WO2007119125A1

WO2007119125A1 - System and method for limiting access to multimedia programming

Info

Publication number: WO2007119125A1
Application number: PCT/IB2006/050643
Authority: WO
Inventors: Krzysztof L. Godzwon
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.; U.S. Philips Corporation
Priority date: 2005-03-02
Filing date: 2006-03-02
Publication date: 2007-10-25
Also published as: EP1886499A1; JP2009503917A; KR20080026531A; CN101171837A

Abstract

A system and method for limiting a user's access to watch content transmitted or broadcast to a multimedia display device. Specifically, the system enables an administrator to specify limitations on the multimedia display device, e.g., a television, which will limit a user's access. The limits may apply to the television or, to a specific user who has a user key that only allows the user to use the television depending on programmed controls. The limits may specify when the television may be shown, or how much time the television may shown within a period of time; and the limits may specify what services (channels) may be shown during specified times or how much time specified services may be shown within a period of time. The limits additionally specify what themes (event types) may be shown during specified times or how much time specified themes may be viewed by the user. The system enables recording of content according to the restrictions (content or time) to personal recording devices and is further able to restrict viewing access according to the user's age, the ratings of the event or program, or a combination thereof.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIMITING ACCESS TO MULTIMEDIA PROGRAMMING

The present invention relates generally to managing access to multimedia programming, such as by programming a television set top box, and more particularly, to a novel system and method for limiting a user's access to certain programming according to specified time and/or content limits including limiting access to cooperative attached devices like HDD/DVD/VCR. Such a system can control not only a single element, e.g., a DVD, TV, or a set-top-box, but rather, provides a complete solution that enables concurrent controlled access of all of those devices at the same time.

With the advent of Java TV and the ability to have programming logic sit in set top boxes, usage of the television set can be better controlled by programming what and how the device is to be used. The patent literature is replete with disclosures directed to controlling access to television receivers and controlling viewing of programs. Representative patents include:

U.S. Patent No. 5,969,748 describing generally a television schedule system that allows a user to control access to television programs;

U.S. Patent No. 6,025,869 describing generally a TV/video viewing supervision system implementing a programmable channel/time matrix to selectably program hours, programs, and/or channels of TV, VCR, cable TV, satellite TV and/or game viewing;

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0145321 describing generally a method and system for controlling selection of channels and shows for viewing, e.g., via a set-top box; and,

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0014750 describing generally a method and system for controlling access to viewable content on an individual title basis.

One patent in particular WO-9510916 comprehensively describes a television receiver that enables a user to control viewing of programs, block or enable selected programs, enable users to specify programs to be controlled for viewing by using compressed codes and enable blocking from viewing of specific scenes in a program. Most of these prior art patents focus mainly on a very simple approach, which is enabling entry of some user identification, e.g., a pincode, and specify some restrictions such as time slots when a child can watch TV.

However, none of these references teach the use of a system and method that limits child viewing by preventing a child from uncontrolled access to a multimedia terminal (e.g., a TV), and that additionally limits controlled access of cooperating devices such as DVD/VCR/HDD/PVR or any other storage media/playback device.

Thus, a user or administrator may specify limitations to restrict a user' s access to watch television, including: time restrictions, duration restrictions, program restrictions and channel restrictions. The administrator may have an administration key to specify (configure) the limits to different users. Users may have user keys to operate the television. The user/administrator may be able to specify that information about television access by a user may be stored (log file) and to generate reports of what has been accessed. Thus, it would be highly desirable to provide a timer system for multimedia display device, e.g., a television, that prevents a user from watching the television or like multimedia display device after a selected or specified time has elapsed for the enabled content (e.g., selected list of services).

It would be further highly desirable to provide a timer system for multimedia display device, e.g., a television, that prevents a user from watching the television or like multimedia display device after a selected or specified time has elapsed within the selected (or specified) time slot during a day.

It would be further highly desirable to provide a timer system for multimedia display device, e.g., a television, which prevents a user from watching the television or like multimedia display device by blocking the channel (or alternately, a "service") based on the theme of the current event (or alternately, a "program").

It would be further highly desirable to provide a system for multimedia display device that enables or prevents access to certain events (programs) according to a rating of the events, (e.g., with ratings data coming from an independent provider), or otherwise limits or prevents access to certain events (programs) according to the viewer's age, or a combination of the rating and the viewer' s age.

It would be further highly desirable to provide a system for multimedia display device that enables recordation of certain events (programs) to HDD or DVD/VCR/PVR devices according to specified time/content restrictions that includes a feature adapted to filter out advertisement content when recording or when watching the actual program/event.

One aspect of the present invention is directed to addressing the deficiencies in the prior art viewing access control systems by providing additional capability of: specifying limitations on one or more multimedia terminals (e.g., multimedia home platform (MHP), set-top boxes (STB), Personal Video Recorders (PVR), TV or DVD player) to limit a user' s access to watch television.

A user or administrator may have an administration key (e.g., pin code) enabling a parent/administrator to specify the limits. The limits may apply to the television or to a specific user who has a user key that only allows the user to use the television depending on the limits. The limits may specify when the television may be shown, or how much time the television may shown on within a period of time; and the limits may specify what services (channels) may be shown during specified times or how much time specified services may be shown within a period of time; and the time limits may specify what themes (i.e., event types such as cartoon, children's, sport, movie, education) may be shown during specified times or how much time specified themes may be shown during a period of time. Multiple limitations may be set for the same user. The administrator may be able to specify that information about television access by a user be stored and to generate reports of what has been accessed (e.g., presentation titles, service, theme, time and time period) in order to monitor the user's access.

Thus, according to a preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a system and method for enabling supervisory control over viewing of broadcast content on a multimedia terminal, the method comprising the steps of: specifying, via an interface display time constraints for controlling times a viewer is allowed to watch television within a period of time; specifying, via an interface display viewing content restrictions of content capable of being viewed by said viewer within said period of time; monitoring a viewer's access to current broadcast content via said television and access to content that has been previously recorded by said viewer via a recording device that stores recorded broadcast content; and, blocking said viewer' s access to current or stored broadcast content that violates said time and viewing content restrictions.

