JP2011010351A - Universal media ratings selector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for interacting with a user when establishing viewing preferences for a media player that enables the user to quickly set his or her preferences by interacting with a graphical display.SOLUTION: In a media ratings system, ratings are converted into a numerical range or an ordered range in a progressive order from least objectionable to most objectionable. In one possible execution mode, a numerical value is associated with each rating and then the ratings are ordered in accordance with numerical sequence. Once the ratings are ordered, the ratings are displayed to the user in a graphical form so as to be able to select a position on a graph that represents the user's preferences without necessarily understanding the basic meaning of the media rating system by the user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION CLAIM This application was filed on June 2, 2000 and is entitled US Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 0586,268 entitled “Universal Television Broadcast Ratings Decoder”. Is a continuation-in-part application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for controlling playback / viewing of a medium, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for controlling playback / viewing of a medium by selecting a rating code embedded in the medium.

  Many parents are struggling to gradually mimic the obscene and violent behavior that children and young people see in television shows or movies. Some of these children actually commit crimes. The movie rating system prevents at least some (probably many) young audiences from watching movies that are not suitable for them. But until recently, there was no equivalent system for television programs.

  Currently, in the United States, according to federal regulations, all TV sets include a discretionary viewing control function, more commonly called a “V-chip”, that blocks TV programs whose ratings exceed the parent's specified level. I have to. The “V-chip” feature allows parents to prevent children from watching coded programs that contain words that are not suitable for violence, sex, and age. The so-called “V-chip” monitors the code transmitted with the television signal and displays prohibited program content including scenes such as violence and sex that some viewers feel uncomfortable or unsuitable for children. When the code indicates, disable the television receiver.

  Various technologies related to the optional control function or "V-chip" function are described in U.S. Pat. It is disclosed.

  For example, US Pat. No. 4,930,160 to Vogel discloses a method and apparatus for automatically censoring video programs. If the classification code encoded in the image or audio portion of the video signal matches the stored classification code, another video signal is displayed.

  Elam U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,584 discloses a circuit for erasing the audio and image portions of a video signal in response to a digital codeword transmitted in the video signal. The code word is transmitted as ASCII code on line 21 of the video signal. Images and audio are erased whenever the received ASCII code matches or exceeds the value selected by the user.

  Lemelson U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,942 discloses a system that allows parents to block the reception of television programs that may not be suitable for children. Lemelson discloses a video reception control unit. The control unit responds to a three digit binary code embedded in the received video signal. Each code indicates whether the program content of the received video signal includes violence, vulgar language, and nudity. The viewer can set the control unit to block the transmission of the received video signal to the television whenever all or selected codes indicate that adult content is present . The control unit can be locked to prevent the child from consciously easing the setting.

Other video blocking systems and related systems and methods are disclosed in the following US patents:
Shard (Chard) No. 4,605,964,
Olivo, Jr. 4,888,796 and 5,172,111,
No. 5,382,983 by Kwoh et al.,
No. 5,485,418 by Hunter et al.
No. 5,477,262 of Banker et al.,
Vogel 4,930,158, 5,253,066, 5,446,488, and 5,371,795,
Nafeh No. 5,343,251,
Choi No. 5,270,822,
Keene No. 5,450,122,
No. 5,319,453 of Copriviza et al.,
No. 5,410,344 by Graves et al.,
Palmer No. 5,195,135,
No. 5,053,884 of Kamijyo,
No. 4,520,404 by Von Kohorn,
Hoffart No. 5,341,216,
Thomas et al., No. 5,425,100,
Nadan No. 5,321,750,
Hori No. 5,386,240,
No. 5,333,091 by Iggulden et al.,
No. 5,361,301 by Robertson et al.,
Kawashima et al., No. 5,307,165,
No. 5,373,557 of Diehl et al.,
No. 5,301,233 by Coutrot et al.,
Sussman No. 5,369,440, and Minot et al. No. 5,455,892.

  In general, a television program suppression system operates as follows. The broadcast station transmits a television signal including a rating signal encoded on line 21 of 525 horizontal lines. The television (or set top box) receiving circuit (or decoder) extracts and decodes the encoded rating signal on the horizontal line 21 and the decoded program rating is entered by the user or parent. It is determined whether the rating is within a preset rating range or not. When the rating of a program is outside the preset rating range, the system suppresses video output, audio output, and text output so that the program cannot be viewed. Conversely, when the rating of the program is within a preset rating range, the program can be viewed.

