SYSTEM, METHOD, AND MEDIUM FOR OBFUSCATED PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ENTRY TO A MEDIA DEVICE - Patent application

Abstract

A system, method, and medium for obfuscated personal identification number entry into a media device are provided. In some embodiments, a method for personal identification number input to a media device includes receiving a request to enter a personal identification number (PIN) using a remote control device connected to the media device, and generating a PIN entry interface screen including: (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of numbers and one or more function options divided into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to the directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control device, wherein the virtual directional pad interface assigns a first subset of the plurality of directional buttons and the center selection button on the remote control device to active subsections of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigns a second subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control device to move between each of the plurality of subsections, and the method further includes receiving keypresses from the remote control device and updating a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with numbers or executing a function option of the one or more function options that matches the received keypresses, wherein the numbers corresponding to the received keypresses and the received keypresses are prevented from being presented on the PIN entry interface screen.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 097,203, filed November 13, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The disclosed subject matter relates to systems, methods, and media for obfuscated personal identification number (PIN) entry into a media device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] background Many devices provide a function to authenticate a user account by inputting a PIN code into an authentication interface displayed on the device. However, due to the generally large size of a television device and the location of the television device in the center of a room, inputting a PIN code on the television device is likely to be seen by others in the same room. In some cases, a leaked PIN code may lead to unauthorized content purchases, unauthorized application downloads, etc.

[0004] Current techniques for PIN entry into a television device using a remote control typically require a dedicated key on the remote control for entering the PIN number. As such, these techniques for PIN entry cannot be utilized across different media devices and / or different remote controls.

[0005] Therefore, new systems, methods, and media for obfuscated personal identification number entry into a media device are desired.

[0006] overview According to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, systems, methods, and media are provided for personal identification number entry into a media device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a method for personal identification number entry to a media device includes receiving, with a hardware processor of the media device, a request to enter a PIN (personal identification number) using a remote control device connected to the media device, and generating, with the hardware processor, a PIN entry interface screen including: (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of digits and one or more function options separated into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control device, the virtual directional pad interface corresponding to the plurality of directional buttons and the center selection button on the remote control device. a first subset of a central selection button on the remote control device to active subsections of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigns a second subset of a plurality of directional buttons on the remote control device to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the method further including receiving, with the hardware processor, key presses from the remote control device, and updating, with the hardware processor, a PIN entry field on the PIN entry interface screen with a number or executing a function option of the one or more function options that matches the received key press, wherein the number corresponding to the received key press and the received key press are prevented from being presented on the PIN entry interface screen.

[0008] In some implementations, the PIN pad is presented adjacent to a virtual directional pad interface on the PIN entry interface screen, with active subsections of multiple subsections of the PIN pad being highlighted.

[0009] In some implementations, each subsection of the plurality of subsections corresponds to a sequence of numbers, and a first subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control device includes a left button and a right button of a directional pad of the remote control device, the left directional button, the center selection button, and the right directional button each being assigned to a number in the sequence of numbers.

[0010] In some implementations, the second subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control device includes up and down buttons on a directional pad on the remote control device, the up and down buttons each being assigned to move to a subsection adjacent to the active subsection.

[0011] In some implementations, each subsection of the plurality of subsections in the PIN pad corresponds to a row of numbers in the PIN pad.

[0012] In some implementations, the virtual directional pad interface on the PIN entry interface screen is shaped to match the directional pad on the remote control device.

[0013] In some implementations, one of a number of numbers in the available subsection is presented on a representative directional button in a virtual directional pad interface.

[0014] In some implementations, the virtual directional pad interface is incorporated into the PIN pad, and the virtual directional pad interface is presented in place of an active subsection of the PIN pad.

[0015] In some implementations, each of a plurality of subsections of the PIN pad is presented on the PIN entry interface screen as one of a plurality of virtual directional pad interfaces, a first virtual directional pad interface of the plurality of virtual directional pad interfaces is enabled, and the first virtual directional pad interface corresponds to the enabled subsection.

[0016] In some implementations, the back button on the remote control device is assigned to delete the last digit entered into the PIN entry field.

[0017] In some implementations, the method further includes causing an action to be performed on the media device in response to determining that a correct PIN has been entered in the PIN entry area.

[0018] In some implementations, the key press from the remote control device is a long press gesture provided on the remote control device.

[0019] In some implementations, in response to receiving a long press gesture on a directional button on the directional pad of the remote control device, the PIN pad moves from the active subsection to an adjacent subsection.

[0020] In some implementations, the one or more feature options include an option to switch from the first user account to the second user account to enter a PIN.

[0021] In some implementations, the one or more feature options include an option to hide the PIN pad so that it is not presented on the PIN entry interface screen.

[0022] In some implementations, the one or more feature options include an option to replace the PIN entry interface screen with another PIN entry interface screen that is presented with numbers that correspond to the received key presses.

[0023] In some implementations, the one or more feature options include an option to reset a PIN associated with the user account.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more feature options include an option to access an interface screen containing multiple options, the multiple options including a first option to switch between user accounts, a second option to hide the PIN pad so that it is not presented on the PIN entry interface screen, and a third option to reset a PIN associated with the user account.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a media device is provided, the media device including a hardware processor that receives a request to enter a PIN (personal identification number) using a remote control device connected to the media device, and generates a PIN entry interface screen including (1) a PIN pad with a plurality of digits and one or more function options divided into a plurality of subsections, and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control device, the virtual directional pad interface assigning a first subset of the plurality of directional buttons and the center selection button on the remote control device to active subsections of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigning a second subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control device to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the hardware processor further receiving a key press from the remote control device and updating a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a digit or executing a function option of the one or more function options that matches the received key press, and the digit corresponding to the received key press and the received key press are prevented from being presented on the PIN entry interface screen.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions is provided. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for personal identification number entry on a media device, the method including receiving, with the media device, a request to enter a PIN (personal identification number) using a remote control device connected to the media device, and generating a PIN entry interface screen including (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of numbers and one or more function options divided into a plurality of subsections, and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control device, wherein the virtual directional pad interface assigns a first subset of the plurality of directional buttons and the center selection button on the remote control device to active subsections of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigns a second subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control device to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the method further including receiving a key press from the remote control device and updating a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a number or executing a function option of the one or more function options that matches the received key press, wherein the number corresponding to the received key press and the received key press are prevented from being presented on the PIN entry interface screen.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a system for personal identification number entry to a media device is provided, the system including: means for receiving, with the media device, a request to enter a PIN (personal identification number) using a remote control device connected to the media device, and means for generating a PIN entry interface screen including (1) a PIN pad with a plurality of digits and one or more function options divided into a plurality of subsections, and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control device, the virtual directional pad interface assigning a first subset of the plurality of directional buttons and the center selection button on the remote control device to active subsections of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigning a second subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control device to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the system further including means for receiving key presses from the remote control device, and means for updating a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a digit or executing a function option of the one or more function options that matches the received key press, the digit corresponding to the received key press and the received key press are prevented from being presented on the PIN entry interface screen.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter considered in light of the following drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows an illustrative example of a top view of a remote control for providing one or more inputs to a media device incorporating the mechanisms described herein in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter. [Diagram 2]1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a schematic diagram of a system for obfuscated PIN entry for a media device in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Diagram 3] 1 shows an illustrative example of a process for obfuscated PIN entry into a media device in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface that provides a tutorial for obfuscated PIN entry for a media device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a PIN entry area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface in which a remote control is used to provide a PIN to add more time to a timer associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a PIN entry area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface in which a remote control is used to provide a PIN to add more time to a timer associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5C] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a PIN entry area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface in which a remote control is used to provide a PIN to add more time to a timer associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5D] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a PIN entry area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface in which a remote control is used to provide a PIN to add more time to a timer associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5E]1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a PIN entry area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface in which a remote control is used to provide a PIN to add more time to a timer associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5F] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a PIN entry area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface in which a remote control is used to provide a PIN to add more time to a timer associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5G] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a PIN entry area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface in which a remote control is used to provide a PIN to add more time to a timer associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5H] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a PIN entry area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface in which a remote control is used to provide a PIN to add more time to a timer associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including an alternative PIN pad interface, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including multiple virtual directional pad interfaces each corresponding to a sequence of numbers, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen incorporating a virtual directional pad interface into a PIN pad interface, where the virtual directional pad interface corresponds to a valid row of the PIN pad interface, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen incorporating a virtual directional pad interface into a PIN pad interface, where the virtual directional pad interface corresponds to a valid row of the PIN pad interface, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 9A] 1A-1C show illustrative examples of PIN entry interface screens using a center selection button on a remote control to navigate between rows of a PIN pad interface, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 9B] 1A-1C show illustrative examples of PIN entry interface screens using a center selection button on a remote control to navigate between rows of a PIN pad interface, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen that provides multiple press and hold gestures for navigating between rows of a PIN pad interface and for accessing further feature options, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 10B] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen that provides multiple press and hold gestures for navigating between rows of a PIN pad interface and for accessing further feature options, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 11A] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen that provides multiple press and hold gestures for navigating between rows of a PIN pad interface in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 11B] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen that provides multiple press and hold gestures for navigating between rows of a PIN pad interface in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 12]1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen that provides multiple options for navigating between rows of a PIN pad interface and deleting previously entered digits, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen that provides a slider interface for indicating valid rows of a PIN pad interface, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 14A] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen that includes a functionality option for resetting a PIN associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 14B] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen that includes a functionality option for resetting a PIN associated with a user account, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 15A] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a feature option for switching user accounts for entering a PIN, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 15B] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a feature option for switching user accounts for entering a PIN, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 16A] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a functionality option to not present a PIN pad interface, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 16B] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a functionality option to not present a PIN pad interface, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including a PIN pad that can present numbers entered on a PIN entry field in response to key presses on a remote control, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 18A] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including options for accessing multiple feature options, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 18B] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a PIN entry interface screen including options for accessing multiple feature options, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Detailed Description According to various embodiments, a mechanism is provided for obfuscated personal identification number entry into a media device.

