Virtual Computer Instantiation from Backup Images for Remote Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accessing their computer systems from different locations due to the non-portability of traditional desktop systems and the risk of loss or damage to mobile devices, which limits remote access to software applications and data.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating a virtual representation of a physical computer system by storing backup images on a server, allowing users to instantiate a virtual computer from these images, modify its state, and sync changes back to the original system, enabling remote access and data synchronization across different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users use traditional desktop computer systems, then they have stable and secure data storage, but they cannot access their systems from different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical computer system's state through backup images stored on a server. Users can instantiate a virtual representation of their computer system from these backup images, allowing access from any location without needing the physical device. This copying approach enables remote access while maintaining system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The server computer system acts as an intermediary between the physical computer system and the user's remote access point. It stores backup images, manages virtual instantiations, and facilitates communication, thereby enabling remote access without directly connecting the physical system to multiple locations simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users use mobile computer systems, then they can carry their systems with them, but they risk losing or breaking the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the mobile device's state through backup images stored on a server. If the physical mobile device is lost or broken, users can instantiate the virtual representation from the backup image, maintaining continuous access to their data and applications without relying on the physical device's availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs backup imaging of the mobile device's state before any potential loss or damage occurs. These pre-stored backup images serve as a cushion, allowing users to recover their system state instantly if the physical device fails, thereby ensuring continuous reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users want to access their computer system from remote locations, then they need network connectivity, but this introduces security risks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing direct remote access to the physical computer system, the system creates a virtual copy from backup images. Users interact with the virtual representation, which isolates them from direct exposure to the physical system's security mechanisms, thereby reducing security risks while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The server computer system serves as a secure intermediary that manages the backup images and virtual instantiations. It provides authentication and authorization mechanisms, ensuring that only authorized users can access the virtual representations, thereby mitigating security vulnerabilities associated with direct remote access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If users modify their computer system state, then they can customize their environment, but this creates complexity in data synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where modifications made to the virtual representation are detected and automatically synchronized back to the physical system through backup image updates. This feedback loop ensures that customizations are reflected across all instances without requiring manual synchronization, simplifying the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses backup images as copies of the system state that can be selectively updated. When modifications are made, new backup images are created and distributed to relevant systems, allowing customization while maintaining a manageable synchronization process through versioned copies rather than continuous real-time updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a system and method for accessing a virtual representation of a first physical computer system are disclosed. A first backup image of the first physical computer system may be stored on a server computer system, where the first backup image specifies a first state of the first physical computer system. In response to a request to access a virtual representation of the first physical computer system, a virtual computer may be instantiated from the first backup image on the server computer system. A state of the virtual computer may be modified in response to user input to the virtual computer. A second backup image of the virtual computer may be created, where the second backup image specifies the modified state of the virtual computer. The second backup image may be transferring and applied to the first physical computer system.