Set-Top Box File System Temporary to Persistent Recording Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current DVR devices cannot convert television programming stored in a temporary buffer into a persistent recording, and their file systems lack the capability to trim data from the front of a file, limiting users' ability to record programs in their entirety or convert temporary recordings to persistent ones without additional software or hardware.
Innovation Solution
A set-top box or content management device with a file system that can distinguish between temporary and persistent recordings, trim data from the beginning of temporary recordings, and convert temporary recordings into persistent ones, allowing users to create unified or converted recordings by specifying the start point and managing storage on a hard drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional file management system is used to store temporary recordings, then the system can maintain simple file storage, but it cannot trim data from the front of files or convert temporary recordings to persistent ones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file storage system into two distinct types of files: temporary buffer files and persistent recording files. This segmentation allows the system to apply different management rules to each type, enabling conversion between them while maintaining simple individual file structures. The file manager distinguishes between these segments through file attributes or markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized file manager as an intermediary between the traditional file system and the recording conversion process. This file manager mediates the conversion from temporary to persistent recordings by identifying buffer files, trimming their data, and creating corresponding persistent files, thereby enabling conversion without fundamentally redesigning the entire file system.
2Quantity of substance
If temporary recordings are deleted to make space for new recordings, then storage space is freed, but users lose the ability to convert existing temporary recordings to persistent ones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing users to identify and mark temporary buffer files for conversion before they are automatically deleted. The system can trim and convert selected buffer files to persistent recordings proactively, rather than waiting for deletion. This enables users to preserve important temporary recordings while still managing storage space by converting only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the file management system through conditional deletion and conversion rules. Instead of automatically deleting all temporary recordings, the system dynamically determines which buffer files to convert based on user selection, file age, or other criteria. This dynamic approach allows flexible management of storage space while preserving conversion capabilities for selected recordings.
3Quantity of substance
If the hard drive fills up with data, then all recordings are stored, but no more recording can be done until something is deleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by enabling conversion of temporary buffer files to persistent recordings. When the hard drive fills up with temporary recordings, the system can convert selected buffers to persistent files, effectively recovering their storage value. This allows continuous recording operation without permanent deletion, as converted persistent files remain on the drive indefinitely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary conversion of buffer files to persistent files before the hard drive completely fills up. By proactively converting and trimming buffer files, the system maintains recording availability and prevents the hard drive from becoming fully occupied, ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a set top box or other content management device that can convert television programming stored in a temporary buffer into a persistent event. The present invention may also trim data from a temporary buffer, such as an input buffer, without requiring additional software, RAM and other hardware normally associated with general purpose computers.