CN101171837A - System and method for restricting access to multimedia program broadcasts - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for limiting a user's access to watch content transmitted or broadcast to a multimedia display device. Specifically, the system enables an administrator to specify limitations on the multimedia display device, e.g., a television, which will limit a user's access. The limits may apply to the television or, to a specific user who has a user key that only allows the user to use the television depending on programmed controls. The limits may specify when the television may be shown, or how much time the television may shown within a period of time; and the limits may specify what services (channels) may be shown during specified times or how much time specified services may be shown within a period of time. The limits additionally specify what themes (event types) may be shown during specified times or how much time specified themes may be viewed by the user. The system enables recording of content according to the restrictions (content or time) to personal recording devices and is further able to restrict viewing access according to the user's age, the ratings of the event or program, or a combination thereof.

Description

System and method for restricting access to multimedia program broadcasts

The present application generally relates to managing access to multimedia program broadcasts, such as by programming a TV set-top box, and more particularly, to a new system for restricting users from accessing certain program broadcasts according to specified time and/or content restrictions. Systems and methods, the restriction includes restricting access to cooperating accessory devices like HDD/DVD/VCR. Such a system not only controls individual devices such as DVDs, TVs or set-top boxes, but also provides a complete solution that enables parallel controlled access to all of these devices at the same time.

With the advent of Java TV and the ability to have programming logic in the set-top box, use of the TV can be better controlled by planning what device is to be used and how that device is to be used. The patent literature contains extensive disclosures related to controlling access to television receivers and controlling viewing of programs. Representative patents include:

U.S. Patent No. 5,969,748, which generally describes a television listings system that allows users to control access to television programming;

U.S. Patent No. 6,025,869, which generally describes a television/video viewing monitoring system that implements a programmable channel/time matrix for selective monitoring of television, video recorder (VCR), cable television, satellite Schedule TV and/or game viewing times, programs and/or channels;

US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0145321, which generally describes a method and system for controlling the selection of channels and shows for viewing, for example, through a set-top box;

US Publication No. 2003/0014750, which generally describes a method and system for controlling access to viewable content on an individual title basis.

In particular WO-9510916 patent application comprehensively describes a television receiver which enables the user to control the viewing of programs, blocks or allows selected programs, and allows the user to specify the programs to be controlled by using compressed codes for Watch and allow to block viewing of specific scenes in the show.

Most of these background art patent documents mainly focus on a very simple method that allows some user identification information to be entered, such as a PIN, and imposes some restrictions, such as the time period that children can watch TV.

However, none of the above cited documents teaches the use of a method and system for restricting children's viewing by preventing children from uncontrolled access to multimedia terminals such as televisions, which additionally restricts the use of cooperating devices such as DVD /VCR/HDD/PVR or any other storage media/playback device controlled access.

Accordingly, a user or administrator may specify restrictions to restrict the user's access to watch television, including: time restrictions, duration restrictions, program restrictions, and channel restrictions. Administrators can have admin keys to specify (configure) restrictions for different users. A user can have a user key to operate the TV. The user/administrator can specify that information about the user's access to the TV can be stored (log files) and reports can be generated on what content has been accessed.

Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide a timing system for a multimedia display device, such as a television, that prevents a user from watching television or the like after a selected or designated time elapses for allowed content (e.g., a list of selected services) Multimedia display device.

It is further highly desirable to provide a timing system for a multimedia display device, such as a television, which prevents a user from watching television or the like after a selected or specified time elapses during a selected (or specified) time period of the day. Multimedia display device.

It is further highly desirable to provide a timing system for multimedia display devices such as televisions that prevents users from watching television or similar multimedia by blocking channels (or "services") based on the subject of current events (or "programs") display screen.

It is further highly desirable to provide a system for a multimedia display device that allows or blocks access to particular events (programs) according to the level of said event (e.g., according to level data from an independent provider), or otherwise according to viewer's age, or a combination of rating and viewer's age to restrict or prevent access to specific events (programs).

It is further highly desirable to provide a system for multimedia display devices that allows specific events (programs) to be recorded to HDD or DVD/VCR/PVR devices within specified time/content constraints and included in the recording or viewing current A feature suitable for filtering out advertising content when a program/event is present.

An aspect of the present invention is to address the disadvantages in prior art viewing access control systems by providing the additional capability of: recorder (PVR), TV or DVD player) to restrict user access to viewing TV.

A user or administrator may have an administrative key (such as a pin) to enable the parent/administrator to specify restrictions. The restrictions can be applied to the TV or to a specific user with a user key which only allows the user to use the TV according to the restrictions. The restrictions may specify when the television is broadcast, or how long the television is broadcast within a time period; and the restrictions may specify what services (channels) may be displayed within a specified time or within a time period How long the specified service can be displayed; and the time limit specifies what topics (i.e. event types such as cartoons, children's shows, sports, movies, education) can be displayed within the specified time or specified topics in How long a time period can be displayed. Multiple restrictions can be set for the same user. The administrator can specify to store information about the user's access to the TV and generate reports on the content accessed (ie titles presented, services, topics, time and time period) in order to monitor the user's access.

Therefore, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system and method for allowing monitoring and control of viewing broadcast content on a multimedia terminal, the method comprising the steps of specifying a time constraint via an interface display, the constraint being used for controlling the amount of time a viewer is allowed to watch television within a certain period of time; specifying, via an interface display, restrictions on viewing content that can be viewed by said viewer during said time period; monitoring viewer access to currently broadcast content through said television; and access to content previously recorded by said viewer via a recording device that stores recorded broadcast content; preventing said viewer from accessing current or stored broadcast content that violates said time and viewing content restrictions .

Advantageously, the programming of the "control system" of the invention can be implemented via any other interface, even a network interface. The television device may have a network connection and a web control interface running, allowing full control via a remote browser. It is even possible to establish a wireless connection and also enable remote control via eg a "Wi-Fi" connection. If the TV has a permanent internet connection, the TV can also be remotely controlled by parents from any location, i.e. parents can control online what their kids are watching, or statistics such as what and how much my kids are watching hours and so on.

