Imaging Terminal Server Image Processing Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital camera systems face challenges in usability due to the need for continuous image processing on the server, leading to increased complexity and cost, while also requiring efficient image processing capabilities for both online and offline operations.

Innovation Solution

The proposed imaging system includes an imaging terminal with a first image processing engine for offline operations and a server with a second image processing engine, where the first engine has reduced functionality and power consumption for basic image processing, and the second engine performs advanced image processing on received data, allowing for efficient image generation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image processing is performed on the server for all operations, then high-performance image processing is achieved, but the terminal becomes difficult to use and requires continuous network connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing qualityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing functionality is segmented between the terminal (first image processing engine) and server (second image processing engine). The terminal handles basic processing and can operate independently, while the server provides advanced processing when needed, resolving the contradiction between high-quality processing and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between terminal-based processing and server-based processing based on operational needs. The determination unit decides whether to use the first or second image processing engine, allowing the system to adapt between offline and online modes for optimal usability and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a high-performance image processing engine is installed in the terminal, then advanced image processing is available offline, but the terminal cost and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffline processing capabilityVSAvoidterminal cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal is equipped with a first image processing engine that provides partial processing capabilities sufficient for basic offline operations. This partial capability reduces terminal cost while still enabling essential offline functionality, with the option to use the server for more advanced processing when available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary that provides advanced image processing capabilities without requiring the terminal to have full high-performance processing power. The terminal can offload complex processing tasks to the server when needed, reducing terminal hardware requirements and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the first image processing engine performs advanced processing, then offline performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffline processing performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The first image processing engine is designed with local quality - it has specific processing capabilities tailored for offline operations with optimized power consumption. Different processing tasks are handled by different engines based on their energy efficiency characteristics, with the terminal engine handling basic tasks and the server handling intensive tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If image processing is always performed on the server, then terminal complexity is reduced, but network dependency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal complexityVSAvoidnetwork dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both offline mode (using first image processing engine) and online mode (using second image processing engine on server). This universality ensures the terminal can function reliably regardless of network availability, reducing network dependency while maintaining reduced complexity through automated mode switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240195936A1Imaging system, imaging terminal, and server

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An imaging system includes: imaging terminals; and a server, in which the imaging terminal includes an imaging unit that includes an image sensor and outputs imaging data, a first communication unit that transmits the imaging data output from the imaging unit to the server, a first image processing engine that performs image processing on the imaging data output from the imaging unit, and a memory that stores an image subjected to the image processing by the first image processing engine, and the server includes a second communication unit that receives the imaging data transmitted from the imaging terminal, and a second image processing engine that performs image processing on the received imaging data and generates an image for recording, the second image processing engine being different from the first image processing engine of the imaging terminal.