Thin Client Update Manifest via Write Filter Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating thin client computing devices with a write filter is cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple reboots and disrupting user access, especially when maintaining a consistent operating system image across many devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a replicate tool to create a manifest of a reference device's state, which is compared to local manifests on other devices to identify and install necessary updates, allowing updates to be temporarily stored in a write filter's overlay and committed upon reboot, enabling updates without immediate disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a write filter is used to prevent modifications to the operating system image on thin clients, then the operating system image remains consistent and protected across multiple devices, but updating the operating system image becomes cumbersome and requires multiple reboots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process into distinct phases: creating a manifest of the reference device state, comparing manifests to identify differences, and selectively applying updates. This segmentation allows the write filter to remain active while enabling controlled updates through the overlay mechanism, resolving the contradiction between maintaining image consistency and facilitating easy updates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating and storing a manifest of the reference device state before updates are applied. This manifest serves as a blueprint that guides the update process, allowing the system to prepare update packages in advance and apply them efficiently without requiring multiple reboots, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
2Ease of operation
If the write filter is disabled to perform updates on thin clients, then updates can be applied more easily, but the security and protection of the operating system image is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the overlay and manifest system) that sits between the update process and the operating system image. This intermediary allows updates to be applied to the overlay layer without disabling the write filter, maintaining security while enabling easy updates. The manifest ensures that only authorized and validated updates are applied, further protecting the system
3Adaptability or versatility
If updates are performed on each thin client individually, then each device can be customized, but the time and resources required for managing updates across multiple devices increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal manifest that describes the state of a reference device and can be applied across multiple thin clients. This manifest serves multiple functions: it identifies differences between devices, guides update applications, and ensures consistency across the fleet. The system maintains adaptability for individual customization while enabling bulk update management, significantly reducing the time and resources required for managing updates across multiple devices
Data Source
AI summary
When it is desired to update a group of thin clients that have a common configuration, the update can be deployed to a reference device on which a replicate tool executes. The replicate tool can examine the file system and registry of the reference device and create a manifest that describes the current state. The manifest can then be published for access by an agent that executes on the thin clients in the group. When the agent receives the manifest, it can compare the received manifest to an existing manifest on the thin client that defines the thin client's current state to identify any artifacts that differ. The agent can then retrieve and install any artifacts the thin client needs to match the current state of the reference device.