Extended Virtual Frame Buffer for Thin Client Desktop Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thin client systems restrict users from viewing multiple desktop sessions simultaneously, as each session is displayed individually on separate windows, making it cumbersome to switch between sessions, especially when running different operating systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an extended virtual frame buffer (EVFB) service that stores and manages multiple virtual frame buffers, allowing clients to dynamically switch between desktop sessions and view multiple sessions simultaneously using a VFB scout, which acts as an interface between servers and clients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple desktop sessions are displayed individually on separate windows, then each session can be viewed completely, but the user cannot view multiple sessions simultaneously and switching becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extended virtual frame buffer into multiple individual virtual frame buffers, each corresponding to a separate desktop session. The VFB scout divides the display area into regions, with each region showing a portion of a specific VFB. This segmentation allows users to view multiple desktop sessions simultaneously in different regions of the same display, eliminating the need to switch between separate windows and reducing time loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one new window is created for each desktop session, then each session can be accessed, but the system becomes complex and having one window per session may not be feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple virtual frame buffers into a single extended virtual frame buffer that is displayed in one unified window on the thin client. The VFB scout manages this consolidated display by dividing it into regions, each showing content from different VFBs. This approach provides access to multiple desktop sessions while maintaining a single window structure, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability.
3Reliability
If each desktop session is displayed in a separate window, then sessions are isolated, but switching between sessions becomes a tedious task
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a VFB scout as an intermediary component that manages the display of multiple virtual frame buffers. The scout divides the extended virtual frame buffer into regions and allows users to navigate between different desktop sessions by moving within the single display window. This intermediary maintains session isolation through separate VFB regions while providing smooth, continuous navigation between sessions, eliminating the tedium of switching between separate windows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for viewing a desktop on a first client involves initiating a first desktop session and a second desktop session, populating a first virtual frame buffer (VFB) using the first desktop session, populating a second VFB using the second desktop session, storing an extended virtual frame buffer (EVFB) using the first VFB and the second VFB, and selecting a first portion of the EVFB to view on the desktop using a first VFB scout.