Application Framework Segmentation for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunction machines, such as those with copy, print, and fax capabilities, face inefficiencies in system construction and application management due to complex dependencies among applications, making it difficult to add or remove applications without requiring constant adjustments and synchronization.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus separates applications into core logic and user interface frames, with a framework that manages life cycles and provides an application programming interface, allowing for independent core logic and UI frame management, enabling easy addition and deletion of applications without affecting the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If applications are integrated into a single system with complex dependencies, then system functionality is comprehensive, but system activation time increases and synchronization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The application is divided into two independent parts: a core logic portion and a user interface frame portion. The core logic portion contains the essential application functionality, while the user interface frame portion handles rendering and display. This segmentation allows the core logic to be activated independently without requiring the entire application package, thereby reducing system activation time while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If applications are added or removed from the system, then system adaptability improves, but synchronization and adjustment across the entire system becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the application into core logic and user interface frame portions, the system can add or remove applications by simply managing the core logic portion independently. The framework provides standardized interfaces that allow new applications to be integrated without requiring synchronization adjustments across the entire system, thus improving adaptability while reducing synchronization complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework provides universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that work across all applications. This universality allows different applications with varying functionalities to be added or removed without requiring system-wide adjustments, as the framework handles the integration and coordination through its standardized interface definitions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a framework with defined interfaces is implemented, then application management becomes simplified, but the initial system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework defines interfaces and communication protocols in advance, before applications are implemented. This preliminary action establishes standardized interaction patterns that simplify application development and integration. Although the framework structure appears complex initially, it provides pre-established rules that make subsequent application implementation straightforward and consistent.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an application on a framework that is separated into a core logic portion handling basic processing and a user interface frame portion handling rendering processing and operates; and a controller that executes the application and the framework. The core logic portion is implemented with an application programming interface defined by the framework, and the interface includes a before-the-fact notification indicative of that a window displayed by the application is terminated.