INTELLIGENT RECORDING

The present invention relates method and associated system for intelligently recording media based on device capabilities.

Storing data typically comprises an inaccurate process with little flexibility. Data storage within a system typically includes a manual process. Manually storing data may be time consuming and require a large amount of resources. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome at least some of the deficiencies and limitations described herein above.

The present invention provides a method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor of an audio/video recording device from a user, a first request for recording first broadcast audio/video data; analyzing, by the computer processor, audio/video presentation capabilities for audio/video presentation devices belonging to the user; analyzing, by the computer processor, first formats of a first group of broadcast audio/video files associated with the first broadcast audio/video data; comparing, by the computer processor, results of analyzing audio/video viewing devices with results of analyzing the first formats; selecting, by the computer processor based on results of the comparing, a first audio/video file of the first group of broadcast audio/video files, the first audio/video file comprising a first format requiring a first amount of storage space within a storage device of the audio/video recording device, the first format associated with first audio/video presentation capabilities of a first audio/video presentation device of the audio/video presentation devices; and recording, by the computer processor, the first audio/video file.

The present invention provides an audio/video recording device comprising a computer processor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, the memory unit comprising instructions that when executed by the computer processor implements a method comprising: receiving, by the computer processor from a user, a first request for recording first broadcast audio/video data; analyzing, by the computer processor, audio/video presentation capabilities for audio/video presentation devices belonging to the user; analyzing, by the computer processor, first formats of a first group of broadcast audio/video files associated with the first broadcast audio/video data; comparing, by the computer processor, results of analyzing audio/video viewing devices with results of analyzing the first formats; selecting, by the computer processor based on results of the comparing, a first audio/video file of the first group of broadcast audio/video files, the first audio/video file comprising a first format requiring a first amount of storage space within a storage device of the audio/video recording device, the first format associated with first audio/video presentation capabilities of a first audio/video presentation device of the audio/video presentation devices; and recording, by the computer processor, the first audio/video file.

The present invention provides a computer program product, comprising a computer readable storage device storing a computer readable program code, the computer readable program code comprising an algorithm that when executed by a computer processor of an audio/video recording device implements a method, the method comprising: receiving, by the computer processor from a user, a first request for recording first broadcast audio/video data; analyzing, by the computer processor, audio/video presentation capabilities for audio/video presentation devices belonging to the user; analyzing, by the computer processor, first formats of a first group of broadcast audio/video files associated with the first broadcast audio/video data; comparing, by the computer processor, results of analyzing audio/video viewing devices with results of analyzing the first formats; selecting, by the computer processor based on results of the comparing, a first audio/video file of the first group of broadcast audio/video files, the first audio/video file comprising a first format requiring a first amount of storage space within a storage device of the audio/video recording device, the first format associated with first audio/video presentation capabilities of a first audio/video presentation device of the audio/video presentation devices; and recording, by the computer processor, the first audio/video file.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method and associated system capable of storing data.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 2 for intelligently recording broadcast audio/video media 5 based on capabilities of intended viewing/listening devices, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Broadcast audio/video media 5 may include any type of audio/video media including, inter alia, television shows, movies, music, etc. Intended viewing/listening devices (e.g., audio/video devices 6a . . . 6n and 7a . . . 7n in FIG. 1) 5 may include any type of audio/video presentation devices (e.g., in a user's house) including, inter alia, television monitors, video monitors, audio players (e.g., mp3 music players), etc. System 2 enables a method for intelligently recording broadcast audio/video media 5 based on: a device capability matching process, a user experience matching process, and/or a process for matching based on device viewing patterns.

A device capability matching process enables a recording method that includes matching an audio/video presentation device's capabilities with a format of broadcast audio/video media 5. For example, if a television does not have the capability to display a format of a broadcast (e.g. a three dimensional broadcast), then system 2 may locate another broadcast (e.g., a standard broadcast) for recording.

A user experience matching process enables a method for locating broadcast audio/video media 5 associated with a user preference. The process may include tests for determining the user's ability to discern quality differences in audio and/or video of broadcast audio/video media 5. For example, system 2 may determine that the user's eyesight is unable to discern the difference between a video resolution of 720p and 1080p. Therefore, during a recording process there is no need to consume additional storage space by recording a 1080p broadcast. Additionally, system 2 may present a post-viewing survey to the user to determine if the user was satisfied with a recorded audio/video media's quality.

A device viewing pattern process enables a method for determining which audio/video presentation device (belonging to a user) is typically used to view recorded audio/video media based on viewing patterns. For example, for the past 9 days, the user has viewed the 7 PM news broadcast on a portable video viewing device (e.g., an mp3 player) on the way to work (and not on a high definition television). In this example, a recording device (e.g., recording device 14 in FIG. 1) may suggest or enable intelligent decisions for recording a low resolution broadcast (e.g., it has been inferred that the broadcast will most likely be watched on a low resolution device with standard audio capabilities) in order to save memory space.

System 2 of FIG. 1 comprises recording broadcast audio/video media 5 and audio/video devices 6a . . . 6n connected through a network 7 to a recording (computing) system 14. Alternatively and/additionally, audio/video devices 7a . . . 7n may be directly connected to recording system 14 (i.e., without network 7). Network 7 may comprise any type of network including, inter alia, a telephone network, a local area network, (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a wireless network, etc. Recording system 14 may comprise any type of computing system(s) including, inter alia, a computer (PC), an audio/video recording device, etc. An audio/video recording device may comprise any type of recording device including, inter alia, a digital video recorder (DVR), a portable video recorder (PVR), etc. Recording system 14 comprises a memory system 8. Memory system 8 may comprise a single memory system. Alternatively, memory system 8 may comprise a plurality of memory systems. Memory system 8 comprises a software application 17 stored audio/video files retrieved from broadcast audio/video media 5. Software application controls all functionality associated with intelligently recording broadcast audio/video media 5.

System 2 enables a process for automatically retrieving and recording broadcast audio/video 5 comprising specified formats (e.g., standard definition, high-definition, digital stereo, 7.1 surround sound, etc) based on an intended viewing device's (e.g., audio/video devices 6a . . . 6n and 7a . . . 7n in FIG. 1) capabilities. The capabilities (along with alternative automatically determined or user defined preferences) define a procedure enabled by recording system 14 for selecting and recording a specific broadcast (of broadcast audio/video data). If recording system 14 determines that a different media stream (i.e., comprising a different format) would better fit “best” capabilities of the intended viewing device, recording system 14 may use one or more means to locate and record a better fitting broadcast stream (e.g., downgrade or upgrade the broadcast stream to produce a better fitting recording). A means for locating a better fitting broadcast stream may include a search of one or more public and/or network locations that provide audio/video media.

System 2 enables recording system 14 to analyze and/or query capabilities of audio/video devices 6a . . . 6n and/or audio/video devices 7a . . . 7n. Additionally or alternatively, recording system 14 analyzes and/or queries one or more user's viewing preferences. When a recording request is defined, recording system 14 determines a best-fit broadcast stream to record based upon the capabilities (of audio/video devices 6a . . . 6n and/or 7a . . . 7n audio/video devices 6a . . . 6n.) and/or (the one or more user's viewing) preferences. In response, recording system 14 records the best-fit broadcast stream and optionally upsamples/downsamples the broadcast stream media actually recorded to a storage device (e.g., a hard disk) within recording system 14. Recording system 14 may initiate a process by detecting (querying) attached viewing devices (e.g., audio/video devices 6a . . . 6n and/or audio/video devices 7a . . . 7n) and obtaining associated capabilities. For example, recording system 14 may detect that there is a viewing device connected via an HDMI cable that supports a specific display resolution and audio signal type (e.g., 720p and stereo sound, 1080p and integrated 7.1 surround sound via digital ports, etc). The querying process may be automatically performed in-band (e.g. just prior to recording or when a recording schedule is set) or out-of-band (e.g. during a setup process that is run when recording system 14 is first installed or as requested by a user). Alternatively, the viewing devices may be manually specified by a user. For example, a user may define a portable device (e.g. an mp3 audio/video device) that may be used as a remote viewing device. During a setup process, the user may specify viewing devices and recording system 14 may use an external or internal service or data store to retrieve/download capabilities associated with the specified viewing devices. Multiple viewing devices may be queried during this process. Additionally, recording system 14 may perform out-of-band double blind tests to determine an end user's ability to discern quality differences in audio and/or video.

