Virtual switching of information handling device components

Systems, methods and products directed toward switching device components between multiple operating environments available on an information handling device. One aspect includes switching operation of an information handling device between at least two operating environments responsive to a trigger event, the at least two operating environments comprising a primary and a secondary operating environment; and switching one or more device components from one of the at least two operating environments to the other of the at least two operating environments via a virtual switch operation facilitated by one or more embedded controllers disposed within the information handling device responsive to switching between the at least two operating environments. Other embodiments are described herein.

BACKGROUND

The two major information handling device operating environments are the conventional computing device (for example, personal or laptop computer) ecosystem and the mobile device (for example, smartphone or tablet computing device) ecosystem. The conventional computing device ecosystem is generally comprised of a personal or laptop computer form factor housing a Win-Tel platform, for example, a platform comprised of an Intel x86 compatible processor capable of running a Microsoft WINDOWS operating system, such as WINDOWS 7 operating system. WINDOWS 7 is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

The mobile device ecosystem is generally configured to run on lower powered processors and lighter weight operating systems specially designed for smaller devices (e.g., devices capable of “hand-held” operation). A popular example of a mobile operating system is the ANDROID operating system, which has been used as the operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones, netbooks, and tablet computers. A prominent processor family for these smaller mobile devices, such as a tablet computer, is the ARM series of processors, such as the SNAPDRAGON BY QUALCOMM CPU. ANDROID is a registered trademark of Google Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. SNAPDRAGON BY QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

Information handling devices come in a variety of forms including for example laptop computers, slate/tablet computers, smart phones, and the like. Tablet computers and laptop computers are different on many levels. Tablet or slate computers are generally smaller and more lightweight than laptop computers, often consisting only of a single component. Tablet computers integrate the display with the typical lower base portion of a laptop/clamshell computer, usually lack a physical keyboard, and often utilize a touch screen as an input device.

In addition to structural differences, tablet and laptop computers also differ with respect to their internal software and hardware configurations. The typical laptop computer form factor houses a Win-Tel platform, comprised of an Intel x86 compatible processor and is capable of running a Microsoft WINDOWS operating system, such as WINDOWS 7 operating system. In comparison, tablet computers include a light weight platform and are most likely to run on lower powered processors and lighter weight operating systems specially designed for smaller devices. The lighter weight operating systems are often referred to as mobile operating systems, and are optimized for touch and content consumption instead of running large applications, such as the full version of the Microsoft WORD document processing application. A popular example of a mobile operating system is the ANDROID operating system, which has been used as the operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones, netbooks, and tablet computers. A prominent processor family for these smaller mobile devices, such as a tablet computer, is the ARM series of processors, such as the SNAPDRAGON BY QUALCOMM CPU. WINDOWS 7 is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. ANDROID is a registered trademark of Google Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. SNAPDRAGON BY QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

Conventional computing device and mobile device operating environments each have their own set of advantages. For example, advantages for mobile devices operating environments include mobility, size, and increased energy efficiency, while primary reasons for preferring conventional computing devices include increased processing power and battery size.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In summary, one aspect provides an information handling device comprising: one or more processors; one or memories storing program instructions accessible by one or more processors; wherein, responsive to execution of the program instructions accessible by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are configured to: ascertain a trigger event for switching between at least two operating environments configured to operate the information handling device, the at least two operating environments comprising a primary and a secondary operating environment; and switch one or more device components from one of the at least two operating environments to the other of the at least two operating environments via a virtual switch operation facilitated by one or more embedded controllers disposed within the information handling device responsive to switching between the at least two operating environments.

Another aspect provides a method comprising: switching operation of an information handling device between at least two operating environments responsive to a trigger event, the at least two operating environments comprising a primary and a secondary operating environment; and switching one or more device components from one of the at least two operating environments to the other of the at least two operating environments via a virtual switch operation facilitated by one or more embedded controllers disposed within the information handling device responsive to switching between the at least two operating environments.

A further aspect provides a program product comprising: a storage medium having program code embodied therewith, the program code comprising: program code configured to switch operation of an information handling device between at least two operating environments responsive to a trigger event, the at least two operating environments comprising a primary and a secondary operating environment; and program code configured to switch one or more device components from one of the at least two operating environments to the other of the at least two operating environments via a virtual switch operation facilitated by one or more embedded controllers disposed within the information handling device responsive to switching between the at least two operating environments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments provide for a hybrid computing system comprising a primary environment (PE) (for example, a conventional computing device platform, such as a Win-Tel platform) and a secondary environment (SE) (for example, a mobile device platform, such as an ANDROID platform) in a single computing system. The hybrid computer system includes various features, as described further herein. In and among other features, embodiment support virtual switching of device components between operating environments, for example, facilitated through a device embedded controller.

The example ofFIG. 1includes a so-called chipset110(a group of integrated circuits, or chips, that work together, chipsets) with an architecture that may vary depending on manufacturer (for example, INTEL, AMD, ARM, et cetera). The architecture of the chipset110includes a core and memory control group120and an I/O controller hub150that exchanges information (for example, data, signals, commands, et cetera) via a direct management interface (DMI)142or a link controller144. InFIG. 1, the DMI142is a chip-to-chip interface (sometimes referred to as being a link between a “northbridge” and a “southbridge”). The core and memory control group120include one or more processors122(for example, single or multi-core) and a memory controller hub126that exchange information via a front side bus (FSB)124; noting that components of the group120may be integrated in a chip that supplants the conventional “northbridge” style architecture.

InFIG. 1, the memory controller hub126interfaces with memory140(for example, to provide support for a type of RAM that may be referred to as “system memory” or “memory”). The memory controller hub126further includes a LVDS interface132for a display device192(for example, a CRT, a flat panel, a projector, et cetera). A block138includes some technologies that may be supported via the LVDS interface132(for example, serial digital video, HDMI/DVI, display port). The memory controller hub126also includes a PCI-express interface (PCI-E)134that may support discrete graphics136.

InFIG. 1, the I/O hub controller150includes a SATA interface151(for example, for HDDs, SDDs, 180 et cetera), a PCIe interface152(for example, for wireless connections182), a USB interface153(for example, for devices184such as a digitizer, keyboard, mice, cameras, phones, storage, other connected devices, et cetera), a network interface154(for example, LAN), a GPIO interface155, a LPC interface170(for ASICs171, a TPM172, a super I/O173, a firmware hub174, BIOS support175as well as various types of memory176such as ROM177, Flash178, and NVRAM179), a power management interface161, a clock generator interface162, an audio interface163(for example, for speakers194), a TCO interface164, a system management bus interface165, and SPI Flash167, which can include BIOS168and boot code190. The I/O hub controller150may include gigabit Ethernet support.

Referring toFIG. 2, with regard to smart phone and/or tablet circuitry200, an example includes an ARM based system design, with software and processor(s) combined in a single chip210. Internal busses and the like depend on different vendors, but essentially all the peripheral devices (220) may attach to a single chip210. In contrast to the circuitry illustrated inFIG. 2, the tablet circuitry200may combine the processor, memory control, and I/O controller hub all into a single chip210, commonly referred to a “system on a chip” (SOC). Also, ARM based systems200do not typically use SATA or PCI or LPC. Common interfaces for example include SDIO and I2C. There are power management chip(s)230, which manage power as supplied for example via a rechargeable battery240, which may be recharged by a connection to a power source (not shown), and in at least one design, a single chip, such as210, may be used to supply BIOS like functionality and DRAM memory.

ARM based systems200typically include one or more wireless transceivers, including, but not limited to, WWAN260and WLAN250transceivers for connecting to various networks, such as telecommunications networks and wireless base stations. Commonly, an ARM based system200will include a touchscreen270for data input and display. ARM based systems200also typically include various memory devices, for example flash memory280and SDRAM290.

