WO1999044361A1 - Appareil et procede de controle parental faisant intervenir le mode plus + de puce antiviolence et un mot de passe maitre - Google Patents

Appareil et procede de controle parental faisant intervenir le mode plus + de puce antiviolence et un mot de passe maitre Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999044361A1
WO1999044361A1 PCT/US1999/004133 US9904133W WO9944361A1 WO 1999044361 A1 WO1999044361 A1 WO 1999044361A1 US 9904133 W US9904133 W US 9904133W WO 9944361 A1 WO9944361 A1 WO 9944361A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
television
blocking
program
criterion
password
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/004133
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Wing P. Leung
Henry C. Yuen
Original Assignee
Gemstar Development Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gemstar Development Corporation filed Critical Gemstar Development Corporation
Priority to JP2000534001A priority Critical patent/JP2002505558A/ja
Priority to EP99912225A priority patent/EP1066721A1/fr
Priority to AU30643/99A priority patent/AU3064399A/en
Priority to CA002321914A priority patent/CA2321914A1/fr
Publication of WO1999044361A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999044361A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
    • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
    • H04N21/4316—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations for displaying supplemental content in a region of the screen, e.g. an advertisement in a separate window
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
    • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
    • H04N21/4314—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations for fitting data in a restricted space on the screen, e.g. EPG data in a rectangular grid
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4751—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for defining user accounts, e.g. accounts for children
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4755—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for defining user preferences, e.g. favourite actors or genre
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/08—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division
    • H04N7/087—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only
    • H04N7/088—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital
    • H04N7/0887—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital for the transmission of programme or channel identifying signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to television systems, and more particularly, to parental control of television receivers using a master password to effectuate a variety of access control functions.
  • VBI vertical blanking interval
  • rating factors can include ratings similar to those promulgated by the Motion Picture Association of America (e.g. G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17) and
  • a consumer V-Chip television system would allow a consumer to program his or her television system to exclude programs according to their preferred levels of one or more of these rating criteria or alternatively could be programmed to permit only programs having certain levels of content according to these rating categories.
  • V-Chip system A problem with the V-Chip system, as recognized in an article by T. Atherton, entitled “Living With the V-Chip,” The Ottawa Citizen, Entertainment, Section F, pp. FI- F2 (Saturday, March 9, 1996), is that the perceived utility of the V-Chip system to a consumer depends on whether the consumer agrees with the subjective ratings contained in the VBI for most, if not all, - programs.
  • the author of this article who purportedly has been involved in a "Beta-test" of the V-Chip system in Canada, gives two illustrative examples in his article.
  • ⁇ of program such as excluding all programs with a rating above PG, results in the blocking out of many programs which the author considers appropriate for viewing and does not wish blocked out, such as the movie Forrest Gump.
  • the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method that satisfies this need.
  • an apparatus for parental control of a television receiver A memory provides storage of information relating to television programming.
  • a microprocessor generates a blocking command as a function of the information stored in memory including a master password.
  • a blocking circuit which passes a baseband television video signal to a television display, provides blocking of the video signal in response to the blocking command. The blocking can be overridden by a user-provided list in the memory.
  • FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of the parental control apparatus used with the V-Chip system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the parental control apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of the parental control apparatus used in a cable system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram of a parental control apparatus in combination with a V-Chip system employing VCR Plus+ and automated channel mapping in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram of a parental control apparatus in combination with VCR Plus+ integrated circuit retrofitted into an existing V-Chip system;
  • FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a remote controller for operating the system of FIG. 4 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is a television screen displaying a Channel Surf Menu formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 8 is a television screen displaying a Channel Surf Menu with sub-menu prompts formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 9 is a television screen displaying a Channel Surf Menu with sub-menu prompts formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a television screen displaying a Channel Surf Menu with sub-menu prompts formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 11 is a television screen displaying a VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Review List formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 12 is a television screen displaying a Channel Surf Menu with sub-menu prompts formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 13 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 14 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 15 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 16 is a television screen displaying a VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Main Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 17 is a television screen displaying a VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 18 is a television screen displaying a Confirmation Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 19 is a television screen displaying a VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a television screen displaying a VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a user interface screen map in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 22 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Plus+ Features Screen formatted in
  • FIG.23 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Set-Up Screen with the V-Chip function disabled formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 24 is a television screen displaying the V-Chip Set-Up Screen with the V-Chip . _ function enabled formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 25 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Plus+ Screen for selecting television programs formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 26 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Plus+ Screen for programming the frequency of the selected television program formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the _ rempli present invention
  • FIG. 27 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Plus+ Selections Review List for blocked television programs formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 28 is a television screen displaying a Record/Watch Screen for selecting television programs formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 29 is a television screen displaying a Record/Watch Screen for programming the
  • FIG. 30 is a television screen displaying a Record/Watch SCREEN for programming the frequency of the selected television programs to be watch formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 31 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Plus+ Selections Review List for recorded television programs formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 32 is a television screen displaying a V-Chip Plus+ Selections Review List for watched television programs formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG.33 is a television screen displaying a Babysitting Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 34 is a television screen displaying a Babysitter Program Review Screen formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 35 is a television screen displaying a Channel Surf Screen set for Babysitter selection formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 36 is a television screen displaying a Channel Surf Screen set for blocking the tuned channel formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 37 is a television screen displaying a Channel Surf Screen set for unblocking the 0 tuned channel formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 38 is a television screen displaying a Channel Surf Screen set for reviewing the V- Chip Plus+ selections formatted in accordance with a TV mode of the present invention
  • FIG. 39 is a flow diagram for a preferred embodiment of the password operation.
  • FIGS.40-65 depict the operation of the VChip Plus+ and Parental Control, including 5 selection and deletion for blocking and unblocking television programs based on different criteria in a GUIDE mode (GUIDE Plus+);
  • FIG. 66 is a display screen displaying the Password Dialog Box.
  • FIGS. 67-72 are display screens displaying the Password Setup process. 0
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a combination of the V-Chip system and a parental control system more oriented around programming by a user for blocking and enabling particular television programs.
  • a parental control system is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,382,983, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in full herein.
  • the 5 preferred embodiment adds functionality which allows the two systems to work together to form a system which is an improvement over either system.
  • the user is allowed to override the operation of the V-Chip system for particular programs contained in user programmable enable override lists and blocking override lists.
  • the parental control functions are accessed and selected in two different modes based on the preference of the user. In the TV 0 mode, a variety of interactive television screens display functions and user choices using text and graphics. In the GUIDE mode, the function and choices are made available to the user through menus in a program guide context.
  • FIG. 1 a flow chart of the operation of this override system is shown.
  • the V-Chip system operates as originally designed: a program is tuned, resulting in an output indicating that either the program should be blocked or should not be blocked, according to the user's programming of the V-Chip system. If, according to the V-Chip system, the program should be blocked, the Yes Path from block 1 is followed to block 2.
  • the program being tuned is checked against a list of programs which have been specifically enabled by the user called the enable override list. If the program being tuned does not appear on the enable override list, the No Path out of block 2 is followed to block 3 in which the program being tuned is blocked. If, on the other hand, it is found in block 2 that the program being tuned is contained in the enable override list, then the Yes Path out of block 2 is followed to block 4 which enables the program to be tuned.
  • the No Path out of block 1 is followed to block 5.
  • the program to be tuned is compared against a override list to block particular programs (the "blocking override list") in a similar manner as is performed in block 2 for the enable override list. If the program to be tuned is found to be contained in the blocking override list, the Yes Path out of block 5 is followed to block 6 and the program being tuned is blocked. If the program being tuned is not contained in the blocking override list in block 5, then the No Path from block 5 is followed to block 4, in which case the program is allowed to be tuned.
  • the blocking override list and enable override list may be defined in a number of ways.
  • One way would be to define programs by channel, date, start time and length (or ending time).
  • a clock and a link to the tuner would be employed to determine whether the program being tuned falls within any of the sets of channel, date, time and length information contained in either of the override lists.
  • the lists could consist of compressed codes such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,335,079.
  • compressed codes such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,335,079.
  • PlusCodeTM numbers used by Gemstar Development Corporation's VCRPlus+® systems that presently appear in television calendars and may be used to enter the selected programs, rather than using the more laborious and time consuming approach of inputting the uncompressed channel, date, time and length of the program that is selected.
  • the lists could be composed of the titles of television programs desired to be on the override lists. These titles could be compared against title information broadcast in the VBI with each program as part of the V-Chip coding information, using the XDS system or other similar system. Alternatively, the titles could be compared to a database which relates the channel, date, time, length to program titles, such as that contained in many electronic television guides.
  • a problem that arises in implementing the system described in FIG. 1 is that the blocking override list and the enable override list can be, and in most cases will be, very cumbersome to create.
  • One solution to this problem is using a system similar to that described in co-pending U.S. application 08/031 ,246, filed March 12, 1993 , which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
  • a user would call a representative on the telephone and relate various selection criteria that are important to the user to the representative. These selection criteria may include television channels, times of day, program titles, program subject matter categories, and actors and actresses appearing in the programs.
