Second Screen Conflict Detection for Multi-Device Recording

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users with multiple set top boxes face challenges in managing scheduled recordings and conflicts across these devices, as existing systems lack a comprehensive and user-friendly interface for viewing and resolving conflicts on secondary screen devices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a second screen device with an HTTP engine and calendar display module to receive and display scheduled recording data from multiple set top boxes, identifying conflicts and providing indicators for resolution, allowing users to manage and resolve conflicts through an intuitive interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manage scheduled recordings across multiple set top boxes through traditional interfaces, then recording functionality is provided, but user satisfaction decreases due to lack of comprehensive conflict management interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of managing scheduled recordingsVSAvoidvisibility of conflicts across multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines scheduling interfaces for multiple set top boxes into a single unified second screen device interface. This allows users to view and manage scheduled recordings across all their receiving devices simultaneously, eliminating the need to separately access each device's interface and ensuring all conflicts are visible in one location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second screen device acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple set top boxes. It receives scheduling data from various receiving devices, processes conflict information, and presents a consolidated view to the user, simplifying the complexity of managing multiple recording devices through a single interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If users access each set top box individually to manage recordings, then device-specific control is maintained, but time consumption increases due to manual checking of each device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to detect conflictsVSAvoidnumber of devices to manage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second screen device provides universal access to scheduling and conflict management functions across multiple set top boxes. A single interface performs the function of multiple device-specific interfaces, allowing users to manage all their receiving devices through one unified system rather than accessing each device separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If comprehensive conflict detection across multiple devices is implemented, then user satisfaction improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of conflict detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of conflict management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second screen device serves as an intermediary that centralizes the complex task of conflict detection across multiple set top boxes. It receives scheduling data from various devices, processes all conflicts in a unified manner, and presents results to the user, thereby achieving reliable conflict detection without requiring each individual device to implement complex conflict management logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10368126B2Method and system for displaying content or conflicts from multiple receiving devices on a second screen device

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 DIRECTV LLC

AI summary

A system and method is set forth for displaying schedule recording events on a second screen device that includes a controller and a display. The controller includes a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) engine and a calendar display module. The HTTP engine receives scheduled recording data from a first receiving device. The scheduled recording data comprising a plurality of scheduled recording events. The HTTP engine receives conflict data corresponding to a conflict between at least two scheduled recording events based on the scheduled recording data. The calendar display module displays the scheduled recording events on a calendar screen display and displays a screen indicator at the second screen device indicative of a conflict.