Virtual Shortcut Mechanism for Cloud Desktop File Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of RemoteApp technology cannot create shortcuts on their client terminal to files associated with RemoteApp programs, as these files exist on the server and not locally, making it tedious to open specific files within the remote application.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a file shortcut virtualizer that identifies file shortcuts on the cloud desktop, sends information about these shortcuts to the client terminal, and creates virtual shortcuts that, when selected, directly open the corresponding files within the associated remote application, mimicking local file opening behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RemoteApp programs are executed on the server with display output redirected to the client terminal, then the application can be accessed remotely, but shortcuts to files associated with the RemoteApp program cannot be created on the client terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual shortcuts on the client terminal that copy the functionality of file shortcuts. These virtual shortcuts contain embedded RDP connection information and file path parameters, allowing the client terminal to replicate the file opening experience without actually storing files locally. When a virtual shortcut is activated, it launches the RemoteApp with the specified file as a command-line argument, effectively copying the local shortcut behavior to the remote environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual shortcuts as an intermediary mechanism between the client terminal file system and the server-based RemoteApp files. These virtual shortcuts act as mediators that translate local file system operations into remote application commands. The virtual shortcut contains both the RDP connection parameters and the target file path, serving as a bridge that enables seamless file access without requiring actual file duplication or local storage.
2Productivity
If files are stored on the server in the user's cloud desktop, then remote access is enabled, but users must launch the RemoteApp program and navigate to files manually, which is tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring virtual shortcuts on the client terminal with all necessary connection and file path information before the user needs to access the file. Instead of requiring users to launch the RemoteApp and manually navigate through directories, the virtual shortcut is prepared in advance with embedded RDP connection parameters and the exact file path as a command-line argument. When activated, the shortcut immediately initiates the RemoteApp launch with the file already specified, eliminating the manual navigation step entirely.
3Ease of operation
If the RemoteApp program is launched through mstsc.exe using an RDP file, then remote connection is established, but the same process must be followed for every file opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RDP connection process with the file opening operation into a single integrated virtual shortcut mechanism. Instead of requiring separate steps of launching mstsc.exe, establishing a remote session, and then opening files, the virtual shortcut combines both functions. The shortcut contains embedded RDP connection information and file path parameters that are processed together in a single operation. When the virtual shortcut is activated, it simultaneously establishes the remote connection and launches the specific file in the RemoteApp, consolidating multiple steps into one simple action.
Data Source
AI summary
A shortcut to a file in a cloud desktop can be virtualized. A file shortcut virtualizer can be executed on a server and a client terminal that establishes remote sessions with the server. Server-side components of the file shortcut virtualizer can be configured to identify when a file shortcut has been created on a user's cloud desktop and to send information about each created shortcut to client-side components of the file shortcut virtualizer. The client-side components can then employ this information to create a virtual shortcut for each file shortcut on the user's cloud desktop. A virtual shortcut corresponding to a particular file can be configured to invoke a remote application launcher and can include information identifying a connection file that the remote application launcher should use to directly open the particular file using an associated remote application.