Cross-Environment Function Execution via Mediator Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

In systems with multiple execution environments, switching between environments leads to changes in operability, increasing the load on operators and requiring separate user interfaces and program development efforts, resulting in inconsistent user experiences.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a first and second application running unit, each operating in different execution environments, where the second unit calls the first unit to acquire and transmit processing results, allowing for unified operation and reduced development burdens by sharing a common user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate programs are prepared for each execution environment, then the function can be provided in each environment, but the development effort and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction availability in each execution environmentVSAvoidprogram development effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal function execution unit that can be called from multiple execution environments. Instead of creating separate programs for each environment, a single function execution unit is designed to handle function calls from different environments, reducing development effort while maintaining adaptability across environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The function execution unit acts as an intermediary between different execution environments and the actual function implementation. It receives calls from various environments, manages the execution, and returns results, thereby eliminating the need for separate programs in each environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If switching between execution environments is performed, then functions from different environments can be used, but the operability changes and operator burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to functions across environmentsVSAvoidoperator burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The function execution unit serves as a mediator that allows applications in one execution environment to access functions from another environment without requiring the operator to manually switch environments. The unit handles the cross-environment communication transparently, maintaining consistent operability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the functionality into environment-specific application running units and a universal function execution unit. This segmentation allows each environment to maintain its own operational characteristics while accessing shared functions through the standardized interface of the function execution unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If environment-dependent operability is changed after switching, then the function can be accessed, but the consistency of user interface deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction access across environmentsVSAvoiduser interface consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The function execution unit provides a universal interface that ensures consistent user experience across different execution environments. It standardizes the interaction pattern regardless of which environment initiates the function call, thereby maintaining UI consistency while enabling cross-environment function access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11086575B2Information processing apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2021.08.10 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US11086575B2 patent drawing
  • US11086575B2 patent drawing
  • US11086575B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a first application running unit, a first function execution unit, a second application running unit, and a second function execution unit. The first application running unit operates in an execution environment and runs an application program. The first function execution unit operates in the execution environment and provides a specific function after the first function execution unit is called by the first application running unit. The second application running unit operates in a different execution environment different from the execution environment and runs a different application program different from the application program. The second function execution unit operates in the different execution environment, starts the first function execution unit after the second function execution unit is called by the second application running unit, acquires a result of processing performed by the first function execution unit, and transmits the result to the second application running unit.