  In the US version of the "V-chip" system, broadcasters evaluate each program according to four categories. The values for each category are then sent simultaneously as part of the Closed Captioning (CC) system's Amplified Data Service (EDS). Each value is transmitted while the program is broadcast.

  A user (usually a parent) sets a threshold for each category using an access control mechanism. If the rating exceeds the allowed value, the V chip suppresses the video and audio signals. Since the response of the V-chip decoder is almost instantaneous, the system can easily cope with channel hopping. In addition, parents do not have to worry about missing a content warning at the beginning of a TV guide or program.

The Electronic Industries Association (EIA) defines four censorship categories and the number of data bits required to transmit a code:
MPAA rating (equivalent to movie classification, for example, 18, PG, etc.) 3 bits.
However, although no longer applicable, the following additional bits were once provided:
Violence advice level 2 bits (considering scales 0 to 3);
Sexual content advice level-2 bits;
Adult content advice level-2 bits.

  A similar principle applies to systems that have been field tested in Canada, but the two are not currently identical. In fact, at least four different rating systems are used in Canada.

  All American TV sets made after July 1993 needed to include a closed captioning decoder for subtitles. Current CC decoders (such as the SAA5252 decoder sold by Philips Semiconductors) can suppress TV images when switched to full text mode. They also have an appropriate display function for creating OSD menus so that parents can program censorship thresholds.

  Unlike teletext, closed captioning data can be recorded and played back by a VHS VCR during program playback. Thus, the recorded tape may include censorship data.

  In Europe, the discussion of implementing V-chip systems is much more complex than in North America. Broadcasters are not regulated by a single government and there are differences in acceptable ethical standards due to cultural and language differences. There is also a technical problem addressing a 625-line TV system that has little extra capacity for additional data signals.

  One solution is to use an American system, but this has several drawbacks. First, for broadcasters, CC signals occupy valuable teletext transmission capacity (one line is permanently lost), and various coding systems may be required.

  Secondly, the cost of broadcasters is likely to be very high in terms of redundant transmission equipment and data bridges (in cable amplifiers) required for both teletext and CC signals.

  Third, consumer electronics manufacturers are believed to have additional overhead in teletext decoding and CC decoding in every TV set and PC TV card.

  The concept of enabling parents to control television viewing using information transmitted from broadcasters is not new and is an international publication published on June 23, 1983, corresponding to US Pat. No. 4,605,964. This is proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 83/02208. In the above document, it is proposed to transmit a code formed as a selected line number of a given teletext page via a teletext signal transmitted with the television signal. Accordingly, the page number and line number are transmitted during the field erase period when an event that may be unpleasant occurs. At the receiver, the teletext decoder is permanently set to look for the associated page and identify the line number when transmitting. A specific line number indicated a specific rating of audio and visual events.

  Including the use of PDC signals and wide screen signaling signals as disclosed in UK Patent Application No. 9703192.6 corresponding to US Patent Application No. 09 / 021,335 (PHB34135) filed on February 10, 1998, Various other means for conveying this code have been proposed.

  All of these configurations require a parent or other responsible person to enter the appropriate code into the television receiver and / or video recorder. If only children with restricted access to certain types of programs are using the television, these codes can be entered and no further action on the part of the parent is required. However, if different members of the family can watch the television set at different times of the day, a program classification appropriate for one member of the family may not be appropriate for other members of the family. This means that each different classification code must be entered frequently, which places a considerable burden on the responsible person. For example, it is necessary to reset the classification code to the lowest level every time the television set is switched off so that content unsuitable for children is not mistakenly viewed. As a result, such a system cannot be used properly unless the parent's awareness is very high.

  The programs that TV viewers select are becoming increasingly diverse. At the same time, our society is diversifying. Some programs contain content that some viewers feel uncomfortable or are not suitable for children to watch. There is a need for an effective way to block unpleasant or inappropriate content from being viewed.

