JP2009503917A - System and method for restricting access to multimedia programs - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling access of a user who views content transmitted or broadcast to a multimedia display device. Specifically, the system allows an administrator to specify restrictions on multimedia display devices, such as television receivers. This restriction limits user access. The restrictions can be applied to a television receiver or to a specific user having a user key that allows the user to use the television receiver depending on program control. The limit can specify when the television can be displayed or how long the television can be displayed within the time period. The limit can also specify what services (channels) can be displayed during a specified time or how many time specified services can be displayed within a time period. The limit can also specify what themes (event types) can be displayed during a specified time, or how many time-specified themes can be displayed within a time period. The system can record content according to restrictions (content or time) on a personal recording device, and can further restrict viewing access according to the age of the user, the audience rating of the event or program, or a combination thereof.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to managing access to multimedia programs, for example, by programming a television set-top box, and more specifically, limited access to cooperating accessory devices such as HDD / DVD / VCR. The present invention relates to a novel system and method for restricting user access to a program according to specified time restrictions and / or content restrictions. Such a system not only controls only a single element, eg DVD, TV or set-top box, but rather at the same time provides a complete solution that allows all simultaneous control access of such devices. .

  With the advent of features with programming logic found in set-top boxes and Java TV, the use of television receivers is better controlled by programming what and how the device should be used. Can be done. Many patent documents disclose control of access to a television receiver and control of program viewing.

  U.S. Patent No. 5,969,748 generally describes a television schedule system that allows a user to control access to television programs.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,869 generally provides programmable channels / time to selectively program TV, VCR, cable TV, satellite TV, and / or game win times, programs, and / or channels. A TV / video viewing supervision system implementing a matrix is described.

  US Patent Publication No. 2003/0145321 generally describes a method and system for controlling the selection of channels and presenting for viewing, for example via a set top box.

  US Patent Publication No. 2003/0014750 generally describes a method and system for controlling access to viewable content based on individual titles.

  One patent document, specifically International Patent Publication No. WO9510916, comprehensively allows users to control the viewing of programs, blocks or enables selected programs, and allows users to use compressed codes. A television receiver is described that allows a program to be controlled for viewing to be specified, and that enables the blocking of viewing of specific scenes in the program.

  Most of these patent documents mainly focus on a very simple approach. This approach allows the entry of certain user identifiers, such as pin codes, and specifies certain restrictions, such as time slots, if the child can watch TV.

  However, none of such patent documents limit children's viewing by preventing children from having uncontrolled access to multimedia terminals (eg, TVs), and further, for example, DVD / VCR / HDD / PVR or The use of systems and methods to limit control access of cooperating devices, such as other storage media / playback devices, is not shown.

In this way, the user or administrator can specify restrictions that restrict access for users watching television, including time restrictions, lifetime restrictions, program restrictions, and channel restrictions. The administrator may have a management key that specifies (sets) restrictions on different users. The user may have a user key for operating the television receiver. The user / administrator can instruct information about television access by the user to be stored (log file) and generate a method for what has been accessed.
US Patent No. 5,969,748 US Patent No. 6,025,869 US Patent Publication No. 2003/0145321 US Patent Publication No. 2003/0014750 International Patent Publication WO9510916

  Thus, after the selected or specified time has elapsed for valid content (eg, a selected service list), the user is prevented from watching a television or similar multimedia display device, such as a television receiver. It would be highly desirable to provide a timer system for multimedia display devices.

  Further, preventing the user from watching a television set or similar multimedia display device after the selected or designated time has elapsed within the selected (or designated) time slot during the day, It would be highly desirable to provide a timer system for multimedia display devices such as television receivers.

  Further, by blocking the channel (or alternatively “service”) based on the theme of the current event (or alternatively “program”), the user can receive a television or similar multimedia display device. It would be highly desirable to provide a timer system for a multimedia display device, such as a television receiver, that prevents viewing.

  In addition, enable or prevent access to an event (program) according to the rating of the event (eg, with rating data provided by an independent provider), or the age of the viewer, or the viewer rating and the viewer's It would be highly desirable to provide a system for multimedia display devices that restricts or prevents certain events (programs) according to age combinations.

  In addition, certain events to the HDD or DVD / VCR / PVR according to specified time / content restrictions, including a mechanism configured to remove promotional content when viewing or recording actual programs / events ( It would be highly desirable to provide a system for multimedia display devices that allows recording of programs.

  One aspect of the present invention is that one or more multimedia terminals (eg, multimedia home platform (MHP), set-top box (STB), personal video recorder (PVR) It aims to address the shortcomings of prior art ornamental access control systems by providing additional functions to specify restrictions on TV or DVD players.

  The user or administrator may have an administrative key (eg, a pin code) that allows the parent / administrator to specify restrictions. Such restrictions can be applied to television receivers or to specific users having user keys that allow the user to use the television receiver depending solely on the restrictions. Such a restriction can specify when the television can be displayed or how long the television can be displayed within the time period. Such a limit can also specify what services (channels) can be displayed during a specified time or how many time specified services can be displayed within a time period. . Also, such restrictions can be displayed for what themes (ie, anime, children's, sports, movies, education.) Can be displayed during the specified time, or how long the specified theme can be within the time period. Can be specified. Multiple restrictions may be set for the same user. To monitor user access, the administrator specifies information regarding television access by the user to be stored and reports what has been accessed (eg, display title, service, theme, time and time period). Can be generated.

  Thus, in accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, a system and method are provided that allow for supervised control of viewing multimedia content in a multimedia terminal device. The method includes the step of specifying a time constraint for controlling a time during which the viewer can watch television within a time period through an interface display, and the viewer can view the time period during the time period. The step of designating content viewing restrictions via the interface display unit, the viewer's access to the current broadcast content via the multimedia terminal, and the recording device for storing the recorded broadcast content Monitoring access to content previously recorded by the viewer and blocking access to the current or stored broadcast content of the viewer who violates the time and content restrictions.

