Systems, methods, and media for inputting obfuscated personal identification numbers into media devices

Abstract

To provide a system, a method, and a medium for obfuscated personal identification number entry on a media device.SOLUTION: A computer-implemented method comprises, in response to receiving a request to transmit personal information from an external device, generating an output interface screen that operates a media device in an obfuscated input mode based on location data. The screen includes a first section including a plurality of characters and a second section including a virtual directional pad consisting of a selection button and a plurality of directional buttons. A first subset of the plurality of directional buttons is associated with movement of the first section, and a second subset of the plurality of directional buttons is associated with an active subsection of the first section. The screen includes receiving input corresponding to the selection of the characters to update a personal information entry field, and operating the media device in the obfuscated input mode prevents the characters from being displayed in the personal information entry field.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5E

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 097,203, filed on November 13, 2020, and all of the descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The disclosed subject matter relates to systems, methods, and media for obfuscated personal identification number (PIN) input for media devices.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, a method for entering a personal identification number into a media device, the method comprising: using a hardware processor of the media device to receive a request to enter a PIN (personal identification number) using a remote control device connected to the media device; using the hardware processor to generate a PIN input interface screen including (1) a PIN pad in which a plurality of digits and one or more function options are divided into a plurality of subsections; and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad on a remote control device having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button, 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 a valid subsection among the plurality of subsections; 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 comprises: using a hardware processor to receive a key press from the remote control device; using a hardware processor to update the PIN input area on the PIN input interface screen with a digit or one or more function options, the received key This includes executing a function option that matches the key press, and the numbers corresponding to the received key press and the received key press are not displayed on the PIN entry interface screen.

[0008] In some embodiments, the PIN pad is presented adjacent to a virtual directional pad interface on the PIN input interface screen, and the valid subsections of the multiple subsections on the PIN pad are highlighted.

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

[0010] In some embodiments, a second subset of the multiple directional buttons on the remote control device includes the up and down buttons on the remote control device's directional pad, with the up and down buttons each assigned to moving to a subsection adjacent to a valid subsection.

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

[0012] In some embodiments, the virtual directional pad interface on the PIN input interface screen is molded to match the directional pad on the remote control device.

[0013] In some embodiments, one of several numbers in a valid subsection is presented on a representative directional button in the virtual directional pad interface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the virtual directional pad interface is integrated into the PIN pad, and the virtual directional pad interface is presented in place of a valid subsection of the PIN pad.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of several subsections in the PIN pad is presented on the PIN input interface screen as one of several virtual directional pad interfaces, of which a first virtual directional pad interface is enabled, and the first virtual directional pad interface corresponds to the enabled subsection.

[0016] In some embodiments, the back button on the remote control device is assigned to delete the last number entered in the PIN input area.

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

[0018] In some embodiments, a key press from the remote control device is a long-press gesture provided to the remote control device.

[0019] In some embodiments, in response to 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 embodiments, one or more functional options are used to enter a PIN. Includes an option to switch from one user account to a second user account.

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

[0022] In some embodiments, one or more functional options include the option to replace a PIN input interface screen with another PIN input interface screen that displays numbers corresponding to received key presses.

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

[0024] In some embodiments, one or more functional options include the option to access an interface screen that includes multiple options, and the multiple options include 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 input interface screen, and a third option to reset the PIN associated with the user account.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a media device is provided. The media device includes a hardware processor that receives a request to input a PIN (personal identification number) using a remote control device connected to the media device, and generates a PIN input interface screen that includes (1) a PIN pad in which a plurality of digits and one or more functional options are divided into a plurality of subsections, and (2) a virtual direction pad interface corresponding to a direction pad having a plurality of direction buttons and a central selection button on the remote control device, the virtual direction pad interface assigns a first subset of the plurality of direction buttons and the central selection button on the remote control device to valid subsections among the plurality of subsections, the virtual direction pad interface assigns a second subset of the plurality of direction buttons on the remote control device to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the hardware processor further receives a key press from the remote control device and updates the PIN input area on the PIN input interface screen with a digit, or executes a functional option that matches the received key press among the one or more functional options, and the digit corresponding to the received key press and the received key press are not presented on the PIN input interface screen.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, a non-temporary computer-readable medium containing instructions that can be executed by a computer is provided. A computer-executable instruction, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to execute a method for entering a personal identification number to a media device, the method including receiving a request to enter a PIN (personal identification number) using a media device and a remote control device connected to the media device, and generating a PIN input interface screen including (1) a PIN pad in which a plurality of digits and one or more function options are divided into a plurality of subsections, and (2) a virtual directional pad interface corresponding to a directional pad on a remote control device having a plurality of directional buttons and a center selection button, 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 a valid subsection among the plurality of subsections, 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 includes receiving a key press from the remote control device and updating the PIN input area on the PIN input interface screen with a digit, or executing a function option among one or more function options that matches the received key press, the digit and the received key corresponding to the received key press The button press will not be displayed on the PIN entry interface screen.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a system for personal identification number input for a media device is provided. The system includes means for receiving, using a media device, a request to input a PIN (personal identification number) using a remote control device connected to the media device, and a PIN input interface screen including (1) a PIN pad in which a plurality of digits and one or more function options are divided into a plurality of subsections, and (2) a virtual direction pad interface corresponding to a direction pad having a plurality of direction buttons and a central selection button on the remote control device, the virtual direction pad interface assigning a first subset of the plurality of direction buttons and the central selection button on the remote control device to valid subsections among the plurality of subsections, the virtual direction pad interface assigning a second subset of the plurality of direction buttons on the remote control device to move between each of the plurality of subsections, the system further including means for receiving a key press from the remote control device, and means for updating the PIN input area on the PIN input interface screen with a digit or for executing a function option corresponding to the received key press among the one or more function options, the digit corresponding to the received key press and the received key press being configured not to be presented on the PIN input interface screen.

