Abstract: A key managing system including information transmitting apparatus which transmits a date and time when secrecy protection is ended to a key controlling apparatus. The key controlling apparatus searches a key control table for an encryption key associated with a decryption key and the date and time. The key controlling apparatus transmits an encryption key from the search to the information transmitting apparatus. The key controlling apparatus discloses a decryption key for the present date and time to an information receiving apparatus in response to a request for a decryption key. The information transmitting apparatus, upon receipt of the encryption key, encrypts information using the encryption key and transmits the encrypted information to the information receiving apparatus. The information receiving apparatus, for the present date and time matching with the date and time, acquires a disclosed decryption key and decrypts the encrypted information by using the decryption key.

Abstract: The encoded contents of a piece of delivered information is accompanied by an applicable time data indicating a specific time period for authorizing a particular mode of utilization. When a request for utilizing the contents is issued in an information utilization apparatus, it determines if the current time agrees with the time authorizing the requested utilization by referring to the time data annexed to the encoded contents. If the request is acceptable at the current time, a set of processing steps is carried out for decoding the encoded contents and other necessary operations. Thus, an information access control method can be adapted to have flexibility in setting charges and access requirements for the contents of information that can change the value and the mode of utilization with time.

Abstract: Video processing system having a blocking system which prevents viewing or recording of programs which exceed ratings, spending, and/or view time limits set by a supervisor who has entered a password accepted by the control system, an override system for entering instructions to temporarily override ratings, spending, and/or view time limits, and/or to permit specific programs to be viewed, and a conflict resolution system for resolving conflicts between or among multiple instructions. Related apparatus and processor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital cable network architecture and services method includes a cable medium and a plurality of hosts that include a receiver. A policy file store contains policy files having at least one of a service provider section, a consumer section, and a manufacturer section that can be updated by at least one of the service provider, a consumer and a receiver manufacturer, respectively. A service provider that is associated with the policy file store provides digital cable services over the cable medium to the hosts and downloads monitor applications and policy files to the hosts over the cable medium. The MAs use the service provider section, the consumer section, and/or the manufacturer section of the policy file to alter resource contention, alter service provisioning at levels below a channel level, and/or alter fraudulent receiver identification calculations.

Abstract: Multiplexing structures presented overcome problems and disadvantages in the delivery of an interactive program guide. An apparatus for forming a multiplexed transport stream to deliver an interactive program guide includes: an encoder and packetizer adapted (i) to receive a plurality of video inputs, an audio input, and a plurality of data inputs, and (ii) to encode and packetize the inputs to generate a plurality of video packet streams, an audio packet stream, and a plurality of data packet streams; and a multiplexer and assigner adapted (i) to receive the plurality of video packet streams, the audio packet stream, and the plurality of data packet streams, (ii) to assign program identifiers (PIDs) to said packet streams, and (iii) to multiplex said packet streams to form the transport stream.

Abstract: A program-guide-display controlling apparatus for displaying a plurality of program guides on a display unit in a matrix form by using one of the ordinate and the abscissa as a channel number axis and another one as a time axis comprises means for displaying to discriminate a time period in which a purchased program is present and a time period in which the purchased program is not present, so as to ensure that a situation in which two or more PPV programs which are broadcast during the same time period happen to be purchased is made difficult to occur.

Abstract: A reception apparatus records a content distributed from a content distribution apparatus on a hard disk. Following an instruction from a viewer, the reception apparatus reproduces the content. The reception apparatus transmits management information including identification information about the content recorded on the hard disk to a management apparatus. The management apparatus stores the information in a management information storage. When the hard disk of the reception apparatus fails, a replacement hard disk is attached to the management apparatus. The management apparatus retrieves, based on the stored management information, the same content as the content recorded on the hard disk of the reception apparatus from a content distribution apparatus, etc., and records the retrieved content on the replacement hard disk. The hard disk of the reception apparatus is then replaced with the replacement hard disk with the content recorded thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for blocking specific television commercials from the viewer's television based upon the characteristics of the television commercial and replacing the commercial with television content located by a content interrogation program. The content interrogation program seeks out television content based upon a user search term specifically for use as contingent programming to replace the blocked commercial. The content interrogation program can have multiple search terms and provide prioritized multiple searches to identify multiple segments to play in spaces created by blocked commercials.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for distributing programming. A first set of program segments is transmitted according to a schedule of programming. A second set of program segments is stored on a server, with at least one of the first set of program segments having a counterpart in the second set of program segments. User authorizations to program segments on the server are maintained. Such user authorizations may include a record of the number of times a user has previously been given program control over a particular program segment from the server and a limit on the number of times the user is authorized to have program control over the particular program segment from the server. A request from the user for program control over the particular program segment is detected and a determination is made whether to grant program control over that program segment in accordance with the user authorizations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for distributing programming. A first set of program segments is transmitted according to a schedule of programming. A second set of program segments is stored on a server, with at least one of the first set of program segments having a counterpart in the second set of program segments. A database is maintained that records user authorizations to program segments on the server. A request from a user for program control of a particular program segment is detected and a determination is made whether to grant program control to the user.