Furthermore, advantageously, the system provides a feature that indicates how much of the allowed time is available to the user. That is, each user is allowed to see how long the allowed time is available, and on this basis, the user can, for example, plan for the future and select only the "most wanted" events/programs instead of all.

Objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Accompanying drawing 1 shows the high-level block diagram of the television system that realizes timing control according to the present invention;

Figures 2(a)-2(c) illustrate a user or administrator interface for controlling television viewing functions for the user, such as through a typical main menu display interface 75 including a TV timer menu option 80, When the TV timer menu option 80 is selected it provides menu options to provide functionality according to the present invention (accompanying drawing 2(c));

Figures 3(a)-3(f) illustrate typical menu display interfaces presented to an authorized user/administrator in response to selection of a menu option 100 via an attached The example interface shown in Figure 2(c) gives;

Accompanying drawing 4 provides a high-level flow chart, and it has shown the processing flow 200 that controls TV viewing time by the set-top box control device that realizes timing control according to the present invention;

Accompanying drawing 5 provides a high-level flow chart, and it has shown the user login process flow 203 in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Accompanying drawing 6 provides a high-level flow chart, and it has shown the viewing time restriction preventing process in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Accompanying drawing 7 provides a high-level flowchart, and it has shown how the system verifies whether the current content (content service) is blocking in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Accompanying drawing 8 provides a high-level flow diagram, and it has shown the system processing that is used when current viewer plays his/her own recorded content in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Accompanying drawing 9 provides a high-level flow diagram, and it shows the system process for determining whether the content to be played is from HDD in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 provides a high-level flow diagram illustrating the system processing for monitoring users and determining whether blocking should occur in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention aims to provide a television timing control system and method that enables a user to control other users' multimedia viewing access, for example, a parent can control a child's viewing access. Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a television system 10, such as for a home setting, which incorporates programming viewing controls consistent with the present invention. The system 10 includes one or more multimedia display terminals such as coupled television or similar video display monitors 13a,b. Through a wireless connection to a set-top box control device 15 (such as a Philps Stramium ^™ product), it adds to the functionality of a traditional set-top box the additional function of providing Internet content received from a computer device to a wirelessly connected television device 13a,b. For example, by utilizing a system remote control device, a user can switch television reception content from (TV) broadcast content to broadband Internet content. The device can also be used to present photos or videos stored in the home computer 30, for example, using Wi-Fi technology (eg, wireless technology compliant with IEEE 802.11/a/b/g/n standards).

The Wi-Fi network includes a wireless hub device 22 associated with a home computer 30 for wirelessly connecting one or more set-top boxes 15 with one or more televisions 13a, b and the Internet via a communication signal carrier according to a wireless standard stand up. Thus, the system is adapted to send streaming video content to the televisions 13a, b via a wireless connection. All data regarding the use of the television is stored locally in the set top box device 15 and the functionality provided enables the television devices to exchange information about the state of use.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, an external device such as a DVD player 28 or a high density disk (HDD) recording device 29 is connected to the local set top box (eg a Stramium ^(TM) device).

The set-top box 15 in the illustrated embodiment is a device capable of receiving television, for example via a television antenna 20, or transmission via cable 25, or a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) dish and satellite signal receiver (not shown). Receivers for broadcast signals. Additionally shown in system 10 are other high density storage/recording devices coupled to set top box 15 (e.g. high HDD device 29) and/or techniques for recording television programming, including for example recordable optical media (e.g. CD , DVD), magnetic or magneto-optical media (such as hard or floppy disk drives), solid-state memory, etc., for temporary or long-term storage of received multimedia content files, and may include a digital media recording system (such as TiVo ^TM (Trademark of Philips Consumer Electronics), for recording/playing back multimedia broadcast content. Such equipment can be connected with STB15 and/or PC30 through standard cables that handle communications according to existing protocols (such as P50). For example, video recorder (VCR) 23 Other devices such as a digital video disc (DVD) player 28 (which may be an integrated or separate unit) can be actively played by having the multimedia content signal pass through the set-top box 15 (e.g. for wired or wireless transmission to the television device 13a, b). Audio and video signals are selectively output to the TV/monitor 13.

It should be understood that, in another embodiment of the present invention, each individual TV set may be equipped with a control function according to the present invention for exchanging information about usage via the network, broadcast, so that each The television sets 13a, b have updated usage information. In other words, in a broad sense, when a user or viewer suffers from a time limit on one television, it is impossible for the user to continue watching a television program on the other.

Two solutions are possible: 1) if the content comes from a central "box", this is the central point of the system, and therefore able to act as master controlling all other TVs or multimedia terminals in the system; and 2) all TVs are all equal and exchange information about usage.

Program viewing and viewing control of television programs and content according to the present invention is provided by a control system implemented by software running in the set top box 15 and/or television equipment 13a,b. However, in a television system, such functionality may be implemented by any number of devices capable of monitoring television viewing, including, for example, televisions, PVR's (TiVo receivers), computers or computing devices 30, VCR's, etc. Additionally, the television viewing monitoring device does not have to be capable of directly receiving and/or presenting television programs to the viewer, so long as such a device has the ability to detect what programs are being accessed for viewing through a separate display. Additionally, television programming to be viewed may be received from any number of sources including, but not limited to, RF broadcast sources, cable television sources, satellite television sources, and computer network sources such as local or wide area networks or the public Internet 99. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a user can access the TV menu through the network interface.

The set-top box 15 itself operates under the control of a processor or CPU 50 which is connected to a random access memory (RAM) device or similar memory storage device 51 which includes stored software suitable for execution by the processor and/or Main memory of the set-top box (not shown) for firmware applications, components, programs, objects, modules, data structures and program code, and additional data structures required by the processor in controlling the operation of the set-top box. Processor 50 may represent one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors or microcontrollers), and may additionally include any auxiliary level of memory, such as cache, non-volatile or backup memory (e.g., programmable or flash memory), read-only memory, etc. Additionally, this memory may also be considered to include memory storage physically located elsewhere in the set-top box 15 (such as any cache memory in the processor 50), as well as any storage capacity used as virtual memory, such as, for example, over an external network (not shown) stored on a mass storage device or another data processing system coupled to the set-top box 15.

