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CN1299558A - Apparatus and method for parental control using V-chip plus + and master password - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for parental control using V-chip plus + and master password Download PDF

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Publication number
CN1299558A
CN1299558A CN99804981A CN99804981A CN1299558A CN 1299558 A CN1299558 A CN 1299558A CN 99804981 A CN99804981 A CN 99804981A CN 99804981 A CN99804981 A CN 99804981A CN 1299558 A CN1299558 A CN 1299558A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
programme
standard
password
user
program
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
CN99804981A
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Chinese (zh)
Other versions
CN1155243C (en
Inventor
温·P·勒宁
亨利·C·延
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Le Wei Guide Co
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Gemstar Development LLC
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Publication date
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Publication of CN1299558A publication Critical patent/CN1299558A/en
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Publication of CN1155243C publication Critical patent/CN1155243C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
    • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
    • H04N21/4316—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations for displaying supplemental content in a region of the screen, e.g. an advertisement in a separate window
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
    • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
    • H04N21/4314—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations for fitting data in a restricted space on the screen, e.g. EPG data in a rectangular grid
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4751—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for defining user accounts, e.g. accounts for children
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4755—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for defining user preferences, e.g. favourite actors or genre
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/08—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division
    • H04N7/087—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only
    • H04N7/088—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital
    • H04N7/0887—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital for the transmission of programme or channel identifying signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Television Signal Processing For Recording (AREA)

Abstract

A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control interface that has different functions are provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining unlimited access to all the functions of the parental control interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program. Once a master password is entered, the system is in a Master Password mode until the TV is turned off, the user exits the VChip Plus+ mode, or a certain time delay expires. If a user, not in the master mode, attempts to watch or record a program that meets the blocking criterion and the program does not meet the overriding criterion, a prompt is provided to the user to enter the password. Upon entering a correct password, the program is unblocked.

Description

Use the apparatus and method that are used for head of a family's control of V-CHIP PLUS+ and owner's password
Invention field
Relate generally to television system of the present invention, and more specifically, relate to and use owner's password to realize the head of a family's control to television receiver of multiple access control function.
Background of invention
A kind of system that has proposed and obtained US Congress's approval in the U.S. is commonly called the V-Chip system.This system relates to the vertical blanking interval (" VBI ") that uses one group of standard television signal, and comprising one group of code, its expression is at one or more grade key elements of the program that will broadcast.These grade key elements comprise be similar to the various grades of being issued by U.S. animation association (G for example, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17) and each numerical grade of each specific category of program character, for example violence, language, exposed and Pornograph.Client V-Chip television system will allow a client to his or his television system programme, so that one or more the favorable rating in these classification standards is got rid of some program according to them, perhaps alternatively, can programme to television system, so that according to these graded categories, only allow to have the program (watching or video recording) of certain content rating.
A problem of V-Chip system is, the V-Chip system depends on to a client's appreciable effectiveness whether this client agrees to be comprised in the grading standard of the subjectivity among the VBI of great majority (if not all words) program, at author T.Atherton on March 9th, 1996, be published in " Ottawa Citizen " entertainment section, in the article that is entitled as " living together " of F1-F2 page or leaf, just found out this problem with V-Chip.The author of this piece article claims that he has participated in once " Beta " in Canadian V-Chip system, has provided two graphic examples in his article.The first, various " nonsense " program is included into possibility minimum violence grade, inferior minimum language grade and pornographic classification, even these programs contain linguistic violence usually, and the antagonism of health and figure or oral pornographic discussion.The second, utilize total hierarchical system to remove to get rid of such program, for example get rid of the various programs that all having is higher than the PG grade, consequently blocked the author and thought and be suitable for many programs of watching and not wishing to block, for example animation forest fool.
Though some people may disagree with that the author is to the harmful relatively and valuable judgement in each specific TV programme, but this piece article illustrates at least, no matter the supplier of various grading standards to what extent can go to adjust and their hierarchical system of fine tuning according to most of clients' wish, in customer group, will have and disagree with this hierarchical system greatly, and think that eliminating that they did programming will block those and want the program seen, do not want the program seen and do not block those.
Another problem of existing various head of a family's control system is, they block at every turn/and program of release or activate after the relevant function, user (head of a family) must key in a password again.This is very time taking, and will become bothersome soon.Another problem of head of a family's control system of various use passwords is that user (head of a family) has forgotten password.This will cause the request service to equipment manufacturers, increase the cost that (technology) supported.Correspondingly, need the access control of V-Chip system be improved.
Summary of the present invention
The present invention aims to provide a kind of apparatus and method that can satisfy this demand.Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, provide a part device that is used for a television receiver is carried out head of a family's control.Memory provides the storage of the information relevant with TV programme.A microprocessor produces and blocks order together, as a function that is stored in the information (comprising owner's password) in the memory.A lockout circuit, it makes one group of base-band television vision signal enter a television indicator, blocks order in response to this, and the blockade to vision signal is provided.By means of the tabulation that a user in memory provides, this blockade can be released.
People can both understand, by following detailed description, other each embodiment of the present invention are become clearly, wherein concerning the professional person, by means of for implementing the diagram of the optimal mode that the present invention thinks over, only various embodiments of the present invention are showed and describe.As will being implemented, the present invention that also be applicable to other with each different embodiment, and under the prerequisite that does not deviate from spirit of the present invention and scope, can make amendment in the some details to it aspect each other.Correspondingly, it is illustrative in essence that all accompanying drawings and detailed description all are considered to, and is not considered to restrictive.
All brief description of drawings
With reference to following explanation, appending claims and all accompanying drawings, can understand these and other various features of the present invention, various aspects and every advantage better, in all accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1 is a flow chart of the head of a family's control device that is used with the V-Chip system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a electrical schematic diagram of head of a family's control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a electrical schematic diagram of the head of a family's control device that is used for a wired broadcast system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a electrical schematic diagram of combined head of a family's control device of according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention a V-Chip system with using the mapping of VCR Plus+ and automatic channel;
Fig. 5 is a electrical schematic diagram with the combined head of a family's control device of the VCR Plus+ integrated circuit that is updated to an existing V-Chip system;
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a remote controller of the system that is used for application drawing 4 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7 shows an a television image that carries out formative channel surfing menu according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Fig. 8 shows that portion carries out a formative television image with channel surfing menu of submenu prompt according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Fig. 9 shows that portion carries out a formative television image with channel surfing menu of submenu prompt according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 10 shows that portion carries out a formative television image with channel surfing menu of submenu prompt according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 11 shows an a television image that carries out formative a VCR/V-Chip Plus+ inspection tabulation according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 12 shows that portion carries out a formative television image with channel surfing menu of submenu prompt according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 13 shows that portion carries out the television image that a formative V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 14 shows that portion carries out the television image that a formative V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 15 shows that portion carries out the television image that a formative V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 16 shows an a television image that carries out a formative VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 17 shows an a television image that carries out a formative VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 18 shows an a television image that carries out a formative affirmation screen according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 19 shows that portion carries out the television image that a formative VCR/V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 20 shows that portion carries out the television image that a formative VCR/V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen according to a kind of television mode of the present invention;
Figure 21 is a block diagram of user interface screen mapping according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 22 be according to a kind of television mode of the present invention in order to show a television image of a width of cloth V-ChipPlus+ feature screen;
That Figure 23 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, screen is set and loses a television image of V-Chip function in order to show a width of cloth V-Chip;
That Figure 24 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, screen is set and loses a television image of V-Chip function in order to show V-Chip;
That Figure 25 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, in order to show that a width of cloth V-Chip Plus+ screen is to select a television image of various TV programme;
The television image that Figure 26 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, programme in order to show a width of cloth V-Chip Plus+ screen so that to the frequency of selected TV programme;
That Figure 27 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, select to check that in order to show the width of cloth V-Chip Plus+ tabulation is to block a television image of each TV programme;
That Figure 28 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, record a video/watch screen to select a television image of TV programme in order to show a width of cloth;
That Figure 29 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, in order to show a width of cloth record a video/watch screen so that the television image that the frequency of each TV programme of chosen preparation video recording is programmed;
That Figure 30 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, in order to showing the width of cloth screen of recording a video/watch, so that the television image that the frequency of each TV programme that chosen preparation is watched is programmed;
That Figure 31 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, select to check that in order to show the width of cloth V-Chip Plus+ tabulation is so that write down a television image of each TV programme;
That Figure 32 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, select to check that in order to show the width of cloth V-Chip Plus+ tabulation is so that watch a television image of each TV programme;
That Figure 33 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, in order to show a television image of a width of cloth nurse screen;
That Figure 34 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, check a television image of screen in order to show a width of cloth nurse program;
That Figure 35 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, in order to show the television image of a width of cloth for the channel surfing screen selecting the nurse and be provided with;
That Figure 36 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, in order to show the television image of a width of cloth for the amplitude-frequency road surfing screen that blocks tuned channel and be provided with;
That Figure 37 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, be a television image of the amplitude-frequency road surfing screen that is provided with of the tuned channel of release in order to show a width of cloth;
That Figure 38 is that a kind of television mode according to the present invention carries out is formative, select a television image of the amplitude-frequency road surfing screen that is provided with in order to show a width of cloth for checking V-Chip Plus+;
Figure 39 is a flow chart that is used for a preferred embodiment of password operation;
Figure 40-65 describes the running of V-Chip Plus+ and head of a family control, be included in a kind of bootmode (GUIDE Plus+), based on various criterion, be used to block and the selection and the deletion of each TV programme of release;
Figure 66 is in order to show a display screen of password dialog box;
Figure 67-the 72nd, each display screen of demonstration password setting up procedure.
Describe in detail
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is exactly a kind of combination of V-Chip system and head of a family's control system, and combinations thereof is more towards being programmed by a user, so that block and allow to watch specific TV programme.At United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 382, a kind of like this head of a family's control system has been described in No. 983, above-mentioned patent is as a reference by income this paper, just as what prove absolutely in this article.This embodiment has increased such function, makes two system synergistic workings to form a system, and this system all improves to some extent than each original system.In a preferred embodiment, the user is allowed to the operation of V-Chip system of letting pass, so that find allow to let pass tabulation and each of each that be contained in user-programmable to block each specific program in the tabulation of letting pass.According to user's hobby, can under two kinds of different patterns, visit and select every parental control function.Under television mode, multiple interactive television screen shows various functions, and the user selects by text and figure.Under the guide pattern,, make function and every selection concerning the user, become available by the menu in a kind of program guide text.
Forward Fig. 1 to, there is shown the flow chart of the work of this clearance system.At square frame 1, the V-Chip system carries out work like that by original design: a program is by tuning, causes an output to show that this program should be blocked still and should not be blocked, and this decides the programming of V-Chip system according to the user.According to this V-Chip system,, be that the path is drawn towards square frame 2 then from square frame 1 if this program should be blocked.At square frame 2, contrast a listing and check by tuning program, the let pass user of tabulation of this permission that has been called ad hoc activates above-mentioned listing.If do not appeared among the tabulation of allow letting pass by tuning program, then the not path of square frame 2 is drawn towards square frame 3, therein, is blocked by tuning program.On the other hand, if among square frame 2 finds be comprised in by tuning program permission clearance tabulation, then square frame 2 is that the path is drawn towards square frame 4, and it activates and treats tuning program.
If signal of V-Chip system output makes according to the programming of user to the V-Chip system, do not plan to block this program, then be drawn towards square frame 5 from the not path that square frame 1 comes out.At square frame 5, treat that tuning program compares with the tabulation of letting pass, so that the performed mode of this permission clearance tabulation is blocked each specific program (" blocking the tabulation of letting pass ") according to being similar in square frame 2.Be among this blockade clearance tabulation if find to treat tuning program, then square frame 5 is that the path is drawn towards square frame 6, and is blocked by tuning program.At square frame 5, if be not comprised among the tabulation of block letting pass by tuning program, then the not path from square frame 5 is drawn towards square frame 4, in this case, allows this program by tuning.
Can define to block with several different methods and let pass tabulation and allow the tabulation of letting pass.A kind of method is exactly by channel, date, time started and length (or finish-time).Therefore, the link that uses a clock and to lead to tuner is determined whether to be dropped among any set of any one the let pass channel, date, time and the length information that are comprised in tabulating by tuning program.
On the other hand, each tabulation can comprise the code that has compressed, for example at United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 335, described in No. 079 like that.A specific embodiment of such compressed code be exactly employed by the VCR Plus+ system of Gemstar development company be the number of trade mark with PlusCode, said system has appeared among the various television calendars now, and can be used to import selected various programs, rather than use channel, date, time and the length a kind of like this effort and the scheme consuming time more of the uncompressed of the chosen program of input.
On the other hand, respectively tabulation can comprise the title of wishing to enter each TV programme among tabulating of letting pass.These titles can follow the heading message of broadcasting in VBI to compare, and in VBI, each program uses XDS system or other similar systems as the part of V-Chip code information.On the other hand, each title can with the database that channel, date, time, length are connected with program title, for example the content that is comprised in many electronic television program guides compares,
A problem that is produced in realizing the described system of Fig. 1 is exactly that blockade is let pass to tabulate and allow to let pass to tabulate and may is, and in most of the cases will be very to be difficult to generation.A solution to this problem just is to use one to be similar to the common unsettled U.S. Patent application of submitting on March 12nd, 1,993 08/031, system described in 246, above-mentioned patent is as a reference by income this paper, just as what prove absolutely in this article.Adopt this system, user will be by representative of call, and will be that important various choice criteria connect with this representative to this user.These choice criteria can comprise each television channel, in one day what time, the classification of each program title, program subject matter content, and each actor who in each program, occurs and each actress.This representative will be visited the computerized database of the centralization of an expansion, and this database will comprise such data of being advanced each TV programme of timetable preparation broadcasting by row.In addition, those hierarchical systems multiple additional hierarchical system in addition that is provided in conjunction with the V-Chip system by the broadcaster may be provided in this expanded data storehouse.Any one third party, for example each religious agency, each newspaper, and, can provide such hierarchical system at the various grade separation services of special user colony.According to customer-furnished choice criteria, the computer of this representative is by phone, VBI, and perhaps other available data paths are downloaded these data so that user's system is programmed.