Abstract: A system with parental control features is provided. The system may be switched between single account control and multiple account control. Each account may have a program control code and a purchase control code. A user may set parental control criteria for controlling access to programming for each account. A user may set purchase control criteria for controlling purchasing for each account. The system may remove a block on parentally-controlled activity when an authorized user enters an appropriate purchase or program control code. Every activity that matches any of the parental control criteria may be blocked and authorized user login may be required. The system may provide a selectable bypass locks feature. The system may present targeted advertising based on which code was entered last. The system may track account usage and provide information related to usage.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for controlling content within a device environment through interaction among electronic devices of the environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules and content rules and a processor for implementing the interaction rules and content rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. Methods involve obtaining content information of the media about to be played and comparing the content information to the content rules stored at a device. An instruction about playback of the media content is generated. Methods may also involve seeking rights information for media content and determining whether rights information exists for identified media content in response to the request. When rights information does exist for the identified media content, a message is sent that includes the rights information.

Abstract: A video reproduction apparatus includes a video player 3 which reproduces a video signal, a V-chip signal for restricting a display of a specific image being added to the video signal; a video processing circuit 5 which processes the video signal from the video player 3; a CRT 7 which displays the video signal that is processed by the video processing circuit 5; a control section 10 which reads out the V-chip signal and judges whether a screen is to be blocked or not; and a memory 11 which stores a result of the judgment. When a mode is transferred to a special play mode, a judgment result which immediately precedes the mode transfer is read out from the memory 11. If the judgment result is that the blocking is to be blocked, the screen of the CRT 7 is set to a blocked state.

Abstract: A system for protecting the digital rights of content owners allows digital media to be delivered to only those media rendering client devices that have been approved for the media content. Before delivering requested media, the media service provider may determines whether the media rendering client device that requested the media is the type of device that is authorized to receive the request media. If it is, the media service provider may transmit the media to a middleman server over a network (such as the Internet). A middleman server may then serves the media to the client device over a local network. By allowing the media content to be distributed to approved devices only, the media service provider can prevent a user from using the media in a way that is not authorized by the content owner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for regulating the viewing of a device among multiple users. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises assigning at least one programming time period block to at least one user, each of the programming time period blocks defining a unique period of time that the user is uniquely authorized to select programming on the device, receiving an identity signal from the user, determining if the identity signal corresponds to an identity of an authorized user who is currently authorized to select programming on the device, enabling selection of programming by the user when the identity signal corresponds to the identity of the authorized user, and disabling selection of programming by the user when the identity signal does not correspond to the identity of the authorized user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for controlling the viewing of a video program by an end user. In one embodiment, the system comprises a program distribution system adapted to provide programs to one or more end user viewing devices, and a viewing control system in communication with the program distribution system and the end user viewing devices. In one embodiment, the viewing control system comprises a parental control programming system adapted to receive parental control rules from an end user. The parental control rules may define program viewing limits for one or more time periods.

Abstract: A video access management system includes a video access manager having a video input and a video output. A video source providing a video signal is connected to said video input of the video access manager. A television is connected to said video output of the video access manager. The video access manager is programmed to define user viewing limits such that when a user viewing limit has been reached, the video access manager blocks the video signal from the television.

Abstract: The invention consists of a method for controlling the use of a device for viewing audiovisual transmissions, aiming to limit the duration of viewing audiovisual transmissions during determined time periods. The method comprises steps of inserting and displaying a first and a second duration, which define a maximum viewing time. The method also comprises a step of displaying values of binary indicators associated with determined time periods, and a step of inserting a binary indicator value for each time period, the binary value allocating the first or the second duration at this time period in order to define the viewing duration authorized during this time period. The invention also relates to the viewing device for implementing the method and a graphics interface for presenting parameters of the method.

