Recurrent Searching System for Automated TV Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Television service providers face challenges in allowing subscribers to record programs they miss due to time constraints, as existing systems lack efficient automated recording capabilities based on user-defined search criteria and periodic updates in television content schedules.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a set-top box device and a recurrent searching system that communicates with a video head-end, allowing users to input search criteria and automatically record matching programs by periodically searching electronic program guide data for updates, and instructing a digital video recorder to record or recommend programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a subscriber manually checks and records programs, then recording accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing subscribers to input their program preferences once, and the recurrent searching system automatically performs periodic searches of EPG data and executes recordings without requiring the subscriber's ongoing time or attention. The system serves itself by autonomously comparing EPG data against stored criteria and triggering recordings.
Solution Approach 2:
The subscriber performs preliminary action by inputting search criteria in advance (program titles, actors, subjects, time slots). This preliminary input is stored and reused across multiple searching periods, eliminating the need for repeated manual checking while maintaining accurate recording of desired programs.
2Reliability
If the system performs frequent searches of EPG data, then program update detection is improved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by conducting EPG data searches at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. The recurrent searching system is activated at specific times to check for program updates matching subscriber criteria, balancing reliable detection of schedule changes with reduced consumption of system resources compared to continuous monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If the system stores detailed search criteria for each subscriber, then recording precision is improved, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the essential search criteria elements needed for program identification and matching (program titles, actors, subjects, time slots) rather than storing complete program metadata or full EPG datasets. This selective extraction maintains recording precision by preserving key matching parameters while minimizing data storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of recording television content is disclosed and includes receiving one or more television program search criteria from a set-top box device at a recurrent searching system. The method also includes storing the one or more search criteria at the recurrent searching system. Further, the method includes performing a first search of electronic program guide (EPG) data accessible to the recurrent searching system based on the television program search criteria and performing at least one additional search of EPG data accessible to the recurrent searching system based on the television program search criteria after the first search.