Parental controls using view limits
First Claim
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.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system for controlling the viewing of a video program by an end user. In one embodiment, the system comprises a program distribution system adapted to provide programs to one or more end user viewing devices, and a viewing control system in communication with the program distribution system and the end user viewing devices. In one embodiment, the viewing control system comprises a parental control programming system adapted to receive parental control rules from an end user. The parental control rules may define program viewing limits for one or more time periods. The viewing control systems may further comprise a program viewing limit control system that is 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.
160 Citations
35 Claims
-
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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
-
20. In a multi-channel video distribution system for delivering video program content to end users as part of a linear schedule of simultaneously available program, a method for controlling viewing of programs by an end user, the method comprising steps of:
-
receiving parental control rules from an end user, the parental control rules defining program viewing limits for one or more time periods;
counting a number of viewings of a program during the one or more time periods;
determining whether the number of viewings exceeds the defined program viewing limits for the one or more time periods; and
preventing further viewings of the program if the number of viewings exceeds the defined program viewing limits for the one or more time periods. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
-
-
33. A video distribution system for controlling viewing of a video program by an end user, where the video program is distributed as part of a schedule of programs, the multi-channel video distribution system comprising:
-
means for distributing programs to one or more end user viewing devices;
means for receiving parental control rules from an end user, the parental control rules defining program viewing limits for one or more time periods;
means for counting a number of viewings of a program during the one or more time periods;
means for determine whether the number of viewings exceeds the defined program viewing limit for the one or more time periods; and
means for preventing further viewings of the program if the number of viewings exceeds the defined program viewing limit for the one or more time periods. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35)
-
Specification