Networked Image Processing Load Balancing via Job Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems struggle to efficiently allocate image processing tasks across multiple devices in a network, leading to delays and inefficiencies, especially when a new job cannot be immediately executed due to ongoing processing of a previous job.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a control unit that assesses whether a new job can be executed immediately and, if not, transfers the image data to another capable device for processing, determining whether the processing result should be returned to the original device based on the job type, and integrates results for final processing accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If image processing is performed only by a single device, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to processing delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image processing system into multiple independent processing devices, each capable of performing image processing tasks. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different jobs, improving overall productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each image processing device in the network is designed with universal capabilities to handle various types of image processing jobs. This multi-functionality allows any device to process any job type, enabling flexible load distribution and improving productivity without requiring specialized hardware for each job type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If image processing is distributed across multiple devices, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a job management function that acts as an intermediary between job submission and actual processing. This mediator receives jobs, determines appropriate processing devices based on device status and job type, and routes jobs accordingly. This abstraction layer simplifies the overall system complexity by providing a centralized coordination mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where processing devices report their status (busy/idle) and job completion information back to the job management function. This feedback enables dynamic job allocation and load balancing, improving productivity while maintaining system manageability through real-time status awareness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If a new job waits for previous job completion, then device reliability is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejob waiting timeVSAvoidprocessing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by having the job management function determine the processing device and prepare for job execution before the actual processing begins. This includes assessing device status, selecting appropriate processors, and pre-configuring processing parameters, thereby reducing waiting time while ensuring proper processing setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by allowing multiple jobs to be processed simultaneously across different devices. While one device processes a previous job, another device can immediately begin processing a new job, eliminating idle time and improving throughput without compromising processing quality through consistent execution standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If image processing is performed by the original device, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to idle time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidjob management simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling processing devices to autonomously assess their own status and accept jobs independently through the job management function. Devices can indicate their availability and process jobs without requiring manual intervention or complex user coordination, improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated device autonomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10846038B2Image processing system, and method with one or more processing devices

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 SHARP KK

AI summary

An image processing system includes plural image processing devices connected with each other by a network. In the one image processing device, in a case where a new job accepted by a job accepting unit may not be executed immediately, a control unit transmits image data related to the job to the other image processing device capable of image processing and causes the other image processing device to execute image processing. In the other image processing device, the control unit assesses whether or not an image processing result is to be returned to the one image processing device, and transmits the image processing result to the one image processing device to execute a final process if assessed to return the image processing result, but executes the final process of the image processing result in the other image processing device if assessed not to return the image processing result.