Browser-Based Application Virtualization via Canvas Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for virtualizing desktop sessions or applications require users to install additional software or codecs, posing security risks and increasing costs, particularly in healthcare settings where IT personnel may not be available, and violating security policies.
Innovation Solution
A system that delivers applications through a browser without requiring local software installation, using bi-directional communication and encoded tiles streamed from a server, allowing interactive updates without additional software or codecs, enabling clinicians to access healthcare systems securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional virtualization methods (Citrix, VMware, RDP) are used to deliver applications, then application accessibility is improved, but security risks and total cost of ownership increase due to required software installation and management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses canvas-based rendering to create a visual copy of the application interface that can be displayed in a web browser without requiring the actual application software to be installed on the user's device. The application logic runs on the server, and only the visual representation is copied to the client's browser canvas, eliminating the need for local software installation while maintaining functional accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of installing and managing software codecs and virtualization platforms with a web-based canvas rendering system. Instead of relying on installed software components, the system uses standard web technologies (HTML5 canvas, JavaScript) to render applications, eliminating the need for complex software installation and management infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional virtualization methods are used, then application accessibility is improved, but device complexity and management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a simplified visual copy of the application interface using HTML5 canvas that can be accessed through any web browser without requiring installation of specialized software. This canvas-based approach replaces complex virtualization clients with standard web browsing capabilities, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining application accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the application accessible through universal web browsers that are already installed on most devices, eliminating the need for device-specific virtualization software. The same canvas-based application can be accessed on different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices) using any standard browser, providing universal accessibility without increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If clinicians use personal devices to access healthcare applications, then ease of operation is improved, but security policy compliance deteriorates due to firewall restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web browser as an intermediary layer between the clinician's personal device and the healthcare application server. This intermediary allows the application to run on the server while being accessed through standard web protocols, eliminating the need for direct peer-to-peer connections that would require firewall modifications. The browser acts as a secure gateway that complies with organizational security policies while maintaining ease of access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional software and codecs are installed for virtualization, then application functionality is improved, but total cost of ownership increases due to licensing fees
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive commercial virtualization software licenses with free, open-standard web technologies (HTML5 canvas, JavaScript, CSS). Instead of paying licensing fees for Citrix, VMware, or RDP software, organizations can deploy applications using universally available browser technologies, dramatically reducing the total cost of ownership while maintaining full application functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable, browser-based canvas rendering instead of permanent, expensive virtualization software installations. The web-based approach eliminates the need for costly licenses and ongoing software updates, replacing a high-cost long-term investment with low-cost or free web technologies that can be easily deployed and updated without additional licensing fees.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for delivering an interactively updated application to a browser without requiring end users to install software locally are provided. Browser capabilities are detected. Bi-directional communication is established between a browser and server based on the capabilities. Representations of images are streamed to the browser. Human input device events associated with the representations are received. The representations are interactively updated.