  • the representative would have
  • this extensive database could include a variety of additional rating systems other than those provided by the broadcasters in conjunction with the V-Chip system. Any of a variety of third parties might provide such ratings such as religious organizations, newspapers and rating services targeted to particular . segments of the user public. Based upon the selection criteria provided by the user, the representative's computer downloads the data to program the user's system, by telephone, VBI, or other available data path.
  • _ n ratings may be stored locally in the user's system.
  • This embodiment would become feasible is if the system is combined with a locally stored electronic program guide which already stores the channel, date, time, length, title, category and descriptions of a large number of future scheduled television programs.
  • FIG.2 A preferred embodiment of an override system for use with the V-Chip system described above is shown in FIG.2.
  • RF radio frequency
  • _ ⁇ is connected to the input of a cable box 10, which has a channel changing control.
  • the output of the television drive circuity 12 is connected by a transmission blocking circuit 14 to a television display 16.
  • Blocking circuit 14 could be a conventional analog signal transmission gate, or any other similar device known in the
  • the television signal of each channel carried by the cable feed contains supplemental data, including channel identification, such as HBO, CNN, or NBC.
  • channel identification is embedded in the VBI of the signal of each channel in an XDS format.
  • the output of the television drive circuitry 12 is also connected to the input of a VBI decoder 18, which strips the XDS signal from the baseband television signal.
  • VBI decoder 18 which includes a data signal representative of the channel identification of the channel to which the cable box 10 is tuned, is coupled to a microprocessor 20, the output of which controls the blocking circuit 14.
  • the microprocessor 20 is coupled to a RAM 22.
  • the programs to be selectively blocked are stored in RAM 22.
  • the date, time, channel and program length are stored in RAM 22 in a stack arrangement as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,382,983 ("the '983 patent") and co-pending U.S. application 08/684,678, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in full herein.
  • the program blocking data base stored in RAM can be generated in a number of different ways. One way is to transmit groups of program data consisting of date, time, channel, and length content according to a customized rating service, as composed for example by a religious group, newspaper, or political association, and to download such data to RAM 22 from the VBI of the television signal or a telephone line.
  • the viewer can call up an on-screen menu of choices of customized rating services that are transmitted in the VBI or telephone line, key in the selected service, and command the microprocessor 20 to download the group of program data corresponding to the selected service.
  • Another way is to key in the data of the individual programs through a remote controller.
  • a third way is to select the programs with a cursor from an on screen electronic program guide (“EPG"), in which the EPG data base is used both to determine the programs to be blocked and the programs to be viewed or recorded.
  • EPG electronic program guide
  • the microprocessor 20 continuously monitors the output of a real time clock in the microprocessor 20, and the channel identification of the channel to which cable box 10 is tuned, which is recovered by VBI decoder 18 or by monitoring the tuner and using a channel map. These monitored attributes are compared with the data of the program blocking database. Preferably, this is accomplished by arranging the data base in a stack in RAM 22 as described in the '983 patent such that the top of the stack is the next program telecast to be blocked. When a match is found, the microprocessor 20 actuates the blocking circuit 14, thereby preventing the TV display 16 from showing the program.
  • a code is also included in the VBI which indicates one or more rating factors for the program then being aired.
  • the user programs the television system to exclude programs according to one or more of these rating criteria.
  • the user selections are stored in RAM 22, and compared with the code transmitted in the VBI.
  • an excluded program is detected by the microprocessor 20, via the VBI decoder 18, an enable override list stored in RAM 22 is consulted.
  • the blocking circuit 14, under microprocessor control prevents the excluded program from being presented to the TV display 16 if the program is not contained in the enable override list.
  • a blocking override list stored in RAM 22 is checked by the microprocessor 20.
  • the blocking circuit 14, under microprocessor control allows the program to pass to the TV display 16 if the program is not contained in the blocking override list.
  • the television programs comprising the blocking override list and the enable override list are defined by channel, date, start time and length (or ending time), or through the use of compressed codes such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,335,079, an alternative arrangement is necessary to accommodate the addition of a cable box or video cassette recorder ("VCR").
  • VCR video cassette recorder
  • a cable box or VCR is connected to the front end of the television receiver.
  • the cable box, or VCR has a tunable bandpass filter for tuning the desired channel.
  • the television signal from the tuned channel is modulated onto a fixed carrier frequency, by way of example channel 3, and coupled to the television receiver.
  • the television receiver is tuned to the carrier frequency output of the cable box, or VCR, regardless of the particular channel selected. Since the television receiver is always tuned to the fixed frequency, the microprocessor of FIG. 2 will be unable to ascertain when a blocked or selected television program is selected at the cable box, or VCR.
  • FIG. 3 a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown which accommodates a system employing both a cable box and a VCR implemented with a low cost mechanization using a simple switch S 1.
  • the VCR tuning issue is resolved by connecting the video input of the VCR 23 to the video output of the TV tuner 24, which is always tuned to a parentally enabled program. There is no reason for the VCR 23 to have broadband input.
  • the cable box 26 is used only for tuning scrambled programs.
  • the user identifies the scrambled (premium) channels in his or her cable lineup. This can be automated or performed manually.
  • the scrambled program providers will transmit their names (HBO ESPN, etc.) in the VBI of the television signal. Accordingly, when a scrambled channel is selected by the user, the cable box 26 is tuned to the
  • VBI decoder 28 If the name cannot be identified, the channel is blocked.
  • VCR recording may also be controlled by providing the VCR video input with the same signal that is provided to the display 30 by the TV tuner 24. This signal has already been processed to insure that it contains a program that has been authorized. Hence, the user can only record authorized programs.
  • the microprocessor 32 checks to see (from setup table) if the requested channel is designated as a scrambled channel, and also checks to see (from PlusCode table) if this channel is unblocked for the particular time slot. If the television channel is unblocked and non-scrambled, switch S 1 is set to position 2 and the TV tuner 24 is tuned to the requested channel. If the requested channel is to be blocked, SI is set to position 4, so the TV tuner 24 has no input. The user may also record the displayed program (but no other program since the VCR video input comes from the TV tuner output).
  • the microprocessor 32 checks to see if the requested channel is designated as a scrambled channel, and also checks to see (from PlusCode table) if this channel is unblocked for the particular time slot. If the television channel is unblocked and scrambled, SI is set to position 3, and the cable box 26 is tuned to the requested channel.
  • the VBI decoder 28 monitors the cable box output, looking for the channel name in the VBI (broadcast say every minute). If a name is found, it is compared to the channel name in the channel setup table. If a match is detected, the TV tuner 24 is tuned to channel 3, and the program is displayed. If no match is detected, SI is switched to position 4, and the display 30 is blanked. Thus, if the user tries to manually change the cable box channel, the VBI name check will fail and SI will be switched to position 4 to blank the display. The user may also record the displayed program (but no other program since the VCR video input comes from the TV tuner output).
  • FIG. 4 a detailed electrical diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown incorporating the V-Chip system with the override system ("V-Chip Plus+ system").
  • the V-Chip Plus+ system is responsive to compressed codes for creating the override lists, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,335,079, and includes automatic channel mapping capability.
  • a TV tuner 34 is positioned at the front end of the television receiver for passing a selected channel of a multichannel RF television signal.
  • the -10- tuner 34 which can be any conventional tuner in the art, should provide amplification, downconversion to an intermediate frequency ("IF") and demodulation, as well as frequency tuning.
  • the TV tuner 34 is coupled to television drive circuitry 36 which provides the signal processing required to amplify and downconvert the IF signal to a baseband television video signal.
  • the output of the television drive circuitry 36 is connected to a blocking circuit 38.
  • the blocking circuit 38 could be a conventional analog signal transmission gate, or any other similar device known in the art.
  • the output of the blocking circuit 38 is connected to a TV display 42 through a video mixer 40 for selectively displaying the television program currently being broadcast on the selected channel.
  • the TV tuner 34 is tuned to the selected channel by a microprocessor 44.
  • a viewer input device 46 preferably in the form of a remote infrared (“IR") controller, is coupled to the microprocessor 44 to provide viewer control of the television channels.
  • the viewer input device 46 also allows the viewer to remotely program the V-Chip Plus+ system to exclude programs according to one or more rating factors, as well as compiling or modifying the V-Chip Plus+ override lists.
  • the microprocessor 44 retrieves the appropriate information from RAM 48 and couples it to the video processor 50, where the information is formatted for display.
  • the information stored in the video processor 50 is a bit map of what is displayed on the TV display 42.
  • the video processor 50 is connected to the video mixer 40.
  • the video mixer 40 outputs the information as an overlay on the television program currently being viewed, although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the information from the video mixer 40 could be presented to the TV display 42 as a window in the television program or as a full screen display instead of the television program.
  • the viewer programs the V-Chip Plus+ system to exclude programs according to one or more rating factors.
