Multi-Screen App Isolation on a Shared Vehicle Head Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicle cockpits equipped with multiple screens connected to a single head unit, the same application cannot be used simultaneously and independently on different screens, leading to idle resources and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A multi-screen running method is implemented, where each screen is allocated an independent running environment within the operating system of the head unit, allowing the same application to be installed and run independently on each screen with unique process identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If each screen is configured with an independent host and system, then the same application can be used simultaneously and independently on different screens, but resources are idle and wasted, and costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication independenceVSAvoidresource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the running environment by creating isolated user spaces for different screens within a single host system. Each screen receives an independent running environment through user space isolation, allowing applications to run independently on different screens while sharing underlying system resources, thus avoiding both resource waste and application conflicts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copy of the running environment for each screen rather than duplicating the entire host system. By copying user space and application contexts, the system enables independent application execution on multiple screens while efficiently sharing hardware and core system resources, resolving the contradiction between independence and resource efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Loss of energy

If multiple users log in to the same operating system, then resource utilization is optimized, but the same application cannot run independently on different screens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidapplication independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by providing screen-specific customization within the shared operating system environment. Each user space is configured with local application instances and screen-specific settings, allowing applications to run independently on different screens while maintaining efficient resource sharing at the system level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a new dimension of isolation by introducing user space separation as an additional layer above the shared operating system. This dimensional addition allows applications to operate independently on different screens through user space boundaries while still benefiting from resource efficiency at the kernel level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250156133A1Multi-screen running method, electronic device, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The method includes: allocating a first running environment and a second running environment to the electronic device and displaying the first running environment and the second running environment on a first screen and a second screen; installing a first application on the electronic device; and when the first application is configured in both the first running environment and the second running environment, respectively displaying a first icon of the first application and a second icon of the first application in the first running environment and the second running environment.