A television receiver and a television single selectivity reception control method

Abstract

The application provides a television receiver and a television single-selectivity receiving control method, relates to the technical field of television receivers, and solves the problems that a traditional television cannot perceive audience composition, needs manual switching or setting of a watching mode by enabling the television to automatically collect and identify the identities and quantity of audiences in a current watching area through the setting of a biological recognition module, and generating accurate identity combination information. The television can automatically match differentiated signal source access rules and priority orders for different audience groups by setting a corresponding permission pool to be activated dynamically according to the identity combination information through a decentralized management module, so that the problems that permission management is complicated and cannot be automatically adapted according to scenes when multiple people share the television are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of television receiver technology, specifically to a television receiver and a method for controlling single-selective television reception. Background Technology

[0002] A television receiver is a terminal device used to receive, decode, and output television signals. Its forms include traditional digital television set-top boxes, integrated smart TV hosts, and display terminals with signal processing capabilities. With the convergence of broadcasting and network technologies, modern television receivers typically integrate access to terrestrial digital television, cable television, satellite television, and various online streaming media signal sources, providing users with a wealth of audiovisual content. Users can switch between multiple signal sources and select the content they wish to watch using remote controls, physical buttons, or voice commands.

[0003] In home environments, existing TV receivers commonly suffer from access control and signal source conflicts in multi-user viewing scenarios. Families often include members of different ages and with varying content access permissions, such as adults and minors. When multiple family members watch TV simultaneously, their preferences for signal sources may differ. Existing TV receivers, however, can only respond to single operation commands and lack the ability to identify the viewer, failing to distinguish between the current operator and other viewers. This leads to the following common issues in practice: children attempt to switch to inappropriate content sources when parents are present, requiring frequent intervention or physical control of the remote; multiple family members each want to switch to their preferred signal source via the remote, causing repeated switching and conflicting experiences; and children may switch to restricted content sources on their own after a brief absence, making effective parental control impossible. Furthermore, while existing TV receivers offer basic functions like parental controls, these are typically global on / off modes, unable to dynamically adjust permissions based on the current viewer composition or automatically determine a signal source that meets the permission requirements of all present members in multi-user viewing scenarios. Therefore, how to achieve refined and dynamic signal source control based on viewer identity in multi-person viewing scenarios is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in the field of television receivers.

[0004] Therefore, a television receiver and a method for controlling single-selective television reception are provided. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems mentioned in the background art, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a television receiver, comprising: The biometric module is configured to collect the biometric features of users in the current viewing area and determine the identity combination information of the current audience based on the user's biometric features. The identity combination information includes the number of audience members and the role type of each audience member. The decentralized management module is configured to dynamically activate the corresponding permission pool based on the identity combination information. The permission pool includes signal source access rules and signal source priority list. The signal source access rules define the types of signal sources that different viewer roles are allowed to access, and the signal source priority list defines the priority order of different viewer roles' right to select signal sources in a multi-view scenario. The remote auxiliary control module is configured to receive auxiliary requests initiated by the remote control terminal via the WiFi communication module, and to perform remote collaborative operations based on the auxiliary requests; The selective reception control module is configured to respond to changes in identity combination information or triggering of remote collaborative operations. When multiple viewer roles are detected to coexist, it dynamically determines a unique signal source from the set of allowed signal sources based on the conflict resolution strategy, the signal source priority list, and the current available signal source status. It then locks the current input path of the television to the unique signal source and blocks unauthorized switching requests during the locking period. Among them, the conflict resolution strategy comprehensively evaluates the candidate signal sources based on the dynamic arbitration weights of each audience role to adjudicate the unique signal source.

[0006] Furthermore, the conflict resolution strategies configured in the selective reception control module include one or more of the following: In strict mode, the intersection of all coexisting audience role admission rules is taken as the signal source set; In the guardianship mode, when there are restricted characters among the coexisting audience characters, the admission rules of the restricted characters shall prevail. Temporary authorization mode, in response to the overlay command from the remote control terminal, temporarily changes the sole signal source.

[0007] Furthermore, the selective reception control module is configured to determine the unique signal source by calculating the weighted preference score of each role for the candidate signal sources; The formula for calculating the weighted preference score is: Where Score(S) is the weighted preference score, Wᵢ is the dynamic arbitration weight of the i-th audience role, Pᵢ(S) is the preference coefficient of the i-th audience role for signal source S, and Aᵢ(S) is the admission label of the i-th audience role for signal source S. The dynamic arbitration weight is determined by at least one of the following: the role's basic priority, the presence duration coefficient, the time difference of the most recent active operation, and the temporary weight offset injected by the remote control terminal.

[0008] Furthermore, when multiple audience roles are identified to coexist and there is mutual exclusion of signal source admissions, the selective reception control module is configured to construct a conflict propagation graph representing the mutual exclusion relationship between the admissions of each audience role. The conflict resolution strategy is automatically determined based on the topology of the conflict propagation graph: If all nodes in the conflict propagation graph are interconnected, then strict mode is activated; If there are restricted role nodes in the conflict propagation graph and the restricted role nodes are connected to other nodes, then the guardian mode is activated, and the restrictions are based on the admission rules of the restricted role. If a remote control node exists in the conflict propagation graph and is directly connected to a restricted role node, then the temporary authorization mode is activated.

[0009] Furthermore, the ruling from the sole signal source is subject to an arbitration validity period: Under strict mode, the arbitration is valid for the duration of the current identity combination. Under guardianship, the validity period of arbitration is determined by the time window in the access rules for the restricted role; In the temporary authorization mode, the arbitration period is the duration specified by the remote control terminal. After the timeout, it will automatically revert to the conflict resolution strategy before the temporary authorization mode was activated for re-arbitration.

[0010] Furthermore, the detection of changes in identity combination information employs an incremental differential mechanism: The selective reception control module maintains an active audience set, periodically or event-drivenly collects current audience snapshots, and calculates a differential set, which includes a set of newly entered characters and a set of departing characters. When the differential set contains a newly entered role set, or when the exiting role set contains a key decision-maker of the current arbitration, the signal source is immediately triggered to re-arbitrate; When the difference set contains only departure events and the departing role is not a key decision-maker, a delayed re-decision is triggered and executed after confirmation via a pop-up window.

