Centralized Server for Custom Data Image Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing operating systems and software applications on client devices through data images are time-consuming and often result in outdated applications being provided, as they require manual creation and distribution of physical media like CDs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow users to build images via a user interface, with a middle tier server managing and updating the files, ensuring that only up-to-date files are stored and distributed, and a backend server handles authentication and policies, enabling clients to receive updated files without needing to store them locally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually build data images and store them on physical media (CDs), then the data image can be provided to client devices, but the process is time-consuming and results in outdated applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical media distribution with digital copying over a network. The server creates and maintains a master data image that can be copied and distributed to multiple client devices electronically, eliminating the need for physical CD manufacturing and distribution while ensuring all clients receive identical, up-to-date content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the data image source and client devices. This server stores the master data image and manages distribution to multiple clients, centralizing control and ensuring all clients receive current versions without manual intervention from end users.
2Reliability
If multiple client devices receive data images from physical media, then each device can be updated, but storage space is wasted due to redundant file instances on each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function by consolidating the master data image storage on a centralized server rather than duplicating it across all client devices. The server acts as a single source of truth, while client devices store only the necessary portions or references to the data image, dramatically reducing total storage requirements across the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized server provides universal access to the data image for multiple client devices. Instead of each device having its own complete copy, the server serves as a universal repository that any authorized client can access, making the storage infrastructure serve multiple functions and multiple devices simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users build data images locally, then customization is possible, but the process is complex and requires local storage of all files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex file management and data image creation processes from the client devices and relocates them to the server. The server handles file storage, organization, and data image assembly, while client devices only need to request and receive pre-built data images, significantly simplifying the client-side process while maintaining customization capabilities on the server.
Data Source
AI summary
A first server is configured to receive an image from a first client device. The image may include an instruction to provide a second client device with a computer file. The first server is further configured to store the image, receive a task query from the first client device, and provide a task query response to the first client device based on receiving the task query. The task query response may include an indication that the first server is storing a task associated with the second client device. The first server is further configured to receive an image request from the second client device, communicate with a second server to identify whether the second client device is authorized to receive the image, and provide, to the second client device, the computer file associated with the image based on identifying that the second client device is authorized to receive the image.