Since said "control system" provides multimedia services (channels) for the home, for example according to the emerging Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standard, the set-top box 15 integrates all compressed digital TV, MP-3, DVD and many other multimedia services into this system. Therefore, the CPU 50 controls all software and hardware modules on the STB through a special operating system to allow the use of the Multimedia Home Platform MHP. In addition to the above mentioned, it also includes video/image engine, jaya virtual machines (JVMs) and human-machine interface components.

Operationally, RF input from a satellite dish, cable or antenna is passed to a tuner/demodulator (not shown), which demodulates the signal into a digital A/V stream, such as MPEG -2 streams, MPEG-4 streams (from Internet) or similar digital content streams. A demultiplexer is used to demultiplex its video, audio, subtitle and data streams from MPEG-2. Video and audio are decompressed by hardware or software modules before being presented to the user. The subtitle data, usually an image file with a transparent background, is passed to a dedicated rendering engine (not shown) that has direct access to the STB's On-Screen Display (OSD). The data stream is parsed for content such as system information, digital teletext or MHP data objects and then sent to hardware/software modules for interpretation and/or execution.

In accordance with the present invention, the set-top box is programmed with a typical menu display structure for providing enhanced viewing access control in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As implemented in accordance with the present invention as shown in FIG. 2( a), a user or administrator is provided through a typical main menu display interface 75 (e.g., a web interface) with a main menu including a TV timer menu option 80, the The TV timer menu option 80 implements TV viewing/access control restrictions in accordance with the present invention. As shown in Figure 2(b), upon accessing the TV timer menu option 80, the user is expected to enter a password via input field 85 to provide proper authorization before granting the user viewing/access controls. In one embodiment, the user is provided or assigned an administrative key (such as a PIN) that allows the user/administrator to access television viewing/access control functions and specify viewing restrictions in accordance with the present invention. In a typical context, as described herein, a user/administrator may include a parent who provides viewing controls for their children or other child viewers. After the user has been certified as authorized to program the set-top box control device performing timing control according to the present invention, the user can be authorized to set restrictions from the administrator control menu 100 as shown in FIG. 2(c). As shown in Figure 2(c), the administrator control menu 100 provides TV viewing restriction functionality through the following menu options: 1) content selection menu option 103; 2) set time constraints menu option 106; 3) recording menu option 110; and 4) Statistics menu option 114.

Figures 3(a)-3(f) illustrate typical menu display interfaces presented to authorized users/administrators in response to selection of menu option 100 through the example interface shown in Figure 2(c) to provide function of the present invention. In a typical context, a user/administrator may include a parent who provides viewing controls for their children or other child viewers.

Figures 3(a)-3(b) respectively illustrate exemplary menu display interfaces 120, 120' presented to authorized users/administrators in response to selection of the content selection menu option 100 of Figure 2(c), To provide content selection restrictions in accordance with the present invention. In a first aspect, the content selection restriction options provided through the interface 120 of FIG. An associated selection box 136 is displayed for selecting/unselecting which broadcast channels are allowed for viewing by the user. The content selection restriction menu provided through the interface 120 of Figure 3(a) additionally includes an option to enable/disable "hide blocked services" via menu option 127, to provide for removing relevant services (channels) from the viewing section. All indicated functions are blocked, or alternatively a function is provided to enumerate only those services/channels that are allowed (eg, from 1, . . . , N, etc.). The content selection restrictions provided through interface 120 of FIG. 3(a) additionally include an option to enable/disable a “Filter Advertisement” option via menu option 129 to provide, for example, the ability to identify and filter advertisements based on volume to prevent viewing or Record any ads for planning. In this regard, when a filtered advertisement is encountered while being viewed or recorded, the viewer's multimedia display device or terminal may temporarily interrupt and present a visual dialog prompting the user to wait while the filtered advertisement is blocked.

Figure 3(b) illustrates another exemplary menu display interface 120' presented to an authorized user/administrator in response to selecting the content selection menu option 100 of Figure 2(c) to provide content in accordance with the present invention Select restrictions. In this other aspect, the content selection restriction options provided through the interface 120' of FIG. , and an associated selection box 146 is displayed for selecting/unselecting which broadcast event(s) and scheduled topic(s) are allowed for viewing by the user. The content selection restrictions provided through interface 120' of FIG. Features of content for older viewers. The content selection restrictions provided through interface 120' of FIG. 3(b) additionally include an option to "Select Rating Server" via menu option 137 to provide the ability to block programming according to the "Rating" identified by the Rating Server, so The rating server is given at a user selectable or input location 145. The content selection restriction options provided through interface 120' of FIG. The function of program planning. Said fields: "select class server" and "allow events with a certain class" are actually coupled. The "Select Rating Server" option is only used to specify from which location (a kind of rating server) the event rating should be read. The second option provides a basic setting where the user can set a specific level of events, eg, 1 "star" means a very bad show, 5 stars means a very good show, etc.

Figures 3(c)-3(d) respectively illustrate typical menu display interfaces 121, 121 presented to authorized users/administrators in response to selecting the Set Time Limits selection menu option 106 of Figure 2(c) ' to provide temporal content constraints in accordance with the present invention.

In this other aspect, the content selection restriction options provided through the interface 121 of FIG. The total number of hours of viewing time given to viewers. For example, as shown in input field 171, it shows a limit of 10 viewing hours offered to a particular viewer. By entering fields, the user/administrator is further able to divide the set hours by time periods 172 of the day, week or month. A further "Split Hours Equally" menu option 152 is provided to enable the user/administrator to specify whether the specified "number of hours" to limit viewing is by specified daily, weekly or monthly time period 172 (by selecting input field 173 ) are divided equally. Thus, when the "split hours equally" menu option 152 (FIG. 3(c)) is not selected, the child can use the specified number of hours as he wishes. A further "extendable time" menu option 154 is provided to enable the user/administrator to specify whether the time limit setting can be extended so that, for example, a viewer watching the current "live" event will not be able to do so when the event exceeds the specified time limit. The event can continue to be viewed by selecting the input field 174. In this regard, it is also possible to specify that the time limit is extendable after a certain percentage (N%) of event viewing time has elapsed, such as 50% or 60%. Regardless of how the time limits are distributed or extendable, the user/administrator is able to specify the time slots in which the user is restricted from viewing television programs in accordance with planned constraints. For example, a further "specified time slot" menu option 156 is provided to be able to enter a specific duration (time slot) via input field 176, eg, A.M., P.M., within which the user's viewing restrictions are limited.

Figure 3(d) illustrates another exemplary menu display interface 121' presented to an authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the Set Time Limits selection menu option 106 of Figure 2(c) in accordance with the present invention. Time content restrictions are provided. In this other aspect, the set time limit options provided via interface 121' of FIG. Unlimited viewing time on which days. Regardless of when and how the time limits are distributed or whether they are extendable, the user/administrator can specify the percentage of time that can be spent watching television or broadcasting multimedia content in accordance with the allowed topics specified in the scrollable list 143 of the display interface 120' . Thus, in the example shown in Figure 3(d), via the "Detailed Time Usage" menu option 162, the user/administrator can specify via input field 182 how the user's total allocated viewing time can be spread out by topic; e.g. , as shown in Figure 3(d), the user may be allowed to spend 30% of the time watching animations and 70% of the time watching educational programs.

Figure 3(e) shows an exemplary menu display interface 122 presented to an authorized user/administrator in response to selecting the "Record" selection menu option 110 of Figure 2(c) to provide recording options in accordance with the present invention .

In this other aspect, the recording options provided via interface 122 of FIG. 3(e) include an "Allow Recording" menu option 163 which includes a check/uncheck box 183 so that when selected, Allows viewers to record additional time for the current program beyond the allotted time limit (eg, a live broadcast event that exceeds a specified limit of viewing time). Another "Record" menu option 165 is further presented with an input field 185 specifying to which recording device the additional program is to be recorded. Through the interface 122 of Figure 3(e), it can be caused to further display an "Allow HDD Recording" menu option 166, which includes a check/uncheck box 186 so that when selected, the viewer is allowed to record on their HDD. The program is recorded on a storage medium. Another "HDD" menu option 168 that is further presented has an input field 188 specifying to which HDD recording device the program schedule is to be recorded.

Figure 3(f) illustrates an exemplary menu display interface 122' presented to an authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the "Statistics" selection menu option 114 of Figure 2(c) in accordance with the present invention for specifying Information about the user's television access should be stored for later generation of reports on what has been accessed (eg show title, service (channel), subject, time and time period) to monitor the user's access. Accordingly, the "Enable Statistics" menu option 167 is presented with an associated check/uncheck box 187 such that when selected, it instructs the system to record statistics about the restricted person's television viewing usage for subsequent reporting. Another "Keep History for..." menu option 169 further presented has an input field 189 specifying how long statistics and other information about the restricted person's television viewing usage are to be recorded for subsequent reporting time (eg 30 days). It should be understood that authorized users have the right to read any log files containing details of their viewing statistics/usage. For example, a user can use a web browser or similar device implementing HTTP or a similar communication protocol. Alternatively, the user log can be accessed on the TV eg via a simple dialog box or via a mobile handset or via a wireless connection (eg bluetooth).

Figure 4 provides a high level flow diagram illustrating a process flow 200 for controlling television viewing time through a set top box control device implementing timing control in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the first step of the verification step is to verify at step 203 whether the current TV viewer has the right to watch TV programming without considering whether there are other TV controls/limiters. Details regarding the viewer authentication process are described herein with reference to FIG. 5 . If the viewer is not authorized to watch television, the process will cause the television device to be turned off, as shown in step 204 . Otherwise, after the viewer is identified as currently able to watch the television program, the process proceeds to step 206, where it is determined whether any time-limited blocking control features are being executed for that user and the current time. Details regarding viewer time limit blocking processing are described herein with reference to FIG. 6 . If there is a time-limited blocking feature implemented for that user at that time, the process will cause the television device to turn off, as shown in step 204 . If there is no time limit blocking feature performed for that user, then the process proceeds to step 207, where it is determined whether the current content intended for that viewer is blocked before actually displaying the multimedia/television broadcast as shown in step 209 allow. Details regarding determining whether the current viewer is allowed to view the current content are described herein with reference to FIG. 7 . If it is determined that the current viewer is permitted to view the current content, then the process proceeds to step 209 where the multimedia program is presented for display. Otherwise, if it is determined that the current viewer is not allowed to view the current content, then the process proceeds to step 208, which is a processing step for preventing the presentation of the current multimedia program. Regardless of whether the current viewer is authorized to view the current multimedia programming, the process proceeds to step 211, where it is determined whether the current user is attempting to play his/her own recorded content from an external source. Details on determining whether the current viewer wishes to play his/her own recorded content are described herein with reference to FIG. 8 . If it is determined in step 211 that the current viewer attempts to watch his/her own recorded content, then the process proceeds to step 212, which is a step of playing selected content from a selected external source (eg DVD). The process then proceeds to step 216 where a function is performed to monitor other usage of the device in the television viewing system to ensure compliance with the control. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 211 that the current viewer does not attempt to watch his/her own recorded content, then the process proceeds to step 213, wherein it is further determined whether the content to be played is from the provided HDD. Details about the processing flow for determining whether the content to be played is from HDD are described here with reference to FIG. 9 . If in step 213 it is determined that the current content to be played is from the HDD, then the process proceeds to step 212 where the selected content is played back. Otherwise, if in step 213 it is determined that the current content to be played is not from the HDD, then the process proceeds to monitoring step 216 . Details about the monitoring process are described here with reference to FIG. 10 .