[0011] Furthermore, when the biometric module detects that all known audience members have left the viewing area, the selective reception control module starts a sleep countdown and maintains the current signal source locked state; If a viewer is detected to be returning during the hibernation countdown and their identity combination is the same as before they left, the current lock is seamlessly restored; if the identity combination changes, the incremental differential adjudication process is triggered. If the hibernation countdown expires and no audience returns, switch to the default signal source and unlock.

[0012] Furthermore, the selective reception control module employs a three-tiered defense architecture to lock the output, specifically including: The first level is the logic interception layer, which sets up an interception hook at the signal source switching command entry point of the operating system to intercept switching requests that do not carry a valid authorization token; The second level is the input path binding layer, which binds and locks the TV's hardware input port to a single signal source, thus shielding the input of non-locked signal sources at the hardware level. The third level is the display overlay layer. When an unauthorized switching request is triggered, a locking mask is overlaid on the current screen. The mask contains information about the current locking signal source and an interactive entry point for inquiring with the authorized role.

[0013] Furthermore, when an unauthorized switching request is received, the selective reception control module generates a real-time preview window of the candidate signal source in a designated area of ​​the current screen and pushes an interactive inquiry bubble to the authorized role. The interactive inquiry bubble contains the requester's identity information, the content level label of the candidate signal source, and at least three options: allow this time, allow and elevate privileges, and refuse. If the authorized role selects to allow and elevate privileges, update the initiator's signal source admission rules and add the candidate signal source to its permanent allowed list.

[0014] A single-selective television reception control method, applied to a television receiver, includes: Collect the biometric features of users within the current viewing area to determine the identity combination information of the current viewer; The corresponding permission pool is dynamically activated based on the identity combination information. The permission pool contains the signal source admission rules and the signal source priority list. In response to changes in identity combination information or the triggering of remote collaborative operations, when multiple audience roles are identified to coexist, a unique signal source is dynamically determined from the set of allowed signal sources based on the conflict resolution strategy, the signal source priority list, and the current status of available signal sources. Each audience role is assigned a dynamic arbitration weight, and the unique signal source is determined by calculating the weighted preference scores of each role for candidate signal sources. Lock the TV’s current input path to a single signal source and block unauthorized switching requests during the lockout period.

[0015] Beneficial effects The present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) This invention enables the television to automatically collect and identify the identities and numbers of viewers in the current viewing area through the setting of a biometric module, generating accurate identity combination information. This solves the problem that traditional televisions cannot perceive the composition of the audience and require users to manually switch or set viewing modes. By dynamically activating the corresponding permission pool based on the identity combination information through the permission management module, the television can automatically match differentiated signal source access rules and priority order for different audience groups, solving the problem of cumbersome permission management and inability to automatically adapt to the scene when multiple people share the television.

[0016] (2) This invention, through the collaborative setup of the remote auxiliary control module and the WiFi communication module, enables authorized users to initiate auxiliary requests and perform remote collaborative operations via the remote control terminal, solving the problem that guardians cannot intervene and control the television content in real time when they are away. By using the selective reception control module to dynamically adjudicate and lock a single signal source in the presence of multiple roles based on the conflict resolution strategy combined with the signal source priority list and the current available signal source status, the television can automatically generate a unified content source in the scenario of multiple viewers watching together, solving the problem of signal source selection deadlock caused by different permissions and conflicting preferences among multiple viewers.

[0017] (3) This invention, through the classification of strict mode, guardianship mode, and temporary authorization mode in the conflict resolution strategy, enables the television to automatically match the most appropriate permission adjudication method according to the viewer's role, thus resolving the contradiction that a single permission mode cannot simultaneously meet the needs of security guardianship and temporary flexibility. By introducing dynamic arbitration weights, preference coefficients, and admission indicators through a weighted preference score calculation formula for comprehensive evaluation, the television can quantitatively measure the overall inclination of each viewer role towards candidate signal sources, thus solving the problem that relying solely on priority ranking leads to a large deviation between the adjudication result and the user's actual intention.

[0018] (4) This invention, through the setting of dynamic arbitration weight jointly determined by the role's basic priority, the presence duration coefficient, the time difference of the most recent active operation, and the temporary weight offset injected by the remote control terminal, enables the television to reflect the audience's activity level and remote intervention intention in real time, solving the problem that static weights cannot adapt to changes in interactive behavior. By constructing a conflict propagation graph and setting the conflict resolution strategy automatically based on the topology, the television can automatically identify the conflict type and match the optimal arbitration mode in complex scenarios with multiple people, multiple roles, and multiple mutually exclusive permissions, solving the problem that traditional rule engines cannot cope with complex permission relationships.

[0019] (5) This invention, through the configuration of arbitration validity period differentiated according to different adjudication modes, enables the television to match continuous locking, time window constraints, and temporary authorization time limits for strict mode, guardian mode, and temporary authorization mode respectively, solving the problem of indefinite extension of permission status leading to content incompatibility or rigid control. Through the incremental differential mechanism for fine-grained detection of changes in identity combination information, the television can distinguish between different event types such as the entry of new characters and the departure of key characters, and adopt differentiated response strategies of immediate adjudication or delayed confirmation, solving the problem of frequent signal source switching and disruption of viewing continuity caused by viewers' brief absences.

[0020] (6) This invention uses a sleep countdown mechanism to start a countdown when all viewers leave and seamlessly restore or switch the default signal source settings based on the return status. This enables the television to intelligently manage its working state in unattended scenarios, solving the problems of content loss after a short absence and power waste during long periods of unattended viewing. Through a three-tiered defense architecture implementing hierarchical locking at the logic interception layer, input path binding layer, and display overlay layer, the television ensures the reliability of signal source locking from three levels: system command entry, hardware path connection, and user interface feedback. This solves the problem of access control failure caused by bypassing a single interception mechanism.

[0021] (7) This invention, by generating a candidate signal source preview window and pushing an interactive inquiry bubble when an unauthorized switching request is triggered, enables the TV to transform permission denial into a transparent and controllable authorization process, solving the problems of no user feedback after permission interception and the inability of authorized roles to intervene conveniently. By configuring the permission and elevation options, the TV can automatically update the initiator's signal source admission rules after the authorized role confirms, adding the candidate signal source to its permanent allowed list, thus solving the problem of needing to manually enter the background configuration for permission adjustment and the lengthy operation path.

