Distributed database management system

• US 9,195,694 B2
• Filed: 07/02/2013
• Issued: 11/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TiVo Solutions Inc. (Adeia Inc.)
• Original Assignee: TiVo Inc. (Adeia Inc.)
• Inventors: Beach, Brian, Platt, David C.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHIO, TAT CHI
• Application Number:
  US13/934,084
• Publication Number:
  US 20130294754A1
• Time in Patent Office: 875 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1417 Boot up procedures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2094 Redundant storage or storage space G06F11/2056 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2097 maintaining the standby controller/processing unit updated initialisation or re-synchronisation thereof G06F11/1658 and subgroups
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/219 Managing data history or versioning querying versioned data G06F16/2474; querying temporal data G06F16/2477
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2246 Trees, e.g. B+trees
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2471 Distributed queries
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/256 in federated or virtual databases
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/27 Replication, distribution or synchronisation of data between databases or within a distributed database system; Distributed database system architectures therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/282 Hierarchical databases, e.g. IMS, LDAP data stores or Lotus Notes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/285 Clustering or classification
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2201/80 Database-specific techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2201/82 Solving problems relating to consistency ensuring consistency in mirrored systems G06F11/2064
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2562 DVDs [digital versatile discs]; Digital video discs; MMCDs; HDCDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/90 Tape-like record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/005 Reproducing at a different information rate from the information rate of recording for television signals H04N5/783
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/032 on tapes G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/036 Insert-editing
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/01 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/10 : in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1001 : for accessing one among a plurality of replicated servers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/108 : characterised by resources being split in blocks or fragments
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2181 : comprising remotely distributed storage units, e.g. when movies are replicated over a plurality of video servers distributed storage of data in networks, e.g. transport arrangements for network file system [NFS], storage area networks [SAN] or network attached storage [NAS], H04L67/1097
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23109 : by placing content in organized collections, e.g. EPG data repository details of retrieval of video data and associated meta data in video databases G06F16/739
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23113 : involving housekeeping operations for stored content, e.g. prioritizing content for deletion because of storage space restrictions storage management, e.g. defragmentation G06F3/0604; snloading stored programs G06F9/445; housekeeping operations in file systems, e.g. deletion policies G06F16/10; buffering arrangements in a network node or in an end terminal in packet networks H04L49/90
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 : Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2351 : involving encryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/252 : Processing of multiple end-users' preferences to derive collaborative data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25816 : involving client authentication restricting access to computer systems by authenticating users using a predetermined code G06F21/33; cryptographic authentication protocols H04L9/32; networks authentication protocols H04L63/08; authentication in wireless network security H04W12/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25833 : involving client hardware characteristics, e.g. manufacturer, processing or storage capabilities allocation of resources considering hardware capabilities in multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/5044; allocation of resources considering software capabilities in multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/5055
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25891 : being end-user preferences retrieval of video data in a video database based on user preferences G06F16/739; arrangements for recognizing users' preferences H04H60/46; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2625 : for delaying content or additional data distribution, e.g. because of an extended sport event
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/26613 : for generating or managing keys in general key distribution for secret or secure communication involving central third party, e.g. key distribution center [KDC] or trusted third party [TTP] H04L9/083; network support of key management H04L63/06; key management for network security in communication control or processing H04W12/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2665 : Gathering content from different sources, e.g. Internet and satellite
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4147 : PVR [Personal Video Recorder] H04N5/76 takes precedence ; arrangements for broadcast with accumulation-type receivers H04H20/40
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42204 : User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor constructive details of casings for the remote control device H01H9/0235; user interfaces for controlling a tuning device of a television receiver through a remote control H03J9/00; remote control of peripheral devices connected to a television receiver through the remote control device of the television receiver H04B1/205
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 : Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42607 : for processing the incoming bitstream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4332 : by placing content in organized collections, e.g. local EPG data repository interfaces, Database management systems or updating for information retrieval G06F16/23; details of retrieval of video data and associated meta data in video database G06F16/739
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4335 : Housekeeping operations, e.g. prioritizing content for deletion because of storage space restrictions storage management, e.g. defragmentation G06F3/0604; unloading stored programs G06F9/445; storage management in file systems G06F16/10; buffering arrangements in a network node or in an end terminal in packet networks H04L49/90
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 : Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4353 : involving decryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44224 : Monitoring of user activity on external systems, e.g. Internet browsing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 : involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4583 : Automatically resolving scheduling conflicts, e.g. when a recording by reservation has been programmed for two programs in the same time slot
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 : End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6187 : involving transmission via a telephone network, e.g. POTS
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6582 : Data stored in the client, e.g. viewing habits, hardware capabilities, credit card number arrangements where receivers interact with the broadcast H04H20/38
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/775 : between a recording apparatus and a television receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/781 : on disks or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/782 : on tape
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/783 : Adaptations for reproducing at a rate different from the recording rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/79 : Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/7921 : for more than one processing mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8042 : involving data reduction
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8063 : using time division multiplex of the PCM audio and PCM video signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8205 : involving the multiplexing of an additional signal and the colour video signal
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 : Object-oriented database structure processing

