Information Processing Device Program Cooperation via Storage Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing devices face limitations in program cooperation, where a second program cannot perform processing based on information handled by a first program if it launches independently, as seen in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-18285.

Innovation Solution

A control method for an information processing device that accepts operations on a screen, saves information, and launches a second program if installed, or a third program to install the second program, allowing the second program to acquire and process the saved information, enabling cooperative or independent launching scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If information is added to a URL scheme for program cooperation, then program cooperation can be achieved when the second program is launched from the first program, but program cooperation cannot be performed if the second program independently launches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram cooperation capabilityVSAvoidindependent launch functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a storage region as an intermediary to bridge the first program and second program. Information handled by the first program is saved in this storage region, allowing the second program to acquire it during independent launch without relying on URL scheme parameters. This mediator enables information sharing across different launch scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The first program performs preliminary action by saving information in the storage region before the second program launches. This advance preparation ensures that when the second program independently launches, the required information is already available in the storage region, enabling program cooperation without needing URL scheme modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the second program is launched independently, then the program can be started directly, but it cannot execute processing based on information handled by the first program

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch speedVSAvoidinformation sharing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The storage region serves as a mediator that enables information sharing between the first program and independently launched second program. By storing information in this intermediate location, the second program can quickly acquire needed data without sacrificing launch speed or requiring complex inter-program communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts information from the first program and places it in the storage region, separating the information storage function from the program execution flow. This extraction allows the second program to independently acquire information without being dependent on the first program's execution context or launch mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10437531B2Control method of information processing device controlling first application program, second application program, and third application program

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 CANON KK

AI summary

A control program includes acquiring predetermined information saved in a storage region by a first program, by a second program that is launched in accordance with a second operation as to a screen displayed by a third program having been accepted, and executing, in a case where the predetermined information has been acquired, processing based on the predetermined information by the second program.