 times more convenient than remote control

2. Code implementation: 5 lines of code to enable cross-device control 

import { distributedInputManager } from '@kit.DistributedServiceKit';

// Create a device input manager
let inputMgr = distributedInputManager.createInputManager();
let target device ID = 'colleague tablet deviceId';

// Move the mouse to the (100, 100) coordinates of the target device
inputMgr.sendMouseEvent(target device ID, { type:'move', x: 100, y: 100 });
// Simulate the keyboard to enter "Hello"
inputMgr.sendKeyEvent(target device ID, { type:'down', keyCode: 'H'.charCodeAt(0) });
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This code is like installing a portal for the keyboard and mouse. Be careful to complete the equipment authentication first.

2. Peripheral sharing: The printer no longer needs to be plugged in

1. Shared printer: Money-saving tips for small offices

In the past, every computer in the company connected the printer, and now it uses HarmonyOS to share one:

  • Operation steps: Computer A connects to the printer, Computer B calls the share directly, and does not need to install the driver
  • Applicable scenario: Print your child's homework directly at home without turning on the computer to transfer files

2. Code example: 3-step sending print task 

import { distributedPeripheralManager } from '@kit.DistributedServiceKit';

let printer ID = 'living room printer deviceId';
let Print Manager = distributedPeripheralManager.createPeripheralManager();

// Send a print task (assuming the file path is ready)
Print Manager.sendPrintTask(Print ID, { filePath: '/Document/Conference Minutes.docx' })
.then(() => console.log('Print task sent'))
.catch(err => console.error('Print failed:' + err.message));
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Remember to confirm that the printer supports distributed sharing first~

3. Tips for avoiding pits: I've stepped on these pits for you

Problem Scenarios Solutions My Practical Experience
High keyboard and mouse delay Together with one Wi-Fi, turn off Bluetooth and try again It is more stable to use the 5G frequency band when partitioning walls
The peripheral cannot be connected Check whether the device ID is correct and restart the peripheral The printer is powered off and restarted to solve 80% of the problems
Permission error Add this line to the configuration file: "ohos.permission.DISTRIBUTED_DEVICE_CONTROL" For the first time, I forgot to add permissions, and I searched for half an hour

The last thought

When I first traveled with a keyboard and mouse, my colleague saw my mouse flying around between two devices and asked me if I had learned hacking technology. In fact, HarmonyOS packaged the complex distributed protocol very simply. Now my TV, tablet, and printer at home are all connected together, and I can control all devices with a mobile phone~

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