Dynamic Image Processing Load Distribution in Video Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices face a heavy processing load when handling large amounts of image data, leading to inefficiencies in video conference systems, particularly when transmitting full high-definition moving images, as they rely on general-purpose arithmetic processing units using software.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is designed to connect with an imaging device, featuring a reading unit, a transmitting unit, and a control unit that dynamically allocates image processing between a first image processing unit in the electronic device and a second image processing unit in the imaging device, reducing the processing load by offloading tasks to a dedicated hardware-based processing unit in the imaging device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a general-purpose arithmetic processing unit using software is used to process image data, then the electronic device can handle various types of image processing tasks, but the processing load becomes heavy and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing function into two separate processing units: a first image processing unit in the electronic device and a second image processing unit in the imaging device. This segmentation allows the heavy processing load to be distributed, with the second unit handling encoding tasks while the first unit manages other operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit that acts as an intermediary to manage and coordinate the operations between the first image processing unit and the second image processing unit. This intermediary enables efficient task allocation and data flow management, allowing the system to maintain versatility while improving overall processing throughput by leveraging both software-based and hardware-based processing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image data is processed using software on a general-purpose processor, then flexible processing can be achieved, but excessive time is required for processing large amounts of image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based processing mechanism with a hardware-based second image processing unit for encoding tasks. This substitution leverages dedicated hardware circuitry to perform image encoding operations, which significantly reduces processing time compared to software execution while maintaining the flexibility of the overall system through the control unit's coordination capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the first image processing unit processes all image data, then the electronic device maintains full control over processing, but the processing load on the electronic device becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism where the control unit adaptively allocates processing tasks between the first and second image processing units based on operational conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain full control capability while optimizing processing efficiency by offloading appropriate tasks to the second unit, preventing the first unit from becoming overloaded.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a reading unit reading image data; a transmitting unit transmitting the image data to another electronic device via a telecommunications line upon receiving a user operation; a first image processing unit processing the image data; and a control unit (i) causing, in the case where a second image processing unit has a connection to the control unit, the second image processing unit to process the image data, and the transmitting unit to transmit the processed image data, and (ii) causing, in the case where id the second image processing unit does not have a connection to the control unit, the first image processing unit to process the image data, and the transmitting unit to transmit the processed image data, the second image processing unit being included in the movie camera and processing, as well as the image data, image data which is obtained by the movie camera.