  Advantageously, the programming of the “control system” of the present invention may be performed via any other interface, for example a web interface. The TV device has a network connection and implements a web controlled interface so that full control is performed via the browser. Even a wireless connection can be established and the remote control can also operate, for example via a “Wi-Fi” connection. The TV can also be controlled remotely by a parent from anywhere if the TV can have a permanent Internet connection. That is, the parent can control on-line statistics such as what the child sees or what the child sees, how many hours, etc.

  In addition, advantageously, the system is provided with a mechanism that indicates to the user how much of the time allowed is still available. That is, all users can see how much of the allowed time is still available, and based on that they can plan for the future, for example, the “most wanted” event / program, not all Only can be selected.

  Objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  The present invention is directed to a TV timer control system and method that allows a user to control others' multimedia viewing access. For example, a parent can control a child's viewing access. Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a television system 10, for example for home installation, that incorporates program (program) viewing control according to the present invention. The system 10 has one or more multimedia display terminals, such as a television receiver or similar video display monitor 13a, b, for example. Further ability to provide Internet content that is received from a computer device to a wirelessly connected TV device 13a, b via a wireless connection to a set top box 15, such as, for example, Philips' Streamium® product Can be added to the conventional set-top box function. For example, by using a system remote control device, a user can switch television viewing from (TV) broadcast content to broadband Internet content. For example, with Wi-Fi technology, such as wireless technology managed according to the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n standard, for example, a television receiver can also store photos or videos stored in the home computer 30. It can also be used to present.

  The Wi-Fi network is a home computer 30 for wirelessly connecting one or more set-top boxes 15 to one or more television receivers 13a, b and the Internet via a communication signal carrier according to a wireless standard. Having a wireless hub device 22 coupled thereto. In this way, the system is configured to stream video content to the television receivers 13a, b via a wireless link. All data relating to the use of the TV is stored locally in the set-top box 15 and the functions provided allow the TV device to exchange information about its usage status.

  In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, an external device, such as a DVD player 28 or a high density disk (HDD) recorder device 29, is connected to such a local set-top box, such as a Streame® device. Is done.

  The set-top box 15 in the illustrated embodiment may be a television broadcast, for example, via a television antenna 20 or cable 25, or via a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) antenna and a satellite signal receiver (not shown). A receiver capable of receiving a signal. Further, as represented, in the system 10, the set-top box 15 is for example a high HDD device 29 and / or for temporary or long-term storage of received multimedia content files, for example Like technologies for recording television programs, including recordable optical media (eg, CD, DVD), magnetic or magnetic optical media (eg, hard or floppy disk drives), solid state memory, etc. It may also be coupled to other high density media storage / recorder devices and further have a digital media recording system, such as TiVo®, for recording / reproducing multimedia broadcast content. good. Such a device may be interfaced with the STB 15 and / or the PC 30 via a standard cable with communications handled via an existing protocol such as P50. For example, other devices such as video cassette recorder (VCR) 23 and digital video disc (DVD) player 28 (which may be an integrated or separate unit) may be wired or wireless to TV devices 13a, b, for example. Audio and video signals can optionally be output to the television receiver / monitor 13 by sending multimedia content signals through the set top box 15 for transmission.

  Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, each individual TV set may be provided with a control function according to the present invention for exchanging usage information over a network, broadcast. Thus, each TV set 13a, b processes the updated usage information. That is, in a broad sense, if a user / viewer is under time limit on one TV set, it is impossible for that user to continue watching TV programs using the other set.

  There can be two solutions. 1) If the content is derived from one central “box”, this is the central point of the system and can itself control all other TV / multimedia terminals in the system as master. 2) All TVs are equivalent and exchange information about usage.

  Program viewing and television program and content viewing control according to the present invention is provided by a control system embodied in software executed on the set-top box 15 and / or the TV device 13a, b. However, such functions are implemented in any device capable of monitoring the viewing of television programs in a television system, including, for example, a television receiver, PVR (TiVo® receiver), computer or computing device 30, VCR, etc. Can be done. Further, the television viewing monitor device may receive television programs directly and / or display to viewers as long as the device has the capability to detect what programs are being accessed for viewing by a separate display device. Is not necessarily required to do. In addition, TV programs to be watched include RF broadcast sources, cable TV sources, satellite TV sources, computer network sources such as local or wide area networks, or the Internet 99. Without limitation, it can be received from any source. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the user can access the TV menu via the web interface.

  The set top box 15 itself operates under the control of the processor or the CPU 50. The processor or CPU 50 is required by the processor in controlling the operation of the set top box 15 and software and / or firmware applications, components, programs, objects, modules, data structures and program code suitable for execution by the processor. And a random access memory (RAM) device or equivalent memory storage means 51 including a main storage device (not shown) of the set top box 15 for storing further data structures. The processor 50 may correspond to one or more processors (eg, a microprocessor or microcontroller), and further includes, for example, cache memory, non-volatile or backup memory (eg, programmable or flash memory), Any auxiliary level memory, such as read only memory (ROM), may be included. Further, the memory may be a memory storage device physically located elsewhere in the set top box 15, such as any cache memory in the processor 50, as well as an external network (see FIG. (Not shown)) may be considered to include any storage capacity used as virtual memory, such as stored in other data processing systems or mass storage devices coupled to set top box 15 via.

  If the “control system” provides multimedia services (channels) for the home, for example in accordance with the new Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standard, the set-top box 15 is all packed digital Incorporate a host of TV, MP-3, DVD, and other multimedia services into the system. In this way, the CPU 50 controls all software and hardware modules in the STB via a specific operating system to enable the multimedia home platform MHP. In addition to the above, these include a video / graphics engine, Java virtual machines (JVMs), and human interface components.

  In operation, as is known, RF input from a satellite disk, cable, or antenna is sent to a tuner / demodulator (not shown). The tuner / demodulator demodulates the signal into a digital A / V stream, such as an MPEG-2 stream (from the Internet), an MPEG-4 stream, or a similar digital content stream. The demultiplexer functions to expand MPEG-2 into its video, audio, subtitle, and data stream. Prior to being presented to the user, the video and audio are decompressed by either hardware or software modules. The subtitle data, usually an image file containing a transparent background, is sent to a dedicated drawing engine (not shown) with direct access to the on-screen display (OSD) of the STB. The data stream is parsed for content such as system information, digital teletext, or MHP data objects and then sent to the hardware / software module for interpretation and / or execution.

