Container Image Layer Tagging for Selective Runtime Pulls

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inefficiency in deploying container images due to the need to download and execute all layers, including optional features, which results in unnecessary data transfer and processing time.

Innovation Solution

A system that identifies and excludes optional image layers from the container image based on tag identifiers, using a build file to selectively pull only the required layers during deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all image layers are downloaded and executed during container deployment, then the container image is fully deployed with all features, but the data transfer time and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer image deployment completenessVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The container image is segmented into multiple image layers, each representing a specific feature or functionality. The system then selectively downloads and executes only the necessary layers based on deployment requirements, rather than downloading the entire image. This segmentation enables partial deployment, reducing both data transfer time and processing time while maintaining the ability to deploy complete functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If all image layers are downloaded during container deployment, then all features are available, but unnecessary data transfer occurs increasing transmission time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer feature availabilityVSAvoiddata transfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial action by downloading only the necessary image layers required for a specific deployment scenario rather than the complete image. The build file specifies which layers are mandatory and which are optional, allowing the system to perform partial downloads based on actual deployment needs, thereby reducing unnecessary data transfer time while maintaining the capability to access all features when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the container image includes all image layers, then all optional features are available, but processing time increases due to unnecessary layers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptional feature availabilityVSAvoiddeployment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamic layer selection where the set of downloaded and executed layers is determined dynamically based on deployment requirements. The build file contains metadata about optional layers, and the system dynamically decides which layers to include in the deployment process, optimizing productivity by excluding unnecessary optional features while preserving the ability to access them when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12474910B2Multi-variant image container with optional tagging

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An example operation may include one or more of receiving a request to build an instance of a container image that comprises a plurality of image layers, wherein the request comprises a tag identifier, creating the container image comprising the plurality of image layers, identifying a subset of image layers from among the plurality of image layers within the container image to exclude based on the tag identifier, and pulling remaining image layers from the container image with the subset of image layers excluded therefrom to an instance of a container deployed in a runtime environment.