EP1157551A1 - Systeme de blocage - Google Patents

Systeme de blocage

Info

Publication number
EP1157551A1
EP1157551A1 EP00910333A EP00910333A EP1157551A1 EP 1157551 A1 EP1157551 A1 EP 1157551A1 EP 00910333 A EP00910333 A EP 00910333A EP 00910333 A EP00910333 A EP 00910333A EP 1157551 A1 EP1157551 A1 EP 1157551A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
blocking
television
user
unit
television program
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00910333A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Peter Rae Shintani
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sony Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
Sony Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sony Electronics Inc filed Critical Sony Electronics Inc
Publication of EP1157551A1 publication Critical patent/EP1157551A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to a blocking system. It may be used in the field of television as well as elsewhere.
  • the present invention is related to blocking of selected television programming.
  • access control for television receivers using a removable memory device there is described access control for television receivers using a removable memory device.
  • V block The 1996 Telecommunications Bill mandated that a violence-blocking function be provided to at least some of all newly-manufactured televisions.
  • the violence-blocking function is used, for example, by parents to prevent younger viewers from viewing unsuitable television programming.
  • a standard, EIA-744 and EIA-608 A/B has been provided to assist in achieving the violence blocking (V block) function.
  • V block the actual method of implementing the V-block function is still largely left to television manufacturers.
  • the television receiver includes a channel- blocking function.
  • the channel-blocking function prevents tuning and, hence, viewing of channels which parents deem inappropriate for their children.
  • parents must first review printed program guides, and then meticulously enter the channel to be blocked and the time frame during which the channel is to be blocked.
  • the parent, or other "blocker” enters a pin number or access code into the blocking system. Once authorized, the parent manually activates blocking of selected programming or deactivates blocking of previously-blocked programming.
  • Such prior art processes are not intuitive for many average consumers. As a result, blocking of selected programming can be frustrating and ti e- consuming for the average consumer.
  • many homes now contain multiple televisions disposed at various locations throughout the home. Thus, the frustrating and time-consuming conventional blocking process often needs to be repeated at the separate locations corresponding to each of the multiple televisions. When such a burden becomes overwhelming, parents are less likely to utilize the V-block function, thereby negating the usefulness of the feature.
  • N-blocking systems operate in conjunction with ratings transmitted ⁇ by the content provider. For example, a parent may read in a program guide that a particular channel will be broadcasting a program having a restricted or "R" rating. If the parent does not wish to have R-rated programming viewed by younger viewers in the home, the parent must then block the channel for the time period during which the R-rated programming will be broadcast.
  • many programs e.g. news programming and documentaries
  • many programs are not required to have a rating associated therewith.
  • violent news coverage and/or violent documentary programming may still be accessible to younger or sensitive viewers in that parent's home.
  • the present invention provides a system and method for blocking television programming at multiple locations without requiring a user to repeatedly enter the same information at each of the locations.
  • the present invention further provides a system and method for blocking television programming which achieves the above-listed accomplishment and wherein the system and method is applicable to programming which does not include a program rating.
  • the present invention includes a television program- blocking device.
  • the television program-blocking device is adapted to prevent viewing of selected television progra ⁇ uning.
  • This embodiment further includes a selecting unit which is communicatively coupled to the television program- blocking device.
  • the selecting unit is adapted to receive user-based criteria.
  • the user-based criteria define the selected television programming which the television program-blocking device will prevent from being viewed.
  • the present invention includes a removable memory unit which is communicatively coupled to the selecting unit.
  • the removable memory unit is adapted to store the user-based criteria, such that the user-based criteria can readily be transferred to a second television program-blocking device. In so doing, the present invention allows a user to enter the user-based criteria one time and then apply the user-based criteria to multiple other television program-blocking devices.
  • the present invention includes the features of the above-described embodiment and further recites that the user-based criteria is non-rating oriented. That is, in the present embodiment, the user enters non-rating oriented criteria which is then utilized to define the selected television programming which the television program-blocking device will prevent from being viewed.
  • the present embodiment can be utilized to prevent viewing of television programming, even when that programming does not have a rating associated therewith.
  • FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system used in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram of a television program-blocking device having a selecting unit integral therewith and wherein the entire system is integral with a television in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention.
  • FIGURE 3 is a schematic diagram of a television program-blocking device integral with a television and a selecting unit integral with a remote control in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention.
  • FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of a television program-blocking device integral with a television, a removable memory unit adapted to be removably coupled to the television, and a selecting unit integral with a remote control in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention.
