Web Browser Execution Environment for Local Application Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing apparatuses require modifications and recoding to operate local applications through a web browser, limiting the ability to use local applications via a web browser interface.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with a web browser that executes local applications by loading their classes and calling execution functions, reducing the development steps needed to create web browser-based programs without modifying the applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If local applications are operated through a web browser using conventional techniques, then web browser-based applications can be used, but local applications require modifications and recoding to comply with predetermined protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate local applications through web browserVSAvoiddevelopment steps required for application modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a web browser execution environment that acts as an intermediary between the web browser and local applications. This execution environment includes a class loader that dynamically loads application classes and an execution function caller that invokes application functions, enabling the web browser to operate local applications without modifying them. The intermediary translates web browser requests into application execution commands, resolving the protocol compatibility issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal execution platform within the image processing apparatus that can handle both web browser-based applications and local applications through a common interface. The execution environment provides multi-functional capabilities by supporting multiple application types (scanner, printer, copier, etc.) through a unified web browser interface, eliminating the need for separate operation methods for different application types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If local applications are modified to comply with predetermined protocols, then they can be operated through a web browser, but the application development process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation of local applications via web browser interfaceVSAvoidtime required for application modification and recoding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the web browser execution environment with necessary components (class loader, execution function caller) before application operation. The execution environment is prepared in advance to handle local applications directly, eliminating the need for time-consuming modifications. The system is pre-adapted to work with standard local application formats, reducing development time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a virtual execution instance of the local application within the web browser environment. Instead of modifying the original application, the system loads and executes a copy of the application code through the execution environment, preserving the original application while enabling web browser access. This approach eliminates recoding requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If web browser-based applications are used, then they can be operated through a web browser without modifications, but local applications cannot be operated through the web browser interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality available through web browserVSAvoidsystem architecture for supporting multiple application types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the web browser execution environment with the local application execution capability into a single integrated system. The execution environment combines class loading, function calling, and web browser interface handling into one unified architecture. This merging allows both web browser-based and local applications to coexist and be operated through the same web browser interface, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9591164B2Image processing apparatus, non-transitory storage media and control method thereof for generating operation screen to utilize various applications for executing image processing functions

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 CANON KK

AI summary

Provided is an image processing apparatus having a web browser and a control method thereof. The image processing apparatus has an application that executes a function of the image processing apparatus. When a control request is received from the web browser, a corresponding application is executed by loading a class of the corresponding application and calling an execution function.