Segmented Content Rating for Digital Broadcasts

The patent segments the media program into discrete content segments (e.g., individual songs, video clips, or time intervals) and assigns content ratings to each segment separately. This allows the receiver to selectively block only those segments that exceed the user's content rating threshold, rather than blocking the entire program. The segmentation enables granular control where offensive segments can be filtered while non-offensive segments remain accessible.

The patent implements local quality by allowing different content rating criteria to be applied to different segments of the media program. Each segment can have its own content rating attributes (e.g., violence, language, sexuality ratings), and the blocking decision is made locally for each segment based on its specific rating and the user's preferences. This maintains ease of operation through automatic segment-level evaluation while achieving high precision in identifying and blocking only the specific objectionable portions.

The patent leverages existing digital broadcast infrastructure to carry content rating data, making the system universal and multi-functional. The same data transmission channels used for program information are utilized to convey segment-level rating data. The receiver uses existing content rating comparison logic, adapted to evaluate individual segments rather than entire programs. This approach achieves segment-level precision without proportionally increasing system complexity, as it builds upon established broadcast and processing capabilities.