Thin-Client Remote Access via Media Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid evolution of computing hardware and software complexity leads to frequent obsolescence of computer systems, requiring users to regularly upgrade both hardware and software, which is confusing and inconvenient for those without IT skills, especially due to the need for proprietary plugins and complex security configurations.
Innovation Solution
A remote device access system comprising a thin-client device with a network interface for receiving media streams from a remote media encoding device, allowing users to access and control a remote source device with minimal IT knowledge, without the need for frequent upgrades or complex configurations, using a media decoder for decoding video and audio streams and a user input device for transmitting control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If users directly operate local computing devices with latest software and hardware, then processing power and software compatibility are improved, but device complexity and upgrade frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the user's simple client device and the complex computing environment. The server handles software execution, processing, and management of proprietary plugins, while the client device only needs basic display and input capabilities. This mediator approach allows users to access powerful computing resources without directly managing complex local systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of running software locally on user devices with a network-based system where software is executed remotely on a server. Instead of requiring local installation and configuration of complex software systems, the user's device simply streams the graphical output from the remote execution environment, substituting physical local processing with networked remote processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users install proprietary plugins and applications locally, then content viewing capability is improved, but storage requirements and compatibility issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that hosts and manages all proprietary plugins and applications. Instead of requiring these applications to be installed locally on user devices, the server provides them as part of the remote execution environment. Users can access diverse content formats through the server without any local storage of plugins or applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides a universal platform that can execute multiple different proprietary applications and plugins simultaneously. This single multi-functional server replaces the need for each user device to individually store and manage multiple specialized applications, providing universal access to various content formats through a single system.
3Reliability
If users configure security software and firewall locally, then device security is improved, but configuration complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a security intermediary between the user's simple client device and the external network environment. All security measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, and access control mechanisms, are implemented and managed on the server side. The client device requires minimal local security configuration since the server handles authentication, authorization, and threat protection centrally.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for accessing a remote source device, comprising a network interface for receiving a media stream from a remote media encoding device, the remote media encoding device generating the media stream from media signals generated by the remote source device, a media decoder for decoding the received media stream, and a user input device for generating signals in response to actuation of the use input device and for transmitting the generated signals to the media encoding device for delivery to the remote source device.