Integrating Containers into Filesystem Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image generation systems for Linux-based operating systems do not provide functionality for distributing and managing containers as part of filesystem images, which is necessary for expanding device capabilities such as Systems-on-a-Chip (SoCs) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices that use container orchestration systems.
Innovation Solution
A processor device executes an image generation service that integrates container images into the filesystem tree, allowing for the generation, distribution, and replication of filesystem images that include both the underlying operating system and executable containers, enabling atomic deployment and automatic container execution upon reboot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image generation systems are used, then filesystem images can be generated and distributed, but container images cannot be integrated into the filesystem tree
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges container images with filesystem images by integrating container file layers into the filesystem tree structure. The container image layers are embedded within the filesystem image, allowing both the operating system and container applications to be distributed as a single integrated unit, thereby enabling container integration capability without requiring separate container management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The image generation service is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it can generate traditional filesystem images and integrated filesystem-container images. The service universally handles both OS file systems and container file systems, allowing a single system to serve multiple deployment scenarios (traditional and containerized) without requiring separate specialized systems
2Productivity
If container images are integrated into filesystem images, then distribution and replication efficiency improve, but the complexity of managing both OS and container files increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated filesystem image is segmented into distinct layers: the base filesystem tree containing OS files and the container image layers containing application files. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by treating different file types separately while maintaining their integration in a single deployable image, improving distribution efficiency without overwhelming management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The container image layers are nested within the filesystem image structure, with container files embedded inside the filesystem tree. This nesting allows the container image to be contained within the larger filesystem image, enabling both OS and container files to be managed as a unified entity while maintaining their hierarchical organization, thus improving distribution efficiency
3Reliability
If container files are incorporated into the filesystem image, then atomic deployment is enabled, but the size of the filesystem image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container image with the filesystem image into a single integrated image. This merging enables atomic deployment because the entire system (OS plus container) is packaged as one unit that can be deployed atomically - either the complete integrated image is deployed or nothing is deployed, ensuring reliability without requiring separate deployment steps for OS and container
Data Source
AI summary
Generating filesystem images with integrated containers is disclosed herein. In one example, a processor device obtains a filesystem tree comprising a plurality of filesystem files, and also obtains a container image comprising a plurality of container files. Based on the filesystem tree and the container image, the processor device generates a filesystem image that comprises the filesystem tree and the plurality of container files. The processor device then stores the filesystem image on a persistent data store.