Self-Provisioning Configuration for Embedded Clients
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for updating embedded images on client devices with write-filters require manual installation of entire images, which is impractical due to their large size, especially when frequent minor changes are needed for multiple devices, such as in an enterprise environment.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows client devices to automatically download and apply configuration files upon boot-up, enabling self-provisioning and persisting changes across reboots without the need for reinstalling entire images, using XML configuration files and a write-filter mechanism to manage changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual installation of entire embedded images is used to apply changes, then changes can be applied to client devices, but the process becomes impractical due to large image size and frequent updates required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the embedded image into two distinct parts: a read-only base image containing the core operating system and applications, and a separate writable overlay layer for storing changes and updates. This segmentation allows the system to update only the overlay portion rather than redistributing the entire image, thereby enabling frequent updates without transferring large amounts of data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the writable configuration and change storage functionality from the main embedded image by implementing a separate overlay file system layer. This extracted overlay layer can be independently updated, mounted, and managed without affecting the base image, allowing for efficient application of changes without manual reinstallation of entire images.
2Ease of operation
If entire embedded images are downloaded and reinstalled to apply minor changes, then configuration changes can be applied, but time and resources are wasted transferring large image files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by applying changes only to the necessary overlay layer rather than reinstalled entire images. The overlay file system allows selective mounting and updating of specific configuration changes without touching the base image, dramatically reducing update deployment time and resource consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If write-filter is enabled on embedded image, then image integrity is maintained across reboots, but changes made during operation do not persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to the storage architecture by implementing a layered file system with a read-only base image layer and a writable overlay layer. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain image integrity in the base layer while enabling persistent changes in the overlay layer, effectively resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay file system acts as an intermediary layer between the read-only base image and the write-filter mechanism. It captures all write operations, persists changes in its own storage space, and can be independently managed, thereby mediating between the need for image integrity and the need for configuration persistence across reboots.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples of methods and apparatus are provided for self-provisioning of configuration for a specific-purpose local client having a windows-based embedded image with a write-filter and obviating reinstallation of an entire windows-based embedded image onto the specific- purpose local client. The apparatus may include a retrieval module of the specific-purpose local client configured to facilitate locating a repository server containing a configuration file. The retrieval module may be configured to facilitate obtaining the configuration file from the repository server while the write-filter is enabled, while obviating reinstallation of an entire windows-based embedded image onto the specific-purpose local client. The apparatus may include an apply settings module of the specific-purpose local client configured to apply a configuration change to the windows-based embedded image based on the configuration file or another configuration file.