[0031] Conventional techniques for entering a PIN code on a media device are likely to be seen by others in the same room due to the screen size of the media device and / or the location of the media device (e.g., in the center of the room).

[0032] The mechanisms described herein enable secure PIN entry by providing an obfuscated PIN entry mode on a media device.

[0033] In response to receiving a request to enter a personal identification number using a remote control device connected to the media device (e.g., in response to a request to authenticate a user account with a PIN number, in response to a request to access parental controls associated with a user account, in response to a request to add time to a timer associated with a child's account, in response to a request to purchase a media content item, in response to downloading an application onto the media device), these mechanisms can generate and present a PIN entry interface screen for entering one or more digits using the remote control.

[0034] In some implementations, the PIN entry interface screen may include a virtual directional pad interface (sometimes referred to herein as a "virtual D-pad"). For example, the virtual directional pad interface may include a directional pad with directional buttons and certain buttons from a remote control device connected to the media device, such as a select button that may be located in a center portion of the directional pad. In a more specific example, the virtual directional pad interface may indicate how the buttons on the remote control are remapped or otherwise assigned to enter numbers or perform function options. Continuing with the example, when the left directional button on the directional pad of the remote control is pressed in the obfuscated PIN entry mode, the virtual directional pad interface may indicate that the number "1" may be entered into the PIN entry area. Alternatively, the virtual directional pad interface may indicate that when the up directional button on the directional pad of the remote control is pressed in the obfuscated PIN entry mode, a function option may be activated that allows a user to reset a PIN associated with the user account.

[0035] In some implementations, the PIN entry interface screen may include a PIN pad or number pad on which a number of numbers and one or more function options are presented. It should be noted that the PIN pad may be further divided in any suitable manner. For example, each row of the PIN pad may include a particular number of numbers (e.g., three letters, four letters, etc.). Continuing with the example, the PIN pad for a virtual directional pad interface may indicate which subsections or areas of the PIN pad are active and selectable using a remote control device. In a more specific example, the PIN pad may indicate that numbers in the range 0-3 can be entered using the remote control and that in response to pressing a down directional button on the remote control, the PIN pad activates adjacent numbers in the range 4-7 for selection using the remote control.

[0036] It should be noted that the PIN entry interface screen may present the virtual directional pad interface and the PIN pad in any suitable manner. For example, the virtual directional pad interface may be presented adjacent to the PIN pad. In another example, the PIN pad may incorporate a virtual directional pad interface where an active subsection or area of ​​the PIN pad may be replaced with a shifting virtual directional pad interface. In yet another example, the PIN pad may be provided on a different screen than the virtual directional pad interface (e.g., a user may select a set of numbers from the PIN pad and a corresponding virtual directional pad interface may be presented to the user).

[0037] In response to receiving a keypress from the remote control, the mechanism may update the PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen and the active subsection of the PIN pad with numbers that match the received keypress, or may prevent the received keypress and entered numbers from being presented on the PIN entry interface screen.

[0038] In response to receiving a PIN using the remote control input PIN entry interface screen, the mechanism may determine whether a correct PIN was provided and whether to perform a corresponding action on the media device. For example, in response to determining that the input PIN matches a PIN associated with a user account, the mechanism may authenticate the user account and perform a corresponding action, such as adding time to a timer associated with a corresponding child's account (e.g., adding 30 minutes of viewing time to the child's account).

[0039] These and other features for obfuscated PIN entry to a media device are described in conjunction with Figures 1-18B.

[0040] 1, an illustrative example of a top view of a remote control 100 is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include various buttons, such as buttons 110, 120, and 130. It is noted that in some embodiments, any of buttons 110, 120, and 130 may be omitted, and in some such embodiments, the functionality described herein associated with buttons 110, 120, and 130 may be implemented using soft buttons that are dynamically generated on a display area (not shown) of the remote control 100.

[0041] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include a directional pad 110 that may be pressed to indicate a directional input. For example, pressing the directional pad 110 at a particular location may complete (or inhibit) one or more circuits (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 and described below in connection with FIG. 2), and the completion of the one or more circuits may be detected by a processor of the remote control 100. The processor may then determine which direction was indicated based on which circuit(s) were completed. For example, if the right side of the directional pad 110 is pressed, this may complete a circuit that indicates to the processor that the right side of the directional pad was pressed. Continuing with this example, as described below, pressing the right side of the directional pad 110 when a PIN entry interface screen is presented on the display may input a number or function option into the media device that corresponds to the right directional input of the directional pad 110 (e.g., the number "3" is entered into a PIN entry area). In another example, when a PIN entry interface screen is presented on the display, in response to pressing and holding the left or right button of the directional pad 110 for a particular period of time (e.g., 3 seconds), navigation may be provided to an adjacent row or subsection of numbers.

[0042] It should be noted that the directional pad 110 may be configured to accept any suitable number of inputs for various directions according to some implementations. For example, the processor of the remote control 100 may be configured to detect inputs of four directions (e.g., up, down, left, and right) of the directional pad 110. In another example, the processor of the remote control 100 may be configured to detect inputs of eight directions (e.g., up, down, left, right, and intermediate directions such as diagonally up right, diagonally up left, diagonally down right, and diagonally down left) of the directional pad 110. In yet another example, the processor of the remote control 100 may be configured to detect inputs of any direction of the directional pad 110. In such an example, the directional pad 110 may include a touch sensor that may be used to detect any position of the input relative to the directional pad 110.

[0043] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include an "OK" or "Select" button 120. For example, when the Select button 120 is pressed, a circuit may be completed that indicates to a processor that the Select button has been pressed. In another example, when the Select button 120 is pressed, a circuit may be completed that indicates to a processor to select a currently highlighted element on a display that is being navigated to with the remote control 100. In yet another example, as described below, when a PIN entry interface screen is presented on a display, pressing the Select button 120 may input a number or function option corresponding to the Select button 120 into the media device (e.g., the number "5" is entered into a PIN entry area). In other examples, when a PIN entry interface screen is presented on a display, pressing the Select button 120 for a particular period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) may direct the user to another row or subsection of numbers.

[0044] It should be noted that although select button 120 is shown in FIG. 1 as being located in a central portion of directional pad 110, this is by way of example only and button 120 may be located in any suitable location on remote 100.

[0045] In addition to the directional and selection buttons, remote control 100 may include any suitable number of buttons, each of which performs one of a number of functions.

[0046] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include a back button 130. In some implementations, selection of the back button 130 may cause a previously presented user interface to be presented on a display of a media device controlled by the remote control 100. For example, if a user 100 of the remote control uses the remote control 100 to move from a first user interface to a second user interface, selection of the back button 130 may cause the first user interface to be presented on the display. In another example, as described below, if a PIN input interface screen is presented on the display and one or more digits have been entered in the PIN input field, selection of the back button 130 may delete the last digit entered in the PIN input field. In yet another example, if a PIN input interface screen is presented on the display and one or more digits have been entered in the PIN input field, in response to pressing and holding the back button 130 for a particular period of time (e.g., three seconds), all digits entered in the PIN input field may be deleted.

[0047] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include a power button for controlling the power state of a media device, such as a television device, a streaming media device, a sound bar, and / or other suitable media device. For example, when the power button is pressed, the remote control 100 may cause a signal to be sent to a media device to power on (e.g., from an off or sleep state). In addition, in some implementations, a selector (not shown) may be included that may be used to select one device from multiple devices to power on by pressing the power button. Such a selector may be, for example, a slide switch, a button, etc., each corresponding to a different media device. In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include an indicator that indicates to the user which media device is currently selected.

[0048] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include application buttons or other suitable buttons that correspond to applications running on the media device. In some implementations, the application buttons may correspond to a particular application (e.g., an application associated with a particular media streaming service and / or other suitable application). In some such implementations, selection of an application button may cause the corresponding application to be launched by a media device controlled by the remote control 100. In some implementations, selection of an application button when a media device controlled by the remote control 100 is powered off may cause the media device to be powered on before the application is launched. It should be noted that the remote control 100 may include any suitable number of application buttons (e.g., two, three, four, and / or other suitable number) each corresponding to a different application.

[0049] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include a microphone button for initiating a microphone function on a media device controlled by the remote control 100. After pressing the microphone button, the user may be prompted to issue a voice command to cause the media device to perform some function. Any suitable technique may be used to prompt the user with a voice command, such as a voice, an image, or the like. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to issue a voice command, but pressing the microphone button may result in an indication that the media device is ready to receive a voice command (e.g., by enabling the microphone on the media device). In some implementations, the media device and / or the remote control 100 may be configured to recognize any suitable voice command. For example, a command that replicates an action caused by pressing a button on the remote control 100 may be recognized. As another example, a user may initiate a search using a voice command. As yet another example, a user may tune to a particular channel by number and / or name (e.g., channel 451, channel 2, "CBA," "Cooking Channel," etc.). As another example, a user may launch an application on a media device using a voice command (eg, "Play <video> using <application>").

