Priority-Based Image Capture Control for Multi-Terminal Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication modes where multiple information processing terminals are connected to an image capturing apparatus, instructions to capture images often contend with each other, leading to unintended operations.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that prioritize and select instructions based on pre-set priorities, ensuring only the instruction from a designated master terminal controls the image capturing operation, preventing contention among multiple terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple information processing terminals are connected to an image capturing apparatus via wireless network, then image sharing capability is improved, but instruction contention occurs leading to unintended operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sharing capabilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a priority management mechanism as an intermediary layer between multiple terminals and the image capturing apparatus. Each terminal is assigned a priority level, and the apparatus selectively processes instructions based on these priorities, preventing lower-priority terminals from interfering with operations initiated by higher-priority terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different access rights and priority levels to different terminals based on their specific roles or user needs. By differentiating the characteristics of each terminal's access权限, the system allows multiple terminals to connect while ensuring that critical operations are controlled by authorized terminals, thus preventing unintended operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If one-to-n communication mode is used to connect one image capturing apparatus to multiple terminals, then device connectivity is improved, but instruction conflict increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoidinstruction conflict management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of instruction processing by introducing priority levels as a new dimension. Instead of treating all incoming instructions equally, the system evaluates each instruction based on the priority parameter associated with the sending terminal, transforming the conflict resolution from a complex coordination problem into a simpler priority-based selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If simplified input-output interface is provided in image capturing apparatus, then ease of operation is improved, but control functionality is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface simplicityVSAvoidcontrol functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the information processing terminals (smartphones, tablets) serve as universal remote controllers with full control capabilities. By offloading the complex control interface to these multi-functional terminals while keeping the image capturing apparatus interface simple, the system achieves both ease of operation and comprehensive control functionality through the terminal devices.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3148178B1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and information processing system
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3148178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3148178B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3148178B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] To provide an information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and information processing system that are capable of preventing image capturing instructions transmitted from a plurality of information processing terminals from contending with each other in a communication mode where the plurality of information processing terminals are connected to an image capturing apparatus. [Solution] An information processing apparatus includes: a receiver configured to receive an instruction to capture an image from at least one of a plurality of external devices via a wireless communication channel, each of the external devices having priority set previously; and a controller configured to control an operation of an imaging unit based on the instruction depending on the priority set in the external device serving as a source for transmission of the instruction, the imaging unit being configured to capture the image.