Surveillance Camera Task Distribution via Idle Time Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In surveillance systems, cameras operate inefficiently due to lack of mutual communication, leading to varying execution times and hardware usage states among cameras, resulting in suboptimal overall system performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where cameras connected through a communication network share idle time information and task execution data to optimize task distribution, allowing cameras to execute tasks based on available idle time, thereby enhancing overall system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cameras operate independently without mutual communication, then each camera can maintain simple individual operation, but overall system efficiency deteriorates due to uneven task distribution and idle time waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operations of multiple cameras into a coordinated system where cameras communicate with each other to share task information and idle time status. This allows the system to function as a unified entity rather than isolated components, improving overall productivity through collaborative task execution.
Solution Approach 2:
Each camera is equipped with dual functionality: it can execute its own local tasks and simultaneously serve as a resource for other cameras by executing their tasks during idle periods. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling cameras to contribute to both individual and collective system efficiency.
2Productivity
If cameras share idle time information and tasks through mutual communication, then overall system efficiency improves through better task distribution, but device complexity increases due to communication protocols and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Cameras autonomously monitor their own idle time and task status, then automatically share this information with other cameras in the system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized control mechanisms, reducing system coordination complexity while maintaining high task execution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where cameras continuously report their idle time and task completion status to the network, and receive task allocation decisions based on this feedback. This decentralized feedback mechanism simplifies coordination by allowing each camera to make autonomous decisions based on real-time system state information.
3Loss of time
If cameras operate without utilizing other cameras' idle time, then individual camera operation remains simple, but time utilization deteriorates with idle periods wasted
Solution Approach 1:
Cameras proactively identify and report their idle time periods in advance to the network before actual idle periods occur. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-allocate tasks to cameras during their idle periods, maximizing time utilization without complicating the actual execution phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts task allocation based on real-time idle time availability of each camera. Rather than using static task assignment, cameras adapt their operational mode continuously - executing local tasks during busy periods and foreign tasks during idle periods - maintaining operational simplicity through adaptive behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a plurality of cameras in a communication network is provided. The method includes: controlling a camera to receive and analyze information about an idle time of each of at least one other camera; according to the analyzing, controlling the camera to transmit at least one task and/or information about the at least one task to the at least one other camera, wherein the idle time of each of the at least one other camera is set to a time remaining before each of the at least one other camera is configured to execute a task among one or more tasks or a sum of time durations at which no tasks are allocated to each of the at least one other camera.