Image Communication System Selective Source Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image communication systems lack the ability for a receiving apparatus to selectively choose the source of images from multiple transmitting apparatuses, and for transmitting apparatuses to distribute images without pre-specifying the receiving apparatus.

Innovation Solution

An image communication system where each apparatus can transmit and receive images, with features including transmitter information transmission, selection mechanisms for users to choose image sources, and control mechanisms for managing image transmission and storage, allowing users to select images and determine transmission parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a plurality of transmission-end electronic cameras are positioned in a range where the reception-end electronic camera can communicate, then the reception-end electronic camera cannot select from among the plurality of transmission-end electronic cameras

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission-end electronic camera transmits its identification information to the reception-end electronic camera in advance, before the actual image transmission. This preliminary transmission of identification information allows the reception-end camera to know which devices are available for selection, enabling the user to choose a desired transmission source without increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the transmission-end electronic camera and the reception-end electronic camera communicate by using infrared light, then the transmission-end electronic camera and the reception-end electronic camera need to be positioned so as to face toward each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning requirementVSAvoidcommunication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between transmission-end and reception-end modes. The electronic camera that transmits identification information can later receive images, and vice versa. This dynamic role switching provides communication flexibility without requiring fixed positioning, as either device can initiate communication in either direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the electronic camera is structured such that one transmission-end electronic camera transmits data of a taken image to a plurality of reception-end electronic cameras, then the transmission-end electronic camera is allowed to select a reception-end electronic camera for receiving image data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection capabilityVSAvoidcommunication directionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the transmission-end camera selecting the reception-end camera, the invention inverts the selection logic: the reception-end camera selects the transmission-end camera by receiving identification information and choosing a desired source. This inversion maintains ease of operation while improving communication directionality flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2158947B1Image communication system, image communication apparatus, and storage medium having image communication program stored therein
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2158947B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2158947B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2158947B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Identification information of another image communication apparatus is received, as transmitter information indicating a transmitter, from the another image communication apparatus, and display is performed so as to indicate the transmitter on display means in accordance with the transmitter information having been received, and a user is allowed to select whether or not an image is to be received from the another image communication apparatus having transmitted the transmitter information. Next, its own identification information is transmitted, as destination information indicating a destination, to the another image communication apparatus which is selected as the transmitter from which an image is to be received. An image is received from the another image communication apparatus to which the destination information is transmitted, and the received image is stored in storage means.