Parallel Processing Mode Selection for Image Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses in the FA field lack flexibility to adapt to various needs and functions, as they are typically designed for specific tasks and cannot selectively perform multiple parallel processing modes according to site requirements.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with a camera interface, arithmetic processing sections, a display screen output section, input section, storage section, processing registration section, mode selection section, and parallelization section that allows users to select and allocate processing units for parallel processing modes, providing real-time processing time comparisons and obstructive factor analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specific function is previously prepared in the image processing apparatus, then the processing capability for that function is improved, but the adaptability to various needs is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to various needs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus is designed to perform multiple processing modes (measurement mode and setting mode) using a single system. The measurement mode performs defect inspection, dimension measurement, and character recognition, while the setting mode performs preprocessing and parameter optimization. This multi-functional design allows the apparatus to adapt to various needs without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.

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

2Productivity

If multiple processors are mounted to perform parallel processing, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus dynamically switches between single-processor and multi-processor operating modes based on the processing requirements. The mode selection section allows dynamic transition between measurement mode (using one processor) and setting mode (using another processor), enabling flexible resource allocation without permanently committing to a complex multi-processor configuration for all operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If one image processing apparatus is used for various needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the processing precision for specific tasks is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidprocessing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different processing algorithms and parameters are optimized for specific tasks within the same apparatus. The measurement mode uses algorithms optimized for defect detection, while the setting mode uses algorithms optimized for parameter calibration. This local optimization ensures high precision for each specific task while maintaining overall versatility through the ability to switch between modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2299404B1Image processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 OMRON CORP
  • EP2299404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2299404B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2299404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a camera interface section connected to an imaging section, a plurality of arithmetic processing sections that process the image data; a display screen output section to output display image data; an input section that accepts input from an outside; a storage section for storing a plurality of processing units used to process the image data; a processing registration section that registers a processing procedure including a combination of the processing units; a mode selection section that selectably displays a plurality of parallel processing modes indicating kinds of parallel processing and accepts the selection of the parallel processing mode from the input section; and a parallelization section that allocates processing units included in the target processing procedure to one of the plurality of arithmetic processing sections according to the parallel processing mode.