Virtualization Image Replication for Platform Independence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems assume exclusive device ownership, preventing the concurrent operation of multiple operating systems and complicating the provision of identical training, testing, and demo systems due to software/operating system/hardware dependencies.
Innovation Solution
A method for capturing a virtualized software application and guest operating system as a virtualization image on a physical computing device, allowing for platform-independent replication by converting hardware-independent drivers to hardware-dependent ones, enabling execution on various hardware platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exclusive device ownership is assumed, then system stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the hardware and the operating system. This layer includes virtual device drivers that mediate all hardware interactions, allowing the OS to believe it has exclusive ownership while actually sharing resources. The virtualization layer captures and translates hardware-specific operations into standardized virtual operations, enabling platform independence without compromising system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into distinct layers: hardware, virtualization layer with virtual device drivers, and operating system. By dividing the monolithic hardware-OS relationship into separable components, the system achieves both stability (through consistent virtual interfaces) and adaptability (through hardware abstraction). Each layer operates independently with well-defined interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machine technology is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of hardware devices through virtual device drivers that replicate the functionality of physical devices. Instead of managing complex hardware directly, the system uses simplified virtual representations that can be easily instantiated and configured. These virtual device copies maintain the essential interfaces and behaviors needed by the OS while abstracting away hardware-specific complexities.
3Manufacturing precision
If hardware-specific drivers are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal virtual device drivers that can operate across multiple hardware platforms. A single virtual driver implementation can serve various physical hardware configurations, eliminating the need to develop and maintain separate drivers for each hardware variant. The virtualization layer translates hardware-specific operations into a unified interface, allowing one codebase to support multiple platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for platform independent replication. Methods can include capturing a virtualized software application residing on a virtual machine, capturing a guest operating system residing on the virtual machine, and storing the captured virtualized software application including the guest operating system as a virtualization image in a flat file on a physical computing device.