Relay Server Firmware Update Push Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firmware updating methods for information processing apparatuses increase processing and user load, and often fail to update at appropriate timing, especially in cloud-based service scenarios where specific firmware is required for multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a connection using a communication protocol for server push between the information processing apparatus and a specific-firmware-information transmitting apparatus, allowing the apparatus to acquire and update firmware based on received specific-firmware-information, including embedded-firmware updates from designated locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the information processing apparatus autonomously searches for update information and downloads firmware, then the firmware can be updated, but the processing load of the apparatus and user load increase
Solution Approach 1:
A relay server is introduced as an intermediary between the information processing apparatus and the firmware update system. The relay server receives push notifications from the update server, stores update information, and transmits it to the apparatus. This mediator approach reduces the burden on the apparatus by handling the complex update information management and notification relay, while still enabling automatic firmware updates.
2Reliability
If the information processing apparatus autonomously searches for update information, then firmware updates can be performed, but updates cannot be achieved at appropriate timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the relay server receives push notifications from the update server indicating when firmware updates are available. The relay server stores this update information and actively transmits it to the information processing apparatus when ready, ensuring updates occur at the appropriate timing rather than requiring continuous polling or manual checking by the apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple information processing apparatuses require specific firmware updates in a cloud service environment, then the service can be properly provided, but the complexity of managing updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay server is designed with multi-functionality to handle firmware updates for multiple different information processing apparatuses. It can receive push notifications for various apparatus types, store update information for different firmware versions, and transmit appropriate updates to corresponding apparatuses. This universal approach simplifies the overall system by providing a single management point for diverse firmware update needs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus comprising: a control device; and a communication unit to perform communication with a specific-firmware-information transmitting apparatus and a firmware providing server through a network, wherein the control device is configured to: perform a specific-firmware-information acquiring processing of acquiring specific-firmware-information through a connection; perform a specific-firmware acquiring processing of acquiring the specific firmware from the firmware providing server indicated by the specific-firmware location-information, based on the specific-firmware location-information included in the specific-firmware-information acquired by the specific-firmware-information acquiring processing; and perform a specific-firmware updating processing of updating the firmware, which is included in the information processing apparatus and corresponds to the specific firmware acquired by the specific-firmware acquiring processing, to the acquired specific firmware.