  In accordance with the present invention, the STB is programmed with an example menu display configuration that is used to provide enhanced viewing access control in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As implemented in accordance with the present invention shown in FIG. 2 (a), a user or administrator can control TV viewing / access according to the present invention via an exemplary main menu display interface 75, such as a web interface, for example. A main menu is provided that includes a TV timer menu option 80 that enforces the restriction. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), upon accessing the TV menu option 80, the user enters a password via the entry field 85 to grant appropriate permissions before allowing the user's viewing / access control. Be expected. In one embodiment, the user provides or assigns a management key (eg, pin code) that allows the user / administrator to access the TV viewing / access control function and specify viewing restrictions in accordance with the present invention. receive. In one example situation, the user / administrator may be a parent, as described herein. Provides viewing control for the parent's children or other children's appraisers. After the user is recognized as having authority to program a set-top box controller that implements timer control according to the present invention, the user sets restrictions from the administrator control menu 100 shown in FIG. 2 (c). Can be appreciated. As shown in FIG. 2C, the administrator control menu 100 includes 1) a content selection menu option 103, 2) a time constraint setting menu option 106, 3) a record menu option 110, and 4) a statistical value ( (statistics) menu option 114 to provide a TV viewing restriction function.

  3 (a)-(f) are responsive to the selection of menu option 100 provided via the example interface represented in FIG. 2 (c) to provide functionality in accordance with the present invention, Fig. 4 represents an exemplary menu display interface presented to an accepted user / administrator. In one example situation, the user / administrator may be a parent, providing viewing control for the parent's children or other children's viewers.

  FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) each show an authorized user / administrator in response to selection of the content selection menu option 100 of FIG. 2 (c) to provide content selection restrictions in accordance with the present invention. Represents an exemplary menu display interface 120, 120 ′ presented in FIG. In a first aspect, the content selection restriction option provided via the interface 120 of FIG. 3 (c) provides a scrollable list 135 for television receiver programming, and which broadcast channels are user viewers. Include a “Select Allowed Channels” menu option 125 that displays an associated selection box 136 for selecting / excluding what is allowed. The content selection restriction menu provided via the interface 120 in FIG. 3A provides a function of removing all displays in which a specific service (channel) is blocked from the viewing part, or, for example, 1 It further includes an option to enable / disable the “hidden block service” option via menu option 127 to list only such accepted services / channels, such as ˜N. The content selection restriction provided via the interface 120 of FIG. 3 (a) recognizes and promotes promotions, for example, based on audio volume criteria, to prevent any programming from seeing or recording any promotions. Includes an option to enable / disable the “advertisement filter” option via menu option 129 to provide the functionality to remove. In this manner, if a filtered advertisement is encountered during viewing or recording, the viewer's multimedia display device or terminal is temporarily suspended, while the filtered advertisement is blocked, Presents a visual dialog indicating that is waiting.

  FIG. 3 (b) is further presented to an authorized user / administrator in response to selection of the content selection menu option 100 of FIG. 2 (c) to provide content selection restrictions in accordance with the present invention. An exemplary menu display interface 120 'is shown. In such a further aspect, the content selection restriction option provided via the interface 120 'of FIG. 3 (b) provides a scrollable list 143 for television receiver programming, and which broadcast events and programming themes Includes an “Select Allowed Themes” menu option 133 that displays an associated selection box 146 for selecting / excluding whether the user is allowed by the user viewer. The content selection restriction menu provided through the interface 120 ′ of FIG. 3B provides a function of selecting content suitable only for a certain age or older viewer shown in the block age entry field 142. In addition, an option for “select block age” via menu option 134 is included. The content selection restrictions provided via the interface 120 ′ of FIG. 3 (b) lock out programming according to their ratings as recognized by the ratings server provided at the user selectable or entered location 145. It further includes an option for “select audience server” via menu option 137 to provide functionality. The content selection restrictions provided via the interface 120 ′ of FIG. 3 (b) provide “viewing via menu option 139 to provide the ability to allow programming according to the specific“ viewing rate ”entered in the entry field 147. It also includes an option for “accept event by rate”. The fields “select audience rating server” and “accept event by audience rating” are actually combined. The “select audience rating server” option is only used to specify from which location the audience rating of the event should be read, ie, for sorting the “audience rating server”. The “event acceptance by audience rating” option gives basic settings. In this case, the user can set a certain level of events, for example, one star means a very bad program, while five stars means a very good program, etc.

  FIGS. 3 (c) and (d) were accepted in response to selection of the set time constraint selection menu option 106 of FIG. 2 (c), respectively, to provide time content restrictions in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates exemplary menu display interfaces 121, 121 'presented to a user / administrator.

  In this further aspect, the content selection restriction option provided via the interface 121 of FIG. 3 (c) allows the user / administrator to enter a time limit that is set, i.e., the viewer's total viewing time. Includes “hours” menu option 151 to enable. For example, as shown in entry field 171, a 10 hour viewing time limit is shown for a particular viewer. Via the entry field, the user / administrator can further divide the number of hours set according to the period 172 per day, week or month. A further “Distribute time” menu option 152 is a daily, weekly, or monthly period when the user / administrator specifies a specific “number of hours” to limit viewing (by selecting entry field 173). It is provided that it is possible to specify whether to be divided equally according to a period 172 of In this way, the child can use the specified time as desired if the “classify time” from menu option 152 (FIG. 3C) is not selected. A further “extendable time” menu option 154 allows an audience watching the current “real-time” event to continue to watch the event, for example if the event exceeds a specified time constraint. A time limit setting is provided to allow the user / administrator to specify whether the time limit setting can be extended by selecting the entry field 174. In such an aspect, it may further be specified that the time limit can be extended after a certain percentage (N%) of event viewing time has elapsed (eg, 50% or 60%). Regardless of how time constraints are distributed or extendable, the user / administrator specifies the time slots where the viewer is constrained to watch TV programs according to programmed restrictions. can do. For example, an additional “specify time slot” menu option 156 allows a specific time period (slot) to be entered via the entry field 176, for example, morning or afternoon, where user viewing restrictions are constrained. Is provided.

  FIG. 3 (d) presents to an accepted user / administrator in response to selection of the set time constraint selection menu option 106 of FIG. 2 (c) to provide time content restrictions in accordance with the present invention. An example menu display interface 121 'is shown. In such a further aspect, the selection time constraint option provided via the interface 121 ′ of FIG. 3 (d) can be selected via a select / non-select box 180 on which days of the week the viewing time does not need to be limited. It includes a “permit date” menu option 160 that is provided for designation. Regardless of when and how time constraints are distributed or whether they can be extended, the user / administrator follows the permission themes specified in the scrollable list 143 of the display interface 120 '. The percentage of time that can be spent watching TV or broadcast multimedia content can be specified. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 3 (d), via the “detailed time usage” menu option 162, the user / administrator can determine, via the entry field 182, how the user's total allocated viewing time is a theme. You can specify whether you will be paid according to. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), the user is allowed to watch animation for 30% of the time and watch educational programs for 70% of the time.

  FIG. 3 (e) is an example presented to an authorized user / administrator in response to the selection of the “Record” selection menu option 110 of FIG. 2 (c) to provide a recording option in accordance with the present invention. Represents a menu display interface 122.

  In such a further aspect, the recording options provided via the interface 122 of FIG. 3 (e) exceed the time limit specified for a current program, eg, a particular audience, that exceeds the allotted time limit. A “Record Allowed” menu option 163 is included that includes a select / deselect box 183 such that additional time allowing the viewer to record live broadcast events is provided upon selection. A further “recorder” menu option 165 is further provided with an entry field 185 that specifies which recording device further programming should be recorded on. Via the interface 122 of FIG. 3 (e), the “HDD recording permission” menu option further includes a selection / non-selection box 186 that allows the viewer to record a program on their HDD recording medium upon selection. A display of 166 occurs. A further “HDD” menu option 168 is further provided having an entry field 188 that specifies which HDD recording device the programming should be recorded on.

  FIG. 3 (f) shows the occurrence of a post-reporting of what has been accessed (eg, presentation title, service (channel), theme, time and time duration) to monitor user access in accordance with the present invention. Example presented to an authorized user / administrator in response to selection of the “statistics” selection menu option 114 of FIG. 2 (c) to identify stored information regarding television access by the user Represents a menu display interface 122 '. In this way, the “Enable Statistics” menu option 167, upon selection, instructs the system to record statistics regarding the restricted TV viewing usage of the person for later reporting. Presented with a non-selected box 187. A further “History” menu option 169 further specifies whether a limited person's TV viewing usage period (eg, 30 days), statistics and other information should be recorded for later reporting. To have an entry field 189. Of course, authorized users may have read access to any of their log files with information detailing their ornamental statistics / utilization. For example, the user may be able to use a web browser or similar device-implemented HTTP or similar communication protocol. Alternatively, the user log may be accessible on the TV, for example via a simple dialog, or via a mobile phone, or via a wireless connection such as, for example, Bluetooth.

  FIG. 4 provides an advanced flowchart representing a process flow 200 for controlling TV viewing time via a set-top box device that implements timer control in accordance with the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first step is to confirm in step 203 that the current TV viewer has authority to watch TV programs, regardless of whether other TV control / restriction settings exist. It is a step to do. Details regarding the viewer authentication process will now be described with respect to FIG. If the viewer is not allowed to watch the television, the process turns off the TV device, as shown at step 204. Otherwise, after the viewer is found to be able to watch the current TV program, processing continues to step 206 where any time that blocks the control function for that user and the current time. It is determined whether the constraint has been implemented. Details regarding the viewer time constraint block process will now be described with respect to FIG. If there is a time constraint block function implemented for the user at that time, the process turns off the TV device, as shown in step 204. If there is no time constraint block function implemented for the user, processing continues to step 207. At step 207, before actually showing the multimedia / TV broadcast as represented by step 209, it is determined whether the current content intended to be viewed by the viewer is acceptable. Details regarding the determination of whether the current viewer is allowed to view the current content will now be described with respect to FIG. If it is determined that the current viewer is allowed to view the current content, processing continues to step 209. At step 209, the multimedia program is presented for display. Otherwise, if it is determined that the current viewer is not allowed to view the current content, processing continues to step 208. Step 208 is a processing step for blocking the presentation of the current multimedia program. Processing continues to step 211 regardless of whether the current viewer is allowed to view the current multimedia programming. In step 211, it is determined whether the current user is attempting to play his recorded content from an external source. Details regarding the determination of whether the user wants to play the user's own recorded content will now be described with respect to FIG. If it is determined in step 211 that the current viewer is attempting to view his recorded content, the process continues to step 212. Step 212 is a step of playing back the selected content from the selected external source (eg, DVD). Processing then continues to step 216. At step 216, a monitor function is performed to monitor further use of the device in the TV viewing system to ensure compliance with the control. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 211 that the current viewer is not trying to view his recorded content, the process continues to step 213. In step 213, it is further determined whether content to be reproduced is supplied from the HDD. Details regarding the processing flow for determining whether the content to be played is from the HDD will now be described with respect to FIG. If, in step 213, it is determined that the current content to be played is from the HDD, processing continues to step 212. In step 212, the selected content is played. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 213 that the current content to be played is not from the HDD, processing continues to monitoring step 216. Details regarding the monitoring step will now be described with respect to FIG.

  FIG. 5 provides an exemplary advanced flowchart illustrating a user login process flow 203 performed by the system of the present invention when the user turns on the television receiver according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, in the next step 222, the user / viewer is asked to enter his pin code. At step 224, the pin code is verified by conventional means such as a look-up table. If the user is authorized at step 224, processing continues to step 226 to present the initial screen to the user as shown in FIG. If the user is not an authorized user as determined at step 224, processing continues to step 232. At step 232, an error dialog screen is presented. Continuing to the next step 230, if further pin code entry attempts are allowed, the process returns to step 222 so that the user re-enters his / her pin code and the process repeats. Otherwise, if no further pin code entry is allowed at step 230, processing continues to step 228. At step 228, a goodbye dialog is displayed and the user / viewer is deemed not tolerated.

  FIG. 6 provides an advanced flowchart representing the viewer time constraint block process 206 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the process depicted in FIG. 6, the system checks to see if the user's time constraint is blocked. Thus, as shown in the first step 235, whether the current date is valid, i.e., the allowed date programmed for such an audience (see FIG. 3 (d)). It is judged whether there is. If the current date is valid, processing continues to step 236. In step 236, it is further determined whether the time slot setting is blocked as pre-programmed (see FIG. 3 (c)). If the current time slot is not blocked, processing continues to step 238. At step 238, it is determined whether time allocation is still available. If time is still allocated for the current viewer, processing continues to step 241. Step 241 indicates that TV blocking is not necessary.

  Returning to step 235 and determining that the current date is not valid, or returning to step 236 and determining that the time slot setting is blocked, or returning to step 238, the time allocation is If it is determined that it is not available, processing continues to step 239. If, at step 239, it is determined that an extendable “time” setting has been programmed for such an audience, then the process checks the current usage statistics for such an audience (see FIG. 3 (f)). ) To 240 and then to step 245. At step 245, it is further determined whether the user has seen more than N% (eg, 50%) of the current event during such current viewing session. If it is determined that the user has seen more than N% of the current event, processing continues to step 249. At step 249, the dialog displays that the current time limit has been exceeded, but the system allows the user to view the event until the end. Thus, processing continues to step 241 which indicates that no TV blocking is performed. Otherwise, return to step 239 and if it is determined that an extendable “time” setting has not been programmed for such an audience, or return to step 245 and the user has more than N% of the current event If it is determined not to look, processing continues to step 247. Step 247 shows the display of a restriction dialog. Thereafter, processing continues to step 250. In step 250, it is determined whether or not the recording setting is valid for the viewer (see FIG. 3E). If the recording setting is not valid, processing continues to step 258. Step 258 is a step that blocks the program to prevent further viewing or recording of the current program. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 250 that the recording settings are valid, processing continues to step 252. In step 252, a dialog is displayed to remind the viewer of the availability to record the event, for example via an accepted external recording device. In step 254, it is determined whether recording has started. If recording has not started, processing continues to step 258. Step 258 is a step that blocks the program to prevent further viewing or recording of the current program. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 254 that the user has selected a recording option, processing continues to step 256. In step 256, the current program recording is started. Thereafter, processing continues to step 258 where the viewer block is enabled.

  FIG. 7 provides an advanced flowchart representing system processing 207 for checking whether the current content (content service) is blocking in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the process depicted in FIG. 7, an initial step 260 includes selecting a service, for example by switching to a valid channel / service based on a list provided by the administrator. For example, the user can proceed to the program listed in the “Select Allowed Channels” entry section of FIG. After reading the first service, at step 262, it is determined whether the current content is valid. If the current content is not valid, processing continues to step 273. Step 273 represents that the current content is blocked. Otherwise, at step 262, if the current content is valid, the process causes the user's age to be pre-specified by the parent / administrator in the “Block Age Selection” section of FIG. Continue to step 264 to determine if it is blocking. If the user's current age is the age at which blocking needs to be enabled, processing continues to step 273. Step 273 represents that the current content is blocked. Otherwise, in step 264, if the current age is not a block, processing continues to step 265. At step 265, the event from the source is read. The process then determines whether the event audience is required to block the content as pre-specified by the parent / administrator in the “Event Acceptance by Audience” section of FIG. Continue to step 266 to determine. If the event has a rating that requires blocking to be enabled, processing continues to step 273. Step 273 represents that the current content is blocked. Otherwise, in step 266, if the audience rating is one that does not require blocking to be enabled, the process proceeds with the advertisement filtering function in the “advertisement filter” section of FIG. 3 (a). Continue to step 267 to determine if it should be enabled as specified in advance by the administrator. If the promotion filter is enabled, processing continues to step 268 to turn on the advertisement detection filter. Otherwise, if, at step 267, the advertising filter is not enabled, processing continues to step 275. Step 275 represents the step of allowing current content to be displayed. Returning to step 268, after advertising detection is enabled, processing continues to step 270. At step 270, it is determined whether the declaration is currently broadcast. If the promotion is not currently being broadcast, processing continues to step 275. Step 275 represents the step of allowing current content to be displayed. Otherwise, if it is determined at step 270 that the advertisement is currently being broadcast, processing continues to step 273. Step 273 represents that the current content is blocked.

  FIG. 8 provides an advanced flowchart representing system processing 211 that is used when the current viewer is playing his / her recorded content in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the process shown in FIG. 8, the system checks whether the external content exists (recorded in advance) and can be reproduced. Thus, at step 280, a confirmation is made to determine the availability of the external source, and at step 282 it is determined whether there is a source with recorded content. If step 282 determines that there is no source with recorded content, processing continues to step 297. Step 297 represents the step of avoiding (bypassing) the playback / presentation of any external source. Otherwise, at step 282, it is determined that there is a source with recorded content, and then processing continues to step 283. Step 283 represents the step of reading the local recording database to verify all of the recordings made by the current user and to verify that the current content in the external source (media) is present in the list. Of course, the system provides the ability to generate a list of records for that user that does not violate current time constraints. Thus, if the user still has an allowed time of 1 hour, for example, the system will only provide records with a duration less than 1 hour.

  Proceeding to step 285, if it is determined that external content has not been recorded by the current user, processing continues to step 297. Step 297 represents the step of avoiding (bypassing) the playback / presentation of any external source. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 285 that external content has been recorded by the current user, processing continues to step 288. Step 288 represents the step of ascertaining whether any existing time constraints are applicable and further whether the duration of the recorded event does not violate the current time constraints in effect. Proceeding to step 290, it is determined whether any of the time constraints are blocking (currently valid). If the time constraint is blocking, processing continues to step 297. Step 297 represents the step of avoiding (bypassing) the playback / presentation of any external source. Otherwise, if it is determined at step 290 that the time constraint is not a block, the dialog is given a suggestion to the viewer to enable playback / presentation of the program (recorded content).

