How to Split Computer Tasks Between Different Types of Processors
A system that uses a physical backplane to connect two different types of computer processors—one for general tasks and one for real-time tasks—to improve efficiency.
Original patent title: “Partitioning processes across clusters by process type to optimize use of cluster specific configurations”
A system that uses a physical backplane to connect two different types of computer processors—one for general tasks and one for real-time tasks—to improve efficiency. Granted to NEODANA Inc in 2016 with 21 claims and 11 forward citations.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a hardware setup where two distinct groups of processors live inside the same machine. One group runs a standard multitasking operating system, while the other runs a specialized real-time operating system. When the first group encounters a task that needs real-time precision, it sends that request across a physical hardware backplane to the second group. The second group handles the task using its own dedicated software agents and sends the result back to the first group.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover systems that rely solely on software-based task scheduling without a physical hardware backplane connection.
- Does not cover setups where both processor clusters run the exact same type of operating system.
- Does not cover cloud-based distribution where the clusters are located on different physical servers connected via standard internet protocols.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The system uses a hardware backplane to bridge two different operating system environments, allowing them to communicate as if they were part of a single, unified machine despite having different instruction sets.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Industrial automation controllers
High-performance embedded computing systems
Specialized server hardware for low-latency financial trading
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This approach addresses the challenge of balancing general-purpose computing with the strict timing requirements of real-time applications. By physically isolating these workloads, it prevents general tasks from interfering with time-sensitive operations, which is critical for industrial control systems or high-frequency data processing.
Filed
December 31, 2012
Granted
October 25, 2016
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies specializing in heterogeneous computing and industrial edge servers are the primary users of such architectures. Firms like Intel and NVIDIA often explore similar concepts in their multi-core and multi-processor system-on-chip designs to optimize for specific workloads.
Market impact
This patent highlights the ongoing trend in hardware design to move away from 'one-size-fits-all' processors toward specialized clusters. It reflects the industry's shift toward hardware-level partitioning to solve latency issues that software alone cannot fix.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a hardware setup where two distinct groups of processors live inside the same machine. One group runs a standard multitasking operating system, while the other runs a specialized real-time operating system. When the first group encounters a task that needs real-time precision, it sends that request across a physical hardware backplane to the second group. The second group handles the task using its own dedicated software agents and sends the result back to the first group.
The clever bit
The system uses a hardware backplane to bridge two different operating system environments, allowing them to communicate as if they were part of a single, unified machine despite having different instruction sets.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover systems that rely solely on software-based task scheduling without a physical hardware backplane connection.
- Does not cover setups where both processor clusters run the exact same type of operating system.
- Does not cover cloud-based distribution where the clusters are located on different physical servers connected via standard internet protocols.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
22/40
Moderately cited
Claim breadth
14/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
10/20
Granted 5–10 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$87K – $280K
Midpoint $175K · 6.5 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
The original legal language
Original claims
21 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Kang, D. C. (2016). How to Split Computer Tasks Between Different Types of Processors (U.S. Patent No. 9,477,524). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9477524/aws-cloudformation
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How to Split Computer Tasks Between Different Types of Processors cover?
A system that uses a physical backplane to connect two different types of computer processors—one for general tasks and one for real-time tasks—to improve efficiency.
Who owns patent US 9477524?
NEODANA Inc owns this patent, granted in 2016.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on October 25, 2036, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 9477524 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 11 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This approach addresses the challenge of balancing general-purpose computing with the strict timing requirements of real-time applications. By physically isolating these workloads, it prevents general tasks from interfering with time-sensitive operations, which is critical for industrial control systems or high-frequency data processing.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover systems that rely solely on software-based task scheduling without a physical hardware backplane connection.
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