KR20080071237A - Image display apparatus comprising a function for restricting seeing and hearing and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A video displayer having a viewing limit function and its method are provided to limit viewing of an outputted image or audio if the image or audio includes words that are not suitable for the minors. A memory(115) stores pre-set viewing limit words. A caption decoder unit(131) decodes caption data included in an image signal. A class processing unit(133) checks whether or not the decoded caption data includes one of the viewing limit words. If the caption data includes one of the viewing limit words, the class processing unit controls to interrupt at least one output of the image and audio. An input unit(117) receives a command for requesting an output of the image or audio corresponding to an image signal inputted from a different signal source from that of the image signal from a user. The class processing unit maintains the interrupted state until the user command is received.

Description

Image Display Apparatus Comprising a Function for Restricting Seeing and Hearing and Method

1 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a flowchart provided for explaining an example of a parental control method of a video apparatus of the present invention; and

3 is a flowchart provided for explaining another example of the parental control method of the video apparatus of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a video apparatus and a method including a parental control function that protects a child or adolescent by blocking caption data included in a received video signal and blocking video or audio output when there is a slang word or obscene word. It is about.

Recently, television broadcasters have been able to conveniently watch a large number of broadcasts at home. However, there has also been a growing concern about the ability of young children to watch all broadcasts uncontrolled.

Accordingly, various means for limiting the viewing of broadcasts according to the age group of the user are provided.

For example, in the case of North American television, V-chip (Violence Chip) is basically adopted. The V-chip refers to a semiconductor chip mounted inside a television receiver for the purpose of blocking a predetermined class of pros, such as violence programs. However, in other regions where V-chips are not mandatory, it is not possible to restrict viewing by grade.

It is an object of the present invention to identify caption data included in a received video signal, and if there are slang words or obscene words, etc., a video device including a parental control function that protects children or adolescents by blocking the output of video or audio, and In providing a method.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a method for restricting viewing of a video device that receives a predetermined video signal and an audio signal corresponding to the video signal and outputs a corresponding video and audio includes caption data included in the video signal. Decoding the image, determining whether one of the preset parental control words is included in the decoded caption data, and if the parental control word is found among the decoded caption data, the video and the audio. Blocking at least one of the outputs.

Here, in the blocking step, the blocking state may be maintained until a command for requesting output of video and audio corresponding to a video signal input from a signal source different from the video signal is received from a user. The command from the user is preferably one of a broadcast channel change command or a video signal source change command.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the blocking may include outputting the image and blocking output of the audio and the caption data.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the blocking may include outputting a graphic image of a predetermined parental control message in place of the image output when the image output is blocked.

The method may further include receiving and setting the parental control word from a user.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a video device that receives a predetermined video signal and an audio signal corresponding to the video signal and outputs a corresponding video and audio is included in a memory in which preset word-limiting words are stored and in the video signal. And a caption decoder and a rating processor for decoding the caption data.

The rating processor determines whether one of the words of parental control is included in the decoded caption data, and when it is determined that the words of parental control is included, the output is controlled to block at least one of the video and the audio. do.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

The video device 100 of the present invention is a television, a set top box (Set Top Box), which can process the video signal and the audio signal extracted from the broadcast signal, the cable broadcast signal and the input signal of the external video output device to the user, Monitors, etc.

Here, each broadcast signal and input signal includes caption data, and an external video output device corresponds to a digital versatile disc (DVD) player and a video cassette recorder (VCR).

The caption data is a textual content of a conversation, such as a television program or a video, and is superimposed on a video signal.

The imaging apparatus 100 may perform a parental control function by dividing the rating based on the caption information. This viewing restriction will be a function mainly for adolescents or children who need viewing restriction in the content of the program. However, the parental control function of the present invention may be performed regardless of whether caption data is displayed.

Referring to FIG. 1, the image apparatus 100 includes an image processor 101, a scaler 103, a display 105, a graphic processor 107, an audio processor 109, an audio output 111, The speaker 113, a memory 115, an input unit 117, and a controller 130 are included. FIG. 1 illustrates only a configuration necessary for describing an operation of the imaging apparatus 100, and the display unit 105 and the speaker 113 need not necessarily be included. In addition, according to the type of the imaging device 100 may include an additional configuration for realizing its own function.

The image processor 101 processes (decodes, color converts, progressive converts, etc.) the input video signal, and provides the caption signal separated from the decoded video signal to the controller 130.

The image processor 101 mixes the graphic image signal input from the graphic processor 107 with the decoded image signal and outputs the mixed image signal to the scaler 103.

The scaler 103 converts an image signal input from the image processor 101 into a form that can be displayed on the display unit 105 under the control of the controller 130 and outputs the image signal to the display unit 105.

The display unit 105 displays the video signal input from the scaler 103 to the user. The display unit 105 may correspond to a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a cathode ray tube (CRT), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or the like. .

