Distributed Video Storage via Peer-to-Peer Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of storing surveillance camera image information in traditional cloud storage systems, which increases with storage demands, necessitates a more cost-effective solution for redundancy and off-site storage.
Innovation Solution
A peer-to-peer system where image information from surveillance cameras is stored across multiple storage devices of different business entities, utilizing network video recorders and network cameras with local and peer storage, enabling selectable redundancy levels and encrypted data transfer between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cloud storage systems are used for surveillance camera image information, then remote access and storage capabilities are provided, but storage costs increase with storage demands
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple business entities merge their storage resources into a shared pool where each entity contributes storage capacity and receives storage services. This combines individual resources to create a collective system that provides cloud-like functionality without centralized commercial cloud infrastructure, reducing per-entity storage costs while maintaining remote access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Each storage device in the network serves dual functions: it stores image information for its own business entity locally and simultaneously provides storage capacity for other business entities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated commercial cloud storage infrastructure, as each device universally serves both local and remote storage needs.
2Ease of operation
If image information is stored locally on cameras or in local NVR, then access is convenient, but redundancy and off-site storage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Storage functionality is segmented into two distinct components within each device: local storage for immediate access and peer storage for redundant off-site storage. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide the convenience of local access and the reliability of distributed redundancy by separating these functions into different storage locations that work together.
Solution Approach 2:
The peer-to-peer network acts as an intermediary between local storage and remote redundancy requirements. When local storage is insufficient or fails, the network mediates by providing access to stored image information from other business entities, enabling seamless redundancy without requiring direct physical connection to multiple remote locations.
3Quantity of substance
If peer-to-peer storage arrangement is implemented, then storage costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each storage device automatically manages its own storage capacity, selectively receiving and storing image information from peer entities based on local availability. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized management systems, as each device independently makes storage decisions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If selectable redundancy levels are provided, then storage flexibility increases, but more storage devices are required for higher redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts redundancy levels based on individual business entity requirements and available storage capacity across the network. Each entity can select its preferred redundancy level, and the system adaptively allocates storage resources accordingly, allowing flexibility without requiring a fixed, over-provisioned infrastructure. This dynamic allocation optimizes the use of existing devices rather than requiring additional hardware for higher redundancy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for storing image information, such as video clips, across multiple storage devices of different business entities provides redundancy and off-site storage, but possibly without the costs associated with a traditional cloud storage system. In examples, a peer-to-peer arrangement is used. A user/customer accesses the image information via a web portal hosted by their business entity or the operator of the system or accesses the image information from a mobile device.