As described herein, embodiments combine components ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2into a hybrid system. While various embodiments may take a variety of hybrid forms,FIG. 3illustrates one example hybrid environment configured to support the tuning of a multi-band antenna through a standard system bus slot as provided according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3provides an illustration of an example embodiment of a hybrid information handling device300(“device”). The device300has at least two environments or states: a primary environment (PE) and a secondary environment (SE), supported by two platforms,310and320, respectively. Thus, device300may include a PE platform310similar to that described inFIG. 1, and a SE platform320such as that described inFIG. 2. For example, an embodiment provides a PE in which a user experiences a WINDOWS operating environment or state, and a SE in which a user experiences an ANDROID operating environment or state. In a PE, the device300may thus operate according to a WINDOWS operating system. In a SE, the device300may operate according to an ANDROID operating system. According to an embodiment, a user may switch between these two states.

An embodiment provides that the hybrid computing device may be comprised of an embedded controller330that, inter alia, remembers the environment, SE or PE, that was previously active and may inform one environment (e.g., SE) that the other environment (e.g., PE) has changed state. A non-limiting example of an embedded controller is the H8 family of embedded controllers. H8 is a registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. In addition, as described further below, the embedded controller330may operate according to embodiments to handle the switching of one or more device300components or connected peripherals between operating environments.

The device300may include a display and input interfaces (for example, keyboard, mouse, touch interface, et cetera). Switching electronics (switches inFIG. 3) may be used to permit certain components to be used by either the PE or SE platforms310, to be used by either the PE or SE platforms310,320, depending on which is the actual operating environment chosen by the user. Illustrative and non-restrictive examples of components controlled through switching electronics include display, touch interface, antenna, camera, microphone and similar peripheral components.

According to embodiments, one or more components may be switched through a virtual switching operation and not through switching electronics (switches inFIG. 3). Non-limiting examples of components that may be switched through a virtual switching operation include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, trackpad, clickpad, related switches and/or buttons, or combinations thereof340. Embodiments provide that the embedded controller330may be configured to provide a virtual switching operation, comprising, for example, software, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof, for switching one or more device components between operating environments. The virtual switching operation may be configured to redirect, for example, the data and signals associated with certain device components to the active operating environment.

Communications between PE platform310and the SE platform320may take place various levels. Control of machine-state, security and other related functions may be provided by an embedded controller320of the device300. Communication links may use protocols like I2C or LPC. Higher bandwidth communications, such as used to move large amounts of data, for example video files, may use methods like USB, PCI express or Ethernet.

When the device300is in the SE mode or state, the device300operates as an independent tablet computer. As such, the SE platform320and the lightweight/tablet operating system executed therewith, such as an ANDROID operating system, control the operation of the device300, including the display, peripherals such as a camera, microphone, speaker, shared wireless antenna, accelerometer, SD card, other similar peripheral devices, and software applications.

The device300utilizes the PE platform310when the user selects such an operational state, and this operational state may be set as a default or an initial state. When in the PE state, the device300is controlled by a PE platform310, including for example a WINDOWS operating system. Essentially, the device300becomes a conventional laptop computer when PE platform310controls operation. As such, the SE platform320does not control device300, peripherals, et cetera, when the device300is in the PE state, though an ANDROID operating system of SE platform320may be running in the PE state, as further described herein.

In such a hybrid environment, there are thus essentially two computing systems within one device300, that is a primary system (PE), and a secondary system (SE). These systems may share access to various hardware, software, peripheral devices, internal components, et cetera, depending on the state (PE or SE). Each system is capable of operating independently.

Embodiments may be implemented in one or more information handling devices configured appropriately to execute program instructions consistent with the functionality of the embodiments as described herein. In this regard,FIGS. 1-3illustrate non-limiting examples of such devices and components thereof. While mobile information handling devices such as tablet computers, laptop computers, and smart phones have been specifically mentioned as examples herein, embodiments may be implemented using other systems or devices as appropriate.

According to an embodiment, a user may switch between the PE and SE environments, for example, through one or more hardware or virtual switches that switch hardware from being controlled or physically attached to one environment to being controlled or physically attached to a second environment. Switched hardware may include, but is not limited to, a display, microphone, mouse, keyboard, touchpad, clickpad, microphone, storage devices, and USB devices. As a non-limiting example, components such as a display, microphone, storage devices, and USB devices may be switched between operating environments through one or more hardware switches, while components such as a mouse, keyboard, and touchpad may be switched between operating environments utilizing a virtual switch. Embodiments provide that when an environment (e.g., SE) is in control of the hybrid device, the other environment (e.g., PE) may be placed in a standby mode. As such, each environment may operate independently of the power state of the other environment.

