Video Surveillance Load Balancing via Storage Ratio

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Solution Overview

Problem

In video surveillance systems, load imbalance between devices leads to a short device lifecycle due to overload or waste of storage space resources caused by underload, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A load balancing method that automatically determines a balancing policy based on the space occupation ratios of devices, using a cluster management unit and status reporter to schedule tasks and allocate resources, thereby implementing load balancing without manual planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single NVR is used for centralized management, then device management is simplified, but the NVR cannot support bitstream storage of massive cameras due to limited storage space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized managementVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the storage function from the management function by introducing storage devices as separate entities in the stacked networking architecture. Multiple NVRs can be stacked to provide distributed storage capacity while maintaining centralized management through the stacked networking interface, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified management and adequate storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If NVRs are stacked for large-capacity storage, then storage space increases, but load balancing cannot be implemented due to different computing capabilities and storage spaces of individual NVRs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidload balancing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the weight parameters in the fitness function based on each NVR's actual storage capacity and computing capabilities. This allows the load balancing algorithm to adapt to heterogeneous NVR configurations in the stack, enabling effective load distribution despite differences in individual device parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual planning is used to allocate storage space, then load distribution can be controlled, but it increases operational complexity and cannot dynamically adapt to changing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution controlVSAvoidmanual planning requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through the proposed load balancing algorithm that automatically calculates fitness values and determines optimal load distribution based on real-time NVR status. The algorithm autonomously adapts to changing conditions without manual intervention, eliminating the need for complex manual planning while maintaining reliable load distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If all IPCs transmit bitstreams to the NVR, then video recording requirements are met, but the NVR requires relatively strong access capability and sufficient storage space that a single NVR cannot provide

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo recording capabilityVSAvoidaccess capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple NVRs into a stacked networking architecture, where the collective storage capacity and access capability of multiple NVRs exceed those of a single NVR. This enables the system to handle bitstream storage from massive cameras while maintaining reliable video recording capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3361703B1Load balancing method, related device and system
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3361703B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3361703B1 patent drawingFigure 1d
  • EP3361703B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a load balancing method. The load balancing method is applied to a video surveillance system, to resolve a prior-art problem of load imbalance and implement load balancing between devices in the video surveillance system. The method in the embodiments of the present invention includes: when a first device detects that load imbalance exists between the first device and a second device, obtaining, by the first device, first status information of the first device and first status information of the second device; when neither a value corresponding to the first status information of the first device nor a value corresponding to the first status information of the second device is greater than a preset threshold, obtaining, by the first device, second status information of the first device and second status information of the second device; calculating, by the first device, a space occupation ratio of the first device and a space occupation ratio of the second device respectively according to the second status information of the first device and the second status information of the second device; determining, by the first device, a balancing policy according to the space occupation ratio of the first device and the space occupation ratio of the second device; and performing, by the first device, scheduling according to the balancing policy, to implement load balancing between the first device and the second device.