[0022] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a system flowchart of the entire invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the conflict propagation diagram of the present invention.

[0025] In the diagram: Biometric Module 1, Identity Combination Information 11, Decentralized Management Module 2, Permission Pool 21, Signal Source Admission Rules 22, Signal Source Priority List 23, Remote Assisted Control Module 3, WiFi Communication Module 31, Remote Control Terminal 32, Assisted Request 33, Selective Reception Control Module 4, Conflict Resolution Strategy 41, Current Available Signal Source Status 42, Set of Allowed Signal Sources 43, Unique Signal Source 44, Blocking Unauthorized Switching Requests 45, Dynamic Arbitration Weight 46. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 The present invention provides a technical solution: a television receiver, comprising: The biometric module 1 is configured to collect the biometric features of users in the current viewing area and determine the identity combination information 11 of the current audience based on the user's biometric features. The identity combination information 11 includes the number of audience members and the role type of each audience member. Biometric module 1 requires authorization before it can be activated, and the data is encrypted and stored locally.

[0028] The decentralized management module 2 is configured to dynamically activate the corresponding permission pool 21 based on the identity combination information 11. The permission pool 21 includes signal source access rules 22 and signal source priority list 23. The signal source access rules 22 define the types of signal sources that different viewer roles are allowed to access, and the signal source priority list 23 defines the priority order of different viewer roles' right to select signal sources in a multi-view scenario. The remote auxiliary control module 3 is configured to receive the auxiliary request 33 initiated by the remote control terminal 32 through the WiFi communication module 31, and perform remote collaborative operation based on the auxiliary request 33; Selective reception control module 4 is configured to respond to changes in identity combination information 11 or triggering of remote collaborative operation. When multiple viewer roles are detected to coexist, it dynamically determines a unique signal source 44 from the set of allowed signal sources 43 based on conflict resolution strategy 41, combined with signal source priority list 23 and current available signal source status 42, and locks the current input path of the television to the unique signal source 44, and blocks unauthorized switching requests 45 during the locking period. Among them, the conflict resolution strategy 41 comprehensively evaluates the candidate signal sources based on the dynamic arbitration weights 46 of each audience role to adjudicate the unique signal source 44.

[0029] In a specific implementation scenario, the TV receiver is used in a home environment. During installation, the biometric module 1 is first integrated into the TV bezel or connected to the TV main control board via a separate camera assembly, with its lens pointed at the viewing area. The decentralized management module 2, the remote auxiliary control module 3, and the selective reception control module 4 are embedded in the TV's operating system layer in software form, and establish data paths with hardware input / output interfaces (such as HDMI interface, antenna interface, and network interface).

[0030] Once the television is powered on, it enters its working state. First, the biometric module 1 continuously collects user biometric features such as facial images, irises, or body postures of the viewers within the current viewing area via a camera. The biometric module 1 has pre-set role models for family members (e.g., "father," "mother," "child," "visitor"), and identifies the specific identity of the current viewer through feature comparison. For example, when it detects that a father and a child are sitting on the sofa simultaneously, the biometric module 1 generates identity combination information 11, which includes the number of viewers being 2, and the viewer roles being "father" and "child," respectively.

[0031] The identity combination information 11 is then transmitted to the decentralization management module 2. The decentralization management module 2 maintains a mapping table that can activate the corresponding permission pool 21 based on different identity combination information 11. Under the aforementioned "father + child" combination, the decentralization management module 2 invokes the permission pool 21 pre-set for the "family shared viewing" scenario. Permission pool 21 contains two parts: signal source access rules 22 and a signal source priority list 23. Signal source access rules 22 define that the "child" role cannot access signal sources with content rated "adult" (such as certain paid movie channels), while the "father" role can access all signal sources. The signal source priority list 23 defines that in case of conflicting opinions, the "father" role has a higher priority in choosing than the "child" role.

[0032] The selective reception control module 4, acting as the decision-making core, continuously monitors changes in the identity combination information 11. Upon receiving the "father + child" combination information, it immediately initiates the adjudication process. The selective reception control module 4 first acquires all available signal sources for the current TV (such as the game console on HDMI1, the set-top box on HDMI2, and built-in video applications), and combines this with the signal source access rules 22 obtained from the decentralization management module 2 to filter out "adult" signal sources that are prohibited from access by the "child" role, generating a set of allowed signal sources 43.

[0033] The selective reception control module 4 makes a decision based on its built-in conflict resolution strategy 41. Since there are two viewer roles, the selective reception control module 4 reads the signal source priority list 23 and identifies that the "father" has a higher priority than the "child". If there are multiple options in the set of allowed signal sources 43 (such as a game console and a children's animation app), the signal source preferred by the "father" is selected first. Ultimately, the selective reception control module 4 determines a single signal source 44, such as "the game console on HDMI 1". After the decision is made, the selective reception control module 4 immediately sends a command to the TV's operating system to lock the TV's current input path to the "HDMI 1" port. During the locking period, any commands from the remote control or physical buttons attempting to switch to other signal sources are identified as unauthorized switching requests 45 and blocked, thus ensuring that the TV content is not accidentally changed by the child.

[0034] Automatic and precise content source control based on viewer identity eliminates the need for manual user settings. Especially in scenarios where multiple roles are watching together, it effectively avoids content access conflicts or misoperations caused by unclear permissions, ensuring the viewing experience and content security of family members.

[0035] Furthermore, the conflict resolution strategy 41 configured in the selective reception control module 4 includes one or more of the following: In strict mode, the intersection of all coexisting audience role admission rules is taken as the signal source set; In the guardianship mode, when the coexisting audience characters include the restricted character 421, the admission rules of the restricted character shall prevail. Temporary authorization mode, in response to the overlay command from remote control terminal 32, temporarily changes the unique signal source 44.

[0036] In specific implementation scenarios, the conflict resolution strategy 41 built into the selective reception control module 4 is designed as a dynamically selectable mode to adapt to different family management needs.

[0037] Scenario 1: Strict Mode When the biometric module 1 detects both the "mother" and "visitor" roles simultaneously within the viewing area, the access control module 2 activates the corresponding permission pool 21. The selective reception control module 4 assesses that the currently coexisting roles are two ordinary adults, and there is no clear guardian-warded relationship. At this point, the conflict resolution strategy 41 automatically activates the strict mode.