[0050] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include a microphone for receiving voice commands. If a microphone is included in the remote control 100, the voice commands may be interpreted by a processor in the remote control 100 and / or sent to a media device controlled by the remote control 100 for interpretation, sent to an intermediate or streaming device associated with the system for interpretation (e.g., as shown in and described below in connection with FIG. 2), and / or sent to a server for interpretation (e.g., as shown in and described below in connection with FIG. 2). In addition, in some implementations, a microphone may be used to detect a trigger sound (e.g., a clap, a spoken word, and / or other suitable trigger sound). In some implementations, in response to detecting the trigger sound, the remote control 100 may be programmed to provide an indication of the location of the remote control 100, for example, by emitting a particular sound, beep, or other audible sound.

[0051] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include a home button for returning to a home screen of a media device controlled by the remote control 100 and / or for exiting the current screen and returning to a main input. For example, if the media device being controlled with the remote control 100 is a digital media receiver running an operating system having a home screen, instructions sent in response to pressing the home button may move the digital media receiver to the home screen. As another example, if the media device being controlled with the remote control 100 is a set-top box from a cable provider, instructions sent in response to pressing the home button may move the set-top box from a currently displayed screen back to the last channel tuned by the set-top box. In some implementations, if the media device is currently running an application, pressing the home button may cause the media device to display the home screen of the application. Additionally, in such implementations, a long press of the home button may move the media device to the home screen of the media device.

[0052] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include a mute button for muting the sound output from a media device that the remote control 100 controls.

[0053] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include a volume button. The volume button may be used to control the volume of a media device controlled by the remote control 100 and / or one or more speakers associated with the media device. For example, a volume rocker button may be provided on the remote control 100, where pressing an upper portion of the volume rocker button may increase the volume of the media device and pressing a lower portion of the volume rocker button may decrease the volume of the media device. In some implementations, the volume button may be located in any suitable location on the remote control 100 (e.g., on a side of the remote control 100).

[0054] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may also include a motion sensor (not shown) for detecting rotational and / or linear movement of the remote control 100 and / or the orientation of the remote control 100. For example, if a user moves the remote control 100 that includes a motion sensor (e.g., a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, etc.), the motion sensor may transmit motion and / or orientation information associated with the remote control 100. As described herein, the motion sensor may be used to detect signals indicative of the movement of the remote control 100, to detect signals indicative of the orientation of the remote control (e.g., which part of the remote control 100 is pointing up), to detect signals indicative of a particular gesture (e.g., shaking, rocking, etc.), and the like.

[0055] In some implementations, the remote control 100 may include other suitable selectable buttons not shown in FIG. 1. For example, in some implementations, the remote control 100 may include an input button for controlling a selected input of a media device. For example, if the media device is a television, it may have multiple inputs, such as one or more HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) inputs, one or more coaxial inputs, one or more component video inputs, one or more DisplayPort inputs, one or more fiber optic inputs, etc. Pressing an input button causes the remote control 100 to send a command to the media device to change the selected input. Selection of an input may be performed using any suitable technique. For example, in some implementations, after pressing an input button, a list of selectable inputs may be displayed on a display connected to the media device, and the user may select a desired input by long pressing and / or repeatedly pressing the input button, or by using the directional pad 110 and the select button 120 to navigate to and select a particular input.

[0056] As another example, in some implementations, the remote control 100 may include a picture-in-picture (PiP) button. For example, when a user presses the PiP button, the remote control 100 may send a command to a media device to cause content from a second source (e.g., a second channel) to be displayed over the currently displayed content from a first source (e.g., a first channel). In such an example, the content from the second source may be displayed in a corner of a display connected to the media device, for example.

[0057] As yet another example, in some implementations, remote control 100 may include a guide button that can initiate a program guide of available media content. For example, such a guide may be an electronic program guide that displays available programming to a user and may be organized based on time, channel, category, etc. As another example, such a guide may include a listing of over-the-top (OTT) content, such as television programs and / or movies, that can be searched and displayed by a media device controlled by remote control 100.

[0058] As yet another example, in some implementations, remote control 100 may include a menu button for invoking a menu on a media device controlled by remote control 100. For example, pressing the menu button may cause the media device to open a menu. As another example, if the media device is running an application, pressing the menu button may present the user with additional options and / or menus related to the application.

[0059] As yet another example, in some implementations, the remote control 100 may include media buttons for controlling the playback of media by a media device controlled by the remote control 100. For example, the media buttons may include a play button, a pause button, a fast forward button, a rewind button, a skip forward button, other suitable media buttons, and / or any suitable combination thereof. In some implementations, buttons that are more commonly used by a user (e.g., the play button and the pause button) may be centrally located and elevated above less commonly used buttons (e.g., the rewind and fast forward buttons). Additionally or alternatively, the different media buttons have different shapes to allow them to be distinguished from one another. These features may make it easier for a user to press the correct button when the user's gaze is not directed toward the remote control 100, but instead toward, for example, a display connected to a media device.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an illustrative example of a generalized schematic diagram of a system 200 including a media device, a remote control for controlling the media device, and a server, in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter.

[0061] As shown, system 200 may include a remote control 202 that can be used to control one or more media devices, such as media device 220. In a more specific example, as shown in FIG. 2, remote control 202 may include a battery 206, a directional pad 208, a processor 210, one or more input devices 212, a memory 214, and a transmitter / receiver 216, all connected together.

[0062] In some implementations, the battery 206 may be any suitable type of battery for powering the remote control 202. For example, in some implementations, the battery 206 may be a secondary battery. In some such implementations, the battery 206 may be charged using power from an external source that may be connected to the remote control 202 in any suitable manner (e.g., a micro USB port on the remote control 202 and / or other suitable manner). Additionally or alternatively, the battery 206 may be wirelessly charged, where a wireless power transceiver of the charging device may receive power from a power source, and the wireless power transceiver of the charging device may transmit power to the battery 206 of the connected remote control 202 via suitable conversion circuitry.

[0063] In some implementations, the remote control 202 may include a directional pad 208. As shown in and described in connection with FIG. 1, the directional pad 208 may include a number of switches that, when activated, indicate directional input. For example, the directional pad 208 may include a button that a user can press to indicate a direction. The button may activate one or more of the switches, and signals from the one or more switches may be correlated by the processor 210 with the direction indicated by the button press. In another example, the directional pad 208 may be configured around a central selection button, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0064] The directional pad 208 and the processor 210 may be configured to accept any suitable number of inputs for various directions according to some implementations. For example, the processor 210 may be configured to detect inputs of four directions (e.g., up, down, left, and right) from the directional pad 208. In another example, the processor 210 may be configured to detect inputs of eight directions (e.g., up, down, left, right, and intermediate directions such as diagonally up-right, diagonally up-left, diagonally down-right, and diagonally down-left) from the directional pad 208. In yet another example, the processor 210 may be configured to detect inputs of any direction from the directional pad 208. In such an example, the directional pad 208 may include a touch sensor that may be used to detect any position of an input to the directional pad 208.

[0065] In some implementations, the processor 210 may utilize a computer program to cause signals to be transmitted from the remote control 202. In some implementations, these signals may be transmitted using the transmitter / receiver 216. The transmitter / receiver 216 may include one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, one or more antennas, one or more transmitters / receivers, etc. The transmitter / receiver 216 may transmit and / or receive signals using any suitable technology and / or frequency. For example, the transmitter / receiver 216 may transmit and / or receive Bluetooth signals (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals), Wi-Fi signals, radio signals, infrared signals, near-infrared signals, ultrasonic signals, etc. In a more specific example, the transmitter / receiver 216 of the remote control 202 may transmit directional inputs, select button key presses, or back button key presses in the form of BLE signals to a media streaming device connected to the display device via an HDMI port on the display device. Here, the media streaming device transmits directional inputs, select button key presses, or back button key presses on the HDMI-CEC channel between the media streaming device and the display device. In another example, the transmitter / receiver 216 of the remote control 202 can transmit and / or receive Wi-Fi signals over the communication network 206 with the transmitter / receiver 228 of the media device 220. As yet another specific example, the transmitter / receiver 216 of the remote control 202 can transmit and / or receive BLE signals between the transmitter / receiver 228 of the media device 220 and / or other suitable intermediate or streaming media devices.

[0066] In some implementations, the memory 214 may store a computer program for controlling the processor 110. For example, the computer program may be stored in a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, or the like.

[0067] However, in some implementations, the remote control 202 may include other suitable input devices 212. The input devices 212 may include other suitable input functions, such as an alphanumeric keypad, a power button, an input button, a channel button, volume buttons, a volume mute button, directional buttons, media playback buttons (e.g., rewind, pause, play, and fast forward buttons), dedicated buttons to access downloadable applications for use with media devices, a microphone, or other suitable audio input, a camera, and the like. For example, in some implementations, the remote control 202 may include a microphone that may be utilized for any suitable purpose. As a more specific example, in some implementations, the microphone may be used to receive voice queries (e.g., to initiate playback of a particular media content item, to perform a search query, and / or other suitable voice queries). The voice queries may be processed by the remote control 202 or may be transmitted from the remote control 202 to another device (e.g., to the media device 220, the server 230, and / or other suitable devices) for processing. As another more specific example, in some implementations, a microphone may be used to detect any suitable audible sound (e.g., a clap of hands, a spoken word or phrase, etc.). This sound may be used as a trigger to present an indication of the location of the remote control 202 (e.g., by causing the remote control to produce an audible sound or beep). In some implementations, the input device 212 may include hardware and / or software buttons (e.g., programmable buttons). In some implementations, the input device 212 may include other inputs, such as a computer keyboard, a cursor controller, a dial, a switch bank, a lever, a touch screen, and / or other suitable input devices.

