BIOS Configurable Hypervisor for Industrial PC Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial PCs with both general-purpose operating systems (GPOS) and real-time operating systems (RTOS) face challenges in dynamically adjusting resource allocation to optimize performance, as existing methods do not efficiently adapt to varying workloads and use cases, leading to suboptimal execution times and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method where the hypervisor is configurable through the BIOS program using allocation data, allowing flexible resource allocation between RTOS and GPOS, enabling dynamic adjustment of computational resources such as memory and processor cores, and incorporating user input and AI algorithms for autonomous optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If resources are statically allocated to RTOS and GPOS, then system stability is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates when workloads vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by allowing the hypervisor to adjust resource distribution between RTOS and GPOS based on actual workload conditions. The system transitions from static allocation to dynamic allocation where resources can be reallocated in real-time according to demand, resolving the contradiction between stability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of resource allocation from fixed values to variable values that adapt based on workload metrics. The hypervisor monitors system state and modifies allocation parameters dynamically, enabling the system to optimize resource utilization while maintaining operational stability through controlled adaptation.
2Reliability
If more resources are allocated to RTOS for real-time performance, then real-time operability is improved, but resources available for GPOS deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hypervisor implements dynamic resource allocation that adjusts the balance between RTOS and GPOS resources based on actual workload demands. When RTOS requires more resources for real-time tasks, the system automatically allocates accordingly, and vice versa, resolving the zero-sum trade-off between real-time performance and general-purpose execution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the hypervisor monitors workload conditions and performance metrics from both RTOS and GPOS, then uses this information to make informed decisions about resource allocation. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize the balance between real-time operability and general-purpose productivity based on actual system state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hypervisor configuration is fixed at manufacturing, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different use cases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides preliminary configuration options at manufacturing where common use cases can be pre-configured. This allows the hypervisor to be set up for specific scenarios in advance, reducing the complexity of configuration management while maintaining adaptability for different use cases through pre-defined configurations that can be selected and adjusted as needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for configuring a hypervisor in an industrial PC, the industrial PC comprising: a real-time operating system (RTOS) for executing program code in real time within predetermined time constraints; a general-purpose operating system (GPOS) for executing program code without time constraints; and the hypervisor for running the RTOS and the GPOS and for defining an allocation data indicating an amount of computational resources allocated to the RTOS and the GPOS; the method comprising: providing a basic input/output system (BIOS) program for performing an initialization of components of the industrial PC during a booting process of the industrial PC with a configuration information to be set as the allocation data; and loading a bootloader program using the BIOS program such as to start the hypervisor with the configuration information set as the allocation data.