Dynamic Image Processing Task Allocation via Management Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing request management systems lack an efficient mechanism to dynamically allocate image processing tasks across a network of devices based on their operating states, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and increased processing times.

Innovation Solution

A processing request management system that includes a user terminal, a set of image processing devices, and a management device connected via a communication network, where the management device selects an available image processing device to execute tasks based on real-time operating state information, optimizing task allocation and reducing processing times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If processing requests are sent to image processing devices without dynamic allocation, then device simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization deteriorates and processing times increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device serves as an intermediary between user terminals and image processing devices. It receives processing requests from user terminals, selects appropriate image processing devices based on operating state information, and forwards requests to selected devices. This mediator approach improves resource utilization and processing efficiency without requiring complex changes to the image processing devices themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where image processing devices transmit operating state information to the management device, which then uses this feedback to make intelligent routing decisions. The management device continuously monitors device states and adjusts request allocation dynamically, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If processing requests are allocated without dynamic selection, then system complexity is reduced, but waiting times for users increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser waiting timeVSAvoidmanagement overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring the operating states of image processing devices and maintaining updated status information. When a processing request arrives, the selection has already been prepared based on pre-collected device state data, reducing the actual waiting time for users while managing complexity through advance preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual or static request allocation mechanisms with an automated intelligent selection process. The management device automatically routes requests based on real-time device states, eliminating the need for manual intervention or static load balancing configurations, thereby reducing user waiting time without proportionally increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If static task allocation is used, then system complexity is minimized, but resource utilization becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidallocation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static task allocation to dynamic allocation. The management device continuously adapts its request routing decisions based on real-time operating state information from image processing devices. This dynamic approach optimizes resource utilization by matching task requirements with current device capabilities and load conditions, while keeping the allocation mechanism itself relatively simple through rule-based automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9940081B2Processing request management system and device and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A processing request management system includes a user terminal used by a user, a set of image processing devices, and a management device connected to each other via a communication network. The user terminal includes a first processing request information sender that sends processing request information to the management device. The processing request information is used for instructing an image processing device to execute processing. The management device includes a selector and a second processing request information sender. The selector selects a subject image processing device from the set of image processing devices, based on operating state information indicating an operating state of each of the image processing devices. The second processing request information sender sends the processing request information received from the first processing request information sender to the subject image processing device. The subject image processing device executes processing corresponding to the processing request information.