Image Processing Apparatus Priority-Based Page Pre-Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased size and quality of image data from digital cameras make it difficult to quickly change pages when selecting images, as existing methods require reading image data sequentially and re-reading previous pages, leading to inefficiencies in image display and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a reading unit, display unit, number-of-images determination unit, page allocation unit, and page specifying unit, which allows for pre-reading of image data on a desired page based on priority determination, enabling immediate display after a page change instruction is given, reducing user wait time and improving productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If image data is read sequentially in order from the earliest photographing time, then all image data can be read completely, but the time required to display a specific desired page increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by reading and storing image data in memory before the user actually requests it. The control unit reads image data from the recording medium in advance and stores it in memory, so when the user specifies a page, the data is already available for immediate display, eliminating the need to read sequentially from the beginning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the reading strategy based on user input. When the user specifies a desired page through the page specifying unit, the control unit changes the reading order to prioritize that page, making the system adaptive rather than following a fixed sequential order.
2Productivity
If the number of reception terminals is increased to reduce user waiting time, then service productivity improves, but the cost and space required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to specify the desired page in advance. While waiting for image data to be read, users can independently indicate which page they want to view, making productive use of the waiting time and reducing the need for additional terminals to handle waiting users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary reading of image data based on user specifications, so that when users want to view images, the data is already prepared. This reduces the actual display time and increases throughput, improving productivity without adding more terminals.
3Loss of time
If image data is re-read from the beginning when a previous page is requested, then complete image data is available, but the time to display the requested page increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system reads and stores image data in memory in advance, so when the user requests a previous page, the data is already available in memory rather than requiring re-reading from the recording medium. This makes page switching immediate and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous availability of image data by keeping it in memory after reading. Instead of stopping and re-reading when pages are switched, the data remains accessible, allowing continuous efficient page navigation without interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus for displaying an image read from a recording medium has a mechanism capable of displaying an image for a desired page immediately after an instruction has been given by a user to change a page to be displayed. The image processing apparatus includes a priority determination unit that determines the priorities of pages, and a page specifying unit for allowing a user to change a page to be displayed. In accordance with a result of the priority determination unit, the reading of image data from an image recording medium is started without waiting for the page specifying unit to be operated.