Abstract: A system for restricting access to television programs comprising an input for accepting cursor movement and selection commands. In one embodiment, the system displays a list of television viewers to be selected to limit their television program viewing based on a selecting blocking criterion. The system further includes means for blocking or allowing viewing of television programs based on time or dollar allowance when a selection command is entered into the input.

Abstract: A method for controlling a program guide by which a viewer can easily identify the title of a program currently being broadcast among program titles of the respective channels to select the channel on which a desired program is broadcast, is provided. Among the titles of the programs being broadcast on the respective channels by broadcast time, displayed on the screen by receiving the program schedule data transmitted from the respective TV broadcasting stations, only the programs of the respective channels having started before the current time and ending after the current time are highlighted to be displayed on the screen. The titles of the programs currently being broadcast on the respective channels can be easily identified by displaying the same in a different color from the programs of the respective channels broadcast at different time in a TV program guide mode. Therefore, viewers can easily select and watch a desired program among a plurality of programs currently being broadcast.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for an individual (10) to access multimedia contents (CM) available on a network (12) comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A method for controlling viewing of television programs comprising storing user profile records comprising fields having values in a memory; providing a user interface having a list of the stored user profile records; and upon user command, displaying a stored user profile record in summary form in the user interface. Preferably, the user command comprises highlighting a stored user profile record in the list, resulting in the values of the highlighted stored user profile record being displayed in summary form in the user interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling usage times for at least one device, including the steps of: (a) identifying a device to be controlled; (b) utilizing the device by a user; (c) tracking a device usage value for the device as the user utilizes the device; and (d) initiating an action sequence based upon the device usage value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for controlling usage times for at least one device.

Abstract: A guardian review system is disclosed which monitors the television programming that a child watches and to report back to the parent. The hardware consists of a logical unit which is used to monitor the television programming. The software is divided into two programs: the monitor program and the report program. The monitor program analyzes the closed captioning signal, the audio signal, the title, and content ratings of the television programming to determine if the television programming contains any of the offensive items specified by the parent. The monitor program creates data of the offensive language viewed by the child and sends the data to the report program. The reporting program receives criteria from the parent such as time, channel, duration, rating, and content of a television program. The report program can operate either on the television or on an external computing device, such as the parent's personal computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for information labeling and control includes central station equipment which combines a program signal with content labels which separately and continuously identify the audio, video, and data content of the program signal, and user station equipment which generates a local content label identifying program material which is acceptable to the user. By comparing the two labels the user station equipment can block or substitute alternative audio, video, or data for offensive portions of a program signal received through a transmission or stored for playback on various media such as video tapes, audio tapes, CDs, computer disks, optical storage media, and video game cartridges.

Abstract: A logical unit and a commercial blocking program in the logical unit allow alternative viewing options so that the user may define the alternative programming to replace the unwanted communication. The commercial blocking program breaks all incoming television signals into time, video and audio components and is able to recognize specific commercials based on those components. Upon viewing an unwanted commercial, the user indicates that he wants to block the commercial through one of a variety of input methods. The commercial blocking program then prevents the commercial from being displayed on the user's television and causes alternative programming to be displayed instead. The user may configure the alternative programming via the alternative programming logic. The user may configure the alternative programming as a universal television channel, based on the specific commercial, based on the television station, based on the time of day, or based on an elaborate viewing hierarchy.

Abstract: A system for controlling viewer access to media content, the system comprising a memory with logic and a processor configured by the logic to provide interactive user interfaces that enable an administrator to positively define media content for access by a user. The processor is further configured by the logic to enable the user to access the media content as defined by the administrator.

Abstract: A method and a system for combining at least two sources of television program rating information, including at least one source obtained through user input into an electronic interface, to provide a more accurate and focused rating for a particular television program. The source of rating information which is obtained through an electronic interface is preferably obtained through the active interaction of the user with a Web browser, for example through an applet or a Web page, or a combination thereof. The advantage of such active interaction is that the user wants to provide the rating information, thereby requiring more involvement by the user than merely passively viewing a television program. Such a system and method is also useful for rating advertisements, for which passive rating methods may not be as effective. Furthermore, more precise demographic information can be obtained through such an interaction with the Web browser, since the user can be requested to enter such precise information.