Abstract

A distributed database management system provides a central database resident on a server that contains database objects. Objects, e.g., program guide data, to be replicated are gathered together into distribution packages called “slices,” that are transmitted to client devices. A slice is a subset of the central database which is relevant to clients within a specific domain, such as a geographic region, or under the footprint of a satellite transmitter. The viewer selects television programs and Web content from displayed sections of the program guide data which are recorded to a storage device. The program guide data are used to determine when to start and end recordings. Client devices periodically connect to the server using a phone line and upload information of interest which is combined with information uploaded from other client devices for statistical, operational, or viewing models.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

receiving database objects as first database subsets at a device;

storing the database objects on at least one storage device at the device;

sending, by the device, a message indicating an inventory of two or more database subsets that were received by the device to a server configured to compare the inventory with a list of database subsets to be sent to the device and transmit second database subsets in the list of database subsets that are not in the inventory to the device;

prior to receiving the second database subsets at the device, the device reading, from the at least one storage device, individual database objects that were received in the first database subsets, and using the individual database objects to provide services to users of the device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the database objects include television program data and promotional material; and

the method further comprises;

causing one or more sections of the television program data to be displayed, wherein the one or more sections includes the promotional material;

receiving information indicating selection of a particular promotion made available in the promotional material; and

recording information for the particular promotion onto the at least one storage device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the database objects include promotional material that is related to a particular geographic region, wherein a geographic region for the device coincides with the particular geographic region.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the database objects include television program guide data; and

the method further comprises;

causing sections of the television program guide data to be displayed,

receiving information indicating selection of a program from the television program guide data to record, and

recording the selected program onto the at least one storage device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising periodically receiving symmetric keys to decrypt database objects.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein providing services comprises indexing data from the individual database objects, searching for particular database objects based on the indexing, and presenting information from the particular database objects located during the searching.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving updated versions of certain database objects of the database objects as third database subsets; and

replacing old versions of the certain database objects that were received in the first database subsets with the updated versions.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

deleting an individual database object received in a given database subset, without deleting other database objects in the given database subset, based at least on one or more of;

frequency of access of the individual database object, applicability data associated with the individual database object, or expiration information associated with the individual database object.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

based on dependency information associated with a first database object of the database objects, storing the first database object in a staging area until a second database object is received;

after receiving the second database object in the second database subsets, moving the first database object and the second database object to a database on the at least one storage device;

storing a third database object of the database objects in the database without waiting for the second database subsets.