  • the viewer input device 46 allows manipulation of the V-Chip Plus+ rating system and the V-Chip Plus+ override lists by moving a cursor on the TV display 42 and inputting discrete commands. Cursor control is achieved by coupling the microprocessor 44 to the video processor 50 through to a cursor position register 52.
  • Viewer edits to the V-Chip Plus+ override lists presented to the TV display 42 are preferably accomplished using compressed codes such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,335,079.
  • a G-code decoder 54 is employed to process the compressed codes. If the microprocessor 44 determines that a G-code has been received from the viewer input device 46, then the G-code will be sent to the G-code decoder 54 for decoding. The G-code decoder 54
  • V-Chip Plus+ channel, date, time and length
  • the V-Chip Plus+ system is integrated with Gemstar Development Corporation's VCRPlus+® system so that the CDTL information can be selectively used not only to create the V-Chip Plus+ override lists, but to activate a video cassette recorder ("VCR") 55 to record a selected television program corresponding to the CDTL information stored in RAM 48 as described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,335,079 which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in full herein.
  • the CDTL information is stored in RAM 48 in a stack arrangement as described in U.S. patent 5,382,983.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ system is implemented by decoding the VBI of a television signal.
  • a VBI decoder 56 connected to the output of the television drive circuitry 36 extracts the XDS signal from the baseband television signal.
  • the output of the VBI decoder 56 which includes one or more rating factors for the television program currently broadcast, is coupled to the microprocessor 44. These rating factors extracted from the VBI of the television signal are
  • the microprocessor 44 determines that the television program currently broadcast should be blocked based on the programmed rating factors, the enable override list stored in RAM 48 is consulted.
  • the microprocessor 44 will actuate the blocking circuit 38 to block the currently ⁇ broadcast television program from the TV display 42 if the television program is not contained in the enable override list.
  • the blocking override list stored in RAM 48 is consulted.
  • the blocking circuit 38 under microprocessor 44 control, allows the television program to pass to the TV display 42 if the television program is not contained in
  • the channel information can be striped from the XDS data by the VBI decoder 56, if available there.
  • the microprocessor 44 must be able to determine the channel on which the television program corresponding to the compressed code is transmitted on. Because the channel allocations vary depending on the particular television service (i.e., satellite transmission, cable service, over-the-air broadcasts) used by the viewer and the specific geographic area of service, a method of establishing a channel map is required. Such a method is described in co-pending
  • a chaimel map relates the television stations (i.e., KABC, KCET) to their respective channel frequency allocations for any particular television service.
  • the particular type of television service is automatically detected in an embodiment of the present invention by monitoring the channel allocations of the television stations. This accomplished by sweeping the TV tuner 34 across its RF band with the microprocessor 44.
  • a detector 57 coupled to the TV tuner 34, detects whether a television station has been allocated to each of the channels as the TV tuner 34 is swept across the RF band by monitoring the stability of the horizontal sync pulses.
  • the microprocessor 44 can then determine the type of television service based on the channel allocation for a given geographic area. This scheme requires only that the viewer key in his or her zip code using the viewer input device 46.
  • the automatic detection of the particular television service used by the viewer can be eliminated in favor of having the viewer key in directly the information pertaining to the model and brand of the VCR and cable box using the viewer input device 46.
  • the appropriate channel map can be extracted by the VBI decoder 56 from the television signal based on the geographic location of the viewer.
  • the microprocessor 44 again sweeps the TV tuner 34 to locate a channel having channel map information transmitted in the VBI portion of the television signal.
  • the microprocessor 44 then extracts the channel map marked with an identification code corresponding to the geographic location entered by the viewer and stores the extracted channel map in channel map memory 58.
  • V-Chip Plus+ system illustrated in FIG. 4 is directed to a fully integrated system utilizing a single microprocessor.
  • V-Chip Plus+ system many applications may arise where it would be desirable to retrofit the V-Chip Plus+ system into a television receiver with an existing V-Chip system.
  • IC V-Chip IC
  • many television manufacturers will develop a V-Chip IC ("IC") for user programing according to a standardized rating system, and include the V-Chip capability as a standard feature.
  • IC V-Chip IC
  • FIG. 5 An exemplary embodiment of such a V-Chip Plus+ system is shown in FIG. 5.
  • the V-Chip system includes the basic television processing and drive circuitry described with reference to FIG. 4. Specifically, a TV tuner 35 is positioned at the front end of the television receiver for passing a selected channel of a multichannel RF television signal to television drive circuitry 37. The output of the television drive circuitry 37 is connected to a
  • the output of the blocking circuit 39 is connected to a TV display 43 through a video mixer 41 for selectively displaying the television program currently being broadcast on the selected channel.
  • a V-Chip 57 connected to the output of the television drive circuitry 37, extracts the XDS signal from the baseband television signal.
  • the rating factors for the television program currently broadcast are stripped from the XDS data and are compared with the viewer programmed rating factors stored in internal memory of the V-Chip 57.
  • the blocking circuit 37 is actuated by the V-Chip 57 to block the currently broadcast television program from the TV display 43.
  • the blocking circuit 39 is deactivated by the V-Chip 57 and the television program is allowed to pass to the TV display 43.
  • the V-Chip system provides viewer's editing of the rating factors by using an Editor. 5 Specifically, when the viewer wishes to review the particular ratings set in the V-Chip system, the V-Chip 57, under control of the viewer input device, retrieves the appropriate information from memory and couples it to the video processor 51 , where the information is formatted for display.
  • the video processor 51 is connected to the video mixer 41.
  • the video mixer 41 outputs the information as an overlay on the television program currently being viewed, although it will be 0 understood by those skilled in the art that the information from the video mixer 41 could be presented to the TV display 43 as a window in the television program or as a full screen display instead of the television program.
  • the viewer programs the V-Chip system to exclude programs according to one or more rating factors. 5
  • Customization of the blocking function of the V-Chip 57 is achieved with an external V- Chip Plus+ IC 47.
  • the implementation of the V-Chip Plus+ circuitry into an IC is an economical approach, however, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the V-Chip Plus+ function could be implemented using discrete components.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ IC 47 is -.son designed for easy retrofit into an existing television receiver with V-Chip capability already installed.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ IC 47 is inserted in line between the V-Chip 57 and the blocking circuit 39. This requires disconnecting the V-Chip 57 from the blocking by removing wire 59.
  • the blocking signal is
  • the V-Chip Plus+ IC 47 consults an enable override list stored in RAM 49.
  • the microprocessor 45 will actuate the blocking circuit 39 to block the currently broadcast television program from the TV display 43 if the television program is not contained in the enable override list.
  • the V-Chip 57 determines that the television program currently broadcast should be televised based on the programmed rating factors, the unblocking signal is coupled to the V- Chip Plus+ IC 47.
  • a blocking override list stored in RAM 49 is consulted.
  • the blocking circuit 39 under microprocessor 45 control, allows the television program to pass to the TV display 43 if the television program is not contained in the blocking override list.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ IC 47 is also connected to the video processor 51 for viewer edits to the V-Chip Plus+ override lists.
  • the viewer can program the V-Chip system to exclude programs according to one or more rating factors, as well as compiling or modifying the V-Chip Plus+ override lists.
  • the microprocessor 45 retrieves the appropriate information from RAM 49 and
  • the 15 couples it to the video processor 51 , where the information is formatted for display.
  • the video processor 51 outputs the information, via the video mixer 41, preferably as an overlay on the television program currently being viewed. Edits to the V-Chip Plus+ override lists are accomplished using, by way of example, compressed codes.
  • a G-code decoder 55 is employed on to process the compressed codes in the same manner as described above with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • the viewer input device 46 preferably takes the form of a hand-held remote IR transmitter which communicates with an IR receiver connected to the microprocessor 44. As shown in FIG. 6, the IR transmitter has a housing 60 on which a number of control keys are mounted. A CHANNEL SURF key 62, a V-CHIP PLUS+ key 64, a REVIEW key 69, a BABYSITTER key
  • a MENU key 63 Located below the REVIEW key 69 and the BABYSITTER key 71 are up, down, left and right arrow keys 66, 68, 70 and 72, respectively.
  • a numerical keypad 73 is positioned below the ENTER key 65 and CHANGE key 67.
  • the blocking and unblocking functions are set and selected in two different modes, a TV mode and a GUIDE mode.
  • the user interface is fully menu driven.
  • On-screen option are presented to the TV display for programming the V-Chip Plus+ system, and editing the V-Chip Plus+ override lists. In a TV mode, these on-screen options can be accessed from the normal television picture
  • a channel selection list 74 is retrieved by the microprocessor from the channel map memory and presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the television picture via the video mixer as shown in FIG. 7.
  • This display format is called the Channel Surf Menu.
