Network Camera Host Device Error Recovery and Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring systems with multiple camera modules face challenges in efficiently processing and transmitting high-resolution image data while maintaining robustness against errors and power efficiency, especially when errors occur in network cameras or host devices.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a network camera with multiple camera modules, each equipped with an image signal processor, and a host device that can select a master camera module to continue operation during errors, combining image data and controlling power supply to ensure continuous monitoring. The host device also manages firmware upgrades and error detection, using a single IP address for multiple camera modules to transmit data efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple camera modules operate simultaneously to provide comprehensive monitoring coverage, then monitoring reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating state of camera modules based on monitoring needs. The host device can selectively activate or deactivate specific camera modules, transitioning them between active and power-saving states. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain monitoring reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic error detection and master camera selection capabilities that operate autonomously. When errors are detected in network cameras or host devices, the system automatically selects a master camera module to continue operation without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining monitoring reliability while enabling power optimization through automated module deactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of stationary object

If all camera modules remain active to ensure continuous monitoring during errors, then monitoring continuity is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring continuityVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-identifies and designates master camera modules before errors occur. The host device determines which camera modules have master rights in advance, so when errors are detected, the transition to backup cameras is immediate and seamless. This preliminary preparation ensures monitoring continuity while allowing non-master cameras to enter power-saving modes during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes redundant camera module relationships in advance, creating a cushion of backup capacity. When errors occur in network cameras or host devices, the pre-configured master camera modules can immediately take over, providing a cushion against monitoring interruptions while enabling power optimization during error-free periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a single IP address is used for multiple camera modules to simplify network configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but error detection and management become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration complexityVSAvoiderror detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The host device acts as an intermediary between the network and multiple camera modules sharing a single IP address. It manages communication with each camera module individually, routing commands and data appropriately. This intermediary role simplifies network configuration by presenting a unified interface while enabling the host to track and detect errors in individual camera modules through its internal management mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the host device receives status information from each camera module and uses this feedback to detect errors. The host can identify which specific camera module is experiencing issues by analyzing feedback data, even though they share a single IP address, thereby maintaining error detection capability while simplifying network configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3550831B1Image providing apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 HANWHA VISION CO LTD
  • EP3550831B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3550831B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3550831B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An image providing apparatus includes an internal communication interface configured to receive image data and camera setting information from a plurality of camera modules included in a network camera housing, and transmit a control signal to the plurality of camera modules; a processor configured to generate the control signal to control an operation of the plurality of camera modules, control a power supply to each of the plurality of camera modules, and generate combined image data by combining the image data obtained from the plurality of camera modules; and an external communication interface configured to transmit the combined image data to a client terminal via an Internet network.