Disk Image Customization via Modular Builder and Injector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer system initialization and configuration methods using disk images are inflexible and lack platform independence, requiring complex systems management and manual intervention, which complicates efficient configuration and change control.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that automates disk image customization through a modular system comprising a builder module to capture and package customizations, and an injector module to apply them to a target disk image, enabling flexibility and platform independence by generating custom menus for user input and inferring necessary information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If disk images are used for system initialization and configuration, then compactness and loading speed are improved, but flexibility and platform independence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the disk image into a base image portion and a customization portion. The base image provides the core operating system for fast loading, while the customization portion contains platform-specific and user-specific customizations that can be independently applied, thus maintaining both speed and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary customization by capturing customizations applied to a baseline disk image and packaging them into an integrated package before deployment. This allows the customized image to be pre-prepared and loaded quickly, while still maintaining the ability to adapt to different platforms and users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If systems management and configuration facilities are used to provide flexibility and platform independence, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the customization capture, packaging, and application functions into an integrated facility that works seamlessly with the disk image loading process. The builder module captures customizations, packages them into an integrated package, and the injector module applies them automatically, eliminating the need for separate complex systems management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically capturing customizations applied to the baseline image and applying them to the target image without requiring manual intervention or complex external management systems. The integrated package automatically applies customizations based on the detected operating system type, version, and state.
3Ease of operation
If manual customization methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The builder module captures customizations by monitoring and detecting what customizations are applied to the baseline disk image. This feedback mechanism automatically identifies changes without manual input, yet maintains the ability to preserve manual customization choices while dramatically improving productivity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for customizing a disk image. A base image is booted and the desired customizations are applied and captured using a known method. A maintenance environment is booted and a builder module incorporates the captured customizations into an integrated package. If user input is required then custom menus are also defined. A target operating system, independent of the base image, is hooked to invoke an injector module. The operating system is booted from the maintenance environment thereby invoking the injector module. The customizations from the integrated package together with any obtained from the custom menus are injected into the operating system. A customized image of the operating system is then saved, to be deployed to other computers or further customized as required.