[0028] Brief Description of the Drawings Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be fully understood by referring to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter in view of the following drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers identify the same elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] An exemplary embodiment of a top view of a remote control for making one or more inputs to a media device incorporating the mechanisms described herein, according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, is shown. [Figure 2]The following are illustrative schematic examples of a system for obfuscated PIN input to a media device relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure. [Figure 3] Exemplary examples of processes for obfuscated PIN input to media devices relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown. [Figure 4] This document presents exemplary embodiments of a user interface that provides a tutorial for obfuscated PIN entry for media devices, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure. [Figure 5A] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown, including a PIN input area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface on which a remote control is used to provide a PIN for adding further time to a timer associated with a user account. [Figure 5B] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown, including a PIN input area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface on which a remote control is used to provide a PIN for adding further time to a timer associated with a user account. [Figure 5C] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown, including a PIN input area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface on which a remote control is used to provide a PIN for adding further time to a timer associated with a user account. [Figure 5D] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown, including a PIN input area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface on which a remote control is used to provide a PIN for adding further time to a timer associated with a user account. [Figure 5E]Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown, including a PIN input area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface on which a remote control is used to provide a PIN for adding further time to a timer associated with a user account. [Figure 5F] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown, including a PIN input area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface on which a remote control is used to provide a PIN for adding further time to a timer associated with a user account. [Figure 5G] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown, including a PIN input area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface on which a remote control is used to provide a PIN for adding further time to a timer associated with a user account. [Figure 5H] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown, including a PIN input area, a virtual directional pad interface, and a PIN pad interface on which a remote control is used to provide a PIN for adding further time to a timer associated with a user account. [Figure 6] Exemplary examples of PIN input interface screens, including alternative PIN pad interfaces, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure are shown. [Figure 7] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen, including multiple virtual directional pad interfaces, each corresponding to a sequence of digits, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, are shown. [Figure 8A] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen in which a virtual directional pad interface is incorporated into a PIN pad interface are shown, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure. Here, the virtual directional pad interface corresponds to the valid rows of the PIN pad interface. [Figure 8B] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen in which a virtual directional pad interface is incorporated into a PIN pad interface are shown, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure. Here, the virtual directional pad interface corresponds to the valid rows of the PIN pad interface. [Figure 9A] An exemplary embodiment of a PIN input interface screen, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure, is shown, in which a central selection button on a remote control is used to navigate between the rows of the PIN pad interface. [Figure 9B] An exemplary embodiment of a PIN input interface screen, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure, is shown, in which a central selection button on a remote control is used to navigate between the rows of the PIN pad interface. [Figure 10A] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen that provides multiple long-press gestures, including long-press gestures for navigating between lines of a PIN pad interface and long-press gestures for accessing further functional options, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure. [Figure 10B] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen that provides multiple long-press gestures, including long-press gestures for navigating between lines of a PIN pad interface and long-press gestures for accessing further functional options, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure. [Figure 11A] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen providing multiple long-press gestures for navigating between lines of a PIN pad interface, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure, are shown. [Figure 11B] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen providing multiple long-press gestures for navigating between lines of a PIN pad interface, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure, are shown. [Figure 12]Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown, which provides multiple options, including an option for moving between lines of the PIN pad interface and an option for deleting previously entered digits. [Figure 13] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen providing a slider interface for indicating valid rows of a PIN pad interface, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, are shown. [Figure 14A] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN entry interface screen, including a functional option for resetting a PIN associated with a user account, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure, are shown. [Figure 14B] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN entry interface screen, including a functional option for resetting a PIN associated with a user account, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure, are shown. [Figure 15A] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN entry interface screen, including functional options for switching user accounts for entering a PIN, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, are shown. [Figure 15B] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN entry interface screen, including functional options for switching user accounts for entering a PIN, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, are shown. [Figure 16A] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen, including a functional option to avoid presenting a PIN pad interface, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, are shown. [Figure 16B] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen, including a functional option to avoid presenting a PIN pad interface, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, are shown. [Figure 17] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface screen, including a PIN pad capable of displaying a number entered on a PIN input area in response to a key press on a remote control, relating to some embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure, are shown. [Figure 18A] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN entry interface screen, including options for accessing multiple functional options, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, are shown. [Figure 18B] Exemplary embodiments of a PIN entry interface screen, including options for accessing multiple functional options, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure, are shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Detailed explanation According to various embodiments, a mechanism for inputting obfuscated personal identification numbers to a media device is provided.

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

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

[0033] In response to a request to enter a personal identification number using a remote control device connected to a media device (for example, 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, or to download an application onto a media device, these mechanisms can generate and present a PIN entry interface screen for entering one or more numbers using a remote control.

[0034] In some embodiments, the PIN input interface screen may include a virtual directional pad interface (which may be referred to herein as a “virtual D-pad”). For example, the virtual directional pad interface may include a directional pad having directional buttons, and specific buttons from a remote control device connected to a media device, such as a select button that may be located in the 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 in this example, when the left directional button on the remote control's directional pad is pressed in obfuscated PIN input mode, the virtual directional pad interface may indicate that the number “1” may be entered into the PIN input area. Alternatively, the virtual directional pad interface may indicate that when the up directional button on the remote control's directional pad is pressed in obfuscated PIN input mode, a function option may be activated that allows the user to reset the PIN associated with the user account.

[0035] In some embodiments, the PIN input interface screen may include a PIN pad or numeric pad presenting multiple digits and one or more function options. The PIN pad may be further divided in any suitable manner. For example, each row of the PIN pad may contain a specific number of digits (e.g., 3 characters, 4 characters, etc.). Continuing in this example, the PIN pad relating to the virtual directional pad interface may indicate which subsections or areas of the PIN pad are active and selectable using the remote control device. In a more specific example, the PIN pad may indicate that digits in the range of 0 to 3 can be entered using the remote control, and that in response to the down arrow button on the remote control being pressed, the PIN pad will activate adjacent digits in the range of 4 to 7, making them selectable using the remote control.

[0036] The PIN input interface screen may present the virtual directional pad interface and the PIN pad in any appropriate manner. For example, the virtual directional pad interface may be presented adjacent to the PIN pad. In another example, a virtual directional pad interface may be incorporated into the PIN pad, in which a valid subsection or area of ​​the PIN pad can be replaced by a shifting virtual directional pad interface. In yet another example, the PIN pad may be located on a screen different from the virtual directional pad interface (for example, the user may select a set of numbers from the PIN pad, and the corresponding virtual directional pad interface may be presented to the user).

[0037] In response to receiving a key press from the remote control, the mechanism may update the PIN input area on the PIN input interface screen and the active subsection of the PIN pad with a number matching the received key press. Alternatively, the received key press and entered number may not be displayed on the PIN input interface screen.

[0038] In response to receiving a PIN via a remote control input PIN input interface screen, the mechanism may determine whether a correct PIN has been 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 add time to the timer associated with the corresponding child account (for example, adding 30 minutes of viewing time to the child account). You may also perform the corresponding action, such as ( ).

[0039] These and other features for obfuscated personal identification number input to media devices will be explained in relation to Figures 1 to 18B.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary top view of a remote control 100 relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include various buttons, such as buttons 110, 120, and 130. In some embodiments, buttons 110, 120, and 130 may be omitted, and in some such embodiments, the functions described herein relating to buttons 110, 120, and 130 may be implemented using dynamically generated soft buttons on the display area (not shown) of the remote control 100.

[0041] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include a directional pad 110 that can be pressed to indicate a direction input. For example, pressing the directional pad 110 at a particular location may complete (or deactivate) one or more circuits (for example, as shown in Figure 2 and described later in association with Figure 2), and the completion of one or more circuits may be detected by the 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 in this example, as will be described later, if the right side of the directional pad 110 is pressed while a PIN input interface screen is displayed on the display, a number or function option corresponding to the right direction input of the directional pad 110 may be input to the media device (for example, the number "3" is input to the PIN input area). In another example, if a PIN input interface screen is presented on the display, the left or right button of the directional pad 110 may be pressed and held for a specific period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) to guide the user to an adjacent row or subsection of numbers.

[0042] The directional pad 110 may be configured to accept any appropriate number of inputs in various directions according to several embodiments. For example, the processor of the remote control 100 may be configured to detect inputs in 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 in 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). In yet another example, the processor of the remote control 100 may be configured to detect inputs in any direction of the directional pad 110. In such examples, the directional pad 110 may include a touch sensor that can be used to detect any position of input to the directional pad 110.

[0043] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include an "OK" or "Select" button 120. For example, if the Select button 120 is pressed, this may complete a circuit that indicates to the processor that the Select button has been pressed. In another example, if the Select button 120 is pressed, this may complete a circuit that indicates to the processor to select the element currently highlighted on the display being navigated using the remote control 100. In yet another example, as will be described later, if the Select button 120 is pressed when a PIN input interface screen is presented on the display, the number or function option corresponding to the Select button 120 may be input to the media device (for example, the number "5" is entered in the PIN input area). In other examples, when a PIN input interface screen is presented on the display, in response to the Select button 120 being pressed and held for a certain period of time (for example, 3 seconds), the system may be guided to another row or subsection of numbers. That's fine.

[0044] Although Figure 1 shows the selection button 120 positioned in the center of the directional pad 110, this is merely an example, and the button 120 may be positioned at any suitable location on the remote 100.