Abstract: A method for calculating an audience rating in content delivery by streaming includes the steps of: reading out log information concerning a content delivered by streaming to be processed in log information with respect to a content delivery processing by streaming, which is carried out in accordance with an instruction from each user terminal; extracting information concerning a time change of an audience number of the content delivered by streaming to be processed; and calculating the audience rating on the basis of the extracted result. Since the information concerning the time change of the audience number is also extracted, it becomes possible to specify the peak of the audience number or the peak of the audience rating calculated from the audience number.

Abstract: A device for limiting the use of electronic appliances is disclosed. A timer is set inside an electronic appliance such as a television or personal computer. A three-stage conversion switch capable of selecting one of the continuous use of the electronic appliance, the use of the appliance for a period of time set by the timer, and suspension of the use of the appliance. In case of the selection of timer mode, the electronic appliance can be used only for a predetermined period of time set by the timer. During a period of time other than the set time, the electronic appliance may be continuously used or its operation is stopped according to a selected mode. A warning means warns that the end of the time set by the timer is approaching before the completion of the set time.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling selection of channels and shows for viewing. A program selection device, such as a set top box, is programmed to maintain a channel list and a show list, with the channel list containing for each of a plurality of channels the allowed and actual time of viewing and the show list containing for each show the allowed and actual time of viewing. The show list may also include a rating value for each show. The channel list and show list are accessed for selectively controlling whether or not a particular channel or show is to be presented for viewing by a user.

Abstract: A conditional access control apparatus for inserting descrambling messages and impulse authorizations to enable requesting subscribers to utilize requested scrambled content. The apparatus includes a content and asset storage module for storing content and assets, and a pre-encryption module for encrypting content to be stored in said content device. A transport processor inserts stored content into a forward application transport channel (FATC), and a controller interacts with a requesting subscriber and inserts into the FATC descrambling messages and impulse authorizations enabling the requesting subscriber to utilize requested scrambled content.

Abstract: A program distribution system is disclosed for the simultaneous release of a program at a plurality of locations. The locations may include local broadcasters, or even individual devices. A program is modified so that it cannot be played without a release control signal and is then copied and distributed .either fixed in a media or electronically, i.e. via private network, the Internet, etc.) At the receiver the receiver first detects the release control signal and then replays the program at will. The program may include a time stamp in which case the receiver cannot replay the program until a control indicative of a current time/date corresponding to the date stamp. Alternative the program can be encrypted in which case the release control signal includes the decryption key. The release control can be broadcast over a tv channel, a radio channel and so on and is preferably imbedded into the signals of the standard tv or radio signals.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a system for delivering video program content and promotional information to viewing devices at a user location. The system comprises a program distribution system adapted to provide video programs to one or more viewing devices at a user location. In addition the system comprises a viewing control system in communication with the program distribution system and the viewing devices. In one embodiment, the viewing control system is adapted to establish one or more viewing limits for video programs provided to a user during a time period, determining whether the user reaches the one or more viewing limits during the time period, and if the user reaches one or more of the viewing limits during the time period, provide promotional information to the user based on the viewing limit reached. In some embodiments, the video programs comprise programs selected from group including pay per view video on demand (VOD) programs, near VOD programs and subscription VOD.

Abstract: A combination terminal unit includes at least: inputting device for inputting a retrieval item and an option item; line connecting means capable of establishing a line connection to any of a plurality of media; storage device for storing therein a plurality of retrieval information entities; display device for displaying any of the retrieval information entities; and retrieval controller for, if a retrieval item is inputted by the inputting device, reading out retrieval information entities relevant to the retrieval item from the storage device and displaying the information entities thus read out on the display device and, if a particular retrieval information entity is selected from the displayed retrieval information entities by the inputting device, actuating the line connecting means to establish a line connection to a location of the particular retrieval information entity.

Abstract: A television broadcast receiving apparatus for comparing V-Chip rating information appended to received program information, and pre-set rating information to limit viewing of the received program, can record rating information appended to tuned program information, and program title information, in correspondence with each other, and can display a list of recorded information.