In another alternative embodiment, a database is similar to the database of the centralization of above-mentioned expansion, and the class information that comprises same type, comprise the class information that the third party provides, can be stored in local mode and make this embodiment become one of feasible method among user's the system to be exactly, this system is combined with the stored electronic program guides of local mode with one, and above-mentioned TV Guide has been stored channel, date, time, length, title, classification and a large amount of TV programme of being arranged listing in future.
In another alternative embodiment, except the grade separation of being prepared by U.S. animation association and TV broadcaster, the grade separation that the third party provides is included among the V-Chip data together with the sign of third party's grade separation provider.The grade separation provider that allows user's selection can the most closely follow their numerical value to be complementary.
Fig. 2 shows and catches up with a preferred embodiment stating the clearance system that the V-Chip system is used.One group of multichannel radio (RF) TV signal from a cable feeder line is connected to an input with cable box 10 of channel conversion control.The output of cable box 10 is connected to TV drive circuit 12, and this output is the one group of single channel radio television signal that is on the frequency of this user-selected fixed channel.The output of TV drive circuit 12 is connected to a television indicator 16 by a transmission lockout circuit 14.Lockout circuit 14 can be the analog signal transmission door of a routine, and perhaps any other is the known device of industry.
For the purpose of work that the clearance system is described, suppose that the TV signal of each channel of being transmitted by the circuit feeder line all contains additional data, comprise channel identication, HBO for example, CNN, or NBC.Preferably, channel identication is embedded among the VBI of signal of each channel that adopts the XDS form.
The output of TV drive circuit 12 also is connected to the input of a VBI decoder 18, and it removes xds signal from base-band television signal.Represent this cable box 10 the output of VBI decoder 18 of data-signal of channel identication of tuning channel be connected to a microprocessor 20, lockout circuit 14 is being controlled in its output.Microprocessor 20 is connected to a RAM 22.
Each program of preparing optionally to be blocked is stored among the RAM 22.As at United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 382, No. 983 (" ' 983 patent ") and common unsettled U.S. Patent application the 08/684th, described in No. 678 like that, the date of each program, time, channel and program length all are stored among the RAM 22 according to a kind of arrangement of storehouse, the disclosed content of above-mentioned patent is as a reference by income this paper, as what proved absolutely in this article.Can produce the program that is stored among the RAM with multiple distinct methods and block database.A kind of method sends the program data group exactly, comprise grade separation service according to a customization, for example by the contents such as date, time, channel and length that religious group, newspaper or political body provided, and these data are downloaded to the RAM 22 from the VBI of TV signal or pair of telephone lines road remove (seeing for example ' 983 patents of front institute reference).Spectators can access a on-screen menu about the selection of the grade separation service of customization that transmits from VBI or telephone line, key in selected program, and the program data group downloaded corresponding to selected program of command processor 20.Another kind method is exactly to key in the data of each concrete program by a remote controller.The 3rd kind of method uses a cursor to select each program exactly from a screen electronic program guides (" EPG "), and therein, epg database is used to determine each program to be sent and waits each program of watching or recording a video.Under any circumstance, microprocessor 20 is all monitored the real-time clock in microprocessor 20 continuously, and cable box 10 the channel identication of tuning that channel, the latter is recovered by VBI decoder 18, perhaps by the monitoring tuner and use a channel map figure.Every attribute that these are monitored compares with the data that program blocks in the database.Preferably, among a storehouse that database is arranged in RAM 22, as ' described in 983, making that the storehouse top is exactly a next program to be blocked in patent.When finding once to mate, microprocessor 20 just activates lockout circuit 14, avoids television indicator 16 to show this program thus.
When using this clearance system, in VBI, also comprise one group of code, every grade key element of the one or more programs that are broadcasted subsequently of its indication in conjunction with the V-Chip system.In this embodiment, the user programmes to television system, so that according to one in these classification standards or multinomially remove to get rid of some programs.Every selection of user is stored among the RAM 22, and follows the code that sends in VBI to compare.If microprocessor 20 detects a program that has been excluded via VBI decoder 18, the portion of then inquiring about in the RAM 22 allows the tabulation of letting pass.If this program is not included among the tabulation that allows to let pass, then lockout circuit 14 avoids this program of having got rid of to be sent to television indicator 16 under the control of microprocessor 20.If current program of broadcasting is not excluded, then check that by microprocessor 20 portion that is stored among the RAM22 blocks the tabulation of letting pass conversely speaking, under the classification standard that the user set up.Do not block among the tabulation of letting pass if this program is included in, then lockout circuit 14 allows this program to enter television indicator 16 under the control of microprocessor.
In described embodiment, comprise that the TV programme of blocking let pass tabulation and permission clearance tabulation is defined by channel, date, time started and length (or finish-time), perhaps be used for being defined by making of compressed code, as at United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 335, described in No. 079 like that, in order to adapt to the adding of a cable box or video box mode videorecorder (" VCR "), a kind of arrangement of accommodation is necessary.
By the cable box or the VCR connector of routine, cable box or VCR are connected to the front end of television receiver.Cable box or VCR have a tunable band pass filter, so as be tuned to required channel.TV signal from tuned channel is modulated onto a fixing carrier frequency, for example on the 3rd channel, and is connected to television receiver.No matter selected specific channel how, television receiver all is tuned to the carrier frequency output of cable box or VCR.Because television receiver is tuned to this fixed frequency usually, thus the TV programme that the microprocessor among Fig. 2 can't be determined to select in cable box or VCR place be blocked or selected.
Forward Fig. 3 to, the figure shows a preferred embodiment, it is adapted to a system that uses a cheapness cable box or a VCR, that realize with a simple switch S 1.Be connected to the video output terminals (this TV tuner is tuned to a head of a family usually and allows the program watched) of TV tuner 24 by video inputs, just can solve the tuning problem of VCR VCR 23.Have no reason to allow VCR 23 have the broadband input.
With regard to cable box tuning, cable box 26 only be used to be tuned to each program of scrambling.In the process that is provided with, the user is his or mark (charge) channel of scrambling in his the cable television program table.This step can automatically perform or manually carry out.In the present embodiment, scrambled program provider will send their name (HBO, ESPN in the VBI of TV signal, or the like), correspondingly, when the user selects a scrambled channel, cable box 26 just is tuned to channel separately, and searches for this name via VBI decoder 28 from VBI.If this name can not be identified, then this channel is blocked.
Can also be by providing the video recording of following the identical signal of signal that provides to display 30 to control VCR to the VCR video inputs by TV tuner 24.This signal is processed, contains a program that has been authorized to guarantee it.Therefore, the user only can record a video to the program of having authorized.
In operation, when a user asks the channel of a not scrambling, microprocessor 32 is checked with regard to (from table is set), look at whether requested channel is designated as a scrambled channel, (from the PlusCode table) checked simultaneously, looks at whether this channel is unlocked in the specific period.If this television channel be do not block and not scrambling, then switch S 1 is set to position 2, and TV tuner 24 is tuned to the channel of being asked.If the channel of being asked is waited to block, then S1 is set to position 4, makes TV tuner 24 not import.User's can also record a video to the program that shows (but because the input of the video of VCR from the output of TV tuner, so there are not other programs).
If the user asks a scrambled channel, then microprocessor 32 is checked, looks at whether requested channel is designated as a scrambled channel, and (from the PlusCode table) checked simultaneously, looks at whether this channel is unlocked in the specific period.If this television channel be do not block and not scrambling, then switch S 1 is set to position 3, and cable box 26 is tuned to the channel of being asked.The channel name (for example, per minute broadcasting once) in VBI is waited in the output of VBI decoder 28 monitoring cable boxes.If find a name.Then it follows the channel name that is provided with in the table at channel to compare.If detect once coupling, then TV tuner is tuned to channel 3, and this program is shown.If detect the situation less than coupling, then S1 is switched to position 4, and display 30 is by blanking.So, if the user attempts going to change with manual method the channel of cable box, then this VBI name inspection will be lost efficacy, and S1 will be switched to position 4, make the display blanking.User's can record a video to the program that shows equally (but because the input of the video of VCR from the output of TV tuner, so there are not other programs).
The box video tape if user's request is reset in VCR, then S1 is switched to position 1, and TV tuner is tuned to position 3.Attention is in the position 1, and VCR does not have radio frequency/video input.Therefore the user can not use the VCR tuner.
Forward Fig. 4 to, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clearance system is brought into V-Chip system (" V-Chip Plus+ system ").Preferably, this V-Chip Plus+ system responses is in the code that has compressed so that generate each tabulation of letting pass, as at United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 335, described in No. 079 like that, and comprise the automatic channel mapping ability.Particularly, a TV tuner 34 is placed to the front end of television receiver, so that allow a chosen channel in the multichannel radio TV signal pass through.TV tuner 34, it can be in the industry cycle in the tuner of any routine, amplification should be provided, be down-converted to an intermediate frequency (" IF ") and carry out demodulation, and frequency tuning.TV tuner 34 is connected to TV drive circuit 36, and the latter is provided as the IF signal is amplified and down-converts to one group of signal processing that the base-band television vision signal is required.The output of TV drive circuit 36 is connected to a lockout circuit 38.Lockout circuit 38 can be the analog signal transmission door of a routine, perhaps any other similar device of knowing in the industry cycle.The output of lockout circuit 38 is connected to a television indicator 42 by a vision mixer 40, so that optionally be presented at the current TV programme that is broadcasted on the selected channel.
By a microprocessor 44 with TV tuner 34 be tuned to selected channel.Spectators' input unit 46 is preferably taked the form of infrared (" IR ") remote controller, and it is connected to microprocessor 44, so that spectators to be provided the control to each television channel.Spectators' input unit 46 also allows spectators to programme from a distant place to V-Chip Plus+ system, so that remove to get rid of some program according to one or more grade key elements, and editor or each tabulation of letting pass of modification V-ChipPlus+.When spectators wish to observe the specific grade that is provided with or V-Chip Plus+ and let pass tabulation in V-Chip Plus+ system, microprocessor 44 takes out suitable information from RAM 48, and it is sent to video processor 50, information is formatted for demonstration therein.Preferably, the information that is stored in video processor 50 the insides be will be on television indicator 42 a bitmap of content displayed.Video processor 50 is connected to vision mixer 40.Though the professional person understands, information from vision mixer 40 can be presented on the television indicator 42 with a kind of form of window, perhaps the mode that shows with the full screen that replaces this TV programme is presented on the television indicator 42, but vision mixer 40 is still currently just exported this information in the mode of watching TV programme to be overlapped in.
Spectators use spectators' input unit 46 in conjunction with the information of being presented on the television indicator, V-Chip Plus system are programmed, so that remove to get rid of some program according to one or more grade key elements.Preferably, spectators' input unit 46 allows spectators by moving a cursor on television indicator 42 and importing discrete various command, and V-ChipPlus+ system and V-Chip Plus+ clearance tabulation are operated.Microprocessor 44 is connected to video processor 50 via a cursor position register 52, just can realizes cursor control.
Spectators edit being presented in V-Chip Plus+ on the television indicator 42 tabulation of letting pass, and preferably use compressed code to finish this work, as at United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 335, described in No. 079 like that.A G code decoder 54 is used to handle the code that has compressed.If microprocessor 44 is determined to receive G code from spectators' input unit 46, then this G code will be sent to the G code decoder so that decode.G code decoder 54 is converted to channel, date, time and length (" CDTL ") information with G code, and these information are used for crossing V-Chip Plus+ hierarchical system by microprocessor 44, so that select TV programme particularly.Preferably, V-Chip Plus+ system with the VCR Plus+ system integration of Gemstar development company together, make CDTL information not only be used to generate V-Chip Plus+ clearance tabulation, and be used to activate a video box mode videorecorder (" VCR ") 55, so that to be stored in RAM 48 in a selected TV programme being consistent of CDTL information record a video, as at United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 335, described in No. 079 like that, this patent is as being taken in this paper referring to document, just as what proved absolutely in this article.CDTL information is stored in according to a kind of storehouse arrangement among the RAM 48, as United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 382, described in No. 983 like that.
Decode by VBI and to realize V-Chip Plus+ system one group of TV signal.A VBI decoder 56 that is connected to the output of TV drive circuit 36 extracts xds signal from base-band television signal.The output of VBI decoder 56 comprises that it is connected to microprocessor 44 at one or more grade key elements of the TV programme of current broadcast.The grade key element that will be extracted from the VBI of TV signal by microprocessor 44 compares with the grade key element that is stored in the spectators' programming among the RAM 48.If microprocessor is determined should block the TV programme of current broadcast according to the grade key element of having programmed, then inquiry is stored in the permission clearance tabulation among the RAM 48.If this TV programme is not included among the tabulation that allows to let pass, then microprocessor 44 activates lockout circuit 38, so that block the TV programme of current broadcast from television indicator 42.If according to the grade key element of having programmed that is stored among the RAM 48, should watch the TV programme of current broadcast conversely speaking,, then inquiry is stored in the blockade clearance tabulation among the RAM 48.Do not block among the tabulation of letting pass if this TV programme is included in, then lockout circuit allows this TV programme to be sent to television indicator 42 under the control of microprocessor 44.Microprocessor 44 is followed by a set tuner channel of microprocessor 44 and an internal clocking (not shown) in microprocessor by the CDTL information among the RAM 48 of will being stored in and is compared, and inquires about each tabulation of letting pass of V-Chip Plus+.On the other hand, can from the XDS data, peel off channel information by VBI decoder 56, if feasible.
Useful for the code that compressed is become in each tabulation of letting pass of editor V-Chip Plus+, microprocessor 44 should be determined that channel of just transmitting corresponding to the TV programme of this compressed code on it.Because the employed specific TV service in specific geographical area (that is, satellite transmits, cable television program, radio broadcasting) of the basic of distribution spectators of channel and service and different.Need a kind of in order to set up the method for a channel map figure.Described a kind of like this method in common unsettled U.S. Patent application book the 08/694th, 864, this patent is taken in this paper as the ginseng document, as being proved absolutely in this article.(that is, KABC KCET) follows the Frequency Distribution at any specific TV service channel to link together to a channel map figure with each TV station.
Briefly, in one embodiment of the invention, automatically detect the TV service of particular type by the channel allocation of monitoring each TV station.By just finishing this work along radio frequency band scanning TV tuner 34 with microprocessor 44.Along with along radio frequency band TV tuner 34 being scanned, by the stability of monitoring horizontal synchronization pulse, a detector 57 that is connected to TV tuner 34 just can detect a TV station and whether be assigned to each channel.Subsequently, microprocessor 44 is according to the type of the channel allocation of a given geographic area being determined TV service.This scheme only requires spectators to use spectators' input unit 46 to key in his or her zip code.Alternatively, by allowing spectators use spectators' input unit 46 directly to key in, just can exempt automatic detection to the employed specific TV service of spectators about the model of VCR and cable box and the information of brand.
In case after being determined by the particular type of the employed TV service of spectators, just can from TV signal, extract suitable channel map figure according to spectators' geographical position by VBI decoder 56.Microprocessor 44 scans TV tuner 34 once more, and to locate a channel, this channel has the channel map figure information that sends in the VBI of TV signal part.Then, microprocessor 44 is extracted the channel map figure that carries out mark with a group id code out, and above-mentioned authentication code is corresponding to the geographical position by spectators' key entry, and the channel map figure that is extracted out is stored among the channel map figure memory 58.
The embodiment of the V-Chip Plus+ system of having described that is shown in Fig. 4 aims at a fully-integrated system that utilizes an independent microprocessor.Yet the professional person understands, wishes V-Chip Plus+ system is encased in one one at those and has the place of going in the television receiver of a kind of existing V-Chip system, may be useful greatly.Be subjected to a kind of result of Congress's approval as the V-Chip system, many TVs manufacturer will develop a kind of V-Chip integrated circuit (" IC "), programme according to the grade separation system of a standard for the user, simultaneously the V-Chip ability is included as the feature of a standard.In these systems, a V-Chip Plus+ regeneration product brought in the independent integrated circuit that can easily be integrated into an existing V-chip system go, will be favourable.Fig. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of this V-Chip Plus+ system.
Referring to Fig. 5, the V-Chip system comprises basic TV processing and the drive circuit that describes with reference to Fig. 4.Particularly, a TV tuner 35 is placed on the front end of television receiver, so that a selected channel in one group of multichannel radio TV signal is connected in TV drive circuit 37.The output of TV drive circuit 37 is connected to a lockout circuit 39.The output of lockout circuit 39 is connected to a television indicator 43 by a vision mixer 41, so that optionally be presented at the TV programme of broadcasting on the selected channel.
A V-Chip 57 who is connected to TV drive circuit 37 extracts xds signal from base-band television signal.From the XDS data, remove each grade key element of the TV programme of current broadcast, and compare with each grade key element of the programming of the spectators in the internal storage that is stored in V-Chip 57.If V-Chip 57 is according to each grade key element of having programmed, the TV programme of determining current broadcast should be blocked, then lockout circuit 37 is activated by V-Chip 57, block the TV programme of current broadcast from television indicator 43, if according to each the grade key element of having programmed that is stored in the memory, should watch the TV programme of current broadcast conversely speaking,, then lockout circuit 39 is by V-Chip 57 deexcitations, and this TV programme is allowed to be sent to television indicator 43.
The V-Chip system provides by using an editing machine to edit the method for each grade key element to spectators.Particularly, when spectators wished to check the specific grade that is set among the V-Chip system, V-Chip 57 took out suitable information from memory under the control of spectators' input unit, and it is sent to video processor 51, here, information is formatted for demonstration.Video processor 51 is connected to vision mixer 41.Though the professional person understands, information from vision mixer 41 can be presented on the television indicator 43 with the form of a window, perhaps the mode that shows with the full screen that replaces this TV programme is presented on the television indicator 43, but vision mixer 41 is still currently just exported this information in the mode of watching TV programme to be overlapped in.Use spectators' input unit also in conjunction with the information of being presented on the television indicator 43, spectators programme to the V-Chip system, so that remove to get rid of some program according to one or more grade key elements.
Realize the customization of the lock-out facility of V-Chip 57 with an outside V-Chip Plus+ integrated circuit 47.Among V-Chip Plus+ circuit is implanted to an integrated circuit is the scheme of an economy, yet the professional person understands, can use discrete elements to realize V-Chip Plus+ function.Preferably, the V-Chip Plus+ integrated circuit V-Chip ability that is designed to easily will to have installed is encased in the existing television receiver and goes.V-Chip Plus+ integrated circuit 47 is inserted among the line between V-Chip 57 and the lockout circuit 39.This requires by removing lead 59 V-Chip 57 to be disconnected with the connection of lockout circuit.
In operation, when V-Chip 57 according to the grade key element of having programmed, when the TV programme of determining current broadcast should be blocked, this locking signal just was connected to V-Chip Plus+ integrated circuit 47.In response to this locking signal, the permission clearance tabulation that 45 pairs of the integrated circuits in V-Chip Plus+ integrated circuit 47 are stored among the RAM 49 is inquired about.If this TV programme is not included among the tabulation that allows to let pass, then microprocessor 45 activates lockout circuit 39, blocks the TV programme of current broadcast from television indicator 43.If V-Chip 57 according to each grade key element of having programmed, determines to watch the TV programme of current broadcast, then unlocking signal is sent to V-Chip Plus+ integrated circuit 47 conversely speaking.In response to this unlocking signal, the blockade clearance tabulation that is stored among the RAM 49 is inquired about.Do not block among the tabulation of letting pass if this TV programme is included in, then lockout circuit 39 allows this TV programme to be sent to television indicator 43 under the control of microprocessor 45.
V-Chip Plus+ integrated circuit 47 also is connected to video processor 51, edits so that spectators respectively let pass to tabulate to V-Chip Plus+.In this configuration, spectators can programme to the V-Chip system according to one or more grade key elements, to get rid of some program.And editor or each tabulation of letting pass of modification V-Chip Plus+.When spectators wished to check or edit each clearance tabulation of V-Chip Plus+, microprocessor 45 just took out suitable information from RAM49, and it is sent to video processor 51, and here, information is formatted for demonstration.Video processor 51 is via vision mixer 41 output informations.Preferably, take to be overlapped in current just in the form of watching TV programme.Use compressed code for example to finish editor of each tabulation of letting pass to V-Chip Plus+.A G code decoder 55 is used to be same as the code that the front handles to have compressed with reference to the illustrated mode of embodiment shown in Figure 4.
Spectators' input unit 46 is preferably taked a kind of form of hand-held remote control infrared transmitter, and it communicates with an infrared receiving set that is connected to microprocessor 44.As shown in Figure 6, infrared transmitter has a shell 60, and a plurality of operating keys have been installed thereon.63, one enter keies 65 of 71, one Menu key of 69, one nurse's keys of 64, one check keies of 62, one V-Chip Plus+ of channel surfing key key, and a change key 67 all is installed on the shell 60.Be positioned at below check key 69 and the nurse's key 71 be respectively upwards, downwards, left with to Right Arrow 66,68,70 and 72.Numeric keypad 73 be placed on enter key 65 and change key 67 below.Be provided with under two kinds of different patterns and select and block and unlocking function, these two kinds of patterns are a kind of television mode and a kind of guide pattern.
Television mode
Preferably, user interface is all by menu-drive.Screen items is shown in television indicator so that V-Chip Plus+ system is programmed, and to V-Chip Plus+ each tabulation of letting pass is edited.In a kind of television mode, can be by selecting channel surfing key 62, V-Chip Plus+ key 64 on spectators' input unit, perhaps Menu key 63, enter each screen items from the normal television image pattern of watching.
When activating channel surfing key 62, take out a channel selection tabulation 74 by microprocessor from channel map figure memory, and be presented in television indicator via vision mixer shown in Figure 7 in the mode that is overlapped in television image by video processor.This display format is called as the channel surfing menu.Channel selection tabulation 74 comprises the name or the call letters 76 of a row TV station, and the row of a correspondence are designated the channel that each TV station 78 is distributed, by the current tuning channel of TV tuner with one the 1st cursor 80 increase brightness.In this pattern, spectators can vertically move the 1st cursor 80 by using the up and down arrows key on spectators' input unit, in channel selection tabulation 74 be tuned to any channel.Along with the 1st cursor 80 moves to another channel from a channel, microprocessor make TV tuner de-tuned by the channel of blast so that on television indicator, shown.Spectators just can at any time withdraw from the channel surfing menu by push the channel surfing key on spectators' input unit, and turn back to the normal tv picture and watch pattern.
Preferably, microprocessor has indivedual channel interdiction capacities.In other words, no matter the grade key element of being set up in V-Chip Plus+ system by spectators how, also no matter each preferred list that is generated in V-Chip Plus+ system by spectators how, can block all each chosen channels on the whole.In the channel selection tabulation 74 of channel surfing menu, by replace the channel allocation of the TV station that is used to be blocked with one " X ", provide channel and block indication, in Fig. 7, FOX and KMEX are blocked.
On spectators' input unit,, just can enter submenu from the channel surfing menu by pushing to Right Arrow from any channel by blast.As shown in Figure 8, in response, 3 screen submenu prompts have appearred on television indicator.These screen submenu prompts flatly are shown in the next door of blast channel, and can by with moving one the 2nd cursor 82 to the right and to left arrow, just can enter this submenu on spectators' input unit.And then, demonstrate the explanation of the screen submenu prompt of selecting with the 2nd cursor by spectators below.Spectators just can at any time cancel screen submenu prompt by by the channel surfing key that is pressed on spectators' input unit from the channel surfing menu.
In Fig. 8, KABC is by 80 blasts of the 1st cursor, and permission spectators are switched the icon of KABC by the blast of the 2nd cursor institute between channel blocking mode and channel unlock mode.Below screen submenu prompt, show the message of the work of one section this icon of explanation: " blocking this channel ".Adopt such setting, on spectators' input unit,, just can block the KABC channel as long as lay a finger on enter key.From the channel of spectators' input unit block order by microprocessor stores in RAM, when spectators planned in television receiver tuning KABC channel subsequently, this order was used to control lockout circuit.Then, microprocessor makes video processor that channel surfing menu shown in Figure 9 is overlapped on the television image via vision mixer.Replace the order that channel allocation " 7 " at KABC confirmed to be used to block this channel with one " X " and successfully be loaded into RAM.Click enter key once more on spectators' input unit, just can make screen submenu icon prompt change into indication KABC can be unlocked, indicated as the message below screen submenu prompt,
As shown in figure 10, with the blast " inspection " on screen submenu prompt of the 2nd cursor, spectators just can enter each tabulation of letting pass of V-Chip Plus+ from the channel surfing menu.Message below screen submenu prompt is pronounced " VCR/V-Chip Plus+ checks tabulation ".In a preferred embodiment, allow to let pass tabulation and block the tabulation of letting pass and be combined at VCR/V-Chip Plus+ and check an independent tabulation in the tabulation.Preferably, VCR/V-Chip Plus+ checks that tabulation also allows spectators that each TV programme of selecting for VCR Plus+ application system is edited, VCR Plus+ application system is developed by Gemstar development company, it allows to use on a VCR compressed code to programme, to realize a kind of timer preprogrammed functions.
When carrying out blast by the 2nd cursor 82 pairs of screen submenus prompt " inspection ", by by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, microprocessor just takes out the TV programme at the appointment of VCR Plus+ system and V-Chip Plus+ clearance feature from memory, and make video processor a VCR/V-Chip Plus+ be checked that tabulation overlaps onto on the normal tv picture of television indicator, as shown in figure 11 via vision mixer.The professional person understands, VCR/V-Chip Plus+ checks that tabulation can be divided into two independently pictures, one is used for VCR Plus+ system, and simultaneously another is used for the V-Chip Plus+ tabulation of letting pass, and on spectators' input unit by providing each independent keys to conduct interviews.
