System Image Restore via Hardware Profile Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data backup and restore methods face challenges when restoring a client computer system with different hardware, as images may not work correctly with new hardware and can result in usability issues, system failures, or crashes due to missing device drivers and network configuration discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
The use of system profiles to efficiently backup and restore information by analyzing source and target systems, generating profiles that include device drivers and configuration settings, and modifying backup images to match target hardware configurations, reducing the need for redundant backup images and processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a system image is created for backup, then the client computer system can be restored to its original condition, but the image may not work correctly with different hardware configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup system into two independent components: a universal system image and hardware-specific driver profiles. The system image contains the operating system and applications, while separate driver profiles store hardware-specific drivers and configuration settings. This segmentation allows the system image to remain hardware-agnostic while drivers are customized for specific target hardware through profile matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces driver profiles as an intermediary layer between the system image and target hardware. These profiles act as a mediator that translates the generic system image into a hardware-specific configuration by automatically matching and applying the appropriate driver profile based on the target system's hardware characteristics, thus resolving the hardware compatibility issue without modifying the core system image.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple backup images are created for different hardware configurations, then hardware compatibility is improved, but storage requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hardware-specific backup images into a single universal system image by extracting and separating the hardware-specific driver components into independent driver profiles. This consolidation reduces the number of backup images from multiple hardware-specific versions to one universal image plus multiple lightweight driver profiles, significantly simplifying backup management while maintaining hardware compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system image that can be restored to multiple different hardware configurations by incorporating driver profiles as a multi-functional component. A single system image combined with different driver profiles can adapt to various hardware platforms, eliminating the need for separate backup images for each hardware configuration and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If driver profiles are created and applied, then hardware compatibility is improved, but the restore process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-analyzing both the source system and target system to create and match driver profiles before the actual restore operation. The driver profile matching and preparation are completed in advance, so that during the restore process, the pre-prepared profile is simply applied to the system image, minimizing the time added to the restore operation while ensuring hardware compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for efficiently restoring a target system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a target is analyzed. A target profile is created based on the analysis. The target profile is then compared to a source profile. A profile difference is generated based on the comparison. The source image is modified based on the profile difference, and the modified image is then stored on the target. In some embodiments, modifying the source image may include removing or adding software components.