Dynamic Storage Balancing for Set-Top Box Media Content

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Set-top box users face the inconvenience of running out of storage space, requiring manual deletion of recorded media content, which is time-consuming and potentially risky, as they need to manage storage space within the device.

Innovation Solution

A media content storage balancing system that dynamically manages storage between local and network storage devices based on various factors such as user interaction profiles, demand ratings, and storage capacity, automatically selecting and shifting recorded media content between devices to optimize storage usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If manual deletion of recorded media content is used to manage storage space, then storage space can be freed, but the process is time-consuming and potentially risky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidtime required for manual deletion

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic storage management without requiring user intervention. The storage manager monitors storage capacity and automatically deletes recorded media content when the local storage device is full, eliminating the need for manual deletion by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors storage capacity and provides feedback to automatically trigger deletion actions when thresholds are reached. This closed-loop control ensures storage space is managed dynamically without user involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If manual deletion of recorded media content is used to manage storage space, then storage space can be freed, but accidental deletion of desired content may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidrisk of accidental deletion

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated storage manager makes deletion decisions based on programmed criteria and storage availability, eliminating human error. The system selectively deletes content based on storage capacity thresholds and content metadata, ensuring only appropriate content is removed when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes storage management rules and criteria before storage space becomes critical. Content is automatically managed based on pre-set policies, preventing impulsive or erroneous deletion decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If recorded media content is stored only on local storage device, then access is fast and reliable, but storage space runs out after a certain amount of content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia content access speedVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into two parts: local storage device for frequently accessed content and network storage device for additional content. The storage manager segments content based on access patterns and storage availability, maintaining fast local access while expanding total capacity through network connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-location storage to distributed storage across multiple devices. By adding the network storage dimension, the system expands capacity without sacrificing local access speed for frequently used content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Quantity of substance

If dynamic storage balancing is implemented between local and network storage devices, then storage space availability is ensured, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space availabilityVSAvoidstorage management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage manager automatically handles all storage balancing operations without user intervention. The system monitors storage capacity, selects appropriate content for relocation, and manages data transfer between devices, presenting a simplified interface to users while implementing complex management logic internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8923685B2Methods and systems for dynamically balancing storage of recorded media content data between a local storage device and a network storage device

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

An exemplary method includes receiving a command input by a user to record media content, recording media content data representative of the media content in response to the command, automatically selecting at least one storage device from a local storage device and a network storage device for storage of the recorded media content data in accordance with at least one of a plurality of storage balancing factors, and storing the recorded media content data in the at least one selected storage device. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.