  • FIGURE 5 is a schematic diagram of a stand-alone unit having a television program-blocking device and a selecting unit integral therewith, and wherein the stand-alone unit is adapted to have a removable memory unit removably coupled thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention.
  • FIGURE 6 is a schematic diagram of a remote control device having a selecting unit integral therewith and an adapter coupled thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention.
  • FIGURE 7 is flow chart illustrating steps performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention.
  • FIGURE 8 is flow chart illustrating steps performed using non-rating information to determine blocking guidelines in accordance with another embodiment of the present claimed invention.
  • a computer system is intended to refer to, for example, a television program-blocking device and/or a selecting unit.
  • the following discussion which refers to processes performed by a computer system also pertains to processes performed by a television program-blocking device and/or a selecting unit of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computer system 100 used to perform the present invention. It is appreciated that system 100 of
  • Figure 1 is exemplary only and that the present invention can operate within a number of different computer systems including general purpose networked computer systems, embedded computer systems, and stand-alone computer systems. Furthermore, as will be described below in detail, the components of computer system 100 reside, for example, in a client computer and/or in the television program-blocking device and/or selecting unit of the present system and method. Additionally, computer system 100 of Figure 1 is well adapted to having computer readable media such as, for example, a floppy disk, a compact disc, and the like coupled thereto. Such computer readable media is not shown coupled to computer system 100 in Figure 1 for purposes of clarity.
  • System 100 of Figure 1 includes an address/data bus 102 for communicating information, and a central processor unit 104 coupled to bus 102 for processing information and instructions.
  • Central processor unit 104 may be an 80x86-family microprocessor.
  • System 100 also incudes data storage features such as a computer usable volatile memory 106, e.g. random access memory (RAM), coupled to bus 102 for storing information and instructions for central processor unit 104, computer usable non- volatile memory 108, e.g. read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus 102 for storing static information and instructions for the central processor unit 104, and a data storage unit 110 (e.g., a magnetic or optical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus 102 for storing information and instructions.
  • RAM random access memory
  • ROM read only memory
  • System 100 of the present invention also includes an optional alphanumeric input device 112 including alphanumeric and function keys, coupled to bus 102 for communicating information and command selections to central processor unit 104.
  • System 100 also optionally includes a cursor control device 114 coupled to bus 102 for communicating user input information and command selections to central processor unit 104.
  • System 100 of the present embodiment also includes an optional display device 116 coupled to bus 102 for displaying information.
  • optional display device 116 may be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, or other display device suitable for creating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to a user.
  • Optional cursor control device 114 allows the computer user to dynamically signal the two dimensional movement of a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 116.
  • cursor control device 114 are known in the art including a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick or special keys on alphanumeric input device 112 capable of signaling movement of a given direction or manner of displacement.
  • a cursor can be directed and/or activated via input from alphanumeric input device 112 using special keys and key sequence commands.
  • the present invention is also well suited to directing a cursor by other means such as, for example, voice commands.
  • voice commands such as, for example, voice commands.
  • the present invention is comprised of a television programming blocking system 200.
  • Television programming blocking system 200 includes a television program-blocking device 202 which is adapted to prevent viewing of selected television programming.
  • television program- blocking device 202 is disposed integral with a television receiver.
  • the present invention is also well suited to various other embodiments in which television program-blocking device 202 is disposed other than integral with a television receiver.
  • television programming blocking system 200 also includes a selecting unit 203.
  • Selecting unit 203 is coupled to television program-blocking device 202.
  • Selecting unit 203 is adapted to receive user-based criteria which define the selected television programming which television program-blocking device 202 will prevent from being viewed.
  • selecting unit 203 is adapted to receive non-rating oriented user-criteria for defining the selected television programming which television program-blocking device 202 will prevent from being viewed.
  • selecting unit 203 is integral with television program-blocking device 202.
  • the present invention is also well suited to various other embodiments in which selecting unit 203 is disposed other than integral with television program-blocking device 202.
  • Figure 2 also includes a removable memory unit 204.
  • removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be communicatively coupled to selecting unit 203.
  • removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be communicatively coupled to selecting unit 203 by removably coupling removable memory unit 204 to television program- - blocking device 202.
  • Removable memory unit 204 of the present embodiment is adapted to store the user-based criteria received into selecting unit 203 such that the user-based criteria can readily be transferred to a second television program-blocking device, not shown.
