Network Device Transcoding for Mobile DVR Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DVR systems face challenges in seamlessly transferring recorded programs from set-top boxes to mobile devices due to format incompatibility and inefficient storage management, leading to high costs and network resource strain.
Innovation Solution
A program delivery system that includes a network device capable of transcoding DVR programs from set-top boxes into compatible formats for mobile devices, allowing users to select preferred programs for storage and streaming, and dynamically managing copies based on user requests, thereby reducing storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DVR programs are stored in set-top box format, then storage capacity is sufficient, but format incompatibility prevents mobile device access
Solution Approach 1:
A network device acts as an intermediary between the set-top box and mobile device. The network device receives DVR programs from the set-top box, transcodes them to mobile-compatible formats, and delivers them to mobile devices. This mediator approach resolves the format incompatibility issue while keeping the original set-top box storage system unchanged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all DVR programs are stored on network device, then mobile access is enabled, but storage requirements and network resource utilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two parts: the set-top box retains primary storage for all DVR programs, while the network device stores only a subset of programs that are frequently accessed on mobile devices. This segmentation reduces the storage burden on the network device while maintaining mobile access capability for selected programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-selecting and pre-transcoding specific DVR programs to mobile-compatible formats and storing them on the network device in advance. This allows mobile devices to quickly access these programs without requiring full transcoding during user requests, reducing network resource utilization during peak times.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transcoding is performed for every mobile request, then format compatibility is ensured, but network resource utilization and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs transcoding in advance for selected DVR programs and stores the transcoded versions on the network device. When mobile devices request these programs, the system delivers the pre-transcoded versions without performing real-time transcoding, significantly improving processing efficiency and reducing network resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on program availability and user requests. For programs that are pre-transcoded and stored on the network device, it delivers them directly. For other programs, it performs on-demand transcoding. This dynamic approach optimizes processing efficiency while maintaining format compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, device, and storage medium to provide programs, recorded and stored in relation to a digital video recorder (DVR) service, to a mobile device. A mobile device includes a mobile DVR application that provides for the automatic downloading or streaming of the programs. A network device provides transcoding of the programs to a format compatible with the mobile device. The mobile DVR application allows the user to set preferences pertaining to the invocation and delivery of the programs.