Network Camera Ring Topology with STP Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network image surveillance systems have limited network configurations and complex wiring due to star- or tree-shaped topologies, often resulting in image disconnections due to CSMA/CD asynchronous communication.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a router into network cameras with optical cable physical layers and implementing a ring topology structure, using a network routing unit with Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) for data redundancy and error handling, and synchronizing data transmission with video frames to prevent interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a star-shaped or tree-shaped topology is used in conventional network image surveillance systems, then network configuration is limited and wiring becomes complicated, but the system can still maintain basic image transmission functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network camera units into a ring topology structure where each camera acts as both an imaging device and a network node. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated wiring infrastructure while providing flexible network configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring topology enables dynamic path selection for data transmission. When one path is unavailable, the system automatically routes data through the alternative path in the ring, providing adaptive network configuration without requiring complex manual wiring changes.
2Productivity
If CSMA/CD asynchronous communication is used in conventional network image surveillance systems, then basic data transmission is achieved, but image disconnections occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The ring topology structure ensures continuous data transmission by providing alternative paths. If one link fails, data flow continues through the opposite direction in the ring, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous image transmission without the disconnections characteristic of CSMA/CD systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant ring structure acts as a pre-prepared backup path. Before any failure occurs, the system already has an alternative transmission route available, cushioning against potential disruptions and ensuring uninterrupted image transmission.
3Speed
If optical cables are used for physical layers of network ports, then transmission speed and distance are improved, but the network topology becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The ring topology with optical cables creates a dynamic network where each node can transmit and receive data in both directions around the ring. This provides topology flexibility despite using optical cable constraints, as the logical configuration can adapt while maintaining high-speed physical transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A network camera and a network image surveillance system including the network camera are provided. The network camera may include: an image and audio encoding unit configured to convert an optical image incident from a lens, compress an audio signal from a microphone in a predetermined format, and generate compressed streaming data by encoding the converted image and the compressed audio signal; a network controlling unit configured to monitor an input and output status of the compressed streaming data, control a configuration of a packet of the compressed streaming data in accordance with a network quality of system (QoS), control synchronizing the compressed streaming data with a video frame, and transmit the synchronized streaming data; and a network routing unit configured to route input and output of the data via at least one network port and implement redundancy by using a Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).