Graphical User Interfaces Using Software Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have overlooked the use of software containers for running GUI applications in microservices architectures, leading to security vulnerabilities and difficulties in updating GUI components.
Innovation Solution
Implementing GUI applications within software container elements, alongside GUI infrastructure components in separate containers, enhances security and enables rapid deployment of updates by using executable image files that can be dynamically assembled and executed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GUI applications are run directly on the terminal without software containers, then the application can access system resources directly, but security vulnerabilities increase and updates become difficult to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software architecture by introducing software containers that isolate GUI applications from the host terminal system. Each container encapsulates the application and its dependencies, creating independent execution environments. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing security isolation (improving reliability) while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized container interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces software containers as intermediary layers between GUI applications and the terminal operating system. The container runtime and containerd serve as mediators that manage application execution, resource allocation, and system interactions. This intermediary approach enhances security by preventing direct access to system resources while simplifying updates through centralized container management.
2Productivity
If traditional software deployment methods are used for GUI applications, then deployment is straightforward, but updating GUI components requires complex builds on every terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-building GUI application containers in a centralized environment with all necessary dependencies and configurations. These pre-built containers are then distributed to terminals for execution. This approach resolves the contradiction by eliminating per-terminal build processes (reducing time loss) while enabling rapid deployment of updated containers (improving productivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses container copying mechanisms where a single master container image is replicated and distributed across multiple terminals. The containerd daemon manages these copies, ensuring consistency across the deployment fleet. This copying approach enables simultaneous updates across all terminals without requiring individual builds, thus improving productivity while minimizing time loss.
3Reliability
If software containers are introduced to isolate GUI applications, then security is enhanced, but the software architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the container architecture to handle multiple functions through standardized interfaces. The same container runtime and containerd infrastructure manages application isolation, resource allocation, update deployment, and system integration. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive security isolation while maintaining manageable complexity through unified container management protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a computing device and a computer program is disclosed. The method comprises providing, at a computing device, at least one first executable image file comprising first executable software associated with a graphical user interface application; and executing the first executable image file as at least one first software container element that contains the first executable software and that is executable on one or more processors of the computing device; and responsive to executing the first executable image file, providing a first graphical user interface on a display of the computing device.