PVR Storage Space Loans for Multi-User Fairness
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Solution Overview
Problem
In personal video recorders (PVRs), storage space allocation is not user-configurable, leading to unequal usage among multiple users, where one user may consume most of the available space, leaving little for others, and there is no efficient method to manage storage space sharing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where each user has allocated storage space, allowing borrowers to lend storage space from other users based on deficit amounts, with authorization and priority considerations, and returning borrowed space after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If storage space is allocated to multiple users without user-configurable allocation, then the system is simple to operate, but one user may consume most of the available space leaving little for others
Solution Approach 1:
The total storage space is segmented into allocated portions for each user, with each user receiving a guaranteed minimum space. This segmentation ensures that no single user can consume all available space, as each user's allocation is divided into discrete, protected segments that cannot be overwritten by others.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic storage space management where users can borrow additional space from the available pool when needed, and return space when no longer required. This dynamic allocation allows flexible adjustment of storage resources while maintaining fairness, enabling users to access more space temporarily without permanently compromising other users' allocations.
2Device complexity
If storage space is fixed for each user, then storage space sharing is simple, but users cannot record content when their allocated space is full
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system transitions from static fixed allocation to dynamic flexible allocation. Users start with guaranteed base space, but can dynamically borrow additional space from the available pool when needed for recording. The system automatically manages the borrowing and returning process, maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptability to varying user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated self-service storage management where users can independently borrow and return storage space without manual administrator intervention. The PVR automatically tracks borrowed space, ensures proper authorization, and manages the return process when content is viewed or deleted, reducing operational complexity while increasing user flexibility.
3Productivity
If storage space is shared without authorization control, then space sharing is efficient, but users may erase or overwrite others' shows
Solution Approach 1:
Storage space is segmented into authorized zones for each user, with clear boundaries that prevent unauthorized writing. Each user can only write to their allocated space or authorized borrowed space, ensuring that shows are stored in protected zones that cannot be accidentally or maliciously overwritten by other users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of storage space usage and authorization status. Before allowing any write operation, the system checks authorization records to verify the user has permission to use the target space. This feedback mechanism prevents unauthorized operations while maintaining efficient space utilization through automated enforcement of access controls.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated personal video recording for multi-user personal video recorders having a multiplicity of registered users, each user having allocated storage space on the PVR which allocated storage space for each user includes storage space upon which shows are recorded and storage space upon which shows have not been recorded (free space), including recording for a borrower a show owned by the borrower, the show having a storage space requirement exceeding the borrower's free space by a deficit amount; selecting, in dependence upon the deficit amount, one or more lenders, wherein the lenders are users, registered on the PVR, having free space; and borrowing, in dependence upon the deficit amount, from the lenders for the borrower, at least one loan amount of storage space. Embodiments include returning from the borrower to the lender the deficit amount after displaying the show to the borrower or upon repossession by a lender.