Set-Top Box Automatic Recording for Missed Program Starts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Television viewers face inconvenience when they miss the start of a desired program, as they must wait for the next broadcast or manually schedule recordings, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically records programs from favorite channels while they are in progress, allowing users to replay the programs from the beginning using a set-top box and network server, which includes a display control component to manage multiple windows and a selection component for restarting programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic recording of favorite channels is implemented, then convenience of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically recording programs from favorite channels in advance without requiring user intervention. The set-top box continuously monitors and records broadcasts from predefined favorite channels, so when a user wants to view a program, it is already recorded and ready for playback, eliminating the need for manual scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically managing the recording process. The set-top box autonomously identifies programs on favorite channels, schedules recordings, and manages storage without requiring user input. The system self-manages the entire workflow from detection to recording to playback preparation.
2Productivity
If programs are recorded while in progress without manual scheduling, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary recording actions by capturing programs as they broadcast on favorite channels before the user needs to view them. This ensures complete program capture from the beginning, preventing any portion from being missed due to late scheduling or buffer limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording process operates continuously for favorite channels, maintaining an ongoing recording stream that never interrupts or gaps. This continuous operation ensures that entire programs are captured in their entirety without interruption, preserving complete information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple windows display content from multiple channels, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The set-top box performs multiple functions within a single device: it acts as a television receiver, automatic recorder, program detector, and multi-window display controller. This universal device handles all aspects of program management and display, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the detection, recording, and display functions into a unified process. The set-top box combines program detection from electronic program guides, automatic recording scheduling, and multi-window display presentation into a single integrated system that operates seamlessly without requiring separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes automatically recording a plurality of programs associated with a favorite channel including creating a recording entry for at least one program of the plurality of programs. The recording entry includes information indicating a starting position of a recording of the at least one program and a storage location corresponding to the recording. The method includes, in response to receiving a request to display a particular program, sending a recording of the particular program to a device for presentation. The particular program is automatically presented at the starting position indicated by a particular recording entry that corresponds to the particular program.