Hybrid App Architecture for Cross-Platform Printer Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile computer applications face challenges in providing flexible and efficient image processing capabilities due to the need for different development languages for various operating systems, leading to increased development costs and time, as well as limitations in UI design and functionality, especially when handling complex image processing and printer adaptations.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid application architecture that includes a script layer for interpreted instructions and a native layer for compiled code, allowing for flexible UI design and efficient image processing by communicating with external devices, such as printers, through a communication control unit and display control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If native application is developed for each operating system, then processing speed is improved, but development cost and development time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal application that can run on multiple operating systems (iOS and Android) through a common development platform. The application uses standard web technologies (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript) that are interpreted by the device's browser, eliminating the need to develop separate native applications for each OS while maintaining cross-platform compatibility and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If native application is developed for each operating system, then processing speed is improved, but development cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddevelopment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If Web application is executed on browser, then flexibility in UI design is improved, but processing speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUI design flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent executes only the necessary portions of the application logic in the browser environment using JavaScript, while leveraging the device's native capabilities for resource-intensive operations. The application uses the browser for UI rendering and control logic, but offloads image processing and data-intensive tasks to native APIs or server-side processing, thus achieving a balance between flexibility and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Power

If complex processing is executed on server, then processing capability is improved, but response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the application into multiple layers: the presentation layer (UI) runs in the browser for immediate user interaction, while complex processing tasks are segmented into discrete operations that can be executed locally using device APIs or offloaded to the server only when necessary. This segmentation allows the application to maintain fast local response times while still leveraging server power for heavy computational tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Speed

If application is compiled in advance, then processing speed is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidUI design flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9471284B2Apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 CANON KK

AI summary

This invention provides an apparatus use environment with higher flexibility and convenience. To achieve this, in a program including the first program layer with an instruction set to be interpreted and executed by a processor and the second program layer with an instruction set compiled in advance by a unit other than the processor, this invention controls to perform communication between an external device and the first program layer via the second program layer. Based on information about the external device received from the external device via communication, display contents of a display screen for using a function of the external device, which are displayed in the first program layer, are controlled.