Shim Layer Disables Full-Screen Mode for Remote Gaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing systems require game applications to run in full-screen mode, preventing users from simultaneously interacting with or viewing output from other applications on the same computer.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a shim layer to disable full-screen display mode for application programs on a server, allowing rendered image data to be transmitted to a client device for display, enabling users to interact with or view non-game applications while a game is running.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a game application executes in full-screen mode on a conventional computing system, then the game application can provide immersive gaming experience, but the user cannot simultaneously see or interact with other application programs on the same computer
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the display output by routing game application rendered image data to a client device while allowing other application programs to continue displaying on the local display device. This segmentation allows the game to effectively have its own dedicated display space without blocking other applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to the display architecture by introducing a remote client device as an additional display output. Instead of competing for the same display space, the game application's visual output is extended to a separate spatial dimension (remote device), allowing simultaneous access to multiple applications on the local system.
2Reliability
If a game application requires full-screen mode to run properly, then the game can execute without modification, but other users cannot access or view output from non-game applications on the same computer
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the shim layer and remote display protocol) between the game application and the display output. This intermediary captures the rendered image data from the game and redirects it to a client device, while simultaneously allowing other applications to access the display system without interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows multiple users to access the same computer simultaneously, then collaboration is enabled, but full-screen game mode prevents other users from viewing non-game application output
Solution Approach 1:
The display output is segmented between local and remote devices. The game application's visual output is directed to the remote client device, while other applications maintain their output on the local display. This allows multiple users to simultaneously access different application outputs without conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention sets forth a method that includes receiving a request from a client device to launch an application program for execution on a server device, where the application program is configured to operate in a full-screen display mode, and, in response, creating an execution environment for the application program that disables the full-screen display mode. Within the execution environment, the application program is configured to generate the rendered image data for display on the client device. With the disclosed approach, application programs that are configured to execute on an application server computer system in a full-screen display mode can be executed through an execution environment that includes a shim layer configured to disable the full-screen display mode and transmit the render image data to a client device for display.