Ramdisk Boot Method for Multi-OS Partitioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for booting up and shutting down computers, especially those serving as multimedia appliances, are time-consuming and require additional partitions and reboots for installing secondary operating systems, which is inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A boot method that allows two different operating systems to be selectively loaded onto a computer using the same partition by formatting a portion of the main memory as a ramdisk with a compatible file system, enabling the loading of a second operating system without the need for a separate partition, using a loader to load the kernel and operating system into memory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a second operating system is installed in a separate partition, then the computer can support multiple operating systems with different file systems, but the boot time increases and the installation process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-OS supportVSAvoidboot time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple operating systems into a single partition by using a ramdisk to load the second OS kernel and file system drivers into memory. This allows the system to switch between different OS environments without requiring separate physical partitions, thereby reducing boot time while maintaining multi-OS support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a ramdisk as an intermediary between the storage device and the second operating system. The ramdisk acts as a temporary in-memory file system that loads the second OS kernel and necessary drivers, enabling fast switching between operating systems without the overhead of traditional partition-based installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a second operating system is installed in a separate partition, then different file systems can be supported, but the installation process requires rebooting with a boot disk which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile system compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service installation by allowing the second operating system to be installed and configured through the first OS environment. The installation program automatically sets up the ramdisk configuration and kernel loading mechanisms, eliminating the need for external boot disks or complex reboot procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of the ramdisk and kernel loading parameters during the installation process itself. The installation program pre-configures the necessary file system drivers and kernel boot parameters, so that when the system needs to boot the second OS, everything is already prepared in memory, requiring no additional boot disks or reboots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple partitions are created for different operating systems, then each OS can have its own file system, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-OS supportVSAvoidpartition structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single partition universal by implementing a ramdisk-based loading mechanism that can accommodate multiple different operating systems and file systems within the same partition. The same partition structure serves multiple functions: storing the first OS, storing the second OS kernel, and providing the ramdisk environment for loading the second OS, thereby eliminating the need for separate partitions for each OS.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7516319B2Method for booting a computer with second OS involves formatting portion of main memory with a second file system to generate ramdisk

Publication Date: 2009.04.07 MITAC TECH CORP

AI summary

A boot method is implemented in a computer comprising a main memory and a storage device. A partition of the storage device comprises a first operating system and a second operating system. The partition is formatted with a first file system compatible with the first operating system. The second operating system comprises a kernel and is compatible with a second file system. When the computer boots up with the second operating system, the kernel is loaded from the partition to the main memory. A portion of the main memory is formatted with the second file system to serve as a ramdisk. The second operating system is loaded from the partition to the ramdisk.