Virtual DVR Synchronization for Cross-Device Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in playing video content recorded on legacy DVRs on both home TVs and mobile devices due to proprietary formats, lack of output ports, and digital rights management restrictions, while network-based DVRs may not be compatible with existing home setups, leading to the need for expensive replacements.
Innovation Solution
Creating a virtual DVR system that synchronizes local and network DVRs, allowing simultaneous recording and playback on both local TVs and mobile devices without separate setups, and enabling dynamic advertisement insertion based on viewing location and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users utilize a local DVR to record video content, then recording capability is provided, but the content cannot be easily viewed on computers or portable devices due to proprietary formats and DRM restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the local DVR and network/mobile devices. The gateway receives content from the local DVR, converts it to compatible formats, and makes it accessible to mobile devices and computers, thereby resolving the compatibility issue without requiring changes to the existing DVR or complex user configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the recorded content in a network-compatible format through the gateway device. The original content remains on the local DVR in its proprietary format, while a converted copy is made available to mobile devices, allowing simultaneous access without affecting the original recording
2Adaptability or versatility
If users adopt network-based DVR services, then mobile device compatibility is improved, but existing home DVR setups become incompatible requiring expensive replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device is deployed in advance to bridge the old local DVR system with new mobile devices. This preliminary infrastructure allows users to gradually transition to mobile viewing without immediately replacing their entire DVR system, deferring the replacement cost while providing immediate compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device serves multiple functions: it acts as a format converter, a network interface, and a synchronization point between local and network-based DVR systems. This multi-functionality allows the system to support both legacy local DVRs and modern mobile devices simultaneously
3Ease of operation
If separate recording setups are used for local TV and mobile devices, then device-specific optimization is achieved, but system complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the local DVR and network DVR functionalities into a unified system through the gateway. Users make a single recording request, and the system automatically manages the content across both local and network storage, eliminating the need for separate recording setups and reducing user burden
Data Source
AI summary
Creating a virtual DVR from a synchronized local DVR and network DVR is provided. Oftentimes, video content recorded one a local DVR may be inaccessible for playback from an internet connected device. When a request to record a video content item is received, the request is synchronized between a local DVR and a network DVR. Accordingly, the video content item is recorded on both DVRs. If a playback request is received from a device in communication with the local DVR, the local DVR recording may be played from; and if an internet connected device is used for playback, the network DVR recording may be played. Further, the data and the metadata of the recorded content including bookmarks, viewing history, deletion requests, etc. may be synchronized. Appropriate advertising may also be inserted/replaced based on the time/location of viewing, the playback device, user profile data, etc.