  As the number of available TV channels has increased, it has become increasingly difficult for TV viewers to find and select programs of interest from a large number of programs that are completely uninteresting. What is needed is a system that allows a television viewer to limit the selection of programs that can be viewed to those programs that meet the viewer's preferences. Although it seems very easy to enter viewing preferences for each different system, VCR programming, satellite dish system setup, selection of programs to watch from hundreds of available programs When combined with this, this task will distract the user.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a user with a system that suppresses unpleasant programs on any medium by embedding a rating code in the medium itself and then blocking the unpleasant program by comparing the viewer's preferences with the embedded code. The development of a user interface that allows a user to easily input viewing preferences.

U.S. Pat.No. 5,485,518 U.S. Pat.No. 5,550,575 U.S. Pat.No. 5,583,576 U.S. Pat.No. 5,569,366 U.S. Pat.No. 5,737,479 U.S. Pat.No. 5,828,402 U.S. Patent No. 6,037,969 U.S. Patent No. 6,020,882 U.S. Pat.No. 4,930,160 U.S. Pat.No. 4,554,584 U.S. Pat.No. 5,387,942 U.S. Pat.No. 4,605,964 U.S. Pat.No. 4,888,796 U.S. Pat.No. 5,172,111 U.S. Pat.No. 5,382,983 U.S. Pat.No. 5,485,418 U.S. Pat.No. 5,477,262 U.S. Pat.No. 4,930,158 U.S. Pat.No. 5,253,066 U.S. Pat.No. 5,446,488 U.S. Patent No. 5,371,795 U.S. Pat.No. 5,343,251 U.S. Pat.No. 5,270,822 U.S. Pat.No. 5,450,122 U.S. Pat.No. 5,319,453 U.S. Pat.No. 5,410,344 U.S. Patent No. 5,195,135 U.S. Pat.No. 5,053,884 U.S. Pat.No. 4,520,404 U.S. Pat.No. 5,341,216 U.S. Pat.No. 5,425,100 U.S. Pat.No. 5,321,750 U.S. Pat.No. 5,386,240 U.S. Pat.No. 5,333,091 U.S. Pat.No. 5,361,301 U.S. Pat.No. 5,307,165 U.S. Pat.No. 5,373,557 U.S. Pat.No. 5,301,233 U.S. Pat.No. 5,369,440 U.S. Pat.No. 5,455,892 International Publication No.83 / 02208 International Publication No.98 / 36568

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention converts these and other preferences by converting user preferences input according to a universal rating system into a specific rating system to follow when evaluating media to be viewed or played by the user. Solve a problem. Media include television (analog and digital), music, radio, internet downloads, web television, computer games, video games, recording media, broadcast media, and the like. The present invention allows a user to set and activate preferences for screening without necessarily needing to understand all the details of the basic rating system. Thus, the present invention allows a user to quickly and easily enter preferences in order to block unpleasant media.

  According to one aspect of the universal rating system, a bar graph representing the relative rating of the rating system is displayed and the user can select a position on the bar where he wants to screen incoming programs. For example, if the user is completely satisfied with what is being broadcast, he can select one end of the bar. The other end of the bar can be selected if the user wishes to block any program except for the general viewer. If the user wants to block some programs, but only the worst, a position on the bar that is about 10% of the relative screening can be selected.

  Alternatively, the user interface may include a computer visual simulation of a rotatable knob, ie an actual knob, or a knob that allows the user to establish a relative setting from one end to the other end. Basically, the user interface can consist of any visual representation that allows the user to establish relative settings from one end to the other. Visual basic allows programmers to easily implement slidable bars, rotatable knobs, colored thermometers, dials, fields for entering numerical values, and more. For example, a user can place a bar or dial to output a numerical value that is used to determine actual rating preferences. In any of these cases, the user can input his / her preferences regarding viewing.

  According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the user can select an affinity group that the user wishes to trust the decision to determine the appropriate settings for the television decoder. A plurality of affinity groups are provided, each of which establishes user preferences based on the affinity group's judgment as to which is appropriate. The user then only needs to select one of several affinity groups and the decoder can set the appropriate settings from the Internet or via broadcast in a single data packet. to download.

  According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the relative rating system described above can be used as a universal rating system across political, social, and language boundaries. For example, a broadcast station need only evaluate a program on a relative scale and send a relative rating. Relative ratings are more easily understood by viewers than current complex systems such as violence, sex, nudity, and language.

