Time-Shift Buffer Wear Reduction via Volatile Memory Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile memory used in time-shift buffers (TSBs) wears out due to repeated read/write/erase cycles, limiting their lifespan and affecting the ability to pause and rewind content.
Innovation Solution
Switching the recording of TSB from non-volatile memory to volatile memory when there is no user activity for a certain period, reducing the wear on non-volatile memory while maintaining trick play features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If content is stored in non-volatile memory for time-shift buffering, then trick play features (pause, rewind, fast-forward) are enabled, but the non-volatile memory wears out due to repeated read/write/erase cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into two distinct parts: non-volatile memory (for persistent storage) and volatile memory (for active buffering). This segmentation allows each storage type to perform its optimized function, with volatile memory handling the read/write/erase cycles for trick play operations while non-volatile memory provides long-term retention without wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces volatile memory as an intermediary between the non-volatile memory and the processing unit. This intermediary absorbs the wear from frequent operations by acting as a buffer, allowing the system to maintain trick play functionality while protecting the non-volatile memory from degradation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If non-volatile memory is used for storing content, then data retention is maintained when power is off, but the number of read/write/erase cycles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into non-volatile memory for persistent data retention and volatile memory for handling write operations. This segmentation enables the system to maintain data retention capabilities while directing all write/erase cycles to the volatile memory, thereby preserving the non-volatile memory from wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where content is duplicated from non-volatile memory to volatile memory for active processing. This copying approach allows the non-volatile memory to serve as a master copy that is not subjected to wear, while the volatile memory copy handles all the read/write/erase operations.
3Reliability
If volatile memory is used for storing content, then read/write/erase cycles do not cause wear, but data is lost when power is off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strengths of both volatile and non-volatile memory systems into a unified storage architecture. Volatile memory provides wear resistance for active operations, while non-volatile memory ensures data retention. The combination allows the system to achieve both wear resistance and data retention simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously or periodically copying content from non-volatile memory to volatile memory before it is needed for trick play operations. This preliminary action ensures that the volatile memory is pre-loaded with fresh copies, enabling wear-free operations while maintaining data availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for storing content are disclosed. Storage of a first portion of a content item to a buffer in a non-volatile storage for output via at least one output device may be caused. A duration of user inactivity associated with the at least one output device may be determined. Based at least on the duration satisfying a threshold, storage of a second portion of the content item to a volatile storage may be caused.