The graphic processor 107 generates a graphic image signal for graphically displaying caption data and information for a user interface such as a broadcast medium, a channel, recording, reservation recording, and playback under the control of the controller 130. The graphic image signal may include an image signal of at least one of a text, a graphic, and an image, and corresponds to an OSD (On Screen Display) signal. The graphic processor 107 outputs a graphic image signal such as the generated OSD signal to the image processor 101.

The audio processor 109 decodes and processes the input audio signal under the control of the controller 130 and outputs the audio signal to the audio output unit 111.

The audio output unit 111 amplifies the video signal input from the audio processing unit 109 and outputs it through the speaker 113.

The memory 115 stores programs related to the operation of the image apparatus 100, various data generated during the operation of the image apparatus 100, and the like.

In addition, the memory 115 stores a plurality of 'restricted words' classified into at least one class. For example, the restriction word may be classified into three grades of the first to third stages.

The restricted word corresponds to a word determined by the user or a word set by the user, such as profanity, abusive language, or obscene expression, or a word set by the user. The parental control function can be performed by determining whether or not.

Restricted words stored in the memory 115 may be added, changed, and deleted by using a firmware upgrade or a direct user input method.

The input unit 117 receives a channel change command, a display / change command of various setting items, and various settings and commands related to parental control from the user and outputs them to the controller 130. Various settings and commands related to parental control include setting a class for parental control, determining whether to operate the parental control function, and inputting a password for operation of the parental control function.

The input unit 117 corresponds to a wired or wireless interface with an external wireless remote controller, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and according to an embodiment, a mouse and a keyboard are included in the input unit 117 to be mounted. Can be.

The controller 130 controls the overall operation of the image apparatus 100, processes the input image signal and the audio signal to display the display unit 105, and outputs the same through the speaker 113. In addition, the controller 130 includes a caption decoder 131 and a rating processor 133 to perform the parental control function according to the rating according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the controller 130 will be described based on the parental control function.

The caption decoder 131 transfers the caption data generated by decoding the caption signal input from the image processor 101 to the rating processor 133.

The rating processor 133 determines whether there is a restriction restriction word stored in the memory 115 among words of the caption data received from the caption decoder 131 and determines whether to restrict viewing. If there is no limit word in the caption data, the rating processor 133 transmits the caption data to the graphic processor 107 to be output as an image.

As a result of the determination, when the caption data includes the limited words stored in the memory 115, the rating processor 133 controls the image processor 101 and / or the audio processor 109 so that the video and audio are not output for a predetermined time. do.

For example, the restricted word stored in the memory 115 includes 'robbery' or 'destruction', and the caption data decoded by the caption decoder 131 is

"The ship is destroyed, the traffic is in turmoil."

In this case, since the word 'destruction' included in the caption data is a limit word, the rating processor 133 controls the audio and video (including caption data) not to be output.

In addition, the rating processor 133 may display a viewing restriction guide message in the form of an OSD while an image is not output. To this end, the rating processor 133 outputs the preset parental control guide message to the graphic processor 107, and causes the image processor 101 to output the guide message graphic image in place of the original video signal during the parental control time. To control.

The rating processor 133 may receive the limited word input by the user input through the input unit 117 and additionally store it in the memory 115. The graphic processor 107 may store a guide image for setting the user. ) Can be displayed. In addition, the grade processing unit 133 processes the change of the grade and the deletion of the restricted word.

In addition, the rating processor 133 may determine whether to perform the parental control function according to the user. To this end, the rating processor 133 may authenticate the user by performing user authentication using a password or the like. For example, the rating processor 133 may apply the parental control function only to a user (mainly, a child or a teen) to use the authentication process without performing the authentication procedure.

The rating processor 133 may be implemented in various ways in performing the parental control function. The method may include a method of changing the parental control method for each grade, a method of differently controlling the operation of the parental control for each user, a method of varying the time of the parental control, and the like.

Hereinafter, various examples of the parental control method will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

2 is a flowchart provided to explain an example of the parental control method of the video device of the present invention. The method of FIG. 2 is an example of placing a special restriction level (word). For example, the special restriction level may correspond to a stronger level than the first stage, and the restriction word of the special restriction level may be set by the user.

When the caption decoder 131 decodes the caption data (S201), the rating processor 133 determines whether the decoded caption data matches one of the special restriction words stored in the memory 115 (S203).

If the result of the determination in step S203 corresponds to the special restriction word, the rating processing unit 133 blocks both the video and audio output, and outputs a viewing restriction guide message in place of the original video signal (S205).

The step S205 is performed without a time limit, and is continued until there is a channel change of the user and a change signal of another video signal source through the input unit 117 (S207).

If there is a command for displaying an image of another channel or source, the controller 130 controls the corresponding image to be displayed (S209).

As a result of the determination in step S203, when the caption data does not correspond to the special restriction word, the rating processor 133 may apply the method of FIG. 3.

