Method and apparatus for remotely controlling a plurality of devices
First Claim
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1. A method utilizing a software program to control time spent utilizing a plurality of electronic entertainment devices, at least one of which is a television and a gaming console, the method comprising the steps of:
- accepting for input of an allotment of time;
monitoring a usage time of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices;
comparing the usage time to the allotment of time;
initiating a warning sequence when a total of the usage time of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices is approaching the allotment of time; and
switching at least one of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices off when the usage time is equal to or has exceeded the allotment of time;
wherein the step of accepting for input of an allotment of time comprises the steps of;
creating an account for a user of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices;
assigning the allotment of time to the account;
assigning at least one of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices to the account; and
linking at least one of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices with the allotment of time.
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Abstract
Disclosed is a method for controlling usage times for at least one device, including the steps of: (a) identifying a device to be controlled; (b) utilizing the device by a user; (c) tracking a device usage value for the device as the user utilizes the device; and (d) initiating an action sequence based upon the device usage value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for controlling usage times for at least one device.
55 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method utilizing a software program to control time spent utilizing a plurality of electronic entertainment devices, at least one of which is a television and a gaming console, the method comprising the steps of:
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accepting for input of an allotment of time; monitoring a usage time of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices; comparing the usage time to the allotment of time; initiating a warning sequence when a total of the usage time of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices is approaching the allotment of time; and switching at least one of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices off when the usage time is equal to or has exceeded the allotment of time; wherein the step of accepting for input of an allotment of time comprises the steps of; creating an account for a user of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices; assigning the allotment of time to the account; assigning at least one of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices to the account; and linking at least one of the plurality of electronic entertainment devices with the allotment of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for managing an allotment of usage time for a user as between a computer and a plurality of electronic entertainment devices, at least one of which is a television and a gaming console, the apparatus comprising:
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a controller, operated by software, which causes an on/off signal to be originated based on a comparison of the user'"'"'s allotment of usage time to the user'"'"'s actual usage time of the computer and the plurality of electronic entertainment devices; a switch, activated by the on/off signal, for controlling an operational state of at least one of the computer and the plurality of electronic entertainment devices; and a linkage for communicating the on/off signal between the controller and the switch; and a user account for maintaining the allotment of usage of time assigned to the user and assignment of the user'"'"'s plurality of electronic entertainment devices, the account accessible by the software; wherein the user'"'"'s plurality of electronic entertainment devices actual usage is compared with the allotment of time, a warning sequence is initiated when a total of the user'"'"'s actual usage time of the computer and the plurality of electronic entertainment devices is approaching the user'"'"'s allotment of usage time, and the switch changes the operational state to off upon a predetermined comparison value. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification