Virtual-Screen Application Sharing for Concurrent Local Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing application sharing methods result in poor device utilization as the device being shared is controlled by the remote device, preventing users from performing other operations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves displaying the target application's interface in a virtual screen, allowing users to continue operating the device independently of the sharing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If remote control method is used for application sharing, then application sharing is achieved, but device utilization deteriorates because the shared device cannot perform other operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication sharing capabilityVSAvoiddevice utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display area into a virtual screen region and a real screen region. The virtual screen displays the shared application interface, while the real screen remains available for other operations. This spatial segmentation allows the device to simultaneously serve as both a sharing source and an independent operating device, resolving the contradiction between application sharing and device utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If the shared device is controlled by remote device, then application interface can be viewed remotely, but the shared device becomes unresponsive to local operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote viewing capabilityVSAvoidlocal operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the screen into virtual and real display areas. The virtual screen region is dedicated to remote viewing of the shared application, while the real screen region maintains full local operability. This allows users to view the application remotely through the virtual screen while still being able to operate the device locally through the real screen, resolving the contradiction between remote viewing and local operability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual screen acts as an intermediary layer between the shared application and the physical display. It captures and displays the application interface for remote viewing without interfering with the underlying system's responsiveness to local operations. This intermediary mechanism enables simultaneous remote viewing and local control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If application interface is displayed in foreground, then application sharing is achieved, but other operations on the device are blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication sharing functionVSAvoidconcurrent operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional foreground/background display model to a two-dimensional spatial distribution model. Instead of one application occupying the entire foreground, the display is divided into multiple regions (virtual screen and real screen) that can simultaneously display different content and respond to different operations, enabling concurrent application sharing and other operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4072112B1Application sharing method, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4072112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4072112B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4072112B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This application provides an application sharing method, an electronic device, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: receiving target application identification information and target device information; displaying, in a case that a first electronic device is connected to a target electronic device corresponding to the target device information, a running interface of a target application in a virtual screen; and sharing the running interface of the target application displayed in the virtual screen with the target electronic device.