Hierarchical Image Processing Control for MFP Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital multifunction peripherals (MFPs) face challenges in scalability, as they require extensive alterations to existing applications to accommodate custom user requests, limiting their ability to perform additional functionalities without significant time and effort.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a hierarchical architecture that includes a hardware resource, a first control program, and a second control program with APIs, allowing external requests to be converted and passed through to the first control program, enabling functionality extension without altering existing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a platform with a general-purpose operating system and common portions is built, then efficient development of applications is enabled, but the scalability of functionality is extremely poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct layers: a platform layer containing the operating system and common portions, and an application layer containing individual applications. This segmentation allows the platform to remain stable while applications can be independently added or modified, resolving the contradiction between development efficiency and functionality scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed with universal interfaces and common portions that can serve multiple different applications. This universality allows the same platform to support various functionalities through different applications without requiring modifications to the core system, enabling both efficient development and scalability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing applications are altered to accommodate custom user requests, then additional functionality can be achieved, but time-consuming work is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic addition of new applications and modification of existing ones without requiring system-wide alterations. The platform's modular architecture enables runtime configuration and deployment of custom applications, allowing adaptability without time-consuming rework of the core system.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform acts as an intermediary layer between the hardware resources and custom applications. It provides standardized interfaces and services that applications can utilize, allowing custom functionality to be implemented through applications rather than by modifying the core system, thus reducing modification time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hierarchical architecture with multiple control programs and APIs is implemented, then functionality extension is enabled without altering existing applications, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a new dimension to the architecture by introducing a second control program layer that interfaces with external sources. This external control program layer operates parallel to the existing application layer, allowing functionality extension without interfering with or complicating the existing application structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image processing apparatus composed in a hierarchical architecture of a hardware resource, a first control program over the hardware resource, a second control program and an application program over the first control program. The first control program includes a first API for receiving a first request relating to image processing from the second control program and a second request relating to image processing from the application program, and controls, on receiving either of the first and second requests, the hardware resource to perform image processing based on the received request. The second control program includes a second API publicly released in advance for receiving a third request relating to image processing from an external source, converts the received third request to a command supported by the first API, and passes the command as the first request to the first control program.