Hybrid Operating Systems for Battery Powered Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laptop computer users face limited mobility due to short battery life when operating on battery power alone, as they must often keep their devices tethered to AC power outlets to avoid running out of charge.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of hybrid operating systems for battery-powered computing systems, which include a full power mode and a low-power mode, utilizing two processors with different power consumption characteristics to extend battery life while maintaining performance capabilities. The system automatically switches between these modes based on battery conditions and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the computing system operates in full power mode, then performance capabilities are maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between full power mode and low-power mode based on operational needs and battery conditions. The hybrid operating system monitors system state and automatically transitions processors between modes, making the power consumption characteristics adaptive rather than static, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining performance and conserving battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of processors by switching between two distinct power modes. The first processor operates at full power specifications when performance is needed, while the second processor operates at reduced power specifications for battery-powered operation. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between performance and battery life based on current operational context.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the computing system uses a low-power processor, then battery life is extended, but performance capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The computing system is segmented into two distinct processor configurations: a first processor for full power operation and a second processor for low-power operation. This segmentation allows the system to divide functionality across different power modes, enabling the low-power processor to extend battery life while the full-power processor remains available when performance capabilities are required.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid operating system provides multi-functionality by managing both full-power and low-power operational modes within a single system. The system can universally handle both performance-intensive tasks and battery-conscious operations, adapting its functional characteristics based on power availability and user needs, thus making the low-power processor viable without permanently sacrificing performance capabilities.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the system switches between full power mode and low-power mode, then battery life is extended and performance needs are met, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid operating system acts as an intermediary layer that manages the complexity of switching between processors and power modes. Rather than requiring complex hardware switching mechanisms, the software layer abstracts and simplifies the transition process, handling processor selection, context switching, and power state management, thus reducing the perceived complexity for users while enabling sophisticated power management.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) for hybrid operating systems for battery powered computing systems are described herein. The hybrid operating systems (OS) may include a full-power OS component that enables the computing system to operate in a full-power mode, and a low-power OS component that enables the computing system to operate in a low-power mode. In the full-power mode, the computing system consumes a first amount of electrical power, while in the low-power mode, the computing system consumes less electrical power. The computing system may include a processor that consumes a given power amount of power, and a low-power core processor that consumes less power than the processor.