[0038] In strict mode, the module extracts the signal source admission rules 22 for "mother" and "visitor" respectively, and calculates the intersection of the two.

[0039] For example, the "mother" rule allows access to all signal sources, while the "visitor" rule only allows access to terrestrial digital television and some online video applications. The intersection of the two is "terrestrial digital television and some online video applications".

[0040] The selective reception control module 4 will only select the unique signal source 44 from this intersection set, ensuring that the visitor cannot access content beyond their permissions. At the same time, the mother also follows the visitor's permission restrictions, reflecting the principle of equality and security in the shared vision.

[0041] Scenario 2: Guardian Mode When the biometric module 1 detects that there are both "father" and "child" roles in the viewing area at the same time, the conflict resolution strategy 41 detects that the coexisting roles include a restricted role 421 (i.e. "child") with content access restrictions, and then activates the guardianship mode.

[0042] In guardianship mode, the selective reception control module 4 no longer calculates the intersection of permissions, but instead directly constructs the set of allowed signal sources 43 based on the access rule 22 of the restricted role 421 ("child"). This means that even if the "father" has permission to watch all content, when the "child" is present, the range of selectable signal sources will be automatically limited to the range that the "child" is allowed to access, thereby ensuring the safety and appropriateness of the shared content and reflecting proactive protection for minors.

[0043] Scenario 3: Temporary Authorization Mode During the monitoring mode, if the "father" needs to temporarily watch an adult-oriented news program that is not within the "child's" access rules, the "father" can initiate an assistance request 33 via the remote control application 32 on their mobile phone. This assistance request 33 is received by the remote assistance control module 3 via the WiFi communication module 31. The remote assistance control module 3 parses the assistance request 33 and generates a coverage instruction. In response to this coverage instruction, the selective reception control module 4 immediately activates the temporary authorization mode. The temporary authorization mode temporarily suspends the "child's" access rules, allowing the selective reception control module 4 to switch the television's sole signal source 44 to the news program specified by the "father." This process does not require the "father" to leave their seat or interrupt their viewing, enabling convenient remote intervention and control.

[0044] By setting up strict mode, monitoring mode and temporary authorization mode, a flexible and secure permission management framework is provided. It can meet the rigid needs of daily monitoring, and solve the flexibility needs in special scenarios through the temporary authorization mechanism, making the permission control of TV receiver both strict and humane.

[0045] Furthermore, the selective reception control module 4 is configured to determine the unique signal source 44 by calculating the weighted preference scores of each role for the candidate signal sources; The formula for calculating the weighted preference score is: Where Score(S) is the weighted preference score, Wᵢ is the dynamic arbitration weight of the i-th audience role, Pᵢ(S) is the preference coefficient of the i-th audience role for signal source S, and Aᵢ(S) is the admission label of the i-th audience role for signal source S. The dynamic arbitration weight 46 is jointly determined by at least one of the following: role base priority, presence duration coefficient, most recent active operation time difference, and temporary weight offset injected by the remote control terminal 32.

[0046] In a specific implementation scenario, in order to more intelligently determine the unique signal source 44 when multiple people are viewing the same signal, the selective reception control module 4 adopts a calculation method based on weighted preference scores.

[0047] Assume that there are two characters, "mother" and "son," in the current viewing area. Biometric module 1 identifies this identity combination information 11.

[0048] Decentralized management module 2 provides basic priorities for two roles. The dynamic arbitration weight of "Mother" is 46, with an initial value of 0.7. The initial value of "son" is 0.3.

[0049] The selective reception control module 4 also records the interaction history between the two characters and the television.

[0050] The system detected that the "son" actively browsed the game channel via the remote control within the past 5 minutes, while the "mother's" most recent action was 30 minutes ago.

[0051] The dynamic arbitration weight 46 is updated in real time: After introducing the "recent active operation time difference" factor, the weight of "son" is increased to 0.5, and the weight of "mother" is adjusted to 0.5, reflecting the higher influence of recently active users.

[0052] At this point, there are two candidate signal sources: one is signal source S1 (HDMI1, connected to the game console), and the other is signal source S2 (HDMI2, connected to the TV drama channel). The selective reception control module 4 internally stores the preference coefficients of each character for each signal source.

[0053] For example, Pᵢ(S1): the mother's preference coefficient for game consoles is 0.1, and the son's is 0.9; Pᵢ(S2): The mother's preference coefficient for TV dramas is 0.8, and the son's is 0.2.

[0054] The admission identifier Aᵢ(S) is determined based on signal source admission rule 22. Since neither role is restricted from accessing these two signal sources, all Aᵢ(S) values ​​are 1.

[0055] Selective reception control module 4 calls the calculation formula Perform the calculation: Score (Game Console S1) = (0.5 × 0.9 × 1) + (0.5 × 0.1 × 1) = 0.45 + 0.05 = 0.5 Score (TV series S2) = (0.5 × 0.2 × 1) + (0.5 × 0.8 × 1) = 0.1 + 0.4 = 0.5 If the calculation results are the same, other strategies (such as signal source priority list 23) can be used for final decision-making. If the remote control terminal 32 injects a temporary weight offset, temporarily increasing the weight of the "mother" by 0.2, then the dynamic arbitration weight 46 becomes "mother" 0.7 and "son" 0.3. Recalculate:

[0056] Score (Game Console S1) = (0.7 × 0.9 × 1) + (0.3 × 0.1 × 1) = 0.63 + 0.03 = 0.66 Score (TV series S2) = (0.7 × 0.2 × 1) + (0.3 × 0.8 × 1) = 0.14 + 0.24 = 0.38 At this point, the game console signal scored higher than the TV series signal, and the only signal source, 44, was ruled as the game console. Through dynamic weighting and quantitative calculation of preference coefficients, the signal source ruling process transcends simple priority ranking, comprehensively considering factors such as character presence time, recent activity levels, and remote intervention, making the ruling result more consistent with the overall preferences of the current viewing group.

