Cloud Configuration Transfer to Windows Embedded Clients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing configuration data on embedded images in client devices, especially in enterprise environments, are inefficient due to the need for manual installation and the impracticality of downloading and installing large customized images for minor changes, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for transferring and applying configuration data from a public cloud server to a mobile client device using a retrieval module that obtains a configuration file over a public network and applies persistent configuration changes without reinstalling the entire embedded image, utilizing a write-filter to ensure changes persist across reboots while allowing for self-provisioning and reducing bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation or firmware update of entire embedded image is performed to apply persistent changes, then configuration changes can persist across reboots, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the embedded image into a read-only base image and separate configuration data. Instead of updating the entire image, only the configuration portion is modified and applied, enabling persistent changes without full image reinstalls. This segmentation allows configuration changes to be applied independently while maintaining the integrity of the base image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts configuration data from the embedded image structure, storing it separately in a configuration store. This extraction enables configuration changes to be applied without touching the main embedded image, significantly reducing update time and resources while ensuring persistence across reboots through the use of write filters.
2Reliability
If customized embedded images are downloaded and installed for each configuration change, then persistent configuration can be achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary configuration data from customized images and stores it separately in a configuration store on the client device. This extraction eliminates the need to download and install entire customized images, reducing bandwidth consumption to minimal levels while maintaining configuration persistence through the write filter mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of copying entire customized images to client devices, the patent copies only the configuration data portion to a local configuration store. This selective copying dramatically reduces bandwidth requirements while the write filter ensures that these copied configuration changes persist across system reboots.
3Adaptability or versatility
If entire embedded images are reinstalled for frequent minor changes, then configuration updates can be applied, but administrative effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration management process into separate components: base image management and configuration data management. This segmentation allows frequent minor configuration changes to be applied independently without complex full image reinstalls, reducing administrative effort while supporting high-frequency updates through the write filter architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples of methods and apparatus are provided for obtaining a configuration file over a public network and applying a persistent configuration change to a windows-based embedded image with a write-filter running on a mobile client and obviating reinstallation of an entire windows-based embedded image onto the mobile client. The apparatus may include a retrieval module of the mobile client that facilitates locating a remote repository server containing the configuration file. The retrieval module facilitate obtaining the configuration file over the public network from the remote repository server while the write-filter is enabled, while obviating reinstallation of an entire windows-based embedded image onto the mobile client. The apparatus may include an apply settings module of the mobile client that, each time the mobile client boots up, applies a configuration change to the windows-based embedded image while the write-filter is enabled, based on the configuration file or another configuration file.