DVR State Cache for Set-Top Box Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Digital video recorders (DVRs) face challenges in providing fast response times and reducing network bandwidth requirements, as they often rely on accessing large databases for recording schedules and metadata, which can lead to delays and increased network traffic when multiple set-top boxes need to synchronize this information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a digital video recorder control database maintains and pushes a subset of its data, including recording schedules and metadata, for local caching on set-top boxes, allowing for immediate updates and reducing the need for constant network access, with additional caching of bookmark information for quick access to user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If digital video recorders rely on accessing large databases for recording schedules and metadata over the network, then centralized data management is maintained, but response times are delayed and network bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pushing data from the DVR control database to set-top box caches before it is actually needed. The system proactively updates caches with recording schedules and metadata in advance, so that when users access this information, it is already available locally without requiring real-time network access. This eliminates delays and reduces network bandwidth usage during actual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating local replicas of the DVR control database on set-top boxes. Instead of requiring all set-top boxes to access the central database over the network, each box maintains a local cache copy of critical data including recording schedules and metadata. This allows fast local access while reducing network traffic, as only cache synchronization updates need to traverse the network.
2Reliability
If multiple set-top boxes constantly synchronize with the central database, then data consistency is maintained, but network traffic increases and response delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing event-driven update mechanisms where the central DVR control database pushes notifications to set-top box caches only when data changes occur. Instead of continuous or frequent polling for synchronization, the system uses periodic event-triggered updates based on actual data modification events. This maintains data consistency across the network while minimizing unnecessary traffic and improving overall network efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback principles by implementing an event notification system where the central database provides feedback to set-top boxes when data changes occur. When the DVR control database is updated with new recording schedules or metadata, it generates push notifications that trigger cache updates on connected set-top boxes. This feedback mechanism ensures all boxes receive timely updates only when necessary, maintaining consistency without constant communication overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital video recorder control database is maintained for a digital video recorder in communication with a plurality of set-top boxes. The database includes program content, associated programming metadata, and a recording schedule. A subset of the digital video recorder control database is pushed from the digital video recorder control database to the plurality of set-top boxes for local caching on the plurality of set-top boxes. The subset includes at least a portion of the recording schedule.