Virtual Digital Video Recorder Service Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital video recorders (DVRs) face challenges in managing limited storage capacity, requiring frequent and costly hardware and software upgrades to accommodate an unlimited number of recorded programs, and users often lack control over the selection of available programming content.
Innovation Solution
A virtual digital video recorder (VDVR) service is implemented, allowing users to record programs remotely at a headend, with selected content copied and stored at a user terminal, enabling virtually unlimited recording capacity and eliminating the need for storage upgrades, while allowing users to control their recorded content selection through a network-based system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a DVR is used to record programs locally, then users can record and store programs for later review, but the storage capacity is limited and requires frequent hardware upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function from the user's local DVR and relocates it to a remote server. The server handles all storage operations, while the user's set-top box only needs minimal local storage for buffering and control. This resolves the contradiction by providing virtually unlimited storage capacity without requiring users to manage or upgrade their own hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the broadcast network and the user's set-top box. This server acts as a mediator that provides storage services to multiple users, eliminating the need for each user to have their own large-capacity storage device. The intermediary handles storage management, allowing users to access recorded programs without local hardware limitations.
2Ease of operation
If VOD services are provided to allow users to access programming content on demand, then users can manipulate presentations to enhance enjoyment, but the collection of programs is compiled by the provider and users have no input on selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically recording programs based on user-defined criteria before the user needs to watch them. The system pre-records entire seasons or specific programs according to user preferences, making them immediately available for on-demand viewing. This resolves the contradiction by giving users control over program selection in advance while maintaining ease of manipulation during viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user viewing habits and automatically adjusts program selection and recording decisions based on user preferences. The system learns from user behavior patterns and provides personalized program recommendations and automatic recording decisions, giving users indirect control over program selection while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If a circular buffer is used to constantly record incoming programs, then storage is continuously utilized, but the buffer size is fixed and older programs are overwritten when full
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed-size circular buffer with a dynamic storage system on the remote server. The server can allocate and deallocate storage space flexibly based on user needs and program importance. Recorded programs are not overwritten but retained indefinitely or until explicitly deleted by the user, resolving the contradiction between continuous recording capability and program retention reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In response to a request initiated by a user at a user terminal, selected entertainment programming content, when broadcast, is recorded at a location remote from the user terminal. The request is communicated through a communications network, e.g., cable TV network, which is also used for transmission of entertainment programming content to user terminals. The recorded programming content is stored in a storage space at the remote location, which is allocated to the user terminal. In response to a review request from the user terminal, the recorded programming content is retrieved from the storage space allocated thereto, and transmitted to the user terminal through the communications network. The presentation of the recorded programming content may be manipulated by the user to perform rewinding, pausing and fast-forwarding thereon.