Web Application Sharing via VNC-to-Web Stream Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screen sharing techniques, such as VNC, require software installation on both sharing and viewing devices, are costly, and do not allow the user to maintain control over their computer environment, making them unsuitable for collaborative work and efficient application sharing.

Innovation Solution

A method for sharing web applications between computer terminals via a network, where a web application executed by a first terminal initiates a second session on a virtual machine, creating a VNC data stream that is converted into a web-readable format and transmitted to other terminals, allowing users to share applications without additional software installation and maintaining control over their environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If VNC protocol is used for screen sharing, then application sharing between terminals is enabled, but software installation is required on both sharing and viewing devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication sharing capabilityVSAvoidsoftware installation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component that mediates between the first terminal (sharing device) and second terminals (viewing devices). The server receives VNC data streams from the first terminal and redistributes them to multiple second terminals via web browsers, eliminating the need for VNC client installation on viewing devices while enabling application sharing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional VNC client installation mechanism with a web-based system. Instead of requiring mechanical software installation on viewing devices, the system uses web browsers to access and display the VNC data streams, substituting the installation-based approach with a more accessible web-interface-based solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If VNC protocol is used for screen sharing, then remote access is enabled, but the user cannot maintain control over their computer environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidloss of control over computing environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control functionality by creating a separate VNC server instance on the first terminal that operates independently from the main computing environment. This segmented VNC server captures display data and transmits it to the web server, allowing remote viewing while preserving the user's control over the host system's resources and environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional screen sharing software is installed on each device, then application sharing is possible, but installation time and financial cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication sharing functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service model where the first terminal automatically configures and activates the VNC server without requiring manual intervention on second terminals. The web server automatically distributes the VNC data streams to connected browsers, eliminating the need for users to perform installation operations and reducing both time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2575327B1Method for sharing a web application between a plurality of computer terminals connected to a communication network
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 ORANGE SA
  • EP2575327B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2575327B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2575327B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves sending a request for division of application (E11), where the request includes a web address for launching of web application and information of identification of a user relative to a session. Information flow i.e. virtual network computing flow, corresponding to display data of another session utilized for execution of the web application is converted (E15) into flow of information directly readable by a web browser. A data flow web is transmitted to each of set of computer terminals e.g. personal computers. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a server (2) a computer system (3) a software module comprising instructions to perform a method for sharing web application among computer terminals.