Scanner Redirection Module for Remote Desktop Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote desktop scanning from client-side scanners is inefficient and often results in crashes due to inefficient processing of scan commands during remote sessions, necessitating a robust method for scanner redirection between client computing devices and host servers.

Innovation Solution

A scanner redirection method is implemented in a remote desktop system, where a client computing device with remote desktop software and a scanner redirection module communicates with a host server, using protocols like TWAIN or ICA to acquire and transmit scanned images, allowing intuitive selection of physical scanners and enabling seamless image capture across different operating systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If client-side scanner processing is used during remote desktop sessions, then scanner functionality is available to users, but processing efficiency deteriorates and system stability worsens due to crashes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanner functionality availabilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a scanner redirection module as an intermediary component that sits between the client application and the physical scanner. This module intercepts scan commands from the remote desktop session, processes them through the host server's scanner interface, and returns results to the client. This intermediary architecture allows scanner functionality to be available during remote sessions while avoiding the instability and inefficiency of direct client-side processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the client device directly control the scanner (traditional approach), the patent inverts the control flow by having the host server mediate the scanning process. The client initiates scan requests, but the actual scanner control and image acquisition occur on the host server side, with results transmitted back to the client. This inversion resolves the contradiction by maintaining functionality while improving stability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If client-side scanner processing is used, then scanner functionality is provided, but system stability deteriorates due to crashes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanner functionalityVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scanner redirection module serves as a protective intermediary that isolates the client application from direct scanner interactions. By routing all scanner commands through this module on the host server, the system prevents crashes from propagating to the client application, thereby maintaining system stability while preserving scanner functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements error handling and exception management within the scanner redirection module to cushion against potential scanner failures or incompatibilities. By anticipating and handling errors before they reach the client application, the system maintains stability even when scanner operations encounter issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If scanner redirection is implemented through host server mediation, then processing efficiency and stability improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scanner redirection module is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple scanner types and protocols through a standardized interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining improved processing efficiency and stability across different scanning scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If scanner redirection module is introduced as intermediary, then system stability and efficiency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidsoftware architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scanner redirection module implements self-configuration and automatic detection capabilities, reducing the need for manual setup and complex configuration management. This self-service approach manages the inherent complexity of the intermediary architecture by automating routine tasks and adapting to different scanner configurations automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11716428B1Method of dynamically mapping scanner names from client to agent

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 OMNISSA LLC

AI summary

A scanner redirection method for a remote desktop system that includes a client computing device and a host server includes the steps of: receiving a name of a physical scanner from a scanner core; transmitting the received name of the physical scanner to the host server; and in response to a first user selection to acquire a scanned image and a second user selection of the name of the physical scanner, the first and second user selections being made on a user interface of the host server, receiving from an application running on the host server a request for the scanned image, transmitting to the scanner core a request to acquire the scanned image from the physical scanner, and upon receiving the scanned image from the scanner core, transmitting the scanned image to the application.