  • the channel selection list 74 consists of a column for television station names or call letters 76, and a corresponding column identifying the allocated channel for each television station 78, with the channel currently tuned by the TV tuner highlighted by a first cursor 80. In this mode, the viewer can tune any channel on the channel selection list 74 by moving the first cursor 80 vertically with the up and down arrow keys on the viewer input device.
  • the microprocessor causes the TV tuner to tune the highlighted channel for display on the TV display.
  • the viewer may exit the Channel Surf Menu at any time and return to the normal television picture viewing mode by depressing the CHANNEL SURF key on the viewer input device.
  • the microprocessor has individual channel block capability. That is, selected channels can be blocked in their entirety regardless of the rating factors established by the viewer in the V-Chip Plus+ system or the override lists created by the viewer in the V-Chip Plus+ system.
  • Channel block indication is shown in the channel selection list 74 of the Channel Surf Menu by replacing the channel allocation for the blocked television station with an "X". In FIG. 7, both FOX and KMEX have been blocked.
  • Three sub-menus can be accessed from the Channel Surf Menu by depressing the right arrow key on the viewer input device from any highlighted channel.
  • three on-screen sub-menu prompts are presented to the TV display as shown in FIG. 8. These on-screen submenu prompts are displayed horizontally next to the highlighted channel, and may be accessed by moving a second cursor 82 with the right and left arrow keys on the viewer input device. A description of the on-screen sub-menu prompt selected by the viewer with the second cursor 82 is displayed immediately below. The viewer may remove the on-screen sub-menu prompts from the Channel Surf Menu at any time by depressing the CHANNEL SURF key on the viewer input device.
  • KABC is highlighted by the first cursor 80, and an icon which allows the viewer to toggle KABC between a channel block mode and a channel unblock mode is highlighted by the second cursor 82.
  • a message, "Block this channel ' describing the operation of the icon is displayed below the on-screen sub-menu prompts. With this set up, KABC can be blocked with a single touch of the ENTER key on the viewer input device.
  • the viewer input device is stored in RAM by the microprocessor for controlling the blocking circuit when the viewer subsequently attempts to tune KABC on the television receiver.
  • the microprocessor then causes the video processor to overlay, via the video mixer, the Channel Surf Menu shown in FIG. 9 on the television picture.
  • the replacement of the channel allocation "7" for KABC with an "X" confirms that the command for blocking this channel has successfully been loaded into RAM.
  • the on-screen sub-menu icon prompt has also been changed to indicate that KABC may be unblocked, as indicated by the message below the on-screen sub-menu prompts, again with a single stroke of the ENTER key on the viewer input device.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ override lists can be accessed by the viewer from the Channel Surf Menu by highlighting the "Review" on-screen sub-menu prompt with the second cursor 82 as shown in FIG. 10.
  • the message below the on-screen sub-menu prompts reads "VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Review List.”
  • the enable override list and the blocking override list are combined into a single list on the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List.
  • the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List also allows viewer editing of the television programs selected for VCR Plus+ applications, a system developed by Gemstar Development Corporation which allows a timer preprogramming feature on a VCR to be programmed using compressed codes.
  • the microprocessor retrieves the designated television programs for the VCR Plus+ system and the V-Chip Plus+ override feature from memory and causes the video processor to overlay a VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Review List onto the normal television picture on the TV display, via the video mixer, as shown in FIG. 11.
  • VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List can be divided into two separate screens, one for the VCR Plus+ system and the other for the V-Chip Plus+ override list, and accessed by providing separate keys on the viewer input device.
  • the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List shown in FIG. 11 comprises a list of television programs designated under either the VCR Plus+ system or the V-Chip Plus+ override feature. Each television program is displayed on the VCR V-Chip Plus+ Review List by its respective CDTL information. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the titles of the television programs could be alternately, or additionally displayed with the CDTL information by accessing an EPG data base in memory with the microprocessor as described in co-pending U.S. application 08/744,399, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in full herein.
  • an icon indicating the function to be performed by the microprocessor To the left of each television program defined by the CDTL information is an icon indicating the function to be performed by the microprocessor.
  • the icon 84 To the left of each television program defined by the CDTL information is an icon indicating the function to be performed by the microprocessor.
  • the icon 84 To the left of each television program defined by the CDTL information is an icon indicating the function to be performed by the microprocessor.
  • the icon 90 to the left on the television program beginning Sunday, January 18, at 10:00 P.M. on channel 2 indicates that the television program will be shown despite having rating factors embedded in the VBI of the television signal that would otherwise cause the television program to be blocked by the V-Chip Plus+ system.
  • the lower portion of the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List 92 contains instructions to assist the viewer in editing the television programs with the viewer input device.
  • Arrow indicators 94 with accompanying text "MOVE,” inform the viewer that the individual television programs can be selected by vertically moving the cursor 96 with the up and down arrow keys on the viewer input device.
  • the viewer can then either delete the television program from the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List, or alter the length of the designated function indicated by the icon to the left of the television program.
  • the selected television program highlighted by the cursor 96 can be deleted by depressing the ENTER key on the viewer input device.
  • the length of the designated function programmed in the VCR V-Chip Plus+ system can be altered by first depressing the CHANGE key on the viewer input device, and then incrementing or decrementing the length with the right and left arrow keys, respectively, on the viewer input device. The viewer may exit the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List and return to the Channel Surf Menu of FIG. 34 at any time by depressing the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device.
  • the viewer can access the V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen by highlighting the "V-Chip Plus+” on-screen sub-menu prompt with the second cursor 82 as shown in FIG. 12.
  • a message "Go to V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen” is displayed immediately below the on-screen prompts.
  • the microprocessor retrieves the V-Chip Plus+ rating factors from memory and causes the video
  • the V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen indicates the V-Chip Plus+ system rating set by the
  • V-Chip Plus+ the current V-Chip Plus+ system rating programmed into RAM is "TV-PG Parental Guidance.”
  • the individual default rating factors i.e., violent content, sexual content, language, dialogue
  • TV-PG Parental Guidance independent control of the default rating factors by the viewer is provided.
  • the default rating factors for the V-Chip Plus+ are listed below.
  • TV-PG Parental Guidance are moderate violence, intense sexual content, coarse language, and suggestive dialogue. However, the viewer may desire to limit viewing access to "TV-PG Parental Guidance” television programs with no violent content. In this case, the viewer would move the cursor 94 vertically using the up and down arrow keys on the viewer input device from the V-Chip Plus+ system rating to the violent content indicator immediately to the left of the descriptive text "Moderate Violence.” The violent content of television programs accessible to
  • the viewer can now be altered by first depressing the CHANGE key on the viewer input device to enable a change in the rating factor, and then using the left and right arrow keys to adjust the violent content of television programming to the desired level. As shown in FIG. 14, the viewer has successfully limited viewing of television programs to "TV-PG Parental Guidance" without any violent content.
  • the entire V-Chip Plus+ system rating programmed in RAM can be altered by the viewer. This function is performed by positioning the cursor 94 on the V-Chip Plus+ system rating indicator "TV-PG Parental Guidance" by depressing the up and down arrow keys on the viewer input device. Next, the CHANGE key on the viewer input device is depressed to enable a change in the V-Chip Plus+ system rating. Then the desired V-Chip Plus+ rating can be adjusted using the left and right arrow keys on the viewer input device. These operational steps are illustrated at the bottom of the V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen 95 to facilitate viewer editing. As shown in FIG. 15, the V-Chip Plus+ system rating programmed in RAM, via the microprocessor, has been changed to "TV-MA Mature Audience Only .” The default rating factors stored in RAM
  • V-Chip Plus+ system ratings include "TV-PI 4 Parents Cautioned ! ! !” for television programming with moderate violence, intense sexual content, crude
  • V-Chip Plus+ system ratings can be independently controlled in the manner described above. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other V-Chip Plus+ system ratings could be used and the individual rating factors could be different from the described embodiment depending upon the needs of the manufacturer or consumer.
  • the viewer may exit the V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen and return to the Channel Surf Menu of FIG. 12 at any time by depressing the CHANNEL SURF key on the viewer input device. From the Channel Surf Menu, normal viewing of the television picture can be selected by the viewer by depressing the CHANNEL SURF key on the viewer input device a second time.
  • the VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Main Screen can be accessed by selecting the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device. This causes the video processor, under microprocessor control, to overlay the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen, via the video mixer, onto the television picture on the TV display as shown in FIG. 16. The viewer can program the VCR Plus+ system and the V-Chip Plus+ system from the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen.
  • the format of the NCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen includes an upper portion for viewer entry of compressed codes, such as PlusCodeTM numbers used by Gemstar Development Corporation's VCRPlus+® systems that presently appear in published television schedules. Specifically, the viewer highlights the top portion of the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen immediately to the right of the text "PLUSCODE" with a cursor 96 and enters the compressed code that appears with the program listed in the published television schedule by using the numerical keypad on the viewer input device. Once the compressed code is entered by the viewer, the cursor 96 is then moved to the desired feature listed below the compressed code entry by using the arrow keys on the viewer input device.