  FIG. 9 provides an advanced flowchart representing system processing 213 that is used to determine whether the content to be played is from an HDD in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in the first step 300, a step of confirming the availability of an external source is represented. Then, in step 303, it is determined whether the source exists and is enabled by the parent / administrator in the “Recording Allowed” section of FIG. If the source does not exist, processing continues to step 323. In step 323, it is determined that there is nothing to be displayed. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 303 that the source exists and is enabled by the parent / administrator, processing continues to step 306. Step 306 represents reading the HDD to generate a list of all recorded events for the current user (eg, by title). Next, the routine proceeds to step 309, where it is further determined whether any record exists. If no record exists, processing continues to step 323. In step 323, since no content is recorded, it is determined that there is nothing to be displayed. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 309 that a record exists, processing continues to step 312. Step 312 displays a list in the user presentation dialog, causing the function to wait for the user to select content. Upon receipt of the selection of recorded content by the user at step 312, processing continues to step 314. At step 314, it is determined whether any time constraint is blocking the selected event. If it is determined in step 314 that the time constraint has not blocked the selected recording event, processing continues to step 327. Step 327 results in the presentation of a user dialog indicating that the selected event will be played. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 314 that the time constraint is blocking the selected recording event, processing continues to step 317. Step 317 results in the presentation of a user dialog indicating the time constraints to be implemented. Proceeding to step 320, a further dialog is presented to determine whether the user wishes to select a new recorded event. If the user wishes to select a new recorded event, the process continues to step 312 to display a list of recorded events that the user can select and the process repeats. Otherwise, if it is determined at step 320 that the user does not want to select a new event, nothing is played as shown at step 323.

  Thus, other control system characteristics are targeted at users connected to the HDD recorder. As can be seen, through the system depicted in FIG. 1, background processing can be performed on real-time recording at any time (ie, always) only if user / administrator instructions for valid content are followed. . If the filter for advertising is enabled, the child can see events (eg from the HDD) continuously without interruption. Furthermore, however, if the user turns on the TV, the control system receives a notification of the presence of additional records present on the HDD (eg, a list of titles). Thus, even with time constraints enforcement, an accepted user can see all the events of interest from the whole day / week, and there is still the possibility not to miss one of them. Since the HDD cannot record all events, the system is more self-adaptive if the system may obtain “almost certainly desired events”. Thus, in this system, it is estimated that the HDD recorder can record everything from all channels. That is, if the user watches the news every day at 7:00, the system learns and can always record the news program that takes the set time. If the user misses the program, the system records such a program for that user. Therefore, when the user selects “HDD recording permission” (see FIG. 3E) in the system presentation menu, this actually enables “caching” of the HDD. That is, the system automatically attempts to record all events according to the specified content state (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) in the background. Thus, the self-adaptive property according to the present invention is recorded with content that is specified in the same way as shown in the content selection menu provided in FIGS. 3 (a) and (b). It provides the HDD recorder with a function that allows the user to indicate what to do. The HDD can automatically perform such recording in the background. Current technology does not allow recording of everything. This is because, for example, such a device has one tuner and, in the alternative, does not have sufficient storage capacity. Therefore, there are two possibilities that result. 1) The HDD automatically (randomly) records events based on what the user likes (ie, sees), or it itself records more such types of programs Can be adapted. Or 2) If two themes are enabled, e.g. anime and education, the child will see more animation, so the system (HDD) will have more such types (animation) rather than educational programs Can be recorded.

  FIG. 10 provides an advanced flowchart representing the system monitoring process used to determine if any form of blocking should occur. This system is: 1. All “switching” selecting services, eg via remote control; 3. Periodically, for example once every minute. 3. all content changes (if advertisement detection is turned on) and / or Any event change should be performed afterwards. As shown in FIG. 10, the first step 400 is a determination of whether time constraint blocking exists for the user, and performs the flow process shown in FIG. If time-constrained blocking exists, the multimedia content is blocked, for example by turning off the TV, as shown in step 408. Otherwise, if there is no time constraint blocking, processing continues to step 406. Step 406 is a determination of whether any content constraint blocking exists for the user, and performs the flow process shown in FIG. If a content restriction exists, the multimedia content is blocked as indicated at step 412. Otherwise, if there are no content restrictions to be determined, processing continues to step 410. Step 410 is a process for enabling presentation of multimedia content.

Thus, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
1. The set top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices are programmed to provide a “control system” that allows access to a particular channel during a given time. For example, a parent may not care how long a child will watch a particular educational channel, but may wish to limit access to a particular entertainment channel to one hour per day. Thus, the control system of the present invention further allows, for example, certain channels to be viewed without “time limits and / or content rules”, or certain “themes” to be “time rules”. There is provided the possibility to add or define a number of exclusion rules to allow them to be viewed without. Thus, an exclusion “list” may be given to define any unrestricted theme or service.

  2. The set top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices are programmed to allow access at the program level during a given time period. For example, parents may want their children to be limited to one episode daily for a particular program.

  3. The set-top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices may exit the locked state to begin display (eg, banner) at a predetermined time before the end of the time slot, eg, 5 minutes. Programmed to detect.

  4). The set top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices are further programmed to control associated devices such as HDD / DVD / VCR / PVR. Thus, at the end of a time slot, the user can record the remainder of the event if it exceeds the assigned time slot, for example by recording on a DVD. The recorded content can only be seen if the next possible time slot is available.

  5). The set top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices are further programmed to receive “control system” programming instructions via any other interface, including a web interface. The TV (or associated set-top box) maintains a network connection and runs a web-controlled interface so that full control is performed via the browser. Even a wireless connection can be established and the remote control can also operate, for example via Wi-Fi. The TV can also be controlled remotely by a parent from anywhere if the TV can have a permanent Internet connection. That is, the parent can control the statistics such as what the child sees or what the child sees, the number of hours, etc. via the browser interface online. Thus, if the user has a high-speed Internet connection, it allows, for example, the supervisor to schedule the recording of any event, allows the supervisor to change system settings, and Allows the child to see what they are currently watching (simple video transmission) via a browser, and the supervisor sends a message to the current user (eg, the user statistically receives an SMS on a mobile phone) That, etc.).