[0057] Further reference Figure 2 When multiple audience roles are identified to coexist and there is mutual exclusion of signal source admission, the selective reception control module 4 is configured to construct a conflict propagation graph representing the mutual exclusion relationship between the admissions of each audience role. Conflict resolution strategy 41 is automatically determined based on the topology of the conflict propagation graph: If all nodes in the conflict propagation graph are interconnected, then strict mode is activated; If there are restricted role nodes in the conflict propagation graph and the restricted role nodes are connected to other nodes, then the guardian mode is activated, and the restricted role's admission rules are used as the basis for constraints. If a remote control node exists in the conflict propagation graph and is directly connected to a restricted role node, then the temporary authorization mode is activated.

[0058] In practical implementation, in a more complex scenario of multiple people viewing the same scene, the selective reception control module 4 automatically determines which conflict resolution strategy should be adopted by constructing a conflict propagation diagram 41.

[0059] Suppose that biometric module 1 detects the simultaneous presence of three individuals: "grandfather," "father," and "child." Three audience roles are identified. Selective reception control module 4 treats each role as a node in the conflict propagation graph.

[0060] Selective reception control module 4 analyzes whether there is mutual exclusion in signal source admission rule 22 between each pair of roles.

[0061] For example, the access rules for "children" restrict them from accessing sports live streaming channel A, while the access rules for "grandfathers" restrict them from accessing online video application B.

[0062] If the permissions of "child" and "grandfather" target different signal sources, then there is no direct mutual exclusion between them, and no edges are connected in the conflict propagation graph.

[0063] However, since the father can access all content, which creates a potential conflict with the child's restrictions, a connecting edge is built between the "child" and "father" nodes.

[0064] Selective reception control module 4 evaluates the topology of the collision propagation graph: The conflict propagation graph contains a restricted role node (“child”) and this node is connected to other nodes (“father”) by edges.

[0065] Not all nodes in the conflict propagation graph are connected to each other (there is no direct conflict edge between "grandfather" and "child").

[0066] Based on the preset automatic determination logic, since there are restricted role nodes and conflicts with other nodes, but the conflicts have not fully spread to all nodes, it is determined that the overly strict "strict mode" (requiring full connectivity) is not suitable at present. Simultaneously, since remote control terminal 32 is not connected, the "temporary authorization mode" is not met. Therefore, conflict resolution strategy 41 automatically activates the guardian mode. In this guardian mode, the adjudication criterion is based on the access rules of the restricted role "child". This means that all signal sources that "children" cannot access will be blocked, even if the "grandfather" or "father" prefers these sources, thereby ensuring the security of shared content for the most sensitive role.

[0067] By configuring the selective reception control module 4 to construct a conflict propagation graph representing the mutual exclusion relationship between audience roles, it can automatically and accurately match the most suitable conflict resolution mode according to the complex permission relationship between audience roles, without manual intervention, thus improving the overall intelligence level and adaptability.

[0068] Furthermore, the ruling from the sole signal source 44 includes an arbitration validity period: Under strict mode, the arbitration is valid for the duration of the current identity combination. Under guardianship, the validity period of arbitration is determined by the time window in the access rules for the restricted role; In the temporary authorization mode, the arbitration validity period is the duration specified by the remote control terminal 32. After the timeout, it will automatically revert to the conflict resolution strategy 41 before the temporary authorization mode was activated for re-arbitration.

[0069] In practical implementation, in order to prevent the indefinite continuation of the permission status, the selective reception control module 4 attaches an arbitration validity period to each unique signal source 44 that has been adjudicated. The arbitration validity period is determined by the mode of the conflict resolution strategy 41 that triggers the adjudication.

[0070] Scenario 1: Validity period under strict mode During a family gathering, biometric module 1 identifies multiple adult family members (no children) watching the same program. A strict mode is activated, determining that the single signal source 44 is a variety show. The validity period of this determination is set to "the duration of the current identity combination." This means that as long as these adults remain seated in the viewing area, the television input path is locked to that variety show. If anyone leaves or a new person joins, the identity combination information 11 changes, immediately triggering a re-determination, and the original validity period expires.

[0071] Scenario 2: Validity period under guardianship mode In scenarios where both the "mother" and the "child" are watching simultaneously, the guardianship mode is activated, and the sole signal source 44 is designated as a children's animation channel. The arbitration validity period is determined by the time window in the "child's" access rule 22. For example, if the "child's" rule specifies "animation time from 18:00 to 20:00 daily," then even if the identity combination remains unchanged during this period, once the time reaches 20:01, the arbitration validity period expires, and the selective reception control module 4 will automatically trigger a re-arbitration. If the "mother" is still present at this time, the system will switch to the news / variety channel preferred by the "mother," etc., based on priority.

[0072] Scenario 3: Validity period under temporary authorization mode In guardianship mode, the father initiates a coverage command via remote control terminal 32, temporarily switching the sole signal source 44 to a football match. This enters temporary authorization mode, with the arbitration validity period specified by the father on remote control terminal 32, for example, 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the arbitration validity period expires, and the selective reception control module 4 automatically performs a rollback operation, switching the television input path back to the animation channel determined by guardianship mode before the temporary authorization mode was activated, and restoring conflict resolution strategy 41 to guardianship mode.

[0073] By setting different validity periods for different permission modes, the stability of permission control is ensured, as well as the timeliness and automation of permission changes, thus avoiding permission abuse or content incompatibility issues caused by human negligence.

[0074] Furthermore, the change detection of identity combination information 11 adopts an incremental differential mechanism: The selective reception control module 4 maintains an active audience set, periodically or in an event-driven manner collects current audience snapshots, and calculates a differential set, which includes a set of newly entered characters and a set of departing characters. When the differential set contains a newly entered role set, or when the exiting role set contains a key decision-maker of the current arbitration, the signal source is immediately triggered to re-arbitrate; When the difference set contains only departure events and the departing role is not a key decision-maker, a delayed re-decision is triggered and executed after confirmation via a pop-up window.

[0075] In practice, in order to respond to changes in the audience efficiently and accurately, the selective reception control module 4 adopts an incremental differential mechanism to detect changes in the identity combination information 11.

[0076] The selective reception control module 4 internally maintains a set of active audience members and records the roles of the audience members currently present in real time. The biometric module 1 periodically (e.g., every 5 seconds) or event-driven (e.g., when a face is detected entering or leaving) takes a snapshot of the current audience member.

