Virtual Machine Cloning via Hardware Configuration Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing operating systems (OS) on virtual machines are time-consuming and result in low reliability due to the need for manual repetition of operations and manual handling of resource allocation and copying of configuration files.
Innovation Solution
A virtual-machine generating apparatus that includes a configuration-information storage unit for storing hardware resource information and a configuration-information checking unit to determine if identical resources exist, allowing for the duplication and introduction of basic software for new virtual machines with matching hardware resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual installation and configuration of guest OS is performed for each virtual machine, then flexibility and customization are improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a master virtual machine with the desired guest OS and hardware specifications before deployment. This master VM serves as a template that contains all necessary configurations, software installations, and system settings prepared in advance, eliminating the need for repetitive manual installation for each subsequent virtual machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating virtual machine copies from the pre-configured master VM. The system automatically replicates the master VM's configuration, including guest OS, hardware settings, and software environments, to generate multiple identical virtual machines. This copying mechanism preserves customization flexibility while dramatically reducing deployment time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual configuration copying is performed for virtual machines, then consistency across machines is improved, but reliability decreases due to human error in manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses automated copying mechanisms that replicate the master virtual machine's configuration bit-for-bit to identical virtual machines. This automated process eliminates human error in manual copying operations, ensuring that each virtual machine receives an exact replica of the master configuration, thereby maintaining both consistency and high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting hardware configuration changes and self-correcting configuration files without human intervention. When hardware specifications change, the system autonomously updates configuration files to match the new hardware profile, ensuring consistency across all virtual machines while eliminating manual configuration errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardware configuration changes are made to virtual machines, then adaptability to different requirements is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to configuration file inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through an automated detection and correction system that monitors hardware configuration changes in real-time. When hardware specifications are modified, the system automatically detects the changes, identifies affected configuration files, and updates them accordingly. This self-correcting mechanism maintains configuration stability while allowing necessary hardware adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by establishing a closed-loop system that continuously monitors virtual machine configurations and hardware states. When configuration drift or inconsistencies are detected, the system generates feedback signals that trigger automatic corrections, ensuring that configuration files remain synchronized with actual hardware states and maintaining overall system stability.
4Ease of operation
If repetitive manual operations are performed for virtual machine deployment, then operational control is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses automated copying to replicate the master virtual machine configuration across multiple virtual machines simultaneously. This copying process replaces repetitive manual operations while maintaining full operational control through centralized management of the master template, thereby dramatically increasing deployment productivity without sacrificing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a master virtual machine template that serves multiple functions: it acts as the source for copying, the reference for configuration validation, and the template for future deployments. This multi-functional approach consolidates numerous manual operations into a single automated process, enhancing both productivity and operational control.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual-machine generating apparatus includes a configuration-information storage unit that stores hardware resources and hardware configuration information in association with unique information of virtual machines. When accepting resources as many as the number of virtual machines to be newly introduced, the apparatus determines whether the resources identical to the accepted resources are stored in the configuration-information storage unit. When it is determined that the identical hardware resources are stored, the apparatus performs a process of copying an OS of the virtual machines having the identical resources, as many times as the number of those having the resources determined as being stored in the configuration-information storage unit.