Camera Configuration Agent for Networked Video Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual configuration of multiple cameras in a networked video management system is burdensome, particularly for tasks such as certificate management, firmware updates, and setting configuration parameters, especially in large networks.

Innovation Solution

An agent process is implemented on a node of the video management system to automate configuration tasks by discovering and updating multiple cameras, including generating certificates, distributing firmware updates, and setting configuration parameters without requiring user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration is used for multiple cameras, then configuration tasks can be completed with basic tools, but administrative burden increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration task executionVSAvoidtime for certificate management, firmware updates, and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated agent processes that perform configuration tasks autonomously. The agent process executes on the network video recorder, automatically discovers cameras, generates certificates, distributes firmware updates, and configures parameters without requiring manual administrator intervention for each camera.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary agent process that mediates between the administrator and multiple cameras. This agent process acts as a intermediary that handles the complex configuration tasks, including certificate generation, firmware distribution, and parameter configuration, thereby simplifying the administrator's workload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If configuration updates are distributed to multiple cameras individually, then each camera can be configured accurately, but network pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidnetwork pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual configuration operations into a single centralized agent process execution. The agent process consolidates certificate generation, firmware update distribution, and configuration parameter setting into unified operations that reduce redundant network traffic and minimize network pressure while maintaining configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If centralized configuration management is implemented, then administrative burden is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration automation levelVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration management functionality into a separate agent process that executes on the existing network video recorder infrastructure. This segmentation allows automated configuration capabilities to be added without fundamentally redesigning the core system architecture, thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4625969A1Agent process for automating configuration of multiple cameras in a networked video management system
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
  • EP4625969A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4625969A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4625969A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for distributing configuration updates to multiple cameras operating on a network. An agent process executing on a node of a video management system can discover multiple cameras connected to a same subnetwork accessible by the agent process, where the agent process can be configured to execute on at least a controller camera of the video management system. The agent process can provide a configuration update to the controller camera for distribution to each of the multiple cameras.