Network Traffic Prediction for Firmware Update Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing content distribution systems face issues with network bandwidth overuse during scheduled updates of control information, which can obstruct device operations.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that predicts network traffic and requests a change in the scheduled update time if the predicted traffic exceeds acceptable limits, ensuring efficient bandwidth usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If firmware updates are scheduled at fixed dates and times, then device control information is kept up-to-date, but network bandwidth is overused during update periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control information currencyVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic update scheduling where the fixed update date/time is replaced with a flexible mechanism. The distribution system predicts network traffic amounts and dynamically adjusts update timing based on predicted bandwidth availability, allowing updates to occur when network conditions are favorable rather than at rigid predetermined times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of update timing from a fixed constant to a variable determined by traffic prediction. By monitoring and predicting network traffic patterns, the system selects update dates and times that optimize bandwidth usage, transforming the update schedule from static to adaptive based on network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If firmware updates are performed at scheduled times, then device security and performance are improved, but device operations may be obstructed due to network overuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice security and performanceVSAvoiddevice operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary traffic prediction and analysis before scheduling firmware updates. By predicting network traffic patterns in advance and selecting optimal update times when bandwidth is available, the system prepares the update schedule to minimize impact on device operations, ensuring both security updates and operational continuity are maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11762645B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: receive a scheduled date and time at which control information managed by a management apparatus is downloaded to a device via an external network and an internal network and is updated, the scheduled date and time being determined by the management apparatus; obtain a predicted traffic amount per predetermined time of the internal network at the scheduled date and time; and, in a case where the predicted traffic amount exceeds an acceptable traffic amount per the predetermined time, the acceptable traffic amount being set for the internal network, give a request to change the scheduled date and time to the management apparatus.