Modular imaging download system
First Claim
1. An apparatus for automated configuration of software program images on a computer, comprising:
- a modular network downloading program configured for accessing image files from a network to configure program images on a computer;
a plurality of action routines each configured for performing a specific operation within said modular network downloading program; and
means for defining a tree of said action routines to be executed by said modular network downloading program.
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Abstract
A system and method of modular image downloading (MINDS) from a network for configuring computers, or computer-based devices. The program images typically comprise a foundation image (operating system) and application module images. The system is configured as software which executes in response to a tree of actions defined in configuration data and not embedded within the executable of the MINDS program. The action tree can be controlled by the user interface, started, paused, terminated, stepped forward or backward, and so forth. The executable operates on the action tree and need not be re-compiled for each action tree change, the modules for the action trees are dynamically linked prior to execution. The action tree approach allows the user to readily change, add, or delete actions, or entire action trees from the system without the need of recoding or additional program testing.
32 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for automated configuration of software program images on a computer, comprising:
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a modular network downloading program configured for accessing image files from a network to configure program images on a computer;
a plurality of action routines each configured for performing a specific operation within said modular network downloading program; and
means for defining a tree of said action routines to be executed by said modular network downloading program. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An apparatus for automated configuration of software program images on a computer, comprising:
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an action tree layer having a plurality of actions which may be dynamically linked executed during automated software installation;
at least one action tree having a plurality of nodes each of which contain at least one pointer to an action from said action tree layer;
a management layer configured for executing actions during traversal of said action tree; and
a user interface configured for controlling the operations of said management layer for the desired automated installation being performed. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of configuring computers with software program images, comprising:
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creating and compiling a set of separately executable actions for performing image configuration actions on a computer;
creating and compiling a management layer which executes actions defined within a selected action tree;
creating and compiling a user interface layer which controls action tree selection and progress through the action tree;
creating an action tree structure having a plurality of nodes which include pointers to actions and to other nodes in said action tree; and
linking the actions, management layer, user interface and action tree into a program which executes actions defined in the action tree according to user input. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification