IP Camera Master-Slave Configuration for CCTV Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CCTV surveillance systems require time-consuming and error-prone manual configuration and reconfiguration of camera settings, necessitating trained personnel and increasing initial and maintenance costs, especially in large-scale installations.
Innovation Solution
An IP-based CCTV system that allows remote configuration and reconfiguration of camera settings through a master unit, where settings are automatically copied to other units within the same group, reducing the need for active user intervention and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed for each camera individually, then configuration precision is maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a master-slave configuration where settings from a master camera can be automatically copied to multiple slave cameras. This allows configuration data to be replicated across multiple units simultaneously, dramatically reducing configuration time while maintaining consistency and precision across all cameras in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the configuration control of multiple cameras into a single master unit. By combining the configuration functions of multiple slave cameras under one master camera's management, the system enables centralized configuration that reduces time loss while maintaining configuration precision through the master-slave relationship.
2Manufacturing precision
If trained personnel perform on-location configuration for each camera, then configuration accuracy is ensured, but initial system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables cameras to configure themselves automatically through the master-slave mechanism. Slave cameras can automatically acquire and apply configuration settings from the master camera without requiring trained personnel to visit each location, thereby maintaining configuration accuracy while eliminating the need for expensive on-site technical expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
By copying proven configuration settings from a master camera to multiple slave cameras, the system ensures configuration accuracy is replicated consistently across all units without requiring trained personnel at each location, thus reducing initial system costs while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If technicians visit each camera location for updates, then setting accuracy is maintained, but maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master-slave configuration system allows slave cameras to automatically update their settings by copying from the master camera remotely. This self-service capability eliminates the need for technicians to physically visit each camera location for updates, maintaining setting accuracy through automated replication while significantly reducing maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The master camera acts as an intermediary that mediates the configuration updates between the control system and multiple slave cameras. This intermediary mechanism allows accurate setting propagation to multiple cameras simultaneously without requiring direct technician intervention at each location, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing maintenance costs.
4Reliability
If individual camera configuration is performed manually, then configuration integrity is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration operations of multiple cameras into a single master-slave system. By combining the configuration control functions and establishing a hierarchical master-slave relationship, the system maintains configuration integrity across all units while reducing operational complexity through centralized management and automated setting propagation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of setting configurations for individual encoders and cameras in closed circuit television (CCTV) systems, for example surveillance and security systems comprising a plurality of cameras. One aspect of the disclosed invention is a system for configuring/reconfiguring the settings of remote units in an Internet Protocol (IP) based CCTV system. The system may include a configuration device and a plurality of remotely located units dispersed in a region of interest. The plurality of remotely located units may include one or more groups, each group including units of the same type. Each remote unit in the system may include logic and software for operating its components, as well as communication components allowing transfer of information over a network to and from the configuration device and the other remote units in the system.