  • compressed codes such as PlusCodeTM numbers used by Gemstar Development Corporation's VCRPlus+® systems that presently appear in published television schedules.
  • the left half of the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen is dedicated to the VCR Plus+ functions
  • the right half of the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen is dedicated to the V-Chip Plus+ functions.
  • the VCR Plus+ functions include a RECORD option for programming the VCR to automatically record a television program, and a VIEW option for automatically turning on the television receiver and tuning the selected television program when aired.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ functions include a BLOCK option for creating the blocking override list, and an UNBLOCK option for creating the enable override list.
  • the ENTER key on the viewer input device is then depressed causing the CDTL information of the television program corresponding to the compressed code entered by the viewer to be loaded in RAM by the microprocessor and
  • a Confirmation Screen as shown in FIG. 18, will be presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the normal television picture, via the video mixer, when the
  • the CDTL information entered from the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen is formatted in RAM for display on the VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Review List when accessed as a sub-menu from the Channel Surf Menu (FIG. 10).
  • the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List can be accessed directly from the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen by highlighting the "Review List" option with the cursor 96 and depressing the ENTER key on the viewer input device.
  • VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List which is presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the normal television picture, via the video mixer, is edited in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 11.
  • VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Review List is entered from the VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Main Screen, the viewer must depress the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device to exit and return to the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Main Screen.
  • the TV Menu (not shown) may be accessed by the viewer by depressing the MENU key on the viewer input device.
  • the TV menu allows the viewer to perform certain functions such as activating channels, activating closed
  • VCR/V-Chip Setup Screen may be accessed from the TV Menu.
  • the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen permits the viewer to define certain parameters which allow automated channel mapping according to the television signal source and the geographic location of the viewer. In the preferred embodiments without television signal source
  • VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen with the viewer input device.
  • the viewer residing in the United States at zip code 91106, utilizes a Pioneer cable box with a Phillips VCR.
  • the appropriate channel map can be downloaded by the microprocessor from the VBI of the television signal to RAM as described in co-pending U.S. application 08/694,864, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in full herein. From the other information the proper IR codes for operating the VCR and cable box are selected.
  • the information on the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen can be edited by the viewer by moving a cursor 100 vertically between the on-screen prompts with the up and down arrow keys on the viewer input device. For example, in the event that the viewer switches from cable box service to direct cable, a new channel map may be required for VCR/V-Chip Plus + operation.
  • the new channel map can be downloaded into RAM with minimal viewer effort by accessing the VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen, highlighting the text "Cable Box” immediately to the right of the "Video Source” prompt with the cursor 100, depressing the CHANGE key on the viewer input device to enable a change in the video source, and then depressing the left and right arrow keys on the viewer input device to select the appropriate video source.
  • the viewer will operate the arrow keys on the viewer input device until the text "Cable Direct” appears on the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen next to the "Video Source” prompt.
  • the "Cable Box” prompt is removed from the VCR/N-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen as shown in FIG. 20.
  • the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen also includes a "Next" on-screen prompt 102. If a cable box service is entered into the VCRN-Chip Plus+ Setup Screen by the viewer, or automatically detected by the microprocessor, the proper cable box codes must be set to operate the cable box. This is accomplished by positioning the cursor 100 on the "Next" on-screen prompt 102 with the up and down arrow keys on the viewer input device, and then depressing ENTER. This sequence causes the microprocessor to retrieve IR codes compatible with the cable box from memory and store them in RAM. This step is necessary to give the microprocessor control over the tuner in the cable box for VCR/V-Chip Plus+ system operation.
  • the viewer may exit the VCR N-Chip Setup Screen and enter the TV Menu at any time ⁇ . by depressing the MENU key on the viewer input device.
  • the normal picture viewing mode can then be accessed from the TV Menu by depressing the MENU key on the viewer input device a second time.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ features screen 108 can be pulled up by selecting the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device. Upon activation of the V-CHIP PLUS+ key, the V-Chip Plus+ ⁇ features screen is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the television picture via the video mixer.
  • FIG. 22 Another exemplary V-Chip Plus+ features screen in accordance with the described embodiment is shown in FIG. 22. Referring to FIG. 22, four sub-menus can be accessed from the V-Chip Plus+. The four sub-menu selections include a BABYSITTER feature 110, a V-CHIP PLUS+ blocking feature 112, a V-CHIP set feature 114, and a RECORD/WATCH feature 116. From the V-Chip
  • any sub-menu can be selected by the viewer by positioning a cursor 118 on the desired sub-menu selection with the up and down arrow keys on the viewer input device and then depressing the ENTER key.
  • V-CHIP set feature 114' is highlighted by the cursor 118.
  • the V-CHIP set feature allows the viewer to program his or her television system to exclude programs according to a selected rating criteria. From this sub-menu selection, the viewer can either review or edit the rating criteria by depressing the ENTER key on the viewer input device. As a result, the V-Chip set screen is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the television picture via the
  • V-Chip set screen is shown in FIG. 23. Initially, from the V-
  • the viewer has the option of deactivating the V-Chip system. This is accomplished by positioning a cursor 122 on the OFF prompt 120 with the arrow keys on the viewer input device and then depressing the ENTER key. In response, a message indicating that the V-Chip feature is disabled will appear on the message screen 124. As a result, the blocking
  • the viewer To activate the V-Chip system, the viewer merely positions the cursor 122 over the ON prompt 126 with the arrow keys on the viewer input device and depresses the ENTER key.
  • the V-Chip system can be programmed using movie ratings, such as those promulgated by the Motion Picture Association of America, as well as TV ratings.
  • the V-Chip system should be programmed with both TV and movie ratings to accommodate television programming utilizing different rating systems. Viewing and editing of either the TV or movie ratings is accomplished by selecting the appropriate prompt 128, 130 on the V-Chip set screen with the viewer input device. 0
  • the current V-Chip rating for TV programs in RAM is "TV-PG Parental Guidance.”
  • the "TV-PG Parental Guidance” allows viewing of television programs with moderate violence, some sexual situations, some coarse language and suggestive dialogue.
  • Each of these rating factors can be individually activated or deactivated by positioning the cursor 122 on the appropriate prompt, by way of example, "Violence” 132, and 5 depressing the right or left arrow key on the user input device.
  • the violent content of television programming will not be used to determine whether the current televised show should be blocked.
  • the overall V-Chip system rating programmed in RAM for either TV or n movies can be altered by the viewer. This function is performed by positioning the cursor 122 on the message screen 124 with the up and down arrow keys on the viewer input device. Next, the right and left arrow key are used to peruse the different V-Chip system ratings until the desired rating appears on the message screen 124 at which time the viewer can select that rating by depressing the ENTER key on the viewer input device.
  • the particular V-Chip system ratings for J 4- movies and TV programs may vary depending upon the needs of the manufacturer or consumer. Exemplary V-Chip system ratings for TV programs are described above with reference to other embodiments of the present invention.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ block list can be accessed from the V-Chip set screen by positioning the cursor 122 on the V-CHIP PLUS+/BLOCK prompt 134 with the up and down arrow keys -4. on the viewer input device and depressing the ENTER key.
  • the ability to directly access the V- Chip Plus+ block list from the V-Chip set screen is shown in FIG. 21 by path 136.
  • the viewer can exit the system and return to normal television viewing 104 by depressing the V- CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device. From the normal television screen 104, the viewer can depress the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device a second time to pull up the V-
  • the V-Chip Plus+ screen is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the television picture via the video mixer.
  • An exemplary V-Chip Plus+ screen is shown in FIG. 25. From the V-Chip Plus+ screen the viewer can both review and edit the V-Chip Plus+ blocking list. To edit the V-Chip Plus+ blocking list, the viewer positions a cursor 136 on the PlusCode entry line 138, enters the compressed code that appears with the program listed in the published television schedule by using the numeric keypad on the viewer input device, and depresses the ENTER key.
  • a sub-menu is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display.
  • the sub-menu shown in FIG. 26, allows the user to block the selected television program once, or alternatively, on a daily or weekly basis.
  • the blocking frequency is set by positioning a cursor 140 over the desired prompt.
  • the ONCE prompt 142 is highlighted for illustrative purposes, and once entered into the system with the viewer input device, will produce the message shown in the message display 144.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ blocking screen of FIG. 25 is then re-entered by depressing the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device.
  • V-Chip Plus+ blocking list is consulted by depressing the REVIEW key on the viewer input device.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ selections list is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the television picture via the video mixer.
  • An exemplary V-Chip Plus+ selections list is shown in FIG. 27.
  • the viewer positions a cursor 144 on the BLOCK prompt 146 and depresses the ENTER key on the viewer input device.
  • a list of television programs selected by the viewer for blocking, that would otherwise be passed to the TV display by the V-Chip system, is presented to the screen.
