Intermediary Terminal for Edge Image Processing Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems for edge computing face challenges in efficiently managing and processing image data between edge devices and centralized servers, leading to delays and increased processing loads due to cumbersome authentication processes, especially in real-time applications like suspicious person detection.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that includes an image acquisition terminal, a data processing server, and a data processing terminal that intermediates data transmission, allowing for dynamic configuration of processing settings based on received processing information to execute specific services, such as object recognition or blurring, either at the edge device or the centralized server, optimizing processing efficiency and reducing authentication burdens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If image data is transmitted to centralized server for processing, then processing capability is improved, but processing time and network load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image processing task between edge device and centralized server. The edge device performs preliminary processing (object detection, feature extraction) and transmits only necessary data to the server for complex processing, dividing the workload to reduce overall processing time while maintaining high processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data processing terminal that facilitates communication between the image acquisition terminal and the data processing server. This intermediary manages authentication, data transmission, and processing coordination, reducing network overhead and improving processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication process is performed for each service, then security is improved, but processing delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication where the data processing terminal authenticates the image acquisition terminal before service execution. Authentication tokens are generated and stored in advance, allowing rapid service invocation without repeated authentication, thus maintaining security while reducing processing delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where authentication results and processing status are communicated between terminals and server. This feedback loop allows for efficient error handling and status management, reducing unnecessary processing delays while maintaining security through continuous verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If processing is performed at edge device, then processing speed is improved, but device capability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddevice capability requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial processing at the edge device, where only essential processing tasks are performed locally (such as object detection and basic feature extraction). Complex processing is delegated to the centralized server, allowing edge devices to maintain simplicity while achieving fast processing speeds for critical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic task distribution where processing responsibilities are flexibly allocated between edge device and server based on real-time conditions. The system can dynamically adjust which device performs which processing task, optimizing both processing speed and device capability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If data processing terminal intermediates all data, then processing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the data processing terminal as a universal intermediary that handles multiple functions including authentication, data transmission management, processing coordination, and error handling. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single terminal rather than distributing it across multiple components, improving processing efficiency while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10931836B2Communication system, image processing method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

In a communication system, a data processing terminal transmits a request for obtaining processing information for a specific service to one of an image acquisition terminal and a data processing server; receives a response including processing information from the one of the image acquisition terminal and the data processing server, the processing information indicating processing to be executed by at least one of the image acquisition terminal and the data processing server in providing the specific service; and transmits the processing information to other one of the image acquisition terminal and the data processing server, to cause the other one of the image acquisition terminal and the data processing server to configure settings based on the processing information and execute processing on the captured image data according to the settings.