Dynamic File System Interface Switching for Multi-OS Access

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing file systems shared across multiple operating systems face performance issues due to reliance on a single serving operating system, leading to slowed network access and potential loss of access when the serving system is busy or powered down.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a processor and memory that determines altered needs for file system access across operating systems, dynamically switching between local and network interfaces to ensure uninterrupted access by prioritizing the operating system with the highest demand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a file system is shared through a network interface to multiple computing devices, then accessibility to the file system is improved, but access speed deteriorates compared to local interface access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile system accessibilityVSAvoidaccess speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic interface switching where the file system access interface changes from network to local based on real-time demand conditions. When a computing device transitions from idle to high-demand state, the system automatically switches its access interface from network-based to local-based, providing adaptive performance optimization without requiring manual configuration or system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single operating system serves as the primary file system server, then system complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when the serving system is busy or powered down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidfile system access reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple operating systems with file system serving capabilities before any failure occurs. When the primary serving system becomes unavailable, the system automatically promotes a standby operating system to take over file system services, ensuring continuous availability without requiring complex manual intervention or system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a computing device accesses a file system through a network interface, then access flexibility is improved, but dependency on the serving computing system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess flexibilityVSAvoidaccess independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic interface switching where the file system access interface changes from network to local based on real-time demand conditions. When a computing device transitions from idle to high-demand state, the system automatically switches its access interface from network-based to local-based, providing adaptive performance optimization without requiring manual configuration or system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9436698B2Sharing a file system between multiple operating systems

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

For sharing a file system between multiple operating systems, a method is disclosed that includes sharing a file system between two or more operating systems, the two distinct operating systems concurrently operating on a computing device, determining, by a processor, that one of the two or more operating systems has an altered need for the file system, and changing interfaces to the file system based on the altered need.