Television Receiver Backup Using Program Identification Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Television receiver devices face challenges in backing up and restoring large media files due to storage space and bandwidth limitations, making it difficult to transfer recorded programs to a backup server, and thus require alternative methods to identify and retrieve programs from various data sources for restoration.
Innovation Solution
The television receiver uploads data identifying the programs stored locally to a backup server, allowing a replacement device to retrieve this information and restore programs by searching electronic program guides or accessing on-demand and internet-based television sources, with the option to generate user interfaces for specific program restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large media files are uploaded to a backup server for restoration, then complete program restoration is achieved, but storage space and bandwidth limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential identification data (program titles, IDs, metadata) from the complete media files and stores this extracted information on the backup server. This allows the system to identify and retrieve programs without storing the actual large media files, thereby resolving the contradiction between restoration completeness and storage/bandwidth constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of copying the actual large media files to the backup server, the system creates a lightweight copy of the program identification information and metadata. This virtual copy enables program identification and retrieval through electronic program guides while avoiding the storage and bandwidth issues of duplicating full media files.
2Quantity of substance
If program identification data is uploaded to backup server instead of full media files, then storage and bandwidth usage is optimized, but program restoration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electronic program guides (EPG) as an intermediary system that bridges the backup server and the replacement receiver. The EPG contains program identification information and serves as a mediator that automatically matches backup program data with available television sources, simplifying the restoration process despite the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement receiver is equipped with automatic program restoration capabilities that self-service the restoration process. The receiver automatically queries the backup server for program identification data, matches programs with available sources using EPG information, and retrieves programs without requiring manual user configuration, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for users.
3Loss of time
If replacement device automatically retrieves backup data and configures settings, then user setup time is reduced, but automation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing program identification data, parental control settings, and configuration information on the backup server before device failure occurs. When a replacement device is deployed, this pre-prepared data is automatically retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for users to reconfigure settings and significantly reducing setup time.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide various techniques for backing up and restoring data and programs at television receiver devices. In some embodiments, various types of data stored locally by television receiver devices may be backed up by uploading the data to a television provider server, cloud-based storage system, and/or other remote storage locations. In the event of a device failure, or other rebuilt or reinstallation process at the television receiver, a receiver set-up process may be implemented to retrieve the receiver backup data from the backup server, and to initiate various set-up processes in which the replacement receiver may use the backup data to implement the various configuration preferences and settings on the new device, re-create the DVR timers, establish new network connections, configure the home device/appliance settings, and the like, automatically based on the receiver backup data.