  • Each television program is displayed on the V-Chip Plus+ blocking list by its respective CDTL information. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the titles of the television programs could be alternately displayed, or additionally displayed with the CDTL information, by accessing an EPG data base in memory with the microprocessor.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ selection screen also provides
  • any television program may be deleted from the V-Chip Plus+ blocking list by positioning the cursor 144 over the CDTL information corresponding to the desired television program and depressing the ENTER key on the viewer input device to delete the highlighted television program.
  • the length of the blocking function programmed in the microprocessor for the highlighted television program can be altered by first depressing the CHANGE key on the viewer input device, and then incrementing or decrementing the length with the right and left arrow keys, respectively, on the viewer input device.
  • the viewer depresses the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device.
  • the normal viewing television screen 104 is entered from the V-Chip Plus+ selection screen 148. From the normal television screen 104, the viewer can then depress the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device a second time to pull up the V-Chip Plus+ features screen 106.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ features screen 106 includes a Record/Watch 116 option.
  • the "Record” option provides a means for programming the VCR to automatically record a television program, and the "Watch” option allows the television receiver to be turned on automatically and tuned to a selected television program when aired.
  • the Record/Watch Option 116 can be accessed from the V-Chip Plus+ features screen 106 by positioning the cursor 118 on the RECORD/WATCH prompt 116' with the arrow keys on the viewer input device and depressing the ENTER key (see FIG. 22). Once the RECORD/WATCH feature is selected by the viewer, the Record/Watch screen is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the television picture via the video mixer. An exemplary Record/Watch screen is shown in FIG. 28. From the Record/Watch screen, the viewer can review and edit the television programs he or she wishes to record or view.
  • the viewer To edit the Record list, the viewer first positions a cursor 148 over the RECORD prompt 150 and depresses the ENTER key on the viewer input device. Next, the cursor 148 is positioned on the PlusCode entry line 152 and the compressed code from the published television schedule is entered with the numeric keypad on the viewer input device much in the same way the V-Chip Plus+ blocking list is created. Once the PlusCode is keyed in, the ENTER key is depressed on the viewer input device.
  • the Watch list can also be edited in the same manner except that the WATCH prompt 154 is highlighted with the cursor 148 prior to entering the PlusCode.
  • a sub-menu similar to the one used to edit the V-Chip Plus+ blocking list is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display.
  • the sub-menu shown in FIG. 29, allows the user
  • FIG. 29 is an example of a sub-menu screen for editing the watch list. Upon completion of editing the record or watch list, the Record/Watch screen of FIG. 28 is then re-entered by depressing the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ selection screen (see FIG. 27) is retrieved from the microprocessor and presented to the TV display by depressing the REVIEW key on the viewer input device.
  • the viewer positions the cursor 144 on the RECORD prompt 160 and depresses the ENTER key on the viewer input device.
  • a list of television programs selected by the viewer for recordation is presented to the screen in a CDTL format as shown in FIG. 31.
  • the watch list can be viewed by positioning the cursor 144 on the WATCH prompt 162 (see FIG. 27) and depresses the ENTER key on the viewer input device.
  • a list of television programs selected by the viewer for watching is presented to the screen in a CDTL format as shown in FIG. 32.
  • the same limited editing features described with reference to the V-Chip Plus+ blocking list is also available for the record and watch lists.
  • the viewer depresses the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device.
  • the normal viewing television screen 104 is entered from the V-Chip Plus+ selection screen 148. From the normal television screen 104, the viewer can then depress the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device a second time to pull up the V-Chip Plus+ features screen 106.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ features screen also provides a BABYSITTER function to control the unsupervised television viewing of children.
  • the BABYSITTER operates independently of the V-Chip Plus+ system and blocks all television programs from the TV display except for those shows placed on a BABYSITTER list.
  • the viewer positions the cursor 118 on the BABYSITTER prompt 110' with the arrow keys on the viewer input device and then depresses the ENTER key.
  • the Babysitter screen is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the television picture via the video mixer.
  • An exemplary Babysitter screen is shown in FIG. 33.
  • the viewer positions a cursor 160 on the ON prompt 162 with the arrow keys on the viewer input device and then depresses the ENTER key.
  • the television picture background to the overlaid Babysitter screen will be blacked out, unless a television program contained in the Babysitter list is currently being televised.
  • the cursor 160 is positioned over the OFF prompt 164 and the ENTER key is then depressed, causing the television picture to reappear in the background portion of the babysitting screen overlay.
  • the viewer can edit and review the Babysitting list.
  • the viewer positions the cursor 160 on the PlusCode entry line 166 and enters the 0 compressed code that appears with the program listed in the published television schedule by using the numeric keypad on the viewer input device. Then the viewer selects the frequency in which the television show is allowed to be watched (i.e., once, daily, or weekly) by positioning the cursor 160 over the appropriate prompt, and depresses the ENTER key.
  • PlusCodes to create the 5 V-Chip Plus+ blocking list is a convenient method, although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other methods could be used such as program title entries or selection from an electronic program guide.
  • Babysitter Program Review list is consulted by depressing the REVIEW key on the viewer input 0 device.
  • the Babysitter Program Review list is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the television picture via the video mixer.
  • An exemplary Babysitter Program Review list is shown in FIG. 34.
  • the Babysitter Program Review list comprises a list of television programs that have been selected for viewing by the Babysitter. Any television program not contained on the Babysitter 5 Program Review list will be blocked by the microprocessor from the TV display when the Babysitting feature, is activated regardless of the V-Chip Plus+ rating factors programmed into RAM. Similar to the other television lists described above, the Babysitting Program Review list displays the selected television programs by their respective CDTL information. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the titles of the television programs could be alternately
  • the Babysitting Program Review screen also provides limited editing features. For example, any television program may be deleted from the Babysitter Program Review list by
  • the Babysitting feature can be activated or deactivated from this screen by positioning the cursor 168 over the appropriate prompt and depressing the ENTER key on the viewer input device.
  • the Babysitting feature can be also activated or deactivated from VChip Plus+ menu by selecting an entry for the Babysitting feature (not shown).
  • the viewer To exit the Babysitter Program Review screen, the viewer either depressed the BABYSITTER key on the viewer input device to return to the Babysitter screen of FIG. 33, or depresses the V-CHIP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device to return to the normal viewing television screen.
  • a channel surf option provides direct access to certain features.
  • the viewer can access directly from the channel surf screen 108 the V-Chip Plus+ Program Review list 148 and the Babysitter Program Review list 170.
  • the channel surf screen is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display by the video processor as an overlay on the television picture via the video mixer by depressing the CHANNEL SURF key on the viewer input device.
  • An exemplary channel surf screen is shown in FIG. 35.
  • the channel surf screen is also presented to the TV display for a short period of time every time a new channel is tuned.
  • the tuned channel is presented to the TV display for viewer information.
  • three on-screen sub-menu prompts are displayed horizontally below the channel indicator, and may be accessed by moving a cursor 174 with the right and left arrow keys on the viewer input device.
  • a description of the on-screen sub-menu prompt selected by the viewer with the cursor 174 is displayed immediately below.
  • the viewer has selected the Babysitter feature, and the message "Go to Babysitter Screen" appears below the sub-menus.
  • This approach allows the viewer to directly access the Babysitter function without having to first go through the V-Chip Plus+ features screen.
  • the viewer merely depressed the ENTER key on the viewer input device and the Babysitter screen shown in FIG. 33 is retrieved by the microprocessor from RAM and presented to the TV display as an overlay. From this screen, the viewer may either pull up the Babysitter
  • the channel surf screen also provides the capability to block or unblock the channel tuned by the microprocessor. This is achieved by positioning the cursor 174 over the BLOCK CH prompt 176 as shown in FIG. 36. In response, a message "To Block this Channel” appears in the message display 178. The ENTER key on the viewer input device is then depressed to block the entire channel. This approach allows, by way of example, KCOP to be blocked with a single touch of the viewer input device. The channel block command from the viewer input device is stored in RAM by the microprocessor for controlling the blocking circuit. A new message, "To Unblock this Channel/' is retrieved by the microprocessor and presented to the TV display in the message screen 178 as shown in FIG. 37. The channel can now be unblocked by simply depressing the ENTER key on the viewer input device a second time.
  • the V-Chip Plus+ Program list can also be accessed directly by the viewer from the channel surf screen by positioning the cursor 174 on the "Review" on-screen sub-menu prompt causing a message, "Review V-Chip Plus+ Selections ' on the message display 178 as shown in FIG. 38.
  • the ENTER key on the viewer input device is then depressed to call up the V-Chip Plus+ Program Review list on the TV display.
  • the list can be edited and reviewed in the same manner described above.
  • the viewer depresses the V-CP ⁇ IP PLUS+ key on the viewer input device.
  • the several VChip Plus+ screens are accessed from the Menu bar; the user highlights the "VChip Plus+” button on the menu bar, and then scrolls down to select from the menu of VChip Plus+ functions.
  • an (blue) action button is used to unblock and a different (green) action button is used to block shows, times, channels, etc.
  • the blue action button label is blank and the green action button is labeled "Block.”
