DVR Recording Conflict Resolution via Remote User Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of digital video recorders (DVRs) face challenges in resolving recording conflicts, as existing systems often automatically prioritize recording timers without user input, potentially leading to missed preferred programs, especially when users are away from their DVR.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of communication methods between the DVR and a user's device, such as SMS, email, or phone calls, to notify and allow users to manually resolve recording conflicts by modifying conflicted timers based on their preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the DVR automatically resolves recording conflicts using pre-determined priority rules, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the user control and ability to record preferred programs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends notifications to the user's communication device when recording conflicts occur, allowing the user to review the conflict and provide feedback on their preferred resolution. The DVR then implements the user's choice, combining automated detection with human decision-making to maintain both ease of operation and user control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the DVR notifies the user of recording conflicts, then the user control improves, but the loss of time increases due to user intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively notifies the user of recording conflicts before they occur or as soon as they are detected, allowing the user to resolve the conflict at their convenience rather than discovering it later when time may be lost. The notification system enables timely awareness without requiring immediate user action.
3Productivity
If the DVR uses pre-determined priority rules for conflict resolution, then the productivity is maintained, but the measurement precision of user preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system provides feedback to the user about which programs are in conflict and what the automatic priority rules would select, allowing the user to verify and correct the system's interpretation of their preferences. This ensures accurate measurement and implementation of user preferences while maintaining efficient automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided which facilitate the resolution of recording conflicts of a digital video recorder (DVR). A DVR identifies a recording conflict between a first recording timer associated with a first television program and a second recording timer associated with a second television program. A communication is initiated to a communication device associated with a user of the digital video recorder to inform the user of the recording conflict. Responsive to the communication, the user provides information to the DVR via the communication device requesting to resolve the recording conflict. The DVR utilizes the provided information to modify one or more of the conflicted recording timers to resolve the conflict.