Fig. 4 illustrates the conversion of several rating systems to numbers according to one aspect of the present invention. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a graphical user interface for a user to enter their preferences according to one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference to “an aspect” or “an aspect” in this specification includes that the particular function, structure, or feature described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one aspect of the invention. Means. Although the term “in one embodiment” appears in various places throughout the specification, not all of them refer to the same embodiment.

  The present invention refers to media viewing or playback, which includes any interaction between the user and the media. For example, media viewing or playback may include audio media playback, video or other form of visual media playback, computer game playback, interaction with the media via sensors or other feedback devices, the Internet or any For example, reception of streamed audio or video over a distributed network is included.

  Media rating systems often include a number of rating subcategories that allow viewers to tightly control the level of television programs that families watch. Many viewers want to watch all programs or want to block all programs that are not suitable for all viewers, so they pay attention to different levels of the program Not. Alternatively, some users may want to set preferences quickly rather than spending the time necessary to understand the details of a given media rating system. For example, a user may be in a new country for a short time and want to quickly approximate his or her preferences. An example of such a person is a family with a teenage child on vacation at Disney World, in which case the parent may want to block some but not all of the media program. is there. The family cannot understand how to select the appropriate rating without reading the full description of the media rating system in place (or country). Nonetheless, parents are considered satisfied with some degree of blockade, even if their needs are not fully met.

  Since most media rating systems are provided with a progression of ratings from general viewers through various levels of ratings to adult programs, the present invention is suitable for a given rating system. Convert rating levels to numbers on a numeric scale. This allows a graphical display of the rating system, as well as the user's preference for viewing by selecting the relative position on the numeric scale from one end to the other end representing the user's preferences become. FIG. 1 illustrates the conversion from four possible media rating systems to a universal media rating system with a number sequence from one end of the scale to the other.

  A graphical user interface can be used to select specific numerical values. For example, if one end represents a block of all programs suitable for all viewers and the other end represents a media rating system as a vertical bar representing no block, the user may be at a certain program level, i.e. The user can specify his / her preference by moving a selector such as a slidable bar indicating a program level that the user does not want to watch or play programs exceeding the level on the vertical bar. The decoder then applies this level when making a blocking decision. Such an example is shown in FIG.

  The graphical user interface 30 provides a numeric scale 31 on which an adjustable bar 32 can be moved from one end 35 to the other end 46. In order to indicate the meaning of each end, a schematic description 33, 34 of each end is provided. Currently, the bar 32 is in a position suitable for a child just before adolescence, for example.

Exemplary Aspects A method for interacting with a user when establishing viewing preferences for a media player such as a television decoder, computer game device, video game, VCR, radio, CD player, etc. Allows you to quickly set your preferences by interacting with the display. The media rating system is converted into a numerical range or an ordered range so that the ratings are arranged in a gradual order from least unpleasant to most unpleasant. In one possible implementation, a numerical value is associated with each rating, and then the ratings are ordered according to a sequence of numbers. When ordered, the rating is graphical to the user so that the user can select a position on the graph that represents the user's preferences without necessarily understanding the basic meaning of the media rating system. Displayed in style.

  In another possible implementation, the rating system is converted to an age appropriate standard. For example, 6-8-11-14-16-18 represents a sequence of ages that can be converted to any rating system. For example, “6” represents only programs that are considered suitable for 6-year-old children, for example, programs for general viewers. At level “8”, for example, a program with some violence may be permitted. Level “11” may allow programs with some additional violence and bad language. At level “14”, programs with adult status may be allowed. At level “16”, a program with some degree of nakedness may be permitted. Finally, all programs can be added at level “18”. Thus, a rating system that uses three categories: language, nudity or sex, and violence will be progressively converted to age-appropriate standards.

  In one possible conversion, the values of each of the three rating categories are simply appended and converted to a scale from 1 to 10. For example, if violence is rated from 1 to 5, sex is rated from 1 to 5, and words are rated from 1 to 5. Adding a rating for each category and converting it to a scale of 1 to 10 provides a quick approximation to establish viewing preferences. For example, a program having a rating of “5” for at least one category is placed at about half the scale even if the rating is only “1” in the other two categories. This transformation provides a quick and easy approximation that is not perfect, but can be adjusted later if necessary.