The VCR/V-Chip Plus+ that is shown in Figure 11 checks that tabulation is included in a tabulation of each specified under VCR Plus+ system or V-Chip Plus+ clearance feature TV programme.Each TV programme all is displayed on VCR/V-Chip Plus+ by its CDTL information separately and checks on the tabulation.The professional person understands, as common unsettled U.S. Patent application book the 08/744th, No. 399 described such, can be by the epg database of visit in memory, the title that alternately or by way of parenthesis shows each TV programme with CDTL information, the content of above-mentioned application is as a reference by income this paper, as being proved absolutely in this article.
Left by defined each TV programme of CDTL information is an icon, and the function by the microprocessor execution is prepared in its indication.By means of example, start from January 10 corresponding to the icon 84 of TV programme left,, in 11: 15 afternoon,, represent that this TV programme prepares to record a video under control by the VCR Plus+ program of VCR in microprocessor at channel 7.Icon 86 at the TV programme left starts from January 21,, at 2 o'clock in afternoon, at channel 35, the expression television receiver will automatically be started shooting, and is tuned to this TV programme under the control of the VCR Plus+ program in microprocessor.Icon 88 at the TV programme left, at 11 o'clock in the morning weekly viewing channel 28, meet the classification standard of being set up by spectators even expression is embedded in the grade key element of the VBI part of TV signal in V-Chip Plus+ system, this TV programme is still prepared to be blocked by lockout circuit.Icon 90 at the TV programme left starts from January 18, Sunday, 10 o'clock in the afternoon, at channel 2, expression no matter the various grade key elements that in the VBI of TV signal, embedded how, this TV programme all will be shown, otherwise this TV programme will be by V-Chip Plus+ system lock.
VCR/V-Chip Plus+ checks that the latter half of tabulation 92 comprises in order to help spectators with spectators' input unit each TV programme to be edited.Arrow indicator 94 " moves " with literal, informs that spectators pass through to use up and down arrows key moving cursor 96 vertically, just can select each concrete TV programme.In case spectators have selected required TV programme, spectators just can check this TV programme of deletion the tabulation from VCR/V-Chip Plus+ subsequently, perhaps change by the indicated appointed function of the icon of TV programme left.The latter half of checking tabulation 92 as VCR/V-Chip Plus+ is represented, by push enter key on spectators' input unit, just can delete by the selected TV programme of 96 blasts of cursor.Alternatively, by at first on spectators' input unit, pushing the change key, then on spectators' input unit respectively with increasing or reduce its length to the right and to left arrow, just can change the length of the function of the appointment that in VCR/V-Chip Plus+ system, is programmed.Spectators just can withdraw from VCR/V-Chip Plus+ and check tabulation, and turn back to channel surfing menu shown in Figure 34 at any time by push V-CHIP PLUS+ key on spectators' input unit.
Spectators are by coming blast " V-Chip Plus+ " screen submenu prompt with the 2nd cursor 82 shown in Figure 12, enter V-Chip Plus+ from the channel surfing menu of Figure 10 screen is set.At this moment, will below the screen prompt symbol, show the message of one section " enter V-ChipPlus+ screen is set ".When " V-Chip Plus+ " screen submenu during by 82 blasts of the 2nd cursor, by by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, microprocessor just takes out each grade key element of V-Chip Plus+ from memory, and make video processor V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen overlay to the normal tv picture of television indicator, as shown in figure 13 via vision mixer.
V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen display by spectators' set V-Chip Plus+ system-level under " acceptable highest ranking " title of Figure 13, and the V-Chip Plus+ system-level of going among the current RAM of being programmed into is " TV-PG head of a family's guide ".Grade key element (that is violent content, Pornograph, language, dialogue) at the concrete acquiescence of " TV-PG head of a family's guide " will be listed below.The independent control of each grade key element of the acquiescence of being undertaken by spectators is provided in a preferred embodiment.For example, for the V-ChipPlus+ system, the grade key element of acquiescence " TV-PG head of a family's guide " is medium violence, strong Pornograph, vulgar language, and provocative dialogue.Yet spectators can wish that with the rating restrict access be " the TV-PG head of a family's guide " TV programme that does not have violent content.In this case, spectators use the arrow key up and down on spectators' input unit, cursor 94 are vertically moved to the violent content indicating device of the left that is close to descriptive text " medium violence " from V-Chip Plus+ system-level.By at first on spectators' input unit, pushing " change " key so that cause the change of grade key element, and subsequently with left and arrow key to the right the violent content of TV programme is adjusted to desired horizontal.As shown in figure 14, spectators successfully have been limited to watching of TV programme " the TV-PG head of a family's guide " that does not have violent content.
On the other hand, can by spectators change in RAM programmed whole
The grade of V-Chip Plus+ system.By on spectators' input unit, pushing arrow key up and down, cursor 94 is positioned V-Chip Plus+ system-level indicating device " TV-PG head of a family's guide ", just can realize this function.Then, on spectators' input unit, push " change " key, so that cause the change of V-Chip Plus+ system-level.By on spectators input unit push left and to the right arrow key, just can adjust desirable V-Chip Plus+ system-level thereafter.These operating procedures are illustrated in the bottom that V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen 95, for spectators' editor provides convenience.As shown in figure 15, the V-Chip Plus+ system-level that is programmed in RAM via microprocessor, has been changed and has been " only being suitable for TV-MA adult spectators ".At this moment, each the grade key element that is stored in the acquiescence among the RAM allows to watch and contains figure violence, the tangible various TV programme of Pornograph, rough language and dirty dialogue.Each key element of the correspondence of being transmitted in the VBI part of these grade key elements with the TV programme of broadcasting compares.
In a preferred embodiment, other V-Chip Plus+ system-level comprises: at the TV programme with medium violence, strong Pornograph, rough language and very provocative dialogue " the TV-P14 head of a family notes! "; At " the general spectators of TV-G " that do not have violence, do not have Pornograph, do not have strong language and do not have the TV programme of pornographic dialogue; At " the TV-Y7 big-age-child " that do not have violence, do not have Pornograph, do not have strong language and do not have the TV programme of pornographic dialogue; At not having violence, do not have Pornograph, not having the TV programme of obscene language and dirty dialogue " all children of TV-Y ".Can be by the way each the concrete grade key element in these V-Chip Plus+ system-level be independently controlled.The professional person understands, according to manufacturer or client's demand, can use other V-Chip Plus+ system-level, and concrete grade key element can be different from the above embodiments.
Spectators at any time by push the channel surfing key on spectators' input unit, just can withdraw from V-Chip Plus+ screen is set, and turn back to the channel surfing menu of Figure 12.Spectators select the television image of normally watching by push the channel surfing key once more on spectators' input unit.
By on spectators' input unit, selecting V-CHIP PLUS+ key, just can enter VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen from the normal picture pattern of watching.This will cause video processor under the control of microprocessor, via vision mixer, VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen will be overlapped on the television image of television indicator, as shown in figure 16.Spectators can programme to VCR Plus+ system and V-Chip Plus+ system from VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen.
The form of VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen comprises a first half that allows spectators import compressed code, above-mentioned compressed code is the employed PlusCode code of VCR Plus+  system of Gemstar development company for example, and this code has appeared among the television schedule of public publication at present.Particularly, spectators are close to right-hand position of text " PLUSCODE " with cursor 96 blast VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen tops, and the code that on spectators' input unit, uses the numeric keypad input to compress, these compressed code follow program listed in the television schedule of public publication to occur simultaneously.In case imported compressed code by spectators, by using the arrow key on spectators' input unit, cursor 96 just is moved on the required feature of listing below compressed code is capable.Preferably, the left side of VCR/V-ChipPlus+ main screen is exclusively used in every function of VCR Plus+, and the right-hand part of VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen is exclusively used in every function of V-Chip Plus+.The every function of VCR Plus+ comprises a video recording option, be used for VCR is programmed, make it automatically a TV programme to be recorded a video, and one watched function, be used for when broadcasting, automatically opening television receiver and be tuned on the selected TV programme.The every function of V-Chip Plus+ comprises that is blocked an option, is used for generating and blocks the clearance tabulation, and a release option, be used for generating allowing to let pass and tabulate.
In case spectators have selected required option, just by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, make and to go, and be designated as the option that spectators select by being encased among the RAM by microprocessor of spectators' input corresponding to the CDTL information of the TV programme of compressed code.For example, with reference to Figure 17, by by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, come blast video recording option with cursor 96 simultaneously, VCR will automatically write down the TV programme corresponding to compressed code " 17893 ".As shown in figure 18, when the enter key on spectators' input unit is pressed,, and, confirm that with one screen is presented on the television indicator in the mode that is overlapped in the normal tv picture via vision mixer by video processor.Spectators are by using the suitable option of cursor 98 blasts, and by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, with the choice that obtains again selected TV programme is once recorded a video, in case after the affirmation screen is selected the frequency that is used to record a video, the user just can turn back to VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen by select V-CHIP PLUS+ key on spectators' input unit.
When as a submenu from channel surfing menu (Figure 10) when entering, formatted among RAM from the CDTL information of VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen input shown so that check in the tabulation at VCR/V-Chip Plus+.In addition, by " checking tabulation " and on spectators' input unit, push enter key, just can directly enter VCR/V-Chip Plus+ and check tabulation from VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen with cursor 96 blasts., be presented in the mode that is overlapped in the normal tv picture among the VCR/V-Chip Plus+ inspection tabulation of television indicator via vision mixer by video processor, edited to be same as with reference to the illustrated mode of Figure 11.When entering VCR/V-Chip Plus+ inspection tabulation from VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen, spectators must push V-CHIP PLUS+ key to withdraw from and to turn back to VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen on spectators' input unit.Just withdraw from VCR/V-Chip Plus+ main screen during by the V-CHIP PLUS+ key that is pressed on spectators' input unit the 2nd time, and turn back to normal television image and watch pattern.
By by the Menu key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, just can enter the TV menu (not shown) from the normal tv picture pattern of watching.TV menu allows spectators to go to carry out some function, the definition (that is, contrast, brightness, colour) that for example activate channel, activates cable TV and adjust image.In addition, as shown in figure 19, can enter VCR/V-Chip Plus+ from TV menu screen is set.
V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen and allows spectators to go to define some parameter, and according to TV signal source and spectators' geographical position, these parameters allow to carry out the automatic channel mapping.There is not TV signal source to detect (promptly, monitor the channel allocation of each TV station) preferred embodiment in, with spectators' input unit the employed video program source of spectators, VCR brand and cable box brand directly are input to VCR/V-Chip Plus+ screen are set.Screen is set as can be seen from VCR/V-Chip Plus+ shown in Figure 180, spectators live in the U.S., and zip code is 91106, use pioneer's board cable box and a Philip video tape recorder.As common unsettled U.S. Patent application the 08/694th, No. 864 described such, can be by microprocessor according to zip code information, from the VBI of TV signal, suitable channel map downloaded among the RAM and go, above-mentioned patent is as a reference by income this paper, as proving absolutely in this article.From other information, can select the IR code of the uniqueness that is used to operate VCR and cable box.
By using the up and down arrows key on spectators' input unit, cursor 100 is vertically moved between each screen prompt symbol, just can edit the information that is provided with on the screen at VCR/V-ChipPlus+ by spectators.For example, if spectators switch to direct cable from the cable box service, then, need a new channel map figure in order to carry out VCR/V-Chip Plus+ operation.By entering VCR/V-Chip Plus+ screen is set, be close to the text " cable box " on " video program source " prompt the right with cursor 100 blasts, on spectators' input unit, push the change key and change video program source, subsequently, on spectators' input unit, push left and to Right Arrow to select suitable video program source, spectators just can download to new channel map among the RAM with the effort of minimum and go.In this case, spectators will operate in each arrow key on spectators' input unit, up to be provided with on the screen at VCR/V-Chip Plus+ nestle up " video program source " prompt and text " direct cable " occurs till.As shown in figure 20, in this delegation, " cable box " prompt has been provided with the screen from VCR/V-ChipPlus+ and has been cancelled.
VCR/V-Chip Plus+ is provided with screen and also comprises screen prompt symbol " next one " 102.If spectators are input to VCR/V-Chip Plus+ with a cable box program screen are set, perhaps automatically detect by microprocessor, unique cable box code then should be set, so that cable box is operated.The up and down arrows key of use on spectators' input unit is positioned cursor 100 for screen prompt symbol " next one " 102, pushes enter key subsequently, just can finish this step.This sequence makes microprocessor take out the IR code with the cable box compatibility from memory, and it is deposited among the RAM.In VCR/V-Chip Plus+ system operation, in order to provide the microprocessor control to the tuner in cable box, this step is necessary.
The professional person has recognized that early above-mentioned user interface only is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and can use in the scope of the invention with interior multiple other user interfaces.To an alternative embodiment of user interface be described with reference to a user interface screen shown in Figure 21 by means of example below.In this alternative embodiment, spectators can watch that pattern 104 enters " V-Chip Plus+ feature " screen 106 or " channel surfing " screen 108 from normal tv.
At any time, spectators can withdraw from V-Chip Plus+ and screen are set and enter TV menu by push Menu key on spectators' input unit.Subsequently, by on spectators' input unit, pushing Menu key the 2nd time, enter normal pictures from television mode and watch pattern.