Figure 5 provides a typical high-level flowchart illustrating the user login process flow 203 performed by the system of the present invention in accordance with the present invention when the user turns on the television. As shown in Figure 5, in the next step 222, the user/administrator is asked to enter his/her PIN. At step 224, the PIN is verified by conventional means such as a look-up table. If the user is authorized at step 224, the process proceeds to step 226 to display the welcome user screen, as shown in FIG. 2 . If the user is determined not to be an authorized user in step 224, the process proceeds to step 232 where an error dialog screen is presented. Proceeding to the next step 230, if more PIN entry attempts are allowed, then the process returns to step 222 so that the user can enter his/her PIN again and the process repeats. Otherwise, at step 230, if no more PIN entry is allowed, then the process proceeds to step 228, where a goodbye dialog is displayed and the user/viewer is deemed not authorized.

Figure 6 provides a high-level flow diagram illustrating the viewer time limit blocking process 206 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the process shown in Figure 6, the system verifies that the user time limit is not blocking. Therefore, as shown in the first step 235, it is determined whether the current day is allowed, ie, the day is an allowed day as planned for the viewer (see FIG. 3(d)). If the current day is allowed, the process proceeds to step 236, where (see Figure 3(c)) it is further determined whether time slot setting is blocked as previously planned. If the current slot setting has not been blocked, then the process proceeds to step 238 where it is determined whether a time budget is still available. If time is still budgeted for the current viewer, the process proceeds to step 241 which indicates that no television blocking is to be performed.

If it is determined that the current day is not allowed, then return to step 235, or if it is determined that the time slot setting is blocked, then return to step 236, or if it is determined that no time budget is available, then return to step 238, and then the process proceeds to Step 239, where it is determined whether an extendable "time" setting has been programmed for this viewer (see Figure 3(c)). If it is determined that an extendable "time" setting has been planned for this viewer, then the process proceeds to step 240 to check the current usage statistics for this viewer (see accompanying drawing 3(f)), after which it proceeds to step 245, Wherein it is further determined whether the user has watched more than N% (eg 50%) of the current event in the current viewing session. If it is determined that the user has watched more than N% of the current event, then the process proceeds to step 249, but the system will allow the user to watch the event until the end, at which point a dialog box indicating that the current time limit has been exceeded is displayed. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step 241, which indicates that no television blocking is to be performed. Otherwise, if it is determined that the extendable "time" setting is not planned for this viewer, then return to step 239, or if it is determined that the user does not view more than N% of the current event, then return to step 245, and then the process proceeds to Step 247, which initiates the display of a restriction dialog box. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 250, where it is determined whether recording settings are allowed for this viewer (see FIG. 3(e)). If the recording setting is not allowed, then the process proceeds to step 258, which blocks the program to prevent further viewing or recording of the current program. Otherwise, at step 250, if it is determined that the recording settings are allowed, then the process proceeds to step 252, where a dialog box is displayed prompting the viewer to be able to record the event, eg, through an authorized external recording device. In step 254, it is determined whether recording has been initiated. If recording has not been initiated, then the process proceeds to step 258, which blocks the program to prevent further viewing or recording of the current program. Otherwise, if at step 254 it is determined that the user has selected the record option, then the process proceeds to step 256 where recording of the current program is initiated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 258 where the viewer is allowed to block.

Figure 7 provides a high-level flowchart illustrating the system process 207 for verifying whether the current content (content service) is being blocked in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the process shown in FIG. 7, a first step 260 includes selecting a service, eg by switching (eg, using a remote control) to an allowed channel/service on the basis of a list provided by an administrator. For example, the user will be redirected to the program set in the "Select Allowed Channels" input section of Fig. 3(a). After obtaining the first service, it is determined at step 262 whether the current content is allowed. If the current content is not allowed, then the process proceeds to step 273, which shows that the current content is blocked. Otherwise, at step 262, if the current content is allowed, then the process proceeds to step 264, which determines whether the user's age is as previously specified by the parent/administrator in the "Age to Select Blocked" section of Figure 3(b) is being blocked. If the user's current age is such that permission to block is required, then the process proceeds to step 273 which shows that the current content is blocked. Otherwise, at step 264, if the current age is not blocking, then the process proceeds to step 265, where events from the source (server) are retrieved. The process then proceeds to step 266 to determine if the event level requires that the content be blocked as previously specified by the parent/administrator in the "Allow Events with Certain Levels" section of Figure 3(b). If the event has a level such that it requires blocking to be allowed, then the process proceeds to step 273 which shows that the current content is blocked. Otherwise, at step 266, if the rating is such that it does not require blocking to be allowed, then the process proceeds to step 267 to determine whether the ad filtering function is as previously described by the parent/administrator in the " Filter Ads" section is allowed. If the ad filtering is enabled, then the process proceeds to step 268 to turn on the ad detection filter. Otherwise, at step 267, if ad filtering is not allowed, then the process proceeds to step 275, which shows the step of allowing display of the current content. Returning to step 268, after advertisement detection is enabled, the process proceeds to step 270 where it is determined whether an advertisement is currently being broadcast. If the advertisement is not currently broadcasting, then the process proceeds to step 275, which shows the step of allowing the current content to be displayed. Otherwise, at step 270, if it is determined that an advertisement is currently being broadcast, then the process proceeds to step 273, which shows that the current content (eg, advertisement) is being blocked.

Figure 8 provides a high-level flowchart illustrating the system processing 211 used in an exemplary embodiment of the invention when the current viewer is playing his/her own recorded content. In the process shown in Figure 8, the system checks whether external content exists (previously recorded) and can be played. Thus, in step 280 it is determined whether an external source is available, and in step 282 it is shown whether said source with recorded content exists. If in step 282 it is determined that the source with recorded content does not exist, then the process proceeds to step 297, which illustrates the step of bypassing the playback/rendering of any external sources. Otherwise, at step 282, if it is determined that the source with recorded content exists, then the process proceeds to step 283, which shows the step of reading the local records database to check all records made by the current user and verify external The current content of the source (media) exists in the list. It should be understood that the system is equipped to generate a list of records for the user that does not conflict with the current time limit; thus, for example, if the user also has one (1) hour of time allowed, the system will only present Records that are less than one hour long.

