Automated Custom Volume Image Generation for Cloud Instances

Solution Overview

Problem

Manually launching and configuring virtual computer instances in cloud systems is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when users need to update software packages or deploy instances across multiple regions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a long-running process that generates custom virtual computer instances by selecting a pre-configured volume image, installing software packages, creating snapshots, and registering them for automated launch across multiple regions, allowing for efficient and error-reduced deployment of customized virtual machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration of virtual computer instances is performed, then customization flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and error probability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically installing software packages, configuring settings, and creating snapshots of virtual computer instances before they are fully deployed. This automation of preparatory configuration steps reduces manual intervention time while preserving customization options through snapshot-based flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates snapshots (copies) of configured virtual computer instances that can be reused and launched multiple times without reconfiguration. This copying mechanism eliminates repetitive manual configuration work while maintaining consistent customized settings across multiple instances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Loss of time

If snapshots of configured instances are stored for reuse, then configuration time is reduced, but inability to update software packages becomes a problem

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration timeVSAvoidsoftware update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates snapshots (copies) of configured virtual computer instances that can be reused and launched multiple times without reconfiguration. This copying mechanism eliminates repetitive manual configuration work while maintaining consistent customized settings across multiple instances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically installing software packages, configuring settings, and creating snapshots of virtual computer instances before they are fully deployed. This automation of preparatory configuration steps reduces manual intervention time while preserving customization options through snapshot-based flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration steps are performed for each instance, then customization precision is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoiddeployment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically installing software packages, configuring system settings, and creating snapshots without requiring manual intervention. This automation maintains configuration accuracy through scripted procedures while dramatically increasing deployment speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically installing software packages, configuring settings, and creating snapshots of virtual computer instances before they are fully deployed. This automation of preparatory configuration steps reduces manual intervention time while preserving customization options through snapshot-based flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9430212B2Automatically generating volume images and launching virtual computing instances

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 NETFLIX INC

AI summary

In an embodiment, a method comprises using a first server computer, executing a process that is configured to generate virtual computer instances; receiving a request to generate a first custom virtual computer instance, wherein the request identifies one or more software packages to install on the first custom virtual computer instance; copying a first pre-configured volume image onto a volume of a data storage device, wherein the volume includes one or more base software packages in a file system; mounting the volume to the first server computer, in response to receiving the request; installing each of the one or more software packages on the volume; unmounting the volume; creating a snapshot of the volume; registering the snapshot as a registered custom volume image.