Distributed Video Surveillance Network with Local Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video surveillance systems are vulnerable to tampering and sabotage, as the location of recording equipment can be easily deduced and accessed, leading to potential destruction of evidence, and transitioning to digital systems does not inherently improve security while being costly.
Innovation Solution
A network of digital video cameras equipped with local solid-state storage and wireless data networks, allowing each camera to record and transmit video data to multiple peers and a central storage, creating multiple copies of recordings, making it difficult to eliminate all evidence during a security breach and increasing security without significant additional cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If video recording equipment is centralized in one location, then the system is easier to manage and maintain, but the recordings become vulnerable to tampering and destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized recording system into multiple distributed recording units (cameras with local storage). Each camera independently stores video data locally, eliminating the single point of failure. This segmentation allows the system to maintain security even if some recording units are compromised, as evidence is preserved across multiple locations.
2Reliability
If multiple recorders are installed to increase security, then the protection of recordings is improved, but the cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each camera unit multi-functional by equipping it with both recording capabilities and local storage. Each camera serves as both a surveillance device and a secure recording station, eliminating the need for separate recorder devices. This universal approach provides enhanced security through distribution while avoiding the complexity and cost of adding dedicated recording equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital video systems are implemented, then the versatility and efficiency are improved, but the vulnerability to tampering and sabotage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by pre-distributing recorded video data across multiple camera locations before any tampering can occur. The system proactively creates redundant copies of video evidence and stores them at different physical locations, so that even if an attacker compromises the digital network or central storage, the evidence remains protected at distributed locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A network of surveillance digital video cameras is provided. Each camera records video data and provides the video recordings to other networked cameras as well as to a central video storage. The instantly created plurality of copies of surveillance video recordings adds a great degree of difficulty for attempts to eliminate all of the individual camera's recordings during a security breach. Each networked camera is equipped with its own integrated storage device capable of holding several hours of recorded video footage. The networked cameras can exchange copies video data and store it locally on integrated storages.