Network Camera Configuration via Central Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex network-enabled camera systems often suffer from misconfigurations due to the high burden of individual camera configuration, leading to potential security gaps that may not be noticed until an emergency situation, especially in large-scale surveillance setups like prisons, airports, and public buildings.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring network-enabled cameras using a central unit to form groups based on configuration parameter values, allowing automatic reconfiguration of cameras upon group changes, with features like dynamic grouping, priority management, and translation of configuration values for different camera types, ensuring easy and accurate configuration without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual configuration of each camera is performed manually, then configuration completeness can be ensured, but the installation burden and time consumption increase massively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration of multiple cameras into a single group configuration operation. By grouping cameras with similar functions and locations, a single configuration action applies to all cameras in the group simultaneously, reducing installation time while maintaining configuration completeness through the group management mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the camera system into hierarchical groups (e.g., region groups, camera groups) that can be configured independently. This segmentation allows administrators to manage large numbers of cameras by working with smaller logical units, reducing the time burden while ensuring complete coverage through systematic group configuration.
2Ease of operation
If configuration parameters are standardized across all cameras, then configuration simplicity increases, but adaptability to different surveillance scenarios decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different configuration parameters to have different levels of standardization. Common parameters (e.g., resolution, frame rate) are standardized across groups for simplicity, while scenario-specific parameters (e.g., sensitivity, detection algorithms) can be customized for each group to maintain adaptability to different surveillance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capabilities where group configurations can be adjusted based on different scenarios and conditions. The system allows flexible modification of configuration parameters at both group and individual camera levels, enabling the same configuration framework to adapt to varying surveillance requirements without sacrificing operational simplicity.
3Loss of time
If automatic configuration is implemented, then installation time is reduced, but configuration accuracy and error detection capability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that automatically detect configuration errors and provide correction suggestions. The system monitors configuration parameters, compares them against predefined standards and best practices, and provides real-time feedback to administrators, maintaining high configuration accuracy while preserving the speed benefits of automated configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring template settings and validation rules before actual camera configuration. Common configuration patterns and error prevention mechanisms are established in advance, allowing automatic configuration to proceed quickly while built-in validation ensures configuration accuracy and detects potential errors before they affect system operation.
4Reliability
If comprehensive configuration validation is performed, then configuration reliability improves, but the complexity of the configuration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments validation into hierarchical levels (group level and camera level) and organizational categories (mandatory checks, recommended checks, scenario-specific checks). This segmentation distributes validation complexity across multiple manageable layers, maintaining high configuration reliability while preventing overwhelming system complexity through structured organization of validation rules.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system 1 comprising network-enabled surveillance cameras (PLC1-10, OfficeC1-OfficeC20 and SCC1-10). These cameras can be configured via the network with respect to a plurality of parameters such as their resolution “RES”, frame rate FR and microphone sensitivity μ.A method for configuring these cameras is disclosed, wherein a central unit CU determines values for a plurality of configuration parameters for each of a plurality of network-enabled cameras, camera groups are automatically formed among the plurality of network-enabled cameras on the basis of the configuration parameter values, camera representations are displayed to the user based on the grouping, a user input for changing the assignment of a camera from a first group to a second group is detected, a reconfiguration instruction for changing at least one configuration parameter based on the group assignment is automatically generated in response to said user input and the reconfiguration instruction is sent to the camera via the network.