The following description details a process for automatically retrieving and recording broadcast audio/video 5 comprising specified formats based on an intended viewing device's capabilities:

Initially, recording system 14 analyzes a scheduled broadcast's features (or format) and compares the analyzed features with capabilities of viewing devices in order to determine a “best-fit” association. For example, a viewing device may comprise a resolution of 1080p and stereo sound capability. In this example, software application 17 may compare these capabilities with a selected channel (e.g., a high definition (HD) channel or a standard definition (SD) channel) for scheduled recordings. If the selected channel is an HD channel and the broadcast is in digital stereo, this may comprise a “best-fit” scenario and a recording request is finalized and recorded as described, infra. Alternatively, additional information from other sources (e.g., a viewing guide delivered to recording system 14 by a broadcast provider) may be used to determine broadcast capabilities. Additionally, a user may specify preferences (e.g. always record in SD if recording system 14 storage space comprises less than 15% space available) for a specified recording format. The user may specify preferences for an intended viewing device specification when a recording is scheduled. Alternatively, recording system 14 may utilize a past viewing history of similar recordings to select an intended “best-fit” viewing device. For example, recording system 14 may determine that 75% of episodes of a specific recorded television show are remotely viewed from a first device connected to an upstairs set top box. Therefore capabilities associated with the first device are used to select a broadcast format. If a selected channel/broadcast does not comprise a “best-fit”, then recording system 14 may search alternative broadcasts. Searching for alternative broadcasts may include searching all channels that are broadcasting the selected broadcast (e.g., a selected broadcast may be aired on an HD and an SD channel). Alternatively, recording system 14 may search for scheduled broadcasts within a defined period of time from a scheduled recording. Additionally, recording system 14 may search for specific broadcasts from alternative media sources (e.g. via Internet downloadable files from a source channel website or other services such as a movie provider network). Additionally, recording system 14 may be enhanced with a post-viewing survey process that may ask a viewer if they were satisfied with a recorded media's quality. The viewer responses may be utilized as an input to software application 17 for automatically retrieving and recording specific broadcast audio/video 5. For example, if a recording was recorded in 720i but was viewed from an unexpected device that comprises a higher resolution, then future similar scheduled recordings may be automatically recorded in a higher quality (e.g., 1080p). Furthermore, recording system 14 may be enabled to monitor a viewing device and reanalyze a match between an actual device being used to view a recording and audio/video media that was recorded. If the analysis determines that the match does not associate with “best-fit” criteria, recording system 14 may search for a better fit broadcast.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by system 2 of FIG. 1 for providing for intelligently recording broadcast audio/video media based on capabilities of intended viewing/listening devices, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 202, a computer processor of a computing apparatus (e.g., recording system 14 of FIG. 1) receives (from a user) a request for recording broadcast audio/video data (e.g., broadcast audio/video 5 in FIG. 1). In step 204, the computer processor analyzes audio/video presentation capabilities for (connected) audio/video presentation devices (e.g., audio/video devices 6a . . . 6n and/or audio/video devices 7a . . . 7n of FIG. 1) belonging to the user. In step 208, the computer processor analyzes formats of a first group of broadcast audio/video files associated with the first broadcast audio/video data. In step 212, the computer processor compares results of the analyses of steps 204 and 208. In step 218, the computer processor selects (based on results of the comparison in step 212) a first audio/video file of the first group of broadcast audio/video files. The first audio/video file includes a first format requiring a first amount of storage space within a storage device of the audio/video recording device. The first format is associated with first audio/video presentation capabilities of a first audio/video presentation device of the audio/video presentation devices. In step 218, the first audio/video file is recorded and step 202 is repeated upon a new recording request from the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by system 2 of FIG. 1 for performing a user experience matching process to select additional broadcast audio/video media for recording, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 302, a computer processor (via the first audio/video presentation device selected in the algorithm of FIG. 2) presents the first audio/video file to the user. In step 304, the computer processor receives (from the user) an additional request for recording additional broadcast audio/video data. In step 306, the computer processor selects (and records) a second audio/video file comprising the additional broadcast audio/video data. The second specified audio/video file comprises a second format requiring a second amount of storage space within the storage device of the audio/video recording device. The second amount of storage space is less than the first amount of storage space from step 212 of FIG. 1. In step 308, the computer processor presents (via the first audio/video presentation device) the second specified audio/video file to the user. In step 312, the computer processor determines if future audio/video files should be recorded using the first format or the second format. The determination may be made based on an unprompted response (or no response) from the user. Additionally, the determination may be made by presenting a survey (to the user) comprising questions associated the first format and the second format and receiving (and analyzing) feedback data associated with the survey.