IP Camera SSD Storage for Multi-Camera Management Without VMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small installations of security cameras require additional resources and costs for local video management systems (VMS) and recording equipment, and without a local VMS, master cameras face overload managing multiple slave cameras.
Innovation Solution
An IP camera with inbuilt SSD storage and a management application that configures buckets for slave cameras, reduces processing load by allowing slave cameras to perform functions like media clip upload and live streaming, while the master camera maintains a passive role.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a local video management system (VMS) is installed to manage multiple slave cameras, then camera management capability is improved, but installation cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the VMS functionality with the master camera device itself. The master camera includes an SSD storage unit and management application that enable it to perform VMS functions such as media clip storage, live streaming, and event logging, thereby eliminating the need for a separate VMS server and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The master camera is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a camera device and as a VMS system. It can capture images, store them in SSD buckets organized by slave camera, stream live video, and manage multiple slave cameras simultaneously, making a single device perform the roles of both camera and management system
2Device complexity
If a master camera manages multiple slave cameras directly without a local VMS, then device complexity is reduced, but processing load on the master camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing tasks by introducing slave cameras with their own processors that independently handle image capture and initial processing. Each slave camera manages its own media clips and transmits only necessary data to the master camera, distributing the processing load across multiple devices rather than concentrating it on the master camera
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional resources are allocated for local VMS and recording equipment, then camera management capability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (camera capture, storage, VMS management, live streaming) into the master camera device. By integrating an SSD storage unit and management application directly in the master camera, the system eliminates the need for separate VMS servers, recording equipment, and additional licensing, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining full camera management capability
Data Source
AI summary
A camera includes: a processor configured to control a management application; and a storage module storing instructions, executable by the processor, and the management application, where the processor is configured to execute the instructions to: configure at least one bucket respectively corresponding to at least one slave camera in the storage module, respectively store data about media clips captured by the at least one slave camera in the at least one bucket.