Multi-room DVR Recording Attribution via Scheduling Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital video recorders (DVRs) do not distinguish which set-top box (STB) requested a recording or assign it to a specific user, leading to confusion in multi-room recording environments, where multiple devices and users can request recordings without clear attribution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a scheduling processor that maintains a scheduling list and recording list, which includes the user's name and the device that initiated the recording request, allowing proper messaging and user-level personalization, enabling users to identify which device and user requested a recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional DVR records program content without tracking which STB or user requested it, then the recording function is simple to implement, but user experience deteriorates due to inability to distinguish which device or user requested a recording
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments recording information by creating separate tracking fields for device identifier and user identifier in the recording list. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish which STB and which user requested each recording, improving user experience without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The DVR acts as an intermediary that receives requests from multiple STBs, tracks the device and user identifiers, and manages recording assignments. This intermediary role enables the system to maintain recording functionality while adding attribution tracking capability
2Loss of information
If the system tracks device and user information for each recording request, then recording attribution is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing device identifier and user identifier information at the time of the recording request, before the actual recording occurs. This preliminary data collection ensures attribution information is preserved without requiring complex real-time tracking during recording execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the essential attribution information (device ID and user ID) and stores it in the recording list alongside the recording schedule. This copying approach preserves attribution data without requiring the original STB or user to remain active or connected during recording execution
Data Source
AI summary
Scheduling may be provided. First, a first request to record a first program content may be received. The first request may be received from a first device and initiated by a first user. Next, in response to the received first request, a first entry may be added to a scheduling list. The first entry may correspond to the first request. Then, the first program content may be recorded according to the first entry in the scheduling list. In response to recording the first program content, a first indication may then be added to a recording list. The first indication may indicate that the first program content has been recorded.