Virtual Desktop Tiling for Cross-System Window Ownership Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems lack the ability to transfer the ownership of running application windows between different user computers, limiting file sharing and collaboration across systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual desktop topology that allows for the 'tiling' of logically adjacent graphical desktops, enabling the transfer of user interactability and ownership of objects by dragging windows or icons between connected computers, with options for processing retention on the original or target system depending on the operating system scenario.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If files can be moved between systems via graphic interface, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to transfer ownership of running application windows is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the file transfer mechanism with the window ownership transfer mechanism by using the same drag-and-drop graphic interface for both operations. This allows users to transfer not only files but also running application windows between systems using a unified interaction model, thereby achieving window ownership transfer capability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal graphic interface that serves multiple functions: it can transfer files, transfer window ownership, and facilitate collaboration between different computer systems. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for different transfer types, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If window ownership transfer is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a networked graphic interface system as an intermediary layer between local systems. This intermediary handles the complexity of window ownership transfer, process migration, and resource sharing automatically, while presenting a simple unified interface to users. The intermediary absorbs the system complexity while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying mechanisms to transfer window states and application contexts between systems. Instead of moving actual process executions, the system copies window descriptions, application states, and user interface configurations, which simplifies the transfer process and reduces the complexity of maintaining multiple active processes across systems.
3Productivity
If virtual desktop tiling is implemented, then collaborative sharing is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the two-dimensional desktop surface into a three-dimensional virtual space by adding depth dimension through stacked desktops and multiple display planes. This dimensional expansion allows users to organize and access files and applications across different systems without requiring precise spatial measurement, as the additional dimension provides natural separation and organization of resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the virtual desktop environment into distinct desktop surfaces that can be independently managed and transferred between systems. This segmentation allows collaborative sharing to occur at the desktop level without requiring precise measurement across the entire virtual environment, as each segmented desktop can be independently coordinated and transferred.
Data Source
AI summary
The collaborative sharing of resources on demand based on proximity, within a group or network of computers. Broadly contemplated herein the “tiling” of a collection of logically adjacent individual graphical desktops in a virtual desktop. In such a setting, the action of dragging a window or icon off of one desktop and onto another would effectively transfer user interactability, and/or perceived ownership of the object, to the desktop where the window or icon graphically “lands”.