Abstract: A digital media distribution system includes a distribution center and an utilization device that communicates with, and receives digital media from, the distribution center. Restrictions are transferred with the digital media that limit the use of the digital media on the utilization device independently of the distribution center.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating an RF or NTSC video source to control access for video products such as television, cable, satellite, VCR, DVD, and video game devices. An apparatus and method provided by the present invention takes a signal from any one of a number of signal sources and interfaces with the monitor/television/device subject to control. The apparatus and method provides a master control for the amount of time the entertainment source can be accessed and during which times of the day it can be accessed. Within the master control, subsidiary controls can be implemented within master code guidelines. The apparatus also provides its own video signal for on-screen display of functions and timing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expiration date monitoring system capable of monitoring an expiration date of a terminal by an effective method. According to an expiration date monitoring system comprising a terminal and a server for monitoring an expiration date of this terminal, the server monitors the expiration date for each terminal, for each function of the terminal and for each content. The terminal receives a renewal command of the expiration date from the server and stores the renewed expiration date of each function. Then, the terminal can activate the terminal itself, each function of the terminal and the access to the content when the current date (current time) is within the expiration date thereof.

Abstract: A media storage device ensures that downloaded digital data is only accessible for a predetermined period of time. An expiration time and the requested digital data are encrypted and downloaded from a content provider and stored as encrypted data on the media storage device. The expiration time indicates a specific time at which the digital data will be made invalid. At the onset of a predetermined time interval, the media storage device obtains a current global time from a secure clock, decrypts the expiration time, and compares the current global time to the expiration time. If the expiration time is earlier than the current global time, then the digital data stored in the media storage device remains valid. While valid, the media storage device is able to retrieve and transmit the digital data for viewing. This process is repeated for each subsequent time interval. Once the expiration time elapses, the media storage device invalidates the digital data.

Abstract: A multiple Interactive Program Guide (IPG) system provides different television programming and different IPGs to several different users respectively. A single set-top box is capable of providing programming and scheduling data to several different television sets. Each of the different IPGs share a common database. Therefore, a first IPG being viewed by a first user can display data added or modified via a second IPG by a second user of the system. Furthermore, the data added or modified by the second user can influence the viewing rights of the first user. Also, all the competing and conflicting requests for limited resources, such as VCR scheduled recordings, will be brought to the users' attention and will be displayed by the system.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method for recalling a previous program channel of interest from a current program channel, where the channel of interest is determined by the amount of time a user has previously spent on the channel. The amount of elapsed time a user spends on a program channel is monitored. If the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold, the program channel is identified as a channel of interest. As the user switches from the channel of interest to subsequent broadcast channels (i.e., “surfs”), the channel of interest is retained in memory as long as the amount of time spent on any subsequent channel is less than the predetermined time threshold. If the amount of time spent on a subsequent channel is greater than the predetermined time threshold, the subsequent channel is identified and stored as the new channel of interest. At any time, the user may select a selective view function to return to the channel of interest from the currently selected channel.

Abstract: An interactive television trigger has a time attribute value that indicates a future time when the trigger is to be executed. In many situations, the trigger is sent to the receiver unit prior to the future time (e.g., to account for bandwidth limitations or to allow prefetching of an information resource associated with the trigger). Redundant triggers may be sent as the future time draws closer. In this way, if the receiver unit did not receive a previously sent trigger for some reason, a redundant trigger is available for execution. The receiver unit may ignore duplicate triggers. The time attribute value also may indicate a life span during which the trigger is valid so that, if a user switches video channels but returns to a video channel for which execution of the trigger is desired, the trigger may be re-executed during the life span.

Abstract: A digital signal playback apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one digital signal input receiver, at least one digital signal output decoder, and a universal ratings manager. The universal ratings manager analyzes an incoming digital data signal to determine if the content rating for the signal is acceptable for decoding by the content rating received by the ratings manager from the user. The ratings manager is capable of analyzing multiple input signals and then outputting them simultaneously. The content rating may be based on the type of content acceptable by the user. This content includes sexual situations, language, violence, time of viewing, content author, and content source, among others.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for securing an object associated with a content receiver that is part of a conditional access system is disclosed. In one step, the object is received by the content receiver. The object is loaded into memory. A timer begins counting, whereafter a determination is made when the timer expires. An event is executed that correlates to the timer expiring. An authorization status is changed based, at least in part, upon the timer expiring.