CA2355793C - Television apparatus having a rating limit setting feature - Google Patents
Television apparatus having a rating limit setting feature Download PDFInfo
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- CA2355793C CA2355793C CA2355793A CA2355793A CA2355793C CA 2355793 C CA2355793 C CA 2355793C CA 2355793 A CA2355793 A CA 2355793A CA 2355793 A CA2355793 A CA 2355793A CA 2355793 C CA2355793 C CA 2355793C
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- television
- user
- program content
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
- H04N21/454—Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/434—Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams, extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream
- H04N21/4348—Demultiplexing of additional data and video streams
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
- H04N21/458—Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules ; time-related management operations
- H04N21/4586—Content update operation triggered locally, e.g. by comparing the version of software modules in a DVB carousel to the version stored locally
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
- H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
- H04N21/4756—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for rating content, e.g. scoring a recommended movie
Abstract
A television apparatus capable of processing a television signal to determine if program content rating information is provided, includes a user enabled/disabled rating limit feature that automatically updates a user's viewing/rating profile according to a program content rating of a current program. During viewing of a program, the viewer can choose to allow all future programs to be viewed based on the rating information of the current program ("view"), or to prevent all future programs from being viewed based on the rating information of the current program ("block"). When the choice is made to view, all future programs with a rating equal to or less than the rating of the current program can be viewed. When the choice is made to block, all future programs with a rating equal to or higher than the rating of the current program will be blocked from viewing.
Description
RCA 90,182 TELEVISION APPARATUS HAVING
A RATING LIMIT SETTING FEATURE
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to devices for utilizing television signals and, more particularly, to a television apparatus capable of utilizing program rating information transmitted along with a television signal.
Background of the Invention Today, television programming for the home viewer is available from many sources such as, terrestrial broadcasting, cable (CATV) distribution, satellite broadcasting (e.g. DBS) or the like. The television programming may be provided in an analog and/or digital format. In all cases, the television programming includes audio and video information for a plurality of channels and may also include other information, for example, closed captioning, stock/data tickers, program guide listings or the like. This other information or auxiliary data is coded into the television signal, sometimes in the vertical blanking interval (VBI).
The various television program sources available today provide a great variety of television programming. Unfortunately, some of the television programming contains content that may not be suitable for all viewers. Such objectionable content may include strong language, sex or sexual content, violence, and/or the like. Of course, there are varying degrees of objectionable content relative to each category, as well as other various content categories.
RCA 90,182 In response to a need for parents and others to censure or control objectionable content that may be viewed by children or others, the auxiliary data transmitted with the television signal may include program content rating information (e.g. "V-chip" information). The program content rating information can be used to inform a viewer of a level of various categories of content for a particular program. Program content rating information may also be used to control the viewing of television programs. A viewing profile containing program rating limits set by a viewer is maintained by the television. The viewing profile is used by the television to determine if a program is suitable for the viewer based on the content rating settings/preferences stored in the profile as compared to the content ratings of a program. If the program has a content rating exceeding that of the content rating preferences, the program is blocked from view. Else, the program may be watched.
Currently, however, the only way to develop and adjust the profile rating settings/preferences is to traverse through lengthy content profile menus and select to manually block or not block based on each type of ratings information. For example, the user has to explicitly go through the list of ratings strings (i.e. language, violence, sexual content, etc.) and various levels for each category, and choose to block or not block the program based on each one. This is time consuming for the viewer, both during initial set-up of and modification to the content ratings profile. The viewer is also required to perform a number of keystrokes on the remote. Further, the viewer may not know in advance whether to block or not block based on the various levels RCA 90,182 of content alone, without having viewed a program having a certain content rating. Thus, the viewer is constrained to making a number of blind decisions.
Summar~of the Invention The present invention is a television apparatus operable to process a television signal having content ratings data and allow a viewer to set a rating limit for future programs based on the content ratings of a current program.
In one form, the present invention is a method of processing an input signal. The method includes processing an input signal for determining a rating associated with a current program provided by the input signal. A
rating limit is the set in response to the rating associated with the current program. The method further includes preventing program content of a second program occurring subsequent to the first program from being provided to a user in response to a rating of the second program exceeding the rating limit.
In another form, the present invention is an input signal processing apparatus. The input signal processing apparatus includes means for processing an input signal for determining a rating associated with a current program provided by the input signal, means for setting a rating limit in response to the rating of the current program, and means for preventing program content of a second program occurring subsequent to the current program from being provided to a user in response to a rating of the second program exceeding the rating limit.
In yet another form, the present invention is a television apparatus including processing circuitry operable to determine a rating associated with a RCA 90,182 current program provided by a television signal, means for setting a rating limit corresponding to the rating of the current program upon receipt of user input, and means for providing a user with a selectable option to either prevent program content of a second program provided by a television signal occurring subsequent to the current program from being provided to a user in response to a rating of the second program exceeding the rating limit, or allow program content of a second program provided by a television signal occurring subsequent to the current program to being provided a user in response to a rating of the second program being less than the rating limit.
