Patent ID: 6792473
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
Image data processing apparatus comprising:a plurality of image data processing systems, a plurality of data storage systems, wherein each of said data storage systems is operated under the direct control of one of said image processing systems, a high bandwidth network connected to each of said data processing systems and to each of said data storage systems, and a low bandwidth network connected to each of said data processing systems; wherein a first processing system includes requesting means configured to request access to a data storage system controlled by a second processing system over said low bandwidth network; said second processing system includes bandwidth assessment means configured to assess an extent to which said second processing system requires access to said storage system, comparison means configured to make an indication of storage regions that may be accessed if said extent is below a predetermined threshold, and sending means configured to convey said indication over said low bandwidth network to said first processing system, wherein said first processing system includes accessing means configured to access said storage system via said high bandwidth network.