By on spectators' input unit, selecting V-CHIP PLUS+ key, just can pull-up V-Chip Plus+ feature screen 108.When activating V-CHIP PLUS+ key, from RAM, take out V-Chip Plus+ feature screen by microprocessor, and by video processor via vision mixer, be presented on the television indicator in the mode that is overlapped in television image.Another exemplary V-Chip Plus+ feature screen according to the foregoing description is shown in Figure 22.With reference to Figure 22, can enter 4 submenus from V-Chip Plus+.These 4 submenu options comprise that 110, one V-CHIP PLUS+ of nurse's feature block 112, one V-CHIP of feature feature 114 is set, and the feature 116 of recording a video/watch.Spectators just can select any submenu from V-Chip Plus+ feature screen (seeing Figure 22) by cursor 118 being positioned push enter key subsequently on the required submenu options with the up and down arrows key on spectators' input unit,
In the foregoing description shown in Figure 22, V-CHIP is provided with feature 114 ' by cursor 118 blasts.Other embodiment of the present invention are illustrated as above reference, V-CHIP be provided with feature allow spectators to his or his television system programme so that get rid of various programs according to a selected classification standard.Spectators just can provide or edit this classification standard by push enter key on spectators' input unit from the submenu options.Consequently, from RAM, take out V-Chip by microprocessor screen be set, and by video processor via vision mixer, be presented on the television indicator in the mode that is overlapped in television image.Figure 23 shows an exemplary V-Chip screen is set.Originally, spectators are provided with the option that obtains deexcitation V-Chip system the screen from V-Chip.By with arrow key a cursor 122 being positioned to close on the prompt 120 on spectators' input unit, push enter key subsequently, just can finish this operation.In response, one section message will occur on message screen 124, expression V-Chip feature is inoperative.Consequently, the mode outside each grade key element that will be comprised to be independent of among the VBI by microprocessor is controlled lockout circuit.
In order to activate the V-Chip system, spectators only need to push enter key subsequently with arrow key a cursor 122 being positioned to connect on the prompt 126 on spectators' input unit, just can finish this operation.In case be activated, each the grade key element that is extracted from the VBI of TV signal just compares with each the current grade key element that is stored among the RAM, and under microprocessor control, determines whether this lockout circuit allows TV programme to enter television indicator.
In case the V-Chip system is activated, the current class set that is provided with by spectators will be shown on the message screen 124.In the above-described embodiments, use the various animation grades and the various TV programme grade of for example issuing that the V-Chip system is programmed by U.S. animation association.Preferably, should programme to the V-Chip system, to adapt to the TV programme that adopts the different brackets system with TV programme and two kinds of grades of animation.By at V-Chip the suitable prompt 128,130 of selection on the screen being set, just can finish inspection and editor to TV programme or each grade of animation with spectators' input unit.
With reference to Figure 24, current in RAM the V-Chip grade at TV programme be " TV-PG head of a family's guide ".In a preferred embodiment, " TV-PG head of a family's guide " allow to watch have medium violence, the various TV programme of some pornographic plot, some vulgar language and provocative dialogue.By cursor 122 is positioned suitable prompt (for example, " violence " 132, and push to the right on spectators' input unit or to left arrow) on, just can individually activate or these grade key elements of deexcitation in each.Consequently, the violent content of TV programme will not be used to determine whether to block the current picture of watching.
On the other hand, can change in RAM the grade of the whole V-Chip system that programmes at TV programme or animation by spectators.By with the up and down arrows key cursor 122 being positioned just can realize this function on the message screen 124 on spectators' input unit.Next step uses to the right and grade from different V-Chip systems to left arrow that go to look round, and till required grade appeared on the message screen 124, at this moment spectators can push enter key and select this grade on spectators' input unit.According to manufacturer or client's demand, can be different at the concrete V-Chip system-level of various animations and TV programme.More than with reference to other each embodiment of the present invention, the various grades at the exemplary V-Chip system of various TV programme have been described.
By with the up and down arrows key cursor 122 being positioned on V-CHIP PLUS+/blockade prompt 134 on spectators' input unit, and push enter key, just can screen be set and enter V-Chip Plus+ and block tabulation from V-Chip.In Figure 21,, show from V-Chip Plus+ the ability that screen directly enters V-Chip Plus+ blockade tabulation is set by path 136.On the other hand, spectators by pushing V-CHIP PLUS+ key, just can withdraw from this system on spectators' input unit, and turn back to normal tv and watch pattern 104.Spectators push V-CHIP PLUS+ key by the 2nd time on spectators' input unit, just can pull out V-Chip Plus+ feature screen 106, and according to the front with reference to the illustrated mode of Figure 22, go to select V-CHIP PLUS+ to block feature 112.
In case spectators have selected V-CHIP PLUS+ to block feature, just take out V-Chip Plus+ screen by microprocessor from RAM, and by video processor via vision mixer, be presented on the television indicator in the mode that is overlapped in television image.Figure 25 shows an exemplary V-Chip Plus+ screen.Spectators can check and editor V-Chip Plus+ blockade tabulation from V-Chip Plus+ screen.Block tabulation in order to edit V-Chip Plus+, spectators are positioned cursor 136 for PlusCode line of input 138, by using the numeric keypad on spectators' input unit and pushing enter key, import with publishing the compressed code that the program on the list of television programmes of public publication occurs simultaneously, though understanding, the professional person can use additive method, for example each program title is capable or select from electronic program guides, but, illustrated with reference to other each embodiment of the present invention as the front, using PlusCode to generate V-Chip Plus+ blockade tabulation is a kind of method easily.
In case pushed enter key, microprocessor just takes out a submenu from RAM, and it is sent to television indicator.Submenu shown in Figure 26 allows the user that selected TV programme is blocked once, perhaps, alternatively, every day or block once weekly.By cursor 140 being positioned to be provided with on the required prompt frequency of blockade.In Figure 26, for illustrative purposes, will the blast of " once " prompt.In case after spectators' input unit input system, will produce the message shown in the message display 144.By by the V-CHIP PLUS+ key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, the V-Chip Plus+ of Figure 25 blocks screen and will be reentered.
By by the check key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, just can inquire about a V-ChipPlus+ and block tabulation, to check each TV programme of optionally having been blocked.Consequently, from RAM, take out V-Chip Plus+ selective listing by microprocessor, and by video processor via vision mixer, be presented on the television indicator in the mode that is overlapped in television image.Figure 27 shows a exemplary V-Chip Plus+ selective listing.Next step, spectators are positioned cursor 144 to block on the prompt 146, and by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit.At this moment on screen, present the list of television programmes that is used to block by the selected portion of these spectators, otherwise these programs will be sent to television indicator by V-Chip Plus+ system.Each TV programme is shown in V-Chip Plus+ by its CDTL information separately and blocks on the tabulation.The professional person understands, by by the epg database in the microprocessor access memory, each title of each TV programme just can alternately be shown, and perhaps shows together with CDTL information by way of parenthesis.
V-Chip Plus+ selects screen that limited editting function also is provided.For example, by cursor 144 is positioned with the corresponding CDTL information of required TV programme on, and by be pressed in enter key on spectators' input unit with deletion by the TV programme of blast, just can block and delete any TV programme the tabulation from V-Chip Plus+.In addition, by at first by the change key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, subsequently on spectators' input unit respectively with increasing or reduce this length to the right and to left arrow, with regard to changing in microprocessor and the length of the lock-out facility of programming at the TV programme of blast.
Select screen in order to withdraw from V-Chip Plus+, spectators can push V-CHIP PLUS+ key on spectators' input unit.As shown in figure 21, select screen 148 to enter the screen 104 that normally televiews from V-Chip Plus+.Then, spectators can be push V-CHIP PLUS+ key the 2nd time on spectators' input unit, to pull out V-Chip Plus+ feature screen 106.
V-Chip Plus+ feature screen 106 comprises the option one 16 of recording a video/watch." video recording " option provides a kind of method, in order to VCR is programmed, makes it automatically to write down a TV programme, and " watching " option then allows automatically to open television receiver in when broadcasting, and be tuned to come on a selected TV programme.
By use each arrow key on spectators' input unit cursor 118 is positioned to record a video/watch on the prompt 116 ', and push enter key (seeing Figure 22), just can enter the option one 16 of recording a video/watch from V-ChipPlus+ feature screen 106.In case the user has selected video recording/watch feature 116.Just from RAM, take out the screen of recording a video/watch by microprocessor, and by video processor via vision mixer, be presented on the television indicator in the mode that is overlapped in television image.Figure 28 shows a exemplary video recording/watch screen.Spectators can be by recording a video/watch screen inspection and edit him or she and wish each TV programme of recording a video or watching.Spectators at first are positioned cursor 148 to record a video on the prompt 150, and by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit.At this moment on screen, just can edit the video recording tabulation.Next step, cursor 148 is positioned on the PlusCode line of input 152, and by using the numeric keypad on spectators' input unit and pushing enter key, generate the mode that V-Chip Plus+ blocks tabulation, import compressed code from the list of television programmes of public publication to be same as.In case keyed in the PlusCode code, just on spectators' input unit, pushed enter key.Also can remove to edit viewing list in the same way,, watch that prompt is by beyond the such situation of cursor 148 blasts except before keying in PlusCode.
Be used to the new TV programme of recording a video or watching in case entered one, just from RAM, take out and aly be similar to people and be used for editing V-Chip Plus+ and block the such submenu of tabulation, and be presented on the television indicator by microprocessor.Submenu shown in Figure 29 allows the user with selected television program record or watch once, perhaps, alternatively, every day or record a video weekly or watch once.By cursor 150 being positioned to be provided with on the required prompt blockade frequency of selected TV programme.In Figure 29, for illustrative purposes, will the blast of " once " prompt.In case after spectators' input unit input system, generation is shown in message among the message display 158, about selected TV programme is recorded a video.Figure 30 is an example that is used to edit a sub-menu screen of viewing list.In case finished the editor of video recording or viewing list, by by the V-CHIP PLUS+ key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, will reenter the video recording of Figure 28/watch screen.
In order to check chosen each TV programme of recording a video or watching of being used to,, from RAM, take out V-Chip Plus+ by microprocessor and select screen, and it is presented on the television indicator by by the check key that is pressed on spectators' input unit.In order to check video recording tabulation, spectators are positioned cursor 144 to record a video on the prompt 160, and by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit.At this moment, according to a kind of CDTL form shown in Figure 31, on screen, present the list of television programmes that the portion selected by spectators is used to record a video, on the contrary, by being positioned to watch on the prompt 162, cursor 144 (sees Figure 27), and, just can see viewing list by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit.Shown in figure 32, the tabulation of the portion of each TV programme of being selected by spectators that is used to watch is sent to indicator screen according to a kind of CDTL form.Preferably, the limited editting function of explanation also is applicable to video recording and viewing list with reference to V-Chip Plus+ blocks tabulation.
As mentioned above, select screen in order to withdraw from V-Chip Plus+, spectators can push V-CHIP PLUS+ key on spectators' input unit.As shown in figure 21, select screen 148 to enter the screen 104 that normally televiews from V-Chip Plus+.Then, spectators can be on spectators' input unit push V-CHIP PLUS+ key the 2nd time, to pull out V-Chip Plus+ feature screen 106.
V-Chip Plus+ feature screen 106 also provides a kind of nurse's function, with control children watching the TV programme that is not subjected to supervision.Nurse's operation is independent of outside the V-ChipPlus+ system, and blocks all TV programme from television indicator, those programs among being placed on a nurse's tabulation.
Cursor 118 be positioned on nurse's prompt 110 ' at each arrow key on spectators' input unit by using, and push enter key (seeing Figure 22) and just can enter nurse's function (seeing Figure 22) from V-Chip Plus+ feature screen 106.Consequently, from RAM, take out nurse's screen by microprocessor, and by video processor via vision mixer, be presented on the television indicator in the mode that is overlapped in television image.Figure 33 shows a exemplary nurse's screen.
In order to activate nurse's function, spectators at first are positioned a cursor 160 to connect on the prompt 162 with each arrow key on spectators' input unit, and push enter key.In response, the television image background that is overlapped in nurse's screen will become black, unless the current TV programme that is comprised in nurse's tabulation of watching.Conversely speaking, for deexcitation nurse function, can be positioned to close cursor 160 on the prompt 164 and push enter key, make television image reappear on the background parts of overlapping nurse's screen.
Spectators can and check nurse's tabulation from the nurse on-screen editing.For editor nurse's tabulation, spectators can be positioned PlusCode line of input 166 with cursor 160, and use the numeric keypad on spectators' input unit, the compressed code that the program that is published in the list of television programmes of key entry and public publication occurs simultaneously.Spectators are by being positioned cursor 160 on the suitable prompt then, and push enter key, select the frequency that this TV programme is allowed to watch (that is, once, every day, or weekly).Though understanding, the professional person can use additive method, for example each program title is capable or select from electronic program guides, but, illustrated with reference to other each embodiment of the present invention as the front, using PlusCode to generate V-Chip Plus+ blockade tabulation is a kind of method easily.
In order to check chosen each TV programme of watching,, go to inquire about a nurse and check tabulation by by the check key that is pressed on spectators' input unit by the nurse.Consequently, from RAM, take out nurse's program inspection tabulation by microprocessor, and by video processor via vision mixer, be presented on the television indicator in the mode that is overlapped in television image.Figure 34 shows a exemplary nurse's program inspection tabulation.Nurse's program inspection tabulation comprises the portion tabulation of chosen each TV programme of watching by the nurse.After nurse's function is activated, no matter pack into after being programmed among the RAM V-Chip Plus+ grade key element how, any TV programme that is not included among nurse's program inspection tabulation all will be blocked from television indicator by microprocessor.Be similar to other above-mentioned television listings, nurse's program inspection tabulation shows each selected TV programme by their CDTL information separately.The professional person understands, by by the epg database of microprocessor access in memory, just can alternatively show each title of each TV programme, shows during perhaps by way of parenthesis with the CDTL information of same.
