Single Kernel Multi-Environment OS Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
General-purpose operating systems like Linux are not suitable for embedded real-time applications in mobile devices, as they lack the performance and features of embedded operating systems, and existing virtualization techniques incur high overhead costs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device operating system with a single kernel that interfaces device hardware and middleware components, allowing coexistence of independent operating environments such as Linux and Android, enabling efficient switching between them without emulation or virtualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization techniques are used to run multiple operating environments on a single device, then multiple operating systems can coexist, but high overhead costs are incurred due to complete computer emulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operating system into two independent parts: a core kernel that directly manages hardware resources, and separate middleware operating environments that run on top of the kernel. This segmentation allows multiple middleware environments (e.g., Linux and Android) to coexist without requiring full virtualization, as they share the same kernel infrastructure rather than emulating complete computer systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple operating system environments at the middleware layer while maintaining a single shared kernel. Instead of running separate complete operating systems through emulation, the system combines multiple middleware environments that can independently manage their own applications and services while sharing common kernel resources, thereby reducing overhead while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a general-purpose operating system like Linux is used in mobile devices, then modern operating system features and development tools are available, but real-time performance required for embedded applications is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different middleware operating environments to have different characteristics optimized for their specific purposes. One middleware environment can be optimized for real-time embedded performance while another provides general-purpose Linux features, and both can coexist on the same device by selecting the appropriate environment for specific tasks rather than compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allows switching between different middleware operating environments based on operational requirements. The device can transition between environments optimized for real-time performance and those optimized for general-purpose features, making the system adaptable to different operational contexts rather than being locked into a single operating mode.
3Reliability
If embedded operating systems are used for real-time performance, then real-time capabilities are achieved, but features of general-purpose operating systems are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform where a single core kernel supports multiple middleware operating environments, each with different feature sets. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide both real-time embedded capabilities and general-purpose operating system features through different middleware layers, making the system capable of performing multiple roles without requiring separate dedicated systems.
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.