Server-Based Document Virtualization for Concurrent Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional web conferencing systems allow only one user to share a desktop and control documents at a time, limiting simultaneous collaboration and requiring interactive protocols for document access and editing.
Innovation Solution
A server-based system that virtualizes software applications, enabling multiple users to concurrently access and edit documents by multiplexing pointer input, allowing seamless and automatic control distribution without the need for interactive protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional desktop sharing is used to allow one user to control documents, then document control is maintained, but multiple users cannot simultaneously edit documents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that hosts the document and application environment. Multiple users connect to this server, and the server manages input multiplexing, allowing simultaneous access without direct peer-to-peer interaction protocols. The server acts as the mediator that coordinates between multiple users and the single application instance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual interactive protocol mechanism (where users must request and grant control) with an automated input multiplexing system. The server automatically detects and routes user inputs based on activity detection, eliminating the need for explicit control transfer negotiations between users.
2Productivity
If one user shares desktop with multiple participants, then document visibility is achieved, but only one participant can control the document at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control allocation where the system automatically detects which user is currently active and grants control to that user. Control is not static or manually assigned but dynamically shifts based on real-time user activity detection, allowing seamless transitions without waiting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects user activity and manages control allocation without requiring users to request or negotiate control. Each user simply interacts with the interface naturally, and the server self-manages the control routing based on detected activity, making the system serve users automatically.
3Reliability
If interactive protocol is used for control transfer, then document security is maintained, but collaboration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual interactive control transfer protocol with an automated activity-based routing system. The server continuously monitors user activity and automatically routes control to the active user, maintaining security through server-managed control while eliminating the time-consuming interactive negotiation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the server monitors user activity levels and automatically adjusts control allocation based on this feedback. This allows the system to respond dynamically to user needs while maintaining security, as the server always manages the control state based on real-time feedback from multiple users.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for facilitating online collaboration among users of client machines allows multiple users to work together and concurrently on a set of documents. In response to a request from a user, a server opens a document in a software application running on the server and virtualizes the software application to the client machines. Multiple users can then operate the software application from the respective client machines to edit the document via remote control. The server multiplexes pointer input from the client machines to provide pointer input to the software application from one user at a time. Multiplexing of pointer input takes place seamlessly and automatically in response to user activity with respect to the virtualized software application.