Proceeding to step 285, if it is determined that the external content is not recorded by the current user, then the process proceeds to step 297, which illustrates the step of bypassing the playback/rendering of any external source. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 285 that the external content has been recorded by the current user, then the processing proceeds to step 288, which shows a check to see if any existing time limit is applicable, and further check the duration of the recorded event Is there a step that does not conflict with the current time limit implemented. Proceeding to step 290, it is determined whether any time constraints are blocking (currently active). If the time limit is blocking, then the process proceeds to step 297, which shows the step of bypassing any external source for playback/rendering. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 290 that the time limit is not preventing, then a dialog box is presented advising the viewer that the program (recorded content) can be played/presented.

Figure 9 provides a high level flow diagram illustrating the system processing for determining whether content to be played is from an HDD in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the first step 300, the step of checking the availability of external sources is shown. Then, in step 303, it is determined whether the source exists and is enabled by the parent/administrator in the "Allow Recording" section of FIG. 3(e). If the source does not exist, then the process proceeds to step 323, where it is determined that there is no content to be displayed. Otherwise, in step 303, if it is determined that the source exists and is enabled by the parent/administrator in the "Allow Recording" section of Figure 3(e), then the process proceeds to step 306, which shows A step of reading the HDD and generating a list (eg by title) of all recorded events. The next step proceeds to step 309 to further determine whether any records exist. If no records exist, then the process proceeds to step 323, where it is determined that there is no content to be displayed since there is no content recorded. Otherwise, in step 309, if it is determined that a record exists, then the process proceeds to step 312, which causes the function to display the list in a user presented dialog box and await content selection by the user. Once the recorded content selected by the user in step 312 is received, the process proceeds to step 314 where it is determined whether any time restrictions are preventing the selected event. If at step 314 it is determined that no time limit is preventing the selected recorded event, then the process proceeds to step 327 which causes the presentation of a user dialog indicating that the selected event is to be played. Otherwise, in step 314, if it is determined that the time limit is preventing the selected recorded event, then the process proceeds to step 317, which causes the presentation of a user dialog indicating that the time limit is to be enforced. Continuing to step 320, a further dialog is presented to determine if the user requests to select a new recorded event. If the user does wish to select a new recorded event, the process proceeds to step 312 to display a list of recorded events from which the user may select and repeat the process. Otherwise, if it is determined at step 320 that the user does not want to select a new event, then nothing will be played, as indicated at step 323 .

Thus, another control system feature is for users of connected HDD recorders. It will be appreciated that with the system 10 shown in Figure 1, background processing for real-time recording can be performed at any (all) time, but only as specified by the user/administrator for allowed content. If filtering for advertisements is enabled, the child can watch events (eg from HDD) continuously, without interruption. Also, however, when the user turns on the TV, the control system will receive a notification that there is an additional recording (eg title list) on the HDD. Therefore, even if event restriction is enforced, it is still possible for an authorized user to watch all interesting events throughout the day/week without missing one. Since the HDD cannot record all events, the system can pick the "most likely desired event", thus the system is additionally "adaptable". Therefore, assume that the HDD recorder in the current system can record all events from all channels. In other words, for example, if a user watches the news at 7:00 every day, the system can learn and always record those news programs at that fixed time. If the user misses a show, the system will record it for the user. Thus, if the user has selected "Allow HDD Recording" in the system presentation menu (see Figure 3(e)), this actually enables HDD "caching", i.e., the system automatically tries to record in the background subject to All events within the specified content conditions (see Figures 3(a) and 3(b)). According to the adaptive feature of the present invention, the HDD recorder is thus provided with functionality for allowing the user to indicate which content should be recorded, as indicated in the content selection menu provided in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) specified in the same method. The HDD will automatically perform those recordings in the background. Current technology does not allow everything to be recorded because eg these devices have one tuner and (most of the time) not enough storage space. So there are two possible outcomes here: 1) the HDD will automatically (randomly) record events based on the user's preferences (i.e. already watched), or adaptively record multiple programming of that kind; or 2) When two themes are allowed, such as cartoons and educational, the child can watch more cartoons, so the system (HDD) will record more of that kind of programs than educational ones.

FIG. 10 provides a high-level flowchart illustrating the system monitoring process 216 for determining whether any kind of blocking should occur. This system check action must be performed after: 1. every "toggle" by remote control to select a service; 2. periodically, such as once every minute; 3. every content change (when ad detection is on when); and/or 4. when any event changes. As shown in FIG. 10, a first step 400 is to determine whether there is a time constraint block for that user and whether to execute the process flow shown in FIG. 6. If there is a time constraint blocking, the multimedia content is blocked, for example by turning off the TV, as shown in step 408 . Otherwise, if there are no time constraint blocks, then the process proceeds to step 406, where it is determined whether there are any content restriction blocks for that user and whether to execute the flow process shown in FIG. 7 . If there are content restrictions, then the multimedia content is blocked as shown in step 412 . Otherwise, if it is determined that there are no content restrictions, then the process proceeds to step 410, which is the process of enabling the presentation of multimedia content.

Therefore, according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention:

1. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices are programmed to provide a "control system" that allows access to specific channels for a given amount of time. For example, a parent may not care how much time a child watches a particular educational channel, but may wish to limit access to a particular entertainment channel to one hour per day. Therefore, the control system of the present invention additionally has the possibility of adding or defining multiple exclusion rules, for example, allowing viewing of certain channels without "timing and/or content rules"; or allowing viewing of certain "timing rules" without "timing rules" theme". Thus, an exclusion "list" can be provided in such a way that an arbitrary unlimited number of topics or services can be defined.

2. The set-top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices are programmed to allow access at the program level for a given period of time. For example, a parent may wish to limit a child's viewing of one episode of a particular show per day.

3. The set-top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices are programmed to detect the end of the lockout condition to start displaying (eg a banner) eg a predetermined time (eg 5 minutes) before the time slot ends.

4. The set-top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices are additionally programmed to control ancillary devices like HDD/DVD/VCR/PVR. Thus, at the end of a time slot, if the event exceeds the allocated time slot, the user can record (for example by recording on DVD) the remainder of the event. Said content being recorded will only be viewable the next time a possible time slot is activated.

