Shared Head-End Storage for Multi-Tenant PVR
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of providing personal video recording (PVR) functions in Multi-Dwelling or Multi-Tenant networks due to the need for either expensive hard disk drives at each client's dwelling unit or large storage devices at the head-end unit.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where low-cost network set-top boxes are connected to a Mini-Headend, with predetermined storage limits allocated for each client, allowing PVR functions only within these limits, and enabling clients to clear space by fast-forwarding through stored programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hard disk drives are provided at each client's dwelling unit, then personal video recording functions are available to each client, but the cost incurred by the network provider increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage resources of multiple clients into a single shared storage device at the head-end unit. Instead of each client having a separate hard disk drive, the system consolidates storage capacity centrally, allowing multiple clients to share the same physical storage resources while maintaining individual PVR functionality through software management and allocated storage spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared storage device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores broadcast programs for multiple clients, enables PVR operations for each client individually, and provides a cost-effective alternative to distributed hard drives. The single storage system universally supports PVR needs for all connected clients without requiring separate hardware at each dwelling unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large storage device is located at the head-end unit to store all ordered programs, then clients can use PVR functions, but the cost of providing such large storage devices remains very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large shared storage device into multiple smaller allocated spaces, one for each client. Each client receives a predetermined storage limit that is partitioned from the total storage capacity. This segmentation allows efficient utilization of the shared storage resource while providing each client with dedicated storage space for their PVR needs, reducing the overall cost compared to providing individual hard drives to each client.
3Quantity of substance
If predetermined storage limits are allocated for each client, then the cost of set-top boxes is reduced by eliminating hard drives, but clients can only execute PVR functions within their allocated storage limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial PVR functionality by allocating a predetermined storage limit to each client rather than providing unlimited storage. Clients can execute PVR functions within their allocated space, which is sufficient for typical usage patterns. This partial allocation approach reduces costs while maintaining adequate functionality for most clients, balancing affordability with usable PVR capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing personal video recording functions to a client viewing a broadcast program in a multi-client network. To provide the PVR functions, predetermined storage limits are allocated for each client in a storage device on the network. Each client is permitted to execute the PVR functions if the client's stored broadcast programming has not reached the client's predetermined storage limit. Otherwise, the client is only permitted to view the broadcast program in real time or the stored broadcast program. A client may clear space in the client's allocated portion of the storage device by fast-forwarding through stored broadcast programming.