Virtual PVR Server Synchronizes Home Recorder Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal video recorder (PVR) systems are complex to use, especially on small devices like mobile phones, and web-based video on demand systems limit user choices to pre-selected content, requiring high bandwidth for content transfer and constant internet connection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual PVR in a network that synchronizes with a residential PVR, using low-bandwidth communication channels like dial-up internet or wireless systems, allowing content management and recording control via a central server accessible through mobile devices, reducing the need for high upload bandwidth and constant internet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If web-based video on demand systems are used, then content delivery is enabled, but user choice is limited to pre-selected content and high bandwidth is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the PVR functionality into two parts: the actual recording device at home and a virtual PVR service on the server. This allows users to access their recorded content remotely without transferring large amounts of data, as only metadata and control signals need to be exchanged over the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the PVR system on the server that mirrors the functionality and recorded content metadata. This virtual PVR allows users to interact with their recorded content remotely as if they were at home, eliminating the need for high-bandwidth content transfer while maintaining full access capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If recorded content is uploaded to remote storage for retrieval on different user equipment, then remote access is enabled, but enormous storage capacity and high bandwidth are required
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual PVR on the server acts as an intermediary between the home PVR and the user's mobile device. Instead of directly transferring content between these devices, the virtual PVR mediates access by providing a remote interface to the recorded content metadata and control functions, eliminating the need for direct high-bandwidth content transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential PVR control and metadata management functions from the physical device and places them on the server. This extraction allows users to access their recorded content remotely using only low-bandwidth connections, as only lightweight metadata and control signals need to be transmitted rather than the actual video content.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PVR is connected constantly to internet for remote content access, then content availability is improved, but upload bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring constant connection for content synchronization, the system uses periodic updates where the mobile device checks for new content or changes in the recorded program guide at scheduled intervals. This periodic action maintains content availability while dramatically reducing the total bandwidth consumption compared to continuous synchronization.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for storage and/or access of records of television programmes, which are recorded by a personal video recorder (1), characterised in that the personal video recorder (1) is at least temporarily connectable to a server (3) using a communication channel (2) and that via said channel (2) the identity and other parameters of the recorded programme are transferred to the server (3) and stored as a dataset into a database (4). This programme identity information can them be used subsequently to allow access from a video on demand server to create a virtual PVR without the need for transfer of the actual streamed data in total.