5. The set-top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices are additionally programmed to receive programming instructions from the "control system" via any other interface, including a network interface. The TV (or associated set top box) maintains a network connection and runs a web control interface so that full control can be performed through a browser. Through eg Wi-fi, even a wireless connection can be established and the remote control can work. The TV can also be remotely controlled by the parents from any location if the TV has a permanent Internet connection. In other words, a connected parent can control, through the browser interface, what programs the child is watching, or statistics, like what my child is watching, how many hours, etc. Thus, if the user has a high speed Internet connection, it is possible, for example: to enable the supervisor to make a log listing of any event; to enable the supervisor to change the settings of the system; transmission); enables supervisors to send messages to current users, for example, users can receive SMS's with statistical information on mobile phones, etc.

6. The set-top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices are additionally programmed to receive programming instructions from the "control system" to limit children's viewing time, eg, 7 hours per week or 1 hour per day. So, for example, parents could limit their children's television access to: 7-10pm on school nights, and only 16 hours a week; and to channels 3, 5, 7, 27, 54, and For example block channel 7 after 9pm. In another example, viewing limits can be instituted, such as allowing a child to watch cartoons for only two hours per day, one hour on Mondays, six hours during the work week, and six hours on weekends. The child can toggle the allowed services within the allowed time.

7. The STB and/or one or more multimedia display devices are additionally programmed to receive programming instructions from a "control system" to limit children's viewing of shows/events based on the theme of the current event, e.g. Watch one-hour only Educational and Cartoon themed events to manage your child's viewing access. In other words, a filtering mechanism is provided to allow children to watch only channels whose events have an allowed theme. In one embodiment, these events may be ordered and accessed as preset 1-N. Further, the system provides the user with the possibility to specify in detail how much (ie in what proportion) a particular event topic is allowed.

8. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices are additionally programmed to receive programming instructions from the "control system" to program flexible settings so that if the current event takes longer than allowed, the child can still watch Or log the event until the end. So, for example, a parent may provide a "flexible" setting that allows for the possibility to watch the current event until it is over. For example, when the current event takes more than one hour and said event exceeds the currently remaining one-hour limit, the child is still allowed to watch it until the end (but only under certain conditions, e.g., the child has watched at least 50%). In such a context, if a timeout occurs (ie, the child watches TV for longer than allowed), it is still possible to record the event to any connected media storage (HDD recorder).

So, for example, a dialog asking to log the event to a media storage device could pop up and be presented to the child. When the child starts watching television the next day, the system presents the recorded portion to the child. In the example of a home network environment in a home that includes multiple televisions and/or multimedia display devices, the system provides for the exchange of information between all televisions so that a child will not be able to play on another television after time or content restrictions have been in effect. Continue to watch TV on TV.

9. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices are additionally programmed to recognize advertisements eg based on volume, and the TV may be equipped eg with a Hard Disk Device (HDD) for recording content without any advertisements. In other words, parents can set the option not to allow viewing of any advertisements.

10. The set-top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices are additionally programmed to block viewing of content based on the age of the viewer, or block content based on rating data provided (e.g. via the Internet) by an external or third-party rating service of viewing.

11. It is possible to run the application on the TV device in terms of MHP or any other form of interaction. It is possible that some interactive content (eg applications) will violate (allowed) content rules. It will therefore be appreciated that the control system of the present invention provides the ability to filter said interactions (similar to "Xlets", or sites using a television web browser) on a "content selection" basis, or to filter them entirely. possibility of closure. The system can further filter for "interactive content" (eg Xlets representing advertisements, Xlets with games, etc.) or filter them based on "content selection". The system thus includes the additional functionality of filtering all interactive content (eg "Teletext" pages, MHEG pages for digital TV, etc. . . . ).

While there has been shown and described preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail could easily be made without departing from the inventive concept. It is therefore to be noted that the invention is not limited to the particular forms described and shown, but is considered to cover all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (37)

1. one kind is used for providing the method (200) that monitors control by multimedia terminal equipment (13a, 13b) to watching content of multimedia, comprising:

By interface display (121,121 ') fixed time constraint (151,156), described time-constrain (151,156) is used to control the beholder is allowed to watch described multimedia terminal in the certain hour section time;

Specify the view content restriction (125,135) of the content that can in the described time period, watch by described beholder by interface display (120,120 ');

Monitor the content that recording equipment write down that (216) beholder had before been limited by stores broadcast contents by described beholder by described multimedia terminal visit current broadcast content and visit; And

Stop (208,258,273,323,412) described beholder to visit and violate the current or stored broadcasted content of described time and view content restriction.

2. the method for claim 1 further comprises the step that the definition repulsion is tabulated, any view content theme or the service that is not subjected to content constraints of this repulsion tabulation indication.

3. the method for claim 1, the appointment of wherein said time-constrain comprise and specify in the permission user viewing time (171,172) that preset time section inner multimedia terminal can viewed person be utilized.

4. method as claimed in claim 3, the appointment of wherein said time-constrain comprise that appointment (152,173) watches hourage equally to cut apart in the preset time section.

5. the method for claim 1, the appointment of wherein said time-constrain comprise appointment (154,174) if the program of watching that is allowed surpass allowed watch period or time slot, for watching the time that is allowed to content whether can be extended.

6. the method for claim 1, the appointment of wherein said time-constrain comprise the fate that appointment (160,180) multimedia terminal can viewed person utilizes and in those days, be allowed to watch time slot.

7. the method for claim 1, the appointment of wherein said view content restriction comprises content topic (133,143,162,182) that designated user is allowed to watch and the content topic that can watch appointment according to what percentage.

8. the method for claim 1 further comprises the step of specifying minimal ages (134,142) by interface display (120,120 '), and the beholder who is lower than this minimal ages (134,142) is limited by described time-constrain and content constraints.

9. the method for claim 1, the appointment of wherein said view content restriction comprises specifies a minimum program grade (137,139,145,147), and the beholder under this minimum program grade (137,139,145,147) is limited by described content constraints.

