Print Framework for Cross-Platform Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developers face challenges in creating and customizing applications for information processing apparatuses to instruct jobs like printing and scanning on image forming apparatuses, as existing middleware is limited to the image forming apparatus platform and not easily adaptable to other platforms.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with first processing circuitry and memory that accepts instructions for image processing, utilizing a print framework and a function-providing application to execute image processing tasks, allowing for cross-platform compatibility and easier development of applications for image forming apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing middleware is used for image processing applications, then the application can be developed on the image forming apparatus platform, but the application cannot be easily adapted to other platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal print framework that functions across multiple platforms (image forming apparatus, smartphones, tablets, PCs). The framework includes platform-independent components that handle image processing requests uniformly, allowing the same application to operate on different platforms without modification. This resolves the contradiction by making the system multi-functional across platforms while maintaining a consistent architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a print framework as an intermediary layer between the application and the underlying platform-specific implementations. This framework abstracts platform differences and provides a unified interface for image processing operations. The framework mediates between the application layer and various platform-specific components, enabling cross-platform compatibility without requiring platform-specific middleware for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unified print framework is implemented across multiple platforms, then cross-platform compatibility is achieved, but the system architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system architecture into distinct layers: a platform-independent application layer, a print framework layer with common functionality, and platform-specific implementation layers. This segmentation allows each layer to be developed and maintained independently. The print framework is divided into module components that can be selectively implemented or adapted for different platforms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining cross-platform compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The print framework implements universal, platform-independent components that handle core image processing functions. These components provide a consistent interface and behavior across all platforms, eliminating the need for separate middleware for each platform. The framework's multi-functionality covers various image processing operations (printing, scanning, copying) in a unified manner, simplifying the architecture compared to having separate platform-specific solutions.
3Productivity
If platform-specific middleware is used, then the application can be optimized for the specific platform, but development time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The print framework provides universal, pre-built components and APIs that work across all platforms, eliminating the need to develop separate middleware for each platform. Developers can create applications once and deploy them to multiple platforms using the same framework, significantly reducing development time and effort while maintaining platform optimization through the framework's adapted components.
Solution Approach 2:
The print framework provides pre-implemented common functionality and standardized interfaces that are prepared in advance. This preliminary action includes pre-built modules for image processing, device communication, and platform adaptation, which developers can directly utilize rather than building from scratch. This approach reduces development time while maintaining the ability to optimize for specific platforms when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes first processing circuitry; and a first memory storing computer-executable instructions that cause the first processing circuitry to: accept, by an application, an instruction to cause an image forming apparatus to execute image processing; give, by a print framework, an instruction to execute the image processing to the image forming apparatus; and cause, by a first function providing application, the print framework to give the instruction to execute the image processing to the image forming apparatus, upon receiving a call from the application.