Information Processing Apparatus Switching Between Attribute and Image Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in reducing communication load while enabling users to easily comprehend data content, as acquiring data for image display increases load, whereas relying on attribute information alone can be confusing for users.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a switching unit that toggles between acquiring attribute information and image features, allowing for efficient data acquisition and user-friendly content comprehension by switching between first and second acquisition modes based on data type, volume, or user instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If data is acquired from an external apparatus to display images indicating data features, then user comprehension of data content is improved, but communication load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comprehension of data contentVSAvoidcommunication load

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data acquisition process into two distinct modes: attribute information mode (for low communication load) and image information mode (for high user comprehension). The switching unit divides the acquisition strategy based on data characteristics, allowing selective use of full image data or simplified representations like thumbnails and icons, thus resolving the contradiction between communication efficiency and information completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different acquisition modes based on real-time conditions. The switching unit dynamically selects between first acquisition mode (attribute information) and second acquisition mode (image information) according to data type, data volume, and user instructions, enabling the system to adapt communication strategies to specific situations and optimize the balance between communication load and user comprehension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If only attribute information is acquired from an external apparatus, then communication load is reduced, but user comprehension of data content becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication loadVSAvoiduser comprehension of data content

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary visual elements (thumbnails, icons, and other simplified image representations) that mediate between attribute information and full image data. These intermediaries provide visual context and content indication without requiring transmission of complete high-resolution images, thus reducing communication load while maintaining user comprehension capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simplified copies of images (thumbnails and icons) that replicate the essential visual characteristics of full images at reduced data size. These copies enable users to comprehend data content visually without transmitting the complete original image data, effectively resolving the contradiction between communication efficiency and information delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If data is acquired in a uniform manner for all data types, then system complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency decreases due to unnecessary data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the acquisition strategy to the specific characteristics of each data item. The switching unit evaluates data type and data volume individually, applying appropriate acquisition modes (attribute-only, thumbnail, or full image) to each data item based on its specific requirements, thereby optimizing communication efficiency without requiring complex uniform processing for all data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes acquisition parameters (data type, data volume, image quality level) based on specific conditions. The switching unit adjusts these parameters dynamically, selecting between first and second acquisition modes according to the data characteristics and user needs, enabling efficient communication without requiring a single complex uniform acquisition strategy for all data types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11074392B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium for switching between an attribute information mode and an image information mode

Publication Date: 2021.07.27 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information from an external apparatus that stores data; and a switching unit that, for each item of the data, switches between a first mode in which the acquisition unit acquires attribute information of the data from the external apparatus, and a second mode in which the acquisition unit acquires, from the external apparatus, information for displaying an image that indicates a feature of the data.