Invented by Gus Pinto, David Koretsky, Adam Marano, Citrix Systems Inc

The market for interacting remotely with applications displayed in a virtual desktop on a tablet computer device has witnessed significant growth in recent years. This trend can be attributed to the increasing demand for flexible work environments, the rise of remote work, and the advancements in technology that enable seamless virtual desktop experiences. Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) allows users to access and interact with applications and data stored on remote servers from any device with an internet connection. This technology has been widely adopted by businesses and individuals alike, as it offers numerous benefits such as enhanced security, centralized management, and improved productivity. Tablet computers have become increasingly popular due to their portability, ease of use, and versatility. With the advent of powerful tablets that can handle resource-intensive tasks, such as the iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface, users can now leverage the benefits of VDI on a compact and portable device. One of the key advantages of interacting remotely with applications displayed in a virtual desktop on a tablet computer is the ability to work from anywhere. Whether it’s a coffee shop, airport lounge, or home office, users can access their virtual desktop and applications as long as they have an internet connection. This flexibility has become particularly valuable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows employees to work remotely without compromising productivity. Furthermore, virtual desktops on tablets offer a consistent user experience across different devices. Users can seamlessly switch between their tablet, laptop, or desktop computer without any disruption, as the virtual desktop environment remains the same. This eliminates the need to install and configure applications on multiple devices, saving time and effort. The market for interacting remotely with applications displayed in a virtual desktop on a tablet computer device is expected to witness continued growth in the coming years. As more businesses embrace remote work and flexible work arrangements, the demand for VDI solutions that cater to tablet users will increase. Additionally, advancements in cloud computing, 5G connectivity, and virtualization technologies will further enhance the performance and capabilities of virtual desktops on tablets. However, there are some challenges that need to be addressed in this market. One of the primary concerns is security. As users access sensitive data and applications remotely, ensuring robust security measures is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. VDI vendors and tablet manufacturers need to collaborate to develop secure solutions that protect user data and privacy. Another challenge is the need for reliable and fast internet connectivity. Virtual desktops heavily rely on internet connections, and any disruptions or slow speeds can hinder user experience and productivity. As 5G networks continue to roll out globally, this challenge is expected to be mitigated to a large extent. In conclusion, the market for interacting remotely with applications displayed in a virtual desktop on a tablet computer device is witnessing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for flexible work environments and advancements in technology. Tablet users can now enjoy the benefits of VDI, such as enhanced security, centralized management, and the ability to work from anywhere. As the market continues to evolve, addressing security concerns and ensuring reliable internet connectivity will be crucial for its sustained growth.

The Citrix Systems Inc invention works as follows

Virtual desktops created by a local virtual desktop application running on a tablet computer device can also display remote applications. Tablet computing devices run an operating system which does not support a mouse and displays a native desktop. The virtual desktop can be displayed on a tablet device in many cases, so that it appears to be a native desktop. Virtual desktops include a mouse that can be used to interact remotely with applications. Remote applications produce graphical output when they are executed on a server. The tablet computing device receives the graphical output and displays it in an application output display window within the virtual desktop. “Using a virtual keyboard or trackpad, the user can interact remotely with applications displayed on the virtual desktop.

Background for Interacting remotely with applications displayed in a virtual desktop on a tablet computer device

Tablet computers, and other computing devices, typically run operating systems which execute in a paradigm that uses a touch-screen to generate user input. Today’s tablets are built to process and capture touch input. Many applications are also designed for tablet computers to be able to accept user input generated by a touch screen. “Some applications are specifically designed for tablet operating systems so that users can interact with menus and input fields through the touch screen.

There are a number of applications that have not been designed to work within a system paradigm in which a touch screen would be the primary way for users to input data. These applications are designed to run in a system where both a mouse and a pointer can be used. The different environments are rarely a problem because most applications not designed to run on tablets cannot be downloaded or executed. When a user attempts to remotely access an application not designed for tablet computers, issues may arise.

