Alert-Based Image Data Transmission to File Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storing image data from monitoring cameras in a storage system that is not optimized for simultaneous access, such as a wireless-connected storage, increases costs and time for data access. Conversely, storing all data in a file server optimized for simultaneous access raises costs for data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a device with an image storage unit, an obtaining unit for alert signals, and a transmitting unit that sends alert corresponding information, including the alert signal content and in-the-period image data or its address, to a file server accessible by another apparatus. This system allows for efficient data transmission and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If image data is stored in a storage system connected via wireless communication (not optimized for simultaneous access), then storage flexibility is improved, but access time and communication cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidaccess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage system into two segments: a wireless storage unit for flexible image data storage and a file server for efficient simultaneous access. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function - the wireless storage provides adaptability while the file server provides fast access, resolving the contradiction between storage flexibility and access speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The file server acts as an intermediary between the wireless storage system and the monitoring terminals. It receives image data from the wireless storage, processes it, and distributes it to multiple terminals simultaneously. This intermediary role eliminates the need for multiple terminals to directly access the wireless storage, thereby reducing access time and communication cost while preserving storage flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If all image data is stored in a file server optimized for simultaneous access, then access speed is improved, but transmission cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess speedVSAvoidtransmission cost
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary image data (alert corresponding information) from the complete image dataset and transmits it to the file server. Instead of transmitting all image data continuously, the system selectively extracts and transmits only relevant portions, significantly reducing transmission cost while maintaining fast access speed for critical data through the file server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by transmitting only a subset of image data (alert corresponding information) rather than the complete dataset. This partial transmission approach reduces communication cost and energy consumption while still providing fast access to the most important data through the file server, balancing transmission cost and access speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If alert corresponding information is transmitted to the file server, then data accessibility is improved, but communication load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidcommunication load
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting different types of data to different locations: alert corresponding information is transmitted to the file server for centralized access, while other image data remains in the wireless storage. This selective data distribution optimizes accessibility for critical information without unnecessarily increasing overall communication load, as only relevant data is transmitted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3843382B1Apparatus, system, method and program
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3843382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3843382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3843382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] Image data stored only in a storage inappropriate for a simultaneous access takes much time and cost for the access to the image data. In addition, when all the image data are stored in the file server appropriate for the simultaneous access, the cost for the transmission the image data to the file server is high. [Solution] A device is provided, comprising: an image storage unit which is configured to store image data obtained by a monitoring camera; an obtaining unit which is configured to obtain an alert signal which occurs depending on a situation in a monitored region; and a transmitting unit which is configured to transmit alert corresponding information which includes a content of the alert signal and any one of in-the-period image data in a reference duration including an occurrence time of the alert signal among image data stored in the image storage unit or an address of the in-the-period image data in the image storage unit to a file server accessible to another apparatus different from the device.