Brief Description of the Drawings Reference to the following description of the present invention should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system in which the present invention may be utilized;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the television apparatus of Fig. 1 showing an on-screen display of a program content rating menu in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for carrying out the principles of the present invention.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Detailed Description of the Invention RCA 90,182 W ith reference to Fig. 1, there is depicted a system, generally designated 10, in which the present invention may be utilized. It should initially be appreciated that the system 10 and the various components thereof are only exemplary of an environment/application in which the present invention may be utilized. Therefore, it should be understood that components and/or systems other than those particularly shown and described herein may utilize the principles presented herein.
The system 10 has an antenna or signal source 12 that receives and/or outputs television signals. It should be appreciated that the antenna/signal source 12 is representative of any type of television signal receptor/source such as a terrestrial antenna for digital and/or analog television signals, a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) dish, a cable television system (CATV), or the like. The antenna 12 is in communication with a television signal receiver (i.e. a television apparatus that may or may not includes a display) or television apparatus 14 via a communication channel or line 16. The television signal typically includes a plurality of channels of audio and video information. As well, the television signal typically includes auxiliary data such as content ratings for the various programs on each channel.
The television apparatus 14 may or may not include an integral display 20 for showing the video portion of a selected channel. As well, the television apparatus 14 may or may not include an integral audio system (not shown) for reproducing the audio portion of the selected channel. The television apparatus 14 includes appropriate processing circuitry/logic 18 that is adapted/operable to receive the television signal, tune to a particular channel, RCA 90,182 decode/demodulate the television signal including the decoding of auxiliary information, and perform other television signal processing.
On-Screen Display (OSD) circuitry/logic 22 is also provided in the television apparatus 14 for generating on-screen display of information including, but not limited to, channel number, date, time, stored channel names, programming/setup menus, program guides, banners and various types of menus including a program content rating menu. Memory 32 is also provided for storing various information as necessary and/or appropriate for the operation of the television apparatus 14 including a program content viewing profile further discussed below.
An exemplary remote control 26 may be used to provide input from a viewer or user to the television apparatus 14 in order to turn the television apparatus 14 on or off, change channels, increase or lower the audio volume, access the various menus, make selections on the various menus, and the like. The volume is increased by pressing or selecting (collectively, selecting) the volume up (VOL+) button, while the volume is decreased by selecting the volume down (VOL-) button. Changing the channel may be accomplished by selecting either the channel up (CH+) button or the channel down (CH-) button. A keypad (not shown) is also typically provided for inputting a channel number directly, or for other purposes.
The remote control 26 generates a control signal or signals upon the viewer selecting or pressing a button that are transmitted to and received by a remote detector circuitry/logic 24 in the television apparatus 14.
Transmission of the control signals) may be provided by an Infrared (IR) generator in the remote control 26, a radio frequency (RF) generator in the RCA 90,182 remote control 26, or any other wireless means. The remote detector 24 includes receiver circuitry/logic complementary to the transmission circuitry/logic of the remote control 26 to receive and decode the control signal(s). Control of the various television receiver functions may be accomplished via traditional "front panel" means on the television apparatus 14.
The remote control 26 further includes a navigation keypad 28 having up, down, left, and right arrows such that a cursor or the like generated and shown on the display 20 may be controlled by the viewer. A joystick or the like (not shown) may serve the same purpose as the navigation keypad 28.
The remote also includes a selection (SELECT) button such that any menu choice or the like on the display 20 may be selected, typically when that choice is highlighted or the like, typically via the navigation keypad 28. It should be appreciated that the typical remote includes a plurality of other buttons or keys (not shown) to control or provide selection to the various functions and/or features of the television apparatus 14.
As indicated above, the television apparatus 14 is operable to receive and decode program content rating data or information from the input television signal. The program content rating information may be displayed on the display 20. The content rating data may also be stored in memory 32 and/or processed in any manner by the processing circuitry/logic 18. It is not, however, necessary that the content rating information be shown on the display 20 but may be an option. If the program content rating information is shown on the display 20, it may be in association with the program currently being viewed. As well, program content rating information may be provided in _7_ RCA 90,182 association with a program guide listing. In addition to advising (showing) the viewer of the program content ratings, the television apparatus 14 may also use the program content ratings to block particular programs from being viewed and/or allow the viewing of particular programs. This is typically accomplished in conjunction with a program content viewing profile, or viewing profile for short.
The television signal receiver 14 is operable to store content rating information in the viewing profile within the memory 32. The viewing profile may be initially created in response to a program content rating profile set-up menu shown on the display 20 and accessed via the remote control 26.
Through the set-up menu, the viewer may input levels (ratings) for each content category. The viewer indicates what levels are appropriate for viewing (i.e. not blocking) and what levels are inappropriate for viewing (i.e.
blocking).
During viewing, the processing circuitry/logic 18 checks the content rating of a current program with the content ratings of the viewer profile. If the content rating of one or more of the categories of the current program exceeds or is higher (contains more) than the content rating of the corresponding content category in the viewing profile, the program will be blocked. If the content ratings of a current program is lower or less (contains less) than the corresponding content ratings of the viewing profile, the program will not be blocked from the viewer. It should be appreciated that the above is only exemplary of a manner in which program content ratings may be used to block and not block current programs. Variations on the above are possible regarding when programs are blocked and not blocked.
