Image Lag Visualization via Embedded Processing Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring image data between transmit and receive facilities often result in variable and unpredictable lag times, which can lead to operating errors, especially in applications like telemedicine and robotics, where accurate timing is critical for safety and control.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves specifying markers dependent on processing instants at both the transmit and receive facilities, overlaying these markers onto the image data to visualize lag times, allowing users to intuitively identify fluctuations and ensure correct operation by using red and green color gradients to indicate tolerance levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image data is transferred via public networks (internet, virtual private networks), then network availability and accessibility are improved, but lag time variability and transfer stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding a first marker at the transmit facility that is dependent on the first processing instant before transmission. This marker is prepared in advance and included in the image data stream, allowing the receive facility to later compare it with a second marker generated at the receive facility, thereby determining the lag time before it affects control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by enabling the user to perceive the lag time through visual comparison of markers and to adjust control operations accordingly. The system provides continuous feedback about transfer delays, allowing the user to compensate for lag and maintain stable control despite network variability.
2Reliability
If buffer memory is increased to compensate for lag, then passive image viewing stability is improved, but control system responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses markers as intermediaries to bridge the gap between transmit and receive facilities. Instead of relying on buffer memory to hide lag, the markers serve as reference points that allow the user to measure and compensate for lag in real-time, maintaining both stability and responsiveness in control operations.
3Reliability
If automated monitoring of lag time is implemented, then operational safety is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the user to directly perceive and assess lag time through visual markers without requiring complex automated monitoring systems. The user interface leverages the user's existing capabilities to interpret marker positions and determine when lag exceeds acceptable thresholds, eliminating the need for additional automated safety systems.
4Reliability
If dedicated closed networks are used to guarantee short and stable transfer times, then transfer stability is improved, but network accessibility and deployment flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being monitored from the raw image data to the time difference between markers. By focusing on the temporal parameter rather than the network medium, the system achieves stable lag measurement and compensation across different network types, whether public or dedicated, without requiring infrastructure changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for visualizing a lag time in an image. The method includes: specifying a first marker by the transmit facility that is dependent on the first processing instant; processing original image data of the image by the transmit facility, wherein a part of the original image data that describes a specified image segment is modified by the first marker to provide modified image data of the image; transferring the modified image data from the transmit facility to the receive facility; specifying a second marker by the receive facility that is dependent on the second processing instant; processing the modified image data by the receive facility, wherein at least part of the modified image data is modified by an overlay of the second marker with the modified image data in the image segment to provide final image data of the image; and outputting the final image data.