ROM Boot Loader for Multi-OS Kernel Direct Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems with multiple operating systems face inefficiencies in the booting process due to the need for separate kernel loaders and the requirement of loading intermediate operating systems like MS-DOS, making the process time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and method that utilize a ROM to store loader programs and file names for multiple operating systems, allowing the processor to directly load a kernel from a storage device into main memory, bypassing the need for sequential loading of intermediate OSes by matching kernel file names and executing the appropriate loader program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional booting process is used with separate kernel loaders for each OS, then each OS can be loaded independently, but the boot process becomes time-consuming due to sequential loading of multiple loaders and intermediate OSes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal boot loader that can load multiple different operating systems (Windows CE, Linux, MS-DOS) from a single entry point in the MBR, eliminating the need for separate dedicated loaders for each OS. This multi-functional approach maintains compatibility with various operating systems while streamlining the booting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the boot loader functionality from the MBR and places it in a separate boot sector on a bootable disk. This extraction allows the MBR to remain simple and OS-independent, while the boot sector handles the actual loading of different operating systems efficiently, reducing boot time.
2Ease of operation
If MS-DOS must be loaded first to execute loading instructions for Windows CE, then Windows CE can be loaded, but the boot process becomes time-consuming due to the requirement to load intermediate OSes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boot sector as an intermediary component that resides on a bootable disk and contains the actual loading instructions for different operating systems. This boot sector acts as a mediator between the MBR and the operating systems, allowing direct loading of target OSes without requiring intermediate OSes like MS-DOS to be loaded first.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-loading the boot sector into memory during the boot process, so that the loading instructions for different operating systems are already available in memory. This eliminates the need to sequentially load intermediate OSes and significantly reduces boot time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loaders are loaded from storage devices into main memory during booting, then each OS can be loaded, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boot loader functionality for multiple operating systems into a single boot sector that resides on a bootable disk. Instead of loading multiple separate loaders into memory, the boot sector contains consolidated loading instructions that can directly load any of the supported operating systems, improving boot speed while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A booting method is implemented in a computer system including a processor, a read-only memory (ROM), a main memory, and a storage device. The ROM stores a loader program, a first file name corresponding to a kernel and a file system of a first operating system, and a second file name corresponding to a kernel and a file system of a second operating system. When the computer boots, the processor first reads and executes instructions from the ROM to initiate the computer system. If the storage device comprises an operating system the kernel file name and file system of which are same as the first operating system or the second operating system, the computer loads the operating system kernel to the main memory for execution.