[0045] In addition to the directional buttons and selection buttons, the remote control 100 may include any appropriate number of buttons, each performing one of several functions.

[0046] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include a back button 130. In some embodiments, selecting the back button 130 may cause the previously presented user interface to be displayed on the display of the media device controlled by the remote control 100. For example, when a user 100 of the remote control uses the remote control 100 to move from a first user interface to a second user interface, the first user interface may be presented on the display by selecting the back button 130. In another example, as will be described later, a PIN input interface screen is presented on the display and one or more digits have been entered into the PIN input area, and the last digit entered into the PIN input area may be deleted by selecting the back button 130. In yet another example, a PIN input interface screen is presented on the display and one or more digits have been entered into the PIN input area, and all digits entered into the PIN input area may be deleted in response to the back button 130 being pressed and held for a certain period of time (e.g., 3 seconds).

[0047] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include a power button for controlling the power state of a media device, such as a television set, a streaming media device, a soundbar, and / or other suitable media device. For example, when the power button is pressed, the remote control 100 may cause the media device to send a signal to turn on the power (e.g., from an off or sleep state). In addition, in some embodiments, a selector (not shown) may be included, which can be used to select one device from a group of devices and turn it 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 embodiments, the remote control 100 may include an indicator to show the user which media device is currently selected.

[0048] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include application buttons or other suitable buttons corresponding to applications running on the media device. In some embodiments, the application buttons may correspond to specific applications (e.g., applications related to a particular media streaming service, and / or other suitable applications). In some such embodiments, the application button may be selected to launch the corresponding application by the media device controlled by the remote control 100. In some embodiments, the media device controlled by the remote control 100 may be powered on before the application is launched by selecting the application button when the media device is powered off. The remote control 100 may include any suitable number of application buttons (e.g., two, three, four, and / or other suitable numbers), each corresponding to a different application.

[0049] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include a microphone button for initiating the 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 appropriate technology may be used to prompt the user with voice commands, images, etc. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to issue a voice command, but pressing the microphone button may instruct the media device to prepare to receive voice commands (for example, by enabling the microphone on the media device). In some embodiments, the media device and / or remote control 100 may be configured to recognize any appropriate voice command. For example, a command that reproduces an action resulting from pressing a button on the remote control 100 may be recognized. As another example, the user may initiate a search using a voice command. As yet another example, the user may tune into a specific channel by number and / or name (for example, channel 451, channel 2, "CBA", "Cooking Channel", etc.). As yet another example, the user may launch an application on the media device using a voice command (for example, "Play <video> using <application>").

[0050] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may be equipped with a microphone for receiving voice commands. If the remote control 100 is equipped with a microphone, the voice commands may be interpreted by the processor of the remote control 100, and / or sent to a media device controlled by the remote control 100 for interpretation, or sent to an intermediate or streaming device associated with the system for interpretation (for example, as shown in Figure 2 and described later in association with Figure 2), and / or sent to a server for interpretation (for example, as shown in Figure 2 and described later in association with Figure 2). In addition, in some embodiments, a microphone may be used to detect a trigger sound (for example, a clapping sound, a spoken word, and / or other suitable trigger sound). In some embodiments, in response to the detection of a trigger sound, the remote control 100 may be programmed to indicate the location of the remote control 100 by emitting, for example, a specific sound, a beep, or other audible sound.

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

[0052] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include a mute button for muting the sound output from the media device controlled by the remote control 100.

[0053] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include volume buttons. These volume buttons 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. Here, pressing the upper part of the volume rocker button may increase the volume of the media device, and pressing the lower part of the volume rocker button may decrease the volume of the media device. In some embodiments, the volume button may be located at any suitable position on the remote control 100 (for example, on the side of the remote control 100).

[0054] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may also include a motion sensor (not shown) for detecting rotational and / or linear movements of the remote control 100, and / or orientation of the remote control 100. For example, if a user moves the remote control 100 which includes a motion sensor (e.g., a gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, etc.), the motion sensor may transmit movement and / or orientation information related to the remote control 100. As described herein, the motion sensor may be used to detect signals indicating the movement of the remote control 100, signals indicating the orientation of the remote control (e.g., which part of the remote control 100 is facing upwards), signals indicating a specific gesture (e.g., shaking, rocking, etc.), and so on.

[0055] In some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include other suitable selectable buttons not shown in Figure 1. For example, in some embodiments, 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, and one or more fiber optic inputs. When an input button is pressed, the remote control 100 sends a command to the media device to change the selected input. Input selection may be performed using any suitable technique. For example, in some embodiments, 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 pressing and holding and / or repeatedly pressing the input button, or by using the directional pad 110 and the select button 120 to move to a specific input and select that specific input.

[0056] As another example, in some embodiments, the remote control 100 may be equipped with a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) button. For example, if the user presses the PiP button, the remote control 100 may send a command to the media device to display content from a second source (e.g., a second channel) on top of the content from a first source (e.g., a first channel) that is currently being displayed. In such an example, the content from the second source would be displayed, for example, in the corner of a display connected to the media device.

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

[0058] As yet another example, in some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include a menu button for accessing a menu on the media device controlled by the remote control 100. For example, when the menu button is pressed, the media device accesses a menu. It may be opened. As another example, if a media device is running an application, pressing a menu button may present the user with additional options and / or menus related to the application.

[0059] As yet another example, in some embodiments, the remote control 100 may include media buttons for controlling media playback by a media device controlled by the remote control 100. For example, the media buttons may include a play button, a stop button, a fast forward button, a rewind button, a skip-forward button, other suitable media buttons, and / or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments, buttons that are more commonly used by the user (e.g., the play button and the stop button) may be positioned in the center and raised above buttons that are less commonly used (e.g., the rewind and fast forward buttons). In addition to or instead of this, different media buttons may have different shapes so that they can be distinguished from each other. These features may make it easier for the user to press the correct button when their gaze is not directed at the remote control 100, but instead, for example, at a display connected to the media device.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary embodiment of a generalized schematic diagram of a system 200 comprising a media device, a remote control for controlling the media device, and a server is shown, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure.

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

[0062] In some embodiments, the battery 206 may be any suitable type of battery for powering the remote control 202. For example, in some embodiments, the battery 206 may be a rechargeable battery. In some such embodiments, the battery 206 may be charged using power from an external source that can be connected to the remote control 202 in any suitable way (e.g., a micro USB port on the remote control 202, and / or other suitable way). In addition to or instead of this, the battery 206 may be wirelessly charged, where a wireless power transceiver of the charger can receive power from a power source, and the wireless power transceiver of the charger can transmit power to the battery 206 of the connected remote control 202 via a suitable conversion circuit.

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

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

[0065] In some embodiments, the processor 210 may use a computer program to cause the remote control 202 to transmit signals. In some embodiments, these signals may be transmitted using a 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., BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) 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 input, selection 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 input, selection button key presses, or back button key presses over 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 in a communication network 206 with the transmitter / receiver 228 of the media device 220. In yet another specific example, the transmitter / receiver 216 of the remote control 202 can transmit and / or receive BLE signals with the transmitter / receiver 228 of the media device 220 and / or other suitable intermediate devices or streaming media devices.