3 is a flowchart provided for explaining another example of the parental control method of the video apparatus of the present invention. 3 illustrates an example in which the parental level is different for each grade, and it is assumed that the grade of the restricted word is divided into first to third stages. Although FIG. 3 is shown connected to FIG. 2, it does not necessarily need to be practiced with the method of FIG. 2.

As a result of the determination in step S203, when the caption data does not correspond to the special restriction word, the rating processor 133 determines whether the decoded caption data matches one of the restriction words of the first to third steps stored in the memory 115. It is determined whether or not (S301 to S305).

If the caption data is the same as the restriction word of the first step, the rating processing unit 133 limits the output of all video and audio signals, and displays a viewing restriction guide message in the form of an OSD in place of the original video (S307). ).

If the caption data is the same as the restriction word of the second step, the rating processor 133 maintains the audio output and outputs a viewing restriction message in place of the original video (S309), and is the same as the restriction word of the third step. In this case, only the output of the audio signal and the caption data may be restricted (S311).

If the caption data does not correspond to any step, the rating processor 133 maintains the original video and audio output (S313).

The output cutoff in steps S307 to S311 is preferably performed for a predetermined time.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a user interface for setting a limit word can be enhanced. For example, the user may additionally set caption data, which is not included in a preset limit word and is output as an image, as a limit word.

The user inputs a command to separately display caption data displayed as an image by using a specific button of the input unit 117, and controls the rating processor 133 to display the caption data as an image. The user may input a limit word additional setting command by selecting one of them using the input unit 117, and the rating processor 133 may store the selected word according to the user's command in the memory 115 to store the limited word. Set additionally.

In addition, the parental control function of the present invention may be performed regardless of a caption data display stop command (Caption On or Off) of the user.

The invention can be implemented in methods, devices and systems. In addition, when the present invention is implemented in computer software, the components of the present invention may be replaced with code segments necessary for performing necessary operations. The program or code segment may be stored in a medium that can be processed by a microprocessor and transmitted as computer data coupled with carrier waves via a transmission medium or communication network.

The media that can be processed by the microprocessor include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROMs, flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), floppy disks, optical disks, and hard disks. (Hard) Includes the ability to transmit and store information such as disks, fiber optics, wireless networks, and the like. Computer data also includes data that can be transmitted over electrical network channels, optical fibers, electromagnetic fields, wireless networks, and the like.

In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiment, the technical field to which the invention belongs without departing from the spirit of the invention claimed in the claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or the prospect of the present invention.

As described in detail above, the video apparatus according to the present invention may grasp caption data included in the received video signal and block the video or audio output according to the grade when there are slang words or obscene words.

Therefore, when words or images that are not suitable for children or adolescents are included in the video or audio output through the video device, the video device of the present invention may limit the viewing according to the grade.

The parental control of the present invention can operate according to a word and a grade set by a user, thereby diversifying and efficiently using the method. For example, the administrator of a video device can arbitrarily set a specific word as a limited word in order to restrict viewing of a video object that needs to be specifically restricted.

Claims (12)

In the method for controlling the viewing of a video device receiving a predetermined video signal and an audio signal corresponding to the video signal and outputting a corresponding video and audio, Decoding caption data included in the video signal; Determining whether one of preset word-limiting words is included in the decoded caption data; And Blocking the output of at least one of the video and the audio when it is determined that the parental control word exists in the decoded caption data. The method of claim 1, The blocking may be maintained until the user receives a command for outputting video and audio corresponding to a video signal input from a signal source different from the video signal. Parental control of video equipment. The method of claim 2, And the command from the user is one of a broadcast channel change command or a video signal source change command. The method of claim 1, The blocking step, And outputting the video and blocking output of the audio and the caption data. The method of claim 1, The blocking step, And when the video output is blocked, outputting a graphic image of a predetermined parental control message in place of the video output. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, And receiving and setting the additional parental control word from a user. A video device for receiving a predetermined video signal and an audio signal corresponding to the video signal and outputting a corresponding video and audio, A memory in which preset word-limiting words are stored; A caption decoder to decode caption data included in the video signal; And A rating processor configured to determine whether the decoded caption data includes one of the parental control words and to determine that the output of the at least one of the image and the audio is blocked when it is determined that the parental control word is included. Imaging device with a parental control, characterized in that it comprises a. The method of claim 7, wherein And an input unit configured to receive a command for requesting output of video and audio corresponding to a video signal input from a signal source different from the video signal from a user. And the rating processor maintains the blocking state until a command of the user is received. The method of claim 8, And the command from the user is one of a broadcast channel change command or a video signal source change command. The method of claim 7, wherein The grade processing unit, And a video control function to control the output of the video and the output of the audio and the caption data. The method of claim 7, wherein The grade processing unit, And controlling to output a graphic image of a predetermined parental control message in place of the image output when the image output is blocked. The method of claim 7, wherein Further comprising an input unit for receiving an additional input of the user-defined parental control word that the user wants to add, And the rating processor is further configured to store the user-set parental control word in the memory.

Images