Disk Imaging Tool Bypassing File System for Rapid Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer system maintenance and support methods are inefficient, particularly in installing new software or updating existing systems, which can lead to significant time consumption and potential errors, impacting productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for writing an image to a computer system's storage device using an imaging tool that employs a temporary file system, allowing the image to be stored and written without using the existing file system, enabling efficient imaging and updating of computer systems across a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual software installation is performed, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements disk imaging by creating a complete copy of the target disk partition and writing it to a source disk. This copying approach allows the entire operating system and software environment to be replicated in one operation, dramatically reducing installation time compared to manual software installation while maintaining full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-creating the imaging tool and preparing the image writing process before actual installation is needed. The imaging tool is designed to automatically detect partitions, calculate offsets, and execute the image writing operation, eliminating the need for manual configuration during installation.
2Reliability
If imaging tool uses existing file system for storage, then ease of operation is maintained, but interference with existing system occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage device into distinct partitions, separating the imaging operation from the existing file system. The imaging tool creates a dedicated partition or region for storing the image data, which prevents interference with the existing operating system files and applications while maintaining simple operation through automated partition detection and selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging tool acts as an intermediary between the image data and the storage device. It manages the temporary storage and writing process by creating a dedicated partition structure, shielding the existing file system from interference while providing a simple interface for users to initiate the imaging operation without manually configuring storage details.
3Manufacturing precision
If disk imaging is performed without temporary file system, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage device into distinct partitions, separating the imaging operation from the existing file system. The imaging tool creates a dedicated partition or region for storing the image data, which prevents interference with the existing operating system files and applications while maintaining simple operation through automated partition detection and selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for imaging a computer system is disclosed. An administrative computer system includes an image for use with a target computer system and an imaging server for managing imaging processes on other computers. A target computer system includes or is in communication with a computer-readable medium that includes instructions to implement a method for writing the image to a storage device. The target computer system has a hard drive having a file system. The image is received from the administrative computer system. The image is stored on the hard drive of the target computer system without using the file system. The image is written to the hard drive of the target computer system using an imaging tool. The imaging tool uses a temporary file system to access the image. The temporary file system is transparent to the imaging tool.