Thumbnail-Based Image Transmission for Network Traffic Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transmission of large datasets from digital cameras to information processing terminals via networks becomes inefficient when capturing moving images or multiple still images as a series, leading to increased network traffic.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device and method that acquires and transmits thumbnail images first, allowing users to select and download only the desired full images, reducing network traffic by generating and transmitting thumbnail images initially.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a series of images (moving image or multiple still images) is captured and transmitted via network, then the user can access captured images on external devices, but the amount of transmitted data increases leading to increased network traffic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage access capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments image data into two distinct types: thumbnail images (small size) and full-resolution images (large size). The system transmits thumbnail images for all captured images and only transmits full-resolution images when explicitly requested by the user. This segmentation allows the system to maintain image access capability while dramatically reducing routine network traffic by transmitting only essential data (thumbnails) unless full images are needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential viewing function from full-resolution images by creating thumbnail versions that contain sufficient visual information for browsing and selection. By taking out only the necessary data (thumbnails) for routine operations, the system enables users to browse and select images without transmitting the complete high-resolution data set, thereby reducing network traffic while preserving core functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Quantity of substance

If thumbnail images are transmitted first and users select desired images, then network traffic is reduced, but the transmission process becomes multi-step requiring additional user interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission volumeVSAvoidimage retrieval simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces thumbnail images as an intermediary between the captured full-resolution images and the user's viewing/selection process. These thumbnails serve as a mediator that provides visual representation and selection capability without requiring transmission of full-resolution images. The intermediary thumbnails enable users to browse and select images efficiently, and only when users select thumbnails does the system transmit the corresponding full-resolution images, thus maintaining operational simplicity while reducing traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If all captured images are transmitted to external devices, then users can access complete image sets, but network congestion increases and data handling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage availabilityVSAvoiddata handling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by generating and transmitting thumbnail images before any user selection or full image transmission. This preliminary transmission of small-size thumbnails prepares the system state in advance, allowing users to immediately browse and select from available images without waiting for large data transfers. The preliminary action of sending only thumbnails dramatically improves data handling efficiency while maintaining complete image availability upon user request.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3182693B1Information-processing device, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3182693B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3182693B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3182693B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

[Object] To propose an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of efficiently transmitting captured images between devices connected via a network even when a moving image or a plurality of still images are captured as a series of images. [Solution] The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a series of images captured by an imaging unit in accordance with a predetermined operation mode on the basis of an instruction from an external device connected via a network; and a transmission control unit configured to transmit a series of thumbnail images corresponding to the series of images to the external device via the network. The transmission control unit transmits at least some of the series of images to the external device via the network in accordance with an instruction from the external device to which the series of thumbnail images has been transmitted.