[0068] The system 200 may include one or more media devices 220, such as a media device for viewing media content listings and / or retrieving and presenting content items from various sources (e.g., broadcast content, on-demand content, locally stored content, Internet content, streamed content, live streaming content, etc.). For example, the media device 220 may be implemented as a television, a smart television, a set-top box, a streaming media device, a digital media receiver, a computer, a gaming console, an optical media player, etc. The remote control 202 and the media device 220 may be local to each other or remote from each other. For example, an advanced remote control 202 and the media device 220 may be located in the same room.

[0069] More specifically, in some implementations, the media device 220 may include a display / input device 222, a processor 224, memory 226, and one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, and / or a transmitter / receiver 228, which may be interconnected.

[0070] In some implementations, media device 220 may include a storage device, such as a hard drive, a digital video recorder, a solid-state storage device, a removable storage device, or other suitable device for storing guidance information and / or remote control instructions. In a more specific example, the storage device may store a computer program for controlling processor 224 in media device 220 (e.g., in response to instructions received from remote control 202).

[0071] The processor 224 may use a computer program to present content on the display / input device 222 and control an interface that allows a user to interact with the content and to send and receive data using the transmitter / receiver 228. In some implementations, the transmitter / receiver 228 may transmit and / or receive Bluetooth signals (e.g., BLE signals), Wi-Fi signals, radio signals, infrared signals, near-infrared signals, ultrasonic signals, and the like. For example, the transmitter / receiver 228 of the media device 220 may transmit and / or receive Wi-Fi signals over the communications network 206 with the transmitter / receiver 216 of the remote control 202. In another example, the transmitter / receiver 228 of the media device 220 may transmit and / or receive BLE signals between the transmitter / receiver 216 of the remote control 202 and / or other suitable intermediate devices or streaming media devices.

[0072] The display / input device(s) 222 may include input devices such as a computer keyboard, a cursor controller, one or more buttons, dials, a switch bank, a lever, a touch screen, and / or other suitable input devices.

[0073] In some implementations, the commands issued by the remote control 202 may be formatted based on the model and / or brand of the media device 220 being controlled. For example, the remote control 202 may be programmed with a variety of different codes and may operate as a universal remote control for controlling a variety of different types of media devices. In some implementations, formatting may be performed by a converter (not shown) that converts the signals sent by the remote control 202 into signals used by a particular media device 220.

[0074] In more specific examples, remote control 202 and media device 220 may be either a general-purpose device, such as a computer, or a special-purpose device, such as a remote control, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a set-top box, a smart TV, a game console, a digital media receiver, a server, or any suitable combination of such devices. Any of these general-purpose or special-purpose devices may include any suitable components, such as a hardware processor (which may be a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a controller, etc.), memory, communications interfaces, display controllers, input devices, etc. For example, media device 220 may be implemented as a set-top box, a digital media receiver, a smart TV, a television, a laptop computer, a personal computer, a server, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a game console, etc.

[0075] In some implementations, server 230 may be any suitable server that provides media content (e.g., television programs, video content, movies, live streaming video content, audio content, video game content, and / or other suitable media content), receives and maintains user preferences, and / or performs other suitable function(s). For example, in some implementations, server 230 may determine whether to authenticate a user account based on an entered PIN, and may determine whether to perform a particular action (e.g., add time to a timer, release parental controls, purchase a media content item, etc.) based on the authenticated user account.

[0076] In some implementations, the remote control 202, the media device 220, and the server 230 may communicate in any suitable manner. For example, in some implementations, the remote control 202 may send commands (e.g., commands to navigate within a user interface, volume commands, power commands, and / or other suitable commands) to the media device 220 using any suitable direct communication link 225 (e.g., an infrared communication link, a wireless communication link, and / or other suitable type of communication link).

[0077] As another example, in some implementations, server(s) 230 may send and receive information to and from remote control 202, media device 220, and / or streaming media device 250 (discussed in more detail below) via communications network 260. In some implementations, communications network 260 may be any suitable type of communications network, such as a Wi-Fi network, a local area network (LAN), and / or other suitable type of network. In some implementations, signals may be sent between remote control 202, media device 220, server(s) 230, and / or streaming media device 250 via communications network 260 using communications links 215, 235, 245, and / or 255, as shown in FIG. 2. In some implementations, communications links 215, 235, 245, and / or 255 may be any suitable type(s) of wired or wireless communications link.

[0078] In some implementations, communication between remote control 202 and media device 220 may be through streaming media device 250, which is paired with media device 220 via communication link 295. For example, in some implementations, streaming media device 250 may be connected to media device 220 via an HDMI connection. In some implementations, streaming media device 250 may launch any suitable application used to present content on media device 220, for example, by launching the application and navigating to a particular deep link associated with the requested content.

[0079] In some implementations, the remote control device 202 may communicate with the streaming media device 250 in any suitable manner. For example, in some implementations, the remote control device 202 may communicate with the streaming media device 250 via a communication link 275. In some such implementations, the communication link 275 may be a Wi-Fi link, a Bluetooth link, and / or any other suitable type of communication link. In a more specific example, the remote control device 202 may send instructions to the streaming media device 250 via a Wi-Fi signal or via a Bluetooth signal. The streaming media device 250 may then send corresponding instructions to the media device 220 connected to the streaming media device 250 (e.g., via an HDMI-CEC channel). It is noted that in some implementations, the remote control device 202 and the streaming media device 250 may be paired in any suitable manner, such as via a discovery protocol associated with the local network (such as Discovery and Launch (DIAL) and / or any other suitable discovery protocol). Additionally, if the communication link 275 is a Wi-Fi link, the remote control 202 may be a Wi-Fi enabled remote control.

[0080] As another example, in some implementations, remote control device 202 may communicate with streaming media device 250 through intermediate device 240. In some implementations, intermediate device 240 may be a Wi-Fi dongle, allowing intermediate device 240 to communicate with streaming media device 250 over Wi-Fi communication link 285. In some implementations, remote control device 202 may communicate with intermediate device 240 through communication link 265. In some implementations, communication link 265 may be a BLUETOOTH link and / or other suitable type of communication link. Note that in some implementations, intermediate device 240 may be omitted.

[0081] 3, an example embodiment 300 of a process for obfuscated PIN entry to a media device is shown in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter. In some implementations, the blocks of process 300 may be performed by any suitable device, such as a media device (e.g., a television, a streaming media device paired with a television, a speaker, and / or other suitable type of media device).

[0082] Process 300 begins, at 310, by receiving a request to enter a PIN on the media device. Note that such a request may be received in any suitable manner. For example, a media application running on the media device may determine that a PIN associated with the user account is needed to authenticate the user account, to turn off parental controls (e.g., to change one or more parental controls), to control settings associated with a child's account, to add time to a timer (e.g., to increase the total available viewing time for a child's account), to access and / or purchase media content items, to download applications for installation on the media device, to run applications on the media device, to play a particular ranked game on the media device, etc.

[0083] It should be noted that in some implementations, process 300 may receive a request to enter a PIN code or other suitable password and determine whether an obfuscated PIN entry mode is appropriate for entering the PIN on the media device. For example, in some implementations, process 300 may determine, based on device data and / or location data, whether the media device is located in a home where the entered PIN code or password would be visible to others in or near the location. In a more specific example, process 300 may determine from device data indicating that the media device is a television device and from location data indicating that the television device is located in the living room of the home that the obfuscated PIN entry mode is an appropriate mode for entering the PIN upon request.

[0084] In some implementations, in response to a request to enter a PIN on the media device and / or in response to determining that an obfuscated PIN entry mode is suitable for entering a PIN on the media device, process 300 may initiate 320 an obfuscated PIN entry mode by determining whether a user of the user account has previously entered a PIN on the media device utilizing the obfuscated PIN entry mode. For example, in some implementations, process 300 may determine whether this is the first time a user of the signed user account is utilizing the obfuscated PIN entry mode. In another example, in some implementations, process 300 may determine whether a user setting associated with the user account indicates that a tutorial on utilizing the obfuscated PIN entry mode should be presented prior to entering a PIN on the media device (e.g., always present a tutorial screen, present a tutorial screen only if the user is utilizing the obfuscated PIN entry mode for the first time, etc.).

[0085] In some implementations, in response to determining that a user of the user account has not previously entered a PIN on a media device utilizing the obfuscated PIN entry mode ("Yes" at 320), process 300 may cause an obfuscated PIN entry tutorial screen to be presented on the media device. An illustrative example of a user interface providing a tutorial for obfuscated PIN entry on a media device in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter is shown in FIG.

