Image Forming Apparatus Application Setting Screen Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require significant effort and time to install additional programs, as they necessitate the development of plug-in programs and changes to the system program to input new setting values for added functions.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a setting receiving unit, a storage unit, an installation unit, and an addition unit, allowing for the easy addition of settings for additional applications to the setting screen without modifying the system program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug-in program is developed and installed to add a new function with a new setting value, then the system program does not require changes, but the installation process becomes burdensome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the setting screen generation functionality from the system program and places it in the application program itself. The application program now contains the capability to generate its own setting screen, eliminating the need for separate plug-in programs while reducing installation burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The application program is designed to be multi-functional, capable of both executing the additional function and generating its own setting screen. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into a single component, reducing the need for separate installations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system program is changed to accommodate a new setting value for an additional program, then the new function can be executed, but the system program becomes more complex and harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the setting screen generation responsibility from the system program and assigns it to individual application programs. Each application program is now self-sufficient in generating its own setting screen, dividing the overall system into independent, manageable units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each application program is given the specific capability to generate its own setting screen, creating local quality where each component has the specialized function it needs. This eliminates the need for the system program to have universal setting screen generation capabilities for all applications.
3Ease of operation
If a plug-in program is developed for each additional program, then new setting values can be input, but the development and installation burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the setting screen generation functionality with the application program itself, combining what were previously separate components (application program and plug-in program) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate plug-in program development.
Solution Approach 2:
Each application program is designed to be self-sufficient by generating its own setting screen without requiring external plug-in programs. The application program serves its own setting needs, eliminating the dependency on separately developed plug-ins.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus installed with at least one first application includes a setting receiving unit, a storage unit, an installation unit, and an addition unit. The setting receiving unit displays at least one first setting screen for setting the first application and receives an input of setting value corresponding to the first application. The storage unit stores first information used, by the setting receiving unit, to display the first setting screen for setting the first application. The installation unit installs a second application on the image forming apparatus. The addition unit adds, to the storage unit, second information used for displaying at least one second setting screen for setting the second application. The setting receiving unit displays the second setting screen based on the second information added to the storage unit and to receive an input of setting value of the second application.