# 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. - **Patent:** US 9477524 - **Original title:** Partitioning processes across clusters by process type to optimize use of cluster specific configurations - **Owner:** NEODANA Inc - **Granted:** 2016 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 11 - **Field:** semiconductors, telecommunications, mechanical ## What it does 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. ## 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. ## 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. ## Real-world examples 1. Industrial automation controllers 2. High-performance embedded computing systems 3. Specialized server hardware for low-latency financial trading ## Why it matters 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. ## 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. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9477524/aws-cloudformation **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US9477524 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Computers Automatically Adjust Tasks to Run Faster in Data Centers](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9405582/aws-elastic-beanstalk) — A method for cloud computers to monitor their own performance while processing massive data tasks and automatically changing their settings or resource levels to stay efficient. - [How to Send Data Streams Independently Without Connection Overload](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/7904576/reliable-datagram-via-independent-source-destination-resources) — A method for sending multiple streams of data between devices using independent, reliable paths that keep data in the correct order without needing a constant connection. - [How Cloud Systems Automatically Assign Virtual Machines to Servers](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9075661/hyper-v-virtualization) — A method for cloud services to automatically choose the best server for a task by filtering out impossible options and then ranking the remaining ones. - [How Virtual Machines Keep Their Data Separate on Shared Storage](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9760393/azure-machine-learning) — A method for virtual machines to store data in isolated, non-mixed logical storage units to improve security and management efficiency within a shared physical storage pool. - [How Network Providers Subcontract Data Processing Tasks](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8606929/aws-lambda) — A method for internet service providers to bundle specific data processing tasks from many users and send them to a third party for efficient handling.