Digital Video Recorder Content Filtering with PIN Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing television distribution systems lack effective mechanisms for parents to filter out unsuitable content from television programs for their children, as current solutions do not provide user-friendly and secure methods for segment removal and restoration.
Innovation Solution
A digital video recorder system equipped with a personal identification number (PIN) component and content filter component that allows users to hide or delete segments of television programs, with the option to restore previously filtered content, using a graphical user interface and remote control for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content filtering mechanisms are implemented in television distribution systems, then parental control over inappropriate content is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a content filter component as an intermediary between the television program source and the user. This filter component receives program signals, applies filtering rules based on PIN codes, and selectively blocks or passes content segments. By positioning the filter as a mediator layer, the system achieves reliable parental control without fundamentally redesigning the entire television distribution infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The content filtering system divides television programs into discrete segments that can be individually filtered. The filter component processes programs segment by segment, applying different filtering rules to different portions of content. This segmentation approach allows granular control over inappropriate content while maintaining the integrity of the overall program structure and reducing the complexity of managing entire programs as single units.
2Ease of operation
If segment filtering and restoration capabilities are added, then ease of operation for parents is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality through automated filtering operations. Once parents set up filtering rules using PIN codes and content criteria, the content filter component automatically applies these rules without requiring manual intervention for each program or segment. The system also automatically manages restoration of filtered segments when authorized, reducing the operational burden on parents while maintaining straightforward controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The content filter component serves multiple functions within a single integrated system: it filters inappropriate segments, restores filtered content when authorized, manages PIN code authentication, and maintains filtering profiles. By consolidating these diverse functions into one multi-functional component, the system achieves ease of operation through unified controls while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices or systems.
3Reliability
If secure PIN code authentication is implemented, then reliability of content filtering is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by requiring PIN code entry before allowing filtering or restoration operations. This preliminary security check ensures that only authorized users can modify filtering settings or restore content. The PIN verification is performed in advance of the actual filtering or restoration actions, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining a streamlined operation flow for authorized users.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a digital video recorder. The digital video recorder may provide a list of recorded television programs, receive selection of a television program in the list of television programs, and receive information identifying a segment to be filtered from the selected television program. The digital video recorder may further create a filtered television program by marking the segment as hidden or deleting the segment, where the segment is not visible when the filtered television program is played, and store the filtered television program.