USB Device Redirection for Centralized Server Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In remote client access systems, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently directing and controlling USB devices connected to client computers, as they rely solely on the server computer for functionality, limiting the client's ability to provide any USB device support or interaction.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for the redirection of USB device access and control from a client computer to an application server computer, using a specific communication path and protocols like RDP and TCP/IP, enabling the server to recognize and manage USB devices connected to the client, and providing necessary functionality through application programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the client computer relies solely on the server computer for USB device functionality, then centralized control and management are improved, but the client's ability to provide USB device support or interaction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments USB device functionality into two parts: the USB device itself remains connected to and physically accessible by the client computer, while the control and management functions are redirected to the server computer. This segmentation allows the client to maintain physical USB device support while the server provides centralized control through application programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (USB device redirection technology) that enables the server computer to access and control USB devices connected to the client computer. This intermediary approach allows centralized control without requiring the USB device to be physically connected to the server, resolving the contradiction between centralized control and client capability.
2Ease of operation
If USB devices are connected at the client computer, then local USB device access is improved, but server computer access and control becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses USB device redirection technology as an intermediary mechanism that allows the server computer to access USB devices connected to the client computer. The redirection technology acts as a bridge, maintaining reliable server access while preserving local client access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains local USB device access capabilities at the client computer while simultaneously enabling server access through redirection. Different parts of the system (client and server) have different qualities and capabilities - the client has local access while the server has centralized control, resolving the contradiction through differentiated local quality.
3Device complexity
If the client computer lacks specific application programs, then software simplicity is improved, but functionality for USB device interaction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the application program functionality from the client computer and places it on the server computer. The client computer only needs basic USB device support, while the server computer hosts the specific application programs needed for USB device interaction. This extraction maintains software simplicity at the client while preserving full functionality at the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional model where the client has application programs and the server provides basic functionality. Instead, the server hosts the application programs and the client provides basic USB device support. This inversion allows the client to remain simple while the server provides the necessary functionality for USB device interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more universal serial bus (USB) devices are connected at a client computer. The USB devices are recognized by the client computer and a determination is made as to whether an application server computer provides functionality for one or more of the USB devices. A specific communication path is provided from the USB device to the server computer if functionality is provided by the application server computer.