State-Based Provisioning for Windows Embedded Clients
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for managing Windows-based embedded images on client devices are inefficient, as they require manual installation of software or firmware updates to apply changes persistently, which is impractical due to the large size of the images and the need for frequent minor changes across multiple devices, especially in enterprise environments.
Innovation Solution
A state-based provisioning system that uses a write-filter and configuration files to apply changes automatically to client devices without reinstalling the entire image, allowing for self-provisioning and persistent configuration changes across reboots by downloading and applying configuration files during boot-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation of software or drivers and/or firmware update of the entire image is performed to apply changes persistently, then the changes can be applied, but the process becomes impractical due to the large size of the images and the need for frequent minor changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the embedded image into a read-only base image and a separate configuration file. Only the small configuration file (containing only the changes needed) is downloaded and applied, rather than transferring the entire large embedded image. This segmentation allows persistent changes to be applied efficiently without the overhead of image reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the configuration changes from the embedded image into a separate configuration file. The write-filter prevents changes from being written to the main embedded image, instead storing them in a separate configuration file that can be independently updated. This extraction enables efficient updates by transferring only the necessary configuration data rather than the entire image.
2Reliability
If the entire embedded image is downloaded and installed to apply changes, then the changes can be applied persistently, but the large size of the image makes the process impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the embedded image into a read-only base image and a separate configuration file. Only the small configuration file (containing only the changes needed) is downloaded and applied, rather than transferring the entire large embedded image. This segmentation allows persistent changes to be applied efficiently without the overhead of image reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the configuration changes from the embedded image into a separate configuration file. The write-filter prevents changes from being written to the main embedded image, instead storing them in a separate configuration file that can be independently updated. This extraction enables efficient updates by transferring only the necessary configuration data rather than the entire image.
3Reliability
If manual installation methods are used to apply changes to multiple client devices, then changes can be applied, but the process becomes inefficient when there are a large number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling client devices to automatically download and apply their own configuration files without manual intervention. The system uses state-based provisioning where the client device itself performs the configuration updates by retrieving configuration files and applying them locally, eliminating the need for manual installation on each device and greatly improving deployment efficiency across multiple devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the embedded image is made writable to allow changes, then changes can be applied, but the write-filter is needed to prevent loss of changes on shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration file as an intermediary between the write-filter and the embedded image. The write-filter intercepts write operations and redirects them to the configuration file instead of the main embedded image. This intermediary approach allows configuration changes to be persisted without requiring the embedded image to be writable, maintaining system stability while enabling flexibility through the separate configuration file.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Examples of methods and apparatus are provided for state-based provisioning of a local client having a windows-based embedded image. The apparatus may include a retrieval module of the local client that facilitates locating a remote repository server containing a configuration file and that facilitates obtaining the configuration file from the remote repository server. The apparatus may include a reset check module of the local client that determines whether to reset a previous state of the image based on the configuration file. The apparatus may include an apply settings module of the local client that applies, to the image, one of a first configuration change and a second configuration change based on the determination. The first configuration change may include a configuration update to the previous state of the image. The second configuration change may include a change to the image independent of the previous state of the image.