Modular DVR Storage Capacity Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The issue arises when customers with older digital video recorders (DVRs) pay the same for DVR services as those with newer models having higher storage capacities, leading to dissatisfaction due to limited recording capacity and the need for deleting content or sacrificing programming.
Innovation Solution
Implementing modular storage functionality in DVRs, allowing users to select and upgrade storage capacity based on their service fee, using various storage media like hard disk drives, CD ROM, DVD ROM, flash memory, and USB data cards, enabling fairer service provisioning by cable and satellite providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If service providers lease DVR equipment to customers with different storage capacities, then newer customers receive superior equipment with larger storage, but customers pay the same amount for DVR services leading to dissatisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage capacity into different service tiers (e.g., basic, standard, premium) with corresponding pricing. Customers can select their desired storage capacity level, and the system divides the total storage pool into allocatable units that are provisioned based on service subscriptions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing differentiated storage allocation while maintaining fair pricing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of storage capacity parameters based on service level agreements. Storage capacity is treated as a variable parameter that can be changed according to customer needs and payment levels. The patent implements mechanisms to allocate, de-allocate, and re-allocate storage space as customers upgrade or downgrade their services, ensuring fairness while accommodating different storage requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If DVR hard disk drive capacity is increased to accommodate more programming, then users can record more content, but the cost of equipment and service increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared storage pool that serves multiple customers simultaneously. Instead of each customer requiring dedicated high-capacity storage from the outset, the system creates a universal storage resource that is dynamically allocated based on individual service subscriptions. This allows the provider to offer large total storage capacity while customers pay only for their allocated portion, reducing individual service costs while maintaining high overall capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic storage allocation where customers can upgrade or downgrade their storage capacity based on changing needs and budget. Storage assignments are not fixed but can be adjusted in real-time based on service level changes. This dynamic approach allows customers to optimize their storage-to-cost ratio, paying only for the capacity they currently need while having the flexibility to expand when necessary.
3Quantity of substance
If DVR storage is filled to capacity, then maximum recording capability is achieved, but users must delete content or stop recording new shows
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively managing storage allocation before capacity is fully exhausted. The patent implements mechanisms to monitor storage usage and automatically notify customers when approaching capacity limits. It also pre-allocates buffer space and implements automated content management policies (such as identifying removable content) before the storage is completely full, allowing seamless continuation of recording services without forcing users to manually delete content or stop recordings.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular storage functionality is provided for a digital video recorder (DVR), which may be configured in such a way as to limit a user's access to the whole storage capacity, and wherein a user may choose to increase or decrease the amount of accessible storage capacity of the internal storage medium.