Application Bundle Lock Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing bundles on image forming apparatuses require users to reinstall and restore data after payment, as uninstalling a non-free bundle forces data deletion, leading to unnecessary workload and data loss.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a lock mechanism that prevents a bundle from being used without uninstalling it, allowing for a 'locked' state that persists until authorized unlocking, thereby allowing users to resume usage without reinstalling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-free bundle is uninstalled to prevent its use, then the bundle cannot be used, but user data is deleted and reinstallation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bundle management process into two independent operations: installation and usage control. By introducing a lock state that can be applied to installed bundles, the system separates the act of preventing usage (locking) from the act of removing the bundle (uninstalling). This allows administrators to control bundle usage without affecting user data or requiring reinstallation, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable usage control and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a bundle is uninstalled to suspend its use, then usage is prevented, but the bundle must be reinstalled for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by locking the bundle in advance before any usage attempt occurs. The lock state is established as a preliminary control mechanism that prevents bundle execution without requiring removal of the bundle files. When suspension is needed, the system simply activates the lock state, and when reuse is needed, it simply removes the lock state. This eliminates the time-consuming reinstallation process while maintaining reliable usage suspension.
3Reliability
If a bundle is uninstalled to prevent use, then usage control is achieved, but user data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the usage control function from the bundle installation/removal process. By introducing a separate lock mechanism that operates independently of bundle installation and uninstallation, the system can control bundle usage without affecting user data stored within the bundle. The lock state serves as an extracted control layer that prevents bundle execution while leaving all bundle contents and user data intact, thus resolving the contradiction between usage control and data preservation.
Data Source
AI summary
When a lock instruction to an application is received from an instruction issuer who has specific authorization after the application has been stopped, the stopped state is maintained, and a state transition is not allowed. In this way, the state of the application is maintained in an image forming apparatus, and the use of the application cannot be started, thereby preventing a user from restarting the use of the application. Furthermore, when the application is allowed to be used again, the original state can be restored without imposing any load. Also, user data can be reused without being deleted.