Storage Driver Layering for Custom Edge Operating Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying applications on edge devices in mesh networks face challenges due to the use of immutable operating systems, leading to incorrect image installations and inefficiencies in sharing and updating applications across devices with similar yet distinct functionalities.
Innovation Solution
Applications are provided as individual layers on top of a common base image using a storage driver, ensuring each device installs applications fully or not at all, and enabling easy sharing and atomic updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications are deployed using traditional image installation methods on immutable operating systems, then device functionality can be customized, but incorrect images may be installed and updates become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the application deployment into separate layers: a base image containing the immutable operating system and individual application layers that can be independently deployed, updated, or removed. This segmentation allows precise control over what is installed on each device without affecting the core OS, thereby improving installation accuracy and update efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a layered architecture where application layers are nested on top of the base image, similar to nested dolls. Each application layer is a self-contained unit that can be independently managed. This nesting structure enables atomic updates where entire layers can be replaced without disrupting the underlying system, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom operating system images are built for each device using automation controllers, then device-specific functionality can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal base image that can be deployed on multiple device types with different functionalities. Instead of building custom images for each device, the same base image serves all devices, and customization is achieved through optional application layers. This universality simplifies the image building process while maintaining adaptability across different device types.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the system into a common base image and device-specific application layers, the patent eliminates the need to build complete custom operating system images for each device. Only the necessary application layers are built and deployed on top of the universal base, significantly reducing build complexity while preserving customization capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If application layers are provided as individual image files, then sharing and updating becomes easier, but the system requires a storage driver to manage layer mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage driver as an intermediary component that manages the mounting and unmounting of application layers. This storage driver abstracts the complexity of layer management from the user and application level, providing simple interfaces for deploying and updating applications while handling the underlying file system operations automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for customizing the functionality of an operating system that is common to all devices in a network with specific application functionality are provided. A base image defining functionality that is common to a plurality of devices is provided. An application required by a first device of the plurality of devices is provided as a set of layers. The base image is provided to a first device and each of the set of layers are provided to the first device separately from the base image. At the first device, the set of layers is mounted on the base image.