_g_ RCA 90,182 The viewing profile, however, may or may not initially be set up as explained above. In any case, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, when a program is currently being viewed, the viewer has the option of updating (or creating) the viewing profile to match or coincide with the program content ratings for the various categories of the current program.
If the viewer decides that the current program is suitable or appropriate for viewing, the viewer can select a "view" button, menu choice, or the like from the remote control 26 via a banner or menu shown on the display 20. The program content rating profile is then updated (or created) with the program content ratings for the current program such that any subsequent program having program content ratings equal to or less than those of the current program (now stored in the program viewing profile) will be allowed to be viewed (i.e. not blocked). If the viewer decides that the current program is not suitable or appropriate for viewing, the viewer can select a "block" button, menu choice, or the like, again from the remote control 26 or via a banner or menu shown on the display 20. The program content rating profile is then updated (or created) with the program content ratings for the current program such that any subsequent program having program content ratings that are equal to or greater than those of the current program (now stored in the viewing profile) will not be allowed for viewing (i.e. blocked). This may be provided on a per category basis or on all categories as a whole. Thus, in accordance with the above, the viewer can easily block or not block the viewing of future programs based on the content rating attributes of an actual (current) program, rather than having the viewer select to block or not block future programs blindly.
_g_ RCA 90,182 Referring now to Fig. 2, there is depicted the television apparatus 14 wherein the display 20 is showing a program content rating menu 30. The menu 30 may be displayed in response to the viewer selecting a rating limit setting button on the remote control 26 during program viewing, or by moving a cursor shown on the display 20 onto a banner or the like that includes a selection for accessing the present rating limit feature. Other means for showing the menu 30 may be used. As well, the menu choices may be provided in a banner on the display 20.
Once the menu 30 is shown, the viewer can select to allow viewing of future programs having the same or less content ratings for each category by selecting the View button. The viewer can alternatively select to prevent or block viewing of future programs having the same or greater content ratings for each category by selecting the Block button. In addition to exiting the menu 30 via an "Exit" button or selection, the menu 30 may cease to be displayed upon timing out (i.e. no activity within a predetermined time period).
As well, the viewer also has the option of selecting to enable (via the "Enable"
button or selection) the present feature or to disable (via the "Disable"
button or selection) the present feature. The Disable mode may have one or several functions. In one Disable mode, the setting of a rating limit is disabled. In another mode, the television apparatus 14 will allow any program to be viewed, regardless of any previously set rating limit. The Enable mode serves to return the television apparatus 14 back to the ability to set a rating limit and/or prevent the viewing of any program exceeding the rating limit.
Alternatively, the remote may have buttons or keys thereon that correspond to the buttons or menu choices shown in Fig. 2 for directly accessing the present RCA 90,182 features. As well, it should be appreciated that the program content rating menu 30 may be shown as an overlay, transparent or not, over the program currently being watched.
It should be appreciated that a different menu may be shown on the display 20 that provides for the viewing or blocking of future programs per category for the current program such that more control may be maintained over the viewing of subsequent programs. With this feature, the viewer can alternatively choose between View or Block based on the content ratings of the current program on a category by category basis.
While there are various types of rating systems (i.e. categories, content, levels, etc.) that may be in use and utilized by the present invention, there are two rating systems in current practical use. One rating system or schema is utilized for television programs in general (i.e. sitcoms, news and news shows, general programming, etc.), while another rating system or schema is used for movies. The first rating system provides the user with the ability to block or allow programming based on an entire, overall rating category (such as TV-MA) or block or allow programming based on certain aspects (content) of that rating (such as TV-PG with Sex). This rating system allows wide flexibility or control in allowing the user to separately block various aspects within each overall rating category. In this manner the user can, for example, block TV-MA Sex but allow TV-14 Sex. An exemplary profile table based on the first rating system may look like the following:
Sex Violence Lanctuaae TV-MA B B B B
TV-PG B B V V
RCA 90,182 (B- Block, V- View) The second rating schema (generally utilized for movies) is more basic such that it provides the user the ability to Block or View based only on the MPAA ratings, and not on individual categories. For example, the user can block R and PG-13 programs/movies, but allow PG and G programs/movies.
Another aspect of the present invention is the realization that a particular program currently being watched, and to be used as a model for the present rating limit setting feature, may not have the "perfect" content ratings.
That is, a particular program may not embody a combination of content category levels which a viewer might want to set. For example, a current program may have a level "3" (out of an arbitrary scale of "5", with "5" being the highest or the most amount of the particular content for the particular category, and a "1" being the lowest or least amount of the particular content for the particular category) for violence, while having a "4" for sexual content and a "2" for language. The viewer might choose to allow the viewing of the program because there is "2" for language. This would, however, possibly change the category content rating for violence and sexual content. In view of this, the present rating limit feature may provide an OSD message asking the viewer to confirm the changing of the various category ratings. This may not be necessary when the change is from a "higher" rating to a "lower"
rating.