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

[0067] In some embodiments, the remote control 202 may also include other suitable input devices 212. The input device 212 may include other suitable input functions such as an alphanumeric keypad, a power button, an input button, a channel button, a volume button, a volume mute button, directional buttons, media playback buttons (e.g., a rewind button, a stop button, a play button, a fast forward button), a media device, a microphone, or other suitable audio input, or a dedicated button for accessing downloadable applications for use by a camera, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the remote control 202 may include a microphone available for any suitable purpose. More specifically, in some embodiments, the microphone may be used to receive voice queries (e.g., search queries to initiate playback of a particular media content item, and / or other suitable voice queries). Voice queries may be processed by the remote control 202 and transmitted from the remote control 202 to another device (e.g., a media device 220, a server 230, and / or other suitable device) for processing. As another, more specific example, in some embodiments, a microphone is used to pick up any suitable audible sound (e.g., the sound of clapping hands, spoken words or phrases). The input device may detect a position (e.g., a sound). This sound may be used as a trigger to indicate the position of the remote control 202 (e.g., by causing the remote control to produce an audible sound or beep). In some embodiments, the input device 212 may include hardware buttons and / or software buttons (e.g., programmable buttons). In some embodiments, the input device 212 may include other inputs such as a computer keyboard, cursor controller, dial, switch bank, lever, touchscreen, and / or other suitable input devices.

[0068] System 200 may include one or more media devices 220, such as a media device for viewing a list of media content 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, media devices 220 may be implemented as televisions, smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming media devices, digital media receivers, computers, game consoles, optical media players, etc. The remote control 202 and media devices 220 may be local to each other or remote to each other. For example, the advanced remote control 202 and media devices 220 may be located in the same room.

[0069] More specifically, in some embodiments, 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 transmitter / receiver 228, which may be interconnected.

[0070] In some embodiments, the 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 commands. In a more specific example, this storage device may store a computer program for controlling the processor 224 (for example, in response to commands received from the remote control 202) in the media device 220.

[0071] The processor 224 may, using a computer program, present content on the display / input device 222 and control an interface that allows the user to interact with the content and send and receive data using the transmitter / receiver 228. In some embodiments, 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, etc. For example, the transmitter / receiver 228 of the media device 220 may transmit and / or receive Wi-Fi signals in a communication 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 to and from the transmitter / receiver 216 of the remote control 202 and / or other suitable intermediate devices or streaming media devices.

[0072] The display / input device 222 may include input devices such as a computer keyboard, cursor controller, one or more buttons, dials, switch banks, levers, touchscreens, and / or other suitable input devices.

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

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

[0075] In some embodiments, 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 functions. For example, in some embodiments, server 230 may determine whether to authenticate a user account based on an entered PIN, and based on the authenticated user account, may determine whether to perform a specific action (e.g., adding time to a timer, disabling parental controls, purchasing a media content item).

[0076] In some embodiments, the remote control 202, the media device 220, and the server 230 can communicate in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the remote control 202 may send commands (e.g., commands to move within the 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 embodiments, the server(s) 230 may send and receive information with the remote control 202, media device 220, and / or streaming media device 250 (details below) via the communication network 260. In some embodiments, the communication network 260 may be any suitable type of communication network, such as a Wi-Fi network, a local area network (LAN), and / or other suitable type of network. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, signals may be transmitted between the remote control 202, media device 220, server(s) 230, and / or streaming media device 250 via the communication network 260 using communication links 215, 235, 245, and / or 255. In some embodiments, the communication links 215, 235, 245, and / or 255 may be any suitable type(s) of wired or wireless communication links.

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

[0079] In some embodiments, the remote control device 202 may communicate with the streaming media device 250 in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the remote control device 202 may communicate with the streaming media device 250 via a communication link 275. In some such embodiments, the communication link 275 may be a Wi-Fi link, a Bluetooth link, and / or other suitable type of communication link. In a more specific example, the remote control device 202 may send commands to the streaming media device 250 via a Wi-Fi signal or a Bluetooth signal. Here, the streaming media device 250 may send corresponding commands to a media device 220 connected to the streaming media device 250 (for example, via an HDMI-CEC channel). In some embodiments, 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 a local network (DIAL (Discovery and Launch), and / or other suitable discovery protocol). In addition, 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 embodiments, the remote control device 202 may communicate with the streaming media device 250 via an intermediate device 240. In some embodiments, the intermediate device 240 may be a Wi-Fi dongle, which enables the intermediate device 240 to communicate with the streaming media device 250 via a Wi-Fi communication link 285. In some embodiments, the remote control device 202 may communicate with the intermediate device 240 via a communication link 265. In some embodiments, the communication link 265 may be a Bluetooth link and / or other suitable type of communication link. Note that in some embodiments, the intermediate device 240 may be omitted.

[0081] Referring to Figure 3, an exemplary embodiment 300 of the process for inputting an obfuscated personal identification number to a media device is shown, relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the block of the 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] Step 300 begins in step 310 by receiving a request to enter a PIN on the media device. Such a request may be received in any appropriate manner. For example, a media application running on the media device may require a PIN associated with the user account to authenticate the user account, disable parental controls (e.g., to change one or more parental controls), control settings related to a child's account, add time to a timer (e.g., to increase the total available viewing time for a child's account), access and / or purchase media content items, download applications to install on the media device, run applications on the media device, or play certain ranked games on the media device. It is reasonable to conclude that this is the case.

[0083] In some embodiments, step 300 may receive a request to enter a PIN code or other suitable password and determine whether the obfuscated PIN entry mode is suitable for entering the PIN on the media device. For example, in some embodiments, step 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 the same location or nearby. In a more specific example, step 300 may determine from device data indicating that the media device is a television set, and from location data indicating that the television set is located in a living room of a home, that the obfuscated PIN entry mode is a suitable mode for entering the PIN upon request.

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

[0085] In some embodiments, in response to determining that the user of a user account has never previously entered a PIN on a media device using the obfuscated PIN entry mode ("yes" in 320), step 300 may cause the media device to display an obfuscated PIN entry tutorial screen. An exemplary embodiment of a user interface providing a tutorial for obfuscated PIN entry on a media device, relating to some embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure, is shown in Figure 4.

[0086] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the tutorial for obfuscated PIN entry may include presenting the user with a user interface that provides instructions for entering the PIN using a remote control where the buttons on the remote control are assigned to specific numbers and / or function options. In a more specific example, as shown in Figure 4, such a user interface may include images showing how the buttons on the remote control are remapped, or otherwise assigned to specific numbers and / or function options, by displaying images of the remote control 410 and adjacent images of a virtual directional pad 420 in the form of the directional pad and select buttons of the remote control 410. Continuing in this example, as shown in Figure 4, the user interface may also instruct the user that they can move between rows of numbers or between function options (for example, between the sets of numbers in the range of 1-3, the sets of numbers in the range of 4-6, the sets of numbers in the range of 7-9, and 0, and the “Forgot PIN” operation) by pressing the up and down buttons on the remote control. In some embodiments, the PIN pad 430 may be presented that indicates which rows or subsections among several subsections in 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 the row in a highlight area 440. In addition to or instead of this, a valid character may be highlighted, as also shown in Figure 4. The active subsections of the PIN pad may be indicated by highlighting the numbers "1", "2", and "3" on the PIN pad 430, as opposed to the remaining numbers and function options being disabled.

[0087] In some embodiments, the obfuscated PIN input tutorial may provide the user with instructions on how to select the PIN numbers and how to select the functional options. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the user interface may instruct the user that pressing the left, middle, or right button on the remote control will cause the user to input the corresponding number from a valid row assigned to a particular button. In a more specific example, as shown in Figure 4, in a valid row containing numbers in the range of 1 to 3, the left button on the remote control may be assigned to the number "1", the middle, or right button on the remote control may be assigned to the number "2", and the right button on the remote control may be assigned to the number "3". In response to pressing the left, middle, or right button, the corresponding number may be entered into the PIN input area 450 (which may be represented by a symbol such as * or ● to indicate that a character has been entered).

