Remote Disk Image Re-imaging via Bootable USB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current re-imaging processes for computer systems are limited, often requiring system downtime and inefficiently managing the replacement of disk images, especially when upgrading or restoring from corrupted images.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for remotely re-imaging a computer system that allows for the replacement of an original image with a new one without requiring a reboot during the process, using an agent process to preserve specific settings and files and execute the re-imaging while minimizing system downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional re-imaging process is used, then disk image can be replaced, but system downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a bootable USB drive with the new disk image and necessary tools before the actual re-imaging process. This allows the system to be prepared in advance and minimizes the time required during the re-imaging operation itself, as the new image is already ready to be installed without requiring the system to be completely shut down or rebooted multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a bootable USB drive as a mediator between the old disk image and the new disk image. This USB drive contains the necessary re-imaging tools and the new image data, allowing the transition to occur without direct system reboots or interruptions to the running system, thus maintaining productivity during the re-imaging process.
2Reliability
If system reboot is required for re-imaging, then image replacement is complete, but operational continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the re-imaging process from the normal system operation flow by using a separate bootable USB drive. This allows the image replacement to be performed independently of the system's normal boot and operation cycles, so that the system can continue operating normally while the re-imaging process occurs in the background or during low-activity periods, maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the re-imaging process flexible and adaptable to the system's operational state. The bootable USB drive can be inserted and the re-imaging process can be initiated at any time without requiring the system to be in a specific state, allowing the process to dynamically adjust to maintain system reliability while minimizing disruption to operational continuity.
3Reliability
If complete disk wiping is performed, then original image is fully replaced, but data loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively replacing only the disk image data while preserving other system components and user data. The bootable USB drive contains the specific image data needed for replacement, allowing the process to target only the necessary portions of the storage device for image replacement, rather than wiping the entire disk, thus minimizing data loss while ensuring reliable image replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for remotely re-imaging a computer system. In one example, a method is provided for executing a re-imaging process for replacing an original image on an active system of a remote computer system with a new image. The method includes receiving a command to initiate the re-imaging process from a remote location and downloading the new image onto the active system. The re-imaging process is performed to replace the original image with the active image and remote location may be informed of the reimaging process's success. The computer system is rebooted.