The above, however, may be alleviated by the per category menu schema. In another form, a "disregard" may be provided to indicate that all categories (blanket changing) are to be changed to the content ratings of the current program.
RCA 90, I 82 Additionally, the program content menu may provide for the viewer to modify a particular viewer's content rating profile, where multiple viewer profiles are provided. Various schemes may allow a "tree" or "parent-child"
viewing profile arrangement in order to set and/or control a child's program viewing, while leaving an adult's program viewing to his/her discretion. The viewing profile may also be suspended for a period of time, or for a particular show. The program content rating menu may include the above-discussed selections with respect to various viewing profiles.
Operation Next, a flowchart, generally designated 50, depicted in Fig. 3, is referenced to describe a method of use in accordance with the principles presented herein. The instructions for the present method are stored in the memory 32 of the television apparatus 14 and executed by the processing circuitry/logic unit 18. It should be appreciated that the flowchart 50 and the method described herein in association with the flowchart 50 is only exemplary of a method to carry out the principles presented herein.
The software routines (i.e. instructions) may be implemented by any means as is known in the art, and in any programming language. Various programming approaches such as procedural, object oriented, or artificial intelligence techniques may be employed.
The steps of the flowchart 50 may be implemented by one or more software routines, processes, subroutines, modules, etc. It should be appreciated that the flowchart 50 is illustrative of merely a broad logical flow of a method in accordance with the principles of the present invention and that steps may be added to, or taken away from, the flowchart 50 without RCA 90, I 82 departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, the order of execution of steps in the flowchart 50 may be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additional considerations in implementing the method described by the flowchart 50 in software may dictate changes in the selection and order of steps. Some considerations are event handling by interrupt driven, polled, or other schemes. A multiprocessing or multitasking environment could allow steps to be executed essentially concurrently.
The television apparatus 14 receives a television signal that includes television programming and program rating data, block 52. During viewing the television, a user selects or tunes into a program to watch, block 54. The user may decide to allow (view) or prevent (block) the future viewing of television programs based on the ratings) of the current program being watched, block 56. The user may decide to use the currently viewed program as a "model" program with regard to its ratings) either during the viewing of the current program, or within a short time period thereafter. Once the user has made the decision to view or block, the user activates either the content rating menu (see Fig. 2) via the input device 26 or presses an appropriate "view" or "block" key/button on the input device 26, block 58. The television apparatus 14 then updates the rating profile stored therein accordingly, block 60. Thereafter, all subsequent programs may either be viewed or blocked from viewing based on the ratings) of the subsequent program relative to the ratings) of the previous program (i.e. the updated rating profile).
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design and/or configuration, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to RCA 90,182 cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
A RATING LIMIT SETTING FEATURE
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to devices for utilizing television signals and, more particularly, to a television apparatus capable of utilizing program rating information transmitted along with a television signal.
Background of the Invention Today, television programming for the home viewer is available from many sources such as, terrestrial broadcasting, cable (CATV) distribution, satellite broadcasting (e.g. DBS) or the like. The television programming may be provided in an analog and/or digital format. In all cases, the television programming includes audio and video information for a plurality of channels and may also include other information, for example, closed captioning, stock/data tickers, program guide listings or the like. This other information or auxiliary data is coded into the television signal, sometimes in the vertical blanking interval (VBI).
The various television program sources available today provide a great variety of television programming. Unfortunately, some of the television programming contains content that may not be suitable for all viewers. Such objectionable content may include strong language, sex or sexual content, violence, and/or the like. Of course, there are varying degrees of objectionable content relative to each category, as well as other various content categories.
RCA 90,182 In response to a need for parents and others to censure or control objectionable content that may be viewed by children or others, the auxiliary data transmitted with the television signal may include program content rating information (e.g. "V-chip" information). The program content rating information can be used to inform a viewer of a level of various categories of content for a particular program. Program content rating information may also be used to control the viewing of television programs. A viewing profile containing program rating limits set by a viewer is maintained by the television. The viewing profile is used by the television to determine if a program is suitable for the viewer based on the content rating settings/preferences stored in the profile as compared to the content ratings of a program. If the program has a content rating exceeding that of the content rating preferences, the program is blocked from view. Else, the program may be watched.
Currently, however, the only way to develop and adjust the profile rating settings/preferences is to traverse through lengthy content profile menus and select to manually block or not block based on each type of ratings information. For example, the user has to explicitly go through the list of ratings strings (i.e. language, violence, sexual content, etc.) and various levels for each category, and choose to block or not block the program based on each one. This is time consuming for the viewer, both during initial set-up of and modification to the content ratings profile. The viewer is also required to perform a number of keystrokes on the remote. Further, the viewer may not know in advance whether to block or not block based on the various levels RCA 90,182 of content alone, without having viewed a program having a certain content rating. Thus, the viewer is constrained to making a number of blind decisions.
Summar~of the Invention The present invention is a television apparatus operable to process a television signal having content ratings data and allow a viewer to set a rating limit for future programs based on the content ratings of a current program.
