Information Processing Apparatus Network Application Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enhancing the functionality of information processing apparatuses, such as image forming apparatuses, through application installation are limited in their ability to seamlessly coordinate and update applications across devices via network communication.
Innovation Solution
A control method that enables an information processing apparatus to communicate with an image forming apparatus via a network, executing a first program with a cooperation function to transmit a second program, allowing for cooperative operation and application installation, update, and version management between the devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an application is installed onto an image forming apparatus to use the image forming apparatus, then the functionality of the image forming apparatus is improved, but the coordination and update capability between devices via network communication is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone as an intermediary device that mediates between the image forming apparatus and the application service server. The smartphone downloads applications from the server and transmits them to the image forming apparatus, enabling functionality enhancement while simplifying the coordination complexity by centralizing the communication interface through a single portable device
2Ease of operation
If a smartphone downloads an application from a server and transmits it to an image forming apparatus, then application installation is enabled, but seamless coordination and update across devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the smartphone and image forming apparatus exchange status information through network communication. The system monitors application installation states, version information, and operational status, providing feedback loops that enable automatic updates and ensure reliable coordination between devices without requiring manual intervention
3Productivity
If application updates and version management are performed between devices, then functionality enhancements are achieved, but direct connection to application service server is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the smartphone download and store applications and update packages from the application service server in advance. The smartphone maintains a local repository of applications and updates, enabling the image forming apparatus to receive updates without requiring direct real-time connection to the server, thus reducing connection complexity while maintaining productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An application program that is executed by an information processing apparatus configured to communicate with an image forming apparatus via a network, the application program includes executing a first program having a cooperation function of causing the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus to cooperate with each other, and transmitting a second program contained in the first program, wherein based on the cooperation function being enabled via the first program being executed by the executing, the transmitting transmits the second program to the image forming apparatus.