Java Application Execution on Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require significant time for developing software for each function, such as printing, copying, and scanning, and face challenges in easily executing and managing JAVA applications, particularly in providing a convenient environment for user interaction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual machine and an application management part within the image forming apparatus allows for the execution of JAVA applications, enabling easy installation, management, and updating of applications, along with remote operation capabilities through a terminal apparatus using JAVA-based distributed object processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If JAVA applications are executed on the compound machine, then user convenience and remote operation capability are improved, but system complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal apparatus as an intermediary between the user and the compound machine. The terminal apparatus executes JAVA applications and communicates with the compound machine over a network, allowing users to operate the compound machine remotely without directly interacting with its complex internal systems. This mediator approach enables convenient remote operation while isolating the complexity of application execution from the compound machine's core control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the compound machine with its control part and hardware resources, the terminal apparatus for application execution, and the network for communication. This segmentation allows the compound machine to focus on providing common control services and hardware resource management, while the terminal apparatus handles application execution and user interaction, thereby reducing the complexity burden on each individual component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are provided on the compound machine, then functionality and versatility are improved, but development time and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal application execution platform using JAVA and a virtual machine that can run multiple different applications on the compound machine. Instead of developing separate native applications for each function, the system uses a single JAVA-based architecture that can accommodate various applications (printer, copier, scanner, facsimile, and future applications) through a common control service framework, significantly reducing development time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses JAVA bytecode as a portable copy that can be executed on any compound machine with the appropriate virtual machine. Applications are developed once on a PC and then copied to the compound machine or terminal apparatus for execution, eliminating the need to reinstall and reconfigure applications on each device. This copying approach enables rapid deployment and evaluation of multiple applications without repeating the installation process.
3Ease of manufacture
If JAVA applications are executed remotely from a PC, then ease of application development and testing is improved, but network communication requirements and system integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal apparatus serves as an intermediary that executes JAVA applications locally on the PC while maintaining communication with the compound machine over the network. This allows developers to test and evaluate applications in their familiar PC environment without directly integrating with the compound machine's internal systems, simplifying the development process while the network mediator handles the integration complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical or physical connection requirements with network-based communication. Instead of requiring direct installation on the compound machine for testing, applications can be developed and tested remotely over the network using standard JAVA communication protocols, substituting physical integration with virtual network connectivity that is easier to manage and less complex.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus that includes a control part that provides common services on control of hardware resources to a plurality of applications so as to be able to include a plurality of applications is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a virtual machine; an application that is executed by the virtual machine; and an application management part managing the application that is executed by the virtual machine.