10. method as claimed in claim 7 further comprises by interface display (122) and specifies the step of authorizing, and this is authorized and allows the user by recording equipment (23,28,29) record view content (163,165,183,185).

11. method as claimed in claim 10 further comprises the step that allows the beholder to define the view content that will be recorded, the described view content that will be recorded is consistent with the content topic of described appointment.

12. the method for claim 1 further comprises by interface display (122 ') and specifies the step of authorizing, so that for producing the history of watching visit that beholder in a period of time was kept and was stored in report (167,169,187,189) subsequently.

13. the method for claim 1, the step that wherein said supervision (216) beholder visits current or the broadcasted content that write down comprise that the periodic test beholder visits described current broadcast or the step of the content that write down.

14. the method for claim 1, the step that wherein said supervision (216) beholder visits current or the broadcasted content that write down comprise switching in response to the beholder visit of another current broadcast or the content that write down is checked that the beholder visits the step of described broadcasted content.

15. method as claimed in claim 10, the step of wherein said permission user record view content whether comprise when specifying in record (120,129) can filtering advertisement from broadcasted content additional step.

16. a supervisor control (100) that is used for by multimedia terminal equipment (13a, 13b) control user view content comprising:

Be used to receive the device (15,30) of user input instruction, described instruction fixed time constraint (151,156) is so that the control beholder is allowed to watch the time of described multimedia terminal in the certain hour section, and the view content restriction (125,135) that specifies in the described time period content that can be watched by described beholder;

Control device (15,50,51), be used for monitoring that (216) beholder is previous by the content that recording equipment write down of described beholder by the broadcasted content (163,183) of stored record by described multimedia terminal visit current broadcast content and visit, described control device comprises that being used for stoping (208,258,273,323,412) described beholder to visit has violated the device of described time and view content restriction.

17. system as claimed in claim 16, the time-constrain of wherein said appointment be included in preset time section inner multimedia terminal can be viewed the permission user viewing time (171,172) that utilizes of person.

18. system as claimed in claim 16, the time-constrain of wherein said appointment comprise work as the program of watching that is allowed surpass allowed watch period or time slot the time, be used to prolong the distribution of watching the additional period (154,174) that is allowed to content.

19. system as claimed in claim 16, the time-constrain of wherein said appointment comprise the multimedia terminal can be viewed the appointment that utilizes of person fate (160,180) and in those days, be allowed to watch time slot.

20. system as claimed in claim 16, the restriction of the view content of wherein said appointment comprise the appointment that the beholder is allowed to watch content topic (133,143,162,182) and can be viewed according to the content topic of what percentage appointment.

21. system as claimed in claim 16, the wherein said device that is used to receive user input instruction further receives the user input instruction of specifying minimal ages (134,142), and the beholder who is lower than this minimal ages (134,142) is limited by described time-constrain and content constraints.

22. system as claimed in claim 20, the wherein said device that is used to receive user input instruction further receives specifies the user input instruction of authorizing, and this is authorized and allows user by recording equipment (23,28,29) record view content (163,165,183,185).

23. the system as claimed in claim 22 further comprises the device that allows the beholder to define the view content that will be recorded, the described view content that will be recorded is consistent with the content topic of described appointment.

24. system as claimed in claim 16 further comprises being used to subsequently producing report and keeping and be stored in the device of watching access history of beholder in a period of time.

25. system as claimed in claim 16, the wherein said control device that is used to monitor that the beholder visits current or the broadcasted content that write down comprises and is used for periodically checking that the beholder visits described current broadcast or the device of the content that write down.

26. system as claimed in claim 16, the wherein said control device that is used to monitor that the beholder visits current or the broadcasted content that write down comprises and is used for changing another current broadcast of visit or the content that write down and check that the beholder visits the device of described broadcasted content in response to the beholder.

27. comprising, the system as claimed in claim 22, the device of wherein said permission user record view content be used at record filter from broadcasted content filtering advertisement when (120,129).

28. system as claimed in claim 16 comprises further with the network of described device (15) communicative couplings being connected (30,99) that described device (15) is used for the described user input instruction that described time-constrain and content constraints are specified in long-range input.

29. system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said network connects and comprises wired connection (25) or wireless connections (22).

30. system as claimed in claim 29, wherein said network connects and comprises public or privately owned network (99).

31. system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said multimedia terminal equipment comprises television set (13a, 13b).

32. system as claimed in claim 16, the recording equipment of the broadcasted content that wherein said storage is write down comprises compact disc storage medium (29).

33. system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said recording equipment (29) comprises private video recorder.

34. one kind is used for providing the method (200) that the supervision of view content is controlled by multimedia terminal equipment, comprises:

Differentiate that (203) attempt is visited current content of multimedia by described multimedia terminal equipment or the user of the content of multimedia that write down;

In response to attempting to visit current broadcasting program through the beholder who differentiates, whether inspection (400) current time formerly was appointed as within the confined time period (151,156), made this beholder not be allowed to watch the multimedia terminal;

Further, in current slot, check for this beholder whether (406) described broadcasted content or the content that is recorded meet previous specified view content restriction (125,135) in response to attempting to visit current broadcasting program through the beholder who differentiates; With,

Stop (412) described beholder to visit and violated the current or stored broadcasted content of described time and view content restriction, perhaps opposite, allow described beholder to watch accessed content.

35. method as claimed in claim 34, wherein, when when being scheduled to distribute the broadcast event of watching being allowed in beholder's time slot for one, further detect the end of described predetermined distribution beholder time slot, and produce and to be used for the message that on described multimedia terminal, shows, the described predetermined distribution beholder time slot of the described beholder of this message informing will finish.

36. method as claimed in claim 35, wherein, after the described message that the described predetermined distribution beholder time slot of the described beholder of reception notification will finish,, further allow the remainder of described beholder's recording events if incident exceeds institute's distributed time slot.

37. method as claimed in claim 36 further comprises allowing described beholder to watch the remaining content that is recorded of described incident in the beholder's time slot that distributes subsequently.

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