Relay Server Mediator for Image Data Storage and Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems where a storage server lacks image processing capabilities, the usability of terminal devices is compromised as users cannot directly view or manage image data, leading to suboptimal user experience.
Innovation Solution
A relay server is introduced to communicate with both a storage server and an image processing apparatus, enabling the transmission of instructions for storing and acquiring image data, allowing for the storage and retrieval of image data processed by the conversion server, thereby enhancing usability on terminal devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a storage server with only data storage function is used, then data storage capability is ensured, but image viewing and management functions on terminal devices are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay server as an intermediary component between the terminal device and the storage server. The relay server receives image data from the terminal device, generates thumbnail images, and manages the storage and retrieval processes. This mediator enables terminal devices to view and manage images even when connected to storage servers that lack image processing capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple storage server functionality and providing enhanced user experience.
2Ease of operation
If a web server with image processing function is used, then image viewing capability is improved, but server complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional components: the storage server handles only data storage operations, while the relay server handles image processing operations such as thumbnail generation. This segmentation allows the storage server to remain simple and efficient for its primary function, while the relay server provides the necessary image processing capabilities. The separation of concerns reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay server includes: a communication device configured to communicate with a storage server and an image recording apparatus configured to execute a plurality of processes based on one image; and a controller. The controller executes: transmitting a first storing instruction via the communication device in a first transmission process, the first storing instruction being for storing a plurality of image data to be respectively processed in the plurality of processes for the one image, into the storage server; and when a request of transmission of image data corresponding to a particular process of the plurality of processes is received from the image recording apparatus via the communication device, transmitting acquisition information to the image recording apparatus via the communication device in a second transmission process, the acquisition information being for acquisition of the image data corresponding to the particular process from the storage server.