Remote control with content management
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A remote control unit, comprising:
- a processor;
a local display;
a transmitter operable to communicate with a modem;
a memory including;
a stored plurality of profiles, each of the plurality of profiles associated with a corresponding content set and identified with a user profile number, a user profile name, and a display icon; and
instructions, executable by the processor, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including;
editing the plurality of profiles;
setting current content set as one of a plurality of content sets corresponding to the plurality of profiles;
prompting the modem to display a first predetermined content set; and
requesting first content from the modem, the first content allowed by the current content set;
a synchronization control that, when selected by a user, causes the processor to synchronize a set of profiles stored on the modem with the plurality of profiles stored in the memory;
a local control that, when selected, causes the processor to;
disable the transmitter; and
display commands, user profile data, and content sets on the local display; and
a search control that, when selected, causes the processor to;
initiate a search for an object selected from;
a profile; and
a menu; and
display a result of the search;
wherein the search is performed and the result is displayed;
locally when the local control is selected; and
remotely when the local control is not selected.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A remote control unit includes stored user profiles to facilitate and possibly limit access to media content. In some embodiments, a biometric sensor or smart card reader provides user authentication to access stored user profiles. User profiles are associated with content sets that include content selected for potential viewing by the user. The remote control unit is enabled for bidirectional communication with a set-top box or modem that permits access to media content from a bidirectional service provider network.
20 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A remote control unit, comprising:
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a processor; a local display; a transmitter operable to communicate with a modem; a memory including; a stored plurality of profiles, each of the plurality of profiles associated with a corresponding content set and identified with a user profile number, a user profile name, and a display icon; and instructions, executable by the processor, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including; editing the plurality of profiles; setting current content set as one of a plurality of content sets corresponding to the plurality of profiles; prompting the modem to display a first predetermined content set; and requesting first content from the modem, the first content allowed by the current content set; a synchronization control that, when selected by a user, causes the processor to synchronize a set of profiles stored on the modem with the plurality of profiles stored in the memory; a local control that, when selected, causes the processor to; disable the transmitter; and display commands, user profile data, and content sets on the local display; and a search control that, when selected, causes the processor to; initiate a search for an object selected from; a profile; and a menu; and display a result of the search; wherein the search is performed and the result is displayed; locally when the local control is selected; and remotely when the local control is not selected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A computer readable memory device, including:
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a stored plurality of profiles, each of the plurality of profiles associated with a corresponding content set and identified with a user profile number, a user profile name, and a display icon; and processor-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising; editing the plurality of profiles; setting a current content set as one of a plurality of content sets corresponding to the plurality of profiles; prompting a modem to display a first predetermined content set; and requesting first content from the modem, the first content allowed by the current content set; synchronizing a set of profiles stored on the modem with the plurality of profiles stored in the memory in response to selection of a synchronization control by a user; responsive to selection of a local control by the user; disabling a transmitter; and displaying commands, user profile data, and content sets on a local display; and responsive to selection of a search control; initiating a search for an object selected from; a profile; and a menu; and displaying a result of the search; wherein the search is performed and the result is displayed; locally when the local control is selected; and remotely when the local control is not selected. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A remote control method, comprising:
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editing a stored plurality of profiles, each of the plurality of profiles associated with a corresponding content set and identified with a user profile number, a user profile name, and a display icon; setting a current content set as one of a plurality of content sets corresponding to the plurality of profiles; prompting a modem to display a first predetermined content set; requesting first content from the modem, the first content allowed by the current content set; synchronizing a set of profiles stored on the modem with a locally stored plurality of profiles in response to selection of a synchronization control by a user; and responsive to selection of a local control by the user; disabling a transmitter; and displaying commands, user profile data, and content sets on a local display; and responsive to selection of a search control; initiating a search for an object selected from; a profile; and a menu; and displaying a result of the search; wherein the search is performed and the result is displayed; locally when the local control is selected; and remotely when the local control is not selected. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification