Cloud Image Management via Layered Virtual Machine Parsing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Enterprise users face increased management costs and inefficiencies when deploying images across different cloud servers due to differences in virtualization technologies, requiring manual recreation of images on each server.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a pre-created installer virtual machine and layered image information to automatically create boot and rootfs partitions on one cloud server, enabling the creation of an image corresponding to a service virtual machine without manual intervention, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual recreation of images is performed on each cloud server, then compatibility with different virtualization technologies is achieved, but management costs and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different virtualization technologiesVSAvoidtime consumption for manual image recreation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the source image into a standardized format that contains all necessary information for deployment across different cloud platforms. The image is prepared in advance with metadata and configuration information that enables automatic adaptation to target cloud servers without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary image management system that acts as a mediator between the source image and target cloud servers. This system automatically handles the conversion and adaptation of images to different virtualization technologies, eliminating the need for manual recreation while ensuring compatibility across diverse cloud platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual recreation of images is performed on each cloud server, then compatibility with different virtualization technologies is achieved, but management costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different virtualization technologiesVSAvoidmanagement costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional image management system that can handle multiple cloud platforms and virtualization technologies through a single standardized interface. The system performs multiple functions including image conversion, validation, deployment, and management, eliminating the need for separate manual processes for each cloud server type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediary image management system reduces management costs by automating the complex process of adapting images to different virtualization technologies. It handles all conversion and deployment tasks automatically, reducing the need for skilled personnel and minimizing operational expenses associated with manual image management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated image creation is implemented, then management efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating standardized templates and using replication techniques to distribute images across multiple cloud platforms. Instead of manually configuring each image deployment, the system uses automated copying mechanisms that preserve consistency while reducing the complexity of manual management tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages system complexity by dynamically adjusting parameters such as image format, resolution, and configuration based on the target cloud platform requirements. The automated system handles parameter transformations internally, allowing high management efficiency without requiring users to understand or manage the underlying system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11403146B2Method, apparatus, and server for managing image across cloud servers
Publication Date: 2022.08.02 HUAWEI CLOUD COMPUTING TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
  • US11403146B2 patent drawing
  • US11403146B2 patent drawing
  • US11403146B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a server for managing an image across cloud servers relate to the field of computer technologies. The method includes: obtaining layered image information of a layered image file of a service virtual machine on a second cloud server; creating a boot partition and a rootfs partition based on a pre-created installer virtual machine and the layered image information; and creating, based on the boot partition and the rootfs partition, an image corresponding to the service virtual machine. In this method, no manual operation is required, and not only reducing management costs, but also improving management efficiency.