Terminal Function Comparison for Selective Application Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems require manual checking of device numbers and program versions for each terminal before updating, which is labor-intensive and prone to errors, especially when settings vary by installation location.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes a terminal information management server to manage terminal information and update programs, automatically determining which terminals need updates based on validated functions, and providing a display for user confirmation, reducing the need for manual checks and minimizing unnecessary updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual checking of device numbers and program versions is performed for each terminal before updating, then update accuracy is improved, but labor cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device automatically performs self-diagnosis to identify its own model number and program version, eliminating the need for manual checking. The terminal reads its own identification information from internal storage and transmits it to the server, enabling automated update determination without worker intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of checking device information is replaced with an automated electronic system. The terminal's communication unit automatically transmits device information to the server, which then automatically determines update requirements, replacing the manual checking process with electronic data exchange and automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If program updates are applied to all terminals regardless of necessity, then system uniformity is improved, but memory resource waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem uniformityVSAvoidmemory resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The update application is differentiated based on local characteristics of each terminal. The server compares the specific model number and program version of each terminal with the update program requirements, determining update necessity on a per-terminal basis. This ensures updates are applied only where needed, avoiding unnecessary memory resource consumption at terminals that already have the required program version.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter comparison (model number and program version) to dynamically determine update requirements. By changing the decision parameter from blanket updates to conditional updates based on terminal-specific parameters, the system achieves both uniformity where needed and resource conservation where not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If worker checks are required at each installation location, then update reliability is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate reliabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as an intermediary that centralizes the update determination process. Instead of requiring workers at each location to manually check and determine update needs, the terminal automatically transmits its information to the server, which processes the determination centrally and communicates the result back, simplifying the operation at the terminal location while maintaining reliability through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback loops where the terminal transmits its device information to the server, the server determines update requirements based on this feedback, and then communicates the determination back to the terminal. This automated feedback mechanism maintains update reliability while eliminating the need for complex manual checking procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3872613B1Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and method
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3872613B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3872613B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3872613B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a comparison unit and an update management unit. The comparison unit compares terminal information indicating a function validated or invalidated among a plurality of functions of an application installed on a terminal with a function to be updated by applying an update program of updating the application among the plurality of functions. The update management unit determines whether or not the terminal is a target of applying the update program based on a function comparison result by the comparison unit.