Embedded Device File Change Notification via Network File System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded devices with multiple CPUs and operating systems face inefficiencies in file synchronization due to complex and time-consuming processes when configuration files are modified, requiring manual copying across storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A file change notification method and system that utilizes an OS kernel monitoring module to detect real-time modifications in configuration files and sends notification messages through a communication network, allowing for automatic synchronization of changes across shared storage systems using a network file system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If configuration files are stored separately on different storage devices for multiple CPUs and operating systems, then each OS can have its own configuration file, but the disk space consumption increases and synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration file storage by using a shared storage device that stores a single configuration file accessible by multiple operating systems through a network file system. This eliminates the need for separate storage devices for each OS while maintaining configuration independence, thereby reducing disk space consumption and synchronization complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network file system as an intermediary layer between the shared storage device and multiple operating systems. This intermediary enables seamless access to the shared configuration file by different OSes without requiring direct file synchronization mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If configuration files are copied synchronously to all storage devices when modified, then all OSes have updated configurations, but the synchronization process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration synchronization where the network file system automatically handles configuration file access and updates for all operating systems. When a configuration file is modified, the system automatically notifies relevant OSes through the network file system without requiring manual copying or complex synchronization processes, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the network file system monitors configuration file changes and automatically notifies relevant operating systems. This feedback loop ensures that all OSes receive updated configurations efficiently without requiring manual intervention or complex synchronous copying processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A file change notification method of an embedded device that includes a first operating system (OS) and a second OS. The first OS corresponds to a first central processing unit (CPU) and connects to a storage system, the second OS corresponds to a second CPU for sharing with the configuration file via a network file system (NFS). The method monitors the configuration file stored in the storage system, determines whether the configuration file has been modified, and generates a notification message to notify a first application program that the configuration file has been changed. The method further sends the notification message from the first OS to the second OS through a communication network, and notifies a second application program that the configuration file has been changed when the notification message is received from the first OS.