Backup Agent Scheduling via Calendar Absence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backup and virus scan operations on client computers often interfere with their usage, as they typically occur during non-business hours when network resources are already consumed by server backups, leading to inefficiencies and resource bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
A backup agent searches for user absence indicia in calendar records to schedule these operations during times when the computer will be on but not in use, utilizing a database of predefined words and phrases to identify suitable times and communicating with a backup server to allocate network resources effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If backup operations are performed during non-business hours, then user interference is minimized, but network resources are consumed by server backups at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup operations into different time slots based on user availability and network resource availability. Client backups are scheduled during business hours when users are absent from their computers but network resources are available, while server backups are scheduled during non-business hours when user computers are not in use. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the timing of client and server backups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts backup scheduling based on real-time conditions including user calendar information, computer availability status, and network resource availability. The backup agent continuously monitors these parameters and adapts the backup schedule accordingly, allowing backups to be performed during business hours when conditions are favorable rather than following a fixed non-business hour schedule.
2Use of energy by moving object
If backup operations are performed during business hours, then network resources are available, but user activities are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The backup agent retrieves user calendar information and computer availability status as feedback inputs, then uses this information to determine the optimal backup timing. The system continuously monitors user schedules and adjusts backup schedules based on this feedback, allowing backups to be automatically scheduled during business hours when users have indicated absence in their calendars, thus avoiding interference with actual user activities while utilizing available network resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses user-generated calendar information to automatically determine when the user is absent from their computer, eliminating the need for manual scheduling or user intervention. The backup agent autonomously schedules backups during indicated absence periods, allowing the system to self-adjust to user patterns without requiring user input or manual configuration.
3Ease of operation
If virus scans are performed during non-business hours, then user interference is minimized, but the operations conflict with server backup timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments different maintenance operations (backups and virus scans) into distinct time slots within the non-business hour period. Instead of performing all operations simultaneously, the system schedules virus scans and server backups at different times during non-business hours, eliminating resource conflicts while maintaining the benefit of minimal user interference for both operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for scheduling a backup operation for a computer is described. The method includes searching a database for at least one record possessing an absence indicia. The method further includes scheduling an operation to be performed during a time period associated with the at least one record.