Fast Image Processing for Wireless Thin Client Visualization

Image processing for color image display on wireless, thin clients requires a different approach to image handling than is appropriate for conventional clients. For example, next-generation commerce applications on low cost, dedicated, wireless display devices need to display images using low-power, very cost-sensitive, processing hardware. Operations required for the display of images for these types of applications require manipulation of contone (continuous tone) images, but conventional approaches to decompression and processing can impose overhead on wireless bandwidth, device storage, and processing speed. In this paper, we propose an approach to image processing on this class of devices that addresses these requirements. We also outline practical thin client visualization applications for commercial close range wireless networks. We discuss the theory behind the algorithms, giving implementation details for an FPGA realization. The algorithms and implementation are shown to be practical for these cost-sensitive devices.