KR100753170B1 - A method and a system of exercising access control over television programs - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a television scheduling system 1 having a user interface that allows a user to control access to television programs by time, rating, content, and / or channel. In addition, the user can set a pay-per-view limit to limit the purchase of the PPV program.

Restrictions, television, programming, access.

Description

A method and a system of exercising access control over television programs

1 is a view showing a preferred embodiment of a television system according to the present invention,

FIG. 2A illustrates a preferred embodiment of a pop-up menu that is displayed when a password is not set and a user selects a parental control from the main menu of the television schedule guide.

2B is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a parental control menu displayed after the parental password is set and written;

Figure 2c is a view showing a preferred embodiment of the pop-up displayed when the user selects the "lock by channel" function,

FIG. 2D illustrates a preferred embodiment of a popup that is displayed when a user selects a “grade and content lock” function.

Figure 2e is a view showing a preferred embodiment of the pop-up displayed when the user selects the "hourly lock" function,

FIG. 2F is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a pop-up displayed when a purchase password is not set and a user selects a “Set IPPV Spending limits” function from a control view menu.

FIG. 2G illustrates a preferred embodiment of a pop-up displayed when a purchase password is set and a user selects the “IPPV consumption limit setting” function from the control view menu.

Fig. 2h illustrates a preferred embodiment of the IPPV consumption limit popup displayed after the proper purchase password has been set and entered;

3 is a process flow diagram for determining whether a user can adjust a program,

4 is a process flow diagram for manipulating the functionality of the parental control,

5 is a process flow diagram for operating a purchase control function;

6 is a process flow diagram for confirming a password and for limiting the number of times a user attempts to write a parental control or purchase password,

7 is a process flow diagram for determining whether a program has a limited V-chip classification and whether access should be allowed;

8 is a process flow diagram for changing a parental control or purchase password,

9 is a process flow diagram for setting a parental control or a purchase password,

10 is a process flow diagram for removing a parental control or purchase password.

The present invention relates to a system for providing television schedule information, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for access control of a television program.

A system for providing television schedule information to a user is commercially available. For example, US Pat. No. 4,706,121 (Young) discloses a television schedule system and process. In one embodiment of the patent, television schedule information is provided on the user's television screen. The user can select a program by supplying selection criteria used in the patent system. In addition, the system disclosed in the patent can automatically select a program by controlling a television receiver, and can automatically record a program listed in the television schedule information guide during the absence. By controlling a video tape precoder (VCR) or other recording device, the program is automatically recorded during the missed period.

The present invention provides a television scheduling system having a user interface that allows a user to control access to a television program by time, rating, content, and / or channel, and provides a method of manipulating the same, thereby improving. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus capable of restricting access.

The present invention relates to a television scheduling system having a user interface that allows a user to control access to a television program by time, rating, content, and / or channel. In addition, the user may set a limit of pay-per-view (PPV) to limit the consumption of the purchase of the PPV program.

In a preferred embodiment, the television schedule system has a main menu. The user can enter a parental password by selecting the “Parental Control” menu from the main menu. The parent password can be set from the main menu. After setting and entering the parental password, the user can lock out the program by channel, rating, content, and / or time from the parental control menu. The description of the show may further have a corresponding "V-Chip" classification according to the V-Chip rating data supplied by the FCC. Thus, the user can also lock out the program by V-chip classification. In order to tune into a locked program, it is preferred that a permanent password is supplied.

In one embodiment, the user may enter a purchase password by selecting a “control viewing” menu from the main menu. The purchase password can also be set from the main menu. After setting and entering the purchase password, the user can limit the purchase of the PPV program by specifying the PPV consumption limit. In addition, the user can specify the type of PPV program allowed according to the grade and content. In order to purchase more than the consumption limit, a purchase password is preferably supplied, and in order to purchase a limited program, it is preferable to supply both a parental password and a purchase password.

If the user does not remember the password, the user may call a cable operator, for example. The cable operator will invalidate the password, allowing the user to set a new password.

Those skilled in the art will clearly appreciate other features and advantages of the present invention by reading the following specification and drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements.

