Image Data Segmentation for Low-Bandwidth Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information sharing systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting high-quality, high-resolution images across low-bandwidth communication networks, particularly in videoconferences, where image quality is compromised due to network limitations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an image processing apparatus that divides image data into smaller fragments, storing and transmitting them with corresponding position data, allowing the receiving apparatus to progressively reconstruct the image, regardless of its resolution, using the JPEG 2000 format and adaptive division sizes based on bandwidth modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image data is transmitted in full resolution over low-bandwidth networks, then image quality is maintained, but transmission time and network load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides image data into multiple divided image data items (tiles) and transmits them separately through the network. Each divided item can be transmitted independently, allowing progressive reconstruction of the image at the receiving end. This segmentation enables efficient use of low-bandwidth networks while maintaining the ability to reconstruct high-quality images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs image division and prepares divided image data items before transmission. Position data items indicating storage destinations are also prepared in advance and stored in the image data storage unit. This preliminary organization enables efficient sequential transmission and reconstruction without delay during the actual transmission process.
2Productivity
If image data is divided into multiple fragments for transmission, then network bandwidth utilization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image data storage unit that acts as an intermediary between the image dividing unit and the transmission unit. This storage unit temporarily holds divided image data items and their corresponding position data items, coordinating the transmission process and simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing data management.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving apparatus automatically reconstructs the image by sequentially receiving divided image data items and using the embedded position data items to place each fragment in its correct location. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex coordination protocols between transmitter and receiver, reducing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If images are transmitted and displayed on devices with different resolutions, then system adaptability improves, but image reproduction accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the image into multiple tiles with associated position data, the system enables flexible adaptation to different display resolutions. The receiving apparatus can reconstruct the image at the original resolution or adapt it to the display device's resolution while maintaining spatial relationships through position data, thus preserving image reproduction accuracy across different devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An information sharing system includes a first image processing apparatus and a second image processing apparatus connected thereto via a communication network. The first apparatus includes an input unit to input image data, a dividing unit to divide the data into divided image data items, a storage unit to store the divided image data items at respective destinations and output position data items indicating the destinations, a generation unit to generate notification data items each including a corresponding divided image data item and a corresponding position data item, and a transmission unit to sequentially transmit the notification data items to the second apparatus. The second apparatus includes a reception unit to receive the notification data items from the first apparatus and a reproduction unit to reproduce the image data by developing the divided image data items in order of receipt based on the data in the notification data items.