Server-Based DVR Schedule Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Digital Video Recorder (DVR) systems require users to manually reconfigure program recording schedules when replacing or managing multiple DVR systems, leading to tedious and time-consuming tasks due to the lack of centralized management and synchronization of recording schedules across devices.
Innovation Solution
A program recording schedule management system that allows users to create and synchronize repeat recording schedules across multiple DVR systems via a remote server, enabling efficient configuration and management of recording schedules without the need for manual recreation, and automatically allocates recording tasks based on resource availability and capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually reconfigure program recording schedules when replacing or managing multiple DVR systems, then each DVR system can be independently configured, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming due to duplication of effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by enabling users to copy recording schedules from one DVR system to another. The schedule manager allows retrieval of schedules from source DVR systems and their transfer to target DVR systems, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration while maintaining independent system operation. This directly addresses the time loss problem by automating the schedule transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a schedule manager as an intermediary system that mediates between multiple DVR systems. This centralised management platform enables users to view, copy, and transfer schedules across different DVR systems without direct manual intervention at each device. The intermediary automates the transfer process and resolves the contradiction by providing centralized control while maintaining system independence.
2Ease of operation
If users separately configure each DVR system with program recording schedules, then each system operates independently, but duplicative work increases when managing multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a schedule manager that serves multiple DVR systems simultaneously. This single platform provides universal functionality for managing schedules across different devices, allowing users to perform operations on multiple systems through one interface. The multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate configuration processes for each DVR system while maintaining their independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the configuration management functions for multiple DVR systems into a single unified platform. By combining schedule viewing, copying, and transfer operations into one integrated system, the patent reduces the complexity of managing multiple independent systems. Users can handle multiple DVR systems through consolidated operations rather than separate configuration processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If recorded programs are copied between DVR systems, then programs can be accessed on different devices, but copyright restrictions and data size prevent viable copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying at the schedule level rather than at the program level. Instead of copying actual recorded programs which are blocked by copyright and data size constraints, the system copies only the scheduling information (program guides, timing, channel data) between DVR systems. This enables program accessibility on multiple devices while avoiding the harmful factors of copyright infringement and large data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential scheduling metadata from the complete program data. By taking out only the program guide information, channel identifiers, and timing data while excluding the actual recorded content, the system enables cross-device program accessibility without violating copyright restrictions or dealing with prohibitive data sizes. The extraction approach preserves adaptability while eliminating harmful copying barriers.
Data Source
AI summary
A multimedia program recording schedule manager for DVR systems is described. In a first embodiment, for example, a method implemented by one or more server computing devices, the method comprising: receiving input selecting a particular DVR system; receiving input selecting a particular multimedia program for the particular DVR system to record on a repeat basis; adding the particular multimedia program to a server-side instance of a repeat recording schedule for the particular DVR system; and synchronizing the server-side instance of the repeat recording schedule with another instance of a repeat recording schedule for the particular DVR system resulting in the addition of the particular multimedia program to the other instance of the repeat recording schedule. In one embodiment, the other instance of the repeat recording schedule for the particular DVR system is a data component of the particular DVR system.