Single-Kernel Multi-OS Architecture for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating systems are not suitable for embedded real-time applications in mobile devices, as they lack the performance and features of both general-purpose and embedded operating systems, and virtualization techniques incur high overhead costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-kernel environment that allows for the coexistence of multiple independent operating systems, where a core kernel interfaces with device hardware and middleware components, enabling simultaneous booting and resource management between different operating environments, such as Linux and Android, without emulation or recompilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization techniques are used to run multiple operating systems on a single device, then multiple operating environments can coexist, but high overhead costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operating system environments into a single unified system where different OS types (general-purpose and embedded real-time) share common kernel infrastructure, hardware abstraction layers, and system resources. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate virtualized instances, reducing computational overhead while maintaining the ability to switch between different operating environments based on device mode state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal operating system platform that can function as both a general-purpose OS and an embedded real-time OS depending on the configured mode state. The system incorporates multi-functionality by integrating diverse features (file systems, device drivers, networking from general-purpose OS) with real-time performance capabilities and deterministic behavior from embedded OS, all within a single system that adapts its behavior based on operational context.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a general-purpose operating system is used in mobile devices, then extensive features are available, but real-time performance is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the operating system can switch between different operational modes (general-purpose mode and embedded real-time mode) based on device state. In embedded real-time mode, the system dynamically adjusts scheduling algorithms, interrupt handling, and resource allocation to guarantee deterministic response times, while in general-purpose mode it utilizes more flexible, feature-rich scheduling. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware and software platform to meet different performance requirements.
3Reliability
If an embedded real-time operating system is used in mobile devices, then real-time performance is achieved, but extensive general-purpose features are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates extensive general-purpose operating system features (file systems, device drivers, networking stacks, development tools) into the system's preliminary configuration and build environment. These features are pre-compiled and integrated into the embedded real-time operating system image, making them available as optional components or services that can be activated when real-time performance is not the primary constraint. This preliminary preparation allows the system to provide both real-time capabilities and extensive features without compromising either.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile computing device that operates multiple, co-existing and independent operating system environments on a common kernel. A booting process for initiating a multiple operating system environment is also provided. Additionally, various embodiments of the present invention include processes for managing a switch between one operating system environment to a second operating system environment.