Nurse's program inspection tabulation also provides limited editting function.For example, by cursor 168 being positioned on the required CDTL information corresponding to required TV programme, and, by the TV programme of blast, just can from nurse's program inspection tabulation, delete any TV programme with deletion by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit.On the other hand, by the change key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, being used in respectively subsequently increases or reduces its length to the right and to left arrow on spectators' input unit by at first, just can change at by the length of the time of watching of the TV programme of blast.Preferably, by cursor 168 is positioned on the suitable prompt, and, just can from this screen, activate or deexcitation nurse function by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit.Also can activate or deexcitation nurse function from V-Chip Plus+ menu by from nurse's feature (not shown), selecting any delegation.
Check screen in order to withdraw from nurse's program, spectators can push nurse's key on spectators' input unit.So that turn back to nurse's screen of Figure 33, perhaps by the V-CHIP PLUS+ key that is pressed on spectators' input unit.So that turn back to the screen that normally televiews.
Except watching that from normal tv pattern 104 enters the V-Chip Plus+ feature screen, channel surfing option provides and has directly entered a certain feature (path).For example, spectators can directly enter V-Chip Plus+ program inspection tabulation 148 and nurse's program inspection tabulation 170 from channel surfing screen 108.By by the channel surfing key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, from RAM, take out the channel surfing screen by microprocessor, and by video processor via vision mixer, be presented on the television indicator in the mode that is overlapped in television image.Figure 35 shows a exemplary channel surfing screen.In a preferred embodiment, each be tuned to during a new channel, just the channel surfing screen appears in the short time on television indicator.
With reference to Figure 35, tuned channel is presented in television indicator, so that provide information to spectators.In a preferred embodiment, below channel indicator, flatly show 3 screen submenu prompts, and can by on spectators' input unit with entering this 3 submenus to the right and to left arrow moving cursor 174.And then thereunder show explanation about the screen submenu prompt of selecting with cursor 174 by spectators.In embodiment shown in Figure 35, spectators have selected nurse's feature, and one section message occurs below submenu: " entering nurse's screen ".This scheme allows spectators directly to enter nurse's function, does not need at first to pass through V-Chip Plus+ feature screen.Spectators only need by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, and microprocessor just takes out nurse's screen shown in Figure 33 from RAM, and are presented on the television indicator in overlapping mode.Spectators can pull out nurse's program inspection tabulation (seeing Figure 34) from this screen, perhaps according to being same as the front with reference to the mode that V-Chip Plus+ feature screen illustrates, turn back to normal tv and watch pattern.
The channel surfing screen also provides being blocked by the tuning channel of microprocessor or the ability of release.As shown in figure 36, by cursor 174 is positioned to block on the channel prompt 176, just can accomplish this point.In response, on message display 178, " blocking this channel " one section message appear:.Then, by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, to block whole channels.This scheme allows, and for example, lay a finger on spectators' input unit, just can block the KCOP channel.Channel blockade order from spectators' input unit is deposited among the RAM by microprocessor, in order to the control lockout circuit.As shown in figure 37, take out one section new message by microprocessor: " this channel of release ", and be presented on the message screen 178 of television indicator.At this moment, only need on spectators' input unit, to push enter key the 2nd time simply, now just can this channel of release.
By cursor 174 being positioned on the screen submenu prompt " inspection ", spectators just can directly enter V-Chip Plus+ the rendition list from the channel surfing screen, this will cause occurring one section message on message display 178: " checking the every selection of V-Chip Plus+ ", and as shown in figure 38.Subsequently by the enter key that is pressed on spectators' input unit, so that V-Chip Plus+ program inspection tabulation is transferred on the television indicator.In case taken out V-Chip Plus+ program inspection tabulation, just can edit this tabulation and check to be same as foregoing mode.Spectators are by the V-CHIP PLUS+ key that is pressed on spectators' input unit.Just can withdraw from V-Chip Plus+ program inspection tabulation, and turn back to normal tv and watch pattern.
The guide pattern
With reference to Figure 43, enter several V-Chip Plus+ screens from menu bar; User's blast " V-Chip Plus+ " button on menu bar, and subsequently by rolling downwards, so that select every function of V-Chip Plus+ from menu.In V-Chip Plus+ screen, (blueness) Action Button is used to release, and different (green) Action Button is used to block various pictures, various time, various channel, or the like.Shown in Figure 51 and 52, be unlocked when the square of blast is current, blue Action Button just is marked as blank, and green Action Button is marked as " blockade ".When the square of blast is blocked, except the square of blast is a program title, blue Action Button will be marked as " release ", and green Action Button becomes blank.If a program title square that is blocked is by blast, then Lv Se Action Button is marked as " listing ", provides to enter program table screen (path), so that will block frequency from once being revised as once a day of giving tacit consent to or jede Woche once.
In case a program is blocked, a message box will show one section message:
"＜program title〉in＜what day, in such a month, and on such a day〉be blocked.Push＜certain key enter listing, so that every day or blockade＜program title weekly〉once.”
On remote controller, push VCR Plus+ key, on the program table screen of guide, show VCR Plus+ interface.The user can import a Plus Code code, and selects them to wish the action that will carry out this program subsequently: record a video (acquiescence), watch, or block.These options will occur with the form of square in Plus Code input area.
Be similar to and watch and recording function, a program that is blocked can be set to block once, and every day or jede Woche block once.Be placed among the timetable formation by any other program (this is not suitable for all programs that are set to block according to channel, time or grade) will preparing to block, just can finish this work.These programs that are blocked mix according to time sequencing with the program that is set to record a video or watch.In V-Chip Plus+ or GUIDE Plus+ screen, in program that is blocked of blast, come the entry time table by pushing green Action Button, the perhaps timetable button entry time table from the menu bar, spectators can revise the frequency of blockade, by pushing an Action Button that is labeled as " change ", various programs are set to video recording or watch the same this way with them.This will select circulation one time by every frequency.Have only the guide of working as to be under owner's pattern, could revise this frequency.
The variety of event (each program that is arranged to video recording, watches or blocks) that is discharged into timetable can be deposited in a nonvolatile memory, for example among EEPROM.Therefore, run into when having a power failure, various timetable incidents will be saved.
Under the guide pattern, V-Chip Plus+ uses following two kinds of data sources to combine and determines whether to block a program: be downloaded and be stored in the data (the various grades of the battle array of each channel, various program log, program) in the guide, and the level data of in VBI, transmitting.Usually the V-Chip device uses the data of transmitting on VBI to determine whether to block a program according to grade.These level data send once per at least 15 seconds.Therefore, the head of a family wishes a program blocking, may be before blockade come into force, and watching 15 seconds.V-Chip Plus+ under the guide pattern will use the program grade grouped data that has been stored in the guide, determine whether to block from the beginning a program, and after this program is blocked veritably, use the VBI data to be confirmed.If it is wrong that it is blocked, then this blockade will be cancelled.If the grade separation data of not storing at a given program in guide, then before obtaining the VBI data and making the blockade decision, this program will enter.
By the various programs of each network that participates in many ways, except news and sports cast, will be according to a kind of TV head of a family rules grade separation, perhaps a kind of MPAA grade separation (being used for not being adapted for as yet the animation of TV programme) is evaluated its grade.Use each network of this grade separation also will in the network business, send this grade separation standard.The commercial affairs of various this locality do not transmit the grade separation of adjacent program probably.V-Chip Plus+ will provide the ability that the program that does not grade is blocked to the user.Its objective is that the child who the head of a family can be controlled whether allow them goes to watch the possible contra bonos mores content in some news and the sports cast.Also have a kind of side effect, the local advertising that does not have grade separation also will be blocked.Surrounded by a gradational program at a local advertising, and under the millrun program situation about being blocked, the user may find that they can watch this program.Yet this advertisement just is blocked after about 15 seconds occurring.May be after nearly 15 seconds that this program restarts, after its grade was understood by V-Chip Plus+, this program will be shown again.By blocking individual programs, program channel, program subject matter, program grade, perhaps refusal enters certain program time-interval (as any program that is blocked), blocks being connected of advertisement and various programs, till owner's password is transfused to.When a advertisement that is connected to a program during by blast, the message about blocking will appear in PIP.
In editing machine, close a channel by the way once, and can not cause blocking all-access this channel.Particularly, if be connected to that an a advertisement pent channel, that have a program is shown in editing machine, the user still can arrange this program to be used for video recording or watch, perhaps by pushing the OK button, be tuned to its channel correlation.In addition, when this advertisement during by blast, even this channel is closed, PIP will be tuned to come on the channel relevant with this advertisement.
EPG requires the user that some profile information is provided, and includes but not limited to: user's zip code; The TV that the user orders, cable TV and satellite service; The length of described order; The type of TV; The age of TV station; From where buying this TV programme; The favorite channel of user; The favorite program category of user; The time that user's most probable is used to teleview.If this user decline to provide this information, then EPG goes trial " study " these information, the co-pending patent application series number the 09/120th that its method was submitted on July 21st, 1998, No. 488 (and having the System and method for control interface relation, that be used for showing and record a video between TV programme, video, advertising message and the program schedule information) is described, the content disclosed in this patent is as a reference by income this paper, as in this article fully the explanation, at all purposes.
When television set is switched on power supply, its demonstration will depend on automatically-and whether guide-connection be activated, and whether the program that enters is blocked, perhaps uses guide remote controller or front panel to turn on this television set.If automatic-guide-connection is activated, when then turning on television set when using a teleswitch, guide (picture) will appear usually.If be provided with owner's password, then the various programs that provided by user profile, various function and various screen will be provided the user.If the program that enters is not blocked, the video image of this program then will appear in PIG.Each program of all that are blocked, each channel, each time period or the like all are coupled with mark in guide.The user need not to import a password just can enter all unrestricted programs, function and screen in this guide.When trial removes to enter a restricted program (by pushing OK or guide key), function (is recorded a video via each Action Button, the any button that is activated on the remote controller-may be record button-and via the VCRPlus+ key) or during screen (roll enter or push the OK key from menu bar), a password dialog box (seeing Figure 66) will appear in message box.If the user has correctly imported owner's password, then they just can enter all programs, guide zone and every function.If the user does not import owner's password, then they will keep the access right by the user profile defined.If the program that enters is blocked, then PIG will become black, and contain following message: " program is blocked by V-Chip Plus+ ".
If automatic-guide-connection is not activated, when then turning on television set when using a teleswitch, will guide can not appear.If be provided with owner's password, then the various programs that provided by user profile, various function and various screen will be provided the user.If the program that enters is not blocked, the video image of this program then will appear on screen.If the program that enters is blocked, then picture-in-guide will be covered (seeing Figure 66) by a password dialog box.Have, if the user has correctly imported owner's password, then they just can enter all programs, guide zone and every function again.If the user does not import owner's password, then they will keep the access right by the user profile defined.
If turn on this television set from the front panel of television set, then automatic-guide-connection is not activated.The operation of V-Chip Plus+ in guide will be subjected to the restriction of user profile, till via remote controller input owner password.If do not adopt remote controller, can't import owner's password.
The user that V-Chip Plus+ blocks is walked around in a plan, places hope on and blocks the inefficacy that is provided with, and can attempt the power supply of closing television machine.Because the restriction of existing EEPROM, not all setting can both be stored among the EEPROM.If the space of EEPROM allows,, a kind of required set of setting to be stored is listed below then according to the order of priority:
1. owner's password
2. block according to grade
3. block according to channel
4. block according to the time
5. block according to the individual programs in timetable that (several will be saved below in timetable.This will be a kind of combination that is arranged for each program of recording a video, watch or blocking.)
6. block some function (video recording is watched).
If when occurring once exceeding the power failure of supercap capacity of power, the user will face two kinds of selections (default value is following the 1st, and owner will select a setting in V-ChipPlus+ feature screen) that have a power failure and be provided with:
1. refusal is to the all-access of TV programme, till owner's password is transfused to.To be allowed to enter guide, but refusal enters setting, editing machine and each screen of V-Chip Plus+.
2. allow visit not deposited in all projects of EEPROM.
In being provided with, when turning on television set by remote controller or by front panel, power failure points for attention will appear on the screen, till owner's password is transfused to.This will notify the user thing of relevant power failure.
In Figure 43,44,46,48,49,53,56,57 and 63, show a V-Chip Plus+ menu with different features of having selected.V-Chip Plus+ menu screen provides the path to enter all V-Chip Plus+ screens.Only under owner's password pattern, just can enter these screens.The user comes the square of the required feature of blast by the scroll through menus bar.Figure 44 represents the selection of grade classification.The user pushes the OK/ options button to enter the relevant screen of V-Chip Plus+ feature of following by blast, is not in the Any user under owner's password pattern if attempt entering these screens, will be prompted to import owner's password.If be not in owner's pattern, then these menu bars will be dark and be inaccessibles.
Figure 45 represents the grade separation situation of V-Chip Plus+ TV head of a family rules.The user can block all examples of each program with any given TV head of a family rules grade separation, blocks whole content ratings, perhaps a combination of TV head of a family rules and each content rating.This screen is also carried out the not blockade of each program of rating.This screen is divided into 3 zones: 1. be suitable for children's various programs, 2. be suitable for theater's various programs, 3. the various programs of rating not.Green action key is used to block each grade, and blue action key is used to each grade of release.When a grade is blocked, this grade and all are blocked than its high grade in this group.When a grade is unlocked, have only this grade to be unlocked.