  If desired, sensitivity settings can be added that allow the user to better control fine tuning as needed. The sensitivity setting amplifies the scale to include an additional granularity to allow the user to more precisely control the setting if a given granularity is insufficient. Thus, if it is difficult for the user to set his / her preferences accurately, the sensitivity setting can be used to amplify the difference between the settings, thereby allowing the user to choose between the two rating settings. If the conversion does not provide sufficient granularity to enable, one setting can be selected strictly.

  One possible implementation of the graph is a bar graph. For example, the bar may be a vertical bar or a horizontal bar. Further, the graph may be a dial that can be rotated graphically or manually. Furthermore, the graph may be a thermometer where the change in color is related to the change in the basic rating system as it moves from one end to the other.

  Alternatively, the user only has to enter a numerical value in the range of 1 to 10, for example. Therefore, if “4” is entered, the viewing preference at the center of the range is designated.

  The user only needs to slide the bar on the bar graph, which sets the user's preference for the media.

  In yet another method, the user can click on a point on the graph, which sets preferences using a single mouse click.

Alternative Embodiments The present invention provides the ability to download rating system transformations to a decoder to account for changes in the rating system.

  In one possible implementation, a dedicated website and an internet connection on the decoder are provided, so as soon as a button on the decoder is pressed, the decoder updates itself by accessing the dedicated website on the internet. You can download any conversion of the rating system provided on the website. Alternatively, the decoder can receive this information via a distribution that updates the decoder's memory.

  Any rating system can be approximated by applying a numerical range across the system, but this feature ensures a more accurate conversion to a numeric scale.

Alternative aspects In other graphical implementations of the rating system, one dimension is associated with a rating that moves from one end (such as a regular viewer) to the other end (adult viewers only), and the other A two-dimensional map whose dimensions relate to a specific category (violence, sex, language, nude, etc.) is shown as a rating system.

  In this aspect, the user can select a point on each category by clicking the mouse, thereby entering the user's preferences for viewing.

Alternative Embodiments Another possible implementation of the fast user interface relies on using affinity group rating settings. In this possible implementation, a given user who wants to adjust the settings on the decoder does this by selecting a group that wants to follow his rating preferences. The decoder then looks up the rating settings recommended by such groups and then adjusts the settings accordingly.

  For example, a number of affinity groups could make recommendations regarding the appropriate rating settings to selectively block television programs. Examples of such groups include The Christial Coalition, FCC, Motions Pictures Association, ACLU, ABA, AMA, NEA, etc. Each recommended rating setting is stored on a website, for example. Each of these groups of authorized personnel is given an access ID and password that allows them to edit the list of recommended rating settings.

  When a given user selects a particular affinity group as the user's rating setting, the decoder accesses the web site and downloads the latest recommendations from the web. This allows the user to simply select an icon that represents an affinity group that has the recommendations he wishes to implement.

  Alternatively, each group's recommended rating can be distributed as part of a rating system on a line 21 data packet or equivalent television data channel. For other media, the recommended rating can be embedded in the media signal in a manner appropriate to the media.

  In some cases, the rating system is accompanied by an explanation of what level is recommended for a certain age. Such levels not explicitly recommended are determined by the system design. When downloading a PRCC packet, the level legend is downloaded to all decoders. For example, the MPAA level legends are G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17, and X. As soon as the last valid level legend is sent, it is likely that an extra PRCC packet designed for general purpose ratings will be sent. The first data of this packet defines the recommended age for level 1, and the second data of this packet defines the recommended age for level 2. The third data in this packet defines the recommended age for level 3, and so on.

The following are exemplary aspects of the PRCC packet format.

Apparatus An apparatus that interacts with a user to set viewing preferences for a television decoder includes a processor and a graphical user interface. The decoder processor converts the broadcast television rating system into a progressive numeric rating system. A graphical user interface is coupled to the processor and displays the broadcast television rating system as a graph. In addition, the graphical user interface allows the user to select a location on the graph, thereby indicating the user's preference for viewing to selectively block television programs.

