Patent ID: 8516475
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: G06F,H04N

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus that installs programs, comprising: an operation panel configured to display or input operation information; an information obtaining part configured to obtain application program information from a new application program that is configured to be installed on the image forming apparatus by interprocess communication within the image forming apparatus between the information obtaining part and the new application program by executing a provisional launch function, which is a part of the new application program, for providing the application program information in a provisional launch mode when the new application program has not been installed on the image forming apparatus, the provisional launch mode being different from a normal launch mode of the new application program; a display part configured to display the application program information or information related to the application program information on the operation panel, and to display information related to an already-installed application program; a determination part configured to make an initial determination whether the new application program is installable in the image forming apparatus according to the application program information obtained by the information obtaining part, wherein after the determination part determines during the initial determination whether the new application program is installable in the image forming apparatus based on the application program information obtained by the information obtaining part and given to the determination part, the determination part sends an inquiry to the new application program in order for the new application program to make a second determination to determine whether the new application program itself is installable in the apparatus, the new application program obtains at least one of resource data or configuration data from the determination part and determines whether or not the new application program is installable based on the at least one of resource data or configuration data, during the second determination, the determination part receives a notification from the new application program specifying the new application program is installable on the image forming apparatus if the new application program determines during the second determination that the new application program itself is installable, the display part is configured to display one or more installable application programs on the operation panel according to the result of the initial determination by the determination part, the one or more installable application programs being selectable by a user after the initial determination by the determination part determines that the new application program is installable; and an install part configured to install the new application program after the second determination determines that the new application program is installable.