[0086] With reference to FIG. 4, in some implementations, the obfuscated PIN entry tutorial may include presenting the user with a user interface that provides instructions for entering a PIN via a remote control in which buttons on the remote control are assigned to specific numbers and / or functionality options. In a more specific example, as shown in FIG. 4, such a user interface may include an image showing how buttons on the remote control have been remapped or otherwise assigned to specific numbers and / or functionality options by displaying an image of a remote control 410 and an adjacent image of a virtual directional pad 420 in the form of a directional pad and selection buttons on the remote control 410. Continuing with the example, as shown in FIG. 4, the user interface may instruct the user that they can navigate between rows of numbers or functionality options (e.g., between a set of numbers ranging from 1 to 3, a set of numbers ranging from 4 to 6, a set of numbers ranging from 7 to 9, 0, and a "forgot PIN" operation) by pressing up and down directional buttons on the remote control. In some implementations, a PIN pad 430 may be presented that indicates which rows or subsections of the PIN pad are valid and user selectable. For example, as shown in Figure 4, a valid subsection of the PIN pad may be indicated by highlighting rows in a highlight region 440. Additionally or alternatively, a valid subsection of the PIN pad may be indicated by highlighting valid characters (e.g., highlighting the numbers "1," "2," and "3" in the PIN pad 430, as opposed to the remaining numbers and feature options being invalid), as also shown in Figure 4.

[0087] In some implementations, the obfuscated PIN entry tutorial may provide the user with instructions on how to select PIN digits and how to select feature options. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the user interface may instruct the user that pressing a left button, a center selection button, or a right button on a remote control may cause the user to enter a corresponding digit in a valid row assigned to a particular button. In a more specific example, as shown in FIG. 4, for a valid row containing digits in the range 1-3, the left button on the remote control may be assigned to the digit "1," the center selection button on the remote control may be assigned to the digit "2," and the right button on the remote control may be assigned to the digit "3." In response to pressing the left button, the center selection button on the remote control, or the right button, the corresponding digit may be entered into the PIN entry area 450 (which may be represented by a symbol such as * or ● to indicate that a character has been entered).

[0088] In some implementations, the obfuscated PIN entry tutorial may present the user with instructions on how to delete digits entered into PIN entry field 450. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the user interface may instruct the user that they can press the back button on the remote control to delete the last digit entered into PIN entry field 450. In another example, the user interface may instruct the user that they can delete all of the digits entered into PIN entry field 450 by pressing and holding the back button on the remote control for a particular period of time.

[0089] 3, in response to determining that the user has indicated confirmation of the obfuscated PIN entry tutorial (e.g., by pressing a center selection button on an "OK" interface element of a tutorial screen), process 300 may determine (at block 320 of FIG. 3) that the user of the user account no longer needs to be presented with the obfuscated PIN entry tutorial. In some implementations, process 300 may increment a counter value associated with the user account indicating the number of times the obfuscated PIN entry tutorial has been presented to the user. Continuing with the example, in response to the counter value being greater than a particular threshold, process 300 may determine that the obfuscated PIN entry tutorial no longer needs to be presented to the user (e.g., "No" at block 320).

[0090] In response to determining at block 320 that an obfuscated PIN entry tutorial should not be presented to the user or in response to presenting an obfuscated PIN entry tutorial to the user at block 330, the process 300 causes a PIN entry interface to be presented at 340. As discussed above in connection with the obfuscated PIN entry tutorial of FIG. 3, the directional pad buttons, center select button, and back button of the remote control may be assigned to specific numbers and / or one or more function options. Illustrative examples of PIN entry interfaces for obfuscated PIN entry to a media device according to some implementations of the disclosed subject matter are shown in FIGS. 5A-18B.

[0091] 5A, there is shown an example embodiment of a PIN entry interface 500 in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter. As shown, in some implementations, the PIN entry interface 500 may include an action descriptor 510, a user account display 520, a virtual directional pad interface 530, a PIN pad 540, an active highlight region 550, and a PIN entry region 560.

[0092] The action descriptor 510 may be any suitable indication of an action to be performed on the media device upon receiving a correct PIN. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the action descriptor indicates that an obfuscated PIN entry mode has been activated to add bonus time to a timer. In a more specific example, the obfuscated PIN entry mode may be utilized to confirm that a parent account corresponding to the user account representation 520 wishes to add a specific amount of time (e.g., 30 minutes) to the viewing time associated with a corresponding child's account.

[0093] 5A indicates that the user wishes to add viewing time associated with a child's account, this is by way of example only, and the obfuscated PIN entry mode may be utilized for any suitable purpose. For example, a media application running on a media device may determine that a PIN associated with the user account is required to authenticate the user account represented by user account representation 520, to turn off parental controls (e.g., to change one or more parental controls), to access and / or purchase media content items, to download applications for installation on the media device, to run applications on the media device, to play a particular ranked game on the media device, etc.

[0094] The virtual directional pad interface 530 may be any suitable representation of the directional pad buttons and center selection button of a remote control being used to control the media device. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, each of the virtual buttons on the virtual directional pad interface 530 may be mapped to buttons on a remote control being used to provide input to the media device (e.g., left input, right input, up input, down input, center selection input, back input, etc.). In a more specific example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the virtual directional pad interface 530 may be shaped to match the directional pad buttons and center selection button of the remote control being used to control the media device. In another more specific example, the virtual directional pad interface 530 may generally identify how the directional pad buttons and selection buttons of the remote control are assigned to the numbers and / or function options of the PIN entry interface 500.

[0095] PIN pad 540 may be any suitable display of numbers and / or feature options selectable using PIN entry interface 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, PIN pad 540 may be located adjacent to virtual directional pad interface 530. In virtual directional pad interface 530, a set of numbers from 0 to 9 and a "forgot PIN" action may be separated into multiple rows of PIN pad 540. More specifically, in FIG. 5A, PIN pad 540 may be separated into rows or subsections representing (1) numbers in the range of 1 to 3, (2) numbers in the range of 4 to 6, (3) numbers in the range of 7 to 9 and the number 0, and (4) a "forgot PIN" option. Also shown in FIG. 5A, PIN pad 540 may include an active highlight region 550 that indicates which row or rows of PIN pad 540 are active and selectable using the buttons of a remote control. For example, in FIG. 5A, the rows corresponding to the numbers in the range of 1 to 3 are highlighted. Continuing with this example, as also shown in FIG. 5A, PIN pad 540 may indicate that the remaining rows are disabled and cannot be selected using the buttons on the remote control.

[0096] In some implementations, numbers and / or feature options in an active row of PIN pad 540 may be shown on virtual directional pad interface 530. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the number "1" is located on the left directional button of virtual directional pad interface 530, the number "2" is located on the center select button of virtual directional pad interface 530, and the number "3" is located on the right directional button of virtual directional pad interface 530.

[0097] It should be noted that while the implementations described herein generally relate to entering PIN digits, this is by way of example only, and the virtual directional pad interface may be configured to enter any suitable characters, such as one or more alphanumeric characters (e.g., letters A-Z), one or more symbols (e.g., !, @, #, etc.), one or more Spanish characters with diacritics, etc.

[0098] 5B, in response to a left directional button on the remote control being selected (indicated by marker 570 on virtual directional pad 530 in FIG. 5B), the corresponding number "1" in the active row of PIN pad 540 may be entered into PIN entry area 560. Continuing with the example, in response to a center select button on the remote control being selected (indicated by marker 570 on virtual directional pad 530 in FIG. 5C), the corresponding number "2" in the active row of PIN pad 540 may be entered into PIN entry area 560.

[0099] 5B and 5C and other figures, a corresponding number "1" may be entered as the first digit of the PIN and a corresponding number "2" may be entered as the second digit of the PIN, but the entered digit may be represented by a symbol such as * or ● and the character is indicated by pressing the corresponding key on the remote control. It should also be noted that, as shown in Figures 5B and 5C and other figures, in some implementations, the PIN entry area 560 may highlight the location of the digit in the PIN that is to be entered (e.g., a blank black line below the digit in the entered PIN in the PIN entry area 560). It should further be noted that, although markings 570 in Figures 5B and 5C and other figures indicate that in Figure 5B the left directional button on the remote control has been pressed to enter the number "1" into PIN entry area 560, and in Figure 5C the center selection button on the remote control has been pressed to enter the number "2" into the PIN entry area, markings 570 and other markings described herein generally are not displayed on PIN entry interface 500 so that other users in the same room as the media device cannot see which button on the remote control is pressed when entering the PIN.

[0100] Continuing with the example of FIG. 5C, in response to a down directional button on the remote control being selected (indicated by marker 570 on virtual directional pad 530 in FIG. 5D), the active row of PIN pad 540 may be changed from a row corresponding to numbers in the range of 1-3 to an adjacent row corresponding to numbers in the range of 4-6. Then, as shown in FIG. 5E, the number "4" is placed on the left directional button of virtual directional pad interface 530, the number "5" is placed on the center select button of virtual directional pad interface 530, the number "6" is placed on the right directional button of virtual directional pad interface 530, and a highlight region 550 is placed over the newly active row of PIN pad 540 containing numbers in the range of 4-6. In response to a right directional button on the remote control being selected (indicated by marker 570 on virtual directional pad 530 in FIG. 5E), the corresponding number "6" of the active row of PIN pad 540 may be entered into PIN entry region 560.

