Cloud Storage Expansion Apparatus for Video Recorder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video recorders require frequent insertion and removal of flash cards for video recording and storage, which is inconvenient and prone to data loss, especially for users who do not want to replace the device. Additionally, the need for complex and costly systems to manage video and cloud data uploads raises environmental and financial concerns.

Innovation Solution

A cloud storage expansion apparatus for video recorders that simulates a flash card, allowing remote backup and upload of video files to a cloud space without the need for frequent card insertion or removal. This apparatus includes a body with a circuit board, a flash card circuit unit, a wireless communication module, and a controller that detects active signals and manages access rights to ensure seamless data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a flash card is used for video storage in a video recorder, then video recording capacity is improved, but the convenience of operation deteriorates due to frequent insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo storage capacityVSAvoidconvenience of flash card insertion and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual flash card interface that copies the functionality of a physical flash card. The dummy card connector emulates the physical card's interface, allowing the system to access storage capacity without requiring actual physical insertion or removal of flash cards, thus resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and operational convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dummy card connector as an intermediary component between the video recorder and the flash card slot. This intermediary simulates the presence of a real flash card, enabling the recorder to recognize and access storage capacity while eliminating the need for users to physically handle and insert/remove actual flash cards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If a small flash card is used for video storage, then the device size is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to ease of loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash card sizeVSAvoidrisk of losing flash card

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual representation of the flash card that maintains the small form factor benefit while eliminating the physical object that could be lost. The dummy card connector provides the necessary interface and functionality without requiring a physical card that users could accidentally lose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex operating system with multiple processes is used to manage video and cloud upload, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo and cloud upload processing capabilityVSAvoidoperating system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the video recording function and cloud upload function into a single integrated process handled by one thread. Instead of using separate processes or threads for video processing and cloud data upload, the system combines these operations, reducing the complexity of the operating system while maintaining both functionalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single thread in the patent performs multiple functions: it handles video recording, manages the dummy card connector, and processes cloud uploads. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated processes for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Power

If a powerful processor is used to handle video and data uploads, then the processing capability is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor processing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging video processing and cloud upload operations into a single thread, the patent reduces the computational burden on the processor. The integrated approach eliminates the need for a powerful multi-threaded processor, allowing the use of a simpler, more cost-effective processor that can handle combined operations efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12279076B2Cloud storage expansion apparatus of video recorder

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 MA CHIA-HUNG

AI summary

A cloud storage expansion apparatus for a video recorder is provided, wherein the cloud storage expansion apparatus comprises: a body having a circuit board, a flash card circuit unit, a dummy card connector, a wireless communication module, a detection module, and a controller electrically connected to the circuit board, wherein the dummy card connector is removably connected to a flash card slot of a video recorder and electrically connected to a communication interface of the flash card slot; the wireless communication module is connected to a cloud space; the detection module detects whether there is an active signal in the communication interface.