Dynamic Storage Allocation for Multi-Camera Video Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital video systems face challenges in efficiently storing video data from multiple cameras over extended periods, as setting the long-term average bitrate too low results in poor video quality, while setting it too high leads to wasteful storage usage, necessitating improved methods for estimating storage needs and optimizing video data storage.
Innovation Solution
A method that partitions storage space into initial allotted portions for multiple cameras, dynamically adjusts video quality values based on storage needs, and redistributes storage space between cameras to maintain desired quality levels without manual intervention, using statistical estimations and quality parameter adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the long term average bit rate is set too low, then storage capacity is reduced, but video quality deteriorates for cameras with high motion scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage space redistribution among cameras based on real-time bitrate monitoring and scene complexity assessment. The storage controller continuously adjusts the storage space allocated to each camera, transitioning from static to dynamic allocation, allowing cameras with high motion scenes to receive more storage space when needed while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of storage space allocation dynamically based on camera performance metrics. By monitoring actual bitrate consumption and video quality parameters, the system adjusts storage space distribution, transforming the fixed storage allocation parameter into a variable one that adapts to changing conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the long term average bit rate is set too high, then video quality is maintained, but storage space is wasted on cameras with low motion scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts storage space allocation parameters based on actual camera usage patterns and scene complexity. By monitoring bitrate consumption and video quality metrics, the system reduces storage space allocation for cameras with low motion scenes while maintaining adequate quality, thereby reducing storage waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different storage space allocation strategies to different cameras based on their individual characteristics and scene requirements. Each camera receives customized storage space allocation rather than uniform distribution, allowing cameras with low motion scenes to use less storage space while cameras with high motion scenes receive more, optimizing overall system efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If uniform storage space is initially allocated to all cameras, then system setup is simplified, but storage efficiency decreases when camera needs vary
Solution Approach 1:
The system begins with static uniform storage allocation for simplified setup, then automatically transitions to dynamic allocation based on monitored camera performance. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain ease of initial operation while achieving storage efficiency through automated adaptation to varying camera needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller automatically monitors camera bitrate consumption and video quality, then autonomously redistributes storage space without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting storage efficiency opportunities and executing reallocation, eliminating the need for administrator involvement while optimizing storage utilization.
4Quantity of substance
If manual storage space reallocation is implemented, then storage efficiency can be improved, but system complexity and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage controller implements automated monitoring and reallocation of storage space based on camera bitrate consumption and video quality metrics. The system autonomously detects when reallocation is needed and executes the redistribution without requiring administrator intervention, thereby improving storage efficiency while avoiding increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors camera performance metrics including bitrate consumption and video quality, then uses this feedback to automatically adjust storage space allocation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to self-optimize storage efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration or administrative intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for storing video data includes three or more cameras and a storage space. The storage space is partitioned into an initial set of allotted portions for storing video data captured by the video cameras. A video quality value is set for encoding video by each camera, and it is periodically determined whether maintaining the video quality value would cause the camera to exceed the allotted portion of storage space. If it is determined that the amount of video data for a camera exceeds its allotment of space, the video quality is reduced. If it is determined that the video quality from a camera falls below a quality threshold, the storage space is re-partitioned into which increased storage space is allotted to the camera having a video quality that falls below the threshold value, and decreased storage space is allotted to at least one other camera.