[0101] Continuing with the example of FIG. 5E, in response to a selection of the down directional button on the remote control (as indicated by marker 570 on virtual directional pad 530 in FIG. 5F), the active row of PIN pad 540 may be changed from a row corresponding to numbers in the range of 4-6 to an adjacent subsection corresponding to numbers in the range of 7-9 and the number 0. Then, as shown in FIG. 5G, the number "7" is placed on the left directional button of virtual directional pad interface 530, the number "8" is placed on the center select button of virtual directional pad interface 530, the number "9" is placed on the right directional button of virtual directional pad interface 530, and the number "0" is placed on the down directional button of virtual directional pad interface 530. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5G, a highlight region 550 is placed on the newly active subsection of PIN pad 540 including the numbers in the range of 7-9 and the number 0. In response to the down directional button on the remote control being selected (indicated by marker 570 on the virtual directional pad 530 in FIG. 5G), the corresponding digit “0” in the active row of the PIN pad 540 may be entered into the PIN entry area 560.

[0102] It should be noted that in some implementations, the numbers and / or feature options of the PIN pad 540 may be divided into any suitable number of subsections. For example, in response to a selection of the down directional button of the remote control (indicated by marker 570 on the virtual directional pad 530 in FIG. 5F), the active row of the PIN pad 540 may be changed from a row corresponding to numbers in the range of 4-6 to an adjacent subsection corresponding to numbers in the range of 7-9 (as opposed to the subsection corresponding to numbers in the range of 7-9 and the number 0 shown in FIG. 5F). And, as shown in FIG. 6, the number "7" is located on the left directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, the number "8" is located on the center select button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, and the number "9" is located on the right directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 530. Continuing with the selection of the down directional button of the remote control, the active row of the PIN pad 540 may be changed from a row corresponding to numbers in the range of 7-9 to an adjacent subsection corresponding to the number 0. In that adjacent row, the number "0" may be located on the center selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 530.

[0103] 3, in response to receiving a PIN in PIN entry area 560 of PIN entry interface 500, process 300 may determine whether a correct PIN has been provided and may determine whether to perform an action on the media device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5G, a user enters a PIN of "1260" using a remote control in conjunction with PIN entry interface 500. Continuing with the example, process 300 may determine whether the PIN of "1260" matches a correct PIN associated with the user account represented by user account representation 520, and in response to determining that a correct PIN has been entered, process 300 may authenticate the user account and cause additional time to be added to a timer associated with the corresponding child's account (e.g., adding 30 minutes of viewing time to the child's account).

[0104] As shown in FIG. 5H, in response to determining that a correct PIN has been provided to PIN entry interface 500, 350 may update PIN entry interface 500 to have a notification 580 and an updated virtual directional pad interface 590. Notification 580 may be any suitable notification indicating that a correct PIN has been entered and a corresponding action that the media device performs (e.g., adding 30 minutes of bonus time). Updated virtual directional pad interface 590 may indicate, for example, that a remote control being used to control the media device has exited an obfuscated PIN entry mode. As shown in FIG. 5H, updated virtual directional pad interface 590 has directional arrows back and numbers and / or function options have not been transposed onto the buttons of updated virtual directional pad interface 590.

[0105] It should be noted that although FIGS. 5A-5H show a PIN entry interface including a virtual directional pad interface 530 and an adjacent PIN pad 540, this is by way of example only and the virtual directional pad interface for selection as well as number and / or function options may be presented in any suitable manner.

[0106] In some implementations, instead of providing a PIN entry interface that includes virtual directional pad interface 530 and adjacent PIN pad 540, multiple virtual directional pad interfaces may be provided in the PIN entry interface, allowing, for example, one interface to present each set of numbers (e.g., the numbers 0-2, 3-5, and 6-9 in three virtual directional pad interfaces).

[0107] For example, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary PIN input interface 700 including a first virtual directional pad interface 710, a second virtual directional pad interface 720, and a third virtual directional pad interface 730. Continuing with the example, the first virtual directional pad interface 710 may be used to input numbers ranging from 0 to 2, where the up button on the remote control is assigned to input the number "0", the center selection button on the remote control is assigned to input the number "1", and the down button on the remote control is assigned to input the number "2". Note that in this embodiment, the PIN pad 540 has been omitted from the PIN input interface 700.

[0108] It should be noted that while Figures 5A-5H illustrate the use of a highlight region 550 to indicate a row or subset of valid digits of the PIN pad 540, this is by way of example only and valid areas or subsections within the PIN entry interface may be highlighted in any suitable manner. For example, Figure 7 illustrates that a virtual directional pad interface may be highlighted to indicate that digits and / or feature options are valid and selectable. As shown, a first virtual directional pad interface 710 is highlighted to indicate that a user may use the remote control to select a digit ranging from 0 to 2 to enter into the first digit of the PIN.

[0109] 5A-5H depict navigating between rows of the PIN pad 540 by pressing the up and down buttons on the remote control, this is by way of example only, and the PIN entry interface may provide the user with navigation options in any suitable manner. For example, the left and right buttons on the remote control may be used to navigate between virtual directional pad interfaces, as shown in FIG. 7. Continuing with the example, in response to the right directional button on the remote control being selected, the active virtual directional pad interface may change from a first virtual directional pad interface 710 to a second virtual directional pad interface 720. Alternatively, in response to the left directional button on the remote control being selected, the active virtual directional pad interface may change from the first virtual directional pad interface 710 to an interface that includes one or more functionality options, such as a "forgot PIN" option that allows the user to reset the PIN associated with the user account or a profile option that allows the user to switch between different user accounts.

[0110] 5A-5G , the virtual directional pad interface may be an integrated PIN pad, such that, for example, when a user focuses on a particular set of numbers (e.g., the numbers 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 0), the integrated virtual directional pad interface may shift.

[0111] For example, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a PIN entry interface 800 including a PIN pad interface 810, in which an exemplary virtual directional pad interface 820 may be incorporated into the PIN pad interface 810. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, a row of numbers in the PIN pad interface 810 with a valid range of 1 to 3 may be replaced by the virtual directional pad interface 810. Similar to FIGS. 5A-5G, the number "1" is located on the left directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 820 to indicate that the number "1" is entered into the PIN by pressing the left directional button on the directional pad of the remote control, the number "2" is located on the center selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 820 to indicate that the number "2" is entered into the PIN by pressing the center selection button on the directional pad of the remote control, and the number "3" is located on the right directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 820 to indicate that the number "3" is entered into the PIN by pressing the right directional button on the directional pad of the remote control. Continuing with the example, PIN pad interface 810 may present the remaining invalid rows of the PIN pad below virtual directional pad interface 820.

[0112] Continuing with the example of FIGURE 8A, in response to a selection of the down directional button on the remote control (as indicated by marker 830 on virtual directional pad 820), the active row of PIN pad interface 810 may shift from a row corresponding to numbers in the range of 1 to 3 to an adjacent subsection corresponding to numbers in the range of 4 to 6. Then, as shown in FIGURE 8B, the virtual directional pad 820 representing the row of numbers in the range of 1 to 3 previously active in PIN pad interface 810 may be replaced with the row of numbers 1 to 3, and the newly active row of numbers in the range of 4 to 6 in PIN pad interface 810 may be replaced with the virtual directional pad 820. As also shown in FIG. 8B, the number "4" is located on the left directional button of virtual directional pad interface 820, indicating that the number "4" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the left directional button on the directional pad of the remote control, the number "6" is located on the center selection button of virtual directional pad interface 820, indicating that the number "6" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the center selection button on the directional pad of the remote control, and the number "7" is located on the right directional button of virtual directional pad interface 820, indicating that the number "7" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the right directional button on the directional pad of the remote control.

[0113] In some implementations, instead of providing a PIN entry interface including virtual directional pad interface 530 and adjacent PIN pad 540 of Figures 5A-5H, the virtual directional pad interface and the PIN pad may be presented in different interfaces. For example, as shown in Figure 9A, an exemplary PIN entry interface 900 may be presented including a virtual directional pad interface 910. More specifically, the number "7" is located on the left directional button of virtual directional pad interface 910 to indicate that the number "7" will be entered as the last digit of the PIN by pressing the left directional button on the directional pad of the remote control, the number "8" is located on the up directional button of virtual directional pad interface 910 to indicate that the number "8" will be entered as the last digit of the PIN by pressing the up directional button on the directional pad of the remote control, and the number "9" is located on the right directional button of virtual directional pad interface 910 to indicate that the number "9" will be entered as the last digit of the PIN by pressing the right directional button on the directional pad of the remote control.

[0114] Continuing with the example shown in FIG. 9A, an "OK" indicator may be located above the center selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 910. In response to the center selection button of the remote control being selected (as indicated by marker 920 on the virtual directional pad 910), the virtual directional pad interface 910 may be replaced with a PIN pad interface 930 showing numbers and / or feature options selectable in the obfuscated PIN entry mode. As also shown in FIG. 9B, a highlight region 940 may be used to indicate which row or subsection of numbers and / or feature options is currently active. By pressing the up and down directional buttons on the remote control, the user can move between subsections of numbers and / or feature options selectable in the virtual directional pad interface 910. For example, pressing the up directional button on the remote control's directional pad moves the PIN pad interface 930 from a row containing numbers in the range 7-9 to an adjacent row containing numbers in the range 4-6.

[0115] Alternatively, in some implementations, the exemplary PIN entry interface 900 may begin by presenting a PIN pad interface 930. In the PIN pad interface 930, a user may select a subsection of the PIN pad interface 930 for entering one or more digits. In response to a subsection of the PIN pad interface 930 being selected, the PIN entry interface 900 may be updated to present a corresponding virtual directional pad interface 910 that enables the user to enter one or more digits into the PIN entry area using a remote control.

