DVR Content Corruption Detection and Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital video recorders (DVRs) often record corrupted content due to inclement weather or power outages, leading to poor reception and quality issues, for which existing technologies lack effective detection and correction methods.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that includes a DVR unit with a content corruption detection unit, user notification system, and content correction unit, which detects corrupted content using various methods (signal strength, power outage, user demarcation, and checksum analysis) and notifies users, allowing for the replacement of corrupted segments with uncorrupted content from a content provider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DVR records broadcasted content continuously, then recording completeness is improved, but corruption risk increases due to weather or power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting corruption during the recording process itself, rather than waiting until playback. The corruption detection unit continuously monitors recorded content and identifies corrupted segments in real-time, allowing for immediate notification and potential re-recording before the user attempts to view the content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by notifying the user about corrupted recordings through multiple channels (on-screen messages, icons, lights). This feedback loop allows users to be aware of recording issues and take appropriate actions such as re-recording or skipping advertisements to obtain clean copies.
2Measurement precision
If DVR detects and notifies users of corrupted content, then content quality control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DVR system performs multiple functions using existing components: the corruption detection unit leverages the existing MPEG decoding capability, the notification system uses the existing user interface and display components, and the re-recording function utilizes the existing tuner and recorder. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding significant hardware complexity while achieving corruption detection and management.
3Reliability
If DVR replaces corrupted segments with uncorrupted content, then recording quality is improved, but time to obtain complete content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies skipping by allowing users to fast-forward through corrupted segments or advertisements during playback. Users can quickly skip through known problematic areas without having to wait for re-recording, thereby reducing the perceived time loss while maintaining access to the essential content.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include a method that comprises receiving a request to record television content on a specified channel for a specified period of time. The method can also include tuning to the specified channel at the specified time, and recording the specified content. The method can also include determining that one or more segments of the television content is corrupted. The method can also include presenting a notification indicating that some of the television content is corrupted, retuning to the specified channel made by the request, and acquiring uncorrupted television content for use in replacing the one or more segments of corrupted television content.