  The device may include an internet connection that allows a new rating conversion to be downloaded. In this aspect, for example, the user may be unfamiliar with regions or systems having various systems. However, the user need only connect a telephone line to the input provided on the set top box and press a button. As a result, a telephone call is made and a predetermined site on the Internet is accessed. The Internet site can detect the local telephone number to identify the rating system used in the area and download the desired rating conversion.

Exemplary Embodiment of Apparatus Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment 10 of an apparatus for performing the above-described method of the present invention is shown. The antenna receives the broadcast television signal and provides it to the tuner 7. The tuner outputs the television signal to the decoder 5 on the line 21. The output from the decoder 5 is data included in the line 21 out of 525 lines. The microprocessor 4 compares the program rating with the rating stored in the memory 4 and outputs a cutoff signal to the CRT driver 8 if necessary, and the CRT driver 8 converts the TV image to the CRT in response to the cutoff signal. Output or not output. The graphical user interface 1 allows the user to enter the preferences used in the blocking decision.

  GUI1 allows users to specify their preferences in a relative manner, rather than at the level as specified by the rating system in use. The microprocessor 3 translates the relative preference for ratings into a specific rating used in a comparison process based on the currently used rating system. However, if the rating system is changed, user preferences can be converted to a new rating system without further input from the user. The microprocessor only adjusts the rating without informing the user by simply recalculating the transformation with a new transformation determined according to the transformation algorithm stored in the microprocessor for a known rating system. It's okay.

  The process described in U.S. Patent Application No. 5,828,402, including drawings, incorporated herein by reference, as if the new rating system was delivered for the first time, the full text of which is repeated here. The dedicated channel may include a conversion algorithm that can be downloaded to the receiver using. The downloaded conversion algorithm can then be used to convert information about relative preferences regarding the user's rating into actual preferences regarding the rating system.

  The present invention thus enables a universal rating system that can be implemented in any language and country. By allowing the user to select a rating setting on a relative scale, the basic rating need not be specifically analyzed unless the user desires.

  It is therefore possible to convert a given rating system from one end to the other. In fact, this relative rating system can be used as an actual rating system by a broadcast station, thereby simplifying the evaluation of television programs. Simply put, this provides a universal rating system that can be implemented across all political, social, and language boundaries.

  The universal rating decoder of the present invention may be, for example, but not limited to, television, radio, digital television, high resolution television, computer program, Internet download, website, computer game, video game, movie, Recorded program, recorded music, live broadcast, hotel video program, CD-ROM, tape, program recorded on video tape, books on tape, e-book, computer program, video on Can be used in combination with any medium such as demand, media streaming (both audio and video), holographic images, email, etc. The system makes it easy to block unpleasant media by converting user settings into inputs in graphical images such as bar graphs, electronic dial settings, slidable bars, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention allows a single interface for the user that can be used repeatedly from one medium to another by creating a universal rating decoder. Furthermore, in the present invention, the viewer need only learn one interface for entering viewing preferences, and thus can immediately control any form of media that can be provided.

  According to yet another aspect, the present invention includes a central user viewing preference station that provides a user interface that allows a user to enter preferences regarding viewing selections. The station then distributes these preferences to all media in the vicinity (ie, inside the house), so the viewer enters the viewing preferences in one step for all types of media and equipment. be able to. One possible implementation of this aspect is a wireless remote control in the range of 50 feet to 100 feet that covers most normal size dwellings. By using a radio signal similar to a cordless phone, a station can transmit all the devices in the house, even devices that are not noticed by the person, through the wall of the house. Once the rating is established, there is no need for the station to retransmit the information. However, to cover new equipment to be brought into the residence, even for a short period of time, the station is periodic, but only periodically, perhaps every 1 minute, every 10 minutes, every 20 minutes, etc. The rating code can be retransmitted. By selecting the appropriate frequency, the antennas required to receive these signals need to be relatively small, and given a short data signal, the receiver can be simple. Therefore, any medium playback apparatus can easily accommodate the rating selection receiver.