There are remote access applications that allow users to display and interact remotely with remote applications via a tablet computer. These applications display remote apps that run on a distant computer, and in many cases they do so within an environment where a mouse and mouse pointer are present. If a user attempts to access these applications using a tablet computer without a mouse and one that does NOT contemplate the use a mouse, they may not be able to interact with the entire remote application. There is a need for a system to display a mouse on a computer running an operating system that does not provide a pointer. A need also exists for a method to control the movement of the pointer on the desktop of the computer tablet.

In one aspect of the invention, methods and systems are described for displaying remote desktop applications and controlling remote desktop applications by using a device mouse pointer that is displayed on the virtual desktop. Tablet computers often run operating systems which do not allow the use of a pointer mouse. These operating systems have been designed to operate within a paradigm of a system that focuses on receiving input primarily through a touchscreen. Remote applications are typically executed within a paradigm of a system that allows for a small portion of input to be received through a mouse. These remote applications are often designed to work with a mouse. Some of the functionality may not be available to the end user if they use the remote app within the tablet computing paradigm which does not allow the use of a pointer. “Systems and methods which display a virtual desktop on top of the native desktop of a Tablet Computing Device, with a mouse-pointer included, can overcome inherent limitations when a remote app designed to run within a system paradigm contemplating a pointer mouse is displayed in a tablet system paradigm without a pointer mouse.

In another aspect of the invention, methods are described for interacting using a mouse with a remote desktop application on a tablet computer device. In certain instances, the virtual desktop application is executed locally on the tablet computer to create and display a desktop. In some cases, a virtual desk is locally executed on the tablet device. Locally, the tablet runs an operating system which generates and displays native desktop. In some embodiments the operating system of a tablet computing device does not include a mouse. The virtual desktop may be displayed in a context that is similar to the native desktop, so as to make it appear like the native desktop. The virtual desktop can display a mouse pointer. A virtual desktop may receive a request for a remote application to be executed within the context of the virtual desk from the user of a tablet computing device. The user’s request can be sent to a remote computer via a virtual channel. The remote server can respond to the user’s request by executing the remote application. It will then transmit the application output generated from the remote application. The tablet computing device displays the application output in an application output window displayed within the context of the virtual desktop. The end-user can interact with the remote app using the mouse.

In some embodiments icons representing remote applications are displayed on the virtual desktop. In one embodiment, the remote applications that correspond to the icons displayed are applications not available on the native desktop. In some embodiments, receiving a list from the remote server of applications that are specific to the tablet user is also part of displaying the icons. After receiving the list, the application icons are displayed in the virtual desktop. Each application icon corresponds with a listed application.

In some embodiments, the virtual desktop can include one or more customizations to the native desktop. In some cases, customizations may include displaying the wallpaper of the native desktop as a background on the virtual desktop. Other customizations include elements displayed on the virtual desktop that are based on a native desktop theme.

In one embodiment, a virtual trackpad can be used to control the mouse pointer within the virtual desktop. In some embodiments, the virtual trackpad is an interactive image of trackpad displayed on the virtual desktop.

In another embodiment, a mouse pointer can be displayed on the virtual desktop and controlled by an external input device. The external input device may include a trackpad in some cases.

In a third aspect, methods are described for interacting using a mouse with a remote desktop application on a tablet device. In certain instances, the virtual desktop application is executed locally on a tablet computing device in order to display and generate a virtual desk. In some cases, a virtual desk is locally executed on the tablet device. Locally, the tablet runs an operating system which generates and displays native desktop. In some embodiments the operating system of a tablet computing device does not include a mouse. The virtual desktop may be displayed in a context that is similar to the native desktop, so as to make it appear like the native desktop. The virtual desktop can display a mouse pointer. In certain instances, the user of the tablet computer device can control the pointer by using the interactive trackpad that is displayed in the virtual desktop. A virtual desktop may receive a request for a tablet user to run a remote app within the context of the desktop. The user’s request can be sent to a remote computer via a virtual channel. The remote server can respond to the user’s request by executing the remote application. It will then transmit the application output generated from the remote application. The tablet computing device displays the application output in an application output window displayed within the context of a virtual desktop. The end-user can interact with the remote app using the mouse.