[0077] For example, the current active viewer set is {father, mother}, and the television is playing a drama series judged by a strict mode. At this moment, a child enters the viewing area. Biometric module 1 captures a new snapshot {father, mother, child}. Selective reception control module 4 calculates the difference set between the new and old snapshots, obtaining a new entry set of {child}, and an empty exit set. Since the difference set includes the new entry set, a significant change in the viewer composition is determined, immediately triggering a signal source re-judgment process. Based on the new identity combination {father, mother, child}, the monitoring mode is activated, and the signal source is switched to content suitable for the child.

[0078] In another scenario, the current active viewer set is {Father, Mother, Child}, and a children's cartoon is playing on TV. At this point, the father leaves the viewing area. The new snapshot is {Mother, Child}, the difference set is empty (newly entered character set is empty), and the leaving character set is {Father}. It checks whether the "Father" in the leaving character set is the key decision-maker in the current arbitration. In guardianship mode, the key decision-maker is the restricted character "Child," while "Father" is not. Therefore, instead of immediately triggering a re-arbitration, a delay timer is started, for example, waiting 10 seconds, and a confirmation window pops up on the screen: "Father has left, keep current content?". If no instruction is received during the delay, the current lock is maintained; if the window confirms, a re-arbitration is performed, updating the highest priority character in the signal source priority list 23 to "Mother."

[0079] By meticulously categorizing and processing changes in identity, the system avoids frequent switching of signal sources due to brief audience absences (such as picking up takeout or going to the restroom), thus improving the continuity of the viewing experience. At the same time, it ensures that the departure or entry of key characters (such as restricted children) can be responded to immediately, guaranteeing a balance between content safety and autonomy.

[0080] Furthermore, when the biometric module 1 detects that all known audience members have left the viewing area, the selective reception control module 4 starts a sleep countdown and maintains the current signal source locked state; If a viewer is detected to be returning during the hibernation countdown and their identity combination is the same as before they left, the current lock is seamlessly restored; if the identity combination changes, the incremental differential adjudication process is triggered. If the hibernation countdown expires and no audience returns, switch to the default signal source and unlock.

[0081] In practice, when the biometric module 1 detects that all known audience members have left the viewing area, it enters an intelligent standby management state.

[0082] For example, after the scene where the "father" and "child" are watching together ends, both leave the living room. The biometric module 1 detects an empty snapshot of the current viewer and confirms that all known viewer characters have left. At this point, the selective reception control module 4 initiates a sleep countdown, for example, set to 5 minutes. During this period, the television's current input path remains locked, and the children's cartoon continues to play.

[0083] If, during the countdown period (e.g., at the 3rd minute), the biometric module 1 detects that a "child" has returned to the viewing area, the countdown is immediately stopped. Since the returning identity combination ({child}) is inconsistent with the previous identity combination ({father, child}), an incremental differential adjudication process is triggered. Based on the new identity combination {child}, the corresponding permission pool 21 is reactivated, and a unique signal source 44 is determined (which may be children's cartoons or other suitable content), achieving seamless resumption of viewing.

[0084] If, during the hibernation countdown, it is detected that both the "father" and the "child" have returned simultaneously, and their identities are exactly the same as before they left, the countdown will be canceled directly, and the television will continue to play the children's cartoon that was locked before they left, without the need for a new ruling.

[0085] If the 5-minute sleep countdown expires and the biometric module 1 still does not detect any returning viewers, the selective reception control module 4 will perform the final standby action: switch the TV's current input path to a preset default signal source (e.g., a screensaver displaying a landscape or a static channel of terrestrial digital TV), and unlock all signal sources, putting the TV into a low-power standby preparation state.

[0086] It enables intelligent handling of unattended viewing scenarios, which not only avoids accidental shutdown or content switching due to brief absence, but also prevents unnecessary power consumption and content playback when unattended for extended periods, thus improving energy efficiency and user experience.

[0087] Furthermore, the selective reception control module 4 employs a three-tiered defense architecture to lock the output, specifically including: The first level is the logic interception layer, which sets up an interception hook at the signal source switching command entry point of the operating system to intercept switching requests that do not carry a valid authorization token; The second level is the input path binding layer, which binds and locks the TV's hardware input port to the unique signal source 44, thus shielding the input of non-locked signal sources at the hardware level. The third level is the display overlay layer. When the unauthorized switching request 45 is triggered, a locking mask is overlaid on the current screen. The mask contains the current locking signal source information and the interaction entry point for inquiring with the authorized role.

[0088] In practice, to ensure that the locking of the unique signal source 44 is sufficiently reliable, the selective reception control module 4 adopts a three-level defense architecture to perform the locking output.

[0089] Level 1: Logic Interception Layer At the lowest level of the TV operating system, the selective reception control module 4 sets up an interception hook at the entry function where the system processes all signal source switching commands. When the user presses the "Signal Source" button via the remote control, the command is encapsulated as a switching request. The interception hook first checks whether the request carries a valid authorization token issued by the selective reception control module 4. If the request comes from the system's automatic decision-making process, it carries the token and is allowed to proceed; if the request comes from the user's remote control, it lacks a token, and the request is identified as an unauthorized switching request 45, which is then intercepted at this layer and cannot enter the subsequent hardware switching process.

[0090] Level 2: Input Path Binding Layer If the logic interception layer fails to intercept for any reason, the selective reception control module 4 implements secondary protection at the hardware abstraction layer. It binds and locks the hardware input port on the TV motherboard connected to the unique signal source 44 (e.g., HDMI1) to the current display path by calling the underlying hardware driver interface. This binding is hardware-level, meaning that even if the operating system receives a switching command, the hardware path manager will refuse to import the video stream from the unbound port (e.g., HDMI2) to the display panel.

[0091] Level 3: Display Overlay If the first two levels of defense are breached (e.g., through system-level vulnerabilities), the display overlay mechanism will eventually be activated. When an unauthorized switching request 45 is detected, causing an actual signal source to attempt to switch, the selective reception control module 4 immediately invokes the graphics engine to forcibly overlay a semi-transparent locking mask above the currently playing screen. This locking mask clearly displays the text "Current channel is locked, only [current locked signal source name]" and provides an interactive entry point, such as "Request unlock from parent." This explains to the user why the operation is ineffective and provides a corrective mechanism for authorized users.

[0092] Through a layered and progressive defense mechanism, the robustness of signal source locking is greatly enhanced, effectively preventing access breaches caused by various accidents or malicious operations, and ensuring the strict implementation of access control policies.