  While various aspects have been specifically illustrated and described herein, it is within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended purpose of the invention. It will be understood that modifications and alterations are included. For example, some aspects have discussed the use of specific implementations of the user interface to establish relative preferences for viewing, but allow the user to select relative preferences for viewing. Other user interfaces are sufficient for this. Furthermore, although the above aspect has been described with reference to broadcast television, similar techniques and inventions are also applied to direct television (DTV). In addition, other protocols (including, but not limited to, transmitting the format as a data packet rather than bits to implement the aspects described herein, including specific programs and protocols). (Including protocols developed later) may be sufficient. These examples should not be construed as limiting the modifications and variations of the invention which fall within the scope of the claims, but are merely exemplary of possible variations.

Claims (32)

A method of interacting with a user when establishing preferences for playback of media, the method comprising the following steps:
Converting the rating system to a range of numbers; and displaying the rating system as a numerical graph to the user. The method of claim 1, wherein the numerical graph comprises a bar graph. The method of claim 1, wherein the numerical graph comprises a thermometer. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing a user to input preferences by adjusting settings on a numerical graph. The method of claim 1, further comprising inputting user preferences by sliding a bar on the bar graph. The method of claim 1, further comprising inputting user preferences by rotating a dial on the graphical user interface. The method of claim 1, wherein the rating system includes a plurality of categories, each having a plurality of levels. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a user preference based on a mouse click by a user for a location on a numerical graph. Selective media playback, indicating that one end of the graphical display does not block and the other end of the graphical display blocks all programs except those appropriate for all viewers A method of interacting with a user to establish user preferences for interfering with, comprising the following steps:
Converting the media rating system to a numerical scale; and displaying the numerical scale to the user on a graphical display. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving preferences from a user to selectively block programs. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising allowing a user to select a preference by selecting a location on a graphical display. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising converting a position on the graphical display selected by the user into a rating system associated with the media rating system. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising blocking media having a rating level that is higher than a rating level corresponding to a location on a graphical display selected by a user. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising enabling playback of media having a rating level that is lower than a rating level corresponding to a location on a graphical display selected by a user. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: coupling the decoder to the Internet and downloading the media rating system converted to a numerical range. A device that interacts with a user to set preferences for a media player, including:
A processor that converts the media rating system into a progressive numeric rating system; and a graphical user interface coupled to the processor for displaying the media rating system as a graph. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the graphical user interface allows a user to select a position on the graph, thereby indicating user preferences for selectively preventing media playback. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the graph comprises a bar graph. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the graph includes a dial. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the graph comprises a thermometer. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the graph comprises a slidable bar. A method of inputting user preferences to a decoder to selectively prevent media playback, the method comprising the following steps:
Providing a plurality of recommended affinity groups that can be selected by the user, each group including preferences for setting the decoder to selectively prevent media playback under a particular rating system And setting user preferences in the decoder according to one of a plurality of affinity groups selected by the user. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing a website that allows one or more affinity groups to enter rating preferences for at least one media rating system. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising accessing a website from a decoder when a user selects an affinity group. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising downloading a recommended rating system from a selected affinity group from a website to a decoder. A universal rating system method for evaluating media, wherein ratings are used in a decoder to transmit the media for selective blocking or playback, the method comprising the following steps:
Evaluating the program for each medium on a relative numeric scale between the first end and the second end, gradually increasing from the first end to the second end;
Evaluate programs suitable for all viewers using the first end and only for adult viewers who want to watch sexually explicit programs using the second end Evaluating each program; and transmitting each relative rating with a transmission signal for each program. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising inputting user preferences by selecting a relative value on a numeric scale for a program of selectable media. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising blocking a program on the media having a rating that exceeds a relative value selected by the user. 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising enabling playback of a program on media having a rating lower than a relative value selected by the user. A device that selectively interferes with media playback, including:
A decoder for decoding the code embedded in the media signal, wherein the embedded code includes a program rating from a first rating system for the program of the media included in the media signal;
A memory for storing user preferences according to a second rating system; and a processor for converting user preferences in the second rating system into user preferences for the first rating system. 32. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a processor that compares the converted preferences with the embedded code and outputs a blocking signal based on the comparison. A method for playing a program on a medium comprising the following steps:
Entering user preferences according to a universal rating system;
Deciphering the media-specific program rating to follow in evaluating the media program;
Converting program ratings into a universal rating system;
Comparing the converted program rating with user preferences; and preventing selective playback of the media, depending on the result of the comparison.

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