  • television program-blocking device 202, selecting unit 203, and removable memory unit 204 are all adapted to be disposed integrally with a television, not shown.
  • television progra -blocking device 202 is integral with a television 302.
  • television 302 will be shown as a single integral unit.
  • the present invention is, however, well suited to an embodiment in which, for example, the receiver of television 302 is located separately from other components such as, for example, the display of television 302.
  • television programming blocking system 300 of Figure 3 includes a selecting unit 203 which is integral with a remote control unit 304.
  • selecting unit 203 is configured to be controlled or programmed via keypad 306 of remote control unit 304.
  • removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to remote control unit 304.
  • removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to selecting unit 203.
  • remote control unit 304 is adapted to communicate with television 302.
  • Television programming blocking system 400 of the present embodiment includes a selecting unit 203 which is integral with a remote control unit 304.
  • selecting unit 203 is configured to be controlled or programmed via keypad 306 of remote control unit 304.
  • removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to television 302.
  • television 302 includes a slot 402 for removably receiving removable memory unit 204.
  • removably receiving, removably coupling, and the like refer to being able to couple and then uncouple removable memory unit 204 to and from another unit or device.
  • removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to television 302 and integral television program-blocking device 202.
  • remote control unit 304 is adapted to communicate with television 302.
  • television program- blocking device 202 and selecting unit 203 are both integral with a stand-alone unit 502 which is adapted to be coupled to a television 302.
  • standalone unit 502 includes a slot 504 for receiving removable memory unit 204.
  • removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to stand-alone unit 502.
  • stand-alone unit 502 is, for example, a set-top box.
  • stand-alone unit 502 is adapted to be coupled, for example by cable 506, to television 302.
  • selecting unit 203 is adapted to be programmed using a keypad or other data entry device (not shown) which is coupled to standalone unit 502.
  • a keypad or other data entry device not shown
  • the present invention is also well suited to an embodiment in which, for example, a remote control unit is used to operate or program stand-alone unit 502.
  • television programming blocking system 600 includes a selecting unit 203 which is integral with a remote control device 304.
  • selecting unit 203 is configured to be controlled or programmed using, for example, a keypad (not shown) of remote control device 304.
  • Television programming blocking system 600 also includes an adapter 602 which is configured to be coupled to remote control device 304.
  • Adapter 604 includes a slot 604 which is adapted to have removable memory unit 204 removably coupled thereto.
  • removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to selecting unit 203.
  • remote control unit 304 is adapted to communicate with television 302.
  • adapter 602 of the present embodiment allows a standard V-block compatible remote control device to be utilized in novel television programming blocking system 600. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
  • a flow chart 700 of exemplary steps performed in one embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, the following steps pertain to a method for readily transferring television programming blocking parameters between a plurality of televisions.
  • Flow chart 700 includes processes of the present invention which, in one embodiment, are carried out by a processor under the control of computer- readable and computer-executable instructions.
  • the computer-readable and computer-executable instructions reside, for example, in data storage features such as computer usable volatile memory 106 and/or computer usable nonvolatile memory 108 of Figure 1 physically residing, for example, in television program-blocking device 202 of Figures 2-6.
  • the computer-readable and computer-executable instructions are used to control or operate in conjunction with, for example, central processing unit 104 of Figure 1.
  • the features of the computer system of Figure 1 are well suited to being disposed, for example, in television program-blocking device 202 and/or selecting unit 203 of Figures 2-6.
  • the present invention receives user-based criteria into selecting unit 203.
  • user-based criteria are, for example, data typed into keypad 306 indicating the time period (or time periods) and the respective channel (or channels) which the user desires to block.
  • Such user-based criteria when received by television program-blocking device 202, cause television program-blocking device 202 to prevent viewing of the specified channel or channels during the specified time or times.
  • the user-based criterion is a maximum allowable rating level. For example, selecting unit 203 would receive input from a user indicating that only programming having a rating of PG (parental guidance suggested) or less mature can be viewed.
  • such user-based criteria or criterion when received by television program-blocking device 202, such user-based criteria or criterion cause television program-blocking device 202 to prevent viewing any rated program on any channel at any time if the program has a rating above (more mature) than PG.
  • step 702 many programs (e.g. news programming and documentaries) are not required to have a rating associated therewith. As a result, even if a parent has taken the time and effort to prevent all programming of a violent nature from being received in the parent's home, violent news coverage and/or violent documentary programming may still be accessible to younger or sensitive viewers in that parent's home.
  • the present embodiment is not limited solely to selectively blocking programming based upon rating levels supplied by the content providers. That is, the present embodiment is also well suited to receiving non-rating oriented user-based criteria into said selecting unit.
  • selecting unit 203 is adapted to receive data such as key words, phrases, titles, and the like.
