Collaborative Sharing Control Objects for Local Productivity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional real-time collaborative environments result in productivity loss for local users as they are limited to observing their local network device during remote access, unable to access resources while the remote user controls the session.

Innovation Solution

A local network device designates specific programs for shared access while maintaining independent access to non-designated programs, using shared and local control objects to allow local users to continue working during collaborative sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the remote user is granted full access to control the local network device during a collaborative session, then the remote user can effectively troubleshoot and assist with technical issues, but the local user loses access to resources on their own device and experiences productivity loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnical support effectivenessVSAvoidlocal user productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the local network device resources into multiple segments or workspaces, allowing different portions to be accessed by different users simultaneously. The local user retains access to their designated workspace while the remote user accesses a separate shared workspace, eliminating the need to choose between support effectiveness and local productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements different access rights and control qualities for different users within the same system. The local user maintains full control over their local workspace with unrestricted access, while the remote user receives controlled access to the shared workspace. This differentiated quality of access allows both users to work effectively without interfering with each other's productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the collaborative session is controlled exclusively by the remote user, then the remote user can perform troubleshooting actions, but the local user cannot access or work on their local resources simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidlocal user time loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments control capabilities by creating separate control contexts for local and remote users. The remote user exercises control over the shared workspace through shared control objects, while the local user simultaneously maintains control over their local workspace. This segmentation eliminates the time loss that would occur if the local user had to wait for the remote user to finish troubleshooting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control where control rights are not fixed but can be exchanged between users as needed. While the remote user typically has control during troubleshooting, the system allows for dynamic switching of control rights, enabling the local user to regain control when needed to access their resources, thus reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation for remote users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the local user must observe their device during remote access, then the remote user can provide assistance, but the local user cannot perform other tasks resulting in reduced overall efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollaborative support qualityVSAvoidoverall collaboration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display and workspace into multiple independent areas, allowing the local user to view their local workspace on one display area while the remote user's shared workspace is displayed separately. This segmentation enables the local user to simultaneously monitor the collaborative session and perform other tasks on their local resources, maintaining both support quality and overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to the collaborative interface by implementing multi-display or split-screen capabilities. Instead of the local user having to focus on a single display area showing the remote user's actions, the system distributes different workspaces across multiple display areas or dimensions, allowing the local user to engage in multiple activities simultaneously while maintaining collaborative support quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10462194B2Minimizing productivity loss in a collaborative sharing environment

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a local network device establishes a communication session with a remote network device in the communication network, and designates at least one program from a plurality of programs executable by the local network device for access by the remote network device to yield a designated program. The local network device further generates a shared display object, and associates each designated program with the shared display object to permit display thereof. The local network device further instantiates one or more shared control objects associated with the shared display object, and facilitate access to each designated program for the remote network device using at least one of the one or more shared control objects.