DVR Remote Device Location Detection and Automatic Program Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital video recorders (DVRs) limit viewing to a single connected device, interrupting playback when a user leaves the vicinity of the primary display to access a remote device, as they cannot continue watching a program without pausing or rewinding.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows a DVR to determine the location of a remote device relative to the primary display and automatically transmit programming to the remote device when it is outside a predefined area, enabling continuous viewing without interrupting the primary display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If viewing is limited to the primary display connected to the DVR, then the system complexity is low, but the user cannot continue watching when leaving the vicinity of the primary display
Solution Approach 1:
The DVR system is enhanced to support multiple display devices simultaneously. The system can transmit program data to both the primary display and remote devices, allowing the same content to be viewed on multiple screens at once, thus providing universal viewing capability across different devices and locations
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary is introduced between the DVR and remote devices. This intermediary enables automatic detection of device location and facilitates seamless transmission of program data without requiring direct physical connection or manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between viewing flexibility and system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the DVR transmits program data to multiple devices simultaneously, then viewing flexibility is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements location-based quality differentiation. When a remote device is detected outside the predefined area, the DVR transmits program data to that device. When the device returns inside the area, transmission is ceased. This local quality approach ensures bandwidth is consumed only when and where needed, optimizing resource usage while maintaining multi-device viewing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts data transmission based on real-time location conditions. The DVR continuously monitors the position of remote devices and automatically starts or stops transmission accordingly. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt bandwidth consumption to actual viewing needs, preventing waste while supporting flexible multi-device access
3Ease of operation
If the DVR automatically detects remote device location and transmits data, then continuous viewing is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DVR system performs self-service through automatic location detection and data transmission. The system autonomously monitors remote device positions, determines when transmission should occur, and executes the transmission without user intervention. This self-service capability simplifies operation for users while the underlying automation handles the complexity of coordination and resource management
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is described that includes determining that a remote device has moved outside of a pre-defined area associated with a digital video recorder (DVR), and transmitting program data from the DVR to the remote device while the remote device remains outside of the pre-defined area. Another approach includes a digital video recorder (DVR) having a memory and a processor. The DVR operates to: receive an incoming transmission signal; transmit a selected program to a primary display device; determine that a remote device has moved outside of a pre-defined area; and transmit program data corresponding to the selected program to the remote device while the remote device remains outside of the pre-defined area.