Preboot Language Agent for Centralized Imaging Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network-based computing methods lack a generalized specification language for the preboot execution environment, making it complex to manage and specify images and components across diverse client devices, leading to information mismatch and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a language agent with a preboot execution language interpreter and specification generator that provides an encapsulated object-oriented language for specifying and executing computing tasks, such as image installation and device management, allowing for parameterized and self-describing encapsulations to simplify the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a generalized specification language is implemented for preboot execution environment, then the ease of operation and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a language agent as an intermediary component that runs in the preboot execution environment. This agent interprets high-level specification language statements and translates them into executable actions, thereby providing ease of operation without directly increasing the complexity of the preboot environment itself. The language agent acts as a mediator between the specification language and the underlying imaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the preboot execution environment to automatically interpret and execute imaging specifications without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration. The language agent autonomously processes specification statements, resolves parameters, and performs imaging operations, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If separate programs and images are prepared for each device type, then the manufacturing precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal specification language that can handle multiple device types through a single unified interface. The language agent interprets generic specification statements and automatically adapts them to the specific target device, eliminating the need for separate programs for each device type. This universal approach maintains reliability by ensuring proper device-specific operations while reducing the complexity of managing multiple device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameterized specification statements where device-specific parameters are resolved at execution time based on the target device characteristics. This allows the same specification language framework to work across different device types by dynamically adjusting parameters rather than requiring separate programs, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity and management overhead.
3Measurement precision
If device type is ascertained beforehand at server side, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of information and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by moving the device identification and parameter resolution logic from the server side to the client-side preboot execution environment. Instead of the server needing to know all device specifics in advance, the language agent on the client side automatically discovers device characteristics and resolves parameters locally. This inversion eliminates information mismatch while maintaining precise device identification through local observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary device discovery and parameter resolution actions within the preboot execution environment before the actual imaging operation begins. The language agent proactively identifies device types and resolves necessary parameters in advance, ensuring accurate matching between images and devices without requiring the server to have prior knowledge of all possible device configurations.
4Productivity
If centralized management is implemented, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The language agent serves as a lightweight intermediary that enables centralized management functionality without adding significant complexity to the preboot environment. By delegating interpretation and execution logic to this intermediary component, the system achieves high productivity through centralized control while keeping the core preboot environment simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and system for specifying and executing computing tasks in a preboot execution environment in general, and, in particular, a method and system for generalized imaging utilizing a language agent and encapsulated object oriented polyphase preboot execution and specification language. The target customization is advantageously accomplished by encapsulating target dependent parameters in specification files. The target specific parameters are resolved at appropriate execution time when the parameter information becomes available. Such approach simplifies specification of complex tasks to a merely few lines of code. The approach of the present invention nevertheless affords reliable, robust, and accurate performance, because the pertinent parametric information are resolved only when they can be accurately ascertained. Furthermore, the specification encapsulations are themselves a part of the image set, providing self-describing images with self-contained imaging methods. The result is a robust, reliable, flexible, and simple method and system for centralized maintenance and management of client devices in a networked enterprise computing environment with a lower total cost of ownership than existing products.