  6). The set-top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices can also be programmed with a “control system” to limit the viewing time of the child, eg 7 hours per week or 1 hour per day Programmed to receive instructions. Thus, for example, the parent may restrict the child's access to the television, for example, only from 7 pm to 10 pm after school and only 16 hours per week, and TV channels 3, 5, 7, 27 54, and after 9 pm, the channel 7 is blocked. In another example, for example, it may be possible to restrict viewing so that children can only watch anime for 2 hours a day, only 1 hour on Mondays, and only 6 hours on weekends. . The child can switch between authorized services during the authorized time.

  7. The set-top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices are further programmed to receive programming instructions for a “control system” to limit children's viewing of the show / event based on the current event theme. Is done. For example, the parent can manage the child's viewing access by allowing the child to see only events of the type such as “education” and “anime” for only one hour each day. That is, a filtering mechanism is provided so that the child can only see the channel where the event exists with the theme allowed. In one embodiment, such events are sorted and accessible from a preset 1 to N. Furthermore, for this, the system allows the user to specify in detail how much of a certain event theme, for example “animation” and “education”, ie what proportion is allowed. give.

  8). The set top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices are further programmed to receive “control system” programming instructions for programming flexible settings. Thus, if the current event takes longer than the time allowed, the child can still watch or record the event until the end. Thus, for example, the parent can provide a “flexible” setting that gives the possibility to see the current event until the end. For example, if the current event takes longer than an hour and such an event currently exceeds the remaining one hour limit, the child (eg, if the child is already watching a minimum of 50% of the event) (Under some circumstances only) You are still allowed to see such an event until the end. In this regard, if a timeout occurs (ie, the child watches TV longer than the time allowed), the event may be recorded to any connected media storage device (HDD recorder). Still remains.

  Thus, for example, the dialog can be displayed with a question to record the event on the media storage device and present it to the child. When the child starts watching TV the next day, the system presents the recorded portion to the child. In an example home network situation at home, including multiple TVs and / or multimedia displays, the system continues to allow the child to watch TV on other TVs after time or content restrictions have been put in effect. It provides an exchange of information between all TVs so that it cannot.

  9. The set-top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices are further programmed to recognize advertisements based on, for example, volume, and the TV can record content without any advertisements, for example, A hard disk device (HDD) may also be provided. That is, the parent can set an option that does not allow him to see any promotions.

  10. The set-top box and / or one or more multimedia display devices may further block content viewing based on the viewer's age, or via an external or third party, for example, via the Internet. Is programmed to block content viewing based on audience rating data as provided.

  11. With respect to MHP or other forms of interactivity, there is the possibility of running the application on the television device. Certain interactive content (such as applications) can break (valid) content rules. Thus, as is apparent, the control system of the present invention is capable of filtering interactively (such as “Xlet” or a website using a TV web browser) based on “content selection” or such Gives the possibility to turn off bidirectionality completely. The system may further filter “interactive” content, or may filter such content based on “content selection”, for example, Xlet for advertising, Xlet with games, etc. In this way, the system has a further function to filter all interactive content, such as, for example, a “text multiplex broadcast” page, an MHEG page for digital TV.

  Although illustrated and described as what are considered to be the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that various changes and modifications in form or shape may readily be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the precise forms described or shown, but is to be construed as covering all modifications that are within the scope of the appended claims.

1 represents an advanced block diagram of a television system that implements timer control in accordance with the present invention. FIG. (A) to (c) control a TV viewing function for a user who gives a menu option given a function according to the present invention when selected via an exemplary main menu display interface 75 (TV timer menu). Represents a user or administrator interface (including option 80). FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary menu display interface 120 presented to an authorized user / administrator in response to selection of the content selection menu option 100 of FIG. 2 (c) to provide content selection restrictions in accordance with the present invention. . In order to provide content selection restrictions in accordance with the present invention, an exemplary menu display interface 120 'presented to an authorized user / administrator in response to selection of the content selection menu option 100 of FIG. To express. Each is an example presented to an authorized user / administrator in response to selection of the set time constraint selection menu option 106 of FIG. 2 (c) to provide time content restrictions in accordance with the present invention. A menu display interface 121 is shown. Each is an example presented to an authorized user / administrator in response to selection of the set time constraint selection menu option 106 of FIG. 2 (c) to provide time content restrictions in accordance with the present invention. A menu display interface 121 'is shown. An exemplary menu display interface 122 presented to an authorized user / administrator in response to selection of the “Record” selection menu option 110 of FIG. 2 (c) to provide a recording option in accordance with the present invention. To express. In accordance with the present invention, to monitor the user's access, by the user stored for subsequent occurrences of reporting of what was accessed (eg, presentation title, service (channel), theme, time and time duration) An exemplary menu display interface 122 'presented to an authorized user / administrator in response to selection of the "statistics" selection menu option 114 of FIG. 2 (c) to identify information regarding television access. Represents. Provided is an advanced flow chart representing a process flow 200 for controlling TV viewing time via a set top box device that implements timer control in accordance with the present invention. Provided is an exemplary advanced flowchart illustrating user login processing flow 203 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 7 provides an advanced flow chart representing the viewer time constraint block process 206 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an advanced flowchart is provided that represents a system process 207 for ascertaining whether the current content (content service) is blocking. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an advanced flowchart is provided that represents system processing 211 that is used when the current viewer is playing his / her recorded content. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an advanced flowchart is provided that represents system processing 213 used to determine whether the content to be played is from an HDD. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an advanced flowchart is provided that represents a system monitoring process that is used to monitor a user and determine whether blocking should occur.

