Printer Application State Detection and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printer drivers cannot accurately determine which application software is running on a host computer, leading to inappropriate power management and functionality control.
Innovation Solution
A function executing apparatus that determines the running state of specific application programs on an external device through communication, allowing for appropriate control and activation of desired applications, including displaying inquiry screens and transmitting activation commands as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the printer driver uniformly performs determination for multiple types of application software, then the determination process is simplified, but the printer cannot recognize which specific application software is running
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the determination process by checking each application software individually through communication with the host computer, rather than performing a uniform determination for all applications. This allows the printer to identify which specific application is running while maintaining a systematic approach to the determination process.
2Extent of automation
If the printer switches power save mode based on uniform determination, then power management is automated, but inappropriate power management occurs when specific applications are not recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback communication between the printer and host computer to determine application running states. The printer receives information about which specific application is running and adjusts power save mode accordingly, ensuring appropriate power management while maintaining automation. The system feedbacks the determined application state to control power management decisions.
3Loss of time
If the printer cannot recognize running applications, then communication overhead is reduced, but functional control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of application running states through communication with the host computer before executing power management or functional control. This preliminary check ensures accurate functional control by knowing which application is running, while the determination is performed efficiently to minimize communication overhead time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A function executing apparatus including: a communication device (22) configured to communicate with an external device (100); a function executing device (12a) configured to execute at least one preset function; a processor (11); and a memory (12) configured to store instructions (12a) which, when executed by the processor, cause the function executing deviceprocessor to: determine whether communication of the communication device with the external device is possible; when the processor determines that the communication of the communication device with the external device is possible, execute a running-state determination processing in which the processor determines whether an application program corresponding to a certain function of the at least one preset function to be executed by the function executing device is running on the external device, when the processor determines that the communication of the communication device with the external device is possible; when the processor in the running-state determination processing determines that the application program corresponding to the certain function is running, control the function executing device to execute the certain function, when the processor in the running-state determination processing determines that the application program corresponding to the certain function is running; and when the processor in the running-state determination processing determines that the application program corresponding to the certain function is not running, execute an activation command processing in which the processor transmits an activation command for activating the application program corresponding to the certain function, to the external device, when the processor in the running-state determination processing determines that the application program corresponding to the certain function is not running.