Network DVR Content Manager for Shared Storage Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital video recorders (DVRs) have limited storage capacity, are not easily expandable, and do not allow for seamless sharing or transfer of recorded content, leading to inconvenience in maintenance, sharing, and storage management.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that manages digital video recording via a network, allowing users to schedule recordings, store a single instance of content for multiple users, and transmit it over the network, enabling flexible storage expansion and sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital video recorder uses hard-wired media for storage, then storage is stable and reliable, but storage capacity is limited and cannot be easily expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the storage function into two independent parts: local hard-wired storage (for stability) and network-based remote storage (for expandability). The DVR maintains its reliable local storage while adding network connectivity to access additional remote storage capacity, allowing storage to be expanded without replacing the core DVR unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network connection as an intermediary between the DVR and remote storage resources. This network interface allows the DVR to access external storage capacity while maintaining the stability of its local hard-wired storage, effectively bridging the gap between reliable local storage and expandable remote storage.
2Reliability
If digital video recorder stores program information on hard-wired media, then data is reliably stored, but information is non-transferable and must be reprogrammed when unit is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables program information to be copied from the local hard-wired storage to remote network storage. This creates a backup copy that can be transferred to a replacement DVR unit, eliminating the need to manually reprogram information while maintaining the reliability of the original local storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows program information to be preliminarily stored on remote network storage before the DVR unit is replaced. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary program data is already available and can be quickly transferred to the new unit, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.
3Reliability
If digital video recorder allows content viewing only through the unit itself, then content protection is maintained, but sharing with other users is difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables content to be copied from the DVR's local storage to remote network storage, where it can be accessed by multiple users. This copying mechanism allows content sharing while maintaining protection, as the original content remains secured in the DVR while authorized users can access copies through the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network-based remote storage as an intermediary that facilitates content sharing. This intermediary allows multiple users to access content without direct connection to the DVR unit, making sharing convenient while maintaining content protection through controlled network access.
4Device complexity
If digital video recorder has fixed storage capacity, then device structure is simple, but additional storage space is difficult to add
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the storage dimension from local physical hard drive space to remote network storage space. By adding network connectivity, the system accesses storage in a different dimension (network-based), effectively increasing total storage capacity without complicating the physical structure of the DVR unit itself.
Data Source
AI summary
The aspects of the present invention provide a computer implemented method, system, and computer usable program code for managing programming for a digital video recorder via a network. The method includes receiving user instructions at a content manager, wherein the content manager receives the user instructions through a network. The method also includes executing the user instructions to schedule recording of content for the user. The method further includes responsive to a plurality of users designating the content, storing only a single instance of the content designated by the plurality of users to form common stored content. The method is also responsive to a request to view the content from a user in the plurality of users, transmitting the common stored content to the user in the plurality of users over the network.