OS Switching via Memory Segmentation and Resource Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for switching between multiple operating systems on electronic devices are either time-consuming due to the need for restarting the device or power-intensive due to simultaneous processor execution, affecting processing speed.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing system memory into segments for each operating system, where only one OS is active while others are in a power-saving state, using resource description tables to manage memory allocation and switching between OS states efficiently, allowing quick switching without reloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If virtualization technology is used to switch between two OSs, then switching can be done without restarting the electronic apparatus, but the first OS continues to run in the background causing high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the first OS from the active running state and transitions it to a suspended state, separating it from the active execution context. Only the necessary components remain in memory while the bulk of the OS is removed from active processing, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining quick switch capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic state transitions for the OS, allowing it to switch between active running state and suspended state. This dynamic adjustment of OS states enables the system to adapt power consumption levels based on which OS is currently needed, resolving the contradiction between quick switching and power savings
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic apparatus is restarted to switch between two OSs, then power consumption is reduced, but the switching process takes a lot of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by keeping the first OS loaded in memory in a suspended state rather than completely shutting it down. This preliminary preparation allows the OS to be quickly reactivated without full reloading, achieving both power efficiency and fast switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the first OS from fully active to suspended state, adjusting the power consumption level while maintaining the OS in a recoverable state. This parameter change enables the system to achieve low power consumption during switching while maintaining fast restart capability
3Loss of time
If a middleware is adopted to switch between two OSs, then switching can be achieved without restarting, but the processor executes both OSs simultaneously affecting processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the first OS from the active execution context and places it in a suspended state, removing it from the processor's active task list. This extraction ensures that only one OS is executed at a time, maintaining full processor productivity while enabling fast switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent temporarily discards the active execution of the first OS by suspending it, allowing the second OS to take over completely. The first OS is then recovered when needed, ensuring that only one OS consumes processor resources at any given time, thus maintaining high processing speed
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for switching an operating system (OS) and an electronic apparatus are provided. While switching to a first OS, a system firmware stored in a memory unit declares that a first segment (221) of a system memory (130) is in a usable state and a second segment (223) of the system memory (130) is in a reserved state by using a first resource description table, so that the first OS is in a working state in the first segment (221) and a second OS is in a power-saving state in the second segment (223). While switching to the second OS, the system firmware declares that the second segment (223) is in the usable state and the first segment (221) is in the reserved state by using a second resource description table, so that the second OS is in the working state and the first OS is in the power-saving state.