Adaptive Image Delivery System for Diverse Network Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies fail to efficiently deliver and render image information across diverse networked devices with varying connection speeds and processing capabilities, leading to inconsistent visual quality and rendering experiences.

Innovation Solution

A content distribution system that determines the optimal image format for delivery based on image delivery and presentation parameters of the networked device, using a combination of binary and vector-based graphics, and adapts the image format in real-time to ensure timely and high-quality image presentation across different platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single image format is used for distribution, then the server operation is simplified, but the image cannot be optimally displayed on diverse devices with varying capabilities and connection speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage compatibility across devicesVSAvoidimage format variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image delivery system into multiple format options (binary graphics, vector-based graphics, and hybrid formats) that can be selectively delivered based on device capabilities. The server divides the image information into different representational formats, allowing each device to receive only the format it can process, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the image format based on real-time detection of device capabilities and network conditions. The server adjusts the delivery format on a per-request basis, transitioning from static single-format delivery to dynamic multi-format selection, enabling optimal display across diverse devices while maintaining server operational simplicity through automated format selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If high-resolution images with millions of colors are delivered, then visual quality is improved, but the image cannot display on devices with limited processing power and small screens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by delivering different image quality levels to different devices based on their capabilities. High-resolution images with millions of colors are provided to devices with sufficient processing power, while simplified representations are provided to devices with limited capabilities. This ensures each device receives the appropriate quality level for its hardware, resolving the contradiction between image quality and device compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters of image representation (color depth, resolution, format type) based on device capabilities. The server adjusts parameters such as reducing color depth from millions to limited colors, lowering resolution, or converting to vector formats for devices with limited processing power, thereby maintaining both high quality where possible and compatibility where necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If images are delivered in formats suitable for high-speed connections, then transmission speed is improved, but the images cannot be rendered on devices with slow connections and limited processing power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage delivery speedVSAvoiddevice capability compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by delivering only the necessary portion of image data appropriate for each device's capabilities and connection speed. Rather than always delivering complete high-resolution images, the system provides partial image information (reduced resolution, simplified formats, or lower color depth) when the device cannot handle full images, thus improving effective delivery speed while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copies of image information in different formats and quality levels, then selects the appropriate copy for each device. High-quality image copies are prepared for fast connections with powerful devices, while simplified copies are prepared for slow connections with limited devices, enabling optimal delivery speed for each device type without compromising compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If the server provides detailed image information for all device types, then device-specific optimization is achieved, but the server processing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice-specific optimizationVSAvoidserver processing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to self-identify their capabilities and request appropriately formatted images without requiring the server to pre-process all possible device types. The server uses simple capability detection mechanisms to automatically select the appropriate image format, reducing server processing overhead while achieving device-specific optimization through automated rather than manual adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The server employs universal image processing techniques that can handle multiple device types through a single unified system. Rather than maintaining separate processing pipelines for different devices, the server uses universal algorithms to detect capabilities and generate appropriate formats, achieving device-specific optimization while minimizing server processing costs through consolidation and automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8117313B2System and method for adaptive formatting of image information for efficient delivery and presentation
Publication Date: 2012.02.14 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US8117313B2 patent drawing
  • US8117313B2 patent drawing
  • US8117313B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A content server distributes image information to networked devices. The content server receives a request for delivery of information to a networked device, including image information. The content server determines, based on at least one of an image delivery parameter and an image presentation parameter associated with the networked device, an image format for the image information for delivery of the image information to the networked device and for presentation of the image information at the networked device. The content server sends a response to the networked device, responding to the request, the response comprising at least a portion of the image information in the image format. The image delivery parameter corresponds to at least one network communication link type and the image presentation parameter corresponds to at least one presentation platform type.