Networked Broadcast Receiver Data Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering broadcast programming do not efficiently manage and synchronize data related to programming across multiple receivers, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in accessing and recording content.
Innovation Solution
A networked system of broadcast programming receivers that utilize communication networks to transfer data such as event information, recording settings, and security information between receivers, allowing for synchronized access and recording capabilities across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data related to broadcast programming is stored locally in each receiver, then each receiver can independently access programming information, but data inconsistencies and synchronization issues arise across multiple receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data storage and management functions of multiple receivers into a centralized database accessible via communication network. The system combines the local databases of individual receivers with a central database, allowing all receivers to access synchronized programming information, event data, and recording settings through network communication, thereby eliminating data inconsistencies while maintaining independent access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between multiple receivers and the central database. This intermediary facilitates efficient data transfer and synchronization by mediating access requests from various receivers to the centralized data storage, ensuring consistent data distribution without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between receivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receivers are deployed in a home network, then programming access is enhanced across multiple rooms, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data management system where a single centralized database serves multiple receivers across different locations. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including program guide access, recording settings management, and data synchronization for all receivers through a unified interface, eliminating the need for separate data management systems at each receiver location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses data copying mechanisms where the centralized database maintains master copies of programming information, event data, and recording settings. These data copies are efficiently distributed to multiple receivers via the communication network, allowing each receiver to access identical synchronized data without requiring independent storage of all programming information.
3Productivity
If recording settings are managed independently at each receiver, then each receiver can control its own DVR storage, but storage optimization and coordination across receivers become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the recording settings management of multiple receivers into a centralized system. The centralized database consolidates recording schedules, storage allocations, and DVR settings from all receivers, enabling coordinated management of total storage capacity across the network while maintaining individual receiver recording capabilities and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A broadcast programming receiver is provided which includes a broadcast programming interface, a memory, a communication network interface, and output circuitry. The broadcast programming interface is configured to receive broadcast programming, while the output circuitry is configured to transfer the broadcast programming to an output device. The memory is configured to store data related to the broadcast programming. In one embodiment, the communication network interface is configured to receive the data related to the broadcast programming over a communication network from a second broadcast programming receiver and transfer the data to the memory. In another implementation, the communication network interface is configured to receive the data from the memory and send the data over the communication network to a second broadcast programming receiver.