[0093] Furthermore, when an unauthorized switching request 45 is received, the selective reception control module 4 generates a real-time preview window of the candidate signal source in a designated area of ​​the current screen and pushes an interactive inquiry bubble to the authorized role. The interactive inquiry bubble contains the requester's identity information, the content level label of the candidate signal source, and at least three options: allow this time, allow and elevate privileges, and refuse. If the authorized role selects to allow and elevate privileges, update the initiator's signal source admission rule 22 and add the candidate signal source to its permanent allowed list.

[0094] In practice, when the selective reception control module 4 receives an unauthorized switching request 45, it does not simply reject it, but instead initiates a user-friendly interaction and permission upgrade process.

[0095] For example, in "Guardian Mode," the TV is locked to a children's animation channel. At this time, a child attempts to switch to the game console signal source (HDMI1) using the remote control. The selective reception control module 4 identifies the operator as a "child" and the target signal source "game console" is not in its current access rule 22, therefore classifying the operation as an unauthorized switching request 45.

[0096] Instead of immediately blocking the operation, the following interaction flow was executed: Generate preview window: A small real-time preview window is generated in the lower right corner of the currently playing animation screen to start playing the real-time content of the game console signal source.

[0097] Push Inquiry Bubble: Simultaneously, an interactive inquiry bubble is pushed to the currently authorized role (e.g., "Mother," the highest priority role based on signal source priority list 23) at the top or side of the screen. The bubble clearly displays the requester's identity information: "Child wants to switch to 'Game Console'", and the content rating label of the candidate signal source: "This content is suitable for ages 10 and up".

[0098] Options provided: Three button options are provided below the bubble: "Allow this time", "Allow and elevate privileges", and "Deny".

[0099] If the "mother" selects "Allow this time" on her mobile phone via remote control terminal 32 or directly in front of the TV, the selective reception control module 4 generates a single-use authorization token, temporarily allowing this switching operation, but without changing the "child's" permanent permissions.

[0100] If the "mother" selects "Allow and Elevate Permissions," after the switch is completed, an instruction is automatically sent to the permission management module 2 to update the signal source access rule 22 for the initiator, the "child." The updated rule adds the "game console" signal source to its permanent allowed list. Afterward, even when the mother is not present, the child can freely watch game console content, achieving intelligent and dynamic adjustment of permissions.

[0101] If the "Mother" selects "Decline", the preview window and the question bubble will close, and the current locked state will remain unchanged.

[0102] The specific effect of this implementation method is that it transforms a simple permission denial into a controllable and transparent authorization process. It not only provides a convenient way to grant temporary authorization, but also allows parents to gradually and safely expand their children's permission scope through the "Allow and Elevate Permissions" operation, avoiding cumbersome manual backend configuration and making permission management more flexible and efficient.

[0103] A television single-selective reception control method, applied to a television receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises: Collect the biometric features of users within the current viewing area to determine the current viewer's identity combination information 11; When a user enters the television viewing area, the biometric module 1 is activated, using a camera to capture the user's biometric features within the current viewing area. The feature comparison engine within the biometric module 1 matches these biometric features with pre-stored facial models to determine the current viewer's identity and integrates this information to generate identity combination information 11. For example, the identification result might be an adult (father) and a minor (son).

[0104] Based on the identity combination information 11, the corresponding permission pool 21 is dynamically activated. The permission pool 21 contains the signal source admission rules 22 and the signal source priority list 23. The generated identity combination information 11 is passed to the decentralized management module 2. Based on the "father + son" combination, the decentralized management module 2 dynamically activates a preset permission pool 21 from the memory. The permission pool 21 contains signal source access rules 22 for this combination (e.g., prohibiting the son from accessing adult channels) and a signal source priority list 23 (e.g., the father has higher weight in decision-making).

[0105] In response to changes in identity combination information 11 or the triggering of remote collaborative operations, when multiple audience roles are identified to coexist, a unique signal source 44 is dynamically determined from the set of allowed signal sources 43 based on the conflict resolution strategy 41, the signal source priority list 23, and the current available signal source status 42. Each audience role is assigned a dynamic arbitration weight 46, and the unique signal source 44 is determined by calculating the weighted preference score of each role for the candidate signal sources. The selective reception control module 4 continuously monitors changes in the identity combination information 11 or remote collaborative operation triggers from the remote auxiliary control module 3. When it detects the coexistence of two audience roles, "father" and "son," the module initiates the adjudication process. It first obtains the status of all currently available signal sources (e.g., HDMI1 online, HDMI2 online), and then invokes the conflict resolution strategy 41. This conflict resolution strategy 41 combines the signal source priority list 23 and the current available signal source status 42, and dynamically adjudicates a unique signal source 44 from the set of allowed access signal sources 43 filtered according to the signal source admission rule 22 by calculating the weighted preference score of each role for the candidate signal sources. During this process, each audience role is assigned a dynamic arbitration weight 46, which may be affected by factors such as its basic priority and duration of presence.

[0106] Lock the TV’s current input path to the single signal source 44 and block unauthorized switching requests 45 during the lockout period.

[0107] In practice, after identifying a single signal source 44 (e.g., a game console via HDMI1), the selective reception control module 4 sends a locking command to the TV's operating system kernel, forcibly locking the TV's current input path to that single signal source 44. Simultaneously, the module registers a global hook within the system to monitor and intercept all subsequent unauthorized switching requests 45. Any switching commands from the remote control, physical buttons, or other external devices that do not carry a valid authorization token will be identified and blocked, thus ensuring that the TV content remains on the safe and appropriate signal source identified by the system in multi-user viewing scenarios.

[0108] The system integrates complex identity recognition, access control, and conflict resolution logic into an automated, closed-loop control process. Users can enjoy a multi-member viewing experience that conforms to family rules and is intelligently guaranteed by the system without any manual intervention, effectively avoiding content conflicts and permission abuse.