[0088] In some embodiments, the tutorial on obfuscated PIN entry may provide the user with instructions on how to delete the numbers entered in the PIN entry area 450. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the user interface may instruct the user that they can delete the last number entered in the PIN entry area 450 by pressing the back button on the remote control. In another example, the user interface may instruct the user that they can delete all the numbers entered in the PIN entry area 450 by pressing and holding the back button on the remote control for a certain period of time.

[0089] Referring to Figure 3, in response to determining that the user has acknowledged the obfuscated PIN input tutorial (for example, by pressing the central select button on the "OK" interface element of the tutorial screen), step 300 may determine that it is no longer necessary to present the obfuscated PIN input tutorial to the user of the user account (in block 320 of Figure 3). In some embodiments, step 300 may increment a counter value associated with the user account that indicates the number of times the obfuscated PIN input tutorial has been presented to the user. Continuing in this example, in response that the counter value has become greater than a certain threshold, step 300 may determine that it is no longer necessary to present the obfuscated PIN input tutorial to the user (for example, "No" in block 320).

[0090] In response to determining in block 320 that it is not necessary to present an obfuscated PIN input tutorial to the user, or in response to having presented an obfuscated PIN input tutorial to the user in block 330, step 300 causes the PIN input interface to be presented in 340. As described above in relation to the obfuscated PIN input tutorial in Figure 3, the directional pad buttons, the center select button, and the back button of the remote control may be assigned to specific numbers and / or one or more function options. Exemplary embodiments of a PIN input interface for obfuscated PIN input to a media device relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of disclosure are shown in Figures 5A to 18B.

[0091] Referring to Figure 5A, exemplary embodiments of the PIN input interface 500 relating to several embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure are shown. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the PIN input 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 area 550, and a PIN input area 560.

[0092] The action descriptor 510 may be any appropriate indication that an action will be performed on the media device when the correct PIN is received. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, the action descriptor indicates that the obfuscated PIN entry mode has been activated to add bonus time to the timer. In a more specific example, the obfuscated PIN entry mode may be used to confirm that a parent account corresponding to the user account indication 520 wants to add a specific amount of time (e.g., 30 minutes) to the viewing time associated with the corresponding child account.

[0093] Note that while the action descriptor 510 in Figure 5A indicates that the user wants to add time to the viewing time associated with the child's account, this is merely an example, and the obfuscated PIN entry mode may be used for any appropriate 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 the user account display 520, to disable parental controls (for example, to change one or more parental controls), to access and / or purchase media content items, to download an application to install on the media device, to run an application on the media device, or to play a game with a specific ranking on the media device.

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

[0095] The PIN pad 540 may be any suitable display of the numbers and / or function options that can be selected using the PIN input interface 500. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, the PIN pad 540 may be located adjacent to the virtual directional pad interface 530. In the virtual directional pad interface 530, the set of numbers 0-9 and the “Forgot PIN” operation may be divided into multiple rows on the PIN pad 540. More specifically, in Figure 5A, the PIN pad 540 may be divided into rows or subsections representing (1) numbers in the range of 1-3, (2) numbers in the range of 4-6, (3) numbers in the range of 7-9 and the number 0, and (4) the “Forgot PIN” option. Also as shown in Figure 5A, the PIN pad 540 may include a valid highlighted area 550 that indicates which one or more rows on the PIN pad 540 are valid and can be selected using the buttons on the remote control. For example, in Figure 5A, the row corresponding to the numbers in the range of 1-3 is highlighted. Continuing with this example, as shown in Figure 5A, the PIN pad 540 may indicate that the remaining rows are invalid and cannot be selected using the buttons on the remote control.

[0096] In some embodiments, the numbers and / or function options in the active rows of the PIN pad 540 may be indicated on the virtual directional pad interface 530. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, the number "1" is indicated on the left directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 530. The buttons are located on the tongue, with the number "2" positioned on the central selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, and the number "3" positioned on the right direction button of the virtual directional pad interface 530.

[0097] While the embodiments described herein generally relate to entering PIN numbers, this is merely illustrative, and the virtual directional pad interface may be configured to enter any appropriate characters, such as one or more alphanumeric characters (e.g., letters A through Z), one or more symbols (e.g., !, @, #, etc.), or one or more Spanish letters with diacritical marks.

[0098] Referring to Figure 5B, in response to the selection of the left direction button on the remote control (indicated by marker 570 on the virtual direction pad 530 in Figure 5B), the corresponding number "1" in the valid row of the PIN pad 540 may be entered into the PIN input area 560. Continuing in this example, in response to the selection of the center selection button on the remote control (indicated by marker 570 on the virtual direction pad 530 in Figure 5C), the corresponding number "2" in the valid row of the PIN pad 540 may be entered into the PIN input area 560.

[0099] As shown in Figures 5B and 5C and other drawings, the corresponding number "1" may be entered as the first digit of the PIN, and the corresponding number "2" may be entered as the second digit of the PIN. The entered numbers may also be represented by symbols such as * or ●, and the input of a character is indicated by pressing the corresponding key on the remote control. As shown in Figures 5B and 5C and other drawings, it should also be noted that in some embodiments, the PIN input area 560 may highlight the position of the number to be entered in the PIN (for example, a black blank line below the number in the input PIN of the PIN input area 560). The marking 570 in Figures 5B and 5C and other drawings indicates that in Figure 5B, the left arrow button on the remote control was pressed, and the number "1" was entered into the PIN input area 560; and in Figure 5C, the center select button on the remote control was pressed, and the number "2" was entered into the PIN input area. However, it should be further noted that the marking 570 and other markings described herein are generally not displayed on the PIN input 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 in Figure 5C, in response to the selection of the down button on the remote control (indicated by marker 570 on the virtual directional pad 530 in Figure 5D), the active row on the PIN pad 540 may change from the row corresponding to the numbers in the range of 1-3 to the adjacent row corresponding to the numbers in the range of 4-6. Then, as shown in Figure 5E, the number "4" is positioned on the left button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, the number "5" is positioned on the center selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, and the number "6" is positioned on the right button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, and the highlight area 550 is positioned above the newly active row containing the numbers in the range of 4-6 on the PIN pad 540. In response to the selection of the right button on the remote control (indicated by marker 570 on the virtual directional pad 530 in Figure 5E), the corresponding number "6" from the active row of the PIN pad 540 may be entered into the PIN input area 560.

[0101] Continuing with the example in Figure 5E, in response to the selection of the down direction button on the remote control (indicated by marker 570 on the virtual directional pad 530 in Figure 5F), the active row on the PIN pad 540 may change from the row corresponding to the numbers in the range of 4-6 to the adjacent subsection corresponding to the numbers in the range of 7-9 and the number 0. Then, as shown in Figure 5G, the number "7" is located on the left direction button of the virtual directional pad interface 530. The numbers are positioned such that the number "8" is positioned on the central selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, the number "9" is positioned on the right direction button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, and the number "0" is positioned on the down direction button of the virtual directional pad interface 530. In addition, as shown in Figure 5G, the highlight area 550 is positioned on a newly active subsection of the PIN pad 540 that includes the numbers in the range of 7 to 9 and the number 0. In response to the selection of the down direction button on the remote control (indicated by the marker 570 on the virtual directional pad 530 in Figure 5G), the corresponding number "0" from the active row of the PIN pad 540 may be entered into the PIN input area 560.

