Operating System Shadow Login Sessions for Multi-User Collaboration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing device interaction techniques are single-user centric, limiting user interaction in multi-user scenarios such as public settings or meetings, where multiple users need to access and share resources without the inconvenience of switching between user logins.
Innovation Solution
The operating system provides an infrastructure for data sharing sessions, enabling applications to initiate secure communication channels and support multi-user interaction through a session manager module that allows discovery, authentication, and direct communication between devices, using shadow login sessions to manage user profiles and resources without requiring users to switch between logins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-user login techniques are used, then user interaction is simple and straightforward, but multi-user interaction is not supported and users must switch between logins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user interaction model by introducing distinct user roles (host and guests) with different permission levels. The host user maintains full control while guest users can interact with specific resources. This segmentation allows multiple users to simultaneously access the computing device with appropriate permissions, eliminating the need for login switching while maintaining security and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interaction framework that supports both single-user and multi-user scenarios within the same system. The session manager and resource sharing infrastructure are designed to handle diverse interaction patterns, allowing the system to adapt to different usage scenarios (collaboration, presentation, shared access) without requiring separate systems or complex configuration changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user logins are supported simultaneously, then multi-user interaction is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a session manager as an intermediary component that handles the complexity of multi-user session management. This intermediary abstracts the complex interactions between multiple users, resources, and permissions, providing a simplified interface for resource sharing and user management. The session manager coordinates authentication, authorization, and resource allocation, reducing the overall system complexity by centralizing these functions.
3Ease of operation
If user profiles and settings are maintained for each user, then personalized interaction is possible, but resource sharing between users becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different permission levels and access rights for different users on different resources. Each resource can have specific access controls that grant appropriate permissions to host and guest users. This enables personalized user experiences with custom settings and preferences while simultaneously enabling controlled resource sharing, as each resource's access policy is tailored to its specific requirements and the users' roles.
Data Source
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AI summary
Data sharing session techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a first user login session is initiated as running in a context of a first user profile of a first user with an operating system of a computing device. A request is received by the operating system to run the first user login session in a context of a second user profile of a second user. The second user profile is associated by the operating system with a shadow login session created within the first user login session of the operating system of the computing device such that interaction of the second user with the operating system is associated with the second user profile and interaction of the first user with the operating system is associated with the first user profile.