Communication Device Update Control via User Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication devices lack user control over software updates, leading to inconvenient timing for teleconference sessions, as automatic updates can occur without user input, disrupting ongoing calls.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a receiving unit for metadata, a determining unit to assess update needs, a notifying unit to inform users of updates, and an operation unit allowing users to select when to execute updates based on received metadata.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automatic update is performed without user input, then the computer program is updated regularly to improve call confidentiality and operability, but the user cannot select time to update and the teleconference may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall confidentiality and operabilityVSAvoiduser control over update timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by notifying the user of available updates before automatic installation. The update information is obtained in advance from the update server, and the user is given the opportunity to review and confirm the update before it is executed, thus preparing both the system and user for the update process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by notifying the user of update availability and awaiting user confirmation before executing the update. This feedback loop allows the user to provide input regarding update timing, resolving the contradiction between automatic updates and user control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If automatic update is performed, then the computer program is updated without requiring user operation, but the update may take certain length of time and the user wants to put off the update to perform teleconference first

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic update executionVSAvoidteleconference execution

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the update execution based on user input. Rather than following a fixed automatic update schedule, the system allows the user to determine the timing of updates, making the update process flexible and adaptable to the user's current needs and priorities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by allowing the user to control the update process. The user can review update information, confirm updates when convenient, and manage update timing independently, giving them autonomy over when updates are performed rather than being forced into predetermined update schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9442711B2Communication device, update method, and computer program product for updating a program based on received metainformation

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A communication device includes: a receiving unit that receives metainformation indicating an update from an update information providing device to provide information related to the update; a determining unit that determines, on the basis of the received metainformation, whether an update needed for the communication device exists; a notifying unit that notifies, when the update exists, a user of existence of the update; an operation unit that receives, when the update exists, a selection operation as to whether the update is to be executed from the user; and an update processing unit that executes, when the selection operation to execute the update is received by the operation unit, the update on the basis of the received metainformation.