Television Receiver Recording Schedule Conflict Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current DVR systems face challenges in managing recording resources efficiently, particularly when multiple programming events conflict, as they lack effective methods to identify and utilize alternative viewing options such as repeat airings and on-demand streaming, leading to resource constraints and reduced user flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that utilizes metadata to identify programming events available for streaming and repeat airings, allowing the television receiver to automatically adjust recording schedules by suggesting alternative viewing options, such as recording repeat airings or streaming options, to resolve conflicts and optimize resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the DVR records multiple programming events simultaneously, then the user can watch more programs, but the recording resources (storage capacity, tuner availability) are exceeded causing conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically identifying conflicting programming events before recording begins, using metadata to predict storage requirements and tuner needs. The conflict detection mechanism proactively analyzes the recording schedule against available resources (storage capacity, tuner availability) and pre-determines alternative viewing options, preventing resource exhaustion before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary conflict detection and resolution mechanism that mediates between the user's recording requests and the limited recording resources. This intermediary layer (the conflict detection system) analyzes metadata, identifies conflicts, and proposes alternative viewing options (streaming, repeat airings) to resolve resource conflicts without requiring direct user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the system automatically schedules recordings without user intervention, then recording management is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to real-time resource constraints and user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where metadata about programming events (including availability for streaming or repeat airings) is continuously fed back to the conflict detection system. This feedback loop enables the automated scheduling system to adapt to real-time resource constraints and user preferences by adjusting recording schedules based on actual metadata information about alternative viewing options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting conflicts, analyzing metadata, and proposing alternative viewing options without requiring manual user input. The conflict detection system autonomously manages recording schedules by using metadata to identify programming events that can be viewed via streaming or repeat airings instead of local recording, reducing the burden on users while optimizing resource usage.
3Reliability
If the system uses local recording for all programming events, then viewing quality is ensured, but storage capacity is quickly exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of viewing method from exclusively local recording to a hybrid approach that includes streaming and repeat airings. By using metadata to identify programming events available through alternative means, the system dynamically adjusts the recording strategy, switching between local recording (for quality assurance) and streaming/repeat options (for storage conservation), thereby extending effective storage capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems, methods, devices, and computer products to manage recording resources for programming events of interest are disclosed. A first indication of a first selection of a first programming event to record may be processed, and a recording may be scheduled in a recording schedule. A second indication of a second selection of a second programming event to record may be processed, and available resources to record may be ascertained. A resource conflict may be identified based on event scheduling information for the first and/or second programming event. First and/or second programming metadata may be processed. Availability of alternative viewing options for the first and/or second programming event may be ascertained. The ascertaining may be based on the first and/or second programming metadata. Based on the availability of alternative viewing options, it may be determined whether to maintain or modify the recording schedule, and the recording schedule may be managed accordingly.