Virtual user interface

Abstract

The invention relates to a virtual user interface between the user terminal device and a cloud with its hardware for execution of an application. The application is executed directly by the terminal device by the application being installed on or uploaded to a remote server or computer.

Description

Virtual user interface

[0001] The invention relates to a virtual user interface between a user's terminal device and a cloud with its hardware for executing an application.

[0002] For simplified representation, the following abbreviations are used: • App: Application / Application / Application • BM: Baremetal: A server or computer is hardware, i.e., a physical computer. This type of server or computer does not require pre-installed software (such as the operating system or other software). • Cloud: Computing resources (computer resources, accelerators, or servers) that users can access and use remotely. The computing resources can be: o On-premises or private: on your own premises, infrastructure, or under your own control; o Public: with a third-party provider; or o Hybrid: that is, you have a mix of your own and third-party computing resources. The cloud can include software that manages, administers, or controls computing resources. This software is often called a CMS. • CM: Cloud Management • CMS: Cloud Management Software / Solution • Containers: Containers are a kind of light version of virtual machines. While virtual machines use the hardware of a computer, i.e. the processor, the Confirmation copy While virtualizing hard disks, etc., containers virtualize the operating system. This is also called container virtualization. • Computer: PC, laptop, calculator, accelerator or server • CS: Computer or HW resources • CSP: Cloud service provider, the provider that manages and / or administers the cloud. This can be the company itself (on-premises or hybrid cloud) or third-party providers (on-premises / private, public, or hybrid cloud). • Device: computer, smartphone, cell phone or tablet. • GUI: Graphical User Interface • HW: Hardware (computer, PC, laptop, calculator, accelerator or server) • HPC: High-performance Computing • Intranet: The intranet is a standalone network that is not directly connected to the Internet, but functions in the same way • PC: Personal computer. Calculator • RUN: Exports • SW: Software • TM: Terminal, end device, access interface in the end device. This can be a PC, a computer, a laptop, or a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone). • User: User or operator UI (User Interface): User interface • VCAI : Virtual Cloud Application Interface • VM: Virtual Machine • WEB: Web interface or web surface

[0003] The following problem exists with such interfaces.

[0004] The CSP establishes a connection between a user and the CSP's hardware resources.

[0005] The resulting problem is clearly explained by comparing CSP (cloud service provider) versus taxi service.

[0006] How to use the cloud today (example: taxi)

[0007] When you order a taxi to travel from A to B, you call the taxi service and ask for a taxi (a car with a driver). This will take you from A to B. The job is done.

[0008] The taxi service won't ask you what car model (VW, BW, etc.), how many horsepower, how old it is, etc. You simply get a car, and that car will do your job: get you from A to B.

[0009] Analogous to a taxi service, this can be described using a cloud. If you try to launch an application in the cloud, e.g., train a KL model or run a simulation, the following steps occur:

[0010] Step 1 : Register with your CSP

[0011] Step 2: Configure your HW you need: You will be asked how many CPU cores, memory size, what type of GPU, ...etc.

[0012] In the end, you get access to a specific HW resource (shared, dedicated, or many nodes) in the form of BM, VM, or container.

[0013] The HW you receive may or may not contain your application.

[0014] Step 3: The user runs the application on that specific machine, or installs and runs it. In some cases, you get a pre-installed VM (virtual machine) or container with a pre-installed application.

[0015] In this case, the user has access to a dedicated HW (BM, VM or container) and must run his application on this HW.

[0016] This is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0017] The problem with the cloud, especially for AI and HPC users, is the significant barrier preventing them from running their applications directly. This barrier arises from the complexity and technical requirements of setting up and managing the cloud infrastructure for these specific applications.

[0018] Another problem is security: Since many users use the cloud or computing resources simultaneously, this poses a significant security risk. This means that adequate data protection can no longer be guaranteed for individual users.

[0019] For AI users and companies with limited technical knowledge, accessing and using these resources on traditional cloud platforms can be daunting. Many cloud services are primarily aimed at developers or IT professionals and require a certain level of knowledge and experience with cloud management. This prevents non-technical users, who may be experts in AI or HPC but lack the necessary cloud expertise, from running their applications directly.

