Method and apparatus for permitting a potential viewer to view a desired program

Abstract

A method and system prevents a potential viewer, such as a child, from viewing programming under certain conditions. For example, a programming receiver may be set up to prevent a child from viewing programming having a rating outside of an authorized rating limit, and / or from viewing programming during certain time periods, and / or from viewing any and all programming. When the child wishes to view a desired program, and the programming receiver determines that viewing is not permitted, the child is asked if they wish to seek permission from their parent or guardian to view the desired program. If so, an electronic request is made to a communication device, associated with the parent or guardian, such as a computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, or another television. The Request provides the parent with information regarding the desired program, and perhaps the identity of the requester. Hence, the parent can grant or deny permission to view the desired programming, from a remote location.

Description

[0001]This is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,278 B2 issued Sep. 21, 2010, which claims priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2002-0042860 filed Jul. 22, 2002. The entire contents of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.[0002]Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,278 B2. The U.S. reissue applications are application Ser. No. 13 / 070,283 filed Mar. 23, 2011, and application Ser. No. 13 / 072,476 filed Mar. 25, 2011.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates to a remote control method for permitting a potential viewer to view a desired broadcasting program, such as in connection with a digital television receiver. More particularly, the present invention provides a remote control method, which allows an authorized person to permit a potential viewer to view a desired program. The authorized person can provide permission to the potential viewer vi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for permitting a potential viewer to view a desired program, when viewing the desired program would be otherwise restricted.

Problems solved by technology

Often a parent is not available to input a password to the control unit to allow a child to view a “suitable,” but restricted program.

A child could call and ask the parent for the password, but this would not be a suitable solution.

The above-described system also suffers another drawback.

Children have a tendency to view too much programming and to view programming at inappropriate times, even if the programming has a rating within an authorized range.

The system in accordance with the background art does not address this concern, in that it provides no limit on a child's viewing of programming within the restriction rating range.

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