Virtual Device Isolation in Mobile Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are inconvenienced by needing to carry multiple devices for different purposes, such as work and personal use, due to the limitations of single devices in fulfilling various requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-context mobile unit that incorporates a plurality of secure virtual devices, allowing users to execute and interact with various virtual devices, such as cellular phones, PDAs, and entertainment platforms, within a single device, with secure isolation and the ability to prioritize and provision virtual devices based on context and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single device is used for all purposes, then device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot fulfill all user requirements for different contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the single physical device into multiple virtual devices, each dedicated to specific contexts (work, personal, entertainment). This allows the device to fulfill multiple requirements without becoming physically complex, as each virtual device operates independently with its own settings and applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit is designed to perform multiple functions by hosting various virtual devices within a single hardware platform. The system provides universal access to different device types (smartphone, PDA, media player) through one device, eliminating the need to carry multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual devices are executed within a single mobile unit, then adaptability is improved, but processing overhead and resource management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the physical hardware and multiple virtual devices. This mediator manages resource allocation, isolation, and context switching automatically, reducing the complexity burden on users while enabling multiple virtual devices to coexist efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of device functionality rather than requiring physical copies. Each virtual device is a software-based representation that replicates the behavior and interface of actual devices, allowing multiple instances to run on shared hardware with minimal resource duplication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are carried for different purposes, then device functionality is improved, but portability and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple separate devices into a single mobile unit by consolidating their functionalities into virtual devices. Users carry one physical device instead of multiple, while still accessing all necessary functions through the virtualized environment, significantly improving portability and convenience.
4Reliability
If virtual devices are securely isolated, then data security is improved, but resource sharing and interoperability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different isolation levels to different virtual devices based on their security requirements. Sensitive work devices may have stricter isolation, while personal devices can share more resources. This localized approach to security allows flexible resource sharing where appropriate while maintaining security where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-context mobile unit includes a processor, a user interface coupled to the processor and configured to accept user input, a storage component coupled to the processor, and an input/output module coupled to the processor and configured to interact with at least one external network, wherein the processor is configured to selectively execute a plurality of virtual devices stored within the storage component in response to the user input, and wherein the plurality of virtual devices includes a first virtual device and a second virtual device having separate and isolated data access.