Playlist-Based Parental Control for Set-Top Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parental control methods in set-top boxes often result in a frustrating experience for children due to the blocking of numerous channels, with only a few allowed channels being relevant, as they rely on rating limits rather than personalized content selection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a parental control system that uses a playlist created by a client device, which is communicated to a network device over a cable network, disabling unauthorized channel changes and forcing the client device to tune to channels conforming to the playlist, using protocols like Switched Digital Video channel change messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a block by rating limit method is used for parental control, then adult content can be filtered out, but the number of blocked channels increases significantly reducing available content for children
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel lineup into a curated playlist of approved channels and times, rather than applying a blanket block by rating. This allows the system to selectively enable only relevant channels (e.g., children's programming, educational content) during specific time periods, thereby maintaining adult content filtering while significantly increasing the variety of available content for children.
Solution Approach 2:
The parental control system dynamically adjusts channel availability based on time of day, day of week, and programmed playlists. Instead of a static rating-based block, the system can enable different sets of channels at different times (e.g., allowing more variety during weekday afternoons versus weekend mornings), thereby adapting the content selection to maximize appropriateness and variety without requiring manual reconfiguration.
2Extent of automation
If a block by rating limit method is used for parental control, then content filtering can be automated, but the user experience becomes frustrating due to limited channel selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing parents to pre-configure detailed playlists specifying which channels are approved and during what time periods. This upfront configuration creates a dynamic, adaptive parental control system that automatically makes appropriate channel selections based on the programmed parameters, eliminating the need for real-time manual intervention while providing a rich, varied content selection that enhances user experience.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rating-based parental control is implemented, then content appropriateness can be ensured, but the allowed channels may not align with parent recommendations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing parents to specify precise channel and time preferences in customized playlists, rather than relying on broad rating categories. Each channel can be individually selected or excluded based on parental preference, and time-specific playlists can be created to match family routines and recommendations, thereby ensuring both content appropriateness and alignment with parental guidance while blocking only the specific channels deemed unsuitable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a playlist at a network device from a client device in communication with the network device over a network. In response to receiving the playlist, the method also includes disabling channel changes not associated with the playlist from executing during times indicated in the playlist. The method further includes transmitting a control message from the network device to the client device that requests the client device to tune to a channel conforming to the playlist when the network device receives a channel change request not associated with the playlist from the client device.