Docker Container Operating System Virtual Machine Image Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for operating applications established in virtual machines within Docker containers are complex and time-consuming, requiring developers to manually convert virtual machine images into container images and understand both deployment architectures, increasing the developer's workload and energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that receive an execution command for a Docker container, obtain the corresponding virtual machine image, read metadata and layer data, generate a snapshot layer file, mount it to a working directory, and configure the environment to operate the Docker container, eliminating the need for manual conversion and reducing developer requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual conversion of virtual machine image to container image is performed, then the application can operate in Docker container, but the deployment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automatic conversion system that acts as an intermediary between virtual machine images and Docker container images. This system automatically extracts layer data from virtual machine images and transforms them into Docker container images without requiring manual developer intervention, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining application compatibility and reducing deployment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing virtual machine images to extract and organize layer data before conversion. The system prepares the image structure in advance, extracting metadata and layer information that will be needed for Docker container image creation, thus simplifying the overall conversion process and reducing deployment complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual conversion of virtual machine image to container image is performed, then the application can operate in Docker container, but the deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of image conversion with an automated system. Instead of developers manually performing conversion steps, the system automatically extracts layer data from virtual machine images and generates Docker container images, dramatically reducing deployment time while maintaining application compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables skipping of manual conversion steps by implementing an automated extraction and transformation process. The system rapidly processes virtual machine images, extracting essential layer data and converting it to Docker format in one streamlined operation, thus rushing through what would otherwise be a time-consuming manual process
3Productivity
If developer manually establishes container image, then the application can be deployed in Docker, but the developer's workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the automatic conversion system to perform the work that would otherwise require developer intervention. The system autonomously extracts layer data from virtual machine images, transforms it into Docker container image format, and prepares it for deployment without requiring developers to manually establish container images, thus reducing developer workload while maintaining deployment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic conversion system serves as an intermediary that handles the complex tasks of image transformation, freeing developers from direct involvement in the conversion process. This intermediary system manages the entire workflow from virtual machine image to Docker container image, significantly reducing developer workload while preserving full deployment capability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b-1
AI summary
A Docker container operating method and apparatus are provided, to operate, in a Docker container by using a simple and efficient method, an application previously established in a virtual machine. A virtual machine image corresponding to a to-be-executed application is obtained according to an identifier of the to-be-executed application that is included in a received execution command. Metadata information of the virtual machine image and layer data corresponding to the Docker container may be read from all layer data in the virtual machine image, and the layer data corresponding to the Docker container is layer data required for operating the Docker container corresponding to the to-be-executed application. The Docker container corresponding to the to-be-executed application operates according to the read metadata information of the virtual machine image and the read layer data corresponding to the Docker container.