[0020] This problem is solved with a virtual cloud application interface (VCAI) having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0021] The VCAI establishes a virtual, rather than direct, connection between a user and their application(s) with one or more clouds. This connection can be a BM, container, VM, or other type.

[0022] VCAI is a virtual user interface for the cloud (private, public, or hybrid) that allows an application to be executed directly from the user's device.

[0023] In this scenario, the user runs their application directly from their device (e.g., PC). VCAI selects the appropriate hardware resources and executes the application on behalf of the user. The VCAI selects one or more compute nodes (shared or many nodes) on which the application is ready or is being prepared just in time.

[0024] This leads to the following advantages: • The VCAI can generate a virtual user to connect to the cloud. • The VCAI can also build a local network if necessary. • The user does not know where the application is running. The user has control over the application itself, but not over the hardware. However, the application configuration affects the hardware configuration. • In this case, the computing resources in the cloud are connected to a single user (VCAI). However, this user can generate multiple virtual users and connect to the computing resources in the cloud.

[0025] The VCAI can be a part of the CMS, it can be a part of the SW that controls and / or administers and / or manages computing resources, it can operate before the CMS, it can operate after the CMS, and it can include the CMS functions as a complete solution.

[0026] This is shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0027] The main advantages of the invention are its safety and simplicity.

[0028] Security: VCAI prevents users from directly accessing computing resources in the cloud, thus fully protecting individual user data.

[0029] Simplification: A cloud solution is proposed with the goal of revolutionizing the accessibility and use of cloud services. VCAI focuses on empowering new cloud end users, particularly in the areas of AI and HPC, and overcomes barriers that previously limited access to complex AI training and inference. In this way, VCAI enables users to fully exploit the potential of AI in their own environment, even without advanced technical knowledge. Furthermore, VCAI simplifies the commercialization of AI and HPC applications by providing a streamlined marketplace where developers can directly target their audience, while end users can easily find powerful applications for their specific needs.

[0030] VCAI bridges the gap between AI / HPC users and cloud resources. VCAI simplifies the process and interface for executing complex AI and HPC applications by abstracting the complexity of cloud management. It provides user-friendly web interfaces and preconfigured environments and hardware resources, making it easier for users and domain experts to harness the power of the cloud without requiring deep technical knowledge.

[0031] By minimizing the barrier between AI / HPC users and cloud resources, VCAI enables users, researchers, developers, and companies to realize the full potential of cutting-edge technologies without being hindered by cloud-related challenges. VCAI is a virtual user interface for the cloud for running applications directly from the end device. Users can run any application installed / loaded on the remote server / computer directly from their end device.

[0032] It is already possible to run an app from a device using current technology, but this is achieved through the connection to the remote server or computer. This means that the user has a virtual interface to their computer / server in the cloud, and they execute commands through this interface. With VCAI, the user has a virtual interface to the application (app) and not to the computer / server in the cloud.

[0033] The virtual interface could select the appropriate hardware resources for the application and execute the application on behalf of the user, since VCAI is a new addition or an additional option / function and does not exclude the existing method.

[0034] The user doesn't need to have control over the hardware used, and they don't need to know where the application is running, since VCAI is a new addition or an additional option / feature. This doesn't necessarily exclude the already known method.

[0035] If the configuration of the application determines the configuration of the hardware, it should be noted that the user has to change this configuration of the application and How (slow, fast, etc.) it should be executed is determined. Figure 6 shows, as an example, what it might look like if the user configures a training application.

[0036] The following figures show Fig. 1 and 2 schematically show the state of the art, Fig. 3 to 7 application examples according to the invention.

[0037] The use cases show where VCAI is used. These are only example scenarios.

[0038] VCAI can be used as a new function between an existing cloud management system and the computing resource. VCAI can also function as a complete cloud management system. VCAI can also be used directly in the user interface.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Virtual user interface between a user's terminal device and a cloud with its hardware for executing an application, characterized in that the application is executed directly by the terminal device by installing or loading the application on a remote server or computer.

2. Virtual user interface according to claim 1, characterized in that it selects the hardware resources suitable for the application and executes the application on behalf of the user.

3. Virtual user interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user has no control over the hardware used and does not know where the application is executed.

4. Virtual user interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the configuration of the application determines the configuration of the hardware.

5. A computer with a virtual user interface according to any one of the preceding claims.

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