Advantageously, the programming of the "control system" of the present invention may be performed via any other interface, even a web interface. The TV device may have a network connection and running web controlled interface so that a full control is had via a remote located browser. Even a wireless connection could be established and a remote control could also work via, for example, a "Wi-Fi" connection. The TV could also be a controlled by a parent remotely from anywhere if the TV would have a permanent internet connection, i.e., a parent could control online what the children are watching, or statistics, like what my child was watching, how many hours, etc.

Furthermore, advantageously, the system is provided with a feature that indicates to a user how much of allowed time is still available. That is, every user is enabled to see how much of allowed time is still available, and on that basis, be able to plan for the future and choose only the "most-wanted" events/programs, instead of all, for instance.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art, in view of the following detailed description taken in combination with the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 depicts a high-level block diagram of a television system implementing the timer controls according to the present invention;

Figures 2(a)-2(c) depict a user or administrator's interface for controlling TV viewing functionality for users, e.g., via an exemplary main menu display interface 75 including a TV timer menu choice 80 which, when selected, provides menu choices provided functionality according to the present invention (Figure 2(c)); Figures 3(a)-3(f) depict exemplary menu display interfaces presented for the authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the menu choices 100 provided via the example interface depicted in Figure 2(c) for providing functionality according to the present invention;

Figure 4 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the process flow 200 for controlling the TV viewing times via the set-top box control device implementing the timer controls according to the present invention;

Figure 5 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the user login process flow 203 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the viewer time constraint blocking process in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 provides a high-level flow chart depicting how the system verifies if the current content (content service) is blocking in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the system processes employed when a current viewer is playing his/her own recorded content in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the system processes employed for determining whether the content to be played is from the HDD in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and,

Figure 10 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the system processes employed for monitoring users and determining whether blocking should occur in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is directed to a TV timer control system and methodology that enables a user to control multimedia viewing access of others, e.g., a parent may control viewing access of a child. Referring first to FIG. 1, there is depicted a television system 10, e.g. for a household setting, incorporating program view controls consistent with the invention. System 10 includes one or more multimedia display terminals such as television or like video display monitor 13a, b coupled. Via wireless connection to a set top control device 15, such as the Philips Streamium™ product, providing conventional set-top box functionality with the additional ability to provide Internet content received from a computer device to the wirelessly connected TV devices 13a,b. For example, by utilizing a system remote control device, a user can switch television reception from (TV) broadcast content to broadband Internet content. Using Wi-Fi technology, e.g., wireless technology governed according to IEEE 802.11/a/b/g/n standards, for example, the set also could be used to present photos or video stored on the home computer 30.

The Wi-fi network includes a wireless hub device 22 associated with home computer 30 for wirelessly connecting one or more set top boxes 15 with the one or more television sets 13a,b and the Internet, via a communication signal carrier according to a wireless standard. Thus, the system is adapted to stream video content to the television devices 13a,b via wireless link. All data about a usage of TV is locally stored in the set top box device 15 and the functionality provided enables TV devices to exchange information about the status of the usage. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, external devices such as a DVD player 28 or high-density disk (HDD) recorder device 29 are connected to this local set top box, e.g., Streamium™ device.

The set top box 15 in the illustrated implementation is a receiver capable of receiving television broadcast signals, e.g., via a television antenna 20, or transmission via cable 25, or direct broadcast satellite (DBS) dish and satellite signal receiver (not shown).

Additionally illustrated in system 10 coupled to set top box 15 are the other high density media storage/recorder devices, e.g., high-HDD device 29 and/or technologies for recording television programs, including, for example, recordable optical media (e.g., CD's, DVD's), magnetic or magneto optical media (e.g., hard or floppy disk drives), solid state memory, etc., for temporary or long term storage of received multimedia content files and may comprise a digital media recording system such as the TiVo™ (Trademark of Philips Consumer Electronics) for recording/playback multimedia broadcast content. Such devices may be interfaced with STB 15 and/or PC 30 via standard cables with communication being handled via existing protocols, e.g., P50. Other devices such as a video-cassette recorder (VCR) 23 and digital video disk (DVD) player 28 (which may be integrated or separate units) may be capable of optionally outputting audio and video signals to television/monitor 13 by passing multimedia content signals through set top box 15, e.g. for wired or wireless transmission to the TV devices 13a,b.

It should be understood that in another embodiment of the invention, each individual TV set may be provided with control functionality according to the invention for exchanging information about usage via network, broadcasting, so each TV set 13a,b possesses updated usage information. That is, in a broad sense, when a user/viewer is subject to a time restriction on one TV set, it is impossible for that user to continue watching the TV program using another one.

Two solutions are possible: 1) if the content is coming from one central "box", then this is a central point for the system and as such, can as master control all other TVs/multimedia terminals in the system; and 2) TVs are all equal and are exchanging information about usage.

Program viewing and viewing controls of television programs and content according to the invention is provided by a control system embodied in software executing in set top box 15 and/or TV devices 13a,b. However, such functionality may be implemented in any number of devices capable of monitoring the viewing of television programs in a television system, including, for example, televisions, PVR' s (the TiVo receiver), computers or computing devices 30, VCR's, etc. Further, the television viewing monitor apparatus need not necessarily be capable of directly receiving and/or displaying television programs to viewers, so long as such an apparatus has the capability of detecting what programs are being accessed for viewing by a separate display. In addition, television programs to be viewed may be received from any number of sources, including, but not limited to: RF broadcast sources, cable television sources, satellite television sources, and computer network sources such as a Local or Wide Area Network, or the public Internet 99. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, a user can access the TV menu via a web interface.

The set top box 15 itself operates under the control of a processor or CPU 50, which is interfaced with a random access memory (RAM) device or like memory storage means 51 comprising the main storage of the set top box (not shown) storing both software and/or firmware applications, components, programs, objects, modules, data structures and program code suitable for execution by the processor, as well as additional data structures required by the processor in controlling the operation of the set top box. Processor 50 may represent one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors or micro-controllers), and may additionally include any supplemental levels of memory, e.g., cache memories, non- volatile or backup memories (e.g., programmable or flash memories), read-only memories, etc. In addition, the memory may be considered to include memory storage physically located elsewhere in set top box 15, e.g., any cache memory in processor 50, as well as any storage capacity used as a virtual memory, e.g., as stored on a mass storage device or on another data processing system coupled to set top box 15 via an external network (not shown).

