Program Name Management in Recording Apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In recording and reproducing apparatuses, users face difficulties in efficiently changing program names, especially when there are character limits, leading to indistinguishable episode names in series, and manually changing all names is cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A recording and reproducing apparatus with a database and controller that allows users to change the name of a target program and automatically apply the changes to associated programs with specific attributes, such as channel, broadcast day, or program ID, improving user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual name changing is implemented for each program individually, then program names can be changed accurately, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvename changing accuracyVSAvoidtime for changing names
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual name changing operations into a single batch operation. When a user changes the name of one program in a series, the system automatically applies the same name change to all associated programs in the series, combining what would otherwise be multiple separate operations into one action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary identification of associated programs based on attributes like series ID or broadcast timing. Before the user completes the name change operation, the system has already identified all programs that will be affected, allowing the batch operation to proceed efficiently once confirmed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Length of moving object

If character limits are applied to program names, then display space is optimized, but episode names in series become indistinguishable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram name lengthVSAvoidepisode identification information
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the program name into multiple components: a common base name (shared across the series) and a variable suffix (indicating episode number or specific identifier). This segmentation allows the name to remain within character limits while preserving essential identification information through structured composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the program name serve different functions: the base name provides common identification for the series, while the suffix provides local differentiation for individual episodes. This local quality assignment ensures that each segment of the name contributes meaningfully to identification within the character constraint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If all program names are changed uniformly, then consistency is maintained, but user flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvename consistencyVSAvoidname customization flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the scope of name changes based on user selection. Users can choose to apply name changes to individual programs, to entire series, or to specific subsets of programs, allowing the operation to adapt to different situations rather than forcing a uniform approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different programs or series can have different naming conventions applied based on their specific attributes. The system allows selective application of naming rules, so that each program group can maintain its own characteristics while still benefiting from automated name management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3145204B1Recording and reproducing apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 FUNAI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3145204B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3145204B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3145204B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A recording and reproducing apparatus changes program names efficiently to improve user's convenience. A controller 16 changes a name of a target program, for which information is stored in a program information DB 10, in accordance with an instruction made via an instruction input. The controller 16 changes, based on the change in the target program, a name(s) of associated one(s) of programs for which information is stored in the program information DB 10. The associated one(s) has/have a specific attribute in common with the target program. Accordingly, changing of the name of the target program made by a user is automatically reflected to the program(s) associated with the target program.