Unified Storage Interface for Network Attached Recording Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent replacement of personal video recorders (PVRs) due to user interface changes and increased recording capacity needs leads to resource wastage and financial strain, as old PVRs are often discarded despite still functioning properly.
Innovation Solution
A storage system where a client device with a dedicated application provides a unified user interface for multiple storage devices, each with NAS and recording functions, allowing seamless expansion of recording capacity and tuner numbers by connecting more devices to the network, while the storage devices lack a user interface and function as both NAS and PVR, optimizing space and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a PVR is replaced with a new one having larger recording capacity, then the recording capacity is improved, but the old PVR is discarded causing resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple PVRs into a single storage device that combines NAS (Network Attached Storage) and PVR capabilities. This allows multiple recording capacities to be aggregated in one device, eliminating the need to discard old PVRs when upgrading capacity, as the old devices can continue contributing storage space to the unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a NAS for general file storage and as a PVR for television program recording. This universal device can accommodate growing recording capacity needs without requiring complete replacement of existing PVRs, as the system can integrate multiple devices' storage capacities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a PVR is replaced with a new one having different user interface, then the functionality is improved, but the user needs time to familiarize with the new interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a client device as an intermediary between the user and the storage device. The client device provides the user interface, while the storage device handles the actual recording and storage functions. This separation allows the user interface to remain consistent across different storage configurations, eliminating the need for users to relearn interfaces when capacity needs change.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple PVRs are used to increase recording capacity, then the recording capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage functions into a single unified storage device that acts as both NAS and PVR. This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate PVR devices while maintaining or increasing total recording capacity. The unified device manages storage resources centrally, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
In a storage system, client devices and storage devices are connected to a network. An application for controlling the recording function of the storage device is installed on the client device. The client device, which accesses the storage device, is provided with a user interface with which a user operates the storage device. The storage device has a network attached storage (NAS) function and a recording function, and the storage device has no interface of its own with which to operate. A plurality of the storage devices are connectable to the network. When the client device registers the plurality of storage devices connected to the network, the client device accesses the plurality of storage devices registered and provides the user with a single user interface.