Claims

1. A television receiver, characterized in that: include: The biometric module (1) is configured to collect the biometric features of users in the current viewing area and determine the identity combination information (11) of the current audience based on the user biometric features. The identity combination information (11) includes the number of audience members and the role type of each audience member. The decentralized management module (2) is configured to dynamically activate the corresponding permission pool (21) based on the identity combination information (11). The permission pool (21) includes signal source access rules (22) and signal source priority list (23). The signal source access rules (22) define the types of signal sources that different audience roles are allowed to access, and the signal source priority list (23) defines the priority order of different audience roles' right to select signal sources in a multi-person shared viewing scenario. The remote auxiliary control module (3) is configured to receive an auxiliary request (33) initiated by the remote control terminal (32) via the WiFi communication module (31) and perform remote collaborative operation based on the auxiliary request (33); The selective reception control module (4) is configured to respond to changes in the identity combination information (11) or the triggering of the remote collaborative operation. When multiple viewer roles are detected to coexist, it dynamically determines a unique signal source (44) from the set of allowed signal sources (43) based on the conflict resolution strategy (41) combined with the signal source priority list (23) and the current available signal source status (42), and locks the current input path of the television to the unique signal source (44), and blocks unauthorized switching requests (45) during the locking period. The conflict resolution strategy (41) comprehensively evaluates the candidate signal sources based on the dynamic arbitration weights (46) of each audience role to adjudicate the unique signal source (44).

2. A television receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conflict resolution strategy (41) configured in the selective reception control module (4) includes one or more of the following: In strict mode, the intersection of all coexisting audience role admission rules is taken as the signal source set; In the guardianship mode, when there are restricted characters among the coexisting audience characters, the admission rules of the restricted characters shall prevail. Temporary authorization mode, in response to the overlay command of the remote control terminal (32), temporarily changes the unique signal source (44).

3. A television receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The selective reception control module (4) is configured to decide the unique signal source (44) by calculating the weighted preference score of each role for the candidate signal source. The formula for calculating the weighted preference score is as follows: Wherein, Score(S) is the weighted preference score, Wᵢ is the dynamic arbitration weight of the i-th audience role (46), Pᵢ(S) is the preference coefficient of the i-th audience role for the signal source S, and Aᵢ(S) is the admission identifier of the i-th audience role for the signal source S. The dynamic arbitration weight (46) is jointly determined by at least one of the following: role base priority, presence duration coefficient, most recent active operation time difference, and temporary weight offset injected by the remote control terminal (32).

4. A television receiver according to claim 2, characterized in that: When multiple audience roles are identified to coexist and there is mutual exclusion of signal source admission, the selective reception control module (4) is configured to construct a conflict propagation graph representing the mutual exclusion relationship between each audience role; The conflict resolution strategy (41) is automatically determined based on the topology of the conflict propagation graph: If all nodes in the conflict propagation graph are interconnected, then strict mode is activated; If there are restricted role nodes in the conflict propagation graph and the restricted role nodes are connected to other nodes, then the guardian mode is activated, and constraints are applied based on the admission rules of the restricted role. If a remote control node exists in the conflict propagation graph and the remote control node is directly connected to a restricted role node, then the temporary authorization mode is activated.

5. A television receiver according to claim 2, characterized in that: The arbitration result of the sole signal source (44) is subject to an arbitration validity period: In strict mode, the arbitration period is valid for the duration of the current identity combination; In guardianship mode, the validity period of the arbitration is determined by the time window in the access rules of the restricted role; In the temporary authorization mode, the arbitration validity period is the duration specified by the remote control terminal (32). After the timeout, it automatically reverts to the conflict resolution strategy (41) before the temporary authorization mode was activated for re-arbitration.

6. A television receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The change detection of the identity combination information (11) adopts an incremental differential mechanism: The selective reception control module (4) maintains an active audience set, periodically or event-drivenly collects current audience snapshots, and calculates a difference set, which includes a set of newly entered characters and a set of departing characters. When the differential set contains a newly entered role set, or when the exiting role set contains a key decision-maker in the current arbitration, the signal source is immediately triggered to re-arbitrate; When the differential set contains only departure events and the departing role is not a key decision-maker, a delayed re-decision is triggered and executed after confirmation via a pop-up window.

7. A television receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the biometric module (1) detects that all known audience characters have left the viewing area, the selective reception control module (4) starts a sleep countdown and maintains the current signal source locked state; If a viewer is detected to return during the hibernation countdown and their identity combination is the same as before they left, the current lock is seamlessly restored; if the identity combination changes, the incremental differential adjudication process is triggered. If the hibernation countdown expires and no audience returns, switch to the default signal source and unlock.

8. A television receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The selective reception control module (4) employs a three-tier defense architecture to lock the output, specifically including: The first level is the logic interception layer, which sets up an interception hook at the signal source switching command entry point of the operating system to intercept switching requests that do not carry a valid authorization token; The second level is the input path binding layer, which binds and locks the hardware input port of the TV to the unique signal source (44), so that the hardware layer shields the input of the unlocked signal source. The third level is the display overlay layer. When an unauthorized switching request (45) is triggered, a locking mask is superimposed on the current screen. The mask contains information about the current locking signal source and an interactive entry point for inquiring about the authorized role.

9. A television receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that: When an unauthorized switching request (45) is received, the selective reception control module (4) generates a real-time preview window of the candidate signal source in a specified area of ​​the current screen and pushes an interactive inquiry bubble to the role with authorized permissions. The interactive inquiry bubble contains the requester's identity information, the content level label of the candidate signal source, and at least three options: allow this time, allow and elevate permissions, and refuse. If the authorized role selects to allow and elevate the privileges, update the signal source admission rules (22) of the initiator and add the candidate signal source to its permanent allowed list.

10. A television single-selective reception control method, applied to the television receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: include: Collect the biometric features of users in the current viewing area to determine the identity combination information of the current viewer (11); The corresponding permission pool (21) is dynamically activated based on the identity combination information (11). The permission pool (21) includes signal source admission rules (22) and signal source priority list (23). In response to changes in the identity combination information (11) or the triggering of remote collaborative operations, when multiple audience roles are identified to coexist, a unique signal source (44) is dynamically determined from the set of allowed signal sources (43) based on the conflict resolution strategy (41) combined with the signal source priority list (23) and the current available signal source status (42); wherein, each audience role is assigned a dynamic arbitration weight (46), and the unique signal source (44) is determined by calculating the weighted preference score of each role for the candidate signal source; Lock the current input path of the television to the single signal source (44) and block unauthorized switching requests during the lockout period (45).

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