Multi-Tier Video Storage for Long-Retention Surveillance Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video surveillance systems require human intervention and additional steps to recall, display, and playback recorded video, and they often manipulate or reduce video data to manage storage capacity, which compromises video integrity and usability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tiered video storage system using traditional hard disk storage and digital computer data tape, managed by video management software (VMS) that automatically replicates and retrieves video data without altering the original content, allowing seamless playback and review without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If video data is stored on a single storage device, then storage capacity is sufficient for current needs, but storage scalability is limited and video data loss risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides video storage into multiple segments across different storage devices (primary storage device and secondary storage device). Video data from multiple cameras is segmented and distributed across these devices, so that failure of one device does not result in complete data loss. This segmentation approach simultaneously increases storage capacity and enhances reliability through redundancy.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If video data is archived to extend retention period, then video data retention time increases, but video playback requires additional human intervention and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated video management system that performs self-service operations for video archiving and retrieval. The system automatically transfers video data from primary to secondary storage based on retention policies, and automatically retrieves archived video for playback without requiring human intervention. This maintains extended retention periods while preserving ease of operation.
3Quantity of substance
If video data is compressed or manipulated to reduce file size, then storage capacity efficiency improves, but video quality and integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates exact copies of video data and stores them across multiple storage devices without compression or manipulation. The primary storage device holds original video data, while the secondary storage device holds identical copies. This copying approach maintains video quality and integrity while improving storage efficiency through distributed storage and redundancy.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple storage devices are used to increase capacity, then video storage scalability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the secondary storage device to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an archive storage for long-term retention and as a backup for disaster recovery. The same hardware infrastructure supports both video archiving and redundancy functions, reducing overall system complexity despite using multiple storage devices. The storage management software provides a unified interface for managing both devices.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to video surveillance management solutions. More specifically this invention relates to the integration of multiple tiers of dissimilar computer data storage technologies in such a manner to deliver longer term video retention and easy video playback. The device captures video data from multiple surveillance cameras and stores it on computer hard drive and then replicates to a second tier of digital data tape storage. Video retention policies are determined from parameters for the number of cameras, frame rates, resolution, and number of days of video retention desired. Storage procedures are set for multiple tiers of video storage that will allow for the highest quality video to be recorded without alteration or manipulation. A human video operator will then have the ability to select any available recorded video under management and have that video retrieved and available for display and playback without any additional steps or human interaction.