Flash Memory Time Shift Buffer for Live TV Playback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Non-DVR devices lack the ability to time shift content such as rewinding, fast-forwarding, or pausing live content, and large data blocks cause write and read delays when storing content near a live broadcast point, disrupting the user experience, especially for low bitrate content.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses secure digital (SD) flash memory or USB storage to cache content in dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) before writing to the storage medium when approaching the live point, and optimizing index data storage by using smaller block sizes or writing index data within video data blocks to minimize delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large data blocks are used for storing content near live point, then storage efficiency is improved, but write and read delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage medium into multiple partitions, with a first partition dedicated to storing index data and a second partition for storing video content. This segmentation allows index data to be accessed independently and efficiently without being blocked by large video data blocks, thereby reducing read delays while maintaining storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer memory as an intermediary between the storage medium and the processing units. The buffer temporarily holds data during read/write operations, decoupling the slow storage operations from the faster processing requirements, thus reducing perceived delays without compromising storage efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If index data is stored separately in large blocks, then storage organization is improved, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage medium is segmented into distinct partitions: a first partition for index data and a second partition for video content. This segmentation enables the system to access index data from the first partition quickly without being affected by the size of video data blocks in the second partition, thus improving access time while maintaining organized storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different storage characteristics to different parts of the storage medium. The first partition is optimized for small, frequent reads of index data, while the second partition is optimized for sequential writes of video content. This local optimization allows each partition to be tuned for its specific access patterns, improving overall access efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous writing to storage medium is performed, then data continuity is improved, but storage device lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wear-leveling operations that redistribute write operations across different blocks of the storage medium. Instead of continuously writing to the same location, the system periodically cycles through different blocks, allowing previously written blocks to rest and recover. This periodic action maintains data continuity while distributing wear to extend storage device lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a wear-leveling algorithm that identifies and retires blocks that have reached their write endurance limits. When a block is retired, the system recovers by redistributing future write operations to healthier blocks, ensuring data continuity is maintained while extending the overall lifespan of the storage device through selective block management.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for managing data and/or operations on data are disclosed. A method can comprise receiving content from a first storage medium for playback. The received content can comprise a stored first portion of a transport stream. At least a portion of the received content can be caused to playback. A playback position of the at least a portion of the received content can be determined relative to a live position of the transport stream. If the determined playback position of the at least a portion of the received content is outside a predetermined threshold proximity to the live position, a second portion of the transport stream can be stored to the first storage medium. If the determined playback position of the received content is within the predetermined threshold proximity to the live position, the second portion of the transport stream can be stored to a second storage medium.