Network PVR Cloud Storage Consolidation

The patent merges multiple user-specific storage locations into a single shared storage facility. Instead of maintaining separate physical or logical storage spaces for each user's recorded content, the system consolidates all user data into one common storage repository, thereby reducing total storage requirements while maintaining user-specific access control through logical separation rather than physical separation.

The shared storage facility serves multiple functions: it stores video program copies for all users, manages authentication credentials for multiple users, and provides a centralized location for both writing recorded content and delivering content to multiple users. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated storage spaces for each user while maintaining user-specific data isolation.

The patent segments user identification and access control at the logical layer while consolidating storage at the physical layer. The system divides user data into distinct logical sections within the shared storage, each protected by user-specific authentication credentials. This segmentation approach maintains copyright compliance by ensuring users can only access their own recorded content, while the underlying storage structure remains simplified and shared.

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that mediates between users and the shared storage facility. Before accessing any recorded content, the system verifies user identity and authorization through authentication credentials stored in the same shared facility. This intermediary layer ensures copyright compliance and user data isolation without requiring separate physical storage spaces for each user.