This aspect can be embodied by displaying icons that represent remote applications on the virtual desktop. In one embodiment, the remote applications that correspond to the icons displayed are applications not available on the native desktop. In some embodiments, receiving a list from the remote server of applications belonging to the tablet user is also part of displaying the icons. After receiving the list, the application icons are displayed in the virtual desktop. Each application icon corresponds with a listed application.

In a further aspect, the present invention describes a system that allows a user to interact with a remote desktop application. The remote application can be accessed by using a mouse. The system may include a tablet computer device which executes an OS that generates and displays native desktop. In certain instances, the operating system of a tablet computing device does not include a mouse. A virtual desktop can be generated by the virtual desktop application. The virtual desktop may be displayed in a context that is similar to the native desktop, so as to make it appear like the native desktop. The virtual desktop may include a mouse cursor in some cases. The virtual desktop can be locally executed on the tablet device and receive a request for a remote application to be executed within the context of the virtual desk from the user. The user request received can be sent to a remote computer over a virtual network, and the application output generated by remote applications running on the server displayed. The application output is displayed in a virtual desktop context within an application output window. The mouse pointer can be used by the user to interact with remote applications on the tablet.

In some embodiments, a virtual trackpad can be added to the virtual desktop. The virtual trackpad allows a user of a tablet computing device to control the movement the mouse pointer. In some embodiments of controlling the movement, the user can capture input from the virtual tracking pad and reposition the mouse according to that input.

In some embodiments, a system can also include a virtual desktop with icons that represent remote applications.

In other embodiments, a server can execute the remote application specified in the user’s request as a response to the user’s request. The server can send the output of the application generated by the remote app to the tablet device after executing it.

The methods, systems, and apparatus described in this document are not limited by the devices, methods or conditions described and/or illustrated herein. It should be noted that some features of the systems, methods and structures described in this document are described within the context of different embodiments and can be used in any combination of embodiments.

The following terminology is used in this disclosure:

As used in this document, a tablet computing devices can be any mobile computer device. A tablet computer can be, for example, an IPAD or any of the following: MOTOROLA XOOM (or similar), DELL STREAK (or similar), AMAZON KINDLE (or similar), FUJITSU Lifebook, HP SLATE (or other table computers), TOSHIBA PORTEGE SAMSUNG GALAXY VIEWSONIC VIEWPAD. The operating systems that can be used on a tablet computing device include the ANDROID OS, WINDOWS OS, iOS by APPLE or BLACKBERRYOS. In some embodiments, the term mobile computing device is used to refer to a tablet computer.

As used herein, “a virtual desktop” can be any desktop program that is capable of displaying application output generated from applications running in remote locations. In some embodiments a virtual desktop can be a CITRIX XENDESKTOP. In some embodiments, the virtual desktop is a desktop app that runs locally on a tablet device but can display remote applications. In other embodiments, the virtual desktop could be a machine that executes remotely, locally, or both, on a tablet computer. Virtual desktops may be executed locally on the tablet device, or remotely on an external machine and transmitted or streamed onto the tablet device.

Displaying something in the context of another thing can be used to mean, for example that an application is displayed on a desktop. If the application is remote, it can be displayed in a virtual desktop. A virtual desktop can also be displayed in the context of an existing desktop. In some embodiments the virtual desktop can be displayed on top of the native screen, so that it appears to be the desktop. Although not visible, the native desktop continues to run and can be accessed when closing the virtual desktop. The virtual desktop in this example is displayed within the context of the native desktop.

The following sections of the specification with their respective contents can be useful for reading the descriptions of various embodiments:

Click here to view the patent on Google Patents.