[0102] In some embodiments, the digit and / or function options of the PIN pad 540 may be divided into any appropriate number of subsections. For example, in response to the selection of the down directional button on the remote control (indicated by marker 570 on the virtual directional pad 530 in Figure 5F), the active row of the PIN pad 540 may change from the row corresponding to the digits in the range of 4 to 6 to the adjacent subsection corresponding to the digits in the range of 7 to 9 (in contrast to the subsection corresponding to the digits in the range of 7 to 9 and the digit 0 shown in Figure 5F). Then, as shown in Figure 6, the digit "7" is located on the left directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, the digit "8" is located on the center selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 530, and the digit "9" is located on the right directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 530. Continuing with the selection of the down directional button on the remote control, the active row of the PIN pad 540 may change from the row corresponding to the digits in the range of 7 to 9 to the adjacent row corresponding to the digit 0. In the adjacent row, the number "0" may be placed on the central selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 530.

[0103] Referring again to Figure 3, in response to receiving a PIN in the PIN input area 560 of the PIN input interface 500, step 300 may determine whether a correct PIN has been provided and whether to take action on the media device. For example, as shown in Figures 5A to 5G, the user entered the PIN "1260" using the remote control with respect to the PIN input interface 500. Continuing with this example, step 300 may determine whether the PIN "1260" matches the correct PIN associated with the user account represented by the user account display 520, and in response to determining that a correct PIN has been entered, step 300 may authenticate the user account and add further time to the timer associated with the corresponding child account (for example, adding 30 minutes of viewing time to the child account).

[0104] As shown in Figure 5H, in response to determining that the correct PIN has been provided to the PIN input interface 500, the PIN input interface 500 may be updated to have a notification 580 and an updated virtual directional pad interface 590. The notification 580 may be any appropriate notification indicating that the correct PIN has been entered and the corresponding action that the media device will take (e.g., add 30 minutes of bonus time). The updated virtual directional pad interface 590 may indicate, for example, that the remote control used to control the media device has exited the obfuscated PIN input mode. As shown in Figure 5H, the updated virtual directional pad interface 590 has directional arrows returned, and the numbers and / or function options are not transposed onto the buttons of the updated virtual directional pad interface 590.

[0105] Figures 5A to 5H show a PIN input interface including a virtual directional pad interface 530 and an adjacent PIN pad 540, but this is merely illustrative, and a selection of virtual directional pad interfaces and numerical and / or functional options may be presented in any appropriate manner.

[0106] In some embodiments, instead of providing a PIN input interface that includes a virtual directional pad interface 530 and adjacent PIN pads 540, multiple virtual directional pad interfaces may be provided in the PIN input interface. This allows, for example, each set of digits to be presented in one interface (for example, digits 0-2, 3-5, and 6-9 in three virtual directional pad interfaces).

[0107] For example, Figure 7 shows an exemplary PIN input interface 700 that includes a first virtual directional pad interface 710, a second virtual directional pad interface 720, and a third virtual directional pad interface 730. Continuing in this example, the first virtual directional pad interface 710 may be used to input numbers in the range of 0 to 2. Here, the up button on the remote control is assigned to input the number "0", the center select 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". In this embodiment, the PIN pad 540 is omitted from the PIN input interface 700.

[0108] Figures 5A to 5H show the display of a valid row or subset of digits on the PIN pad 540 using a highlighted area 550, but this is merely illustrative, and any valid area or subsection within the PIN input interface may be highlighted in any appropriate way. For example, Figure 7 shows that a virtual directional pad interface may be highlighted to indicate that digits and / or function options are valid and selectable. As illustrated, the first virtual directional pad interface 710 is highlighted, indicating that the user can use the remote control to select a digit from the range of 0 to 2 to enter as the first digit of the PIN.

[0109] Figures 5A to 5H show movement between rows of the PIN pad 540 by pressing the up and down buttons on the remote control, but this is merely illustrative, and the PIN input interface may provide the user with movement options in any appropriate way. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the user may move between virtual directional pad interfaces using the left and right buttons on the remote control. Continuing in this example, in response to the selection of the right directional button on the remote control, the active virtual directional pad interface may change from the first virtual directional pad interface 710 to the second virtual directional pad interface 720. Alternatively, in response to the selection of the left directional button on the remote control, the active virtual directional pad interface may change from the first virtual directional pad interface 710 to an interface that includes one or more functional options, such as a "Forgot PIN" option that allows the user to reset the PIN associated with their user account, or a profile option that allows the user to switch between different user accounts.

[0110] In some embodiments, instead of providing a PIN input interface including the virtual directional pad interface 530 and adjacent PIN pads 540 as shown in Figures 5A to 5G, the virtual directional pad interface may be an integrated PIN pad. This allows the integrated virtual directional pad interface to shift, for example, when the user focuses on a specific set of digits (e.g., digits 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 0).

[0111] For example, Figures 8A and 8B show a PIN input 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 Figure 8A, a row of valid numbers in the range of 1 to 3 in the PIN pad interface 810 may be replaced by the virtual directional pad interface 810. Similar to Figures 5A to 5G, the number "1" is The PIN pad interface 810 is located on the left direction button of the virtual directional pad interface 820, indicating that the number "1" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the left direction button on the remote control's directional pad; the PIN pad interface 810 is located on the center selection button of the virtual directional pad interface 820, indicating that the number "2" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the center selection button on the remote control's directional pad; and the PIN pad interface 810 is located on the right direction button of the virtual directional pad interface 820, indicating that the number "3" will be entered into the PIN by pressing the right direction button on the remote control's directional pad. Continuing in this example, the PIN pad interface 810 may also present the remaining invalid rows of the PIN pad below the virtual directional pad interface 820.

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

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

[0114] Continuing with the example shown in Figure 9A, an "OK" indicator may be placed above the central selection button on the virtual directional pad interface 910. In response to the selection of the central selection button on the remote control (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 that displays the selectable number and / or function options in obfuscated PIN input mode. As also shown in Figure 9B, a highlight area 940 may be used to indicate which row or subsection of the number and / or function options is currently active. By pressing the up and down buttons on the remote control, the user can move between the subsections of the number and / or function options selectable on the virtual directional pad interface 910. For example, pressing the up button on the directional pad of the remote control... Then, the PIN pad interface 930 moves from the row containing numbers in the range of 7 to 9 to the adjacent row containing numbers in the range of 4 to 6.

[0115] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the exemplary PIN input interface 900 may begin by presenting a PIN pad interface 930. In the PIN pad interface 930, the user may select a subsection of the PIN pad interface 930 for entering one or more digits. In response to the selection of a subsection of the PIN pad interface 930, the PIN input interface 900 may be updated to present a corresponding virtual directional pad interface 910 in which the user can use a remote control to enter one or more digits into the PIN input area.

[0116] In some embodiments, instead of providing a PIN input interface including the virtual directional pad interface 530 and the adjacent PIN pad 540 as shown in Figures 5A to 5G, the PIN input interface may include separate instructions for navigating between ranges of numbers to select and / or between function options. For example, as shown in the PIN input interface 1000 of Figure 10A, each directional button and the center select button on the remote control may be assigned to input one of the numbers from a range. More specifically, as shown in the virtual directional pad interface 1010, the number "0" is located on the center select button of the virtual directional pad interface 1010, indicating that pressing the center select button on the remote control's directional pad will input the number "0" into the PIN; the number "1" is located on the up directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 1010, indicating that pressing the up directional button on the remote control's directional pad will input the number "1" into the PIN; and the number "2" is located on the right directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 1010. The number "2" is located on the directional buttons, indicating that pressing the right directional button on the remote control's directional pad will input the number "2" into the PIN. The number "3" is located on the down directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 1010, indicating that pressing the down directional button on the remote control's directional pad will input the number "3" into the PIN. The number "4" is located on the left directional button of the virtual directional pad interface 1010, indicating that pressing the left directional button on the remote control's directional pad will input the number "4" into the PIN.