In one form, the present invention is a method of processing an input signal. The method includes processing an input signal for determining a rating associated with a current program provided by the input signal. A
rating limit is the set in response to the rating associated with the current program. The method further includes preventing program content of a second program occurring subsequent to the first program from being provided to a user in response to a rating of the second program exceeding the rating limit.
In another form, the present invention is an input signal processing apparatus. The input signal processing apparatus includes means for processing an input signal for determining a rating associated with a current program provided by the input signal, means for setting a rating limit in response to the rating of the current program, and means for preventing program content of a second program occurring subsequent to the current program from being provided to a user in response to a rating of the second program exceeding the rating limit.
In yet another form, the present invention is a television apparatus including processing circuitry operable to determine a rating associated with a RCA 90,182 current program provided by a television signal, means for setting a rating limit corresponding to the rating of the current program upon receipt of user input, and means for providing a user with a selectable option to either prevent program content of a second program provided by a television signal occurring subsequent to the current program from being provided to a user in response to a rating of the second program exceeding the rating limit, or allow program content of a second program provided by a television signal occurring subsequent to the current program to being provided a user in response to a rating of the second program being less than the rating limit.
Brief Description of the Drawings Reference to the following description of the present invention should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system in which the present invention may be utilized;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the television apparatus of Fig. 1 showing an on-screen display of a program content rating menu in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for carrying out the principles of the present invention.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Detailed Description of the Invention RCA 90,182 W ith reference to Fig. 1, there is depicted a system, generally designated 10, in which the present invention may be utilized. It should initially be appreciated that the system 10 and the various components thereof are only exemplary of an environment/application in which the present invention may be utilized. Therefore, it should be understood that components and/or systems other than those particularly shown and described herein may utilize the principles presented herein.
The system 10 has an antenna or signal source 12 that receives and/or outputs television signals. It should be appreciated that the antenna/signal source 12 is representative of any type of television signal receptor/source such as a terrestrial antenna for digital and/or analog television signals, a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) dish, a cable television system (CATV), or the like. The antenna 12 is in communication with a television signal receiver (i.e. a television apparatus that may or may not includes a display) or television apparatus 14 via a communication channel or line 16. The television signal typically includes a plurality of channels of audio and video information. As well, the television signal typically includes auxiliary data such as content ratings for the various programs on each channel.
The television apparatus 14 may or may not include an integral display 20 for showing the video portion of a selected channel. As well, the television apparatus 14 may or may not include an integral audio system (not shown) for reproducing the audio portion of the selected channel. The television apparatus 14 includes appropriate processing circuitry/logic 18 that is adapted/operable to receive the television signal, tune to a particular channel, RCA 90,182 decode/demodulate the television signal including the decoding of auxiliary information, and perform other television signal processing.
On-Screen Display (OSD) circuitry/logic 22 is also provided in the television apparatus 14 for generating on-screen display of information including, but not limited to, channel number, date, time, stored channel names, programming/setup menus, program guides, banners and various types of menus including a program content rating menu. Memory 32 is also provided for storing various information as necessary and/or appropriate for the operation of the television apparatus 14 including a program content viewing profile further discussed below.
An exemplary remote control 26 may be used to provide input from a viewer or user to the television apparatus 14 in order to turn the television apparatus 14 on or off, change channels, increase or lower the audio volume, access the various menus, make selections on the various menus, and the like. The volume is increased by pressing or selecting (collectively, selecting) the volume up (VOL+) button, while the volume is decreased by selecting the volume down (VOL-) button. Changing the channel may be accomplished by selecting either the channel up (CH+) button or the channel down (CH-) button. A keypad (not shown) is also typically provided for inputting a channel number directly, or for other purposes.
The remote control 26 generates a control signal or signals upon the viewer selecting or pressing a button that are transmitted to and received by a remote detector circuitry/logic 24 in the television apparatus 14.
Transmission of the control signals) may be provided by an Infrared (IR) generator in the remote control 26, a radio frequency (RF) generator in the RCA 90,182 remote control 26, or any other wireless means. The remote detector 24 includes receiver circuitry/logic complementary to the transmission circuitry/logic of the remote control 26 to receive and decode the control signal(s). Control of the various television receiver functions may be accomplished via traditional "front panel" means on the television apparatus 14.
The remote control 26 further includes a navigation keypad 28 having up, down, left, and right arrows such that a cursor or the like generated and shown on the display 20 may be controlled by the viewer. A joystick or the like (not shown) may serve the same purpose as the navigation keypad 28.
The remote also includes a selection (SELECT) button such that any menu choice or the like on the display 20 may be selected, typically when that choice is highlighted or the like, typically via the navigation keypad 28. It should be appreciated that the typical remote includes a plurality of other buttons or keys (not shown) to control or provide selection to the various functions and/or features of the television apparatus 14.