By blast animation levels characteristic, from the feature menu of Figure 46, select the V-ChipPlus+MPAA grade.Figure 47 represents to be responsible for selecting the animation grade screen of the animation levels characteristic among Figure 46.The user can block all examples of each program with any given MPAA classification standard from this screen.When a grade is blocked, this grade and all also all are blocked than its high grade.When a grade is unlocked, have only this grade to be unlocked.In this example, all animations with grade G all are unlocked.
After having selected V-Chip Plus+ aperture plate function shown in Figure 49, the screen of Figure 50 is shown.Except PIG, advertisement, sign and action bar, V-Chip Plus+ aperture plate all is to be among the tone of grey.This is for it is distinguished from the aperture plate screen of guide.The channel that this screen display is all is no matter whether they are closed in editing machine.Shown in Figure 51-52, can block other program or all channels from this screen.Program that all are blocked or channel all become lead.Yet, channel ads does not appear in this aperture plate.When the program title that is blocked under owner's pattern during by blast, blue and green Action Button just is marked as " cancelling " and " change " respectively.When not being in owner's pattern following time, Action Button is labeled as blank.
Shown in Figure 53, after the characteristic of division of having selected V-Chip Plus+, just demonstrate each screen shown in Figure 54 and 55.The user can remove to block all programs that are among the same classification by the classification screen, for example animation, physical culture or children's programs, the user can remove to block all programs that are among the same subclass from the 1st layer of Figure 54 classification screen, for example terrified, mysterious thing, softball, basketball, or the like.The user can also remove to block any other program that is among the same subclass from the 2nd layer of Figure 55 classification screen.
The V-Chip Plus+ time is provided with
Shown in Figure 57, after having selected V-Chip Plus+ temporal characteristics, just demonstrate each screen shown in Figure 58-62.Be provided with the screen from these times, the user can by every day what time and/or weekly what day block and watch.The user can date or time square of blast, and blocks that time of that whole day or every day.Alternatively, the user can block certain several hour at any exact date.
After the feature functionality of having selected V-Chip Plus+, just demonstrate a feature screen.From this feature screen, the user can block and enter video recording and/or watch function.In addition, the user can select a kind of power failure setting from this screen.After having selected the password feature of V-ChipPlus+, just show a password screen.From this password screen, the user can be provided with owner's password (if not finishing this step) first in initial setting up, perhaps can revise current owner's password.
When a program, channel, period etc. were blocked, (respectively) title that identifies this program, channel, period etc. is modified to had different background colors, shown in Figure 65.In this screen, Simpson, the luxuriant and rich with fragrance inferior people of young expense rad and period 10 o'clock of afternoon etc. all are represented as with the lead background is blocked.
The control of owner's password
In one embodiment of the invention; use a kind of owner's password scheme of 4 bit digital to set up a user profile; and after owner's password is established, provide unrestricted (not adding protection) to enter each guide screen and each program (path).Can only set up owner's password.Can in initial set-up procedure, (see Figure 67) or enter password screen (seeing Figure 43) from the guide menu afterwards, perhaps in the guide pattern, set up.In case set up owner's password, just must key in owner's password and block or release to carry out.In order to enter setting, editing machine and each screen of V-Chip Plus+, also must key in owner's password.In case after keying in; television set just is among owner's password (not adding protection) pattern; up to television set be closed, the user withdraws from V-Chip Plus+ pattern, perhaps surpassed till the regular hour of counting when the user correctly keys in password postpones.
A user interface (UI) allows user (head of a family) to remove to detect themselves password, and makes lockout failure when the password clipping of words.The function of user interface includes, but are not limited to following:
(1) fixedly the clearance password-this realizes with the hardware bus connection method in equipment, and is used under the situation that user-defined password is lost usually.
(2) repeat to import and set up new password-Ruo password X time and lose, by repeatedly importing identical password X time, just can set up new password, when this process finishes, notify this user to claim, new password is set up.
(3) allowing to key in new password-this permission head of a family through regular hour length after the outage goes " pulling out the attaching plug of equipment ", and regain control after password is lost.
(4) carry out password inspection/key in-only limit to the head of a family again can enter the special service pattern by special service mode, adopt this mode can watch password safely.
Final time by the record password is used or changes can also improve above-mentioned password Managed Solution further.
Figure 39 is a flow chart of owner's password operation.Clearly, not all operation all needs a password.Shown in square frame 391; following operation has the password protection: the change password; change V-Chip grade separation; delete " a being blocked " program; perhaps delete " a being blocked " channel; change " nurse " function; program of release or a channel in " nurse " function; change clock (this is because a different clock will cause V-Chip Plus+ to remove to block a different program), and change channel map figure (this is because different channel map figure will cause V-ChipPlus+ to remove to block a different channel).
Owner's password user can set up special watching (blockade) parameter for user profile, set up special feature for user profile and use restriction (forbidding recording a video or watching), revise owner's password, perhaps enter all guide screens and watch, record a video or arrange the time and watch all programs.But,, do not need to import owner's password in order to enter unrestricted each program, each channel, day part, each feature and each guide screen.When attempt entering (visit) program that is blocked (in television mode be tuned to this program, or from the guide pattern, push OK key or each guide key) or a restricted screen (rolling enters or pushes the OK key from menu bar) or feature (record a video via Action Button, any button that is activated on remote controller-may be record button-and via VCR Plus+ key) time, a dialog box on screen, will occur, require to enter password word (seeing Figure 66).
If password is correctly imported, visit will be authorized to.If password is imported improperly, then will show the screen of makeing mistakes.In case correctly imported password, to be allowed to enter all programs and guide zone, up to television set be closed, the user withdraws from V-Chip Plus+ pattern or surpassed till regular hour of counting when the user correctly keys in password postpones.Also have, in case correctly imported password, just can change it, shown in square frame 396 by the user.Yet, repeatedly import an as one man incorrect password, when reaching certain number of times, will set up a new password.Just can set up new password by repeatedly import identical incorrect password with certain number of times, and when this process finishes, confirm newly-established password (square frame 395).The last date and time of password that uses goes on record, and shown in square frame 397, the date and time of last login is shown subsequently.
Because revise the validity of these screens possibility violations of blockade, so, in case generated owner's password, just automatically set up entering the restriction of some guide screen.Have only owner can set up various blockades.Visit is blocked and can be set up at following: individual other each program; Each channel; Each theme (whole theme, for example animation, sports cast, children's programs, perhaps sub-topics, for example exploration, drama, softball, basketball, or the like); TV head of a family rules or MPAA grade separation (the various programs that comprise not rating); Period or date; And/or enter video recording and watch feature.
When passing through to block individual programs, program channel, program subject matter, program grade, perhaps program time-interval and a user attempt entering a key element that is blocked under the condition of not importing owner's password, when blocking a program, visit to the key element that is blocked will be rejected, to show a dialog box simultaneously, require input owner's password (seeing Figure 66).Input owner password lost efficacy and will cause the maintenance of blocking, and the function of guide is as follows:
Under television mode, forbid watching a program that has blocked,
Under television mode, in PIP, forbid watching a program that has blocked,
Under the guide pattern, in PIG, forbid watching the program (PIG that has blocked
To comprise one section message, represent that this program is blocked),
Do not arrange the program that has blocked is recorded a video (via guide or V-Chip
Plus+), and
Do not arrange to watch that the program that has blocked is (via guide or V-Chip
Plus+)
Yet, will be available to the explanation of each program of having blocked.Equally, in case after the input owner password, each program that has blocked still can be arranged to record a video or watch.Any program that has been arranged to record a video or has watched will videoed or watch, even it before was blocked or was blocked later on.
The video recording and watch that feature also can be blocked.When this feature is blocked and guide is not when being in owner's pattern, if user attempts arranging a program to be used for video recording or watches that then this action will be rejected, owner's password dialog box will appear simultaneously.If owner's password is not transfused to, then the function of guide will be modified to:
If the video recording feature is blocked:
-user cannot go to arrange any program to be used for video recording via guide or V-Chip Plus+
-all programs that are arranged to record a video all will be marked as in timetable and block, and the user cannot cancel it or revise its frequency.
If watch that feature is blocked:
-user cannot go to arrange any program to be used to watch via guide or V-Chip Plus+
-all programs that are arranged to watch all will be marked as in timetable and block, and the user cannot cancel it or revise its frequency.
Yet,, arranged to be used to record a video by owner or the program watched will be performed even these features are blocked.If these features are not blocked, then do not have the user of owner's password can enter the timetable of recording a video/watch yet, and any program in formation is made change.
When owner's password is set up, and one do not have the user of owner's password using TV or guide pattern, and then entering setting, editing machine and V-Chip Plus+ will be rejected.When blocking feature via a V-Chip Plus+, when having refused to enter a program, channel, time screen, feature or the like, a V-Chip Plus+ dialog box just appears.Shown in Figure 66, this dialog box requires input owner password, above-mentionedly goes in every so that enter.If this input is not correct password, additional dialog box then appears.
GUIDE Plus+ system supports semi-automatic setting, makes user's intervention be minimum.Requirement comprises from the master data that the user obtains there, country, zip code/postcode, this service are from coming (OTA) or via cable in the air, cable box, from screen list, select brand name, VCR brand, from screen list, select the brand name, the rf channel (if available) of cable box output.Yet V-Chip Plus+ comprises the additional screen that is provided with of directly following cable box output problem.Only just occur these screens when the user experiences setting up procedure first, after this, the user will use V-Chip Plus+ password screen to remove to be provided with owner's password or it will be made amendment.
Figure 67 describes owner's password setting up procedure.The user is inquired whether he wants to be provided with owner's password now, if answer not, a screen then occurs and inform this user, can owner's password (seeing Figure 68) be set by the V-Chip Plus+ password screen that enters in GUIDE Plus+ the inside later on.Be that then this user is provided a password and generates screen, shown in Figure 69 if answer.In case imported a password, just shown a checking screen (seeing Figure 70).If the 2nd word of correctly entering password of this user then shows accepted screen (seeing Figure 71).If the 2nd word of entering password improperly of this user then shows the failure screen shown in Figure 72.When the user pushes＜OK〉during button, just show that owner's password of Figure 67 is provided with screen.The user can attempt or import NO once more and take a whirl at afterwards again now.
Can find out significantly that from the narration of front the present invention can satisfy the urgent demand of the head of a family's control device that is used with the V-Chip system for a kind of energy.Under the prerequisite that does not deviate from spirit of the present invention or base attribute, can take other specific forms to realize this head of a family's control device, and be used with multiple communication equipment.Therefore, the author wishes that present embodiment all is considered to illustrative and not restrictive in all respects, and scope of the present invention is with reference to appending claims, rather than with reference to the specification of front, provides.

Claims (41)

1. one is used a kind of head of a family to control method user interface, that a television set carried out access control, above-mentioned user interface has different various functions, these functions are available to the user under the operator scheme that is in owner, and described method comprises following each step:
In order to enter owner's pattern, import a password, so that entered every function that the head of a family controls user interface;
Import a standard, in order to block a TV programme, make it not watching or video recording, and the TV programme that has been blocked of letting pass is so that watch or record a video;
Select a plurality of programs, be used to watch or record a video;
If selected a plurality of programs meet the blockade standard and do not meet the clearance standard, then point out the user who is not in owner's pattern to remove the word of entering password; And
If the user is the word of entering password in response to this prompt, then the selected a plurality of programs that meet the blockade standard and do not meet the clearance standard are carried out release, make that they can watching or video recording,
2. a device that is used for a television receiver is carried out head of a family control comprises:
A television indicator;
A tuner is used to receive a plurality of TV programme, with season in described each TV programme one be able to by;
A memory is used to store portion and blocks the tabulation of letting pass, comprising the information relevant with at least one TV programme, and a permission clearance tabulation, comprising the information relevant with at least one TV programme;
A microprocessor, it optionally runs on a kind of blocking mode and a kind of unlock mode, only work as the TV programme of coming and accord with the relevant described information of a TV programme of following in tabulation is let pass in described blockade by this tuner, described microprocessor could be under described unlock mode, produce and block order together, and and if only if the TV programme of coming by this tuner do not meet in the relevant described information of any one TV programme of following in tabulation is let pass in described permission, described microprocessor could produce and block order together under described blocking mode; And
A lockout circuit, be used for to be connected to described television indicator by the TV programme that tuner is come, described lockout circuit has a control input, and it makes the TV programme of being come by tuner be blocked from described television indicator in response to blocking order.
3. according to the described device of claim 2, wherein, come from tuner
TV programme comprises class information, also comprise a vertical blanking decoder, in order to from TV programme, to extract described class information, according to the described class information that is extracted, described microprocessor optionally run on described blocking mode and unlock mode one of them.
4. according to the described device of claim 3, wherein, described memory comprises the class information that is stored in wherein, and, according to the class information that will from TV programme, be extracted with being stored in the result that the class information in the memory compares, described microprocessor optionally run on described blocking mode and unlock mode one of them.
5. according to the described device of claim 2, wherein, block the clearance list information and comprise each channel, date, time and length in separately the TV programme, and allow the clearance list information to comprise each channel, date, time and length in separately the TV programme.
6. one kind is used for the method for television receiver implementation head of a family control is comprised following each step:
Generate a tabulation of letting pass that allows, comprising with the relevant information of under a kind of blocking mode, preparing to watch or record a video of at least one TV programme;
Generate the tabulation of block letting pass, comprising with the relevant information of under a kind of unlock mode, preparing to watch or record a video of at least one TV programme;
Select blocking mode or unlock mode;
When selecting blocking mode, only allow watching or video recording with the information-related TV programme in allowing the clearance tabulation; And
When selecting unlock mode, only block and the information-related TV programme in blocking the tabulation of letting pass, make it not watching or video recording.
