Virtual Storage Device for OS Switching Without Format Conversion

Solution Overview

Problem

Current dual operating system architectures require file format conversion when switching from a dual native OS environment to a dual virtual OS environment, leading to performance penalties, firmware wear-leveling, and inefficient use of physical disk space.

Innovation Solution

A computing device is configured with a virtual machine monitor that creates a virtual storage device allowing guest operating systems to directly access assigned partitions without format conversion, using a disk virtualization module to manage access and prevent access to unassigned partitions, thus eliminating the need for file format conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If file format conversion is performed when switching from dual native OS to dual virtual OS environment, then the virtual OS can be supported, but performance penalties occur and firmware wear-leveling is accelerated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual OS supportVSAvoidperformance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the file system structure that mirrors the native OS partition layout. The virtual file system presents identical partition boundaries and file paths to the guest OS, allowing it to operate without modification while eliminating the need for format conversion and associated performance penalties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtual file system layer as an intermediary between the guest OS and physical storage device. This intermediary translates virtual file system operations into native file system operations, enabling format-less virtualization while maintaining performance by avoiding repeated conversion operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If file format conversion is performed when switching operating system environments, then environment switching is enabled, but disk space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironment switchingVSAvoiddisk space efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the file system structure that mirrors the native OS partition layout. The virtual file system presents identical partition boundaries and file paths to the guest OS, allowing it to operate without modification while eliminating the need for format conversion and associated performance penalties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual virtual OS environment is implemented with format conversion, then multiple OS support is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple OS supportVSAvoidconversion process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the file system structure that mirrors the native OS partition layout. The virtual file system presents identical partition boundaries and file paths to the guest OS, allowing it to operate without modification while eliminating the need for format conversion and associated performance penalties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal virtual file system layer that can support multiple different guest operating systems simultaneously without requiring separate conversion processes for each OS type. This single virtualization layer provides multi-OS compatibility while simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10067777B2Supporting multiple operating system environments in computing device without contents conversion

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Multiple operating systems are supported on a computing device by disk virtualization technologies that allow switching between a native operating system and a virtualized guest operating system without performing a format conversion of the native operating system image, which is stored in a partition of a physical data storage device. The disk virtualization technologies establish a virtual storage device in a manner that allows the guest operating system to directly access the partition of the physical storage device that contains the native operating system image.