Parallel Image Processing Groups for Fault-Tolerant Module Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems halt operations when an error occurs in any one of the multiple image processing modules, disrupting continuous processing.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device with multiple groups of modules that can detect and isolate faulty modules, allowing normal groups to share workload and continue processing by reconfiguring data distribution and processing tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple image processing modules are connected in parallel to improve processing speed, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the entire processing stops when an error occurs in even one module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing speedVSAvoidcontinuous processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments image processing into multiple independent groups, where each group contains multiple modules that can process different portions of image data. When an error occurs in one module, only that specific module is affected while other groups continue processing, thus maintaining overall system reliability while preserving parallel processing capability for high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different groups to have different operational states based on their error status. Groups without errors continue normal processing, while groups with errors are isolated. This localized handling ensures that errors in one area do not propagate to other areas, maintaining system reliability without sacrificing the parallel processing throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the system halts processing when an error occurs to maintain data integrity, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to system shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidcontinuous throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and isolates faulty modules from the processing pipeline when errors are detected. By taking out only the defective modules and continuing processing through healthy groups, the system maintains processing accuracy for valid data while preserving continuous throughput, avoiding complete system shutdown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining processing operations in all non-faulty groups even when errors occur in some modules. This allows the system to continuously process valid image data through healthy processing paths, preventing complete shutdown while ensuring data integrity through error isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11416185B2Image processing device, printing apparatus, image processing method with control for print medium feed executed at first time interval where error module is detected and at second time interval where error module is not detected

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing device of the present invention comprises: image processing groups each of which includes modules that perform predetermined image processing on pieces of divided image data obtained by dividing input image data and each of which outputs the pieces of image data processed in the respective modules via a predetermined one of the modules; an obtaining unit to which the image processing groups are connected in parallel and which obtains the pieces of image data processed and outputted from the image processing groups; a detection unit which detects an error module not performing normal processing among the modules; and a control unit which sets a usable group that is usable for the image processing among the image processing groups based on a result detected by the detection unit and which causes the usable group to execute the image processing on the pieces of divided image data.