阅读说明：本技术 发送设备、接收设备以及操作设备的方法 (Transmitting device, receiving device and method for operating device ) 是由 G·M·凯恩 M·M·J·W·范赫佩恩 于 2018-04-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种发送设备(100)、接收设备(200)以及操作设备的方法。发送和接收设备(100、200)各自包括本地数据库(102、202),其被配置为存储从中央数据库(302)接收的多幅图像,每幅具有相关联的唯一标识符代码。发送设备(100)的控制单元(104)被配置为接收用于检索与存储在其本地数据库(102)中的图像相关联的唯一标识符代码的请求,从本地数据库(102)中检索与图像相关联的唯一标识符代码,并且将检索到的唯一标识符代码发送到接收设备(200)。接收设备(200)的控制单元(204)被配置为接收所发送的唯一标识符代码,并从其本地数据库(202)检索与存储的唯一标识符代码相关联的对应图像,所述存储的唯一标识符代码与接收的唯一标识符代码匹配。(A transmitting device (100), a receiving device (200) and a method of operating a device are provided. The transmitting and receiving devices (100, 200) each include a local database (102, 202) configured to store a plurality of images received from a central database (302), each having an associated unique identifier code. The control unit (104) of the transmitting device (100) is configured to receive a request for retrieving a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in its local database (102), retrieve the unique identifier code associated with the image from the local database (102), and transmit the retrieved unique identifier code to the receiving device (200). The control unit (204) of the receiving device (200) is configured to receive the transmitted unique identifier code and retrieve from its local database (202) the corresponding image associated with the stored unique identifier code that matches the received unique identifier code.)

1. A transmitting device (100) for transmitting information to a receiving device (200), the transmitting device (100) comprising:

a local database (102) configured to store a plurality of images received from the central database (302), wherein each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code; and

a control unit (104) operatively coupled to the local database (102), the control unit (104) configured to:

receiving a request from a user interface (106) to retrieve a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in the local database (102);

retrieving the unique identifier code associated with the image from the local database (102) in response to the received request; and is

-transmitting the retrieved unique identifier code to the receiving device (200).

2. The transmitting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting device (100) is further configured as a receiving device (200), and the control unit (102) is further configured to:

receiving, from at least one other transmitting device, a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in a local database of the at least one other transmitting device; and is

Retrieving from the local database (102) of the sending device (100) a corresponding image associated with a stored unique identifier code matching the received unique identifier code.

3. The transmitting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (104) is further configured to:

collecting a new image;

generating a unique identifier code to associate with the new image; and is

Control the local database (102) to store the new image together with the unique identifier code associated with the new image.

4. The transmitting device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (104) is further configured to:

sending the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image to the central database (302).

5. The transmitting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (104) is further configured to:

acquiring an overlay image associated with an image stored in the local database (102), wherein the overlay image is for overlay to the associated image;

generating information linking the overlay image to the associated image; and is

Sending the overlay image and the information linking the overlay image to the associated image to the receiving device (200).

6. The transmitting device (100) of claim 5, wherein the control unit (104) is further configured to:

control the local database (102) to store the overlay image with the information linking the overlay image to the associated image;

sending the overlay image to the central database (302) for storage with the information linking the overlay image to the associated image; and/or

Controlling the user interface (106) to display the overlay image over the associated image.

7. A receiving device (200) for receiving information from a transmitting device (100), the receiving device (200) comprising:

a local database (202) configured to store a plurality of images received from the central database (302), wherein each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code; and

a control unit (204) operatively coupled to the local database (202), the control unit (202) configured to:

receiving from the sending device (100) a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in a local database (102) of the sending device (100); and is

Retrieving from the local database (202) of the receiving device (200) a corresponding image associated with a stored unique identifier code matching the received unique identifier code.

8. The receiving device (200) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (204) is further configured to:

controlling a user interface (206) to display the corresponding image retrieved from the local database (202) of the receiving device (200).

9. The receiving device (200) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the control unit (204) is further configured to:

receiving a new image and a unique identifier code associated with the new image from the central database (302); and is

Controlling the local database (202) of the control reception device (200) to store the new image together with the unique identifier code associated with the new image.

10. The receiving device (200) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control unit (204) is further configured to:

receiving an overlay image and information linking the overlay image to an image associated with the overlay image from the transmitting device (100);

retrieving the image associated with the received overlay image from the local database (202) of the receiving device (200) based on the received information; and is

Controlling a user interface (206) to display the received overlay image on top of the retrieved image.

11. A system (300) comprising:

at least one transmitting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and

the at least one receiving device (200) according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The system (300) of claim 11, further comprising:

a central database (302) in communication with the at least one transmitting device (100) and the at least one receiving device (200), wherein the central database (302) is configured to:

storing a plurality of images with an associated unique identifier code for each image, wherein the plurality of images stored in the local database (102) of the at least one transmitting device (100) and the plurality of images stored in the local database (202) of the at least one receiving device (200) are a subset of the plurality of images stored in the central database (302).

13. The system (300) according to either one of claims 11 or 12, wherein:

the plurality of images stored in the local database (102) of the at least one transmitting device (100) are a subset of the plurality of images stored in the local database (202) of the at least one receiving device (200).

14. A method (400) of operating a transmitting device (100), wherein the transmitting device comprises a local database (102) configured to store a plurality of images received from a central database (302) and each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code, the method comprising:

receiving (402) a request from a user interface (106) to retrieve a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in the local database (102);

retrieving (404) the unique identifier code associated with the image from the local database (102) in response to the received request; and is

Transmitting (406) the retrieved unique identifier code to the receiving device (200).

15. A method (500) of operating a receiving device (200), wherein the receiving device (200) comprises a local database (202) configured to store a plurality of images received from a central database (302) and each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code, the method comprising:

receiving (502), from the sending device (100), a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in a local database (102) of the sending device (100); and is

Retrieving (504), from the local database (202) of the receiving device (200), a corresponding image associated with a stored unique identifier code that matches the received unique identifier code.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of transmitting and receiving devices, and more particularly to the communication of information between transmitting and receiving devices.

Background

Communication of information between devices is useful in a variety of situations. One example is the case: wherein a messaging session is initiated on the device. Information communicated between devices in a messaging conversation may be enhanced by adding images to the conversation. This is particularly valuable in professional applications such as telemedicine, teleservices or teleservices.

In telemedicine, local health workers may be assisted in diagnosing a patient's disease with the help of a remote doctor. It is useful for the local health worker to send images of the patient to the remote physician, as these images may reveal symptoms to the remote physician. It is also useful for the remote physician to send instructional images to the local health worker. For example, the images may provide instructions to the health worker to perform a particular procedure on the patient. In remote or tele-services, similar applications may be used to provide assistance to customers and local technicians from remote experts (e.g., engineers). For this application, instructional images are particularly useful because customers may not be trained or have limited experience in machine maintenance. To assist the customer, the remote engineer may transmit instructional images to the customer showing the customer the manner in which a particular troubleshooting or repair action is performed (e.g., pulling a component, pressing a button, or replacing a part).

In telemedicine, it is often easy for a remote doctor to request an image of a patient from a local health worker. However, in remote services, this can be more difficult as the names of machine components can be more difficult to describe. For this reason, the reference images may also assist in the remote service, as these images may show the expert images of the component, enabling the customer to identify the component. In addition to transmitting images in these professional applications, annotating images can also be useful. For example, the annotation can be used to convey a portion of an image related to the communication.

