Platform Emulator for Image Forming Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing emulator systems for testing and developing applications on new version platforms for image forming devices are inefficient, as they do not guarantee accurate operation and require third-party vendors to conduct testing on PC emulators, which lacks accuracy and increases development time.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device connected to an external device via a network, featuring a platform emulator that receives and stores interface information, determines if an interface is implemented, and transmits execution requests to the external device, allowing for direct testing and development on the new version platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an emulator of the new version platform is supplied to the third vendor for testing and development, then the third vendor can conduct testing and development work, but the testing accuracy is insufficient and development efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote calling mechanism as an intermediary between the emulator and the actual platform. The emulator includes a remote calling unit that can invoke actual platform APIs through a network connection to a platform development device. This intermediary mechanism allows the emulator to access real platform functionality while maintaining the benefits of local emulation for development and testing.
2Measurement precision
If the third vendor tests applications on the actual new version platform, then testing accuracy is improved, but the manufacturer loses control over proprietary software and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a network-based remote calling system as an intermediary that allows the emulator to access the actual platform's APIs without requiring the third vendor to have direct access to or install the platform on their own system. The platform development device maintains control over the proprietary software while enabling accurate testing through remote invocation of APIs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the testing system into separate functional components: the emulator handles local application execution and interface calling, the network provides secure communication, and the platform development device manages the actual platform APIs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining security boundaries that protect proprietary software.
3Device complexity
If the emulator performs dummy processes for interface calls, then the emulator structure remains simple, but the development work becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the emulator's interface calling behavior dynamic rather than static. The emulator includes a determining unit that checks whether an interface is implemented in the actual platform, and a remote calling unit that dynamically invokes the actual API when needed. This dynamic approach allows the emulator to adapt its behavior based on platform capabilities, improving development efficiency without requiring complex dummy process implementations for all cases.
Data Source
AI summary
In an information processing device connected to an external device via a network, the external device includes an application platform of an image forming device and the information processing device includes a platform emulator that emulates the application platform. The platform emulator includes an implementing information acquiring part that receives a list of information items of interfaces implemented on the application platform in the external device from the external device and stores the list of information items in a holding part, a determining part that determines, in response to an interface calling request from an application using the platform emulator, whether an interface is implemented in the external device based on the stored list of information items, and an external calling part that transmits, when the interface is implemented, a request of execution of the interface to the external device.