Distributed Video Management System for Scalable Camera Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network video recorder (NVR) systems are inefficient in scaling with the addition of network cameras, requiring increased bandwidth and computing resources, and are prone to single points of failure, making them costly and unreliable for large-scale deployments.
Innovation Solution
A distributed video management system that assigns network cameras to either a storage service or a network video collector based on their capabilities, allowing for efficient scaling, reduced NVR requirements, and server-less video recording and streaming, utilizing a scalable and reliable storage infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NVRs are used to store video from network cameras, then video recording and management is achieved, but the system becomes costly and difficult to scale as more cameras are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized NVR system into distributed storage units. Each network camera is assigned to a specific storage unit, creating a segmented architecture where video data is distributed across multiple independent storage nodes rather than consolidated in a single NVR. This segmentation eliminates the scaling limitations of centralized NVRs while maintaining reliable video recording through redundant distributed storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling network cameras to directly upload video data to assigned storage units without requiring centralized NVR mediation. The cameras autonomously manage their video data transmission and storage, eliminating the need for expensive NVR infrastructure while maintaining reliable recording through direct camera-to-storage communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more network cameras are added to the network, then surveillance coverage is improved, but bandwidth requirements and computing resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments video data traffic by assigning specific cameras to specific storage units, creating dedicated data pathways. This segmentation prevents bandwidth contention and distributes computing load across multiple independent storage nodes, allowing the system to scale to hundreds of cameras without proportionally increasing overall bandwidth and resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by having cameras upload video data directly to their assigned storage units without requiring full NVR processing capabilities. This partial upload approach reduces the computing resources and bandwidth required at each node, enabling scalable deployment across large numbers of cameras while maintaining adequate surveillance coverage.
3Ease of operation
If centralized NVR systems are used, then video management is simplified, but single points of failure can be catastrophic to system uptime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video management function across multiple distributed storage units, eliminating the single point of failure inherent in centralized NVR systems. Each storage unit independently manages video data for assigned cameras, so failures in one unit do not affect overall system uptime. The segmented architecture maintains operational simplicity through automated camera-to-storage unit assignment and direct upload protocols.
4Reliability
If dedicated NVR infrastructure is deployed, then video recording capability is ensured, but the cost of maintenance and infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling network cameras to autonomously upload and store video data directly to assigned storage units without requiring dedicated NVR infrastructure. This eliminates expensive NVR hardware, maintenance costs, and specialized infrastructure while ensuring reliable video recording through direct camera-to-storage communication and automated data management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, long-lived NVR infrastructure with simpler, distributed storage units that can be implemented using standard, cost-effective hardware. The system achieves reliable video recording using inexpensive storage nodes rather than costly dedicated NVR appliances, significantly reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining recording capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for distributed video and network camera management. A video management system is described that determines the capabilities of a network camera as it is added or on-boarded to a network. Depending on the capabilities of the network camera, the network camera may be assigned to one of a network video collector or a remote storage service for storing video data generated by the network camera.