Remote Parental Control via Intermediary Communication Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parental control systems for television and internet viewing do not allow remote restriction or permission for children to view programs outside their rating limits or during inappropriate times, leading to unmonitored viewing when parents are not present.
Innovation Solution
A remote control method and system that allows a child to request permission from a parent or guardian via a communication device for viewing a program, using a programming receiver to assess ratings and time restrictions, enabling the parent to grant or deny access remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a parental lock system is implemented to restrict children from viewing programs outside rating limits, then program rating control is improved, but the system cannot remotely permit viewing when parents are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication device as an intermediary between the parental control system and the television receiver. This intermediary transmits permission codes remotely, allowing parents to grant viewing permission from distant locations without being physically present at the television set, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable rating control and ease of remote operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the parental control function into two independent components: the television receiver with rating verification capability and the separate communication device for remote permission granting. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, maintaining reliable rating control while enabling convenient remote operation
2Ease of operation
If a password system is used to override parental lock, then restricted program viewing can be permitted, but the child may use the password for unauthorized viewing of other programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the permission code specific to a particular program rather than providing universal access. Each permission code is generated for a specific program title or identifier, allowing the child to view only that authorized program while preventing unauthorized access to other programs, thus maintaining both operational ease and authorization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by verifying the program identifier against the permission code before allowing viewing. This pre-verification ensures that the child can only access specifically authorized programs, preventing unauthorized viewing while maintaining simple operation through automatic verification
3Reliability
If parental lock is set to restrict viewing during inappropriate times, then viewing time control is improved, but the system cannot remotely monitor or adjust viewing when parents are away
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device performs multiple functions: it transmits permission codes for program access and simultaneously provides remote monitoring capability by communicating with the television receiver. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliable viewing time control while adding remote monitoring without requiring separate dedicated monitoring equipment, thus avoiding excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system prevents a potential viewer, such as a child, from viewing programming under certain conditions. For example, a programming receiver may be set up to prevent a child from viewing programming having a rating outside of an authorized rating limit, and/or from viewing programming during certain time periods, and/or from viewing any and all programming. When the child wishes to view a desired program, and the programming receiver determines that viewing is not permitted, the child is asked if they wish to seek permission from their parent or guardian to view the desired program. If so, an electronic request is made to a communication device, associated with the parent or guardian, such as a computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, or another television. The Request provides the parent with information regarding the desired program, and perhaps the identity of the requester. Hence, the parent can grant or deny permission to view the desired programming, from a remote location.