Remote Workstation Image Customization via Shared Partition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional deployment management software cannot automatically customize remotely deployed workstation images, requiring manual effort that is prone to human error and often necessitates direct access to the system, defeating the purpose of remote deployment and leading to excessive storage and maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for automatically customizing remotely deployed workstation images by using a pre-defined customization script, where the client workstation is remotely booted and configured to access a shared partition, allowing for the execution of the script to customize the image without manual intervention, thereby reducing errors and storage needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual customization is performed on remotely deployed workstation images, then the image can be configured for specific areas, but human error increases and direct access to the system is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage customization capabilityVSAvoidcustomization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation image automatically customizes itself by executing a script during the remote boot process. The system reads customization parameters from a shared partition and runs a pre-defined script without human intervention, making the image self-configuring and eliminating manual customization errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The customization script is pre-defined and prepared in advance within the image. During remote deployment, the script automatically executes with pre-configured parameters, so all customization actions are determined before the image is deployed, ensuring consistency and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate images are supported for each site, then customization requirements are met, but storage space and maintenance effort increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesite-specific configurationVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The customization data is segmented into a separate shared partition that contains only the parameters needed for customization. The base image remains universal and stored once, while site-specific configurations are stored separately in the shared partition, reducing redundant storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single universal image can be deployed to multiple sites by reading different customization parameters from the shared partition. The same image serves multiple functions across different locations, eliminating the need for separate site-specific images and reducing storage requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual customization procedures are followed, then the system can be configured, but the process requires excessive time and expertise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidcustomization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image performs self-customization automatically during the remote boot process by executing a pre-defined script that reads parameters from the shared partition. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, reducing customization time from hours of manual work to automatic execution during boot

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual customization operations are replaced by an automated script execution system. The mechanical process of manual configuration is substituted with an automated computational process that reads parameters and applies configurations automatically, dramatically reducing time and expertise requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8533304B2Remotely deploying and automatically customizing workstation images

Publication Date: 2013.09.10 RAKUTEN GROUP INC

AI summary

A method, system and program product for remotely deploying and automatically customizing workstation images. A client's first partition receives a workstation image deployed from a server in communication with the client via a network. The image includes a customization script. The server remotely boots the client, which is pre-configured to be booted by the server via the network. The server writes a customization parameter to the client's shared partition. The shared partition has a file system type that is accessible by the server via the remote boot and by the deployed image. One or more subsequent reboots of the client include the deployed image obtaining the customization parameter from the shared partition, identifying the customization script by using the customization parameter, and executing the customization script to automatically customize the client.