Modular Container Image Updates Using Delta-Encoded Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating software containers in retail environments face challenges due to large container image file sizes, slow download and upgrade speeds, excessive network bandwidth usage, and the need for numerous image files to accommodate varying hardware and peripheral device configurations, especially in environments with limited network bandwidth and unreliable connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The use of delta encoded image files that define differences between old and new versions of modular image files, allowing efficient assembly into executable software containers, reducing the need for full image downloads and minimizing network bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full container image files are downloaded to update software containers, then complete and accurate updates are achieved, but network bandwidth consumption increases and download time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process into two distinct components: the base image file that remains on the terminal, and a separate delta file that contains only the differences between version updates. This segmentation allows the system to download and transmit only the essential update information (delta file) rather than redundant data, thereby reducing network bandwidth consumption while ensuring accurate updates through the combination of base image and delta file.
2Reliability
If full container image files are downloaded to update software containers, then complete and accurate updates are achieved, but download time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The update mechanism is divided into a static base image component and a dynamic delta file component. By segmenting the update data this way, the system only needs to download the small delta file containing version differences, dramatically reducing download time while maintaining update accuracy through the combination process that applies delta changes to the existing base image.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modular image files are created to accommodate varying hardware configurations, then adaptability improves, but the number of image files increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration-specific variations into separate modular image files that can be selectively combined with a base image. This extraction approach allows the system to maintain adaptability to different hardware configurations while avoiding the need to create and manage numerous complete image files, as only the necessary modular components are assembled and updated.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, server computers, and computer programs are disclosed. An example method is disclosed that includes inputting, into an update module, a first version of a predefined modular image file and a delta encoded image file defining differences between the first version and a second, updated, version of the predefined modular image file, and outputting, from the update module, the second, updated, version of the predefined modular image file, where each version of the predefined modular image file includes at least one layer defining executable instructions and is one of a plurality of predefined modular image files that can be assembled as an executable image file for execution as a software container element.