US 7761507 discloses an example of a networked chat and media sharing system that transmits an image identifier and associated image from a first terminal to a second terminal upon activation of a send button. The image identifier associated with the image is then automatically resent to the second terminal each time the user of the first terminal changes the focus of the chat (from another image) back to the image.

However, in any of the above applications, transmission of images is difficult, expensive and time consuming in environments with poor or unreliable remote connections. Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices and methods of operating those devices to communicate information.

Disclosure of Invention

As mentioned above, it would be valuable to have devices that overcome existing problems and methods of operating such devices to communicate information.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmitting device for transmitting information to a receiving device. The transmitting device includes a local database configured to store a plurality of images received from a central database, wherein each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code. The transmitting device also includes a control unit operatively coupled to the local database. The control unit is configured to receive a request from the user interface for retrieving a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in the local database, to retrieve the unique identifier code associated with the image from the local database in response to the received request, and to transmit the retrieved unique identifier code to the receiving device.

In some embodiments, the transmitting device may be further configured as a receiving device, and the control unit may be further configured to receive from the at least one other transmitting device a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in a local database of the at least one other transmitting device, and retrieve from the local database of the transmitting device a corresponding image associated with the stored unique identifier code, the stored unique identifier code matching the received unique identifier code.

In some embodiments, the control unit may be further configured to acquire a new image, generate a unique identifier code to associate with the new image, and control the local database to store the new image with the unique identifier code associated with the new image. In some embodiments, the control unit may be further configured to transmit the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image to the central database.

In some embodiments, the control unit may be further configured to acquire an overlay image associated with the images stored in the local database, generate information linking the overlay image to the associated images, and transmit the overlay image and the information linking the overlay image to the associated images to the receiving device. The overlay image may be for overlaying the associated image. In some embodiments, the control unit may be further configured to control the local database to store the overlay image and information linking the overlay image to the associated image, the overlay image being sent to the central database for storage together with the information linking the overlay image to the associated image; and/or control a user interface to display an overlay image over an associated image.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving apparatus for receiving information from a transmitting apparatus. The receiving device comprises a local database configured to store a plurality of images received from the central database, wherein each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code. The receiving device further comprises a control unit operatively coupled to the local database. The control unit is configured to receive from the transmitting device a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in a local database of the transmitting device and to retrieve from the local database of the receiving device a corresponding image associated with the stored unique identifier code, the stored unique identifier code matching the received unique identifier code. In some embodiments, the control unit may be further configured to control the user interface to display the corresponding image retrieved from the local database of the receiving device.

In some embodiments, the control unit may be further configured to receive the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image from the central database and to control the local database of the receiving device to store the new image together with the unique identifier code associated with the new image. In some embodiments, the control unit may be further configured to receive the overlay image and information linking the overlay image to an image associated with the overlay image from the transmitting device. An image associated with the received overlay image is retrieved from a local database of the receiving device based on the received information, and a user interface is controlled to display the received overlay image on top of the retrieved image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising at least one transmitting device as described above and at least one receiving device as described above. In some embodiments, the system may further include a central database in communication with the at least one transmitting device and the at least one receiving device. The central database is configured to store a plurality of images and an associated unique identifier code for each image. In some embodiments, the plurality of images stored in the local database of the at least one transmitting device and the plurality of images stored in the local database of the at least one receiving device may be a subset of the plurality of images stored in the central database. In some embodiments, the plurality of images stored in the local database of the at least one transmitting device may be a subset of the plurality of images stored in the local database of the at least one receiving device.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a transmitting device. The transmitting device includes a local database configured to store a plurality of images received from a central database, and each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a request from a user interface to retrieve a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in a local database; retrieving a unique identifier code associated with the image from a local database in response to the received request; and transmitting the unique identifier code to the receiving device.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of operating a receiving device is provided. The receiving device comprises a local database configured to store a plurality of images received from the central database, and each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code. The method comprises the following steps: receiving, from a sending device, a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in a local database of the sending device; and retrieving from a local database of the receiving device a corresponding image associated with the stored unique identifier code that matches the received unique identifier code.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code being configured such that, on execution by a suitable computer or processor, the computer or processor is caused to perform one or more of the methods described above.

According to the above aspects and embodiments, the limitations of the prior art are addressed. In particular, according to the above-described aspects and embodiments, the local database of the sending device and the local database of the receiving device store a plurality of images received from the central database.

In this way, problems encountered when transmitting images in poor or unreliable remote connectivity environments are overcome. There is no need to transmit images that exist in the local databases of both the sending and receiving devices so that the devices can use the images in communications. Alternatively, an image may be used when a device sends its unique identifier code by retrieving the corresponding image in its own database. This saves bandwidth in the system and maintains image security.

Thus, it can be ensured that devices intended to have a particular image (or a particular subset of images) are synchronized to maintain that image (or subset of images). In this way, it is possible to prevent, for example, file corruption or accidental deletion of images from the local database of the device. In addition, it is also possible to prevent unnecessary images from being placed in the local database, which saves data storage capacity and data transmission cost. Information about which devices contain which images (or which subsets of images) can also be centrally stored. Thus, a unique identifier code can be used to determine which devices can share an image. Centrally stored information may also be used in a variety of ways by external systems. For example, the information may be used by an external system to inform the devices (e.g., via a user interface of the device) which devices store which images (or which subsets of images) in their local database, or to prevent communication between devices that store different images (or different subsets of images) in their local database. These benefits are particularly useful, for example, for systems that include multiple devices, where any two devices may communicate with each other.

With the above aspects and embodiments, it is also possible to plan a standard set of images. This can be particularly useful, for example, in service applications (e.g., remote service applications) where the image may need to be continually updated over time to accommodate new regulations (or procedures) or due to new errors being discovered. In these applications it is useful for all devices to have access to the same up-to-date image. The presence of a central database from which the devices receive images ensures that the devices can be synchronized and therefore have a consistent quality of service.

Furthermore, since the device receives images from the central database according to the above-described aspects and embodiments and thus synchronization of the images is possible, the device is able to utilize any user-generated image (or any user-generated overlay image) that has previously been stored in the central database. This can be particularly useful in service applications (e.g., teleservice applications), for example. For example, where a user generates images showing machine faults not seen before during a conversation with an engineer, these images may be extracted from a central database by other engineers to assist in analyzing future machine faults and re-use in a conversation with a customer.

Accordingly, improved devices and methods of operating such devices to communicate information are provided that overcome existing problems.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a block diagram of a transmitting device according to an embodiment;

fig. 2 is a block diagram of a receiving device according to an embodiment;

fig. 3 is an illustration of a system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a transmitting device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a receiving device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6A is an illustration of a central and local database, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6B is an illustration of a system in use, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7A is an illustration of a central and local database, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7B is an illustration of a system in use, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8A is an illustration of a central and local database, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8B is an illustration of a system in use, according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

As described above, improved devices and methods of operating those devices to communicate information are provided herein that overcome existing problems.

The transmitting device described herein may be any device suitable for transmitting information to a receiving device. Similarly, a receiving device described herein may be any device suitable for receiving information from a sending device. Thus, the transmitting device and receiving device described herein may be any device suitable for communicating with any other device. Examples of devices include, but are not limited to, portable electronic devices (e.g., mobile devices such as phones, smart phones, tablets, laptops, or any other mobile device), personal computers, or any other device suitable for communicating with other devices.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the sending device may be an expert device and the receiving device may be an untrained user device, or vice versa. For example, one device may be an engineer device and another device may be a client device, one device may be a remote physician device and another device may be a local health worker device or the like. In some embodiments, the information sent and received between devices may be part of a conversation initiated between the sending device and the receiving device.

Although the transmitting device 100 is described herein in terms of transmitting, it will be understood that the transmitting device 100 may alternatively or additionally be configured as a receiving device 200. Similarly, although the receiving device 200 is described herein in terms of receiving, it will be understood that the receiving device 200 may alternatively or additionally be configured as a transmitting device 100.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a transmitting device 100 that may be used to transmit information to a receiving device according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 1, the transmitting device 100 includes a local database 102 configured to store a plurality of images received from a central database, wherein each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code. In some embodiments, the plurality of images stored in the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 may be a subset of the plurality of images stored in the central database. For example, the plurality of images stored in the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 may include one or more of the same images as the central database (or the same image or images as the central database). The images stored in any of the databases described herein may include any type of image. In some embodiments, for example, the image may include one or more images of the medical equipment or portion of the medical equipment. However, while examples of image types have been provided, it will be understood that the apparatus and methods described herein may be used with respect to any type of image.

Referring back to fig. 1, the transmitting device 100 further comprises a control unit 104 operatively coupled to the local database 102. The control unit 104 controls the operation of the transmitting device 100 and may implement the methods described herein. The control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may include one or more processors, processing units, multi-core processors or modules configured or programmed to control the transmitting device 100 in the manner described herein. In particular implementations, control unit 104 may include a plurality of software modules (or software applications) and/or hardware modules each configured to perform or for performing individual or multiple steps of the methods described herein.

Briefly, the control unit 104 of the transmission apparatus 100 is configured to: receiving a request from the user interface 106 for retrieval of a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in the local database 102 of the sending device 100, retrieving the unique identifier code associated with the image from the local database 102 of the sending device 100 in response to the received request, and sending the retrieved unique identifier code to the receiving device. In any of the embodiments described herein, the unique identifier code may alternatively be referred to as image identification information.

In some embodiments, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may also be configured to acquire a new image. In these embodiments, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 is configured to generate a unique identifier code to associate with the new image. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 may be configured to communicate with a central database to determine the unique identifier code. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be configured to control the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 to store the new image together with the unique identifier code associated with the new image according to some embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the control unit 104 may be further configured to send the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image to the central database for storage.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be further configured to acquire an overlay image associated with the image stored in the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100. In some embodiments, the overlay image may be acquired via a user input received at a user interface. For example, a user may use a user interface to draw or create an overlay image. Thus, according to some embodiments, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be configured to acquire the overlay image from the user interface. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be configured to acquire the overlay image from a device (e.g., a camera), a database of overlay images, or any other component from which images may be acquired, or any combination thereof. The superimposed image may be any image suitable for being superimposed on or placed over (e.g., displayed on) another image. That is, the superimposed image may be any image for superimposing on or placing on (e.g., displaying on) another image. More specifically, the overlay image may be any image for overlaying on or placing on (e.g., displaying on) an image associated with the overlay image (i.e., the associated image). For example, the overlay image may include annotations (such as arrows, circles, or any other shape), pictures, graphics, text, or the like. The superimposed image may be provided on an at least partially transparent background. Although examples of the forms the overlay image may take have been provided, the skilled person will appreciate that any other overlay image is also possible.

In embodiments where the overlay image is acquired, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may also be configured to generate information linking the overlay image to the associated image. In other words, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be configured to generate information indicating that the superimposed image and the associated image are linked. In some embodiments, where the overlay image is acquired, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be further configured to transmit the overlay image and information linking the overlay image to the associated image to the receiving device 200. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be configured to control the local database 102 to store the overlay image and information linking the overlay image to the associated image. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be configured to transmit the overlay image to the central database 302 for storage together with information linking the overlay image to the associated image. However, in some embodiments, the overlay image may be for only a single use, and thus the overlay image and the information linking the overlay image to the associated image may not be stored in these embodiments.

As illustrated in fig. 1, in some embodiments, the sending device 100 itself may include a user interface 106. Alternatively, the user interface 106 may be external (i.e., separate or remote from) the sending device 100. For example, the user interface 106 may be part of another device. The user interface 106 is for receiving user input, and in particular for receiving a request for retrieving a unique identifier code. Additionally, the user interface 106 may allow the user of the transmitting device 100 to manually enter other instructions or information. The control unit 102 of the transmitting device 100 may be configured to collect user input from the user interface 106.

According to some embodiments, in addition to the user interface 106 being used to receive user input, the user interface 106 may also be used to provide information generated by the methods described herein to a user of the sending device 100. In these embodiments, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be configured to control the user interface 106 to provide the information produced by the methods described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the control unit 102 may be further configured to retrieve an image associated with the unique identifier code from the local database 104 of the transmitting device 100 and to control the user interface 106 to render (or output or display) the image retrieved from the local database 102. In any of the embodiments in which the overlay image is acquired, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may be further configured to control the user interface 106 to render (or output or display) the overlay image on top of the image associated with the overlay image, the overlay image being stored in the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100. In some embodiments, the user interface 106 may be a display screen or a Graphical User Interface (GUI), and the control unit 102 may control the display screen or the graphical user interface to display an image, for example in a chat window. The graphical user interface may, for example, provide a user interface 106, the user interface 106 allowing a user to easily navigate commands to the sending device 100.

According to some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1, the sending device 100 may further include a communication interface (or circuitry) 108 for enabling the sending device 100 to communicate with (or connect to) any component, interface, unit, database, and interface internal or external to the sending device 100. For example, the communication interface 108 of the transmitting device 100 may be configured to communicate with a central database external to the apparatus 100 and/or the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100. Similarly, the communication interface 108 of the sending device 100 may be configured to communicate with the user interface 106, the sending device 100 may include the user interface 106, or the user interface 106 may be external to the sending device 100. The sending device 100 may also be configured to communicate with the receiving device 100 (or more specifically, send information to the receiving device 100) through the communication interface 108. In any of the embodiments described herein, the communication interface 108 of the sending device 100 may be configured to communicate with any components, interfaces, units, sensors, and devices, wirelessly or via a wired connection.

It will be appreciated that fig. 1 shows only the components necessary to illustrate this aspect of the invention, and that in a practical implementation, the transmitting device 100 may include additional components than those shown. For example, the transmitting device 100 may include a battery or other power source for powering the transmitting device 100, or a module for connecting the transmitting device 100 to mains power.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a receiving device 200 that may be used to receive information from the transmitting device 100, according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 2, the receiving device 200 includes a local database 202 configured to store a plurality of images received from a central database, wherein each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code. In some embodiments, the plurality of images stored in the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 may be a subset of the plurality of images stored in the central database. For example, the plurality of images stored in the local database 202 of the receiving device 100 may include one or more of the same images as the central database (or the same image or images as the central database). Similarly, in some embodiments, the plurality of images stored in the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 may be a subset of the plurality of images stored in the local database 202 of the receiving device 200. For example, the plurality of images stored in the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 may include one or more of the same images as the local database 202 of the receiving device 100 (or one or more images that are the same as the local database 202 of the receiving device 100).

The receiving device 200 further comprises a control unit 204 operatively coupled to the local database 202. The control unit 204 controls the operation of the receiving device 200 and may implement the methods described herein. The control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 may include one or more processors, processing units, multi-core processors, or modules configured or programmed to control the receiving device 200 in the manner described herein. In particular implementations, control unit 204 may include a plurality of software modules (or software applications) and/or hardware modules that are each configured to perform or for performing an individual step or steps of the methods described herein.

Briefly, the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 is configured to receive from the transmitting device 100 a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 and to retrieve from the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 a corresponding image associated with the stored unique identifier code that matches the received unique identifier code. As previously mentioned, in any of the embodiments described herein, the unique identifier code is alternatively referred to as image identification information.

In some embodiments, the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 may be further configured to receive a new image and a unique identifier code associated with the new image from a central database. Thus, in embodiments where the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 is configured to transmit the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image to the central database, the central database may upload the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image to the receiving device 200. In this way, when a new image is required, the new image will then be available at the receiving device 200. In these embodiments, the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 may be further configured to control the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 to store the new image together with the unique identifier code associated with the new image. In some embodiments, the receiving device 200 may include a ledger of devices (or device types) for which the receiving device 200 is configured to receive new or updated images, and the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 may be configured to store these received images. For example, the receiving device 200 may include a ledger indicating specific types of ultrasound devices and specific types of patient monitor devices, such that only images related to these specific devices will be stored in the local database of the receiving device 200. Alternatively or additionally, the sending device 100 may include a ledger of devices (or device types) for which the sending device 100 is configured to receive new or updated images, and the local database 102 of the sending device 100 is configured to store these received images.

The control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 may further be configured to receive the overlay image and the information linking the overlay image to the image associated with the overlay image from the transmitting device 100 according to any of the embodiments described herein. In these embodiments, the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 may be configured to retrieve the image associated with the received overlay image from the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 based on the received information. In some embodiments, the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 may be further configured to control the user interface to display the received overlay image on top of the retrieved image.

As illustrated in fig. 2, in some embodiments, the receiving device 200 may include a user interface 206 for receiving user input. Alternatively, the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 may be external (i.e., separate or remote from) the receiving device 200. For example, the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 may be part of another device. As previously described, in some embodiments, the receiving device 200 may also be configured as the transmitting device 100. In these embodiments, the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 may be configured to receive a request to retrieve a unique identifier code (as previously described). Additionally, the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 may allow a user of the receiving device 200 to manually enter other instructions or information. The control unit 202 of the receiving device 200 may be configured to collect user input from the user interface 206.

According to some embodiments, the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 may also be used to provide the user of the receiving device 200 with information generated by the methods described herein, as an alternative or in addition to the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 being used to receive user input. In these embodiments, the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 may be configured to control the user interface 206 to provide the information generated by the methods described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the control unit 202 of the receiving device 200 may be configured to control the user interface 206 to render (or output or display) the corresponding image retrieved from the local database 202 of the receiving device 200. Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment in which the overlay image is received, the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 may be further configured to control the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 to render (or output or display) the received overlay image on top of the image associated with the received overlay image retrieved from the local database 202 of the receiving device 200. In some embodiments, the user interface 206 may be a display screen or a Graphical User Interface (GUI), and the control unit 202 may control the display screen or the graphical user interface to display an image, for example in a chat window. The graphical user interface may, for example, provide a user interface 206, the user interface 206 allowing a user to easily navigate commands to the receiving device 200.

According to some embodiments, as illustrated in fig. 2, the receiving device 200 may further comprise a communication interface (or circuitry) 208 for enabling the receiving device 200 to communicate (or connect) with any components, interfaces, units, databases, and devices internal or external to the receiving device 200. For example, the communication interface 208 of the receiving device 200 may be configured to communicate with a central database external to the apparatus 100 and/or the local database 202 of the receiving device 200. Similarly, the communication interface 208 of the receiving device 200 may be configured to communicate with the user interface 206, the receiving device 200 may include the user interface 206, or the user interface 206 may be external to the receiving device 200. The receiving device 200 may also be configured to communicate with the transmitting device 100 (or more specifically, to transmit information to the transmitting device 100) via the communication interface 208. In any of the embodiments described herein, the communication interface 208 of the receiving device 200 may be configured to communicate with any components, interfaces, units, sensors, and devices wirelessly or via a wired connection.

It will be appreciated that fig. 2 shows only the components necessary to illustrate this aspect of the invention, and that in a practical implementation, the receiving device 200 may comprise additional components to those shown. For example, the receiving device 200 may comprise a battery or other power source for powering the receiving device 200, or means for connecting the receiving device 200 to a mains power supply.

As previously mentioned, in any of the embodiments described herein, it will be understood that the transmitting device 100 may also be configured as a receiving device 200. In other words, the transmitting device 100 may also be configured in the manner described above with reference to fig. 2 for the receiving device 200. In these embodiments, the control unit 102 of the transmitting device 100 may be further configured to receive from the at least one other transmitting device a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in a local database of the at least one other transmitting device. The control unit 102 of the transmitting device 100 may be further configured to retrieve from the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 a corresponding image associated with a stored unique identifier code that matches the received unique identifier code. In a similar manner, it will be appreciated that the receiving device 200 may also be configured as the transmitting device 100 in the manner described above with reference to fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an illustration of a system 300 according to an embodiment. Referring to fig. 3, a system 300 may include: at least one transmitting device 100 configured to operate according to any of the embodiments of transmitting device 100 described herein: and at least one receiving device 200 configured to operate in accordance with any of the embodiments of receiving device 200 described herein. In some embodiments, system 300 may be a communication system, such as a system for chat-based communications.

As illustrated in fig. 3, the system 300 may also include a central database 302 in communication with at least one transmitting device 100 and at least one receiving device 200. Although the at least one transmitting device 100 and the at least one receiving device 200 are illustrated in fig. 3 as communicating via the central database 302, it will be understood that in any of the embodiments described herein, the at least one transmitting device 100 and the at least one receiving device 200 may also communicate directly with each other. The central database 302 is configured to store a plurality of images and an associated unique identifier code for each image. As previously described, in some embodiments, the plurality of images stored in the local database 102 of the at least one transmitting device 100 and the plurality of images stored in the local database 202 of the at least one receiving device 200 may be a subset of the plurality of images stored in the central database 302. In this way, for example, the central database 302 may be configured to store all images that may be used in the communication between the at least one transmitting device 100 and the at least one receiving device 200. In some embodiments, the central database 302 may be configured to store a unique identifier code associated with each of the subsets of images stored in the central database 302.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the plurality of images stored in the local database 102 of the at least one transmitting device 100 may be a subset of the plurality of images stored in the local database 202 of the at least one receiving device 200. The database 102 of the at least one transmitting device 100 and the local database 202 of the at least one receiving device 200 may comprise at least some of the same subset of images so that the devices 100, 200 may provide these images without transmitting the actual images when communicating with another device.

In some embodiments, any one or more of the database 102 of the at least one sending device, the database of the at least one receiving device 202, and the central database 302 may store one or more subsets of images. These subsets of images may be referred to as "standard databases. According to some embodiments, the one or more subsets of images stored by the database may themselves comprise one or more subsets of images. For example, where one or more subsets of images stored by a database include one or more instructional images for a particular type of equipment, the one or more instructional images for a particular type of ancestor may themselves include one or more subsets of images, such as one or more instructional images for a particular equipment model.

According to some embodiments, when images are added to the central database 302, they may also be added to the sending device 100 and receiving device 200, which are known to store images in their local databases 102, 202. For example, the central database 302 may be configured to maintain synchronization between the local databases 102, 202 of the at least one transmitting device 100 and the at least one receiving device 200. In some embodiments, any one or more of the local database 102 of the at least one sending device 100, the database 202 of the at least one receiving device 200, and the central database 302 may be updated or added by a user or device having access to the central database 302.

