Video playing responsive to usage restriction

Abstract

This invention relates to an automated control system and method that furnishes viewers with individualized automated editing and retrieval capabilities over the contents and length of a variable content video program in order to produce a transparently continuous and complete show. The system capabilities include an automated flexible control system design that enables an operator to selectively apply different editing criteria to the variety of subject matters that may be contained within the program. The system controls also include an automated capability for efficiently previewing program scenes of pre-identified categories and classes of subject matter and a capability for determining their inclusion in the program seen by the viewer. Finally, the control system provide a keyword/menu segment/program retrieval facility from an existing program and program database, and a requesting capability for programs to be produced according to viewer-specified requirements.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to an automated control system and method that furnishes viewers with individualized automated editing and retrieval capabilities over the contents and length of a variable content video program in order to produce a transparently continuous and complete show. The system capabilities include an automated flexible control system design that enables an operator to selectively apply different editing criteria to the variety of subject matters that may be contained within the program. The system controls also include an automated capability for efficiently previewing program scenes of pre-identified categories and classes of subject matter and a capability for determining their inclusion in the program seen by the viewer. [0003] Finally, the control system provide a keyword / menu segment / program retrieval facility from an existing program and program database, and a requesting capability for progra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032] It is also an object of the present invention to provide the capability for efficiently previewing selected scenes in order to indicate their inclusion for viewing. Inclusion/exclusion control is automatically accomplished by modification of the program content map as may be required for example by a parent editing a children's program. Additionally, the viewer accessible copy of the program

Problems solved by technology

Individual viewers once they elect to view a program, subject themselves to the results of this censorship or lack thereof.

The rating system is thus inadequate for a large portion of the viewing public.

Similarly, while the viewer has the option to truncate the length of a program by either terminating viewing the program, or if recorded to fast-forward certain scenes, there is no option of receiving a program at a user specified length.

Many methods and systems found in the prior art do not incorporated current basic technology and methods to produce an automatic viewer editing capability that produces a transparently complete program.

Also, while Chard suggests setting grading levels independently for sound (four levels) and vision (four levels), it does not teach providing grading levels for a variety of subject matters.

In this regard, Voael's disclosure of three broad classifications (advertisement, non-program material, restricted) does not enhance Olivo.

The MPAA rating system does not by, deliberate design, address segment specific subject matter information that is required

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