7. according to the described method of claim 6, wherein, selecting step also to comprise with class information programmes to television receiver, extract with by television receiver a tuning class information that TV programme is broadcasted simultaneously, the class information of having programmed is compared with the class information of broadcasting, and,, select blocking mode or unlock mode as a function of described comparative result.
8. according to the described method of claim 6, wherein, under blocking mode, the step of tabulation of generate to allow letting pass comprises the relevant information of channel, date, time and length of input and the TV programme of waiting to watch or recording a video, and, under unlock mode, generate the step of blocking the tabulation of letting pass and comprise the relevant information of importing with TV programme to be blocked of channel, date, time and length.
9. one kind is used to carry out the method that the head of a family controls, and comprises following each step:
Receive one group of TV signal, this signal is transmitting a TV programme and at a grade of this TV programme;
Import a hierarchy level;
From the TV programme that is received, extract the grade of this TV programme;
The TV programme grade that is extracted is compared with the hierarchy level of importing;
If the TV programme grade that is extracted is lower than the hierarchy level of input, then show by the TV programme that TV signal transmitted that has received;
If the TV programme grade that is extracted is higher than the hierarchy level of input, then block by the TV programme that TV signal transmitted that has received;
Select a specific TV programme, when the TV signal that has been received when it transmits, will in this comparison step, pass; And
When the TV signal that has been received when this specific TV programme transmits, if its grade is higher than the hierarchy level of input, then show the TV programme that this is specific, when the TV signal that has been received when this specific TV programme transmits, if its grade is lower than the hierarchy level of input, then block this specific TV programme.
10. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, by one first the user set up required password.
11. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, when being in owner's pattern following time, the password that can change to have set up by a user.
12. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, can change the password of having set up, and when input step finishes, confirm the password of repeatedly being imported by repeatedly import an incorrect password according to a kind of predetermined times.
13. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, owner's operator scheme is remained valid, up to television set be closed, the user withdraws from owner's pattern, perhaps surpass till a period of time postpones.
14. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, every parental control function comprises a kind of power failure function, this function is after once having a power failure, in order to the visit of refusal to this television set, till the word of accurately entering password.
15. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, watch under the pattern, use a on-screen menu to import described standard at a kind of normal tv picture.
16., wherein, under a kind of guide pattern, use a on-screen menu that is activated by a program log guide to import described standard according to the described method of claim 1.
17. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, the step of a standard of input comprises:
Under a kind of nurse's pattern, select one group of TV programme of waiting to watch or record a video; And
Under a kind of nurse's pattern, under the condition of the word of not entering password, only allow the watching or video recording of chosen program set, get rid of every other each program that is being broadcasted simultaneously.
18. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, the step of a standard of input comprises:
Select a TV programme of waiting to watch or record a video;
If selected program is unlocked, then activate one the 1st button screen, to block selected program; And
If selected program is blocked, then activate one the 2nd button screen, with the selected program of release.
19. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, the step of a standard of input comprises:
Be tuned to a TV programme;
If this program is unlocked, then activate one the 1st button screen, to block this program; And
If this program is blocked, then activate one the 2nd button screen, with this program of release.
20. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, the step of a standard of input comprises head of a family's controlling grade of input, and the prompting step comprises head of a family's controlling grade of extraction from the one group of TV signal that transmits selected program, this grade is compared with head of a family's controlling grade, if its grade drops on below head of a family's controlling grade, then block selected program.
21. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, this standard be used to block or let pass a television channel that has blocked or TV programme.
22., wherein, control a head of a family and to check in the tabulation television channel or the program that block or let pass are made mark according to the described method of claim 21.
23. according to the described method of claim 22, wherein, the step of a standard of input comprises with regard to projects such as channel, date, time and length, the head of a family is controlled the inspection tabulation edit.
24. according to the described method of claim 16, wherein, on-screen menu comprises and a kind ofly is used to block or the aperture plate feature of all television channels of letting pass, no matter whether each television channel is blocked or lets pass, a kind ofly be used for blocking or let pass at the characteristic of division of all TV programme of a classification, and a kind of temporal characteristics that blocks or let pass according to period in one day or in the week what day.
25. according to the described method of claim 1, wherein, can be by import the password that the 2nd password that is made of hardware connection is changed to have set up in system.
26. also comprise according to the described method of claim 1, if user's word of not entering password, then provide the method for a predetermined set of the every function that enters in a user profile in addition appointment.
27. also comprise according to the described method of claim 1, after the user withdraws from owner's pattern, recover this standard.
28. a device that is used for a television set is carried out head of a family control comprises:
A microprocessor;
An indicator screen;
A head of a family who is presented on the screen controls user interface, and it has different various functions, is used for activation of microprocessor;
Be used to import the device of a password, enter a kind of owner's operator scheme, so that entered every function that the head of a family controls user interface by it;
Be used to import the device of a standard,, make it not watching or video recording in order to block a TV programme, and the TV programme that has been blocked of letting pass;
Be used to select a plurality of programs, so that the device of watching or recording a video;
If selected a plurality of programs meet the blockade standard and do not meet the clearance standard, the prompting user that the is not in owner's pattern device of word that goes to enter password then; And
If the user is the word of entering password in response to this prompt, then the selected a plurality of programs that meet the blockade standard and do not meet the clearance standard are carried out release, make the device that they can be watching, and
After no longer being in owner's pattern, the user recovers the device of this standard.
29. according to the described device of claim 28, wherein, owner's operator scheme is remained valid, up to television set be closed, the user withdraws from owner's pattern, perhaps surpass till a period of time postpones.
30. one is used a kind of head of a family to control method user interface, that a television set carried out access control, above-mentioned user interface has different various functions, these functions are available to the user under the operator scheme that is in owner, and described method comprises following each step:
In order to enter owner's pattern, import a password, so that entered every function that the head of a family controls user interface;
Import one the 1st standard, in order to block each TV programme, make it not watching or video recording, each TV programme of perhaps letting pass and being blocked is so that watch or record a video;
Import one the 2nd standard, in order to block each TV programme, make it not watching or video recording, each TV programme of perhaps letting pass and being blocked is so that watch or record a video;
Select a program, be used to watch or record a video;
If selected program meets the blockade standard and do not meet the clearance standard, then point out the user who is not in owner's pattern to remove the word of entering password; And
If the user is the word of entering password in response to this prompt, then the selected program that meets the blockade standard and do not meet the clearance standard is carried out release, make that they can be watching,
31. method according to claim 30 also comprises one the 3rd standard of input, in order to block each TV programme, makes it not watching or video recording,
32. one is used a kind of head of a family to control method user interface, that a television set carried out access control, above-mentioned user interface has different various functions, these functions are available to the user under the operator scheme that is in owner, and described method comprises following each step:
In order to enter owner's pattern, import a password, so that entered every function that the head of a family controls user interface;
Import a standard, in order to block a TV programme, make it not watching or video recording, and the TV programme that has been blocked of letting pass is so that watch or record a video;
Select a program, be used to watch or record a video;
If selected program meets the blockade standard and do not meet the clearance standard, then point out the user who is not in owner's pattern to remove the word of entering password; And
If the user is the word of entering password in response to this prompt, then the selected program that meets the blockade standard and do not meet the clearance standard is carried out release, make that they can be watching, wherein owner's operator scheme is remained valid, up to television set be closed, the user withdraws from owner's pattern, perhaps surpass till a period of time postpones.
33. method according to claim 32 also comprises one the 2nd standard of input, in order to block each TV programme, makes it not watching or video recording,
34. one is used a kind of head of a family to control method user interface, that a television set carried out access control, above-mentioned user interface has different various functions, these functions are available to the user under the operator scheme that is in owner, and described method comprises following each step:
In order to enter owner's pattern, import a password, so that entered every function that the head of a family controls user interface;
Import a standard,, make it not watching or video recording in order to block a TV programme;
Select a plurality of programs, so that watch or record a video;
If selected a plurality of programs meet the blockade standard, then point out the user who is not in owner's pattern to remove the word of entering password; And
If the user is the word of entering password in response to this prompt, then the selected a plurality of programs that meet the blockade standard are carried out release,
35. one is used a kind of head of a family to control method user interface, that a television set carried out access control, above-mentioned user interface has different various functions, these functions are available to the user under the operator scheme that is in owner, and described method comprises following each step:
In order to enter owner's pattern, import a password, so that entered every function that the head of a family controls user interface;
Import one the 1st standard,, make it not watching or video recording in order to block each TV programme;
Import one the 2nd standard,, make it not watching or video recording in order to block each TV programme;
Select a program, so that watch or record a video;
If selected program meets the blockade standard, then point out the user who is not in owner's pattern to remove the word of entering password; And
If the user is the word of entering password in response to this prompt, then the selected program that meets the blockade standard is carried out release, make that they can be watching,
36. method according to claim 35 also comprises one the 3rd standard of input, in order to block each TV programme, makes it not watching or video recording,
37. one is used a kind of head of a family to control method user interface, that a television set carried out access control, above-mentioned user interface has different various functions, these functions are available to the user under the operator scheme that is in owner, and described method comprises following each step:
In order to enter owner's pattern, import a password, so that entered every function that the head of a family controls user interface;
Import one the 1st standard,, make it not watching or video recording in order to block each TV programme;
Import one the 2nd standard,, make it not watching or video recording in order to block each TV programme;
Select a program, so that watch or record a video;
If selected program meets the blockade standard, then point out the user who is not in owner's pattern to remove the word of entering password; And
If the user is the word of entering password in response to this prompt, then the selected program that meets the blockade standard is carried out release, make that they can be watching, wherein, owner's operator scheme is remained valid, up to television set be closed, the user withdraws from owner's pattern, perhaps surpass till a period of time postpones.
38. method according to claim 36 also comprises one the 3rd standard of input, in order to block each TV programme, makes it not watching or video recording,
39. a device that is used for a television receiver is carried out head of a family control comprises:
A television indicator;
A tuner is used to receive a plurality of TV programme, with season in described each TV programme one be able to by;
A memory is used to store a tabulation of letting pass of blocking, and comprising the information relevant with at least one TV programme, and aly allows the tabulation of letting pass, comprising the information relevant with at least one TV programme;
A microprocessor, it optionally runs on a kind of blocking mode and a kind of unlock mode, only work as the TV programme of coming and accord with the relevant described information of a TV programme of following in tabulation is let pass in described blockade by this tuner, described microprocessor could be under described unlock mode, produce and block order together, and and if only if the TV programme of coming by this tuner do not meet in the relevant described information of any one TV programme of following in tabulation is let pass in described permission, described microprocessor could produce and block order together under described blocking mode; And
A lockout circuit is used for responding to blocking order, and the connection of TV programme with television indicator disconnected.
40. a device that is used for a television set is carried out head of a family control comprises:
A microprocessor;
An indicator screen;
A head of a family who is presented on the screen controls user interface, and it has different various functions, is used for activation of microprocessor;
Be used to import the device of a password, enter a kind of owner's operator scheme, so that entered every function that the head of a family controls user interface by it;
Be used to import the device of one the 1st standard, it is used to block each TV programme, makes it not watching or video recording, and each TV programme of perhaps letting pass and being blocked is so that watch or record a video;
Be used to import the device of one the 2nd standard, it is used to block each TV programme, makes it not watching or video recording, and each TV programme of perhaps letting pass and being blocked is so that watch or record a video;
Be used to select a program, so that the device of watching or recording a video;
If selected program meets the blockade standard and does not meet the clearance standard, the prompting user that the is not in owner's pattern device of word that goes to enter password then; And
If the user is the word of entering password in response to this prompt, then the selected program that meets the blockade standard and do not meet the clearance standard is carried out release, make the device that it can be watching,
41. a device that is used for a television set is carried out head of a family control comprises:
A microprocessor;
An indicator screen;
A head of a family who is presented on the screen controls user interface, and it has different various functions, is used for activation of microprocessor;
Be used to import the device of a password, enter a kind of owner's operator scheme, so that entered every function that the head of a family controls user interface by it;
Be used to import the device of one the 1st standard, it is used to block each TV programme, makes it not watching or video recording;
Be used to import the device of one the 2nd standard, it is used to block each TV programme, makes it not watching or video recording;
Be used to select a program, so that the device of watching or recording a video;
If selected program meets the blockade standard, the prompting user that the is not in owner's pattern device of word that goes to enter password then; And
If the user is the word of entering password in response to this prompt, the device that the selected program that meets the blockade standard is carried out release then.
CNB998049816A 1998-02-27 1999-02-25 Apparatus and method for parental control using V-chip plus + and master password Expired - Lifetime CN1155243C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US7629098P 1998-02-27 1998-02-27
US60/076,290 1998-02-27
US10057598P 1998-09-16 1998-09-16
US60/100,575 1998-09-16
US19003198A 1998-11-11 1998-11-11
US09/190,031 1998-11-11
US11134298P 1998-12-07 1998-12-07
US60/111,342 1998-12-07
US22161598A 1998-12-28 1998-12-28
US09/221,615 1998-12-28

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WO (1) WO1999044361A1 (en)

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EP1066721A1 (en) 2001-01-10
JP2002505558A (en) 2002-02-19
AU3064399A (en) 1999-09-15
CA2321914A1 (en) 1999-09-02
WO1999044361A1 (en) 1999-09-02

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