As indicated above, the television apparatus 14 is operable to receive and decode program content rating data or information from the input television signal. The program content rating information may be displayed on the display 20. The content rating data may also be stored in memory 32 and/or processed in any manner by the processing circuitry/logic 18. It is not, however, necessary that the content rating information be shown on the display 20 but may be an option. If the program content rating information is shown on the display 20, it may be in association with the program currently being viewed. As well, program content rating information may be provided in _7_ RCA 90,182 association with a program guide listing. In addition to advising (showing) the viewer of the program content ratings, the television apparatus 14 may also use the program content ratings to block particular programs from being viewed and/or allow the viewing of particular programs. This is typically accomplished in conjunction with a program content viewing profile, or viewing profile for short.
The television signal receiver 14 is operable to store content rating information in the viewing profile within the memory 32. The viewing profile may be initially created in response to a program content rating profile set-up menu shown on the display 20 and accessed via the remote control 26.
Through the set-up menu, the viewer may input levels (ratings) for each content category. The viewer indicates what levels are appropriate for viewing (i.e. not blocking) and what levels are inappropriate for viewing (i.e.
blocking).
During viewing, the processing circuitry/logic 18 checks the content rating of a current program with the content ratings of the viewer profile. If the content rating of one or more of the categories of the current program exceeds or is higher (contains more) than the content rating of the corresponding content category in the viewing profile, the program will be blocked. If the content ratings of a current program is lower or less (contains less) than the corresponding content ratings of the viewing profile, the program will not be blocked from the viewer. It should be appreciated that the above is only exemplary of a manner in which program content ratings may be used to block and not block current programs. Variations on the above are possible regarding when programs are blocked and not blocked.
_g_ RCA 90,182 The viewing profile, however, may or may not initially be set up as explained above. In any case, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, when a program is currently being viewed, the viewer has the option of updating (or creating) the viewing profile to match or coincide with the program content ratings for the various categories of the current program.
If the viewer decides that the current program is suitable or appropriate for viewing, the viewer can select a "view" button, menu choice, or the like from the remote control 26 via a banner or menu shown on the display 20. The program content rating profile is then updated (or created) with the program content ratings for the current program such that any subsequent program having program content ratings equal to or less than those of the current program (now stored in the program viewing profile) will be allowed to be viewed (i.e. not blocked). If the viewer decides that the current program is not suitable or appropriate for viewing, the viewer can select a "block" button, menu choice, or the like, again from the remote control 26 or via a banner or menu shown on the display 20. The program content rating profile is then updated (or created) with the program content ratings for the current program such that any subsequent program having program content ratings that are equal to or greater than those of the current program (now stored in the viewing profile) will not be allowed for viewing (i.e. blocked). This may be provided on a per category basis or on all categories as a whole. Thus, in accordance with the above, the viewer can easily block or not block the viewing of future programs based on the content rating attributes of an actual (current) program, rather than having the viewer select to block or not block future programs blindly.
_g_ RCA 90,182 Referring now to Fig. 2, there is depicted the television apparatus 14 wherein the display 20 is showing a program content rating menu 30. The menu 30 may be displayed in response to the viewer selecting a rating limit setting button on the remote control 26 during program viewing, or by moving a cursor shown on the display 20 onto a banner or the like that includes a selection for accessing the present rating limit feature. Other means for showing the menu 30 may be used. As well, the menu choices may be provided in a banner on the display 20.
Once the menu 30 is shown, the viewer can select to allow viewing of future programs having the same or less content ratings for each category by selecting the View button. The viewer can alternatively select to prevent or block viewing of future programs having the same or greater content ratings for each category by selecting the Block button. In addition to exiting the menu 30 via an "Exit" button or selection, the menu 30 may cease to be displayed upon timing out (i.e. no activity within a predetermined time period).
As well, the viewer also has the option of selecting to enable (via the "Enable"
button or selection) the present feature or to disable (via the "Disable"
button or selection) the present feature. The Disable mode may have one or several functions. In one Disable mode, the setting of a rating limit is disabled. In another mode, the television apparatus 14 will allow any program to be viewed, regardless of any previously set rating limit. The Enable mode serves to return the television apparatus 14 back to the ability to set a rating limit and/or prevent the viewing of any program exceeding the rating limit.
Alternatively, the remote may have buttons or keys thereon that correspond to the buttons or menu choices shown in Fig. 2 for directly accessing the present RCA 90,182 features. As well, it should be appreciated that the program content rating menu 30 may be shown as an overlay, transparent or not, over the program currently being watched.
It should be appreciated that a different menu may be shown on the display 20 that provides for the viewing or blocking of future programs per category for the current program such that more control may be maintained over the viewing of subsequent programs. With this feature, the viewer can alternatively choose between View or Block based on the content ratings of the current program on a category by category basis.
While there are various types of rating systems (i.e. categories, content, levels, etc.) that may be in use and utilized by the present invention, there are two rating systems in current practical use. One rating system or schema is utilized for television programs in general (i.e. sitcoms, news and news shows, general programming, etc.), while another rating system or schema is used for movies. The first rating system provides the user with the ability to block or allow programming based on an entire, overall rating category (such as TV-MA) or block or allow programming based on certain aspects (content) of that rating (such as TV-PG with Sex). This rating system allows wide flexibility or control in allowing the user to separately block various aspects within each overall rating category. In this manner the user can, for example, block TV-MA Sex but allow TV-14 Sex. An exemplary profile table based on the first rating system may look like the following:
Sex Violence Lanctuaae TV-MA B B B B
TV-PG B B V V
RCA 90,182 (B- Block, V- View) The second rating schema (generally utilized for movies) is more basic such that it provides the user the ability to Block or View based only on the MPAA ratings, and not on individual categories. For example, the user can block R and PG-13 programs/movies, but allow PG and G programs/movies.
