Browser-Based VDI USB Redirection via Proxy Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB device redirection is limited in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments when VDI applications are implemented as web-based applications, as browsers do not support native drivers, preventing the redirection of USB devices.
Innovation Solution
A browser-based VDI application employs a proxy that uses a suitable API, such as the WebUSB API, to access USB devices and adapt their representation to USB request block (URB) data structures, enabling redirection by functioning as an intermediary between the browser-based representation and server-side components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a native VDI application with stub driver is installed on the client terminal, then USB device redirection is supported, but the application cannot be deployed in browser-based environments where native drivers are not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy as an intermediary component that runs within the browser-based VDI application. This proxy acts as a mediator between the browser environment and the USB device, enabling USB device redirection without requiring native drivers on the client terminal. The proxy receives USB request blocks from the server, processes them through browser-based USB APIs, and returns responses, thereby bridging the gap between the browser environment and USB device communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If native drivers are installed on the client terminal, then USB device access is enabled, but security restrictions in browser-based environments prevent driver installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional driver-based USB access mechanism with a browser-based API approach. Instead of installing native USB drivers on the client terminal, the system uses browser-based USB APIs (such as WebUSB API) that provide USB device access through JavaScript. This substitution eliminates the need for driver installation while maintaining USB device accessibility, adapting the mechanical driver installation process to a software-based API approach that works within browser security constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a proxy is implemented within the browser-based VDI application, then USB device redirection is enabled without native drivers, but the system complexity increases due to the need for API-based USB access adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual representation or copy of the USB device within the browser environment through the proxy. The proxy obtains USB device descriptors from the browser-based USB API and creates a data structure that mirrors the USB device's characteristics, endpoints, and configuration. This virtual USB device copy allows the server-side USB client driver to interact with the device as if it were physically connected, while the proxy handles the actual browser-based USB API communications, thereby simplifying the overall architecture by providing a familiar USB device interface to the server.
Data Source
AI summary
USB devices can be redirected via a browser-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) application. To enable redirection of USB devices even when native drivers cannot be installed on the client terminal, the browser-based VDI application can include a proxy that employs a suitable API to access the USB device. The proxy can function as an intermediary for adapting the representation of the USB device that exists within the browser to the USB request block (URB) data structures by which the server-side components communicate with USB devices.