Virtual Image Forming Apparatus for Application Setting Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing applications in image forming apparatuses do not allow for the verification of appropriate settings until the apparatus is operational, leading to uncertainty about the effectiveness of the settings.
Innovation Solution
An application distribution device that includes an emulation unit to create a virtual image forming apparatus, an acquisition unit to gather setting information, and a distribution unit to install the application and settings on actual apparatuses, enabling automatic determination and implementation of appropriate settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If setting information is recorded in advance and installed with the application, then the application can be installed quickly, but the appropriateness of the setting contents cannot be verified until the image forming apparatus is actually operated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a virtual image forming apparatus before actual deployment to pre-verify the appropriateness of setting contents. The emulation unit simulates the actual image forming apparatus and executes the application with the recorded setting information in advance, allowing verification of setting appropriateness before real-world deployment, thus resolving the contradiction between quick installation and setting verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual image forming apparatus as an intermediary between the setting information creation and actual apparatus deployment. This virtual apparatus serves as a testing environment where setting appropriateness can be verified without affecting the actual image forming apparatus, enabling both rapid installation and reliable verification.
2Reliability
If a virtual image forming apparatus is created to verify settings in advance, then setting appropriateness can be confirmed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual image forming apparatus that replicates the functionality of the actual apparatus in a simplified digital environment. This virtual copy allows for setting verification without requiring the complex physical apparatus, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining verification accuracy through software-based simulation.
Data Source
AI summary
An application distribution device includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions. The instructions cause the processors to obtain a virtual image forming apparatus that emulates a physical image forming apparatus; determine whether an application launched in the virtual image forming apparatus corresponds to an application installed in the physical image forming apparatus; based on the determination, acquire setting information of the application launched in the virtual image forming apparatus, the setting information comprising a setting made for the application launched in the virtual image forming apparatus; obtain an updated application by updating the application based on the acquired setting information; and distribute a program to the physical image forming apparatus, the program comprising instructions executable by the physical image forming apparatus and configured to implement the updated application in the physical image forming apparatus, the updated application based on the acquired setting information.