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Parental controls using view limits

  • US 20040221303A1
  • Filed: 04/13/2004
  • Published: 11/04/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A multi-channel video distribution system for controlling viewing of a video program by an end user, the multi-channel video distribution system comprising:

  • a program distribution system adapted to provide programs to one or more end user viewing devices, wherein the programs are distributed according to a linear schedule including multiple channels that simultaneously distribute programs;

    a viewing control system in communication with the program distribution system and the end user viewing devices, the viewing control system, comprising;

    a parental control programming system adapted to receive parental control rules from an end user, the parental control rules defining program viewing limits for one or more time periods; and

    a program viewing limit control system adapted to;

    count a number of viewings of a program during the one or more time periods;

    determine whether the number of viewings exceeds the defined program viewing limits for the one or more time periods; and

    prevent further viewings of the program if the number of viewings exceeds the defined program viewing limits for the one or more time periods.

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