Image Processing Apparatus Network Configuration for Robot Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses in robot systems require manual network setting and lack flexibility, leading to increased labor and time for users, especially when multiple devices are involved, and do not facilitate automatic OS updates or hardware monitoring.

Innovation Solution

The image processing apparatus is equipped with multiple connecting units that can set the same or different IP addresses, allowing for connection to external apparatuses without a network switch, and includes a processing unit that can automatically set network parameters for image pickup apparatuses and perform OS updates, enabling easier operation and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual network setting is performed for image pickup apparatuses, then network connection can be established, but user labor and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectionVSAvoidsetting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus automatically performs network setting for image pickup apparatuses by acquiring their connection information and configuring network parameters without user intervention. The system self-services by detecting connected devices and autonomously establishing network connections, eliminating manual configuration requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing apparatus pre-configures network settings by acquiring connection information from image pickup apparatuses before actual operation begins. Network parameters are prepared in advance, so when image pickup apparatuses connect, the network configuration is already ready, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image processing apparatuses are connected to one robot controller, then system flexibility improves, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus provides multiple connection interfaces (first and second connecting units) that can connect to different image pickup apparatuses and the robot controller simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows one image processing apparatus to serve multiple devices, increasing system flexibility without requiring complex network switching infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between image pickup apparatuses and the robot controller. It receives images from multiple cameras, processes them, and outputs results to the controller, simplifying the network topology by eliminating the need for complex switch configurations and reducing network complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If automatic network setting is implemented, then user labor is reduced, but system automation capability must be enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidautomation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus automatically acquires connection information from image pickup apparatuses and configures network parameters without user intervention. The system performs self-service by detecting connected devices, obtaining their identification information, and autonomously establishing network connections, thereby reducing user labor while implementing necessary automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connecting units are provided in the image processing apparatus, then connection flexibility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus incorporates multiple connecting units (first and second connecting units) that can simultaneously connect to different image pickup apparatuses and the robot controller. This multi-functional design enables one apparatus to interface with multiple devices, improving connection flexibility without requiring additional separate processing units, thus avoiding excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2998079B1Image processing apparatus, robot system and method for processing an image
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP2998079B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2998079B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2998079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a first connecting unit connected to an image pickup apparatus, a plurality of second connecting units connected to one or more control apparatuses that control a robot or one or more other image processing apparatuses, and a processing unit configured to process picked-up images picked up by the image pickup apparatuses.