DVR Recording Control via User Geolocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital Video Recorder (DVR) systems face limitations in managing storage capacity and user preferences for recording media content, particularly when users are away from their primary location, leading to inefficiencies in content recording and playback.

Innovation Solution

A content delivery system that integrates a recording control module, geolocation service, and user preference database to dynamically manage recording status based on user location and preferences, allowing for selective recording and playback of media content across various devices and networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the DVR device records all requested media content, then the user can access content at convenient times, but the storage capacity is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent recording flexibilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines user location in advance and pre-adjusts recording status before storage capacity is exceeded. By checking location and modifying recording status proactively, the system prevents storage overflow while maintaining recording flexibility for users who are away from home.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The recording status is made dynamic rather than static, changing based on real-time location data. When the user is detected to be away from home, the system dynamically adjusts recording status to allow additional content recording, adapting storage management to user circumstances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the DVR device allows users to program recording remotely, then user convenience is improved, but storage management becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote programming convenienceVSAvoidstorage management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic feedback loops where location data is continuously monitored and fed back to the recording control module. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual remote programming while efficiently managing storage by automatically adjusting recording status based on location feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The DVR device performs self-service by automatically determining location and adjusting recording status without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own storage capacity and location conditions, making autonomous decisions about content recording to optimize storage utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If the DVR device informs users when storage capacity is exceeded, then users are aware of storage status, but recording operations are interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage status awarenessVSAvoidrecording operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of waiting for storage capacity to be exceeded and then informing the user, the system takes preliminary action by proactively determining location and adjusting recording status before storage overflow occurs. This prevents recording interruptions while keeping users informed through automatic location-based decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8983273B2Selectively recording media content

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

An implementation of the subject matter described in this specification provides systems and methods for selectively recording media content. User preference data associated with media content may be stored, and a recording status associated with a media content item may be determined. A recording status indicates whether the media content item will be recorded by a digital recording device. A location associated with a user may also be determined, and the recording status associated with the media content item may be changed based at least in part on the determined location.