Remote Approval Mechanism for Blocked Media Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parental control systems in electronic program guides often rigidly block content based on ratings, leading to situations where children may not be able to watch programs that parents deem acceptable when the parents are not present to input access codes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow a user to request access to a blocked media asset by notifying a parent or authorized user, who can approve access remotely through a notification system, using identifiers associated with each user for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parental control systems rigidly block content based on ratings, then content security is improved, but user accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static blocking to dynamic approval mechanisms. When a child attempts to access blocked content, the system dynamically generates an approval request that can be remotely approved or denied by the parent, allowing flexible access decisions rather than rigid blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary approval mechanism between the child and blocked content. Instead of direct access denial, the system mediates through parental approval requests sent to mobile devices, allowing parents to make informed decisions about content access
2Reliability
If parents must be physically present to input access codes, then security is improved, but convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence at the device with electronic notification and approval capabilities on mobile devices. Parents can approve content access remotely through push notifications, eliminating the need to be physically present at the television or device
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service access approval through automated notification and approval workflows. The child can initiate access requests independently, and the system automatically manages the approval process through parental mobile devices, reducing the need for direct parental intervention at the device
3Ease of operation
If the system transmits approval requests to remote devices, then user accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the universal functionality of mobile devices (which most families already possess) to handle approval requests. By using existing smartphones or tablets as approval interfaces, the system avoids adding dedicated hardware complexity while expanding accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein for enabling a user to download a blocked asset. These systems and methods allow a user to request that a parent, or another user, can approve download of the blocked asset. The request may be transmitted as a notification to a mobile phone or another suitable device, such that the parent, or the other user, can approve the request, even though they may be remote from the requesting user. Both the requesting user and the user whose approval is required to unblock the media asset (i.e., the approver), are identified by the system based on an identifier associated with each user. This informs the approver which user submitted the request. Additionally, this also adds a layer of security, since the approver must enter an identifier to authenticate their identity to the system before being able to unblock the asset for the requesting user.