As the "control system" provides multimedia services (channels) for the home, e.g., according to the emerging Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standard, the set- top box 15 incorporates all pack digital TV, MP-3, DVD, and a host of other multimedia services into the system. Thus, the CPU 50, via a specific operating system, controls all software and hardware modules on the STB to enable the multimedia home platform MHP. In addition to those mentioned, these include video/graphics engines, Java virtual machines (JVMs), and human interface components.

In operation, as known, RF input from a satellite disk, cable, or antenna is transported to a tuner/demodulator (not shown), which demodulates the signal into a digital A/V stream, e.g., MPEG-2 stream, an MPEG-4 stream (sourced from the Internet) or like digital content stream. A demultiplexer functions to extract the MPEG-2 into its video, audio, subtitle, and data streams. Before being presented to users, video and audio are decompressed by either hardware or software modules. Subtitle data, usually image files with transparent backgrounds, is passed to a dedicated rendering engine (not shown) with direct access to the STB's on-screen display (OSD). The data stream is parsed for content such as system information, digital teletext, or MHP data objects, then routed to hardware/software modules for interpretation and/or execution.

According to the invention, the STB is programmed with exemplary menu display structures used to provide enhanced viewing access control according to the preferred embodiments of the invention. As implemented according to the invention shown in Figure 2(a), a user or administrator, via an exemplary main menu display interface 75, e.g., web-interface, is provided with a main menu including a TV timer menu choice 80 implementing TV viewing/access control limits according to the invention. As shown in Figure 2(b), upon access of the TV timer menu choice 80, the user is expected to enter a password via entry field 85 to provide proper authorization before granting that user viewing/access control. In one embodiment, the user is provided or assigned with an administration key (e.g., pin code) that allows the user/administrator to access the TV viewing/access control functionality and specify viewing limits according to the invention. In one exemplary context, as described herein, a user/administrator may comprise a parent, providing viewing controls for that parent's child or other children viewers. After a user is authenticated as one having authority to program the set-top box control device implementing the timer controls according to the invention, the user may be authorized to set the limits from the administrator control menu 100 as shown in Figure 2(c). As shown in Figure 2(c), the administrator control menu 100 provides TV viewing limit functionality via: 1) content selection menu choice 103; 2) set-time constraints menu choice 106; 3) recordings menu choice 110; and, 4) statistics menu choice 114.

Figures 3(a)-3(f) depict exemplary menu display interfaces presented for the authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the menu choices 100 provided via the example interface depicted in Figure 2(c) for providing functionality according to the present invention. In one exemplary context, a user/administrator may comprise a parent, providing viewing controls for that parent's child or other children viewers.

Figures 3(a)-3(b) depict respective exemplary menu display interfaces 120, 120' presented for the authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the contents selection menu choice 100 of Figure 2(c) for providing content selection limits according to the invention. In a first aspect, the content selection limits option provided via interface 120 of Figure 3 (a) include the "selection of allowed channels" menu choice 125 that provides a scrollable list 135 of programming for the television receivers and displays associated selection boxes 136 for selecting/deselecting which broadcast channels are permitted for user viewing. The content selection limits menu provided via interface 120 of Figure 3(a) additionally includes the option to enable/disable the "hide blocked services" option via menu choice 127 for providing functionality to remove from viewing portions all indications that a particular service (channel) is being blocked, or alternatively enumerate only those allowed services/channels, e.g., from 1,..,N etc.. The content selection limits provided via interface 120 of Figure 3 (a) additionally includes the option to enable/disable the "filter advertisements" option via menu choice 129 for providing functionality to recognize and filter out advertisements, for example, based on a voice volume basis, so as to prevent watching or recording of any advertisements from programming. In this aspect, when a filtered advertisement is encountered during viewing or recording, the viewer's multimedia display device or terminal may temporarily black out and present a visible dialog indicating that a user wait, while a filtered advertisement is being blocked.

Figure 3(b) depicts a further exemplary menu display interface 120' presented for the authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the contents selection menu choice 100 of Figure 2(c) for providing content selection limits according to the invention. In this further aspect, the content selection limits option provided via interface 120' of Figure 3(b) include the "selection of allowed themes" menu choice 133 that provides a scrollable list 143 of programming for the television receivers and displays associated selection boxes 146 for selecting/deselecting which broadcast event and programming themes are permitted for user viewing. The content selection limits provided via interface 120' of Figure 3(b) additionally includes the option to "select a blocking age" via menu choice 134 for providing functionality to select content only suitable for viewers of a certain age or older as indicated in blocking age entry field 142. The content selection limits provided via interface 120' of Figure 3(b) additionally includes the option to "select a ratings server" via menu choice 137 for providing functionality to lock-out programming according to its "rating" as recognized by a ratings server provided at a user selectable or entered location 145. The content selection limits provided via interface 120' of Figure 3(b) additionally includes the option to "allow events with a rating" via menu choice 139 for providing functionality to allow programming according to a specific "rating" as entered in entry field 147. The fields: "select a ratings server" and "allow events with a rating" are actually coupled. The "select a ratings server" choice is used only to specify from which location rating of the events should be read from - a sort of a "rating server". The second one provides a basic setting, where a user can set a certain level of events, e.g., 1 "star" means a very bad program; 5 stars means a very good one, etc..

Figures 3(c)-3(d) depict respective exemplary menu display interfaces 121, 121', presented for the authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the set time constraints selection menu choice 106 of Figure 2(c) for providing time content limits according to the invention.

