Web Session Sharing via Publisher-Subscriber Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote assistance solutions for Web Applications are limited by the need for additional software installations, security vulnerabilities, and lack of synchronization between user and assistant browsers, making them inefficient for seamless collaboration.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for session sharing using a publisher-subscriber model that synchronizes browser views, allowing authorized users to access the same session and share data, with a blink functionality indicating link clicks, enabling seamless integration into existing Web Applications without additional software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external remote administration software is used, then remote assistance can be provided, but security vulnerabilities and added complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the web server as an intermediary to enable remote assistance. Instead of direct peer-to-peer connection through external software, the assistant's browser connects to the web server which then communicates with the user's browser. This intermediary approach eliminates security vulnerabilities associated with external remote administration software while maintaining the capability to provide remote assistance through standard web protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the web server perform multiple functions: it serves as both the application server and the communication intermediary for remote assistance. By utilizing existing web infrastructure for dual purposes, the system avoids introducing separate remote administration software, thereby reducing security risks while maintaining remote assistance functionality.
2Ease of operation
If screen based applications like VNC are used, then full screen access is permitted, but additional software installation and firewall configuration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service mechanisms where the user's existing web browser and web server handle the remote assistance communication. No additional software needs to be installed on either the user's or assistant's system. The web server automatically manages the communication protocols and session synchronization, eliminating the need for manual firewall configuration and complex software setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical screen sharing approach of VNC (which captures and transmits graphical bitmap data) with a web-based information exchange model. Instead of transmitting screen images, the system exchanges structured data about application state and user actions through web protocols, eliminating the need for graphical capture software and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If web based customer relationship management solutions are used, then communication functionality is provided, but synchronization between operator and customer browsers is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where both the user's and assistant's browsers send state information to the web server, which then distributes relevant updates to all connected clients. When the user performs an action, the browser state changes are immediately communicated to the assistant, and vice versa. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures both parties see the same application state without manual synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server maintains continuous communication channels with both the user's and assistant's browsers throughout the session. Rather than periodic updates or one-time synchronization, the system establishes persistent connections that continuously exchange state information, ensuring both browsers remain synchronized with the current application state throughout the entire remote assistance interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and system for session sharing that allows multiple authorized users (e.g., assistants) to access the same session and synchronize the browser views, when the current state changes. Through the use of use of session sharing, it is ensured that all users work on the same data and have the same Web side state. The Client side is kept in synchronization through the use of a publisher-subscriber model that initiates an update of all connected Clients when a state change occurs. These functionalities of the present invention ensure that all participating users can work together and can share the same state both on server and Client side.