  • the blue action button is labeled "Unblock” and the green action button label is blank, except if the highlighted tile is a show title. If a blocked show title tile is highlighted, the green action button is labeled "Schedule," providing access to the Schedule screen to modify the blocking frequency from the default of once to daily or weekly.
  • an info, box displays a message of:
  • VCR Plus+ key on the remote displays the VCR Plus+ interface in the Guide's Schedule screen.
  • the user may input a Plus Code and then select the action they wish to take on the program: record (the default), watch, or block. These options will appear as tiles in the Plus Code entry area.
  • a blocked show may be set to be blocked once, daily or weekly. This is accomplished by placing any individual show (this does not apply to all shows set to be blocked by channel, time or rating) that is set to be blocked into the Schedule queue. These blocked shows will be mixed in with the shows set to record or watch in chronological order.
  • the user may modify the frequency of the block in the same way they may do so for shows set to record or watch, by pressing an action button labeled "Change.” This will cycle through the frequency choices. Modifying the frequency can only be done while, the guide is in Master Mode.
  • Scheduled events (shows scheduled to record, watch or blocked) can be stored in a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. Thus, if a power outage occurs, the Scheduled events will be saved.
  • VChip Plus+ in GUIDE mode uses two data sources in combination to determine whether a show should be blocked: data downloaded and stored in the guide (channel lineups, show schedules, show ratings), and rating data transmitted over the VBI.
  • Ordinary V-Chip devices use the data transmitted over the VBI to determine whether or not to block a show by rating. These ratings are sent a minimum of every 15 seconds. Thus, a show a parent may wish blocked, may be seen for up to 15 seconds before the blocking takes effect.
  • VChip Plus+ in GUIDE mode will use show rating data already stored in the Guide to determine whether a show should be blocked as soon as it begins, and use the VBI data to confirm if the show was properly blocked. If it was blocked in error, then the block will be removed. In the event the Guide does not have rating data stored on a given show, the show will be accessible, until the VBI data is obtained and a blocking decision made.
  • Ads linked to shows that have been blocked by the blocking of the individual show, show channel, show theme, show rating, or show time slot will be denied access to (as with 0 any blocked show) until the Master Password is input.
  • the blocking message will appear in the PIP.
  • turning a channel off in the Editor does not result in blocking all access to that channel. Specifically, if an ad with a show linked to a channel turned off in the Editor is displayed, the user can still schedule that show for recording or watching, or tune to its related
  • the PIP will tune to the channel related to the ad when the ad is highlighted, even though that channel has been turned off.
  • the EPG requests that the user provide certain profile information, including but not limited to: the user's zip code; television, cable, and satellite services to which the user subscribes; ⁇ the length of said subscriptions; the type of television; the age of the television; where the television was purchased; the user's top favorite channels; the user's favorite types of programs; and the times during which the user is most likely to watch television. If the user declines to provide this information, the EPG will attempt to "learn" the information as described in a co- pending Patent Application Serial No.
  • the display will depend upon whether Auto-Guide-On is activated, the entry show has been blocked, or the TV remote or front panel was used to turn on
  • the Guide will always appear when the TV is turned on using the remote. If a Master Password has been set, the user will have access to shows, features and screens provided by the User Profile. If the entry show has not been blocked, the show video will appear in the PIG. All shows, channels, times, etc. that are blocked will be so marked withindian the Guide. The user will have access to all unrestricted shows and features and screens of the
  • a password dialog box will appear in the info, box (see FIG. 66). If the user correctly inputs the Master Password, they obtain access to all shows, areas of the guide and features. If the user does not input the Master Password, they will maintain access as defined by the User Profile. If the entry show has been blocked, the PIG will be black and contain the following message: "Show Blocked by VChip Plus+J
  • the Guide will not appear when the TV is turned on using the remote. If a Master Password has been set, the user will have access to shows, features and screens provided by the User Profile. If the entry show has not been blocked, the show video will appear on screen. If the entry show has been blocked, the TV video will be covered with a password dialog box (see FIG. 66). Again, if the users correctly inputs the Master Password, they obtain access to all shows, areas of the guide and features. If the users do not input the Master Password, they will maintain access as defined by the User Profile.
  • a user intending on circumventing the VChip Plus+ blocking, may attempt to remove power from the TV with the hope that the blocking settings will be lost. Due to limitations in available EE ROM, not all settings can be stored in EE ROM. Following is a desired set of setting to be stored, in order of priority if EE ROM space permitting:
  • a power failure notice will present itself on screen every time the TV is powered on by the remote or by the front panel until the Master Password is input. This will inform the users of the power outage.
  • FIGS. 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 53, 56, 57, and ' 63 A VChip Plus+ Menu, with different features selected, is shown in FIGS. 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 53, 56, 57, and ' 63.
  • the VChip Plus+ Menu screen provides access to all the VChip Plus+ screens. These screens can only be accessed in Master Password Mode. The user scrolls down off the menu bar to highlight the tile of the desired feature.
  • FIG. 44 shows the selection of TV Ratings. The user presses the OK/Select key to enter the screens related to the highlighted VChip Plus+ feature. Any user attempting to access these screens when not in Master Password mode will be prompted to enter the Master Password. If not in Master Mode, these menu tiles would be dark and unaccessible.
  • FIG. 45 shows the VChip Plus+ TV Parental Guidelines Ratings. From this screen the user may block all instances of shows with any given TV Parental Guideline Ratings, block an entire content rating or a combination of TV Parental Guidelines and content ratings. Blocking unrated programs is executed from this screen as well. The screen is divided into 3 areas: 1. Programs for children, 2. Programs for the entire audience, and 3. Unrated programs. The green action key is used to block and the blue action key is used to unblock the ratings. When a rating is blocked, that rating and all higher ratings in the same group are blocked. When a rating is unblocked, only that rating is unblocked.
  • FIG. 46 shows the movie Ratings screen responsive to the selection of the Movie Ratings feature in Fig. 46. From this screen the user may block all instances of shows with any given MPAA Ratings. When a rating is blocked, that rating and all higher ratings are blocked. When a rating is unblocked, only that rating is unblocked. In this example, all the movies with rating G are unblocked.
  • the screen of FIG. 50 is displayed.
  • the VChip Plus+ Grid is in gray tones except for the PIG, ads, logos and the action bar. This is intended for differentiating it from the Guide's Grid Screen.
  • This screen displays ALL channels, whether or not they are turned off in the Editor. Individual shows or entire channels may be blocked from this screen as shown in FIGS. 51-52. All blocked shows or channels are in dark gray. However, channel ads do not appear in this grid. When blocked show
  • the screens of FIGS. 54 and 55 are displayed. From the Sort screen the user may block all shows in a category, e.g. Movies, Sports or Children's programs. From the first level Sort screen of FIG. 54, the user may block all shows in a subcategory, e.g. Horror, Mystery, Baseball, Basketball, etc. From the second level Sort screen of FIG. 55, the user may block any individual show in a subcategory.
  • a category e.g. Movies, Sports or Children's programs.
  • a subcategory e.g. Horror, Mystery, Baseball, Basketball, etc.
  • the second level Sort screen of FIG. 55 the user may block any individual show in a subcategory.
  • the screens of FIGS. 58-62 are displayed. From these Time Settings screens, the user may block viewing by times of the day and/or days of the week. The user may highlight a day or time tile and block that entire day or that time for all days. Alternatively the user may block certain hours on any individual day.
  • a features screen is displayed. From this Features screen, the user may block access to the record and/or watch functions. Additionally, the user may select a Power Outage setting from this screen. After the VChip Plus+ Password feature is selected a Password screen is displayed. From this Password screen the user may set up the Master Password for the first time (if not done during initial setup) or may modify the current Master Password.
  • a 4 digit numeric Master Password scheme is used to enable the establishment of a User Profile and provide unlimited (unprotected) access to the Guide screens and shows once a Master Password is established. Only one Master Password can be established. It is established either during initial setup (see FIG. 67) or later by entering the Password screen from the Guide menu (see FIG. 43) or the TV mode. Once a Master Password is established, the Master Password must be entered to execute blocking or unblocking. The Master Password must also be entered to access the Setup, Editor, and VChip Plus+ screens. Once entered, the TV is in Master Password (unprotected) mode until the TV is turned off, the user exits VChip Plus+ mode, or a certain time delay, which starts from the time when the user correctly enters the password, has expired.
  • An user interface allows the users (parents) to pick their own passwords, and to disable the lockout when the passwords are lost.
  • the functions of this Ul include, but not limited to, the following:
  • FIG. 39 is a flow chart of the master password operation. Obviously not all operations would require a password. As shown in block 391, the following operations have password protection: changing the password, changing the V-Chip ratings, deleting a "blocked” program or deleting a "blocked” channel, changing the "Babysitter” function, unblocking a program or a channel within the "Babysitter” function, changing the clock (this is because a different clock will cause VChip Plus+ to block a different program), and changing the channel map (this is because a different channel map will cause VChip Plus+ to block a different channel).