The present invention provides a television (TV) scheduling system having a function of controlling access to a TV program. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a TV system in which the present invention can be used. As shown, the system 1 includes a distribution center 10 and a plurality of receiving locations. The distribution center 10 compiles the data for the data-stream. In a preferred embodiment, the data-stream is broadcast to receive locations 16, 18, 20, and 22. There are several ways in which the data-stream is broadcast from the distribution center 10 to the receiving location 16-22. For example, satellite 15 may receive the data-stream within the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of a television channel (e.g., PBS) or a dedicated channel (16, 18, 20, and 22). In addition, data may be broadcast out of band using, for example, a non-channel specific mechanism. In another embodiment, the data-stream is provided to receive locations 16, 18, 20, and 22 via transmission line 13. The transmission line 13 may be, for example, an optical fiber, a coaxial cable, a telephone line, or the like. In another embodiment, a peripheral located within the receiving location receives the data-stream, eg, from a local service provider 40. The service provider 40 receives the data-stream from the distribution center 10 via the transmission line 17 and receives the data-stream via the satellite 15 (or other satellite), or the transmission lines 19 and 13. Broadcast to credit peripherals. The receiving peripheral device may be a television 30, a television 34, a VCR 32, a VCR 36, and / or a set-top box 38. In another embodiment, a PCTV may be used, or a data-stream may be provided to a personal computer for use with the computer and / or more of the devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the information of the data-stream includes TV schedule information. Software located in the peripheral device uses the schedule information provided in the data-stream to form a TV schedule guide. The software is stored on a computer readable storage medium 42, such as a ROM, RAM, disk, or other storage device. For example, if the TV schedule guide is in grid format, available channels may be listed on the “y” axis and each time on the “x” axis. The user can tune to a program in the TV schedule guide by highlighting the program in the guide and selecting the program. In addition, the user can select one or more desired programs listed in the TV schedule guide to automatically record missed recordings. See US Pat. Nos. B1 4,706,121 and 5,151,789 for more information about the information display method of the TV schedule system and its tuning and automatic recording functions. Both of these patents, like this patent application, are assigned to StarSight Telecast, Inc. and refer to the entirety for all purposes.

The system also has a function of preventing the viewer from tuning or watching one or more programs. TV programs may be blocked by channel, rating, content, and / or hourly. If the user turns on the TV during the locked time, or tunes to a channel that broadcasts a show containing a locked rating or content / V-chip classification (for example), the television schedule system mutes the audio and Displays a dark blue screen. A pop-up will appear asking for the permanent password. The dark blue screen disappears and the mute is released when the correct password is entered.

2A shows a preferred embodiment of a popup 52 that is displayed when no password is set and the user selects the parental control from the main menu 50. Various menus and pop-ups of the system may be displayed in a partial screen or overlapping the entire screen of the background, or may be displayed in full screen. As shown, pressing the SELECT key prompts the user to create a parental password. The SELECT key may also be the ENTER key, which can be entered either on the user's input device or by positioning the cursor on a screen button located on the TV schedule guide. When the SELECT key is on the TV schedule guide, the user can input the SELECT key on the user input device by highlighting the SELECT key on the guide and pressing the Enter key, or any key functioning as the Enter key. Other keys that may be located on the user input device or TV schedule guide include the CANCEL key, REC key, and EXIT key. It is desirable to include up, down, left and right arrow keys to allow the user to navigate and select within the pop-up menu. However, the user can use any combination of keys to navigate within the popup menu. The permanent password can be set by pressing the SELECT key from the main menu 50.

2B shows a preferred embodiment of the parental control menu 54 that is displayed when the user sets the parental password from the main menu 50 and enters the correct password. The user can lock the TV program by channel, rating and / or content, or time. For example, if the user wants to lock by time, the user can move the cursor to the “Lock by Time” position and press the SELECT key. In addition, when the program is locked, the user can unlock all the locked programs.

