Patent originally filed on November 9, 2011, was published online on July 22, 2014. The patent’s assignee for patent number 8787725 is Honeywell International Inc. (Morristown, NJ). ABSTRACT – Described herein are systems and methods for managing video data. Embodiments are described by reference to a Digital Video Management (DVM) system, for example methods for controlling a DVM system. In overview, the present technology relates to the ability of an operator to modify a system alert level in the context of a DVM system, thereby to reduce the need for manual interaction in times of high alert.

This may be achieved by implementing a system alert level controller via a graphical user interface.

Increasing the system alert level, at least in some embodiments, correspondingly increases system resource consumption, for example by automating various actions (such as record) or increasing the amount/quality of recordings made.

In effect, the system is temporarily operated on a high-cost basis thereby to assist manage risk during times of high alert by reducing reliance on the operator.

Digital Video Management (DVM) systems, such as those based on the Honeywell DVM model, are widely used.

In overview, a plurality of cameras are assigned to a plurality of camera servers, with each camera server being configured to make available (for live viewing or recording purposes) video data from an assigned one or more cameras.

The camera servers are all centrally managed by a DVM database server.

"Configuration of video surveillance systems is often a compromise due to the high bandwidth nature of the artifacts (network and CPU usage for live and storage for recorded video).

Operator controls can counter the limitations, for example allowing an operator to manually adjust settings due to an observed situation.

However, in times of high alert, video surveillance system operators are under considerable pressure to maintain situational awareness; effectively manage the circumstances of an incident; and capture sufficient data for legal and practical reasons.

In such high alert situations, a requirement for manual activity creates another compromise, this time between the operator’s ability to maintain his/her situational awareness, and the capturing sufficient useful data.