Real-Time Parental Control System for Video Content Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parental control systems for video content are inadequate as they rely on subjective ratings and do not allow for real-time filtering or masking of specific objectionable material, failing to provide comprehensive criteria for parents to determine appropriateness for their children.
Innovation Solution
An automatic system that analyzes multimedia content in real-time, using user-supplied criteria to filter, block, or mask video program segments, employing multimedia processors to evaluate visual, audio, and textual content, and generate numeric rankings for filtering criteria such as violence, nudity, and language, allowing for dynamic segment-by-segment filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rating systems are used for parental control, then the system is simple to implement, but the criteria are vague and insufficient for comprehensive parental judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video program into multiple time segments and analyzes each segment independently for filtering criteria. This allows comprehensive evaluation of content at granular levels while maintaining system manageability through automated processing of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated content analysis system as an intermediary between the video program and parental control decisions. This intermediary extracts features, generates ratings, and provides detailed criteria automatically, reducing the burden on parents while providing comprehensive information
2Loss of information
If real-time segment-by-segment filtering is implemented, then comprehensive content control is achieved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary feature extraction and rating generation for video segments during or before playback. By pre-processing and analyzing segments in advance or concurrently, the system avoids time-consuming post-processing and enables real-time filtering decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent continuously monitors and analyzes video content in real-time as it plays, maintaining constant processing of segments. This continuous action allows immediate filtering decisions without interruption or delay, keeping the useful action of content analysis ongoing throughout playback
3Loss of information
If automated content analysis is used, then comprehensive filtering criteria are provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional content analysis system that handles multiple tasks including feature extraction, rating generation, and filtering criteria provision within a single integrated framework. This universal approach manages complexity by consolidating functions rather than separating them into independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
A parental control system provides the ability to automatically filter a multimedia program content in real time based on stock and user specified criteria. The criteria are used to teach a learning module in the system what types of video program segments are to be considered sensitive or objectionable so that the module's understanding of what is sensitive and what is not can be applied to other video programs to provide real-time filtering. The multimedia program is broken down into audio, video, and transcript components so that sound effects, visual components and objects, and language can all be analyzed collectively to make a determination of whether offending material is being passed along in the multimedia program. The user has the option of training the system for any type of objectionable material, not just sex and violence.