[0117] In some embodiments, the PIN input interface 1000 may be provided with remote control gestures for moving between the current range of digits 0-4 and the range of digits 5-9. For example, as shown in Figure 10A, notification 1020 indicates that a long press gesture on the right-pointing arrow on the remote control's directional pad will move the virtual directional pad interface 1010 from the range of digits 0-4 to the range of digits 5-9. This is shown, for example, in Figure 10B, where the digits in the range of 5-9 are located on the arrow buttons indicating the direction of the virtual directional pad interface 1010 and on the center selection button. Notification 1040 may then indicate that a long press gesture on the left-pointing arrow on the remote control's directional pad will return the virtual directional pad interface 1010 to the range of digits 0-4.

[0118] In some embodiments, the PIN input interface 1000 may include remote control gestures for navigating between a current number in the range of 0 to 4 and one or more function options. For example, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, notification 1030 may indicate that a long-press gesture on the central select button of the remote control will move the virtual directional pad interface 1010 from number input to the selection of one or more function options (e.g., the "Forgot PIN" operation).

[0119] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the PIN input interface has a number of options to choose from. The instructions may include separate instructions for navigating between character ranges and / or function options, and buttons on the remote control may be assigned to perform multiple functions. For example, as shown in the PIN input interface 1100 in Figure 11A, the virtual directional pad interface 1110 may indicate that pressing the central select button on the remote control moves from a numerical input range of 0-3 (indicated to be assigned to the directional buttons on the remote control) to a numerical input range of 4-7 (indicated to be assigned to the central select button on the virtual directional pad interface 1110). Continuing with this example, in response to the press of the central select button on the remote control, the virtual directional pad interface 1110 may be updated, with the number "4" positioned on the up button of the virtual directional pad interface 1110, indicating that pressing the up button on the remote control's directional pad will input the number "4" into the PIN; the number "5" positioned on the right button of the virtual directional pad interface 1110, indicating that pressing the right button on the remote control's directional pad will input the number "5" into the PIN; the number "6" positioned on the down button of the virtual directional pad interface 1110, indicating that pressing the down button on the remote control's directional pad will input the number "6" into the PIN; and the number "7" positioned on the left button of the virtual directional pad interface 1110, indicating that pressing the left button on the remote control's directional pad will input the number "7" into the PIN. In addition, the central select button on the remote control can be used to access function options in obfuscated PIN input mode. For example, the notification 1130 in Figure 11A may indicate that a long-press gesture on the central select button of the remote control will cause the virtual directional pad interface 1110 to move from number input to the selection of one or more function options (for example, the "Forgot PIN" operation).

[0120] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the PIN input interface may include additional instructions for navigating between ranges of numbers to be selected and / or between function options, and multiple buttons on the remote control may be assigned to access various different ranges of numbers. For example, as shown in the PIN input interface 1100 of Figure 11B, the virtual directional pad interface 1110 may indicate that by pressing the central selection button on the remote control, one can move from a numerical input range of 8–9 (for example, shown as assigned to the up and right buttons on the remote control) to a numerical input range of 0–3 (for example shown on the central selection button on the virtual directional pad interface 1110), or to a numerical input range of 4–7 (for example shown on the down button on the virtual directional pad interface 1110).

[0121] In some embodiments, the PIN input interface may include any number of appropriate notifications. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the PIN input interface 1200 may present multiple notifications, such as notification 1220 indicating that a long-press gesture applied to the central select button on the remote control may move the virtual directional pad interface from the current range of numbers to an adjacent range of numbers, and notification 1230 indicating that pressing the back button on the remote control will delete the last entered PIN number. Any other appropriate notifications may be provided, such as notifications for switching from an obfuscated PIN input mode to a different PIN input mode.

[0122] In some embodiments, the embodiments described herein generally indicate the valid rows of the PIN pad by using a highlighted area or by highlighting characters, but this is merely illustrative, and the valid characters selectable by the remote control may be identified in any suitable way. For example, as shown in Figure 13, a slider interface 1320 may be provided in association with the PIN pad 1310. As illustrated, the slider interface 1320 indicates which of the multiple rows on the PIN pad 1310 is valid. A position indicator 1330 may be included. In particular, Figure 13 shows that a row containing numbers in the range of 7 to 9 is currently active and can be selected using the buttons on the remote control.

[0123] As described above, one or more functional options can be accessed using the PIN input interface, which includes the virtual directional pad interface and the adjacent PIN pad. For example, returning to Figure 5A, in response to the selection of the up button on the remote control (indicated by marker 1440 on the virtual directional pad interface 1430 in Figure 14A), the active row on the PIN pad 1410, highlighted in highlight area 1420, may change from the row corresponding to the numbers in the range of 1 to 3 to a functional option that resets the PIN associated with the user account (for example, the "Forgot PIN" operation as indicated by highlight area 1420 on the PIN pad 1410 in Figure 14B). In response to moving to the "Forgot PIN" operation as shown in Figure 14B, the virtual directional pad interface 1430 may be updated so that the center select button on the remote control is assigned to initiate the "Forgot PIN" process. Continuing in this example, in response to the selection of the center select button on the remote control, the media device may initiate a process that allows the user to reset the PIN associated with the user account. Such processes may include verifying the user's identity associated with the user account, and providing additional information to authenticate the user account.

[0124] Other suitable function options may be selected on the remote control in connection with the obfuscated PIN input mode.

[0125] For example, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, a functional option may be provided that allows the remote control user to switch from a first user account to a second user account. In a more specific example, as shown in Figure 15A, the virtual directional pad interface 1510 may map the up button on the remote control to a “profile switching” operation 1520. In response to the user selecting the up button on the remote control, the PIN input interface 1500 may be updated so that the user can select from different user accounts 1530, as shown in Figure 15B. A highlighted area 1540 may be used to indicate which user accounts can be selected using the remote control (e.g., movement using the directional pad and selection using the center select 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 the PIN pad to the PIN input interface. For example, returning to Figure 5A, in response to the selection of the up button on the remote control (indicated by marker 1640 on the virtual directional pad interface 1630 in Figure 16A), the active row of the PIN pad 1610 highlighted in the highlight area 1620 may change from the row corresponding to the numbers in the range of 1 to 3 to a functional option that hides the number pads shown on the PIN pad 1610 (for example, the “hide number pads” operation as indicated by the highlight area 1620 on the PIN pad 1610 in Figure 16B). In response to moving to the “hide number pins” operation as shown in Figure 16B, the virtual directional pad interface 1630 may be updated so that the center select button on the remote control is assigned to initiate the “hide number pads” process. Continuing in this example, in response to the selection of the center select button on the remote control, the media device may initiate the process of preventing the PIN pad 1610 from being presented to the PIN input interface 1600.

[0127] Instead, in response to the selection of the central selection button on the remote control, the media device initiates the process of switching the obfuscated PIN input mode to another PIN input mode, such as the PIN input interface 1700 in Figure 17, which includes a numeric pad 1710. D 1710 may, for example, indicate each of the entered PIN numbers selected from the numeric pad 1710. Continuing in this example, in response to the selection of the “hide numeric pad” operation 1720, the media device may cause the PIN input interface 1700 to change the PIN input mode presented to it to the obfuscated PIN input mode described above.