Additional embodiments provide for switching responsive to one or more user actions, such as opening one or more applications, accessing a certain file type, connecting or disconnecting a device (e.g., camera), or responsive to one or more device states, such as a low battery state. A non-limiting example provides that the hybrid device may switch from the PE state to the SE state responsive to a user opening certain media files (e.g., a movie file), such that the user may execute the file in a lower-power environment.

Referring now toFIG. 4, therein is provided an example process for virtual switching of device components between operating environments. The hybrid system monitors for a switch from one operating environment to the other401. When a change is initiated401, the hybrid system may activate the inactive operating environment (e.g., SE) and place the active operating environment (e.g., PE) into an inactive state, such as a sleep state402. When the newly activated operating environment (e.g., SE) is ready403, it may send a signal to the information handling device embedded controller to switch the device components to the newly activated operating environment (e.g., SE)404. The embedded controller may invoke a virtual switch operation to redirect the data associated with the device components from the previously active and currently inactive operating environment (e.g., PE) to the newly activated operating environment (e.g., SE).

Although a device component may be switched from one operating environment to another, embodiments provide that one or more signals (e.g., keyboard selections) or data may be sent to both environments. In addition, certain hotkeys may be redirected according to embodiments, for example, based on priority (to one or both systems). Information handling devices and operating environments may have different keyboard mappings based on available components and features. For example, selecting the F1 key in the PE may invoke a certain function (e.g., a help function), while selecting the F1 key in the SE may invoke a different function. In addition, certain key functions and key combination functions are user selectable. Embodiments provide that the virtual switching operation may also function to re-map keys based on the mappings configured in each respective operating environment.

Certain device components may be associated with one or more selectable or modifiable configurations. As a non-limiting example, keyboard input devices may operate according to one or more layout configurations, for example, that pertain to certain languages (e.g., English, German, Japanese), regions (e.g., Europe, Asia), or other such standardized configurations (e.g., QWERTY, Dvorak, etc.). According to embodiments, the configurations of certain hybrid device components may be communicated across environments.

For example, if a user selects a keyboard layout in the PE, then that layout may be communicated to the SE, and vice versa, such that the layout may be maintained when switching between operating environments. For example, an embedded controller, BIOS, or some combination thereof, may keep track of user selected configurations, such as keyboard layouts, and may adjust device operation accordingly. Conventional WINDOWS operating systems, such as a WINDOWS operating system of the PE, may request or provide access to a keyboard layout setting. However, many mobile operating systems, such as an ANDROID operating system of a hybrid computing device SE, may not provide this functionality. As such, embodiments provide a process for the SE to obtain the keyboard layout setting from the PE such that the keyboard layout of the hybrid computing device may be maintained across operating platforms. For example, scan codes or keyboard settings may be transferred from the PE to the SE (and vice versa). Although keyboard layout has been utilized as an example herein, embodiments are not so limited, as any device component (integral or peripheral) and any configurable setting that may operate according to embodiments is contemplated herein.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, various aspects may be embodied as a system, method or computer (device) program product. Accordingly, aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment including software that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects may take the form of a computer (device) program product embodied in one or more computer (device) readable medium(s) having computer (device) readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more non-signal computer (device) readable medium(s) may be utilized. The non-signal medium may be a storage medium. A storage medium may be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of a storage medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Aspects are described herein with reference to the figures, which illustrate example methods, devices and program products according to various example embodiments. It will be understood that the actions and functionality illustrated may be implemented at least in part by program instructions. These program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device or information handling device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via a processor of the device implement the functions/acts specified.

The program instructions may also be stored in a device readable medium that can direct a device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the device readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified.

The program instructions may also be loaded onto a device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the device to produce a device implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the device provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified.