Image encoding method and system

Abstract

An image processing method includes receiving a plurality of source images from at least two imaging devices. The method further includes transmitting the plurality of source images by: preprocessing the plurality of source images according to preset preprocessing requirements to generate a plurality of preprocessed images; merging the plurality of preprocessed images according to preset merging requirements to generate a target image; encoding the target image; and transmitting the encoded target image.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An image processing method comprising:
 receiving a plurality of source images from at least two imaging devices; and   transmitting the plurality of source images by:
 preprocessing the plurality of source images according to preset preprocessing requirements to generate a plurality of preprocessed images; 
 merging the plurality of preprocessed images according to preset merging requirements to generate a target image; 
 encoding the target image; and 
 transmitting the encoded target image. 
   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein preprocessing the plurality of source images includes:
 performing at least one of a scaling process, a cropping process, or a stretching-shrinking process on the plurality of source images.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, after preprocessing the plurality of source images and before merging the plurality of preprocessed images:
 storing the plurality of preprocessed images in respective output caches.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein merging the plurality of preprocessed images according to the preset merging requirements includes merging the plurality of preprocessed images according to merging orders and merging coordinates. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein merging the plurality of preprocessed images includes:
 storing the plurality of preprocessed images sequentially in a target cache; and   forming the target image in the target cache according to the merging orders and the merging coordinates.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein merging the plurality of preprocessed images includes:
 arranging the plurality of preprocessed images by at least partially overlapping or in a split-screen mode.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein merging the plurality of preprocessed images includes:
 setting one or more of the plurality of preprocessed images to be hidden or semi-transparent.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein receiving the plurality of source images includes:
 storing the plurality of source images in respective input caches.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, before receiving the plurality of source images:
 receiving a user's display requirement; and   setting the preprocessing requirements, the merging requirements, and enable flags according to the display requirement, the enable flags indicating which image sources are enabled.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein setting the preprocessing requirements, the merging requirements, and the enable flags includes:
 managing, according to the display requirement, an image input-output processing matrix table, the image input-output processing matrix table including image source identifications for distinguishing the plurality of image sources and, the preprocessing requirements, the merging requirements, and the enable flags that are associated with the image source identifications.   
     
     
         11 . An image processing system comprising:
 a processor configured to:
 receive a plurality of source images from at least two imaging devices; and 
 control to transmit the plurality of source images by:
 preprocess the plurality of source images according to preset preprocessing requirements to generate a plurality of preprocessed images; 
 merge the plurality of preprocessed images according to preset merging requirements to generate a target image; 
 encode the target image; and 
 transmit the encoded target image. 
 
   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 perform at least one of a scaling process, a cropping process, or a stretching-shrinking process on the plurality of source images.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 store the plurality of preprocessed images in respective output caches, after preprocessing the plurality of source images and before merging the plurality of preprocessed images.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 merge the plurality of preprocessed images according to merging orders and merging coordinates.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 store the plurality of preprocessed images sequentially in a target cache; and   form the target image in the target cache according to the merging orders and the merging coordinates.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 arrange the plurality of preprocessed images by at least partially overlapping or in a split-screen mode.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 set one or more of the plurality of preprocessed images to be hidden or semi-transparent.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 store the plurality of source images in respective input caches.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 receive a user's display requirement before receiving the plurality of source images; and   set the preprocessing requirements, the merging requirements, and enable flags according to the display requirement, the enable flags indicating which image sources are enabled.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 manage, according to the display requirement, an image input-output processing matrix table, the image input-output processing matrix table including image source identifications for distinguishing the plurality of image sources and, the preprocessing requirements, the merging requirements, and the enable flags that are associated with the image source identifications.