Delta Encoded Modular Image Updates for Retail POS Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In retail environments, updating software container image files is inefficient due to limited network bandwidth and the need for frequent updates, leading to high bandwidth consumption and increased costs, especially when dealing with multiple peripheral devices and varying hardware configurations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating delta encoded image files that represent the differences between old and new versions of modular image files, allowing for efficient updates by downloading only the necessary changes rather than full image files, using a comparison module with a VCDIFF algorithm to generate delta encoded files, and assembling these files into executable image files on local computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full image files are downloaded for updates, then update reliability is ensured, but network bandwidth consumption increases and download time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update data into two parts: the base image file stored locally and the delta-encoded difference file downloaded from the registry. This segmentation allows the system to download only the essential changes rather than complete image files, reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining update reliability through the use of checksums and verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by storing the base image file locally before the update process. The delta-encoded difference file is then applied to this pre-stored base image, eliminating the need to download the entire updated image. This preliminary storage of the base image significantly reduces network bandwidth requirements while ensuring reliable updates through verification of the delta application.
2Loss of information
If full image files are downloaded for updates, then complete update data is available, but download time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The update data is segmented into the base image (stored locally) and the delta-encoded differences (downloaded). This segmentation ensures that only the essential update information is transmitted over the network, reducing download time while maintaining completeness of the update through the combination of base image and delta differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The base image is preliminarily stored on the local system before the update process begins. When an update is needed, only the small delta-encoded difference file needs to be downloaded and applied to the pre-stored base image. This preliminary action dramatically reduces download time while ensuring the complete update data is available for application.
3Loss of energy
If delta encoded files are used for updates, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the update module with delta decoding capability) that bridges the simple base image storage and the efficient delta-encoded update delivery. This intermediary handles the complexity of delta encoding/decoding internally, presenting a simple interface to users while achieving bandwidth reduction through the use of delta-encoded difference files.
4Reliability
If frequent updates are performed, then software currency is maintained, but network costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments update transmissions into small delta-encoded difference files rather than complete image files. This segmentation enables frequent updates to be performed with minimal network cost, as each update only transmits the essential changes rather than redundant complete image data, thereby maintaining software currency economically.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, server computers, and computer programs are disclosed. An example method is disclosed that includes inputting, into an update module, a first version of a predefined modular image file and a delta encoded image file defining differences between the first version and a second, updated, version of the predefined modular image file, and outputting, from the update module, the second, updated, version of the predefined modular image file, where each version of the predefined modular image file includes at least one layer defining executable instructions and is one of a plurality of predefined modular image files that can be assembled as an executable image file for execution as a software container element.