Program Update Timing for Information Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses face challenges in updating programs efficiently, as automatic updates during operation can disrupt usability, and updates may be delayed if not performed when the device is in use or when the user is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires update data and version information from a network, allowing updates to be performed when the device is instructed to stop, ensuring the program is updated to the latest version before shutdown, and providing user options for updating firmware when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If automatic update is performed when the information processing apparatus is in operation, then the program is updated timely, but the usability of the information processing apparatus is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs update checks and downloads update data in advance during periods when the apparatus is not in use, preparing the update before the next operation session. This preliminary action allows the update to be ready without disrupting current usage, resolving the contradiction between timely updating and maintaining usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The update timing is made dynamic and adaptive to usage patterns. The system monitors whether the apparatus is in use and adjusts update operations accordingly - performing updates during idle periods rather than during active usage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the update process flexible rather than rigid.
2Ease of operation
If automatic update is performed when the information processing apparatus is not used by the user, then the usability is maintained, but the delay in updating the program is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors usage status and provides feedback to the update mechanism. When the apparatus is detected as not in use, the system activates update operations. This feedback loop ensures updates occur as soon as usability conditions permit, minimizing delay while maintaining user convenience during active usage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic update checks at predetermined intervals regardless of usage state. This periodic action ensures that even if the apparatus remains in use, updates are eventually checked and applied, preventing excessive delay while respecting ongoing usage requirements.
3Reliability
If the information processing apparatus is restarted during user usage, then the program update is completed, but the operation of the information processing apparatus becomes slow due to update load
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs update data download and preparation in advance during idle periods, so that when the restart is needed, the update data is already ready. This preliminary action reduces the restart duration and minimizes impact on operation speed while ensuring reliable update completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The update process is segmented into distinct phases: download phase (performed during idle time), verification phase, and application phase (performed during restart). This segmentation allows the heavy download operation to be separated from the critical restart operation, maintaining both reliability and speed.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to acquire first update data used to update a program and including first version information of the program, from another apparatus connected via a network. The program causes the information processing apparatus to execute a process. The processor is further configured to acquire second version information of second update data from the other apparatus in response to an instruction to stop the operation of the information processing apparatus. The second version information is a latest version of the program available from the other apparatus. The processor is further configured to update the program based on the first update data in a case where the first version information matches the second version information.