Another aspect of the present invention is the realization that a particular program currently being watched, and to be used as a model for the present rating limit setting feature, may not have the "perfect" content ratings.
That is, a particular program may not embody a combination of content category levels which a viewer might want to set. For example, a current program may have a level "3" (out of an arbitrary scale of "5", with "5" being the highest or the most amount of the particular content for the particular category, and a "1" being the lowest or least amount of the particular content for the particular category) for violence, while having a "4" for sexual content and a "2" for language. The viewer might choose to allow the viewing of the program because there is "2" for language. This would, however, possibly change the category content rating for violence and sexual content. In view of this, the present rating limit feature may provide an OSD message asking the viewer to confirm the changing of the various category ratings. This may not be necessary when the change is from a "higher" rating to a "lower"
rating.
The above, however, may be alleviated by the per category menu schema. In another form, a "disregard" may be provided to indicate that all categories (blanket changing) are to be changed to the content ratings of the current program.
RCA 90, I 82 Additionally, the program content menu may provide for the viewer to modify a particular viewer's content rating profile, where multiple viewer profiles are provided. Various schemes may allow a "tree" or "parent-child"
viewing profile arrangement in order to set and/or control a child's program viewing, while leaving an adult's program viewing to his/her discretion. The viewing profile may also be suspended for a period of time, or for a particular show. The program content rating menu may include the above-discussed selections with respect to various viewing profiles.
Operation Next, a flowchart, generally designated 50, depicted in Fig. 3, is referenced to describe a method of use in accordance with the principles presented herein. The instructions for the present method are stored in the memory 32 of the television apparatus 14 and executed by the processing circuitry/logic unit 18. It should be appreciated that the flowchart 50 and the method described herein in association with the flowchart 50 is only exemplary of a method to carry out the principles presented herein.
The software routines (i.e. instructions) may be implemented by any means as is known in the art, and in any programming language. Various programming approaches such as procedural, object oriented, or artificial intelligence techniques may be employed.
The steps of the flowchart 50 may be implemented by one or more software routines, processes, subroutines, modules, etc. It should be appreciated that the flowchart 50 is illustrative of merely a broad logical flow of a method in accordance with the principles of the present invention and that steps may be added to, or taken away from, the flowchart 50 without RCA 90, I 82 departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, the order of execution of steps in the flowchart 50 may be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additional considerations in implementing the method described by the flowchart 50 in software may dictate changes in the selection and order of steps. Some considerations are event handling by interrupt driven, polled, or other schemes. A multiprocessing or multitasking environment could allow steps to be executed essentially concurrently.
The television apparatus 14 receives a television signal that includes television programming and program rating data, block 52. During viewing the television, a user selects or tunes into a program to watch, block 54. The user may decide to allow (view) or prevent (block) the future viewing of television programs based on the ratings) of the current program being watched, block 56. The user may decide to use the currently viewed program as a "model" program with regard to its ratings) either during the viewing of the current program, or within a short time period thereafter. Once the user has made the decision to view or block, the user activates either the content rating menu (see Fig. 2) via the input device 26 or presses an appropriate "view" or "block" key/button on the input device 26, block 58. The television apparatus 14 then updates the rating profile stored therein accordingly, block 60. Thereafter, all subsequent programs may either be viewed or blocked from viewing based on the ratings) of the subsequent program relative to the ratings) of the previous program (i.e. the updated rating profile).
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design and/or configuration, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to RCA 90,182 cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Claims (17)
1. A method, comprising:
processing an input signal to a television signal receiving apparatus to determine program content ratings of a currently displayed program;
providing a user of said television signal receiving apparatus with first and second options associated with said currently displayed program, wherein said first option includes allowing viewing of programs having program content ratings equal to or less than said determined program content ratings, and said second option includes blocking programs having program content ratings equal to or greater than said determined program content ratings;
receiving, via said television signal receiving apparatus, a user input selecting one of said first and second options;
updating a stored viewing profile with updated content rating limits in accordance with said user selection; and operating said television signal receiving apparatus in accordance with said user selection.
processing an input signal to a television signal receiving apparatus to determine program content ratings of a currently displayed program;
providing a user of said television signal receiving apparatus with first and second options associated with said currently displayed program, wherein said first option includes allowing viewing of programs having program content ratings equal to or less than said determined program content ratings, and said second option includes blocking programs having program content ratings equal to or greater than said determined program content ratings;
receiving, via said television signal receiving apparatus, a user input selecting one of said first and second options;
updating a stored viewing profile with updated content rating limits in accordance with said user selection; and operating said television signal receiving apparatus in accordance with said user selection.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second options are respectively provided as first and second menu items via an on-screen menu displayed via said television signal receiving apparatus.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said user input selecting one of said first and second options is made by said user selecting one of said first and second menu items via said on-screen menu.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said television signal receiving apparatus operates in accordance with said user selection by one of: allowing viewing of programs having program content ratings equal to or less than said determined program content ratings, and blocking programs having program content ratings equal to or greater than said determined program content ratings.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second options are respectively provided as first and second buttons on a remote control device associated with said television signal receiving apparatus.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said user input selecting one of said first and second options is made by said user pressing one of said first and second buttons on said remote control device.