In this further aspect, the content selection limits option provided via interface 121 of Figure 3(c) include the "number of hours" menu choice 151 that enables a user/administrator to enter the set time limit, i.e., a total number of hours of viewing time for a viewer. For example, as shown in entry field 171, there is indicated a limit of ten (10) viewing hours for a particular viewer. Via entry fields, the user/administrator is further able to divide the set number of hours according to daily, weekly or monthly periods 172. A further "divide hours equally" menu choice 152 is provided to enable a user/administrator to specify whether the specified "number of hours" of limited viewing is to be divided equally according to the specified daily, weekly or monthly period 172 (by selecting entry field 173). Thus, a child may use the specified hours as the child wants when the "divide hours equally" from menu choice 152 (Figure 3 (c)) is not selected. A further "extendable time" menu choice 154 is provided to enable a user/administrator to specify whether the time limit set is extendible so that a viewer watching a current "real-time" event, for example, may continue to watch the event in case the event exceeds a specified time constraint by selecting entry field 174. In this aspect, it is further possible to specify the time limit is extendible after a certain percentage (N%) of the event viewing time has elapsed (e.g., 50% or 60%). Irrespective of how the time constraints are distributed or whether extendable, a user/administrator is able to specify the time slots in which the viewer is constrained from watching the TV programming in accordance with the programmed limitations. For example, a further "Specify time slots" menu choice 156 is provided for enabling entry of the particular time durations (slots) via entry fields 176, e.g., A.M., P.M., within which a user's viewing limits are constrained.

Figure 3(d) depicts a further exemplary menu display interface 121' presented for the authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the set time constraints selection menu choice 106 of Figure 2(c) for providing time content limits according to the invention. In this further aspect, the set time constraints option provided via interface 121' of Figure 3(d) include the "specify allowed days" menu choice 160 provided for specifying via select/deselect boxes 180 which days of the week a viewing time is not to be limited. Irrespective of when and how the time constraints are distributed or whether they are extendable, a user/administrator is able to specify the percent amount of time may be spent watching TV or broadcast multimedia content according to the allowed themes specified in the scrollable list 143 of display interface 120'. Thus, in the example shown in Figure 3(d), via the "detailed time usage" menu choice 162, a user/administer may specify, via entry fields 182, how a user's total allotted viewing time may be proportioned according to theme; for example, as shown in Figure 3(d), a user is permitted to watch cartoons 30% of the time and educational programs 70% of the time.

Figure 3(e) depicts an exemplary menu display interface 122 presented for the authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the "recordings" selection menu choice 110 of Figure 2(c) for providing recording options according to the invention. In this further aspect, the recordings option provided via interface 122 of Figure

3(e) include the "Allow recordings" menu choice 163 that includes select/deselect boxes 183, such that, when selected, providing additional time that permits a viewer to record a current program that has exceeded an allotted time limit, e.g., a live broadcast event that has exceeded a specified limit of viewing time for a particular viewer. The further "Recorder" menu choice 165 is further presented having an entry field 185 that specifies to which recording device the additional programming is to be recorded. Via the interface 122 of Figure 3(e), there is further caused for display the "Allow HDD recordings" menu choice 166 that includes select/deselect boxes 186, such that, when selected, permits a viewer to record a program on their HDD storage media. The further "HDD" menu choice 168 is further presented having an entry field 188 that specifies to which HDD recording device the programming is to be recorded.

Figure 3(f) depicts an exemplary menu display interface 122' presented for the authorized user/administrator in response to selection of the "statistics" selection menu choice 114 of Figure 2(c) for specifying that information about television access by a user be stored for later generation of reports of what has been accessed (e.g., presentation titles, service (channel), theme, time and time period) in order to monitor the user's access, according to the invention. The "Enable Statistics" menu choice 167 is thus presented having associated select/deselect boxes 187, such that, when selected, instruct the system to record statistics regarding the restricted person's TV viewing usage for later reporting. The further "Keep History For" menu choice 169 is further presented having an entry field

189 that specifies for how long, e.g., 30 days, statistics and other information regarding the restricted person's TV viewing usage is to be tallied for later reporting. It should be understood that an authorized user may have read access to any of those log files having information detailing their viewing statistics/usage. For example, a user may be able to use a web browser or like device implementing HTTP or like communications protocol. Alternatively, a user log could be accessible on the TV, e.g., via a simple dialog, or via a mobile phone, or via wireless connection, e.g., Bluetooth. Figure 4 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the process flow 200 for controlling the TV viewing times via the set-top box control device implementing the timer controls according to the present invention.

As shown in Figure 4, a first step is the step of verifying that the current television viewer has the authority to watch the television programming at step 203 irrespective of whether there are other TV control/limits set. Details regarding the viewer authentication process are described herein with respect to Figure 5. If the viewer is not authorized to view television, then the process will cause the TV device to turn off as indicated at step 204. Otherwise, after the viewer is authenticated as currently able to view TV programs, the process proceeds to step 206 where it is determined whether, for that user and current time, any time constraints blocking control features implemented. Details regarding the viewer time constraint blocking process are described herein with respect to Figure 6. If there is a time constraint block feature implemented for that user at that time, then the process will cause the TV device to turn off as indicated at step 204. If there is no time constraint block feature implemented for that user, then the process proceeds to step 207, where a determination is made as to whether the current content intended to be viewed by that viewer is allowed, before actually showing the multimedia/TV broadcast as depicted at step 209. Details regarding the determination of whether the current viewer is allowed to view the current content are described herein with respect to Figure 7. If it is determined that the current viewer is allowed to view the current content, then the process proceeds to step 209, where the multimedia program is presented for display. Otherwise, If it is determined that the current viewer is not allowed to view the current content, then the process proceeds to step 208 which is a process step for blocking presentation of the current multimedia program. Irrespective of whether the current viewer is authorized or not to view the current multimedia programming, the process proceeds to step 211 where a determination is made as to whether the current user is attempting to play his/her own recorded content from an external source. Details regarding the determination of whether the current viewer is desirous of playing his/her own recorded content are described herein with respect to Figure 8. If it is determined at step 211 that the current viewer is attempting to view his/her own recorded content, then the process proceeds to step 212 which is a step of playing the selected content from the selected external source (e.g., DVD). Then the process proceeds to step 216 where a monitor function is performed for monitoring further use of the devices in the TV viewing system to ensure compliance with the controls. Otherwise, if it is determined at step 211 that the current viewer is not attempting to view his/her own recorded content, then the process proceeds to step 213 where a further determination is made as to whether the content to be played is from the HDD provided. Details regarding the process flow for determining whether the content to be played is from the HDD are described herein with respect to Figure 9. If at step 213, it is determined that the current content to be played is from the HDD, then the process proceeds to step 212 where the selected content is played back. Otherwise, if at step 213, it is determined that the current content to be played is not from the HDD, then the process proceeds to monitoring step 216. Details regarding the monitoring process are described herein with respect to Figure 10. Figure 5 provides an exemplary high-level flow chart depicting the user login process flow 203 executed by the system of the invention when a user turns on the television according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, in a next step 222, the user/viewer is asked to enter his/her pincode. At step 224, that pin code is verified by conventional means, such as a table look-up. If the user is authorized at step 224, the process proceeds to step 226 to show a user welcome screen, such as shown in Figure 2. If the user is not an authorized user, as determined at step 224, the process proceeds to step 232 where an error dialog screen is presented. Proceeding next top step 230, if more pincode entry tries are allowed, then the process returns to step 222, so that the user may re-enter his/her pincode and the process repeats. Otherwise, at step 230, if no more pincode entries are allowed, then the process proceeds to step 228 where a goodbye dialog is displayed and the user/viewer is considered not authorized.

