Virtual Desktop Event Notification Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of virtual desktop environments often miss incoming calls and messages on inactive or disconnected virtual desktops due to lack of notifications on their local client devices, especially when working on other applications or when multiple desktops are connected simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that monitor application events such as videoconferencing calls and instant messaging messages on inactive or disconnected virtual desktops, sending notifications to a connection server which forwards them to the client device, allowing users to reconnect or respond to events even when the virtual desktop is idle or minimized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the virtual desktop window is minimized or hidden from view, then the user can switch between applications more efficiently, but the user may not notice incoming calls or messages on the virtual desktop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the notification delivery mechanism from the virtual desktop window display. Instead of requiring the user to view the virtual desktop window to see notifications, the system segments the notification function and delivers it independently through the local operating system's notification mechanism, allowing the window to be minimized while notifications remain visible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the local operating system's notification mechanism as an intermediary between the virtual desktop events and the user. This intermediary translates remote application events into local notifications that the user can perceive through their local device's notification system, eliminating the need for direct visual access to the virtual desktop window.
2Loss of energy
If the virtual desktop has been sitting idle for a while, then hardware resources are saved, but incoming calls would not be received at all on the client device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a preliminary action by having the virtual desktop agent continuously monitor for incoming calls and messages even when the desktop is idle or disconnected. This preliminary monitoring ensures that when a call arrives during idle time, the system is already prepared to detect and notify the user, preventing any loss of communication opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the virtual desktop agent continuously reports the state of incoming calls and messages to the connection server, which then notifies the client device. This feedback loop ensures that even during idle periods, the system remains aware of incoming communications and can promptly alert the user when they arrive.
3Productivity
If the user is connected to two or more remote desktops simultaneously, then productivity is improved by accessing multiple systems, but the user may miss incoming calls and messages received on one desktop while working on another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the notification delivery for each virtual desktop independently. Each virtual desktop has its own agent that monitors events and communicates with the connection server separately. This segmentation ensures that notifications from different desktops are delivered independently to the user's local device, preventing users from missing calls on one desktop while working on another.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for handling application events occurring in inactive or disconnected virtual desktop sessions. These events may be any specified application events, such as videoconferencing calls, instant messaging (IM) messages, or other communication events. When an application event is detected in the virtual desktop that is idle, inactive or disconnected, a notification is sent from the virtual desktop to a connection server, which forwards the notification to the client device, where the notification about the event is displayed to the user. In response to the event, the user may be provided with an option to reestablish the connection to the virtual desktop or to launch the application in which the event was detected as a seamless window on the client device.