  • the present embodiment compares the keys words with the title and program description supplied by the content provider and displayed in the vertical blanking interval at line 20 of field 2. As a result, when a parent does not want to have footage viewable, the parent can enter descriptor words such as, for example, "war,” “combat,” “desert storm,” and the like into selecting unit 203. The present embodiment will then prevent viewing of material having such words or phrases in the title, or in the program description provided by the content provider. Thus, even if such war-related programming is unrated (e.g. a war documentary, or news footage of a war), the present embodiment will still prevent viewing of the programming.
  • descriptor words such as, for example, "war,” “combat,” “desert storm,” and the like into selecting unit 203.
  • the present embodiment will then prevent viewing of material having such words or phrases in the title, or in the program description provided by the content provider. Thus, even if such war-related programming is unrated (e.g. a war documentary, or news footage of a war),
  • the present - embo ⁇ iment specifically recites comparing the non-rating user-based criteria to the title and description information supplied at vertical blanking interval line 20 of field 2
  • the present invention is also well suited to comparing non- rating user-based criteria to various other programming information.
  • the present invention is also well suited to comparing the non-rating user-based criteria to close captioning information, teletext data, and the like.
  • the present invention is also well suited to utilizing privately generated "blacklists" as the non-rating user-based criteria.
  • the user retrieves a list (e.g.
  • the present embodiment ensures that the inappropriate programming is prevented from being viewed. Additionally, such an embodiment is especially advantageous when the program has an "allowable" rating but still contains subject matter which the parent (or other blocker) would consider objectionable.
  • the present invention is well suited to creating a "blacklist" while the user is viewing a program. In such an embodiment, if, while viewing a program, the user finds the content objectionable, the user activates, for example, a blacklist button, not shown, on selecting unit 203.
  • the present embodiment then stores the title, program description, and other information supplied by the content provider and deems such programming as blacklisted. Thus, programming having such a title, program description, and other information is prevented from being viewed. Hence, the present embodiment allows a user to create and utilize a blacklist without requiring the user to have previously retrieved the blacklist on-line, or frorrTsome other outside source.
  • removable memory unit 204 records the information (e.g. user-based criteria including user-based criteria which are not based upon a program rating) which the user enters into selecting unit 203. Such recording of the user-based criteria occurs regardless of whether removable memory unit 204 is communicatively coupled to selecting unit 203 as shown in the embodiment of Figure 3, or any of the other configurations shown in the embodiments of Figures 2, and 4-6.
  • removable memory unit 204 is a compact flash memory card.
  • the present invention is, however, well suited to various other portable memory devices such as, for example, floppy disks, portable tape- type recording media, CD ROM, and the like.
  • removable memory unit 204 in addition to recording the user-based criteria, can record title and content information of programs which were viewed. Thus, parents can track or monitor the programming which has been viewed, for example, by their children. Such an embodiment is also well suited to tracking the amount of time which has been spent watching television.
  • removable memory unit 204 uses removable memory unit 204 to transfer the user-based criteria received at step 702 and recorded at step 704 to a second television program-blocking system. More specifically, once removable memory unit 204 records the user- based criteria thereon, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removed from " a first television program-blocking system (e.g. television programming- blocking systems 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600) and then used in a second television program-blocking system. In one embodiment, after programming the selecting unit of a first television program-blocking system, removable memory unit 204 is removed from that selecting unit 203. Removable memory unit 204 is then inserted into the selecting unit of a second television program-blocking system.
  • a first television program-blocking system e.g. television programming- blocking systems 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600
  • the present invention eliminates the need to re-enter the user-based criteria. Additionally, removable memory unit 204 can then be transferred to another television program-blocking system, and then to another television program-blocking system, and so on.
  • the present invention provides a system and method for readily transferring user- based criteria between multiple television program-blocking systems without requiring a user to repeatedly enter the same information at each of the locations.
  • parents can take removable memory unit 204 from their home to, for example, a grandparent's home. In so doing, the parents achieve the same level of television viewing control without requiring tedious, manual, re-entry of desired user-based criteria at the grandparent's home.
  • step 706 in one embodiment, if removable memory unit 204 is removed from the television program-blocking system, all television viewing is prevented. That is, in such an embodiment, the television is only activatable when removable memory unit 204 is in place. Hence, in one implementation of such an embodiment, the child is required to have a removable memory unit (which contains the parent's previously-recorded criteria) in order for the child to view television.
  • Removable memory unit 204 of the present invention is also well suited to limiting the amount television viewing time. In such an embodiment, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the television program-blocking system prevents any further television viewing.
  • a flow chart 800 illustrating steps performed by one embodiment of the present invention in determining whether or not television programming is to be blocked is shown.