Figure 6 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the viewer time constraint blocking process 206 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the process depicted in Figure 6, the system verifies whether a user time constraints are not blocking. Thus, as shown in a first step 235, a determination is made as to whether the current day is enabled, i.e., the day is an allowed day as programmed for this viewer (see Figure 3(d)). If the current day is enabled, the process proceeds to step 236 where a further determination is made as to whether the time slot settings are blocked as previously programmed (see Figure 3( c)). If the current time slot setting have not been blocked, then the process proceeds to step 238 where a determination is made as to whether the time budget is still available. If time is still budgeted for the current viewer, then the process proceed to step 241 which indicates that no TV blocking is to be performed. Returning back to step 235, if it is determined that the current day is not enabled, or returning to step 236, if it is determined that the time slot settings are blocked, or returning to step 238, if it is determined that no time budget is available, then the process proceeds to step 239 where a determination is made as to whether the extendible "time" setting has been programmed for this viewer (see Figure 3(c)). If it is determined that the extendible "time" setting has been programmed for this viewer, then the process proceeds to step 240 to check the current usage statistics for this viewer (see Figure 3(f)) and thereafter, to step 245 where a further determination is made as to whether the user has viewed, during this current viewing session, more than N%, e.g., 50% of the current event. If it is determined that the user has seen more than N% of the current event, then the process proceeds to step 249 where a dialog is displayed that current time restriction has been exceeded, but the system will allow user to see event until the end. Thus, the process proceeds to step 241 indicating that no TV blocking is to be performed. Otherwise, returning to step 239, if it is determined that the extendible "time" setting has not been programmed for this viewer, or, returning to step 245, if it is determined that the user has not seen more than N% of the current event, then the process proceeds to step 247 which initiates display of a restriction dialog. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 250 where a determination is made as to whether the recording setting is enabled for this viewer (see Figure 3(e)). If the recording setting is not enabled, then the process proceeds to step 258 which is the step of blocking the program to prevent further viewing or recording of the current program. Otherwise, at step 250, if it is determined that the recording setting is enabled, then the process proceeds to step 252 where a dialog is displayed to remind the viewer of the availability to make a recording of the event, e.g., via the authorized external recording device. At step 254, a determination is made as to whether the recording has been initiated. If the recording is not initiated, then the process proceeds to step 258 which is the step of blocking the program to prevent further viewing or recording of the current program. Otherwise, if at step 254 it is determined that the user has chosen the recording option, then the process proceeds to step 256 where the recording of the current program is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 258 which enables viewer blocking. Figure 7 provides a high-level flow chart depicting a system process 207 for verifying if the current content (content service) is blocking in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the process depicted in Figure 7, a first step 260 comprises selecting a service, e.g., by switching (e.g., using a remote control) to an enabled channel/service on the basis of the list provided by the administrator. For example, a user would go to a program set forth in the "Select allowed channels" entry section of Figure 3 (a). After retrieving the first service, a determination is made at step 262 to determine whether the current content is enabled. If the current content is not enabled, then the process proceeds to step 273 which step depicts the current content as being blocked. Otherwise, at step 262, if the current content is enabled, then the process proceeds to step 264 to determine whether the user age is blocking as previously specified by the parent/administrator in the "Select blocking Age " section of Figure 3(b). If the current age of the user is such that requires blocking to be enabled, then the process proceeds to step 273 which step depicts the current content as being blocked. Otherwise, at step 264, if the current age is not blocking, then the process proceeds to step 265 where the event from the source (server) is retrieved. The process then proceeds to step 266 to determine whether the event rating is such requiring that the content be blocked as previously specified by the parent/administrator in the "Allow events with Rating " section of Figure 3(b). If the event is of a rating such that it requires blocking to be enabled, then the process proceeds to step 273 which step depicts the current content as being blocked. Otherwise, at step 266, if the rating is such that it does not require blocking to be enabled, then the process proceeds to step 267 to determine whether the advertisements filtering function is to be enabled as previously specified by the parent/administrator in the "Filter advertisements" section of Figure 3(a). If the advertisement filter is enabled, then the process proceeds to step 268 in order to turn on the advertisement detection filter. Otherwise, at step 267, if the advertisement filter is not enabled, then the process proceeds to step 275 that depicts the step of enabling the current content to be displayed. Returning to step 268, after advertisement detection is enabled, the process proceeds to step 270 where a determination is made as to whether advertisement is currently being broadcast. If the advertisement is not currently being broadcast, then the process proceeds to step 275 that depicts the step of enabling the current content to be displayed. Otherwise, at step 270, if it is determined that an advertisement is currently being broadcast, then the process proceeds to step 273 which step depicts that the current content (i.e., advertisement) is being blocked. Figure 8 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the system process 211 employed when a current viewer is playing his/her own recorded content in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the process depicted in Figure 8, the system checks whether the external content is present (was previously recorded) and could be played. Thus, at step 280, a check is made to determine the availability of external sources, with step 282 depicting whether the source having recorded content is present. If at step 282 it is determined that the source having recorded content is not present, then the process proceeds to step 297 which depicts the step of bypassing playback/presentation of any external source. Otherwise, at step 282, it is determined that the source having recorded content is present, then the process proceeds to step 283 which depicts the step of reading the local recordings database to check all of the recordings made by the current user and to verify the present content on the external source (media) is present in the list. It should be understood that, the system is provided with functionality to generate for the user a list of recordings that are not in conflict with the current time constraints; thus, if a user still has one (1) hour of allowed time, for instance, then the system will only present recordings with a duration time not longer then 1 hour.

Proceeding to step 285, if it is determined that the external content has not been recorded by the current user, then the process proceeds to step 297 which depicts the step of bypassing playback/presentation of any external source. Otherwise, if at step 285 it is determined that the external content has been recorded by the current user, then the process proceeds to step 288 which depicts the step of checking whether any existing time constraints are applicable and further, whether the duration of the recorded event will not conflict with the current time constraints implemented. Proceeding to step 290, a determination is made as to whether any time constraints are blocking (currently in force). If time constraints are blocking, then the process proceeds to step 297 which depicts the step of bypassing playback/presentation of any external source. Otherwise, if at step 290 it is determined that the time constraints are not blocking, then a dialog is presented with a proposal for the viewer to enable playback/presentation of the program (recorded content). Figure 9 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the system processes employed for determining whether the whether the content to be played is from the HDD in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in a first step 300, there is depicted the step of checking the availability of external sources. Then, at step 303, a determination is made as to whether the source is present and enabled by the parent/administrator in the "Allow Recordings" section of Figure 3(e). If the source is not present, the process proceeds to step 323 where it is determined that nothing is to be displayed. Otherwise, at step 303, if it is determined that the source is present and enabled by the parent/administrator, the process proceeds to step 306 which depicts the step of reading the HDD and generate a list of all recorded events for the current user (e.g., by title). Proceeding next to step 309, a further determination is made as to whether any recordings are present. If no recordings are present, then the process proceeds to step 323 where it is determined that nothing is to be displayed as no content has been recorded. Otherwise, at step 309, if it is determined that the recordings are present, then the process proceeds to step 312 which causes functionality for displaying the list in a user presentation dialog and waiting for a selection of content by the user. Upon receiving a selection of the recorded content by the user at step 312, the process proceeds to step 314 where a determination is made as to whether any time constraints are blocking the selected event. If at step 314 it is determined that time constraints are not blocking the selected recorded event, then the process proceeds to step 327 which causes presentation of a user dialog indicating that the selected event will be played. Otherwise, if at step 314, if it is determined that time constraints are blocking the selected recorded event, then the process proceeds to step 317 which causes presentation of a user dialog indicating the time restriction to be implemented. Continuing to step 320, a further dialog is presented to determine whether the user desires to select a new recorded event. If the user does want to select a new recorded event, then the process proceeds to step 312 to display the list of recorded events from which the user may select and the process repeats. Otherwise, if at step 320 it is determined that a user does not want to select a new event, then nothing will be played as indicated at step 323. Another control system feature thus is directed to a user that has connected the

HDD recorder. It is understood that via the system 10 depicted in Figure 1 background processes may be executed for real-time recordings at any (or all) times, but only according to the user/administrator specification for the enabled content. If the filter for advertisements is enabled, then a child could watch events (e.g., from HDD) continuously, without breaks. Furthermore, however, when the user turns on the TV, the control system will receive notice of the presence of additional recordings present on the HDD (e.g., a list of titles). Thus, even with the implementation of the time constraints, there is still a possibility for the authorized user to watch all interesting events from the whole day/week, and not miss one of them. The system is additionally "self adaptable" as since the HDD cannot record all events, the system may pick "the most probably wanted events". Thus, it is assumed that in the present system that an HDD recorder can record everything from all channels. That is, for example, if a user watches news every day at 7:00, then the system can learn and always record those news programs at that set time. If the user misses it, the system will have recorded it for the user. Thus, if a user has selected in the system presentation menu "Allow HDD recordings" (see Figure 3(e)), this actually enables an HDD "caching", i.e., the system in the background automatically will try to record all events that follow the specified content conditions (see Figures 3 (a) and 3(b)). The self- adapting feature according to the invention, thus provisions the HDD recorder with functionality for enabling the user to indicate which content should be recorded with the content specified in the same way as indicated in the content selection menus provided in Figures 3(a) and 3(b). The HDD will make those recordings in the background automatically. Current technology does not allow recordation of everything, because for example those devices have one tuner, and (most of the time) not enough storage capacity. So there are two resulting possibilities: 1) the HDD will automatically (randomly) record events on the basis what the user likes (i.e., has watched) or, it will adapt itself to record more of that kind of programming; or 2) when two (2) themes are enabled, e.g., Cartoons and Educational, a child may watch more cartoons, so the system (HDD) will record more of that kind, rather then educational programs.

Figure 10 provides a high-level flow chart depicting the system monitoring process 216 employed for determining whether any type of blocking should occur. This system check action must be executed after: 1. every "switch" to select a service, e.g., via a remote control; 2. periodically, e.g., once every minute; 3. every content change (when the advertisements detection is turned on); and/or 4. at any event change. As depicted in Figure

10, a first step 400 is the determination of whether there are time constraints blocking for that user and implements the flow processes depicted in Figure 6. If there are time constraints blocking, then the multimedia content is blocked, e.g., by turning off the TV, as indicated at step 408. Otherwise, if there are no time constraints blocking, the process proceeds to step 406 where the determination of whether there are any content constraints blocking for that user and implements the flow processes depicted in Figure 7. If there are content restrictions, then the multimedia content is blocked as indicated at step 412. Otherwise, if there are no content restrictions determined, then the process proceeds to step 410 which is the process of enabling presentation of the multimedia content.