2C illustrates a preferred embodiment of a popup 56 that is displayed when a user selects a "channel-by-channel lock function." In the preferred embodiment, the popup 56 includes a list of all channels available to the user. If the user has more channels than fit the popup 56, the user moves the indicator or scrollbar displayed at the corner of the popup to the right or lower to display more channels. The user can navigate within the popup 56 using the arrow keys described above. The channel is locked after the user highlights and selects the channel. A lock symbol is placed after the channel icon to indicate that this channel is locked. To unlock the channel, the user can highlight and select the locked channel. Then, the lock symbol located after the channel icon disappears, indicating that the lock is released. The user can use the EXIT key to return to the popup 54 of the parental control menu.

Because the system stores program information, it can determine whether the current or future program will be displayed on the restricted channel. In addition, the system can determine whether the program is included within a limited grade and / or content, V-chip classification, or period. Therefore, if the lock is on the channel of the program scheduled to be recorded, a popup displays a warning that there is a mismatch. If the user ignores the popup and passes 3 seconds, the channel is locked and recorded without the need for a password because it was set before the password was locked. Once a channel is locked, no programs on that channel can be tuned, recorded, or purchased unless the user enters the correct password. However, when entering the correct password, the user can schedule recording of the program in the future. During scheduled recording, the system unlocks the locked channel and tunes the channel to record the program. When the program ends, the system locks the channel again.

2D illustrates a preferred embodiment of a popup 60 that is displayed when a user wants to lock a program by rating and / or content. As can be seen in the figure, two lists are displayed, a list by grade and by content. The user can lock by content and / or rating by highlighting the relevant content and / or rating on the popup and pressing the SELECT key. The program may be locked using one or more categories of ratings and / or content. In addition, the description on the pop-up 60 may include information corresponding to the data supplied by the V-chip. V-chip data can be enclosed in parentheses and represent the V-chip attribute classification of the program. For example, the content category “Violence” may have a violent substance (V2), a moderate violent substance (V3), and the like, having a moderate degree of corresponding V-Chip attribute classification. When the user locks the show by rating, all of the higher ratings are automatically locked. Because show content is not listed in violent order, locking one content does not automatically lock any other content.

The user may lock a certain time to avoid watching TV during this time. In addition, the user can specify a lock period, for example, day, Monday to Friday, weekend, or daily. 2E shows a popup 62 when the user enters a time to avoid watching TV. As shown, the user can specify a lock start time (omitability time is 2:30 pm), a lock end time (omission time is 5pm), and a lock cycle (omission cycle is one day). If the user previously specified these values, the system remembers the values and displays them when the popup 62 appears.

When attempting to watch TV during the lock period, the system mutes the audio and displays a blue screen on the video. A pop-up will ask for a permanent password. When the correct password is entered, the dark blue screen disappears and audio is restored. If the program is locked for the length of time the program is scheduled to be recorded, a popup will warn you that there is a mismatch. If the user ignores the popup and passes 3 seconds, the channel is locked and recorded without the need for a password because it was set before the password was locked. However, passwords are required for the recording of all future programs scheduled during the lockout period.

Fig. 2F shows a preferred embodiment of the pop-up 64 which is displayed when the purchase password is not set and the user selects the "IPPV consumption limit setting" function from the control view menu 66. IPPV stands for Impulse Pay-Per-View, and relates to a PPV program purchased via a user's input device, for example a remote control. This is different from a conventional PPV program where a user calls a program provider to purchase a program. The user can set a purchase password from the main menu 50 by pressing a key on the user input device or selecting a key on the TV schedule guide and inputting a SELECT key. 2G illustrates a preferred embodiment of a popup 68 that is displayed when a purchase password has been set and the user selects the "Set IPPV Consumption Limit" function from the control view menu 66. In this case, the user can enter the SELECT key only by entering the purchase password. As shown in Fig. 2G, when the user makes a mistake, the user can re-enter the password by entering the CANCEL key.

Once the purchase password has been set and entered, the IPPV Consumption Limit popup 70 (as shown in FIG. 2H) is displayed, and the user enters the total dollar amount limiting the IPPV consumption before the system requests a purchaseable password. can do. The omission consumption amount is zero, in which case, the user needs to enter a purchase password for all the purchases. If it is set to a dollar amount greater than zero, this amount can be consumed by the user before entering the purchase password necessary for further purchase. To set the amount, the user can enter a right arrow key and each time the right arrow key is pressed, one dollar is added to the limit. To reduce the amount, the user can use the left arrow key. The user can use the arrow keys to reset the dollar amount whenever desired.

