Virtual Desktop Collaborative Access via VDI Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions require users to install and manage additional collaboration software for collaborative access, leading to a less-than-optimal user experience, resource consumption, and increased IT overhead.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows seamless collaborative access to virtual desktops by leveraging existing VDI infrastructure, enabling users to invite collaborators through a virtual desktop client application, where inputs can be shared and controlled via a dashboard, eliminating the need for separate collaboration software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate collaboration software is installed and executed for collaborative access to virtual desktops, then collaborative functionality is achieved, but user experience deteriorates due to installation requirements, execution time, and interface complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collaboration functionality directly into the virtual desktop environment by allowing multiple clients to connect to the same virtual desktop session through the VDI infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate collaboration software, as the VDI system itself provides the collaborative access mechanism through shared session connections and coordinated input handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The VDI system is extended to serve multiple functions: it provides both standard remote desktop access and collaborative multi-user access through the same infrastructure. The virtual desktop session can be accessed by multiple clients simultaneously, with the system automatically managing input coordination and session sharing, making the VDI platform universally applicable for both individual and collaborative work.
2Reliability
If separate collaboration software is used for virtual desktop collaboration, then collaborative features are available, but computing resources are consumed by additional software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines collaboration capabilities with the existing VDI infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate collaboration software instances. The same protocol handlers, session management systems, and rendering engines that support standard VDI access are leveraged to support collaborative multi-client access, thereby avoiding duplicate resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The VDI protocol and infrastructure are designed to handle both individual and collaborative access scenarios through a unified mechanism. The system can dynamically manage multiple client connections to the same virtual desktop session, coordinating inputs and managing resources efficiently without requiring dedicated collaboration software that would consume additional computing resources.
3Reliability
If separate collaboration software is deployed for virtual desktop access, then collaboration is enabled, but IT overhead increases due to software management and licensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges collaboration support into the core VDI functionality, eliminating the need for separate software deployment, licensing, and maintenance. The VDI system's session management and protocol handling are extended to support multiple simultaneous clients, removing the layer of complexity associated with managing separate collaboration tools across the enterprise infrastructure.
4Reliability
If traditional collaboration methods are used with virtual desktops, then collaboration functionality is provided, but the user experience is not seamless due to separate interfaces and workflows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collaboration interface with the native virtual desktop client experience. Users interact with the same clean, familiar VDI client interface to initiate and participate in collaborative sessions, rather than switching to or learning a separate collaboration tool's interface. The collaboration features are integrated into the existing workflow, maintaining visual consistency and operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described for collaborative access to a virtual desktop through separate remote client devices. An owner of the virtual desktop can initiate a session with the virtual desktop through a client on her client device. The owner can request through her client to create a collaborative session, identifying one or more collaborators. Links for joining the virtual desktop can be generated and an invitation can be sent to each collaborator. A collaborator can accept the invitation and a client application can be launched on the collaborator's client and routed to the virtual desktop. Once authorized, collaborators can be connected to the virtual desktop session. Each collaborator in the session may view the GUI of the virtual desktop in her client application. Input control can be managed and delegated to collaborators by the owner of the session.