Multi-Source Content Recording with Adaptive Tuner Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern multimedia recording technologies require manual channel selection, leading to inefficient channel surfing and time-consuming processes, fail to account for tuner-utilization times, storage constraints, and lack integration with Internet-streaming services, resulting in viewing conflicts and storage inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing machine-learning algorithms to automatically select multimedia items for recording based on user preferences, tuner-utilization patterns, and storage capacity, while cross-checking availability on Internet-streaming services to optimize recording times and avoid duplicates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual channel selection is used to record multimedia items, then user control over recording selection is improved, but recording efficiency and time consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service recording by automatically selecting multimedia items for recording based on user-defined preferences, viewing habits, and program criteria without requiring manual channel surfing or individual program selection. The electronic program guide and recording software work together to autonomously identify and record desired content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual channel surfing process with an automated electronic system that uses software algorithms to analyze program guides, user preferences, and viewing patterns. This substitution eliminates the need for manual navigation through channels and programs while maintaining user control through preference settings.
2Reliability
If recording is scheduled during primetime to capture desired programs, then recording quality is improved, but tuner availability and viewing flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts recording schedules based on real-time tuner availability and user viewing patterns. When a tuner is occupied during primetime, the system automatically shifts recording to alternative time slots or channels, ensuring both recording reliability and viewing flexibility are maintained through adaptive scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of user viewing habits and program importance to pre-schedule recordings during optimal times. By predicting which programs are most likely to be watched, the system can secure tuner allocations in advance while providing users with the flexibility to override or adjust schedules as needed.
3Reliability
If entire channel program lineup is recorded to ensure content availability, then content completeness is improved, but storage efficiency and bandwidth usage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the specific multimedia items that match user preferences and viewing criteria from the complete channel program lineup. Rather than recording entire channels, the electronic program guide and recording software identify and select individual programs based on user-defined parameters, eliminating unnecessary storage of unwanted content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating each program in the channel lineup individually with unique selection criteria based on user preferences, program type, time of day, and other relevant factors. This allows different parts of the program lineup to be treated differently - some programs are recorded while others are skipped, optimizing both content availability and storage efficiency.
4Productivity
If recording proceeds without pre-checking storage capacity, then recording availability is improved, but storage management and system performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary storage capacity checks before scheduling recordings to ensure sufficient space is available. The recording software queries the digital video recorder's storage status in advance and only schedules recordings when adequate capacity exists, preventing recording failures and reducing the need for complex post-recording storage management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the recording software continuously monitors storage capacity and adjusts recording schedules accordingly. When storage becomes limited, the system automatically modifies future recording plans or notifies users, maintaining recording availability while simplifying storage management through real-time monitoring and adaptive scheduling.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for multi-source recording of content. Program data associated with a plurality of programs may be received. Program data may comprise a channel, a series of shows, a group of movies, a broadcast media item, and/or an Internet streaming media item. Each program may be associated with at least one channel and transmission source. The transmission source may comprise an Internet-streaming service, a digital video recorder, and/or an on-demand library, among other transmission sources. Data corresponding to a first program from a first channel and a first transmission source may be recorded. Data corresponding to a second program from the first channel and a second transmission source may also be recorded. The first program and second program may then be displayed within a channel-specific view of a program guide that obscures or removes identification of the first and second transmission sources.