Command Conversion Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus Application Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require developers to have high-level skills in understanding common system services and versatile OS to develop new applications, making it difficult for them to control hardware resources effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an operating portion to control hardware resources, an internal control portion to process internal commands, an application executing portion to output simplified or application commands, and an application control portion to convert these commands into internal commands, facilitating easier development and execution of application programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common system service and versatile OS are used to control hardware resources, then the system can support multiple applications, but the development complexity increases and requires high-level developer skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a command conversion mechanism as an intermediary layer between application commands and internal control commands. This mediator automatically translates high-level application commands into low-level internal commands, eliminating the need for developers to directly understand complex system services and OS operations. The conversion mechanism handles the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to application developers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the command processing system into distinct functional layers: application executing portion, command converting portion, and internal control portion. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, reducing the coupling between application development and system implementation details. Developers only need to interact with the application commanding portion, which is simpler and more standardized.
2Manufacturing precision
If developers directly control hardware resources through common system services, then precise hardware control is achieved, but the skill barrier for application development increases
Solution Approach 1:
The command converting portion serves as an intermediary that preserves hardware control precision while shielding developers from complexity. It automatically translates standardized application commands into precise internal control commands that accurately manipulate hardware resources. This intermediary maintains the fidelity of hardware control operations without requiring developers to understand the underlying complex system services.
3Ease of operation
If a standardized command interface is provided for applications, then application development becomes easier, but the conversion overhead increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the command conversion functionality into the existing system architecture by integrating the command converting portion with the internal control portion. This unified structure processes commands through a standardized flow, reducing the need for separate conversion modules and minimizing additional complexity. The conversion logic is embedded within the existing control pathways, making the added complexity manageable and maintainable.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an operating portion to control hardware resources, an internal control portion to perform a process predetermined for an internal command, an application executing portion to execute an application program and output a simplified command or application command, and an application control portion to convert the simplified command or application command output by the application executing portion into an internal command and output the internal command to the internal control portion. The application control portion includes a simplified command converting portion to convert the simplified command output by the application executing portion into one or more application commands, and output the application command(s) in the order defined for the simplified command, and an application command converting portion to convert the application command output by the application executing portion, or each of the application command(s) sequentially output from the simplified command converting portion, into an internal command.