Policy-Based Audio Video Display Control for Home Entertainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods to control and filter multimedia content across multiple entertainment devices in a home environment, exposing children and adolescents to inappropriate content, as existing solutions primarily focus on single devices and do not monitor or enforce policies for audio/video display.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor audio/video signal inputs and power outlets using a policy, routing signals and power according to predefined control settings, allowing parents to manage access to entertainment devices and content based on policies set for time limits, device usage, and content ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional content filtering mechanisms are used for single devices, then control over specific channels and content is achieved, but control across multiple entertainment devices is not implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The policy enforcement device is designed to universally control multiple types of entertainment devices (set-top boxes, game consoles, media players) through a single centralized system. The device monitors both audio/video signals and electrical power across various device types, enforcing parental control policies without requiring device-specific implementations, thus achieving multi-functionality and broad adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If entertainment devices are made easily accessible to children, then convenience of use is improved, but exposure to inappropriate content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The policy enforcement device acts as an intermediary between children and entertainment devices. It is positioned between the power outlets/audio-video inputs and the entertainment devices, monitoring and controlling access without preventing children from using the devices. The intermediary enforces policies by blocking inappropriate content and limiting device usage based on parental settings, thus maintaining ease of access while protecting against harmful content.
3Reliability
If parental control policies are enforced across all devices, then protection from inappropriate content is improved, but device complexity and monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The policy enforcement device combines multiple monitoring functions into a single integrated system. It simultaneously monitors audio/video signals, electrical power consumption, and device operation status across multiple entertainment devices. By merging these monitoring and control functions into one centralized device, the system achieves reliable policy enforcement without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling audio/video display using a policy is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for policy-based control of audio/video display including monitoring at least one of at least one audio/video signal input or at least one power outlet using a policy, wherein the policy defines information for controlling audio/video display and in response to a detection of at least one of an audio/video signal or an electrical power, routing the at least one of the audio/video signal or the electrical power according to the policy.