To access the locked program, the user can unlock all of the locked programs by selecting the “Unlock All Locks” function from the parental control menu 54. In addition, the user can unlock all locks from the television schedule information guide by entering the SELECT key in the guide for about 1 second. A pop-up will appear and the user can select the "Unlock All" option. When the system prompts the user for a permanent password and enters the correct password, the user can tune all programs on all available channels. While the program is unlocked, the "Unlock All Locks" function is toggled to the "Relock All Locks" function, and the gray lock symbol on the guide is the red unlock lock symbol. It becomes The user can relock all programs that are already locked by selecting the “Relock All Locks” function from the parental control menu 54. Also, if you turn off the TV, all the permanent locks are automatically restored.

In addition, the user can unlock an individual program by directly tuning to the program in the TV or TV schedule guide and entering the correct password. If the user tunes to a locked channel, the system displays a blue screen on the TV screen and mutes the audio. A pop-up will appear asking for a permanent password. If the correct password is entered, the system removes the blue screen and restores the audio. In this case, however, the parental lock is automatically restored when the user turns off the already locked channel. Thus, if the user turns off the locked channel and then turns it back on, the user must re-enter the password to view the locked channel.

In order to access the locked individual program from the guide, the user can select any of the locked programs by highlighting on the guide the desired program to be viewed and pressing the SELECT key. A password popup appears. If the user enters the correct password, the system is tuned to the desired program channel. In addition, if the user inputs the SELECT key for more than 1 second, a popup appears asking whether to tune to the locked program or to record the locked program. When the user makes a selection, a password pop-up appears so that the user can enter the password. After the correct password is entered, the system will either tune to the locked program or record the locked program. Instead of pressing the SELECT key to select the recording option on the popup, the user can also request recording of the program by highlighting the locked program and entering the REC key. The recording proceeds when the user enters the correct password.

3 is a process flow diagram for determining whether a user can tune a program. In a preferred embodiment, the various processes disclosed herein are manipulated by software controls stored on a computer readable storage medium. In a preferred embodiment, the system checks whether a permanent password is required in step 100. In step 102, the system determines whether the user provided the correct parental password. If the correct parental password is entered, the process checks in step 104 whether the program is a free event. Preevent is not a pay-per-view event. If it is a pre-event, the system is tuned to the program in step 110, and if it is not a pre-event, the system requests the user to enter a purchase password in step 106. In step 108, the entered password is verified. If the password is correct, the system is tuned to the program at step 110. If an incorrect password is supplied in both verification steps 102 and 108, the system is not tuned to the requested program.

4 is a process flow diagram for operating the parental control function. When the user turns on the TV or tunes a program or channel, the system checks whether a permanent password is needed before the program is displayed in step 150. If there is a permanent password, the system checks in step 152 whether the BOX lock is set. A BOX lock is required to have a specific TIME lock because the TV is kept locked for 24 hours every day. If there is a BOX lock, a pop-up notifying the viewer that a password is needed before the viewer can watch TV at step 154 is displayed, and at step 172, the user is asked to enter the parental password. When the user enters the correct password, the user can tune to a program, autotuning schedule, or program recording schedule at step 168.

If the BOX lock is not set, the system checks the channel lock at step 156. If the channel lock is not set, the TIME lock is checked in step 158. If there is a TIME lock, it is checked in step 170 whether the current time is within the time limit. If the user wants to watch TV at the time limit, then the step 172 supplies a permanent password. Similarly, if there is a channel lock, and the user wants to tune to the locked channel, the user supplies a password at step 172. If the user wants to watch TV at an unrestricted time, the user can proceed to step 168 to tune to a program, program recording, and the like.

If the TIME lock is not set, in step 160, the grade / MPAA lock is checked because the grade corresponds to the grade set by the Motion Pictures of America Association (MPAA). If a class lock is set, it is determined in step 164 whether the program is of limited class. If it is determined that the restriction level, the user supplies a permanent password in step 172. On the other hand, if the grade lock is not set, the content / ATTRIBUTE lock is checked in step 162. The system checks in step 166 if the program contains restricted content, and if so, the user enters a parental password in step 172. If the program does not contain the restricted content, then further check in step 176 whether the program has a V-chip classification. If the program has a V-chip classification, step 178 (details shown in FIG. 7) determines if the user has access to the program with limited V-chip classification.

