Unified Desktop Switcher for Local and Remote Virtual Environments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for switching between local and cloud-based PCs are cumbersome, requiring users to specify low-level information like IP addresses and port numbers, and often limit sharing of virtual desktop functionalities such as clipboards and context menus.

Innovation Solution

A desktop switcher is used to display thumbnails of local and remote virtual desktops at the same navigational depth, allowing users to seamlessly switch between them without needing separate tools, and enabling sharing of clipboard data, context menus, and geographic settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate tools are used to access remote computer virtual desktops, then remote desktop access is enabled, but user interface navigational access becomes unequal and operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface navigational accessVSAvoidseparate tool requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges remote desktop access functionality with the existing local virtual desktop switcher interface. Remote computer virtual desktops are integrated into the same switcher that manages local virtual desktops, allowing users to access both local and remote desktops through a single unified interface without requiring separate tools or applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The desktop switcher is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it now manages both local virtual desktops and remote computer virtual desktops within the same interface. This universal interface handles thumbnail display, selection, and switching for both local and remote desktops equally, eliminating the need for specialized access tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If low-level information like IP addresses and port numbers must be specified, then remote computer connection is established, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote computer connectionVSAvoidconnection setup process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages the complex connection parameters (IP addresses, port numbers, authentication credentials) for remote computers. Users simply select from displayed thumbnails in the desktop switcher, and the system handles all low-level connection details automatically in the background, making the process as simple as local desktop switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The desktop switcher acts as an intermediary between the user and the remote computer connection process. Instead of directly exposing complex connection parameters to users, the switcher provides a simplified thumbnail-based interface that mediates the interaction, translating user selections into proper connection commands while managing authentication and connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If virtual desktop functionalities are shared between local and remote desktops, then data accessibility improves, but computational resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata sharing capabilityVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements selective sharing of specific virtual desktop functionalities (clipboard, context menu, geographic location) rather than complete system-level integration. This segmented approach allows users to share only the specific data elements they need between local and remote desktops, reducing unnecessary computational overhead while maintaining essential data accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11734032B1Virtual desktop switching and communications

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A desktop switcher provides equally convenient user interface navigational access to remote virtual desktops as to local virtual desktops for reliable and convenient human-computer interaction. Underlying mechanisms transparently confirm remote computer availability and compatibility, transfer thumbnails between computers, and support remoting sessions. Virtual desktops may share a clipboard, a geographic location setting, and application thumbnails, despite being based on computers that are remote from one another, e.g., when only one of a session's computers resides in a cloud. Virtual desktop context menus may be shown and utilized remotely. A visual separator in the desktop switcher may distinguish local virtual desktops from remote virtual desktops.