Application Management Platform for Image Forming Apparatus Error Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compound and combination machines face challenges in managing multiple applications simultaneously, as existing application management systems are designed for single applications and struggle to coordinate the lifecycle and operation of multiple applications, leading to inefficiencies in resource management and error handling.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a platform that manages applications, including operation screen display, task bar display, error occurrence output, and rule violation output applications, allowing for easy mounting and exchange of applications, and automatic updating of execution files, while controlling power-saving modes based on application conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single application is executed on a single process, then the application management system can easily manage the application, but the system cannot support multiple applications simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the application management system into separate functional modules: a process manager that handles process-level operations and an application manager that handles application-level operations. This segmentation allows each manager to focus on specific tasks, making the system capable of managing multiple applications without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mediator mechanism between the process manager and application manager that coordinates their interactions. The mediator handles communication and coordination between the two managers, enabling them to work together seamlessly to manage multiple applications while preventing direct conflicts and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple applications are executed on one process, then resource utilization improves, but the existing application management system cannot manage each application properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments management responsibilities by introducing a dedicated application manager that operates independently from the process manager. The application manager specifically handles application lifecycle events (installation, removal, activation, deactivation) while the process manager handles process-level tasks, allowing proper management of multiple applications running on one process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where application information is replicated and maintained by the application manager. This allows the system to track and manage multiple applications simultaneously, preserving their individual lifecycle states while running them on a shared process, thus maintaining reliability despite resource sharing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If applications can be easily mounted and exchanged, then adaptability improves, but the system requires a unified platform for lifecycle management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unified platform with universal interfaces and standardized protocols that enable different application types to be mounted and exchanged seamlessly. The platform provides multi-functional capabilities including installation, removal, activation, and deactivation of applications through consistent mechanisms, allowing easy adaptability without requiring application-specific management code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where applications automatically register themselves with the application manager upon installation and automatically notify the system of their lifecycle events. This reduces the manual configuration and management overhead, enabling easy mounting and exchange of applications while the unified platform handles the complex coordination in the background.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus has a new application management system. A platform provided in the image forming apparatus manages applications also provided in the image forming apparatus. An operation screen display application included in the application managed by the platform displays operation screens. Objects to be operated by the operation screens are the applications managed by the platform.