Television Converter Device V-Chip Parental Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parental control methods, such as the V-chip and subscriber-based content provider systems, are inadequate for managing television programming access across multiple TVs connected to a single converter device, as they lack flexibility and precision in blocking specific content, leading to the need for a solution that can differentiate programming delivery based on individual TV settings and handle both live and stored content.
Innovation Solution
Combining V-chip technology with the flexibility of a proprietary content classification system (PCS) in a television converter device, where the device inserts appropriate V-codes into the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of programming signals, allowing only V-chip-equipped TVs with the correct blocking level to display content, thus enabling independent control of programming on multiple TVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single converter device serves multiple TVs, then cost is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but parental control flexibility and precision deteriorate because all TVs share the same blocking settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parental control functionality by inserting individual V-codes into the programming signal for each TV. The converter device divides the single parental control system into multiple independent control streams, allowing each TV to have its own blocking level while sharing the same converter device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making each TV's parental control settings unique through individual V-codes. Each TV receives customized blocking levels according to local family needs, while the overall system remains unified through the single converter device.
2Ease of operation
If broad V-chip rating classifications are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and content blocking accuracy deteriorate because specific programs cannot be selectively blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces V-codes as an intermediary between the simple V-chip rating system and the need for precise content blocking. V-codes carry detailed program identification information that enables selective blocking while maintaining the simple V-chip interface for parents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of content classification from broad V-chip ratings alone to a more granular V-code system that includes specific program identifiers, episode numbers, and detailed content descriptors, enabling precise blocking while keeping the user interface simple.
3Manufacturing precision
If a proprietary content classification system (PCS) is implemented, then content blocking precision is improved and adaptability is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses V-codes as a copy or representation of the proprietary PCS classification system. Instead of implementing the full PCS complexity in each converter device, the system copies the essential blocking information into V-codes that can be processed by standard V-chip hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining blocking accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Television converter devices in accordance with present invention determine whether the programming is to be blocked or not, then inserts an appropriate V-code into the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the programming before delivering the programming to one or more V-chip enabled TV where the V-chip blocks the programming as appropriate. Various methods of determining whether the programming is to be blocked are disclosed.