Networked Agent Software Upgrade via Shared Storage and Watchdog
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Upgrading software across multiple computer systems is challenging due to configuration discrepancies and the need for separate installations, which can be time-consuming and inefficient for technical staff.
Innovation Solution
A networked system with a master agent and state agents, where binary files are shared from a central location, and a watchdog process manages software upgrades by stopping and restarting state agents when a marker file is present or absent, ensuring consistent updates across systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate software installation is performed on each computer system, then each system can have custom changes adjusted to its particulars, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and configuration discrepancies arise between systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple installation processes into a single unified installation executed on one computer system. The upgraded software is then distributed to other systems through shared storage, eliminating the need for separate installations on each system while maintaining custom configuration capabilities through system-specific configuration files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs software upgrades in advance on a master system before distributing to other systems. Configuration files are prepared beforehand with system-specific customizations, allowing rapid deployment to multiple systems without repeating the full installation process on each one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate software installation is performed on each computer system, then each system can have custom changes, but configuration discrepancies occur between systems in the organization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration into two distinct parts: core software binaries stored in shared storage that remain identical across all systems, and system-specific configuration files that contain customizations for each individual system. This segmentation ensures both consistency in core functionality and adaptability in custom configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each system to have its own configuration file with system-specific customizations while sharing the same core binary files. Each system's configuration file contains only the local adaptations needed for that specific system, maintaining overall configuration consistency while permitting necessary custom changes.
3Ease of operation
If binary files are stored locally at each state agent, then each agent can execute independently, but software upgrades require updating multiple locations increasing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the shared storage location serve multiple functions: it stores the core binary files that all state agents execute, maintains configuration files for different systems, and acts as the distribution point for software upgrades. This universal storage mechanism eliminates the need to update multiple separate locations while maintaining independent execution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configuration files as copies that reference the shared binary files. Each system has a configuration file copy that points to the universal binary location, allowing independent execution while simplifying upgrades - only the configuration copies need to be updated, not the actual binary files at multiple locations.
4Reliability
If software is upgraded at multiple locations, then all systems receive updates, but the process is time-consuming for technical staff and installers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having state agents automatically detect and execute upgraded software from the shared storage location without requiring manual intervention at each system. The watchdog process automatically monitors for upgrade markers and triggers re-execution, eliminating the need for technical staff to manually update each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a feedback mechanism where state agents continuously monitor the shared storage location for upgrade markers. When updates are detected, the watchdog process receives feedback about the upgrade status and automatically initiates re-execution with the new binary files, creating a closed-loop system that ensures all systems receive updates without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A networked system includes a master agent and at least one state agent. When upgrading the software of the master agent and the state agents, only the binary files at a shared location at the master agent are changed. To accomplish the change, a watchdog process at the state agent watches for the presence of a marker file at the master agent. The master agent produces the marker file if the master agent will accomplish a software upgrade. When the marker file is present, the state agent stops execution. The watchdog continues to monitor the presence of the marker file until the marker file is deleted at the end of the installation process. When the marker file is deleted, the state agent installs the new binary files associated with the software upgrade and resumes execution.