Storage Device Performance Testing for DVR Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The performance of storage devices used for DVR/PVR functions in consumer devices is often inadequate due to insufficient read-write operations, leading to malfunctions and misinterpretation of device defects, necessitating a method for evaluating storage device performance before use.

Innovation Solution

A binary read-write testing method that evaluates storage devices independently of file systems and formatting, determining performance profiles through mean, minimum, and maximum bit rates, and the number of simultaneous read-write operations, allowing classification for suitable video resolutions and recording capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If storage devices are used for DVR/PVR functions without prior performance testing, then the device can be immediately used for recording, but the performance may be insufficient leading to visible and audible artefacts and malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage device performanceVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary performance testing of storage devices before they are used for DVR/PVR functions. The testing method evaluates read-write operations, determines performance profiles, and classifies devices according to their capability to handle specific video resolutions and recording classes. This preliminary assessment prevents performance-related malfunctions and artefacts before they occur during actual use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive performance testing is conducted on storage devices, then performance assessment accuracy is improved, but the testing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance assessment accuracyVSAvoidtesting duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple testing parameters including mean bit rate, minimum bit rate, maximum bit rate, and number of simultaneous read-write operations to comprehensively assess storage device performance. By varying these parameters and evaluating performance under different conditions, the method achieves precise performance characterization without requiring excessively long test durations, as each parameter provides specific insight into device capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage devices with insufficient performance are used, then device compatibility is maintained, but DVR/PVR functions are adversely affected with artefacts and glitches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidDVR/PVR function performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where performance test results are used to determine whether a storage device is suitable for specific DVR/PVR functions. The system provides feedback about the device's performance profile, indicating which video resolutions and recording classes the device can reliably support. This feedback enables users to make informed decisions about device compatibility and prevents using inadequate storage devices for functions they cannot perform reliably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3232675B1Method for testing performance of a storage device and and corresponding device
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 INTERDIGITAL MADISON PATENT HLDG
  • EP3232675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3232675B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3232675B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Performance evaluation of a storage device, for example a storage device connected to a Set Top Box, for evaluating its suitability for supporting DVR/PVR functions such as recording a broadcast audio/video stream or time shifting a broadcast audio/video stream.