  • a Master password user can establish specific viewing (blocking) parameters for the User Profile, establish specific feature use limits (disable Recording or Watch) for the User Profile, modify the Master password, or enter all Guide screens and view, record or schedule to watch all shows. But, it is not necessary to input the Master Password to access unrestricted shows, channels, time slots, features and Guide screens.
  • a blocked show tunneling to it in TV mode or pressing OK or Guide keys from the Guide
  • a restricted screen joslling into or pressing OK from menu bar
  • feature recording via action buttons, any enabled buttons on the remote - likely the record button - and via the VCRPlus ⁇ key
  • -36- or a certain time delay which starts from the time when the user correctly eaters the password, has expired.
  • the password can be changed by the user as shown in block 396.
  • repeating the entry of a consistently incorrect password for a certain number of times can establish a new password.
  • the new password is established by repeatedly entering the same incorrect password a certain number of times, and at the end of the process confirming -the newly established password (block 395).
  • the date and time of the last time that the password was used is recorded and, as shown in block 397, that date and time for the previous login is then displayed.
  • Access-blocking may be established on: individual shows; channels; themes (entire themes such as Movies, Sports, Children's or sub-themes such as Adventure, Drama, Baseball, Basketball, etc.); TV Parental Guideline or MPAA rating (including un-rated shows); time slot or day; and/or access to the Recording and Watch features.
  • blocked shows will be available. Also, blocked shows may still be scheduled to record or watch once the Master Password is input. Any show scheduled to record or watch will be recorded or watched even if it is blocked previously or subsequently blocked.
  • the record and watch features may be blocked also. If a user attempts to schedule a show to record or watch when the feature is blocked and the guide is not in Master Mode, the action will be denied and the Master Password dialog box will appear. If the Master Password is not input, the function of the Guide will be modified as follows:
  • the user may not schedule any show to record via the Guide or VCR Plus+
  • the user may not schedule any show to watch via the Guide or VCR Plus+
  • any show scheduled to record or watch by the Master will still be executed even if these features are blocked. If these features are not blocked, a user without the Master Password may enter the Record/Watch Schedule and make changes to any shows in the queue.
  • a VChip Plus+ Dialog box appears whenever access has been denied to a show, channel, time screen, feature, etc. via a VChip Plus+ block.
  • This dialog box provides for input of the Master Password for access as shown in FIG. 66. Additional dialog boxes appear if the input is not the correct password.
  • the GUIDE Plus+ system supports semi-automatic setup with minimal user intervention.
  • the basic data required from the user includes, Country, Zip Code/Postal Code, whether the service is Over-the-Air (OTA) or cable, Cable Box, chosen from on-screen list of brand names, VCR Brand, chosen from on-screen list of brand names, cable Box output RF channel (if applicable).
  • OTA Over-the-Air
  • Cable Box chosen from on-screen list of brand names
  • VCR Brand chosen from on-screen list of brand names
  • cable Box output RF channel if applicable.
  • VChip Plus+ includes additional setup screens directly following the Cable Box output questions. These screens will appear only the first time the user goes through setup, thereafter, the user will use the VChip Plus+ password screen to set a Master Password or change it.
  • FIG. 67 depicts the Master Password Setup.
  • the user is asked if he/she wishes to set up a Master Password now. If No, then a screen appears communicating that the user may set up a Master Password later by entering the VChip Plus+ Password screen within GUIDE Plus+ (see FIG. 68). If Yes, then the user is presented with a password creation screen as indicated by FIG. 69. Once a password is input, a confirmation screen is displayed (see FIG. 70). If the user correctly inputs the password a second time, the acceptance screen is displayed (see FIG. 71). If the user incorrectly inputs the password a second time, the failure screen shown in FIG. 72 is displayed. When the user presses the ⁇ OK> button, the Master Password Setup Screen of FIG. 67, is displayed. The user may try again now or input NO and try later.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un appareil permettant aux parents d'exercer un contrôle d'accès sur les émissions de télévision, en utilisant une interface de contrôle à plusieurs fonctions. Ce procédé nécessite l'introduction d'un mot de passe en mode maître pour obtenir un accès illimité à toutes les fonctions de l'interface de contrôle parental. Un fois dans le mode maître, l'utilisateur peut spécifier un critère pour bloquer une émission de télévision et empêcher qu'elle ne soit regardée ou enregistrée, ou encore demander de ne pas tenir compte du blocage effectué sur une émission de télévision. Une fois le mot de passe introduit, le système entre en mode mot de passe maître jusqu'à l'extinction du poste de télévision, que l'utilisateur quitte le mode plus + de la puce antiviolence, ou qu'on dépasse un certaine délai. Par ailleurs, si un utilisateur ne se trouvant pas dans le mode maître tente de regarder ou d'enregistrer une émission qui répond au critère de blocage et que celle-ci ne réponde pas au critère de non prise en considération, le système demande à l'utilisateur d'introduire le mot de passe. Si le mot de passe est correct, l'émission est débloquée.
PCT/US1999/004133 1998-02-27 1999-02-25 Appareil et procede de controle parental faisant intervenir le mode plus + de puce antiviolence et un mot de passe maitre WO1999044361A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000534001A JP2002505558A (ja) 1998-02-27 1999-02-25 Ｖチッププラス＋とマスターパスワードを使用するペアレンタルコントロールのための装置及び方法
EP99912225A EP1066721A1 (fr) 1998-02-27 1999-02-25 Appareil et procede de controle parental faisant intervenir le mode plus + de puce antiviolence et un mot de passe maitre
AU30643/99A AU3064399A (en) 1998-02-27 1999-02-25 Apparatus and method for parental control using v-chip plus+ and master password
CA002321914A CA2321914A1 (fr) 1998-02-27 1999-02-25 Appareil et procede de controle parental faisant intervenir le mode plus + de puce antiviolence et un mot de passe maitre

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US7629098P 1998-02-27 1998-02-27
US10057598P 1998-09-16 1998-09-16
US19003198A 1998-11-11 1998-11-11
US11134298P 1998-12-07 1998-12-07
US22161598A 1998-12-28 1998-12-28
US09/190,031 1998-12-28
US60/100,575 1998-12-28
US60/076,290 1998-12-28
US09/221,615 1998-12-28
US60/111,342 1998-12-28

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EP (1) EP1066721A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2002505558A (fr)
CN (1) CN1155243C (fr)
AU (1) AU3064399A (fr)
CA (1) CA2321914A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999044361A1 (fr)

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WO2001044905A2 (fr) * 1999-12-15 2001-06-21 Spotware Technologies, Inc. Procede d'etablissement de niveaux de verrouillage parental en fonction d'un exemple de contenu
WO2001050752A1 (fr) * 1999-12-30 2001-07-12 Thomson Licensing S.A. Systeme de controle de classement dote d'une capacite de neutralisation temporaire et d'une fonction de memorisation-rappel
EP1134972A3 (fr) * 2000-03-17 2002-01-09 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Dispositif et méthode de contrôle parental et de surveillance
FR2813737A1 (fr) * 2000-09-05 2002-03-08 Thomson Multimedia Sa Procede de verrouillage ou deverrouillage d'un service sur un recepteur numerique d'emissions audiovisuelles et dispositif de mise en oeuvre du procede
WO2002101524A2 (fr) * 2001-06-11 2002-12-19 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Serveur de gestion de licence, systeme de gestion de licence et procede de restriction d'utilisation
WO2003009594A1 (fr) 2001-07-16 2003-01-30 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Appareil de limitation de visionnement, systeme de limitation de visionnement et programme de limitation de visionnement
JP2003516051A (ja) * 1999-12-01 2003-05-07 キアヌーシ ナムヴァール、 信号ユニットを送信する装置
EP1320255A1 (fr) * 2001-12-14 2003-06-18 Beta Research GmbH Dispositif de démarrage
JP2003519974A (ja) * 1999-12-30 2003-06-24 トムソン ライセンシング ソシエテ アノニム 一時的にオーバライド可能な格付け制御システム
JP2003519980A (ja) * 1999-12-30 2003-06-24 トムソン ライセンシング ソシエテ アノニム 一時的オーバーライド機能と競合解消機能とを有するレーティング制御システム
WO2003075561A2 (fr) 2002-02-28 2003-09-12 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Controle parental positif
EP1251697A3 (fr) * 2001-04-20 2004-01-02 MASCOM GmbH Module de désembrouillage pour un récepteur pour la réception de signaux de diffusion ou de télévision codés numériquement
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US9113208B2 (en) 2013-03-18 2015-08-18 Squaredon Co Ltd Personalized video channel control
CN105916005A (zh) * 2016-06-12 2016-08-31 腾讯科技（深圳）有限公司 多媒体信息的内容模式控制方法和装置

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AU3064399A (en) 1999-09-15
JP2002505558A (ja) 2002-02-19

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