Hybrid Computing System Platform Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current tablet and laptop computers have distinct advantages and disadvantages, with tablet computers offering mobility and ease of use but lacking processing power and battery life, while laptops provide increased processing capabilities and battery life but are less mobile.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid computing system comprising a base device and a detachable display device that can function as both a laptop and a tablet, with a selection switch to determine operational mode, allowing the system to use either the base or display device's processor and operating system, and utilizing a server module to maintain continuity of settings across platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tablet computer is used, then mobility and ease of use are improved, but processing power and battery life deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility and ease of useVSAvoidprocessing power and battery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid computing system allows a single device to function in multiple modes - tablet mode for mobility and laptop mode for processing power. The system can dynamically switch between operating platforms (Android and Windows) based on the required function, making the device universal enough to satisfy both contradictory requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operating platforms and operational modes based on user needs. The selection switch and software architecture enable real-time transitions between tablet and laptop functionalities, allowing the device to adapt its characteristics rather than being static in one configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If a laptop computer is used, then processing power and battery life are improved, but mobility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing power and battery lifeVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid device combines laptop and tablet form factors into one universal system. When full processing power is needed, the system activates laptop mode with the base unit connected; when mobility is prioritized, it switches to tablet mode with the display unit alone, making the single device adaptable to both scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separable components - a base unit containing the laptop hardware and a display unit that can function independently. This segmentation allows the heavy processing components to be separated from the portable display, enabling the user to carry only what is needed while maintaining access to full processing power when components are connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating platforms are used, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility across platformsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements communication modules and protocols that act as intermediaries between the Android and Windows operating platforms. These intermediary layers handle data transfer, settings synchronization, and coordination between platforms, managing the complexity of multi-platform operation through standardized interfaces rather than direct platform integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system copies and synchronizes settings, applications, and data between the two operating platforms. By maintaining replicated versions of user data and configurations on both Android and Windows platforms, the system ensures seamless transitions between modes without requiring complex real-time translation or adaptation of core system elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9379942B2Systems and methods for communicating and switching between components in a hybrid computing environment
Publication Date: 2016.06.28 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US9379942B2 patent drawing
  • US9379942B2 patent drawing
  • US9379942B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An embodiment includes a system having: a display device having a first operating platform; a base device having a second operating platform and being configured to connect with the display device through a hardware connection; the hardware connection including a communication link between the first and second operating platforms; and a server module and a client module; the server module configured to, responsive to selecting an active operating platform, communicate settings of a previously active operating platform via the hardware connection to the client module to maintain continuity of settings after switching active operating platforms. Other embodiments are described and claimed.