[0128] In addition to or instead of presenting functional options to the virtual directional pad interface, in some embodiments the virtual directional pad interface may include an option to access a plurality of functional options used in connection with the obfuscated PIN input mode. For example, as shown in Figure 18A, in response to the selection of the up button on the remote control (indicated by “Further Options” 1820 on the virtual directional pad interface 1810 in Figure 18A), the virtual directional pad interface 1810 and other interface elements are replaced with a plurality of functional options 1830 as shown in Figure 18B. These functional options 1830 may include, for example, an operation to show or hide the PIN pad, an operation to switch between the obfuscated PIN input mode and another PIN input mode, an operation to allow a user associated with a user account to reset the PIN, and an operation to allow the user of the remote control to switch from one user account to another.

[0129] Where the systems described herein collect or use personal information about a user, the user may be given the opportunity to control whether the program or feature collects user information (for example, information about the user's social networks, social behavior or activities, occupation, user preferences, or current location). In addition, certain data may be processed in one or more ways before being stored or used so that personally identifiable information is removed. For example, user identification information may be processed so that personal information about the user cannot be identified, or the user's geographical location may be generalized so that location information (such as city, zip code, or state level) cannot be obtained so that the user's specific location cannot be identified. Thus, users can do as they please how information about them is collected and how this information is used by the content server.

[0130] Therefore, a system, method, and medium for inputting obfuscated personal identification numbers into a media device are provided.

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

[0132] Furthermore, the steps described above in the process shown in Figure 3 are not limited to the order and sequence illustrated, but can be performed in any order or sequence. In addition, to reduce waiting time and processing time, some of the steps in the process shown in Figure 3 can be performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel as appropriate.

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

[0134] While the present invention has been described and illustrated in the exemplary implementations described above, this disclosure is merely an example, and various modifications may be made to the details of the implementations of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification. The scope of this specification is limited only by the appended claims. The features of the implementations disclosed can be combined and rearranged in various ways.

Claims

1. A method performed by a computer, The media device's processor receives a request from an external device communicating with the media device to transmit personal information from the external device to the media device. In response to receiving the request from the external device, the media device is operated in obfuscated input mode based on location data relating to the media device, and the operation includes: This includes generating an interface screen for output by the external device, and the generation of the interface screen is To generate the first section containing multiple characters, The process includes generating a second section containing a virtual directional pad with a selection button and multiple directional buttons, wherein a first subset of the multiple directional buttons is associated with movement in the first section, and a second subset of the multiple directional buttons is associated with a highlighted subsection of the first section, and the generation further includes: Receiving input from the external device corresponding to the selection of at least one character from the plurality of characters, A method performed by a computer, comprising updating a personal information input field with the aforementioned at least one character, wherein the operation of the media device in the obfuscated input mode prevents the aforementioned at least one character from being displayed in the personal information input field displayed by the media device.

2. The method performed by a computer according to claim 1, wherein generating the first section includes generating the arrangement of the plurality of characters, the arrangement of the plurality of characters includes a subset of the plurality of characters.

3. Generating the second section means To generate the virtual directional pad that includes the plurality of directional buttons around the selection button, The first subset of the plurality of directional buttons is associated with a movement option for selecting one of the plurality of character subsets, The method performed by a computer according to claim 2, comprising mapping the second subset of the plurality of directional buttons and the selection button to one character from a subset of characters selected by the movement option.

4. Generating the first section involves arranging multiple numbers in multiple rows and multiple columns, Generating the second section means The first subset of the plurality of directional buttons is configured to allow selection of one of the plurality of number rows, corresponding to directional movement, A method performed by a computer according to claim 2 or 3, comprising mapping each of the second subset of the plurality of directional buttons and the selection button to one of the plurality of digits in response to the selection of one of the plurality of digit rows.

5. A method performed by a computer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein generating the first section includes generating the first section which includes at least one functional option for adjusting at least one of the functions related to the interface screen or the functions related to the media device.

6. The method performed by a computer according to claim 5, wherein the at least one functional option includes an option to temporarily suspend the operation of the media device in the obfuscated input mode.

7. The method performed by a computer according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one function option includes an option to access an auxiliary interface screen containing a plurality of selectable function options.

8. To detect input from the aforementioned selection button, Determining the type of the aforementioned input, In response to determining that the input is of a first type of input, the selection of one character from the plurality of characters in the first section is detected, A method performed by a computer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising updating the interface screen to include at least one selectable function option in response to the determination that the input is of a second type of input.

9. The method performed by a computer according to claim 8, wherein the first type of input is pressing the selection button, and the second type of input is pressing and holding the selection button.

10. It is determined that a previously created sequence of characters has been entered into the aforementioned personal information input field, A method performed by a computer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising causing the computer to perform an action on the media device in response to determining that the previously created sequence of characters has been input.

11. A media device, At least one processor, The system comprises a memory that stores instructions, and when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor receives The media device receives a request from an external device communicating with the media device to transmit personal information from the external device. In response to receiving the request from the external device, the media device is operated in obfuscated input mode based on location data relating to the media device, and the operation is performed as follows: This includes generating an interface screen for output by the external device, and the generation of this screen is To generate a first section containing multiple characters, The process includes generating a second section containing a virtual directional pad with a selection button and multiple directional buttons, wherein a first subset of the multiple directional buttons is associated with movement in the first section, and a second subset of the multiple directional buttons is associated with a highlighted subsection of the first section, and the generation further includes: The external device receives input corresponding to the selection of at least one character from the plurality of characters, The operation of the media device in the obfuscated input mode includes updating the personal information input field with the aforementioned at least one character, wherein the operation of the media device in the obfuscated input mode prevents the aforementioned at least one character from being displayed in the personal information input field displayed by the media device.

12. The media device according to claim 11, wherein the instruction causes the at least one processor to generate the first section, and generating the first section includes the arrangement of the plurality of characters, and the arrangement of the plurality of characters includes a subset of the plurality of characters.

13. The instruction causes the at least one processor to generate the second section, and causing the second section to generate is A virtual directional pad is generated around the selection button, including the plurality of directional buttons. The first subset of the plurality of directional buttons is associated with a movement option for selecting one of the plurality of character subsets. The media device according to claim 12, further comprising mapping the second subset of the plurality of directional buttons and the selection button to one character from a subset of characters selected by the movement option.

14. The instruction is directed to at least one processor, Generating the first section, and generating the first section includes arranging multiple numbers in multiple rows and multiple columns, To generate the aforementioned second section, The first subset of the plurality of directional buttons is associated with directional movement among the plurality of rows, and one of the rows of numbers is selected. The media device according to claim 12 or 13, comprising mapping each of the second subset of the plurality of directional buttons and the selection button to one of the plurality of digits in response to the selection of one of the plurality of digit rows.

15. The media device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the instruction causes the at least one processor to generate the first section, and the generation of the first section includes at least one functional option for adjusting at least one of the functions related to the interface screen or the functions related to the media device.

16. The media device according to claim 15, wherein the at least one functional option includes an option to temporarily suspend the operation of the media device in the obfuscated input mode.

17. The media device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one functional option includes an option to access an auxiliary interface screen containing a plurality of selectable functional options.

18. The instruction is directed to at least one processor, The input from the aforementioned selection button is detected, Determine the type of the aforementioned input, In response to determining that the input is of a first type of input, the selection of one character from the plurality of characters in the first section is detected. The media device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, in response to determining that the input is of a second type of input, the interface screen is updated to include at least one selectable function option in response to determining the input.

19. The media device according to claim 18, wherein the first type of input is pressing the selection button, and the second type of input is pressing and holding the selection button.

20. The instruction is directed to at least one processor, The system will assume that a previously created sequence of characters has been entered into the personal information input field. A media device according to any one of claims 11 to 19, which causes an action to be performed on the media device in response to the determination that a previously created sequence of characters has been input.

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