MFP Control Unit for Consistent Web Application Key Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing apparatuses, such as MFPs, face operability issues due to differences in handling inputs between native and Web applications, particularly with hardware keys, leading to inconsistent user experiences when switching between applications.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that registers and obtains screen information via a network to display consistent operation screens when specific keys are pressed, regardless of whether a Web application or native application is in progress, ensuring identical operability across applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Web application is used, then screen information can be obtained via network from external apparatus, but hardware key inputs cannot be handled consistently with native applications
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the hardware key input unit and the application execution unit. It intercepts hardware key inputs during Web application execution and translates them into appropriate web page navigation commands, thereby mediating between the physical key press and the web-based application response to achieve consistent operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of key input handling based on the application type. When a Web application is detected, the control unit modifies the input handling parameter to route hardware key inputs through the web page control mechanism rather than direct application execution, ensuring consistent behavior across different application types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different handling methods are used for native and Web applications, then each application can operate independently, but user experience becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements universal handling of hardware key inputs that works across both native and Web applications. By detecting the current application type and applying the appropriate handling method, it provides multi-functional input processing that maintains consistent user experience while preserving application independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The input handling mechanism is made dynamic by continuously detecting which application is currently executing and adjusting the key input processing method accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to switch between native application direct execution and Web application web page control based on the current state, ensuring consistent operability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reset key executes different processes for Web and native applications, then application-specific functionality is preserved, but operability becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback by detecting which application is currently executing and using this information to determine the appropriate response to hardware key inputs. This feedback mechanism ensures that the reset key produces predictable, application-appropriate responses, maintaining both functionality and operability.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides an information processing apparatus which obtains screen information via a network from an external apparatus and displays an operation screen based on information registered in association with a specific application, when a predetermined key is operated while the specific application is in progress. To accomplish this, an MFP obtains screen information from a Web server based on URL information registered in association with a Web application, and displays the initial screen of the Web application, when a reset key is pressed while the Web application is in progress.