Programming Recorder Conflict Resolution via Ranked Alternative Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Programming recorders, such as DVRs and PVRs, face conflicts when users request simultaneous recording of multiple programming events, as they often cannot handle overlapping requests due to limited capacity, leading to failed recordings and user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A system that detects conflicts by analyzing programming event requests and creates a ranked list of alternative sources, allowing the recorder to fulfill requests using alternative times or communication paths, prioritizing based on user or provider-defined criteria, ensuring that at least one request is successfully recorded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the programming recorder accepts multiple simultaneous recording requests, then user recording needs are better met, but recording conflicts occur when events overlap in time on the same communication path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle multiple recording requestsVSAvoidrecording success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of recording conflicts by analyzing programming event information after receiving requests but before executing recordings. It identifies overlapping time slots on the same communication path and proactively finds alternative sources, preventing recording failures before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary conflict resolution mechanism that acts between the recording requests and the actual recording execution. This intermediary analyzes potential conflicts, generates alternative sources, and selects the best alternative to ensure successful recordings without losing user-requested content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the programming recorder uses a single communication path for recording, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to resolve recording conflicts is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of communication pathsVSAvoidconflict resolution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system makes the single communication path multi-functional by enabling it to handle both primary recording requests and alternative recording requests. The same communication path can be used for different events at different times, or for different sources of the same event, increasing conflict resolution capability without adding hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system resolves conflicts by introducing a temporal dimension - scheduling recordings at alternative times when the communication path is available. Instead of adding more communication paths (spatial dimension), it utilizes time slots when the single path is free, effectively resolving conflicts through time-based allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the programming recorder automatically resolves conflicts without user input, then ease of operation is improved, but user control over recording preferences is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic conflict resolutionVSAvoiduser control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic conflict resolution that can adapt between automatic and user-controlled modes. It automatically resolves conflicts by selecting alternative sources based on predefined criteria, but also allows users to review and override automatic decisions, providing flexibility that adapts to different user preferences and situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can provide input about their recording preferences and conflict resolution preferences. The system learns from user feedback and adjusts its automatic resolution behavior, maintaining ease of operation while preserving user control over recording priorities and alternative source selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8768143B2Handling of recording clashes which are not known when user creates recording request

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 DISH TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A programming recorder receives information after receiving at least two programming event recording requests, detects a conflict between the programming event recording requests based on the received information, creates a ranked list of alternative sources for the programming event recording requests, and resolves the conflict by fulfilling at least one of the at least two programming event recording requests utilizing an alternative source. The alternative source may be automatically selected or selected by a user. The ranked list of alternative sources may be ordered utilizing a set of one or more priority criteria. The programming event recording requests and/or the received programming information may include metadata and determining alternative sources may comprise comparing the metadata. The programming recorder may display an indication that the conflict between the at least two programming event recording requests was detected and resolved.