Network DVR Content Archiving with Predictive Reconstitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital video recorders (DVRs) lack flexibility and functionality in managing and storing recorded content, particularly in handling duplicate recordings and optimizing storage space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A networked content server with active and archive storage devices manages user allocations, performs deduplication, and dynamically moves content between these storage types based on factors like age, popularity, and space availability, using predictive reconstitution to balance processing load and improve responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple duplicate copies of the same program are stored in the active storage device for different users, then user access and playback functionality are improved, but storage space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two distinct storage devices: an active storage device for frequently accessed content and an archive storage device for archived content. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple duplicate copies for user access while managing storage space through strategic placement of content in appropriate storage tiers based on access patterns and user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The content server acts as an intermediary that manages the duplication and archiving process. It determines which content to duplicate and store in the active device versus the archive device, facilitating efficient space utilization while maintaining user access capabilities through controlled replication strategies.
2Speed
If content is stored only in the active storage device, then user access speed is improved, but storage capacity and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting storage into active and archive devices, the system maintains fast access speeds for content in the active device while extending overall storage capacity and flexibility through the archive device. Users can access content quickly when it resides in the active storage tier.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages content placement between active and archive storage devices based on factors such as content age, user preferences, access patterns, and storage availability. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize both access speed and storage capacity flexibly over time.
3Loss of time
If the system stores all recorded content in the active storage device, then playback responsiveness is improved, but storage cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into active and archive devices with clear functional differentiation. The active device handles playback-responsive content while the archive device stores archived content, simplifying the overall system architecture by assigning specific roles to each storage component rather than using a single complex storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The content server serves as an intermediary that automates the management of content between active and archive storage devices. It handles decisions about which content to replicate, when to archive, and how to manage user allocations, thereby reducing the operational complexity that would otherwise require manual intervention.
4Ease of operation
If duplicate copies of content are maintained for all users, then user accessibility is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments storage into active and archive devices, allowing selective duplication of content in the active device only when necessary for user accessibility. This reduces redundant storage of duplicate copies compared to maintaining all duplicates across the entire storage system, thereby improving storage efficiency while preserving user accessibility for actively used content.
Data Source
AI summary
An archive model can be used for managing networked storage of recorded content, such as network DVR (digital video recorder) content. Content may be initially recorded to an active storage device, with individual duplicate copies recorded for each requesting user, and subsequently archived to an archive storage device. For playback, the content can be reconstituted into the active storage device prior to delivery to the requesting user. Content can be predictively reconstituted in anticipation of user needs, and the reconstitution capacity of the system can be dynamically reallocated for load balancing.