Thin Client Boot Configuration via USB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring thin client devices manually is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when they require different vendor-specific configurations, leading to inefficiencies in deployment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a portable storage device, such as a USB storage device, to automatically retrieve and apply configuration data during the boot process, including network settings, operational modes, and resource redirection, using computer executable code that determines the need for configuration data and validates its integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed for each thin client device, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses configuration template files stored on portable storage devices that can be copied to multiple thin client devices. These templates contain pre-defined configuration settings that can be automatically applied, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring consistency and accuracy across all devices. The template copying mechanism allows rapid deployment of identical or customized configurations to numerous devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-boot configuration loading from portable storage devices before the operating system starts. Configuration data is prepared in advance on USB flash drives or other portable media, and the system automatically retrieves and applies these configurations during the boot process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-deployment manual configuration and ensures devices are ready for immediate use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor-specific configuration types are supported, then device compatibility is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration template structure that can accommodate multiple vendor-specific configurations. The template system uses standardized fields and parameters that can be populated with vendor-specific values, allowing a single configuration approach to work across different thin client vendors and models. This universal template methodology simplifies the deployment process while maintaining broad device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows configuration templates to have both global standardized sections and vendor-specific local sections. The standardized sections handle common configuration parameters that apply to all devices, while local sections contain vendor-specific settings. This layered approach enables the system to maintain simplicity for common operations while providing the flexibility to handle vendor-specific requirements when needed.
3Speed
If configuration data is stored locally on each thin client device, then boot speed is improved, but initial setup effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent loads configuration data from portable storage devices during the pre-boot phase, before the operating system initializes. This preliminary configuration loading ensures that all necessary settings are in place before the system starts, enabling fast boot times without requiring manual configuration. The configuration data is retrieved once during setup and then stored locally for subsequent rapid boots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically retrieves configuration data from portable storage devices without requiring manual intervention. The thin client device autonomously identifies the presence of configuration files on USB flash drives or other portable media, loads them during boot, and applies the settings automatically. This self-service capability eliminates the need for administrators to manually configure each device while still achieving fast boot performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects direct to systems and methods for performing boot configuration of a thin client device with a portable storage device, such as a universal serial bus (USB) storage device. The system includes a computing device functioning as a thin client device, which has an interface under a protocol, such as the USB interface, allowing the portable storage device to be connected to the computing device via the interface. The portable storage device stores configuration data for configuring the computing device. Before booting, the computing device checks if the configuration data exists in a local storage device. If not, the computing device attempts to access the portable storage device, in order to automatically retrieve the configuration data from the portable storage device. Once the configuration data is obtained, the computing device may proceed with booting, and configure the computing device based on information of the configuration data without manual intervention.