Containerized Application Management for Image Forming Apparatus Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face storage capacity limitations due to the need to pre-install user applications, which restricts the number of applications that can be installed, especially in multi-user environments where diverse user needs require extensive functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that obtains containerized applications from a server based on user profiles, allowing only necessary applications to be stored locally and deleting them upon user logout to maintain free memory capacity, using a weighting mechanism to prioritize application storage and deletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If applications are pre-installed in the image forming apparatus to support diverse user needs, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the storage capacity is consumed and free memory decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments applications into two categories: essential applications that are permanently installed in the image forming apparatus, and non-essential applications that are temporarily downloaded from a server. This segmentation allows the system to maintain core functionality while freeing up storage space by only loading additional applications when needed by specific users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages application installation based on user login events. When a user logs in, the system determines whether their required applications are already installed, and if not, automatically downloads them from a server. When users log out, their non-essential applications are deleted. This dynamic approach ensures that storage capacity is optimized while still providing necessary functionality when users need it.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are installed to support various users' needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus automatically manages application installation and deletion without requiring manual intervention. When a user logs in, the system automatically determines which applications are needed, downloads them from a server if necessary, and installs them. When users log out, the system automatically deletes their non-essential applications. This self-service mechanism reduces the complexity of application management for administrators and users alike.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses user login information as feedback to determine which applications should be installed. By monitoring user authentication events and analyzing user profiles, the system dynamically adjusts the installed application set to match actual usage patterns, thereby simplifying application management while maintaining adaptability to diverse user needs.
3Speed
If applications are kept in storage for quick access, then the speed of application execution is improved, but the free memory capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by downloading and installing applications only when users log in and need them, rather than pre-installing all possible applications. This on-demand approach ensures that applications are available for immediate execution when needed, while freeing up storage space during periods when they are not required. The cyclic pattern of download-during-login and delete-during-logout optimizes both execution speed and storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus and a method of controlling the information processing apparatus are provided. The information processing apparatus is operable to install and execute an application for providing an extended function, obtains, from a server, a containerized application linked to a logged-in user or designated by a user and stores the obtained application in a storage. The apparatus weights the application stored in the storage in accordance with a characteristic or a usage state of the application and deletes an application stored in the storage based on the weighting in accordance with a logout of the user.