7. An apparatus, comprising:
means for processing an input signal to determine program content ratings of a currently displayed program;
means for providing a user with first and second options associated with said currently displayed program, wherein said first option includes allowing viewing of programs having program content ratings equal to or less than said determined program content ratings, and said second option includes blocking programs having program content ratings equal to or greater than said determined program content ratings; wherein:
said apparatus receives a user input selecting one of said first and second options;
said apparatus updates a stored viewing profile with updated content rating limits in accordance with said user selection; and said apparatus operates in accordance with said user selection.
means for processing an input signal to determine program content ratings of a currently displayed program;
means for providing a user with first and second options associated with said currently displayed program, wherein said first option includes allowing viewing of programs having program content ratings equal to or less than said determined program content ratings, and said second option includes blocking programs having program content ratings equal to or greater than said determined program content ratings; wherein:
said apparatus receives a user input selecting one of said first and second options;
said apparatus updates a stored viewing profile with updated content rating limits in accordance with said user selection; and said apparatus operates in accordance with said user selection.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first and second options are respectively provided as first and second menu items via an on-screen menu displayed via said apparatus.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said user input selecting one of said first and second options is made by said user selecting one of said first and second menu items via said on-screen menu.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said apparatus includes a television signal receiver.
11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first and second options are respectively provided as first and second buttons on a remote control device associated with said apparatus.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said user input selecting one of said first and second options is made by said user pressing one of said first and second buttons on said remote control device.
13. A television apparatus, comprising:
means for processing an input signal to determine program content ratings of a currently displayed program;
means for providing a user with first and second options associated with said currently displayed program, wherein said first option includes allowing viewing of programs having program content ratings equal to or less than said determined program content ratings, and said second option includes blocking programs having program content ratings equal to or greater than said determined program content ratings; wherein:
said television apparatus receives a user input selecting one of said first and second options;
said television apparatus updates a stored viewing profile with updated content rating limits in accordance with said user selection; and said television apparatus operates in accordance with said user selection.
means for processing an input signal to determine program content ratings of a currently displayed program;
means for providing a user with first and second options associated with said currently displayed program, wherein said first option includes allowing viewing of programs having program content ratings equal to or less than said determined program content ratings, and said second option includes blocking programs having program content ratings equal to or greater than said determined program content ratings; wherein:
said television apparatus receives a user input selecting one of said first and second options;
said television apparatus updates a stored viewing profile with updated content rating limits in accordance with said user selection; and said television apparatus operates in accordance with said user selection.
14. The television apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first and second options are provided as separate menu items via an on-screen menu displayed via said television apparatus.
15. The television apparatus of claim 14, wherein said user input selecting one of said first and second options is made by said user selecting one of said first and second menu items via said on-screen menu.
16. The television apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first and second options are respectively provided as first and second buttons on a remote control device associated with said television apparatus.
17. The television apparatus of claim 16, wherein said user input selecting one of said first and second options is made by said user pressing one of said first and second buttons on said remote control device.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US64868000A | 2000-08-25 | 2000-08-25 | |
| US09/648,680 | 2000-08-25 |
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| CA2355793A1 CA2355793A1 (en) | 2002-02-25 |
| CA2355793C true CA2355793C (en) | 2011-06-07 |
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| CA2355793A Expired - Fee Related CA2355793C (en) | 2000-08-25 | 2001-08-16 | Television apparatus having a rating limit setting feature |
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| KR (1) | KR100839548B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1223183C (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2355793C (en) |
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| MY (1) | MY129836A (en) |
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| KR100672406B1 (en) * | 2002-07-22 | 2007-01-23 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Method and apparatus for permitting a potential viewer to view a desired program |
| CN100384233C (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2008-04-23 | 瑞轩科技股份有限公司 | Display device with programm imaging filtering function and method thereof |
| KR101507790B1 (en) | 2008-04-21 | 2015-04-03 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Terminal and method of controlling broadcasting therein |
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| KR0179830B1 (en) * | 1995-07-21 | 1999-05-01 | 문정환 | Apparatus for preventing the specific channel tunning of a tv |
| KR970009461A (en) * | 1995-07-31 | 1997-02-24 | 배순훈 | How to switch the mode of the remote controller |
| KR20000003823A (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2000-01-25 | 전주범 | Apparatus for unlocking a v-chip signal blocking of a television set |
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- 2001-08-21 MY MYPI20013926A patent/MY129836A/en unknown
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| KR100839548B1 (en) | 2008-06-19 |
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