[0116] In some implementations, instead of providing a PIN entry interface that includes the virtual directional pad interface 530 and adjacent PIN pad 540 of FIGS. 5A-5G, the PIN entry interface may include separate instructions for navigating between ranges of numbers and / or feature options to select. For example, as shown in PIN entry interface 1000 of FIG. 10A, each directional button and a center selection button on a remote control may be assigned to enter one number of a range of numbers. More specifically, as shown in virtual directional pad interface 1010, the number "0" is located on the center selection button of virtual directional pad interface 1010 to indicate that the number "0" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the center selection button on the directional pad of the remote control, the number "1" is located on the up directional button of virtual directional pad interface 1010 to indicate that the number "1" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the up directional button on the directional pad of the remote control, and the number "2" is located on the right directional button of virtual directional pad interface 1010 to indicate that the number "2" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the up directional button on the directional pad of the remote control. The number "3" is located on the down button of virtual directional pad interface 1010, indicating that the number "3" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the down button on the directional pad of the remote control, and the number "4" is located on the left button of virtual directional pad interface 1010, indicating that the number "4" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the left button on the directional pad of the remote control.

[0117] In some implementations, the PIN entry interface 1000 may provide remote control gestures to move between the current digits in the range of 0-4 and the digits in the range of 5-9. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, notification 1020 indicates that a long press gesture on the right arrow on the directional pad of the remote control will move the virtual directional pad interface 1010 from the digits in the range of 0-4 to the digits in the range of 5-9. This is shown, for example, in FIG. 10B, where the digits in the range of 5-9 are located on the directional arrow buttons and on the center selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 1010. And notification 1040 may indicate that a long press gesture on the left arrow on the directional pad of the remote control will return the virtual directional pad interface 1010 to the digits in the range of 0-4.

[0118] In some implementations, the PIN entry interface 1000 may provide remote control gestures to move between a current digit range of 0-4 and one or more feature options. For example, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, a notification 1030 may indicate that a press and hold gesture on the center select button of the remote control will move the virtual directional pad interface 1010 from entering a digit to selecting one or more feature options (e.g., selecting a "forgot PIN" operation).

[0119] Alternatively, in some implementations, the PIN entry interface may include separate instructions for navigating between ranges of numbers and / or feature options to select, and buttons on a remote control may be assigned to perform multiple functions. For example, as shown in PIN entry interface 1100 of FIG. 11A, virtual directional pad interface 1110 may indicate that pressing a center selection button on the remote control moves from a numeric input range of 0-3 (e.g., shown as assigned to a directional button on the remote control) to a numeric input range of 4-7 (e.g., shown as assigned to a center selection button on virtual directional pad interface 1110). Continuing with the example, in response to pressing the center select button on the remote control, the virtual directional pad interface 1110 may be updated such that the number "4" is placed on the up directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 1110 to indicate that the number "4" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the up directional button on the remote control's directional pad, the number "5" is placed on the right directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 1110 to indicate that the number "5" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the right directional button on the remote control's directional pad, the number "6" is placed on the down directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 1110 to indicate that the number "6" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the down directional button on the remote control's directional pad, and the number "7" is placed on the left directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 1110 to indicate that the number "7" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the left directional button on the remote control. In addition, the center select button on the remote control may be used to access functionality options in an obfuscated PIN entry mode. For example, notification 1130 in FIG. 11A may indicate that a press and hold gesture on the center selection button of the remote control will cause the virtual directional pad interface 1110 to move from entering numbers to selecting one or more feature options (e.g., selecting a “forgot PIN” operation).

[0120] Alternatively, in some implementations, the PIN entry interface may include separate instructions for navigating between ranges of numbers and / or feature options to select, and multiple buttons on a remote control may be assigned to access various different ranges of numbers. For example, as shown in PIN entry interface 1100 of FIG. 11B, virtual directional pad interface 1110 may indicate that pressing a center selection button on the remote control may move from a numeric input range of 8-9 (e.g., shown as assigned to the up and right directional buttons on the remote control) to a numeric input range of 0-3 (e.g., shown on the center selection button of virtual directional pad interface 1110) or to a numeric input range of 4-7 (e.g., shown on the down directional button of virtual directional pad interface 1110).

[0121] In some implementations, the PIN entry interface may include any suitable number of notifications. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a PIN entry interface 1200 may present multiple notifications, such as notification 1220 indicating that a long press gesture applied to a center select button on a remote control may move a virtual directional pad interface from a current range of numbers to an adjacent range of numbers, and notification 1230 indicating that pressing a back button on the remote control will delete the last entered PIN number. Note that any suitable notifications may be provided, such as a notification to switch from an obfuscated PIN entry mode to a different PIN entry mode.

[0122] In some implementations, although the implementations described herein generally indicate valid rows of the PIN pad using a highlighted region or by highlighting letters, this is by way of example only and valid characters selectable on the remote control may be identified in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a slider interface 1320 may be provided in association with the PIN pad 1310. As shown, the slider interface 1320 may include a slider position indicator 1330 that indicates which of multiple rows on the PIN pad 1310 are active. In particular, FIG. 13 indicates that rows containing numbers in the range 7-9 are currently active and may be selected using buttons on the remote control.

[0123] As discussed above, one or more functional options may be accessed using a PIN entry interface including a virtual directional pad interface and an adjacent PIN pad. Returning to FIG. 5A, for example, in response to selection of the up directional button on the remote control (indicated by marker 1440 on virtual directional pad interface 1430 in FIG. 14A), the active row of PIN pad 1410 highlighted in highlight region 1420 may be changed from a row corresponding to a number in the range of 1-3 to a functional option for resetting the PIN associated with the user account (e.g., a "forgot PIN" operation as indicated by highlight region 1420 of PIN pad 1410 in FIG. 14B). In response to moving to the "forgot PIN" operation as shown in FIG. 14B, virtual directional pad interface 1430 may be updated and the center selection button on the remote control may be assigned to initiate the "forgot PIN" process. Continuing with the example, in response to selection of the center selection button on the remote control, the media device may initiate a process to allow the user to reset the PIN associated with the user account. Such steps may include verifying the identity of a user associated with the user account, providing other information to authenticate the user account, etc.

[0124] Other suitable functionality options may be selected on the remote control in conjunction with the obfuscated PIN entry mode.

[0125] For example, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, a functionality option may be provided that allows a user of a remote control to switch from a first user account to a second user account. In a more specific example, as shown in Figure 15A, a virtual directional pad interface 1510 may map the up directional button on the remote control to a "switch profile" operation 1520. In response to a user selecting the up directional button on the remote control, a PIN entry interface 1500 may be updated to allow the user to select different user accounts 1530, as shown in Figure 15B. A highlight region 1540 may be used to indicate which user accounts can be selected using the remote control (e.g., by navigating with the directional pad and selecting with the center selection button on the remote control).

[0126] In another example, a functional option may be provided that allows the user to indicate whether or not to present a PIN pad in the PIN entry interface. For example, returning to FIG. 5A, in response to the up directional button of the remote control being selected (as indicated by marker 1640 on virtual directional pad interface 1630 in FIG. 16A), the active row of PIN pad 1610, as highlighted in highlight region 1620, may be changed from a row corresponding to a number in the range of 1-3 to a functional option that hides the number pad shown in PIN pad 1610 (e.g., a "hide number pad" operation as indicated by highlight region 1620 of PIN pad 1610 in FIG. 16B). In response to moving to the "hide number pad" operation as shown in FIG. 16B, the virtual directional pad interface 1630 may be updated and the center selection button of the remote control may be assigned to initiate a "hide number pad" process. Continuing with the example, in response to the center selection button of the remote control being selected, the media device may initiate a process that prevents PIN pad 1610 from being presented in PIN entry interface 1600.

[0127] Alternatively, in response to the center select button on the remote control being selected, the media device may initiate a process to switch the obfuscated PIN entry mode to another PIN entry mode, such as the PIN entry interface 1700 of FIG. 17 that includes a number pad 1710. The number pad 1710 may, for example, indicate each of the entered PIN numbers selected from the number pad 1710. Continuing with the example, in response to a "hide number pad" operation 1720 being selected, the media device may cause the PIN entry mode in which the PIN entry interface 1700 is presented to change to the obfuscated PIN entry mode described above.

[0128] In addition to or instead of presenting functionality options in the virtual directional pad interface, in some implementations, the virtual directional pad interface may include options to access multiple functionality options for use in connection with the obfuscated PIN entry mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, in response to selection of the up button on the remote control (indicated by "More Options" 1820 on the virtual directional pad interface 1810 in FIG. 18A), the virtual directional pad interface 1810 and other interface elements are replaced with multiple functionality options 1830 as shown in FIG. 18B. These functionality options 1830 may include, for example, operations to show or hide a PIN pad, operations to switch between the obfuscated PIN entry mode and another PIN entry mode, operations to allow a user associated with a user account to reset the PIN, operations to allow a user of the remote control to switch from one user account to another, etc.

[0129] Where the systems described herein collect or utilize personal information about a user, the user may be given the opportunity to control whether the program or feature collects user information (e.g., information about the user's social network, social actions or activities, occupation, the user's preferences, or the user's current location). In addition, certain data may be processed in one or more ways before being stored or used such that personally identifiable information is removed. For example, the user's identifying information may be processed such that personal information about the user cannot be identified, or the user's geographic location from which location information is obtained (such as to the city, zip code, or state level) may be generalized such that the user's specific location cannot be identified. Thus, users have the power to choose how information about them is collected and how this information is utilized by the content server.

