Function Extension Application Settings Import via Stop-Start Cycle

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing settings data in function extension applications for image forming apparatuses often result in incomplete settings configurations during version upgrades, leading to compatibility issues and unintended overwriting of setting values.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that allows function extension applications to run with original setting values carried over and specific setting values for one or more setting items to be imported, by stopping the application, applying the new setting values, and then restarting the application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all setting values are imported during function extension application installation, then the application can run with complete settings, but setting values wished to be changed cannot be properly applied and the database remains in an incomplete state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings completenessVSAvoidsettings flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the function extension application before importing setting values. This ensures the application is not running during the settings import process, allowing the database to be properly configured with both carried-over and newly imported setting values without interference from the application's operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the application state changeable - transitioning from running to stopped state during settings import, then back to running state after import completes. This dynamic state management enables proper settings configuration while maintaining application functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If setting values are forcibly set during application installation, then new setting values can be applied, but the database configuration becomes incomplete and settings are overwritten

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings update capabilityVSAvoidsettings stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the function extension application before importing setting values. This ensures the application is not running during the settings import process, allowing the database to be properly configured with both carried-over and newly imported setting values without interference from the application's operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by checking whether the function extension application is already installed before proceeding with settings import. This feedback mechanism prevents erroneous operations and ensures that settings are only imported when appropriate, maintaining database integrity and settings stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the application is started with incomplete setting values, then the application can run, but it overwrites all setting values with initial values when reconfiguring the database

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication startup speedVSAvoidsettings integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the function extension application before importing setting values. This ensures the application is not running during the settings import process, allowing the database to be properly configured with both carried-over and newly imported setting values without interference from the application's operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the application state changeable - transitioning from running to stopped state during settings import, then back to running state after import completes. This dynamic state management enables proper settings configuration while maintaining application functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12327100B2Information processing apparatus, settings applying method, and medium

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus is provided. According to a setting applying instruction included in received instruction information, the apparatus applies a setting value included together with the setting applying instruction to a specified application program. The applying includes stopping the specified application program after the specified application program has been started, applying a setting value received together with the setting applying instruction to a setting value of the application program when stopped, and starting the application program with the setting value applied.