Modified Graphics Encoder Watermarking for Legacy Remote Sessions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing server-only watermark techniques require excessive CPU resources and network bandwidth, and client-based solutions are problematic for end-points that cannot be upgraded.

Innovation Solution

A modified Graphics Encoder performs watermark composition after normal processing, using a pre-computed watermark framebuffer and bitmaps to minimize network bandwidth and CPU usage by only sending necessary watermark updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If watermark is composed onto server's frame buffer, then watermark is rendered as part of graphics screen updates, but extra CPU resources are required to compose the watermark

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewatermark rendering reliabilityVSAvoidCPU resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-renders watermarks onto a dedicated watermark framebuffer before screen updates occur. This preliminary action allows the watermark to be composed in advance, reducing the computational burden during real-time screen rendering operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rendering system is segmented into separate components: a watermark rendering subsystem that operates independently on a dedicated framebuffer, and the main screen rendering subsystem. This segmentation allows watermark composition to be handled separately, optimizing resource allocation and reducing interference with main rendering operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If end-point client software is instructed to display watermark after each screen update, then watermark transparency overlay is achieved, but end-point software must be upgraded which is problematic for old thin clients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewatermark display capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with legacy clients

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The server implements a universal watermark rendering mechanism that works across all client types without requiring client software upgrades. The server's watermark framebuffer and composition system provide multi-functional support for both legacy and modern clients, ensuring broad compatibility while maintaining watermark display capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3714423B1Systems and methods for providing a visible watermark in a remote session

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 CITRIX SYSTEMS INC

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AI summary

Systems and methods for providing a visible watermark in a remote session. The methods comprise: determining if a graphic update needs to be made at a client computing device during the remote session; generating a first graphic update message in response to a determination that a graphic update is needed; identifying pixels of the graphic which would be affected by at least one watermark if the graphic and watermark were both displayed on a screen of the client computing device; constructing a second string of commands specifying a new color value for each of the pixels that were previously identified; converting the first graphic update message to a second graphic update message by inserting the second string of commands in between a first string of commands and an End-Of-Frame ("EOF") command; and communicating the second graphic update message from the sever to the client computing device.