5 illustrates step 106 in detail, which is a process flow diagram for operating the purchase control function. When the user tunes the program, it is checked in step 200 whether a purchase password has been set. If a purchase password has been set, it is checked in step 204 if the limit has been exceeded, if the limit is exceeded, a purchase password is requested in step 172, and if the limit is not exceeded, the system proceeds in step 208. Proceed to the purchase process. If it is determined in step 200 that a purchase password has not been set, the system also proceeds to a purchase process at step 208.

6 illustrates step 172 in detail, which is a process flow for verifying a password and for limiting the number of times a user attempts to enter a purchase or parental password. In step 250, the user supplies an applicable password. The user's input is received at step 252 to check if the password is in the proper format at step 254. If the password is inappropriate, for example, if there are too many characters, an indication is made in step 256 to inform the user that the password is illegal. By repeating step 252, the user can rewrite the appropriate password. As shown, the user can rewrite the password an unlimited number of times if the password is rejected as inappropriate.

If the user enters the appropriate password, verify that the password entered in step 258 is correct. If the password is correct, in step 260 the user can access the locked program. However, if the entered password is incorrect, the number of times the user attempted to write the incorrect password is tracked in step 262. In step 264, the number of steps 262 is compared with the number three. If the number of steps 262 is 3 or less, an illegal password popup is displayed in step 256 and the user can rewrite the password in step 252. If the user has attempted to enter the correct password three or more times, a pop-up notifying the user that too many attempts to enter the password is displayed in step 266, and the user may wait 15 minutes before attempting to enter the password again. After setting a flag in steps 268 and 270 and the 15-minute limit is initiated, the user can rewrite the password.

In a preferred embodiment, even if the system is disconnected from the power source, the 15 minute limit cannot be avoided, and instead the user must wait longer to re-enter the password because the 15 minute reset must be done when the system is reconnected to the power source. The system ensures password security by limiting a user's exact password attempt to three times. Preferably, since the other person must wait at least 15 minutes after every three attempts, there is no chance that the other person will compromise the password.

7 details step 178, which is a process flow diagram for determining whether a program is limited to V-chip classification and whether access should be allowed to a user. Since V-chip data is obtained from the video stream of the channel, one way to determine if a program is limited to V-chip classification is to first tune to the channel to access the data. For example, the user can tune to desired channel 3 while watching channel 9. Referring to FIG. 7, if the system determines that the program of channel 3 has a V-chip classification, step 300 saves the video and audio volume information of channel 9. The system determines at step 302 whether the user changes channels from within the TV screen or guide. If the user changes the channel from the TV screen, a blue screen is displayed on the TV screen in step 304.

In addition, when the user changes the channel from within the guide, a blue alert line is applied around the guide in step 306 to block a part of the screen not covered by the guide. In step 308, the system mutes the audio so that the user cannot hear the program. In step 310 the channel is tuned to the desired channel, in this example channel 3, and in step 312 the V-chip data is read from the video stream of the channel. In step 314 it is determined whether the V-chip classification is a restricted classification. If the V-chip classification is not a restricted classification, the user can tune to the program on channel 3. However, if the program has a limited V-chip classification, the user supplies a permanent password at step 172. In step 316 it is checked if the user supplied the correct parental password, and if the correct password is entered, in step 318 the audio volume of the channel (in this case, channel 3) is recovered. Depending on whether the user has changed the channel within the TV screen or the guide, the blue screen applied in step 304 is removed in step 324, or the blue boundary line applied in step 306 in step 322. Is removed. If access is not confirmed at step 316, the audio is muted and a blue screen or blue border and guide remain on the screen. However, the user may try to access other channels / programs so that they are displayed if they are not restricted.

