Conflict manager for a video recorder

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a conflict manager for a personal video recorder. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set-top box having an internal hard drive or other storage device where broadcasts are transferred to the storage device. The set-top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The IPG displays a list of broadcasts that are available by tuning to different channels. The GUI allows the user to navigate the IPG, for instance, by viewing different times and dates for broadcasts. The GUI also allows the user to activate a video recorder within the set-top box, by navigating the IPG and selecting broadcasts to later transfer to the storage device. The user may select multiple broadcasts to transfer, may repeatedly transfer the same program, or may repeatedly transfer the same program in a series. When a conflict arises the present invention is configured to automatically or manually resolve the conflict.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 374,868 filed on Apr. 23, 2002COPYRIGHT STATEMENT[0002]All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates generally to systems that transfer broadcast content to volatile and / or non-volatile storage devices.[0005]2. Background of the Invention[0006]The storage and retrieval of broadcast content gained major popularity with the advent of the VCR. A user was able to tune their television to a station that had a program that th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a conflict manager for a video recorder. It allows users to navigate through a program guide and select broadcasts to transfer to a storage device for viewing at a later time. The system automatically assigns priorities to each show and solves conflicts based on the priorities. It also searches for future broadcasts of the same scheduled shows that are in conflict and delays the transfer of those shows to the storage device until their later occurrence. The system uses lists to resolve conflicts and allows users to manually or automatically resolve the conflicts. The technical effects of the invention include improved user experience, efficient use of storage space, and improved management of video content.

Problems solved by technology

If the system finds one of the conflicting shows later in the IPG, it delays the transfer of that show to the storage device until its later occurrence.

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