10. An apparatus, comprising:

a receiving subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, configured to receive first database objects as database subsets;

a storage subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, configured to store the database objects on at least one storage device in communication with the device;

a database inventory subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, configured to send a message indicating an inventory of two or more database subsets that were received by the device to a server that compares the inventory with a list of database subsets to be sent to the device and transmit second database subsets in the list of database subsets that are not in the inventory to the device;

a subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, configured to, prior to receiving the second database subsets, reading, from the at least one storage device, individual database objects that were received in the first database subsets, and using the individual database objects to provide services to users of the apparatus.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:

the database objects include television program data and promotional material; and

the apparatus further comprises;

a program display subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, that causes one or more sections of the television program data to be displayed, wherein the one or more sections includes the promotional material;

a receiving subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, that receives information indicating selection of a particular promotion made available in the promotional material; and

a recording subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, that records information for the particular promotion onto the at least one storage device.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the database objects include promotional material that is related to a particular geographic region, wherein a geographic region for the device coincides with the particular geographic region.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:

the database objects include television program guide data; and

the apparatus further comprises;

a program display subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, that causes sections of the television program guide data to be displayed,

a receiving subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, that receives information indicating selection of a program from the television program guide data to record; and

a recording subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, that records the selected program onto the at least one storage device.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a receiving subsystem, implemented at least partially in hardware, that periodically receives symmetric keys to decrypt database objects.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein providing services comprises indexing data from the individual database objects, searching for particular database objects based on the indexing, and presenting information from the particular database objects located during the searching.

16. The apparatus of claim 10:

wherein the receiving subsystem is further configured to receive updated versions of certain database objects of the database objects as third database subsets; and

wherein the storage subsystem is further configured to replace old versions of the certain database objects that were received in the first database subsets with the updated versions.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

wherein the storage subsystem is further configured to delete an individual database object received in a given database subset, without deleting other database objects in the given database subset, based at least on one or more of;

frequency of access of the individual database object, applicability data associated with the individual database object, or expiration information associated with the individual database object.

18. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

wherein the storage subsystem is further configured to;

based on dependency information associated with a first database object of the database objects, store the first database object in a staging area until a second database object is received;

after receiving the second database object in the second database subsets, move the first database object and the second database object to a database on the at least one storage device; and

store a third database object of the database objects in the database without waiting for the second database subsets.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause performance of the steps of:

receiving database objects as first database subsets at a device;

storing the database objects on at least one storage device at the device;

sending, by the device, a message indicating an inventory of two or more database subsets that were received by the device to a server configured to compare the inventory with a list of database subsets to be sent to the device and transmit second database subsets in the list of database subsets that are not in the inventory to the device;

prior to receiving the second database subsets at the device, the device reading, from the at least one storage device, individual database objects that were received in the first database subsets, and using the individual database objects to provide services to users of the device.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein:

the database objects include television program data and promotional material; and

the steps further comprise;

causing one or more sections of the television program data to be displayed, wherein the one or more sections includes the promotional material;

receiving information indicating selection of a particular promotion made available in the promotional material; and

recording information for the particular promotion onto the at least one storage device.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the database objects include promotional material that is related to a particular geographic region, wherein a geographic region for the device coincides with the particular geographic region.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein:

the database objects include television program guide data; and

the steps further comprise;

causing sections of the television program guide data to be displayed,

receiving information indicating selection of a program from the television program guide data to record, and

recording the selected program onto the at least one storage device.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, the steps further comprising periodically receiving symmetric keys to decrypt database objects.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein providing services comprises indexing data from the individual database objects, searching for particular database objects based on the indexing, and presenting information from the particular database objects located during the searching.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause performance of:

receiving updated versions of certain database objects of the database objects as third database subsets; and

replacing old versions of the certain database objects that were received in the first database subsets with the updated versions.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause performance of:

deleting an individual database object received in a given database subset, without deleting other database objects in the given database subset, based at least on one or more of;

frequency of access of the individual database object, applicability data associated with the individual database object, or expiration information associated with the individual database object.

27. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause performance of:

based on dependency information associated with a first database object of the database objects, storing the first database object in a staging area until a second database object is received;

after receiving the second database object in the second database subsets, moving the first database object and the second database object to a database on the at least one storage device;

storing a third database object of the database objects in the database without waiting for the second database subsets.