According to some embodiments, the central database 302 may include one or more description files indicating information associated with each of the images stored in the central database 302. The information associated with each of the images stored in the central database 302 may include, for example, the location of the image in the central database 302, a unique identifier code associated with the image, a unique identifier code associated with a known subset(s) of the images in which the image is contained, or any other information associated with the image. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the central database 302 may include a description file that includes information identifying each of the at least one sending device 100 and the at least one receiving device 200 in the system 300. The description file may also include unique identifier codes associated with a subset of the images stored in the databases 102, 202 of the at least one transmitting device 100 and the at least one receiving device 200. This is useful if one or more of the at least one transmitting and receiving devices 100, 200 has a different subset of the images stored in their respective databases 102, 202. For example, in an embodiment where the images are updated in the central database 302 and the central database 302 is configured to also update the images in the transmitting and receiving devices 100 including the databases 100, 202 (which store subsets containing images), the central database 302 needs to know which transmitting and receiving devices 100, 200 contain which subsets of images.

According to some embodiments, similar to the central database 302, the local databases 102, 202 of the at least one transmitting device 100 and the at least one receiving device 200 may include one or more description files indicating information associated with each of the images stored in the databases 102, 202. The information associated with each of the images stored in the local database 102, 202 may include, for example, the location of the image in the local database 102, 202 in which the image is stored, a unique identifier code associated with the image, or any other information associated with the image (e.g., the location of the thumbnail corresponding to the image, the name of the image, etc.).

Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for operating the transmitting device 100, according to an embodiment. As previously described, the transmitting device 100 includes a local database 102 configured to store a plurality of images received from a central database 302, and each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code. The method 400 of fig. 4 is typically performed by the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 or under the control of the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100.

Referring to fig. 4, at block 402, a request is received from the user interface 106 of the sending device 100 to retrieve a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in the local database 102 of the sending device 100. More specifically, the control unit 104 of the transmitting apparatus 100 receives the request from the user interface 106 of the transmitting apparatus 100. As previously mentioned, the unique identifier code may alternatively be referred to as image identification information. The request is a command received from a user of the sending device 100 at the user interface 106 of the sending device 100. In some embodiments, the request may be received while the sending device 100 is communicating (e.g., a messaging conversation) with the receiving device 200. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the receipt of a request at the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 may initiate such communication with the receiving device 200. In some embodiments, the commands may include: an image is selected from a plurality of images, or a thumbnail of an image is selected from a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to images stored in the database 102 of the transmitting device 100. The thumbnails may be stored in a database separate from their corresponding images and may be linked to the database 102 including the images themselves.

At block 404 of fig. 4, a unique identifier code associated with an image is retrieved from the local database 102 of the sending device 100 in response to a received request to retrieve the unique identifier code associated with the image stored in the local database 102. More specifically, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 retrieves the unique identifier code associated with the image from the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100. The retrieved unique identifier code is then transmitted to the receiving device 200 (e.g., via the communication interface 108 of the transmitting device 100) in block 406 of fig. 4. More specifically, the control unit 104 of the transmitting apparatus 100 transmits the retrieved unique identifier code to the receiving apparatus 200. The retrieved unique identifier code may be transmitted to the receiving device 200 by a transmission containing the retrieved unique identifier code. The sending device 100 may send using any suitable communication mechanism, including but not limited to a peer-to-peer communication mechanism, a client-server communication mechanism, or any other suitable communication mechanism. For example, a client-server communication mechanism can be valuable when system 300 is used in a poorly connected or unreliable environment. The client-server communication mechanism can also be useful in avoiding situations where new images are added to the database of one device and it is not possible to send new images to another device.

Although not illustrated in fig. 4, in any of the embodiments described herein, the method 400 of fig. 4 may further include the control unit 102 retrieving an image associated with the unique identifier code from the local database 104 of the sending device 100 and the control unit 102 controlling the user interface 106 of the sending device 100 to render (or output or display) the image retrieved from the local database 102.

Although also not illustrated in fig. 4, in some embodiments, method 400 of fig. 4 may further include control unit 104 of transmitting device 100 acquiring a new image (e.g., in any of the manners previously described). In these embodiments, the method 400 of fig. 4 further comprises the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 generating a unique identifier code to associate with the new image. In some of these embodiments, the method 400 of fig. 4 may further include: the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 controls the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 to store the new image together with the unique identifier code associated with the new image and/or to transmit the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image to the central database 302 for storage according to an embodiment. Once a new image has been added to the central database 302, the sending device 100 may insert the image when communicating with the receiving device 200 without having to send the image to the receiving device 200. An example embodiment of a method involving acquiring a new image will be explained later with reference to fig. 7A and 7B.

Although also not illustrated in fig. 4, in any of the embodiments described herein, the method 400 of fig. 4 may further comprise: the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 captures an overlay image (e.g., in any of the manners previously described) associated with the image stored in the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100. In these embodiments, the method 400 of fig. 4 may further include the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 generating information linking the overlay image to the associated image. In some of these embodiments, the method 400 of fig. 4 may further include: the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 transmits the overlay image and the information linking the overlay image to the associated image to the receiving device 200, the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 controls the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 to store the overlay image and the information linking the overlay image to the associated image, and/or the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 transmits the overlay image and the information linking the overlay image to the associated image to the central database 302 for storage. In any of the embodiments of acquiring an overlay image, the method 400 of fig. 4 may further comprise the control unit 104 of the transmitting device 100 controlling the user interface 106 of the transmitting device 100 to draw (or output or display) the overlay image on the associated image. An exemplary embodiment of a method involving acquiring an overlay image will be explained later with reference to fig. 8A and 8B.

Fig. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for operating the receiving device 200 according to an embodiment. As previously described, the receiving device 200 includes a local database 202 configured to store a plurality of images received from a central database 302, and each image is stored with an associated unique identifier code. The method 500 of fig. 5 is typically performed by the control unit 204 of the receiving apparatus 200 or under the control of the control unit 204 of the receiving apparatus 200.

Referring to fig. 5, at block 502, a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in the local database 102 of the sending device 100 is received at the receiving device 200 from the sending device 100. More specifically, the control unit 204 of the receiving apparatus 200 receives the unique identifier code from the transmitting apparatus 100 (e.g., via the user interface 208 of the receiving apparatus 200). As previously mentioned, the unique identifier code may alternatively be referred to as image identification information.

At block 504 of fig. 5, the corresponding image associated with the stored unique identifier code that matches the received unique identifier code is retrieved from the local database 202 of the receiving device 200. More specifically, the control unit 204 of the reception apparatus 200 retrieves the corresponding image from the local database 202 of the reception apparatus 200. For example, in embodiments where the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 includes a description file indicating information associated with each of the images stored in the local database 202, the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 may parse (or search) the description file to find a location of the stored unique identifier code that matches the received unique identifier code and the corresponding image in the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 in order to retrieve the corresponding image from the local database 202.

Although not illustrated in fig. 5, in some embodiments, the method 500 of fig. 5 may further include the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 controlling the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 to render (or output or display) the corresponding image retrieved from the local database 202 of the receiving device 200.

Although also not illustrated in fig. 5, in some embodiments, the method 500 of fig. 5 may further comprise the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 receiving the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image from the central database 302. In these embodiments, the method 500 of fig. 5 may further comprise the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 controlling the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 to store the new image together with the unique identifier code associated with the new image.

Although also not illustrated in fig. 5, in any of the embodiments described herein, the method 500 of fig. 5 may further include the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 receiving the overlay image and the information linking the overlay image to the image associated with the overlay image from the transmitting device 100. In these embodiments, the method 500 of fig. 5 may further include: the control unit 204 of the reception apparatus 200 retrieves an image associated with the received overlay image from the local database 202 of the reception apparatus 200 based on the received information. In some of these embodiments, the method 500 of fig. 5 may further include the control unit 204 of the receiving device 200 controlling the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 to display the received overlay image on top of the retrieved image. In this way, since the associated image can be retrieved from the local database 202 of the reception apparatus 200, the superimposed image can be transmitted by the transmission apparatus 100 independently of the associated image. This saves bandwidth in the system 300, particularly because the size of the superimposed image can be smaller than the image itself.

Fig. 6A is an illustration of an example database structure, according to an embodiment. In the illustrated example embodiment, the central database 302 includes a plurality of criteria databases 302₁、302₂、302_n(e.g., it may store images of equipment types), and a criteria database 302₁、302₂、302_nEach of which includes a plurality of image subsets 302_1-1、302_1-2、302_2-1、302_2-2、302_n-1、302_n-2(for example, an image of a particular equipment model may be stored).

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, in this example embodiment, the database 102 of the sending device 100 includes a standards database 102₁And all subsets 102 thereof_1-1、102_1-2Corresponding to the standard database 302 of the central databases 302 and 210₁And all subsets 302 thereof_1-1、302_1-2. In contrast, in the exemplary embodiment, database 202 of receiving device 200 includes only a subset 202_1-1Corresponding to the standard database 302 of the central database 302₁Subset 302 included therein_1-1. According to this example embodiment, the central database 302 includes a description file 310 and a description file 312, the description file 310 indicating information (e.g., image location) associated with each of the images stored in the central database 302, and the description file 312 including information (e.g., user information) identifying the transmitting device 100 and the receiving device 200. The local databases 102, 202 of the sending device 100 and the receiving device 200 each also include a description file 110, the description file 110 indicating information associated with the images stored in the databases 102, 202. In this example, only the user of the receiving device 200 owns a particular equipment model, so the receiving device 200 need only be able to display images associated with this model. This saves storage space on the receiving device 200. This also means that the user of the transmitting device 100 can only use the images stored in the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 when communicating with the receiving device 200, unless additional images are added to the local database 202 of the receiving device 200.

Fig. 6B is an illustration of the system 300 in use, according to an embodiment. In this example embodiment, the database 102 of the transmitting device 100, the database 202 of the receiving device 200, and the central database 302 may have the configuration illustrated in fig. 6A. The sending device 100, the receiving device 200 and the central database 302 communicate via a network 304. The method to be described with reference to the transmitting apparatus 100 is typically performed by the control unit 104 of the transmitting apparatus 100 or under the control of the control unit 104 of the transmitting apparatus 100, and similarly, the method to be described with reference to the receiving apparatus 200 is typically performed by the control unit 204 of the receiving apparatus 200 or under the control of the control unit 204 of the receiving apparatus 200.

Referring to fig. 6B, at block 600, a request is received from the user interface 106 of the sending device 100 to retrieve a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in the local database 102 of the sending device 100. In this example embodiment, the user of the transmission apparatus 100 selects a thumbnail corresponding to the image "a 1234" on the user interface 106 of the transmission apparatus 100. At block 602 of fig. 6B, the description file 110 of the transmitting device 100 is searched for an image "a 1234" in response to the received request. At block 604, image "a 1234" is located in the local database 102 of the sending device 100 based on the information included in the description file 110 of the sending device 100. More specifically, the image "a 1234" is located in a subset 102 of the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100_1-1In (1). Accordingly, the unique identifier code associated with the image "a 1234" is retrieved from the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100.

In this example embodiment, the image associated with the unique identifier code is also retrieved from the local database 104 of the sending device 100, and at block 606 of fig. 6B, the user interface 106 of the sending device 100 is controlled to display the retrieved image (e.g., in a chat window). At block 608 of fig. 6B, the unique identifier code retrieved for image "a 1234" from the local database 102 of the sending device 100 is sent to the receiving device 200 over the network 304.

At block 610 of fig. 6B, a unique identifier code associated with image "a 1234" stored in the local database 102 of the sending device 100 is received at the receiving device 200 from the sending device 100. At block 612 of FIG. 6B, the stored unique identifier code is searched for in the description file 210 of the receiving device 200 that matches the received unique identifier codeThe image "a 1234" is searched. At block 614 of fig. 6B, the stored unique identifier code that matches the received unique identifier code is located in the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 based on information included in the description file 210 of the receiving device 200. More specifically, the stored unique identifier code that matches the received unique identifier code is located in a subset 202 included in the local database 202 of the receiving device 200_1-1In (1).

The corresponding image associated with the stored unique identifier code matching the received unique identifier code may then be retrieved from the subset 202 included in the local database 202 of the receiving device 200_1-1To retrieve. At block 616 of fig. 6B, the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 is controlled to display the retrieved corresponding image (e.g., in a chat window). In this manner, the user of the sending device 100 may cause the receiving device 200 to display an image (e.g., by inserting the image into a chat conversation) by sending the receiving device 200 a unique identifier code corresponding to images that are present in both local databases 102, 202.

FIG. 7A is an illustration of an example database structure, according to another embodiment. In the illustrated example embodiment, the central database 302 includes a plurality of criteria databases 302₁、302₂And each of the standards databases 3021, 3022 includes a plurality of image subsets 302_1-1、302_1-2、302_2-1、302_2-2. The central database 302 according to this example embodiment also includes one or more user-generated databases 302₃Comprising a plurality of user-generated image subsets 302_3-A、302_3-B、302_3-n. The user-generated database is a database to which new user-generated images may be added, and which may be populated with images generated by and transmitted between communicating devices. In the illustrated example embodiment, the user-generated images are stored in one or more user-generated databases 302₃The database is the standard database 302₁、302₂A separate database. However, it will be understood that other example implementations are possibleIn an example, the user-generated images may be stored as criteria database 302₁、302₂Or even as a standard database 302₁、302₂Existing subset database 302_1-1、302_1-2、302_2-1、302_2-2A part of (a). In this manner, the user-generated image may be linked to a particular device (or device type).

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, in this example embodiment, the database 202 of the receiving device 200 includes a subset 202₁. Subset 202₁Itself comprising a plurality of subsets 202_1-1、202_1-2Corresponding to the standard database 302 included in the central database 302₁302 of (1)_1-1，302_1-2. In this example embodiment, the database 202 of the receiving device 200 also includes a plurality of user-generated image subsets 202_A、202_BCorresponding to a user-generated database 302 included in the central database 302₃302, respectively, of a user-generated image_3-A、302_3-B. User generated database 302 included in central database 302₃302, respectively, of a user-generated image_3-A、302_3-BIncluding user-generated image subsets 202 included in a database 202 associated with the receiving device 200_A、202_BThe same image.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the receiving device 200 communicates with two transmitting devices 100, each comprising a database 102. The database 102 of one of the transmitting devices 100 comprises: subset 102_1-1Corresponding to the standard database 302 of the central database 302₁Subset 302 included therein_1-1(ii) a And user-generated image subsets 102_ACorresponding to the user-generated database 302 of the central database 302₃Included user generated image subset 302_3-A. User generated database 302 included in central database 302₃302, respectively, of a user-generated image_3-AIncluding a subset of user-generated images 102 included in a database 102 of the transmitting device 100_AThe same image. Another transmitting apparatus 10The database 102 of 0 includes: subset 102_1-1Corresponding to the standard database 302 of the central database 302₁The subset 302 contained in_1-1(ii) a And user-generated image subsets 102_BCorresponding to the user-generated database 302 of the central database 302₃Included user generated image subset 302_3-B. User-generated database 302 of central database 302₃Included user generated image subset 302_3-BIncluding a subset of user-generated images 102 included in a database 102 of the transmitting device 100_BThe same image.

According to this example embodiment, the central database 302 includes a description file 310 and a description file 312, the description file 310 indicating information (e.g., image location) associated with each image stored in the central database 302, and the description file 312 including information (e.g., user information) identifying the sending device 100 and the receiving device 200. The local database 200 of the receiving device and the local database 102 of one of the transmitting devices 100 each include: a description file 210, 110 indicating and stored in the subset 202 of the database 202, 102₁、202_1-1、202_1-2、102_1-1Information associated with the image in (a); and a description file 212, 112 indicating the user-generated subset 202 stored in the database 202, 102_A、202_B、102_A、102_BThe image of (1) is associated with the information. Indicating user-generated subsets 102 stored in a database 102, 202_A、102_B、202_A、202_BMay include identifying each user-generated database 102 within the device 100, 200 that includes the database 102, 202_A、102_B、202_A、202_BInformation of unique identifier code, user generated database 102_A、102_B、202_A、202_BA unique identifier code for each image within, and a specific user-generated database 102_A、102_B、202_A、202_BThe position of each image within.

For example, at the receiving device 200 the engineer aims at the standard database 302 stored in the central database 302₁For having a particular equipment type stored in the subset 102_1-1、202_1-1、302_1-1The database structure of fig. 7A can be useful in the case of an engineer device served by users (or customers) of two transmitting devices 100 of the same equipment model. For example, a customer can wish to send an image to an engineer to show a problem with the device. Alternatively, the receiving device 200 may be a client device and the transmitting device 100 may be an engineer device 100. For example, an engineer may wish to send an image to a customer to instruct the customer how to secure the device. It will be understood that one or more of the client device and the engineer device can also act as both a receiving device and a sending device. Returning to fig. 7A, the receiving device 200 may have a database 102 generated for the users of the two transmitting devices 100_A、102_BTo access (c). The central database 302 stores all databases generated by users of the transmitting devices 100. When a new device is added to a communication, a unique identifier code for the device is generated in a central database for a database generated by a user of the device.

FIG. 7B is an illustration of the system 300 in use, according to one embodiment. Fig. 7B illustrates a method performed by the system 300 when a command is given by the user during a communication to send a new image from one device to another.

In this example embodiment, the database 102 of the transmitting device 100, the database 202 of the receiving device 200, and the central database 302 may have the configuration shown in fig. 7A. The sending device 100, the receiving device 200 and the central database 302 communicate via a network 304. The method to be described with reference to the transmitting apparatus 100 is typically performed by the control unit 104 of the transmitting apparatus 100 or under the control of the control unit 104 of the transmitting apparatus 100, and similarly, the method to be described with reference to the receiving apparatus 200 is typically performed by the control unit 204 of the receiving apparatus 200 or under the control of the control unit 204 of the receiving apparatus 200.

Referring to FIG. 7B, at block 700, an interface is received from the user interface 106 of the transmitting device 100A request is received to retrieve a unique identifier code associated with an image stored in the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100. In this example embodiment, the image is determined to be a new image. Accordingly, at block 702 of fig. 7B, a unique identifier code is generated (or created) at the transmitting device 100 to be associated with a new image. At block 704 of FIG. 7B, the user-generated description file 112 of the sending device 100 is updated to store new components of the image. At block 706 of fig. 7B, a new image is retrieved, for example, from a camera application or database. At block 708 of fig. 7B, the local database 102 of the transmitting device 100 is controlled to store the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image. The new image is stored at the location specified by the description file 112, i.e. in the database 102 generated by the user of the sending device 100_ATo (3). At block 710 of fig. 7B, the user interface 106 of the sending device 100 is controlled to display a new image (e.g., in a chat window).

At block 712 of fig. 7B, the new image and the unique identifier code associated with the new image are transmitted from the transmitting device 100 to the receiving device 200 over the network 304 via the central database 302 (e.g., a client server). The unique identifier code associated with the new image may comprise a database 102 generated by a user of the sending device 102 storing the image_AIs detected. The central database 302 stores the new images and associated unique identifier codes in the user-generated database 302 of the central database 302_3-AWhich corresponds to the user-generated database 102 of the transmitting device 100_A。

At block 714 of fig. 7B, a new image and a unique identifier code associated with the new image are received at the receiving device 200 from the transmitting device 100. At block 716 of FIG. 7B, the correct user-generated database 202 of the receiving device 200 for the new image is confirmed based on information included in the user-generated profile 212 of the receiving device 200_A. At block 718 of FIG. 7B, the user-generated description file 212 of the receiving device 200 is then updated to store the new components of the image. At block 720 of FIG. 7B, the user-generated database 202 included in the database 202 of the receiving device 200_AIs controlled to store a new image. At block 722 of fig. 7B, the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 is controlled to display the new (e.g., in the chat window).

Subsequently, the transmitting device 100 and the receiving device 200 only need to transmit the unique identifier code associated with the new image in future communications, as previously described (e.g., with reference to fig. 6B).

FIG. 8A is an illustration of an example database structure, according to another embodiment. In the illustrated example embodiment, the central database 302 includes a plurality of criteria databases 302₁、302₂And a standard database 302₁、302₂Each of which includes a plurality of image subsets 302_1-1、302_1-2、302_2-1、302_2-2. The central database 302 according to this example embodiment also includes one or more user-generated databases 302₃Comprising a plurality of user-generated image subsets 302_3-A、302_3-B、302_3-n. User generated image subset 302_3-A、302_3-B、302_3-nEach of which includes a layer database 302_3-AA、302_3-BB、302_3-nn. Layer database 302_3-AA、302_3-BB、302_3-nnConfigured to store user-generated image subsets 302 corresponding thereto_3-A、302_3-B、302_3-nOne or more overlay images associated with the image of (a).

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, in this example embodiment, the database 202 of the receiving device 200 includes a subset 202₁. Subset 202₁Itself comprising a plurality of subsets 202_1-1、202_1-2Corresponding to the standard database 302 included in the central database 302₁302 of (1)_1-1、302_1-2. In this example embodiment, the database 202 of the receiving device 200 also includes a plurality of user-generated image subsets 202_A、202_BCorresponding to a user-generated database 302 contained in the central database 302₃302, respectively, of a user-generated image_3-A、302_3-B. User generated image subset 202_A、202_BEach of which includes a layer database 202_AA、202_BBCorresponding to the layer database 302 of the central database 302_3-AA、302_3-BB。

According to this exemplary embodiment, the receiving device 200 communicates with two transmitting devices 100, each comprising a database 102. The database 102 of each of the transmitting devices 100 includes a subset 102_1-1Corresponding to the standard database 302 of the central database 302₁Subset 302 included therein_1-1. The database 102 of one of the transmitting devices 100 comprises a user-generated subset of images 102_ACorresponding to the user-generated database 302 of the central database 302₃Included user generated image subset 302_3-A. User generated image subsets 102_ALayer database 302 including data associated with central data 302_3-AACorresponding layer database 102_AA. The database 102 of the further transmitting device 100 comprises user generated image subsets 102_BCorresponding to a user-generated database 302 included in the central database 302₃302, respectively, of a user-generated image_3-B. User generated image subsets 102_BIncluding layer database 102_BBCorresponding to the layer database 302 of the central database 302_3-BB。

According to this example embodiment, the central database 302 includes a description file 310 and a description file 312, the description file 310 indicating information (e.g., image location) associated with each of the images stored in the central database 302, and the description file 312 including information (e.g., user information) identifying the transmitting device 100 and the receiving device 200. The local database 100 of the transmitting device and the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 each include: a description file 110, 210 indicating and storing the subset 102 of the database 102, 202_1-1、202₁、202_1-1、202_1-2Information associated with the image in (a); and a description file 112, 212 indicating the user-generated subset 102 stored in the database 102, 202_A、102_B、202_A、202_BThe image-related information in (1).

Each hairThe local database 102 of the device 100 also includes a description file 114 indicating the user-generated subset 102 stored in the database 102_A、102_BLayer database 102 of_AA、102_BBOne or more overlay images. For example, description file 114 may include any one or more of the following: information indicating the unique identifier code for each overlay image, the location of the overlay image within the layer database 102AA, the unique identifier code of the database containing the image associated with each overlay image (e.g., the subset 102)_1-1Or user generated subset 102_AIndication of (b) and a unique identifier code for the image associated with the overlay image.

Fig. 8B is an example illustration of the system 300 in use, according to an embodiment. Fig. 8B illustrates a method performed by the system 300 that allows for the creation of overlay images (or layers) to be associated with images located in a local database of the device. The transmitting device 100 may for example be a device of a client and the receiving device 200 may for example be a device of an engineer.

In this example embodiment, the database 102 of the transmitting device 100, the database 202 of the receiving device 200, and the central database 302 may have the configuration shown in fig. 8A. The sending device 100, the receiving device 200 and the central database 302 communicate via a network 304. The method to be described with reference to the transmitting apparatus 100 is typically performed by the control unit 104 of the transmitting apparatus 100 or under the control of the control unit 104 of the transmitting apparatus 100, and similarly, the method to be described with reference to the receiving apparatus 200 is typically performed by the control unit 204 of the receiving apparatus 200 or under the control of the control unit 204 of the receiving apparatus 200.

Referring to fig. 8B, at block 800, a user initiates layering of an image having a unique identifier code "a 1234" at the user interface 106 of the transmitting device 100. In other words, an indication that the user wishes to apply the overlay image to the image "a 1234" is received at the user interface 106 of the transmitting device 100. At block 802 of fig. 8B, the description file 112 of the transmitting device 100 is searched for an image "a 1234". At block 804 of FIG. 8B, based on inclusion in the transmitting device 100Describing the information in the file 110, the image "a 1234" is located in the local database 102 of the sending device 100. More specifically, image "a 1234" is located in the user-generated subset 102 of the database 102_AIn (1). At block 806 of fig. 8B, the pixel size of image "a 1234" is examined. This provides the option of capturing a superimposed image having the same pixel size as image "a 1234".

At block 808 of fig. 8B, information is generated that links the overlay image to be captured for application to image "a 1234". More specifically, a unique identifier code "b 456" is generated for the superimposed image. At block 810 of FIG. 8B, description file 114 is updated with the new component of overlay image "B456", description file 114 indicating the user-generated subset 102 stored in database 102_ALayer database 102 of_AAThe overlay image in (1) is associated with information.

At block 812 of fig. 8B, the user interface 106 of the transmission apparatus 100 is controlled to display the image "a 1234" so that the user can generate the overlay image "B456". For example, the image "a 1234" may be displayed in an edit window. At block 814 of FIG. 8B, the overlay image "B456" is generated by the user at the user interface 106 to capture and store the user-generated subset 102 in the database 102_AThe image "a 1234" in (1) is associated with the superimposed image "b 456". At block 816 of fig. 8B, the user interface 106 of the sending device 100 is controlled to display the overlay image "B456" over the associated image "a 1234". At block 818 of fig. 8B, the overlay image "B456" and information linking the overlay image "B456" to the associated image "a 1234" are sent to the receiving device 200 over the network 304. The sending of the overlay image "b 456" and the information linking the overlay image "b 456" to the associated image "a 1234" may also include any one or more of the following: the unique identifier code "b 456" of the overlay image, the unique identifier code "a 1234" of the associated image, and the unique identifier code of the database containing the associated image.

At block 820 of FIG. 8B, the local database 102 of the sending device 100 is controlled to store the overlay image "B456" and the overlay-to-be-superimposed image "B456 "information linked to the associated image" a1234 ". The overlay image "b 456" may also be transmitted from the transmitting device 100 to the central database 302 for storage, along with information linking the overlay image "b 456" to the associated image "a 1234" for storage. More specifically, the layer database 302 of the central database 302 corresponding to the transmitting apparatus 100 is updated with the overlay image "b 456_3-AA. The layer description file of the central database 302 may also be updated.

At block 822 of fig. 8B, the receiving apparatus 200 receives the overlay image and information linking the overlay image "B456" to the image "a 1234" associated with the overlay image "B456" from the transmitting apparatus 100. At block 824 of FIG. 8B, a check is performed on the correct user-generated subset 202A of the database 202. At block 826 of FIG. 8B, description file 214 is updated with the new component of overlay image "B456", which indicates the user-generated subset 202 stored in database 202_ALayer database 202 of_AAThe overlay image "b 456" in (a). More specifically, the description file 214 may be updated with the unique identifier code "b 456" of the superimposed image and the unique identifier code "a 1234" of the image associated with the superimposed image.

At block 828 of FIG. 8B, the description file 212, which indicates the user-generated subset 202 stored in the database 202 of the receiving device 200, is parsed (or searched) for the image "a 1234" associated with the received overlay image "B456_AThe image of (1) is associated with the information. At block 830 of fig. 8B, the image "a 1234" associated with the received overlay image "B456" is retrieved from the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 based on the received information. More specifically, the image "a 1234" associated with the received overlay image "b 456" is the subset 202 generated from the user of the database 202_AIs retrieved. The image "a 1234" can be retrieved from the local database 202 of the receiving device 200 because of the user-generated subset 202 of the database 202 of the receiving device 200_AIs a user-generated subset 102 of the database 102 of the transmitting device 100_AA copy of (1).

At block 832 of fig. 8B, the user interface 206 of the receiving device 200 is controlled to display the received overlay image "B456" over the retrieved image "a 1234". For example, the retrieved image "a 1234" is displayed hierarchically with the received superimposed image "b 456". The superimposed image "b 456" may be at least partially transparent. Thus, displaying may involve stacking the overlay image "b 456" over the retrieved image "a 1234". In an example, a display can be provided in a communication chat window. At block 834 of fig. 8B, the database 202 of the reception apparatus 200 is controlled to store the received overlay image "B456". More specifically, the user-generated subset 202 of the database 202 of the receiving device 200_ALayer database 202 of_AAIs controlled to store the received superimposed image "b 456".

Accordingly, improved devices and methods of operating those devices to communicate information are provided herein that overcome existing problems. The methods and apparatus described herein are particularly useful in teleservices applications, telehealth applications, telemedical applications, or any other application where devices requiring communication are remote from each other.

There is also provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code being configured such that, on execution by a suitable computer or processor, the computer or processor is caused to perform one or more of the methods described herein.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.