  • the steps of the present embodiment will be described below in conjunction with the physical components of the embodiments of Figures 2-6.
  • a television program -blocking device 202 of the present embodiment determines whether a received television program has a rating associated therewith. If the television program does not have a rating, the present embodiment proceeds to step 812. If the television program " does have a rating, however, the present embodiment proceeds to step 804.
  • the present embodiment obtains the rating of the television program. Such rating information is obtained, for example, by television program-blocking device 202 of Figures 2-6.
  • step 806 the present embodiment determined whether the rating of the television program is above the permitted rating level. That is, television program-blocking device 202 would compare the rating level of the television program with the rating level specified in the user-based criteria. Such user-based criteria will have been previously received by, for example, selecting unit 203 of Figure 2-6. If the rating of the television program is-above the permitted rating level, the present embodiment proceeds to step 810. If, however, the rating of the television program is not above the permitted rating level, the present embodiment proceeds to step 808.
  • television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment allows the television program to be viewed.
  • television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment prevents (i.e. blocks) the television program from being viewed.
  • step 812 if at step 802 the television program did not have a rating, the present embodiment determines whether or not a program title is available. Such title information is obtained, for example, by television program-blocking device 202 of Figures 2-6. If title information for the television program is available, the present embodiment proceeds to step 818. If title information for the television program is not available, the present embodiment proceeds to step 814.
  • the present embodiment determines whether or not a program description is available. Such program description information is obtained, for example, by television program-blocking device 202 of Figures 2- 6. If program description information for the television program is available, the present embodiment proceeds to step 818. If program description information for the television program is not available the present embodiment proceeds to step 816.
  • television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment prevents (i.e. blocks) the television program from being viewed.
  • the present embodiment searches the non-rating based user criteria to locate, for example, a blacklist of program titles or descriptions.
  • step 820 the present invention determined whether either the program's title or description information appears in the blacklist. If title information or the program description information appears in the blacklist, the present embodiment proceeds to step 822. If title information or the program description information does not appear in the blacklist, the present embodiment proceeds to step 824. At step 822, because title information or the program description information appears in the blacklist, television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment prevents (i.e. blocks) the television program from being viewed.
  • television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment allows the television program to be viewed.
  • step 826 if the title information, the program description information, or the rating information changes, the present embodiment returns to step 802.
  • the present invention provides a system and method for blocking television programming at multiple locations without requiring a user to repeatedly enter the same information at each of the locations.
  • the present invention further provides a system and method for blocking television programming which achieves the above-listed accomplishment and wherein the system and method is applicable to programming which does not include a program rating.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Television Systems (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de blocage pouvant être utilisé dans la programmation des émissions télévisées et ailleurs. Dans un mode de réalisation, l'invention porte sur un dispositif de blocage de programmes télévisés. Ce dispositif de blocage de programmes télévisés est conçu pour empêcher la visualisation de programmes télévisés sélectionnés. Dans ce mode de réalisation, ledit système comprend, en outre, une unité de sélection reliée au dispositif de blocage de programmes télévisés. Cette unité de sélection est conçue pour recevoir des critères choisis par l'utilisateur. Ces critères choisis par l'utilisateur définissent les programmes télévisés sélectionnés que le dispositif de blocage empêchera de visualiser l'unité de sélection. La mémoire amovible est conçue pour stocker les critères choisis par l'utilisateur de sorte que ces critères puissent être rapidement transmis à un deuxième dispositif de blocage de programmes télévisés. De cette façon, l'invention permet à l'utilisateur d'enregistrer une seule fois les critères choisis et de les appliquer à plusieurs autres dispositifs de blocage de programmes télévisés.
EP00910333A 1999-02-26 2000-02-25 Systeme de blocage Withdrawn EP1157551A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US25989699A 1999-02-26 1999-02-26
US259896 1999-02-26
PCT/US2000/004753 WO2000051351A1 (fr) 1999-02-26 2000-02-25 Systeme de blocage

Publications (1)

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EP1157551A1 true EP1157551A1 (fr) 2001-11-28

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Family Applications (1)

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EP00910333A Withdrawn EP1157551A1 (fr) 1999-02-26 2000-02-25 Systeme de blocage

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EP (1) EP1157551A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2002538686A (fr)
AU (1) AU3244500A (fr)
CA (1) CA2364932A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000051351A1 (fr)

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WO2000051351A1 (fr) 2000-08-31
AU3244500A (en) 2000-09-14
JP2002538686A (ja) 2002-11-12
CA2364932A1 (fr) 2000-08-31

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