Remote App Interaction Channels for Secure Web UI Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The migration of desktop-based applications to web-based interfaces is cost-prohibitive and results in a poor user experience due to the need to switch between applications and the inability to adapt user interaction paradigms, with existing HTML5-based Remote Desktop Clients exposing the entire desktop, leading to security issues and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A Remote App System that embeds a minimal desktop application and establishes a custom communication channel to adapt the user interface, hiding window controls and menu bars, allowing seamless integration of desktop applications into web applications, using a custom interaction channel to handle application-specific navigation requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If desktop applications are migrated to web-based interfaces, then accessibility from any operating system is improved, but migration cost becomes prohibitive and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the desktop application environment within the web browser. By embedding a minimal desktop application and streaming its user interface through a custom communication channel, the system replicates the native desktop experience without requiring actual migration of the application code to web technologies, thus avoiding migration costs while achieving web accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the desktop application inside the web browser environment. The minimal desktop application is embedded within the web application container, allowing the desktop application to run inside the web interface. This nesting structure enables the application to maintain its native functionality while being accessible through the web, avoiding the need for complete migration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HTML5-based Remote Desktop Clients expose the entire desktop, then accessibility is improved, but security and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary portion of the desktop environment (the minimal desktop application and its user interface) and streams it through a custom communication channel to the web browser. This extraction approach allows selective exposure of only what is needed for the application functionality, rather than exposing the entire desktop environment, thus maintaining security while preserving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a custom communication channel as an intermediary between the minimal desktop application and the web browser. This intermediary layer acts as a secure gateway that enables data and interface elements to pass between the desktop environment and the web application without exposing the entire desktop, thereby maintaining security while enabling accessibility.
3Reliability
If desktop applications are run on separate computers, then functionality is preserved, but user experience deteriorates due to switching between applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the desktop application with the web application by embedding the minimal desktop application within the web interface. This merging allows users to access and interact with the application through a single web browser window without needing to switch between separate desktop and web applications, thereby improving user experience while preserving the application's native functionality through the custom communication channel.
4Adaptability or versatility
If window control elements and menu bars are removed from the user interface, then web application integration is improved, but application functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a custom communication channel as an intermediary to bridge the gap between the simplified web interface and the full-featured desktop application. This intermediary enables the removal of traditional window control elements and menu bars from the visible interface while maintaining all application functionality through programmatic communication channels, allowing users to interact with the application in a web-appropriate manner while preserving complete functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting desktop applications through a web application includes embedding a minimal desktop application at a computer; establishing a communication channel between the minimal desktop application and a remote desktop client embedded in the web application; obtaining, at the computer, first data indicative of a first user interface associated with an application at the computer; obtaining, at the minimal desktop application, second data indicative of a second user interface associated with the application, wherein the second user interface is based on removing at least one of window control elements, window borders, and menu bars from the first user interface; and based on the second data, streaming the application from the minimal desktop application into the remote desktop client via the communication channel.