Automated Computer Configuration via Resource Queue Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring large numbers of computers is a time-consuming process that typically requires significant operator effort and can take several months to complete, especially when deploying hundreds or thousands of computers, as existing methods require manual determination and interaction with resources for each computer.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where computers send requests to an administrator for resource interaction, allowing the administrator to manage the configuration process efficiently by determining resource availability, directing computers to queues, and dynamically assigning resources to avoid overloads, enabling the configuration of multiple computers in a fraction of the previous time, typically 3-4 days.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration methods are used for each computer, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but the configuration time becomes excessively long (3-6 months)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated configuration agents deployed on each computer that autonomously execute configuration tasks based on predefined policies. The system uses self-contained configuration packages that automatically install and configure software, drivers, and settings without requiring manual operator intervention for each computer, thereby dramatically reducing configuration time while maintaining accuracy through automated validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring standardized configuration packages and policies before deployment. The system prepares configuration templates, software images, and policy definitions in advance, allowing computers to be rapidly configured upon deployment by simply applying these pre-prepared configurations rather than building them from scratch during the configuration phase.
2Stability of the object's composition
If centralized administrator control is implemented for all configuration decisions, then configuration consistency is improved, but system complexity and operator workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration management system into distributed configuration agents on each computer and a centralized policy management server. This segmentation allows centralized control over configuration policies and consistency standards while distributing the actual configuration execution locally, reducing the complexity burden on the administrator system and enabling parallel configuration of multiple computers simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by allowing computers to autonomously handle routine configuration tasks based on predefined policies, while the administrator system only needs to intervene for policy definition and exception handling. This partial automation approach maintains configuration consistency through centralized policy control while significantly reducing operator workload and system complexity compared to fully manual centralized management.
3Productivity
If configuration resources are concentrated to improve efficiency, then configuration speed increases, but resource bottlenecks and overloads occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling each configuration agent to operate independently with local configuration packages and settings. Each computer's configuration process is localized and self-contained, allowing parallel execution without creating centralized resource bottlenecks. This distributed approach maintains high configuration throughput while ensuring resource availability and reliability across the entire deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adaptive resource allocation where configuration resources are dynamically assigned based on actual deployment needs and system capacity. The system can scale configuration resources up or down dynamically, and configuration agents can adapt their execution based on available resources, preventing overloads while maintaining optimal configuration throughput throughout the deployment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for configuring a plurality of computers, each of which requires interaction with at least one resource to advance a configuration state of the computer. A request for access to a resource may be received from at least one of the computers, and a resource needed may be determined. An availability of the resource needed may be determined, and the computer instructed to interact with the resource if the resource is available. If the resource is not available, the computer may be caused to not interact with the resource.