PVR Storage Allocation with Dynamic Segmentation and Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing limited storage space in personal video recorders (PVRs) becomes complicated when multiple users share the device, leading to conflicts over available space and security concerns regarding access to recorded content.
Innovation Solution
A PVR system that dynamically allocates storage space among users based on their needs and priorities, with customizable access rights to ensure fair usage and content security, using a protocol that separates storage and access permissions for each user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage space is allocated to multiple users in a PVR system, then each user can store their desired programming content, but the management of limited storage space becomes more complicated and conflicts arise over available space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the limited storage space into separate allocated subspaces for each user. The controller allocates specific storage capacity to each user account, creating distinct segments that prevent conflicts. When User A and User B both need to record programs, their content is stored in their respective allocated spaces, eliminating the management complexity of sharing a single undivided storage pool.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users share the same PVR device, then storage space can be shared among users, but security and privacy issues arise regarding access to recorded content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements user-specific allocated storage spaces that are access-controlled. Each user can only access content stored in their own allocated subspace, creating natural security segments. The controller enforces these access boundaries, ensuring that User A cannot view or delete User B's recorded content, thereby maintaining security and privacy while allowing multiple users to share the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages user access to storage spaces. It authenticates users and enforces access rights, mediating between multiple users and the shared storage resource. This intermediary layer ensures secure access control without requiring direct user-to-user trust.
3Productivity
If storage space is dynamically reallocated among users, then storage efficiency is improved and users can access sufficient space, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage allocation where the controller can adjust the amount of storage space allocated to each user based on their recording needs and the current state of the system. When User A has unused allocated space and User B needs more space for recording, the controller can reallocate space dynamically. This dynamic adjustment improves overall storage utilization efficiency while the controller manages the complexity of reallocation operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal video recording (PVR) system and method for allocating limited memory space to multiple users for recording programming content. A selected amount of storage space for storing programing content is allocated for each PVR user. Based on a storage priority protocol, such storage space allocation may change (i.e., increase or decrease) dynamically for additional PVR users. Further, the accessibility of recorded programming content by one or more PVR users and viewing thereof may be subject to different access rights accorded to the users. Based on predetermined storage access and content access protocols associated with each PVR user, certain restrictions may be placed on one or more of these users. For example, a first restriction may relate to the type of programming content that can be recorded or displayed by the PVR for specific user(s). A second restriction may limit designated users from accessing programming content that is stored but associated with another user.