Child-oriented computing system

Abstract

A child-oriented browsing system is provided wherein the system is implemented using a piece of client software, executing on the computing device of a child, and a website / server that manages the client software and other functions of the child-oriented browsing system.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 903,040, entitled “Child-Oriented Computer System,” and filed on Feb. 23, 2007, and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.[0002]This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 385,982 filed Mar. 20, 2006 entitled “Child-Oriented Computer System” and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention relates to methods and systems involving providing a child-oriented computing system, and more particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to software systems adapted to facilitate child-oriented computing activities.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]It is well known that personal computing devices, when used in conjunction with the Internet, provide vast opportunities for learning, entertainment, communication, receiving timely information, accessing electronic / informati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In embodiments the user interface and content for the system may be adaptive and may change automatically, with user triggers, based on events, such as the age of a child or the user interface and content may change based on another parameter. For example, as a child celebrates a birthday or the child achieves a certain level of competence, the device may make available new applications, such as instant messenger, or access to age-appropriate games and contents. Also, the content of applications may become more sophisticated and robust, such as offering other buttons and controls that are hidden for younger children.

[0025]In embodiments, the child-oriented computing system may provide a parental community that may enable parents to communicate with each other.

Problems solved by technology

This increased use of personal computing devices by children creates a challenge for parents, who may wish to monitor or filter the information to which a child has access.

Unfortunately, a modern personal computing device typically does not provide a parent with the controls that would allow him to define a policy relating to how a child may use the personal computing device.

The hardware is typically sensitive to environmental conditions—cell phones fail when dropped in water, DVDs fail when scratched, and so forth.

The software is typically loaded with features that, even when they work as advertised, are often hard to learn, explain, understand, or fully utilize.

Unfortunately, it is not safe to assume that a child can provide the level of care or cognition required to effectively operate most personal computing devices.

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