Media Recording Rule Segmentation for Flexible Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media recording devices, such as DVRs and PVRs, offer limited user flexibility in scheduling recordings, as users can only specify programs to record based on fixed conditions like time and date, without the ability to exclude specific types of programs.
Innovation Solution
The system allows users to set recording rules and exceptions, enabling the scheduling of media content based on specific conditions, such as keywords, genres, titles, and release dates, while excluding certain types of programs like flashbacks or revisit episodes, using a set-top box device coupled with an EPG server to generate and manage recording schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users specify programs to record based on fixed conditions like time and date, then the recording schedule is simple to manage, but user flexibility in specifying programs to be recorded is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recording rule into multiple independent components: program title, keywords, genre, release date, and other attributes. Each component can be independently configured and combined, allowing users to build flexible recording criteria from discrete elements while maintaining organized management of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-time recording approach into a dynamic system where recording rules can adapt to various program attributes. The system dynamically evaluates multiple criteria (title matching, keyword presence, genre classification, date ranges) to determine recording eligibility, providing flexibility without sacrificing manageability through the structured rule framework.
2Measurement precision
If users want to exclude specific types of programs like flashbacks or revisit episodes, then recording precision is improved, but the complexity of recording rules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts exclusion criteria as a separate, independent component from the main recording rule. Users can specify programs to exclude based on specific attributes (e.g., flashbacks, revisit episodes) without modifying the core recording rule structure. This separation allows precise control over what to record while keeping the rule management interface clean and organized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of specificity to different parts of the recording rule. Critical attributes like program title and keywords can be configured with high precision for accurate matching, while less critical attributes use broader criteria. This localized approach to precision allows the system to achieve high overall accuracy without requiring every parameter to be maximally specific, thereby reducing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to schedule recording of media content are provided. A particular method includes accessing at least one recording rule that specifies a first condition. The at least one recording rule indicates that a program of media content is to be scheduled for recording when the program satisfies the first condition. The method also includes accessing at least one recording exception that specifies a second condition. The at least one recording exception prohibits recording media content that satisfies the second condition. The method further includes determining a recording schedule by analyzing information regarding a plurality of programs of media content with respect to the at least one recording rule and the at least one recording exception.