Claims (37)

A method for providing supervisory control of viewing multimedia content via a multimedia terminal device:
Designating via the interface display a time constraint for controlling the time during which the viewer can view the multimedia terminal within the time period;
Designating an appreciation content limit of content that can be viewed by the viewer within the time period via an interface display;
Monitoring the viewer's access to the current broadcast content via the multimedia terminal and the access to the content previously recorded by the viewer via a recording device for storing the recorded broadcast content; And blocking the viewer's access to current or stored broadcast content that violates the time and content restrictions;
Having a method.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of defining an exclusion list that indicates any ornamental content themes or services that do not need to be subject to content restrictions.   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of specifying the time constraint comprises specifying an acceptable user viewing time that the multimedia terminal can utilize by the viewer within a predetermined time period.   4. The method of claim 3, wherein specifying the time constraint comprises specifying that many viewing times should be equally divided between the predetermined time periods.   The step of specifying the time constraint specifies whether the time to view the accepted content can be extended if the currently viewed accepted program exceeds the time of the accepted viewing period or time slot. The method of claim 1 including the step of:   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of specifying a time constraint comprises specifying a date on which a multimedia terminal can be utilized by an audience and an acceptable viewing time slot of the day.   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of specifying an ornamental content restriction comprises specifying a content theme that an audience can see according to what percentage of the specified content theme is viewed.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of a viewer specifying a minimum age according to the time constraint and content limitation via an interface display.   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of specifying the viewing content limit comprises the step of specifying a minimum program viewing rate for the viewer to comply with the content limit.   8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of specifying via the interface display a permission that allows a user to record ornamental content via the recording device.   The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of allowing a viewer to determine ornamental content to be recorded according to the specified content theme.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of specifying, via the interface display, permission to maintain and store a history of the viewer's viewing access over a period of time for subsequent report generation.   The step of monitoring the viewer's access to the current or recorded broadcast content comprises periodically checking the viewer's access to the current or recorded broadcast content. the method of.   The step of monitoring the viewer's access to the current or recorded broadcast content is the step of monitoring the viewer's access to the broadcast content in response to switching the viewer's access to another current broadcast or recorded content. The method of claim 1 including the step of confirming access.   The method of claim 10, wherein allowing the user to record viewing content includes a further step of specifying whether promotions are removed from the broadcast content at the time of recording. A supervisory control system that controls content viewing by a user via a multimedia terminal device:
Specify a time constraint for controlling the time that the viewer can view the multimedia terminal within the time period, and specify the viewing content limit of the content that the viewer can view within the time period Means for receiving user input instructions; and content previously recorded by the viewer via a recording device for storing the recorded broadcast content and access of the viewer to current broadcast content via the multimedia terminal Control means for monitoring access to said control means, said means for blocking access to the current or stored broadcast content of said viewer who violates said time and viewing content restrictions;
Having supervisory control system.   17. The supervisory control system of claim 16, wherein the specified time constraint includes an accepted user viewing time that the multimedia terminal can be utilized by the viewer within a predetermined time period.   The specified time constraint includes an additional time allocation that extends the viewing of the accepted content if the currently viewed accepted program exceeds the time of the accepted viewing period or time slot. The supervisory control system according to claim 16.   The supervisory control system of claim 16, wherein the specified time constraint includes a specified date on which the multimedia terminal can be utilized by the viewer and an acceptable viewing time slot of the date.   17. The supervisory control system of claim 16, wherein the specified viewing content limit includes a specified content theme that an audience can see according to what percentage of the specified content theme is viewed.   The supervisory control system of claim 16, wherein the means for receiving the user input command further receives a user input command for a viewer to specify a minimum age according to the time constraint and content limit.   21. The supervisory control system of claim 20, wherein the means for receiving a user input command further receives a user input command specifying permissions that allow the user to record viewing content via a recording device.   23. The supervisory control system of claim 22, further comprising means for allowing an observer to determine ornamental content to be recorded according to the specified content theme.   17. The supervisory control system of claim 16, further comprising means for maintaining and storing a viewer's historical access history over a period of time for subsequent report generation.   17. The control means for monitoring the viewer's access to current or recorded broadcast content includes means for periodically checking the viewer's access to the current or recorded broadcast content. The supervisory control system described.   The control means for monitoring the viewer's access to the current or recorded broadcast content is for the viewer to access the broadcast content in response to a change in the viewer's access to the current broadcast or recorded content. 17. The supervisory control system according to claim 16, further comprising means for confirming.   23. The method of claim 22, wherein the means for allowing the user to record viewing content includes filter means for removing advertisements from the broadcast content at the time of recording.   17. The supervisor of claim 16, further comprising a network connection communicatively coupled to the means for receiving the user input instructions to allow entry of the user input instructions specifying the time constraints and content restrictions from a remote location. Control system.   29. The supervisory control system of claim 28, wherein the network connection comprises a wired or wireless connection.   30. The supervisory control system of claim 29, wherein the network connection comprises a public or private network.   The supervisory control system according to claim 16, wherein the multimedia terminal device includes a television receiver.   17. The supervisory control system according to claim 16, wherein the recording device for storing the recorded broadcast content includes a high-density disk storage medium.   The supervisory control system according to claim 16, wherein the recording device includes a personal video recorder. A method for providing surveillance control of content viewing via a multimedia terminal device, comprising:
Authenticating a user attempting to access current multimedia content or recorded multimedia content via the multimedia terminal;
In response to an authenticated viewer attempting to access the current broadcast program, the current time was specified before the viewer was restricted from viewing the multimedia device. Checking whether it is within the time period;
In further response to an authenticated viewer attempting to access the current broadcast program, the broadcast content or recorded content is displayed within the current time period for a previously designated viewer for the viewer. Checking whether content restrictions are obeyed; and blocking access to the current or recorded broadcast content of the viewers who violate the time and content restrictions, or viewing the content accessed by the viewers Making it possible;
Having a method. When viewing a broadcast event that has been accepted within a given assigned audience time slot,
A further step of detecting an end of the predetermined assigned viewer time slot and generating a message for display on the multimedia terminal notifying the viewer of the impending end of the predetermined assigned viewer time slot. 35. The method of claim 34, comprising: After receiving the message notifying the viewer of the impending end of the predetermined assigned viewer time slot;
36. The method of claim 35, further comprising allowing the viewer to record the remainder of the event if the remainder of the event exceeds an assigned time slot.   38. The method of claim 36, further comprising allowing the viewer to view the remaining recorded content of the event in a later assigned viewer time slot.

Images