Digital Video Recorder Dynamic Recording Schedule Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) face resource conflicts when users attempt to record multiple programs simultaneously due to limited resources such as tuners, processing power, and memory, leading to recording failures.

Innovation Solution

The DVR dynamically adjusts recording schedules by setting open recording requests that seek additional scheduling data for alternative broadcast times, allowing for optimal utilization of resources and resolving conflicts by rescheduling recordings based on available information from Electronic Programming Guides (EPGs).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a user attempts to record more programs at the same time than the DVR's limited resources can handle, then the user's recording demand is increased, but recording conflicts occur and some programs cannot be recorded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of programs recordedVSAvoidrecording success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts recording schedules by monitoring resource availability and automatically rescheduling recordings when conflicts are detected. The recording schedule is not fixed but adaptable, allowing the DVR to optimize resource utilization in real-time based on current system state and resource capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors resource usage (tuners, processing power, memory) and uses this feedback to make intelligent scheduling decisions. When resource conflicts are detected, the system responds by rescheduling recordings to times when resources are available, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains recording success rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the DVR uses limited resources (tuners, processing power, memory) to record multiple programs, then resource utilization is increased, but resource conflicts create recording failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidrecording reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checks of resource availability before committing to a recording schedule. By anticipating resource conflicts in advance and proactively rescheduling recordings, the system prevents recording failures rather than reacting to them after they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The DVR automatically manages its own resource allocation and scheduling without external intervention. The system monitors its own resource state, detects conflicts, and autonomously adjusts schedules to maintain optimal resource utilization while ensuring recording reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the DVR automatically reschedules recordings to resolve conflicts, then recording success rate is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecording success rateVSAvoidscheduling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling system is fully automated and self-managing, requiring no user intervention for conflict resolution. The DVR autonomously monitors resources, detects conflicts, and reschedules recordings, which simplifies the user interface while managing complexity internally through automated algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts scheduling parameters (recording times, resource allocation) dynamically based on current system state. By changing these parameters automatically through algorithmic decision-making, the system resolves conflicts without requiring complex manual configuration or user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2681907B1Apparatus and methods for dynamically optimizing recording schedules
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 ECHOSTAR TECH LLC
  • EP2681907B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2681907B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2681907B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

In embodiments disclosed herein, television recording schedules are automatically adjusted in a digital video recording system. In at least one embodiment, the digital video recording system receives a first request to record a first program at the digital video recording system and a second recording request to record a second program at the digital video recording system. The system determines that there are insufficient resources to fulfill both the first and second recording requests. The system may set an open recording request for at least one of the first and second programs, which seeks additional scheduling data corresponding to at least one of the programs. Subsequent additional data may be received to fulfill the open recording request. In some embodiments, recording requests may be automatically rescheduled to more optimal recording times.