In another embodiment, it is not necessary to first tune the system to the channel to access the V-chip data. Since the V-chip rating data is included in the datastream and can be received in a similar manner as data about program titles, descriptions, etc., the system receives the V-chip rating data in advance and stores this data in the database. In this embodiment, since the system simply retrieves data from the database, it is possible to access the V-chip data by applying the parental control without first tuning the system to the channel. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the user is watching channel 9, but the system determines whether the program of channel 3 has a V-chip classification by retrieving V-chip data information about the program of channel 3 from the database. can do. After retrieving this information, if the program has a V-chip classification, the system can determine whether the V-chip classification is a restricted classification. If the V-chip classification is a restricted classification, a parental password is required. If not, the system is tuned to a channel 3 program. Thus, this embodiment eliminates the need to tune the system to channels first, thus eliminating the need for the system to mute the audio and display a blue border around the blue screen or guide.

8 is a process flow diagram for changing a parental control or purchase password. In step 350, a password is required, and in step 352, a password input of the user is received. In step 354, it is checked whether the password is in the proper form, and if the password is not in the proper form, an illegal password pop-up is displayed in step 356, and the user can re-enter the appropriate password an unlimited number of times in step 352. have. If the entered password is in the proper form, step 358 confirms that the password is indeed the correct password. In step 360 the number of times an incorrect password is entered is continuously calculated. As shown in steps 360 and 362, the user may attempt to encrypt correctly three times. If the entered password is still incorrect after three attempts, a “Too Many Attemp” popup is displayed at step 364. Since the flag is set in steps 366 and 368 and the 15 minute limit is started, the user must wait 15 minutes before attempting to add a password. As mentioned above, it is desirable for the user to not interrupt the system for 15 minutes by interrupting the system from the power source.

If the user provided the correct password at step 352, the user can change the old password to a new password and enter it at step 370. In step 372, the user confirms that the new password is in the proper form, and if the password is not in the proper form, an illegal password popup is displayed in step 374, and the user rewrites the appropriate new password an unlimited number of times in step 370. can do. If the entered new password is in the proper form, the user rewrites the new password in step 376 to confirm that the entered new password is actually the desired password. In step 378, the system compares the password entered in step 370 with the password entered in step 376. If the two passwords are different, the user rewrites the new password again in step 376 to confirm that the entered new password is the desired password, and compares the entered password again in step 378.

Steps 376 and 378 are repeated until the password written in step 376 matches the password written in step 370. Otherwise, the user can exit the process, in which case the password is not changed. Also, after comparing in step 378, if the password of step 370 is different from the password of step 376, steps 370-378 are repeated. This means that the user can rewrite the new password in step 370 to confirm that the password entered in step 370 is correct and re-verify the entered password in step 376. In step 378 the two passwords are compared, and if these passwords are the same, the old password is changed to the new password in step 380.

9 is a process flow diagram for setting a parental control or a purchase password. In step 400, a password is required, and in step 402, a password input of the user is received. In step 404, the system checks whether the password is in the proper form, and if the password is not in the proper form, an illegal password pop-up is displayed in step 406 and the user resets the appropriate password an unlimited number of times in step 402. I can write it. If the entered password is in the proper form, the user rewrites the password in step 408 to confirm that the entered password is actually the desired password. In step 410, the password entered in step 402 is compared with the password entered in step 408. If the two passwords are different, the user rewrites the password in step 408 to confirm that the password entered is the desired password, and compares the password entered in step 410 again.

Steps 408 and 410 are repeated until the password entered in step 408 matches the password entered in step 402. Otherwise, the user can exit the process, in which case the password is not changed. Also, after comparing in step 410, if the password of step 402 and the password of step 408 are different, steps 402-410 are repeated. This means that the user can rewrite the password in step 402 to confirm that the password entered in step 402 is correct and to re-verify the password in step 408. In step 410, two passwords are compared, and if these passwords are the same, the password is set to the current password in step 412.

10 is a process flow diagram for removing a parental control or purchase password. In step 450, the system informs the user that all programs can be watched without restriction if the user removes the password and displays a pop-up asking if the user wants to proceed. If the user decides to proceed in step 452, the user must enter a password in step 454. If you do not want to proceed, the user exits the process. If the user decides to proceed, the user input is received at step 456, and at step 458 it is checked whether the password is in the proper form. If the password is not in the proper form, an illegal password popup is displayed in step 460 and the user rewrites the appropriate password an unlimited number of times in step 456. If the entered password is in the proper form, step 462 confirms that the password is indeed the correct password. In step 464, the number of times an incorrect cipher is written is continuously calculated.

