Electronic Apparatus Image Processing Server Workflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face long waiting times and risks of communication disconnection when checking the result of image processing performed by a server, as the process involves server processing time and transmission delays, making it unclear how to verify the outcome without additional device access.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus that transmits images and processing parameters to a server for image processing, allowing users to check the processed images on a different device, reducing waiting time and disconnection risks by issuing instructions from the image transmission source and accessing results through another device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user checks the image processing result on the same electronic apparatus that transmitted the image, then the user can easily verify the processing outcome, but the waiting time is long and communication disconnection risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of checking resultVSAvoidwaiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the image processing workflow into two separate phases: (1) image transmission and processing instruction issuance on the first electronic apparatus, and (2) result viewing on a second electronic apparatus. This segmentation allows the user to initiate processing on one device and view results on another, reducing the waiting time on the original device while maintaining ease of operation through distributed functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A server acts as an intermediary between the first electronic apparatus (image source) and the second electronic apparatus (result viewer). The server receives the image, performs the image processing, and transmits the processed image to the second apparatus. This intermediary enables asynchronous processing where the user can switch devices during processing without losing the ability to view results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If the user checks the image processing result on another apparatus, then the waiting time and disconnection risk are reduced, but the user may be confused about how to check the result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaiting timeVSAvoidinformation about checking result

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by having the server transmit processing completion notifications to the second electronic apparatus, and by displaying guidance information on both apparatuses. The first apparatus provides feedback about processing status, and the second apparatus receives feedback about result availability, ensuring users know how and where to view results without confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by displaying guidance information on the first electronic apparatus before the user completes the transmission, informing them that results will be viewable on another device. This preliminary information provision prevents user confusion by setting clear expectations about the multi-device workflow before it begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If the system provides clear guidance about checking results on another device, then user confusion is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation about checking resultVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service by having the electronic apparatuses automatically exchange necessary information through standardized protocols. The first apparatus automatically transmits image data and processing parameters to the server, and the server automatically pushes completion notifications to the second apparatus. This automation reduces the need for complex manual guidance mechanisms while still providing clear information flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11811980B2Electronic apparatus that communicates with a network and transmits an image, method for controlling the electronic apparatus, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 CANON KK

AI summary

An electronic apparatus capable of communicating with an image processing server, the electronic apparatus including transmitting means for transmitting, to the image processing server, an image and information indicating an image processing parameter to be used when the image processing server performs image processing on the image, and controlling means for controlling display of a guidance indicating that an image obtained by applying the image processing by the image processing server to the image is to be checked on another apparatus from the electronic apparatus.