Dual OS Architecture for Portable Computer Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery-powered computers, such as laptops, take a long time to boot up and frequently run out of power during use, interrupting tasks and rendering them inoperable until a power source is found or the battery is recharged.

Innovation Solution

A dual operating system is implemented in battery-powered computers, with a primary system for full-power operation and a secondary system for reduced-power operation, allowing continued data entry and storage without booting the primary system, using a separate low-power processor and memory, and optionally a small low-power display or sound clicks for input and output, to conserve power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the primary operating system is used for normal operation, then full functionality is available, but power consumption is high and battery life is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefull functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate operating systems: a full-featured primary OS for normal operation and a minimal secondary OS for low-power operation. Each OS is independently bootable and manages its own set of functions, allowing the system to segment computational tasks based on power availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between two distinct operating modes with different power consumption characteristics. The secondary OS is specifically designed to operate with reduced power parameters, using minimal CPU cycles, reduced display refresh rates, and lower memory access frequencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the computer is shut down to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but the computer becomes inoperable and tasks are interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conservationVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary operating system is pre-configured and stored in non-volatile memory, ready to be activated immediately when power conservation is needed. Critical data is pre-formatted for storage in the secondary system's memory, allowing seamless transition without data loss or task interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary operating system acts as an intermediary between the shutdown state and full operation. It provides a minimal but functional computational environment that maintains operational continuity for critical tasks while consuming minimal power, serving as a bridge between complete power-off and full-system operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the primary operating system boots up, then full functionality is available, but significant time is required for booting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefull functionalityVSAvoidboot time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary operating system provides partial functionality sufficient for critical data entry and storage tasks without requiring the complete boot sequence of the primary OS. This partial action approach loads only essential kernel components and drivers, eliminating time-consuming initialization of graphical interfaces, peripheral devices, and background services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary operating system is pre-loaded into non-volatile memory and can be activated immediately without going through the lengthy boot process required by the primary OS. Essential system components are pre-configured and ready for immediate execution, reducing boot time from minutes to seconds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Duration of action of moving object

If a small reserve of battery power is maintained, then the secondary operating system can be powered, but the available power for primary operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery life extensionVSAvoidavailable power

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements local quality by creating a specialized low-power computational environment with optimized power characteristics. The secondary OS uses a subset of system resources with reduced power requirements, including lower-frequency CPU operation, reduced memory refresh rates, and minimal display power consumption, allowing it to function on a small battery reserve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7779280B2Low-power mode for portable computer system

Publication Date: 2010.08.17 INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC

AI summary

A computer system is configured to operate in a normal mode and in a reduced power mode. The normal mode utilizes a primary processor, which operates using a primary operating system. When system power is depleted to a defined level, the primary processor is shut down and certain operations are taken over by a low-power, secondary processor that operates using a secondary operating system.