As shown in steps 466, 460, and 456, the user may attempt to encrypt correctly three times. If the entered password is still incorrect after three attempts, a “Too Many Attemp” popup is displayed at step 468. Since the flag is set in steps 470 and 472 and the 15 minute limit is started, the user must wait 15 minutes before attempting to add a password. As mentioned above, it may not be desirable for a user to interrupt the system from a power source so as not to wait 15 minutes.

The above description is illustrative and not limiting. Examining the above description, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the claims along with the full scope of equivalents.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an improved method and apparatus for controlling access to television programs, in which a viewer can set restriction criteria for a program to be watched or recorded.

Claims (20)

A method of controlling access to television programs, Storing the first password; Receiving a criterion for limiting a television program; Determining whether a previously scheduled program meets the criteria; If it is determined that the previously scheduled program meets the criteria, notifying the user of the effect; Displaying a plurality of television program lists on a screen; Receiving one of the displayed list of television programs for recording; If the selected program satisfies the restriction criteria, requesting a viewer to input a password; And Releasing the restriction so that the selected program that satisfies the restriction criteria can be recorded if the password input by the viewer in response to the request matches the first password; Access control method of a television program comprising a. The method of claim 1, Receiving the criterion, Displaying the criteria list on the screen; and Receiving a selection of criteria to be input from the criteria list; Access control method for a television program comprising a. The method of claim 1, Receiving the criterion, Displaying a prompt on the screen for the viewer to enter a password; Displaying a reference list on a screen if the password inputted by the viewer according to the instruction message matches the first password; Selecting a criterion to be input from the criterion list; Removing the criterion list from the screen after the criterion is input, and Blocking selection of another criterion until a password matching the first password is input; Access control method of a television program comprising a. The method of claim 1, The step of receiving the criterion comprises receiving a program grade. The method of claim 1, The step of receiving the criterion comprises receiving a channel identifier. The method of claim 5, And displaying a lock symbol next to the channel identifier in the program list. The method of claim 1, The step of receiving the reference comprises the step of receiving a time interval access control method of a television program. The method of claim 1, The step of receiving the criterion includes receiving a consumption limit for a pay-per-view program. The method of claim 1, If the selected program does not meet the limit criteria, further comprising tuning to the selected program for recording. The method of claim 1, The step of releasing the restriction includes releasing all restricted programs. The method of claim 1, The step of releasing the restriction, Verifying the password. And Blocking the viewer from inputting the password for a predetermined time interval if the password is incorrectly entered for a predetermined number of attempts. Display screen, An input device for receiving a first password and a limit criterion of a television program, A display processor for displaying a plurality of television program lists on the display screen; A pointing device for selecting one of the displayed lists for recording, A pop-up window for instructing the viewer to enter a second password if the selected program meets the limit criteria, and It is determined whether a previously scheduled program meets the criteria, and if it is determined that the previously scheduled program meets the criteria, the user is notified of the effect, and the second password entered by the viewer is the first password. A processor for releasing the restriction so that a selected program meeting the restriction criteria can be recorded if it matches a password; Access control system of a television program comprising a. The method of claim 12, And the display processor displays a reference list on the display screen when the viewer inputs a password that matches the first password, and processes a criterion selected from the reference list. The method of claim 12, The display processor displays a reference list on the display screen, And the processor processes the criterion selected in the criterion list and blocks the selection of another criterion until a cipher that matches the first cipher is entered. The method of claim 12, And the input device receives an input based on a program grade. The method of claim 12, And the input device receives an input based on a channel identifier. The method of claim 16, And wherein the display processor also displays a lock symbol next to the channel identifier in the program list. The method of claim 12, And the input device receives a time interval as a reference. The method of claim 12, And the input device receives a consumption limit for a pay-per-view program as a reference. The method of claim 12, And the processor authenticates the second password, and blocks the viewer from inputting the password for a predetermined time interval if the password is incorrectly input for a predetermined number of attempts.

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