TV Remote Control Signal Interceptor for Viewing History Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TV filtering devices, such as V-chips, rely on external ratings and cannot effectively track or log a child's channel selections, allowing potentially objectionable content to be viewed despite acceptable ratings, as parents lack control over what their children watch when they are away.
Innovation Solution
An interceptor system with a processor and infrared receiver captures TV remote control commands, correlates them with TV programs, and generates a log, which can be displayed on an output device, optionally requiring authentication, and can be integrated into a separate housing or the TV itself, using IR and RF signal conversion to track channel changes and program metadata.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If V-chip filtering devices are used to block programs based on external ratings, then programs with unacceptable ratings can be prevented from being displayed, but programs with acceptable ratings that contain objectionable content cannot be effectively blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by capturing remote control commands, logging channel changes, and providing parents with review capability of their child's viewing history. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows parents to verify what content was actually viewed and adjust controls accordingly, resolving the contradiction between reliable filtering and parental flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary logging and review system between the V-chip filtering mechanism and the parent. This intermediary captures actual viewing behavior data and presents it to parents, enabling them to make informed decisions about content blocking rules, thus bridging the gap between automated filtering and parental control needs.
2Ease of operation
If existing TVs are used without additional logging components, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ability to track and review channel selections is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the TV system multi-functional by integrating both traditional viewing functions and new logging/review functions into a unified system. The TV, set-top box, and remote control work together to provide both content delivery and viewing history tracking, eliminating the need for separate dedicated logging devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the logging functionality with existing TV components rather than adding separate dedicated logging hardware. The set-top box and TV processor are utilized to capture and store viewing data, merging multiple functions into existing components and avoiding the complexity of entirely separate logging systems.
3Loss of information
If remote control commands are captured and logged, then parental review capability is enabled, but the loss of information about actual program content occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the TV and set-top box automatically capture, log, and store remote control commands and viewing information without requiring parental intervention. This automatic logging preserves complete viewing history information while reducing the burden on parents, resolving the contradiction between information retention and automation level.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables parents to review their child's TV usage history, providing enhanced control over content exposure by logging channel changes and program details, ensuring accountability and compliance with parental viewing preferences.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared interceptor receiver receiving TV channel commands originating from a TV remote control
Implementation Method 2
The extender may be provided for receiving IR signals from a TV remote control and relaying the signals in RF to an extender on the interceptor
Implementation Method 3
the processor accesses a database to correlate the commands to TV programs and to generate a log of programs displayed on the TV
Data Source
AI summary
An interceptor detects command signals from a TV remote control and logs the signals. The signals can be correlated not just to channel number but also to programs by accessing a program/channel database. A log of channels/programs that have been viewed by, e.g., a child can thus be obtained and viewed by a parent.