Resource Management for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resource management techniques for embedded application execution environments struggle to simultaneously install multiple applications due to exceeding the overall system's resource limits, as they either stop low-priority applications or require pre-defined interfaces for resource management, making dynamic and efficient resource allocation difficult.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and resource management method that includes an acquisition unit for identifying application sets, a specifying unit for determining resource usage, and a resource management unit that controls resource allocation based on declared and requested resource amounts, ensuring that applications do not exceed their allocated limits, allowing for both single and group management states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sum of upper limit values given to respective applications exceeds the use amount of a resource that can be provided by the overall system, then applications can be simultaneously installed, but the system cannot provide enough resources for all applications to reach their upper limits during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource management by continuously monitoring actual resource usage during application operation and adjusting resource allocation in real-time. Instead of static upper limit enforcement, the system observes whether applications actually reach their declared upper limits and dynamically modifies resource distribution to allow simultaneous installation of multiple applications while preventing actual resource exhaustion.
2Reliability
If priorities are given to applications so that low priority applications cannot use a resource upon generation of a conflict, then resource conflicts are controlled, but processing by low priority applications is stopped completely until the resource becomes usable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing low priority applications to continue processing with a portion of the resource rather than completely stopping them. When resource conflicts occur, the system dynamically adjusts the degree of resource allocation based on actual usage patterns, enabling low priority applications to maintain partial functionality instead of being entirely blocked.
3Reliability
If applications confirm the use amount of a resource by another application before using the resource, then conflicts are avoided, but applications need to be equipped with specific interfaces in advance which cannot be applied to applications not equipped with the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resource management intermediary that automatically mediates resource allocation between applications. This intermediary component monitors resource usage, detects conflicts, and dynamically adjusts allocation without requiring applications to have built-in confirmation interfaces. The intermediary translates resource requests into coordinated allocation decisions, enabling conflict avoidance for any application regardless of its native interface capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The upper limit value of a resource amount is set for a group introduced as a fragment bundle for a resource service. At the time of introducing a group, the amount of a resource used by an application belonging to the group can be transferred to management for each group.