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by system 2 of FIG. 1 for performing a device viewing patterns process to select additional broadcast audio/video media for recording, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 402, a computer processor receives a request (from the user) for presenting the first audio/video file (recorded in step 218 of FIG. 2) via a second audio/video presentation device. The second audio/video presentation device is associated with audio/video files comprising a second format (differing from the first format of FIG. 2) requiring a specified amount of storage space within a storage device of an audio/video recording device. The first audio/video file is presented (via the second audio/video presentation device) to the user. In step 404, the computer processor receives a request for recording additional broadcast audio/video data. In step 406, the computer processor selects and records a second audio/video file comprising the additional broadcast audio/video data comprising the second format. In step 408, the computer processor presents (via the second audio/video presentation device) the second specified audio/video file to the user. In step 412, the computer processor presents (to the user) a choice between the first format and the second format. In step 418, the computer processor receives (from the user) a response associated with the choice. In step 420, the computer processor analyzes the response to determine if future audio/video files should be recorded using the first format or the second format.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer apparatus 90 (e.g., recording system 14 of FIG. 1) used for intelligently recording broadcast audio/video media based on capabilities of intended viewing/listening devices, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 90 comprises a processor 91, an input device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an output device 93 coupled to the processor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95 each coupled to the processor 91. The input device 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The output device 93 may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code 97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithms of FIGS. 2-4) for providing for intelligently recording broadcast audio/video media based on capabilities of intended viewing/listening devices. The processor 91 executes the computer code 97. The memory device 94 includes input data 96. The input data 96 includes input required by the computer code 97. The output device 93 displays output from the computer code 97. Either or both memory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more additional memory devices not shown in FIG. 5) may comprise the algorithms of FIGS. 2-4 and may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a program storage device) having a computer readable program code embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code comprises the computer code 97. Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system 90 may comprise the computer usable medium (or said program storage device).

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could be created, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced, etc. by a service supplier who offers to intelligently record broadcast audio/video media based on capabilities of intended viewing/listening devices. Thus the present invention discloses a process for deploying, creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating computing infrastructure, comprising integrating computer-readable code into the computer system 90, wherein the code in combination with the computer system 90 is capable of performing a method for intelligently recording broadcast audio/video media based on capabilities of intended viewing/listening devices. In another embodiment, the invention provides a business method that performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service supplier, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to intelligently record broadcast audio/video media based on capabilities of intended viewing/listening devices. In this case, the service supplier can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, the service supplier can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service supplier can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.

While FIG. 5 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configuration of hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilized for the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particular computer system 90 of FIG. 5. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95 may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memory devices.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.