[0130] Thus, a system, method, and medium are provided for obfuscated personal identification number entry into a media device.

[0131] In some embodiments, any suitable computer readable medium may be used to store instructions for performing the processes described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the computer readable medium may be a transitory computer readable medium or a non-transitory computer readable medium. For example, the non-transitory computer readable medium may include media such as a non-transitory form of magnetic media (hard disk, floppy disk, etc.), a non-transitory form of optical media (compact disk, digital video disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), a non-transitory form of semiconductor media (flash memory, EPROM (Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory), a non-transitory form of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), any suitable media that is instantaneous and not permanent in transmission, and / or any suitable tangible media. As another example, the transitory computer readable medium may include signals on a network, wires, conductors, optical fibers, circuits, any suitable media that is instantaneous and not permanent in transmission, and / or any suitable intangible media.

[0132] It should be noted that the above-described steps of the process described in connection with Figure 3 may be performed or carried out in any order or sequence, not limited to the order and sequence shown and described, and that, where appropriate, some of the above-described steps of the process of Figure 3 may be performed or carried out substantially simultaneously or in parallel, to reduce wait and processing times.

[0133] It should also be noted that the term mechanism, as used herein, may include hardware, software, firmware, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0134] While the invention has been described and illustrated in the above exemplary implementations, it should be understood that the disclosure is by way of example only, and that various changes may be made in the details of the implementations of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present specification, which is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. The features of the disclosed implementations can be combined and permuted in various ways.

Claims

1. 1. A method for inputting a personal identification number to a media device, the method being performed by a hardware processor of the media device, the method comprising: receiving, with the hardware processor, a request to enter a personal identification number (PIN) using a remote control device connected to the media device; generating, with the hardware processor, a PIN entry interface screen including: (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of digits and one or more feature options divided into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control, the virtual directional pad interface assigning a first subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control to active ones of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigning a second subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control to move between the plurality of subsections, the method further comprising: receiving key presses from the remote control device using the hardware processor; using the hardware processor to update a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a number or execute a function option of the one or more function options that corresponds to the received key press, wherein the number corresponding to the received key press and a location within the virtual directional pad interface that corresponds to the received key press are not presented on the PIN entry interface screen; The PIN entry interface screen includes instructions for navigating at least one of a range of numbers to select and among the feature options.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the PIN pad is presented adjacent to the virtual directional pad interface on the PIN entry interface screen, and the active subsection of the plurality of subsections on the PIN pad is highlighted.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein each subsection of the plurality of subsections corresponds to a sequence of numbers, and the first subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control includes a left button and a right button of the directional pad of the remote control, the left button, the center selection button, and the right button each being assigned to a number included in the sequence of numbers.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second subset of the plurality of directional buttons on the remote control device includes an up button and a down button of the directional pad of the remote control device, the up button and the down button each being assigned to move to a subsection adjacent to the active subsection.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each subsection of the plurality of subsections of the PIN pad corresponds to a row of numbers on the PIN pad.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the virtual directional pad interface on the PIN entry interface screen is shaped to match the directional pad on the remote control device.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one of the numbers in the active subsection is presented on a representative directional button in the virtual directional pad interface.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the virtual directional pad interface is incorporated into the PIN pad, and the virtual directional pad interface is presented in place of the active subsection of the PIN pad.

9. A method for inputting a personal identification number to a media device, the method being performed by a hardware processor of the media device, the method comprising: receiving, with the hardware processor, a request to enter a personal identification number (PIN) using a remote control device connected to the media device; generating, with the hardware processor, a PIN entry interface screen including: (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of digits and one or more feature options divided into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control, the virtual directional pad interface assigning a first subset of the directional buttons and center selection button on the remote control to active ones of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigning a second subset of the directional buttons on the remote control to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the method further comprising: receiving key presses from the remote control device using the hardware processor; using the hardware processor to update a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a number or execute a function option of the one or more function options that corresponds to the received key press, wherein the number corresponding to the received key press and a location within the virtual directional pad interface that corresponds to the received key press are not presented on the PIN entry interface screen; wherein each of the plurality of subsections of the PIN pad is presented on the PIN entry interface screen as one of a plurality of virtual directional pad interfaces, a first virtual directional pad interface of the plurality of virtual directional pad interfaces is enabled, and the first virtual directional pad interface corresponds to the enabled subsection.

10. A method for inputting a personal identification number to a media device, the method being performed by a hardware processor of the media device, the method comprising: receiving, with the hardware processor, a request to enter a personal identification number (PIN) using a remote control device connected to the media device; generating, with the hardware processor, a PIN entry interface screen including: (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of digits and one or more feature options divided into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control, the virtual directional pad interface assigning a first subset of the directional buttons and center selection button on the remote control to active ones of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigning a second subset of the directional buttons on the remote control to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the method further comprising: receiving key presses from the remote control device using the hardware processor; using the hardware processor to update a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a number or execute a function option of the one or more function options that corresponds to the received key press, wherein the number corresponding to the received key press and a location within the virtual directional pad interface that corresponds to the received key press are not presented on the PIN entry interface screen; A method according to claim 1, wherein a back button on the remote control device is assigned to delete the last digit entered into the PIN entry field.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising causing an action to be performed on the media device in response to determining that a correct PIN has been entered in the PIN entry area.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the key press from the remote control device is a long press gesture provided on the remote control device.

13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein in response to receiving a long press gesture on a directional button on the directional pad of the remote control device, the PIN pad moves from the active subsection to an adjacent subsection.

14. A method for inputting a personal identification number to a media device, the method being performed by a hardware processor of the media device, the method comprising: receiving, with the hardware processor, a request to enter a personal identification number (PIN) using a remote control device connected to the media device; generating, with the hardware processor, a PIN entry interface screen including: (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of digits and one or more feature options divided into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control, the virtual directional pad interface assigning a first subset of the directional buttons and center selection button on the remote control to active ones of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigning a second subset of the directional buttons on the remote control to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the method further comprising: receiving key presses from the remote control device using the hardware processor; using the hardware processor to update a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a number or execute a function option of the one or more function options that corresponds to the received key press, wherein the number corresponding to the received key press and a location within the virtual directional pad interface that corresponds to the received key press are not presented on the PIN entry interface screen; The one or more feature options include an option to switch from a first user account to a second user account to enter the PIN.

15. A method for inputting a personal identification number to a media device, the method being performed by a hardware processor of the media device, the method comprising: receiving, with the hardware processor, a request to enter a personal identification number (PIN) using a remote control device connected to the media device; generating, with the hardware processor, a PIN entry interface screen including: (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of digits and one or more feature options divided into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control, the virtual directional pad interface assigning a first subset of the directional buttons and center selection button on the remote control to active ones of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigning a second subset of the directional buttons on the remote control to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the method further comprising: receiving key presses from the remote control device using the hardware processor; using the hardware processor to update a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a number or execute a function option of the one or more function options that corresponds to the received key press, wherein the number corresponding to the received key press and a location within the virtual directional pad interface that corresponds to the received key press are not presented on the PIN entry interface screen; The method, wherein the one or more feature options include an option to hide the PIN pad so that it is not presented on the PIN entry interface screen.

16. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more function options include an option to replace the PIN entry interface screen with another PIN entry interface screen on which the numbers corresponding to the received key presses are presented.

17. A method for inputting a personal identification number to a media device, the method being performed by a hardware processor of the media device, the method comprising: receiving, with the hardware processor, a request to enter a personal identification number (PIN) using a remote control device connected to the media device; generating, with the hardware processor, a PIN entry interface screen including: (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of digits and one or more feature options divided into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control, the virtual directional pad interface assigning a first subset of the directional buttons and center selection button on the remote control to active ones of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigning a second subset of the directional buttons on the remote control to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the method further comprising: receiving key presses from the remote control device using the hardware processor; using the hardware processor to update a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a number or execute a function option of the one or more function options that corresponds to the received key press, wherein the number corresponding to the received key press and a location within the virtual directional pad interface that corresponds to the received key press are not presented on the PIN entry interface screen; The one or more feature options include an option to reset a PIN associated with a user account.

18. A method for inputting a personal identification number to a media device, the method being performed by a hardware processor of the media device, the method comprising: receiving, with the hardware processor, a request to enter a personal identification number (PIN) using a remote control device connected to the media device; generating, with the hardware processor, a PIN entry interface screen including: (1) a PIN pad having a plurality of digits and one or more feature options divided into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button on the remote control, the virtual directional pad interface assigning a first subset of the directional buttons and center selection button on the remote control to active ones of the plurality of subsections, and the virtual directional pad interface assigning a second subset of the directional buttons on the remote control to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the method further comprising: receiving key presses from the remote control device using the hardware processor; using the hardware processor to update a PIN entry area on the PIN entry interface screen with a number or execute a function option of the one or more function options that corresponds to the received key press, wherein the number corresponding to the received key press and a location within the virtual directional pad interface that corresponds to the received key press are not presented on the PIN entry interface screen; The one or more function options include an option to access an interface screen containing multiple options, the multiple options including a first option to switch between user accounts, a second option to hide the PIN pad so that it is not presented on the PIN entry interface screen, and a third option to reset the PIN associated with the user account.

19. A media device comprising a hardware processor configured to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A program comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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