Thus, in accordance with the various exemplary embodiments of the invention:

1. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices is programmed to provide a "control system" that allows access to particular channels for a given amount of time. For example, a parent may not care about how much time a child watches a particular educational channel, but may desire to limit access to a particular entertainment channel to an hour a day. Thus, the control system of the invention is additionally provided with a possibility to add or define a number of exclude rules, e.g., allowing certain channels to be watched without the "timing and/or content rules"; or allow certain "themes" to be watched without the "timing rules". Thus, an exclude "list", may be so provided to define any unlimited themes or services.

2. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices is programmed to allow access at the program level for a given period of time. For example, a parent may desire to limit a child to one episode per day of a particular program. 3. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices is programmed to detect the end of a locking condition, for example, to initiate a display (e.g., a banner) at a pre-determined time before the time slot ends, e.g., 5 minutes.

4. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display devices is additionally programmed to control attached devices like HDD/DVD/VCR/PVR. Thus, at the end of a time slot, the user may record the remainder of an event if it exceeds the allotted time slot, e.g., by recording on a DVD. The content that was recorded may only be seen when the next possible time slot is active.

5. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display device is additionally programmed to receive programming commands of the "control system" via any other interface, including a web interface. The TV (or associated set top box) maintains a network connection and runs a web controlled interface so that a full control may be performed via a browser. Even a wireless connection could be established and a remote control could also work via, for example, Wi-fi. The TV could also be a controlled by a parent remotely from anywhere if the TV would have a permanent Internet connection. That is, a parent on-line could control via a browser interface what the children are watching, or statistics, like what my child was watching, how many hours, etc. Thus, if a user has a high-speed Internet connection, it could, for example: enable the supervisor to schedule a recording of any event; enable the supervisor to change settings of the system; enable the supervisor to see, via a browser, what the child is currently watching (simple video transmission); enable the supervisor to send messages to the current user, e.g., a user could receive SMS 's on a mobile phone with statistics, etc..

6. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display device is additionally programmed to receive programming commands of the "control system" for limiting a child's viewing time, e.g., 7 hours per week or 1 hour per day. Thus, for example, a parent may specify limitation on a child's television access to: only 7 m - 10 pm on school nights, and only 16 hours per week; and only TV channels 3, 5, 7, 27, 54, and block channel 7 after 9 pm, for example. In another example, it is possible to make a viewing restriction such as enabling a child to watch cartoons only 2 hours per day, and only one hour on Mondays, and only 6 hours during the workweek and 6 hours during the weekend. The child could switch between allowed services during allowed times.

7. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display device is additionally programmed to receive programming commands of the "control system" for limiting a child' s viewing of shows/events based on the theme of the current event, e.g., a parent can manage a child's viewing access by enabling the child to watch every day only 1 hour of events only of a type "Education" and "Cartoon" themes. That is, a filtering mechanism is provided that enables a child to view only channels where events are present with an allowed theme. In one embodiment, these events may be sorted and accessible from a preset 1 to N. Further to this, the system presents the possibility for a user to specify in detail how much of certain event themes, e.g., "Cartoons" and "Education", is allowed, i.e., in what proportions.

8. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display device is additionally programmed to receive programming commands of the "control system" for programming a flexible setting, so if the current event takes longer then the allowed time a child still could watch it or record it until the end. Thus, for example, a parent can provide a "flexible" setting, which enables a possibility to see the current event till the end. Thus, for example, a parent can provide a "flexible" setting, which enables a possibility to see the current event till the end. For example, when a current event takes longer then 1 hour and the event exceeds the current left 1 hour restriction, a child is still allowed to watch it until the end (but only under some conditions, e.g., a child has already seen a minimum of. 50% of the event). In this context, if a timeout occurs (i.e., a child watches TV longer than an allowed time), there is still a possibility to record the event to any connected media storage (HDD recorder).

Thus, for example, a dialog could pop-up with a question to record the event in a media storage device and present it to the child. When a child starts watching the TV the next day, the system presents the recorded portion to the child. In an example home network situation in a household comprising multiple TV and/or multimedia display devices, the system provides for the exchange of information between all TV's, so that a child will not be able to continue watching TV on another TV after a time or content restriction has been placed in effect.

9. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display device is additionally programmed to recognize advertisements, for example, on a voice volume basis, and a TV may be equipped with, for example, the hard-disk device (HDD) for recording content without any advertisements. That is, a parent could set an option to disallow watching any advertisements.

10. The set top box and/or one or more multimedia display device is additionally programmed to block the viewing of content on the basis of the viewer' s age, or block the viewing of content based on a ratings data, as provided via an external or third-party rating service, e.g., via the Internet.

11. With respect to MHP, or any other form of interactivity, there is the possibility to run applications on the television device. It is possible that some interactive content (like applications) would violate the (enabled) content rules. Thus, it is understood that the control system of the invention provides a function to filter the interactivity (like "Xlets", or websites using a TV web browser) on the "content selection" basis or, the possibility to completely turn it off. The system may further filter "interactive content" or filter it on the basis of "content selection", e.g., an Xlet that represents advertisements, Xlets with games, etc.. The system thus includes additional functionality to filter all interactive content, such as "teletext" pages, MHEG pages for digital TV, etc....,

While there has been shown and described what is considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course, be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:CLAIMS:

1. A method (200) for providing supervisory control over viewing of multimedia content via a multimedia terminal device (13a, 13b) comprising: specifying, via an interface display (121, 121') time constraints (151, 156) for controlling times a viewer is allowed to watch said multimedia terminal within a period of time; specifying, via an interface display (120, 120') viewing content restrictions (125, 135) of content capable of being viewed by said viewer within said period of time; monitoring (216) a viewer's access to current broadcast content via said multimedia terminal and access to content that has been previously recorded by said viewer via a recording device that stores recorded broadcast content (163, 183); and, blocking (208, 258, 273, 323, 412) said viewer's access to current or stored broadcast content that is violative of said time and viewing content restrictions.

2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising the step of defining an exclude list indicating any viewing content themes or services that are not to be content restricted.

3. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said specifying of time constraints includes specifying allowed user viewing times (171, 172) a multimedia terminal may be utilized by a viewer within a predetermined period of time.

4. The method as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said specifying of time constraints includes specifying (152, 173) that a number of viewing hours is to be divided equally among the predetermined period of time.

5. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said specifying of time constraints includes specifying (154, 174) whether time for viewing allowed content may be extended if an allowed program currently being viewed exceeds time of an allowed viewing period or time slot.

6. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said specifying of time constraints includes specifying days (160, 180) a multimedia terminal may be utilized by a viewer and allowed viewing time slots within those days.

7. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said specifying of viewing content restrictions includes specifying content themes (133, 143, 162, 182) a viewer is allowed to watch and according to what percentage specified content themes may be viewed.

8. The method as claimed in Claim 1, further including a step of specifying, via an interface display (120, 120') a minimum age (134, 142) below which a viewer is subject to said time constraints and content restrictions.

9. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said specifying of viewing content restrictions includes specifying a minimum program rating (137, 139, 145, 147) below which a viewer is subject to said content restrictions.

10. The method as claimed in Claim 7, further including a step of specifying, via an interface display (122) an authorization enabling a user to record viewing content (163,165, 183, 185) via a recording device (23, 28, 29).

11. The method as claimed in Claim 10, further including a step of enabling a viewer to define viewing content to be recorded, said viewing content to be recorded according to said specified content theme.

12. The method as claimed in Claim 1, further including a step of specifying, via an interface display (122') an authorization to maintain and store a history of a viewer's viewing access over a period of time for subsequent generation of a report (167,169, 187, 189).

13. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said step of monitoring (216) a viewer's access to current or recorded broadcast content includes a step of periodic checking viewer' s access to said current broadcast or recorded content.

14. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said step of monitoring (216) a viewer's access to current or recorded broadcast content includes a step of checking viewer' s access to said broadcast content in response to a viewer' s switching access to another current broadcast or recorded content.

15. The method as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said step of enabling a user to record viewing content includes the additional step of specifying whether advertisements may be filtered out of the broadcast content when recording (120, 129).

16. A supervisory control system (10) for controlling a user's viewing of content via a multimedia terminal device (13a, 13b) comprising: means (15, 30) for receiving user input commands specifying time constraints (151, 156) for controlling times a viewer is allowed to watch said multimedia terminal within a period of time, and specifying viewing content restrictions (125, 135) of content capable of being viewed by said viewer within said period of time; control means (15, 50, 51) for monitoring (216) a viewer's access to current broadcast content via said multimedia terminal and access to content that has been previously recorded by said viewer via a recording device that stores recorded broadcast content (163, 183), said control means comprising means for blocking (208, 258, 273, 323, 412) said viewer's access to current or stored broadcast content that is violative of said time and viewing content restrictions.

17. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said specified time constraints includes allowed user viewing times (171, 172) a multimedia terminal may be utilized by a viewer within a predetermined period of time.

18. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said specified time constraints includes an allocation of additional time (154, 174) for extending viewing of allowed content when an allowed program currently being viewed exceeds time of an allowed viewing period or time slot.

19. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said specified time constraints includes specified days (160, 180) a multimedia terminal may be utilized by a viewer and allowed viewing time slots within those days.

20. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said specified viewing content restrictions includes specified content themes (133, 143, 162, 182) a viewer is allowed to watch and according to what percentage specified content themes may be viewed.

21. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said means for receiving user input commands further received user input commands specifying a minimum age (134, 142) below which a viewer is subject to said time constraints and content restrictions.

22. The system as claimed in Claim 20, wherein said means for receiving user input commands further receives user input commands specifying an authorization enabling a user to record viewing content (163,165, 183, 185) via a recording device (23, 28, 29).

23. The system as claimed in Claim 22, further including a means for enabling a viewer to define viewing content to be recorded, said viewing content to be recorded according to said specified content theme.

24. The system as claimed in Claim 16, further including means for maintaining and storing a history of a viewer's viewing access over a period of time for subsequent generation of a report.

25. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said control means for monitoring a viewer's access to current or recorded broadcast content includes a means for periodically checking viewer's access to said current broadcast or recorded content.

26. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said control means for monitoring a viewer's access to current or recorded broadcast content includes a means for checking viewer's access to said broadcast content in response to a viewer's changing access to a current broadcast or recorded content.

27. The system as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said means enabling a user to record viewing content includes filter means for filtering out advertisements from the broadcast content when recording (120, 129).

28. The system as claimed in Claim 16, further comprising a network connection (30, 99) communicatively coupled with said means (15) for enabling entry of said user input commands specifying said time constraints and content restrictions from a remote location.

29. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said network connection includes a wired (25) or wireless connection (22).

30. The system as claimed in Claim 29, wherein said network connection includes a public or private network (99).

31. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said multimedia terminal device includes a television (13a, 13b).

32. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said recording device that stores recorded broadcast content comprises a high-density disk storage media (29).

33. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said recording device (29) comprises a personal video recorder.

34. A method (200) for providing supervisory control over viewing of content via a multimedia terminal device comprising: authenticating a user (203) attempting to access current multimedia content via or recorded multimedia content said multimedia terminal device; in response to an authenticated viewer's attempted access to current broadcast program, checking (400) whether the current time is within a period of time (151, 156) previously specified as being restricted such that that viewer is not allowed to watch multimedia terminal; in further response to an authenticated viewer's attempted access to current broadcast program, checking (406) whether the broadcast content or recorded content is in compliance with previously specified viewing content restrictions (125, 135) for that viewer within a current period of time; and, blocking (412) said viewer's access to current or stored broadcast content that is violative of said time and viewing content restrictions, or otherwise, enabling said viewer to view accessed content.

35. The method as claimed in Claim 34, wherein, when viewing an allowed broadcast event within a pre- determined allotted viewer time slot, a further step of detecting an end of said pre- determined allotted viewer time slot and generating for display on said multimedia terminal a message notifying said viewer of an impending termination of said pre- determined allotted viewer time slot.

36. The method as claimed in Claim 35, wherein, after receiving said message notifying said viewer of an impending termination of said pre- determined allotted viewer time slot, a further step of enabling said viewer to record a remainder of an event if it exceeds allotted time slot.

37. The method as claimed in Claim 36, further comprising enabling said viewer to view remaining recorded content of said event within a subsequent allotted viewer time slot.