Imaging System Data Processing Allocation for Transfer Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face productivity bottlenecks due to data transfer limitations between the document reading unit and the imaging unit, as the transmission speed often exceeds the upper limit, leading to inefficient processing and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with an image processing allocation section that compares the amount of data to be transferred per unit time with the transferable data transmission speed, allocating processing operations between the output-side and imaging-side processing sections to optimize data processing and avoid exceeding transmission limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image data is transferred from the document reading unit to the imaging unit at high speed, then productivity is improved, but the transmission speed becomes a bottleneck and productivity cannot be maintained when the data amount exceeds the transmission limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing operations into two parts: output-side processing (scaling, color conversion, half toning) and imaging-side processing. By dividing the processing tasks and performing them at different locations, the system optimizes data transfer efficiency and maintains productivity without being bottlenecked by transmission speed limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing operations (scaling, color conversion, half toning) on the output side before data transfer. By completing these processing steps in advance, the system reduces the amount of data that needs to be transferred and ensures that processing does not become a bottleneck during data transmission.
2Quantity of substance
If image processing is performed at the imaging unit, then data transfer amount is reduced, but processing speed is influenced by data transfer operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments processing operations between the output-side processing section and imaging-side processing section. The output-side processing section performs scaling, color conversion, and half toning, while the imaging-side processing section performs remaining processing. This segmentation allows optimization of both data transfer amount and processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing allocation section that acts as an intermediary to compare the amount of data to be transferred with the transferable data transmission speed and allocate processing operations accordingly. This mediator optimizes the balance between data transfer amount and processing speed.
3Productivity
If all processing operations are performed at the output-side processing section, then processing is efficient, but data transfer speed becomes a bottleneck when data amount exceeds transmission limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically allocates processing operations between the output-side processing section and imaging-side processing section based on the comparison between data transfer amount and transmission speed capacity. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to different conditions and maintain optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image processing allocation section continuously compares the amount of data to be transferred with the transferable data transmission speed and adjusts the allocation of processing operations accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the system operates within transmission limits while maintaining efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient data processing without lowering the productivity of the document reading unit, ensuring that processing operations are performed within the allowed transmission speed range, thereby maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
image data outputted from a photoelectric conversion device, such as a CCD sensor (Charge Coupled Device Image Sensor)
Data Source
AI summary
An image data output unit including an output-side processing section for performing a plurality of processing operations on image data, and an imaging unit including an imaging-side processing section for performing a given processing operation on image data outputted from the image data output unit and an imaging operation section for performing an imaging operation based on the image data outputted from the imaging-side processing section are provided. An amount of data to be transferred per unit time of processed image data that will result when the processing operations are performed on the image data at the output-side processing section is compared with a transferable amount of data transmission per unit time between the image data output unit and the imaging unit, and each of the processing operations is allocated to the output-side processing section or the imaging-side processing section based on the result of the comparison.