Patent Application
20060064757
The present invention relates to the field of digital recording and playback. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for accessing restricted media content in a user-centric media system.
A digital set-top box is a device that enables a television to become a user interface to the Internet and also enables a television to receive and decode digital television (DTV) broadcasts. A digital set-top box may also be used by television viewers who wish to use their current analog television sets to receive digital broadcasts. Digital set-top boxes are often referred to as digital video recorders (DVRs) and personal video recorders (PVRs). DVRs are devices that can record media content (e.g., television programming) using digital media (e.g., a hard disk or memory) rather than video tape.
A PVR performs the same functions as a DVR but has more features that allow the PVR to function as a multimedia center. Additional features commonly provided by PVRs include the ability to play games, watch picture slide shows, listen to music as well as being able to program the PVR to record media content based upon user defined parameters. For example, a user can provide the name of a television series and the PVR will record and store episodes of that series that are available. Other user defined parameters include the name of an actor, a director, or even a keyword.
A typical digital set-top box contains one or more digital processors for running its operating system and for parsing the MPEG transport stream of a digital broadcast. A digital set-top box may also include RAM, an MPEG decoder chip, and additional chips for audio decoding and processing. More sophisticated digital set-top boxes may also contain a hard drive for storing recorded television broadcasts, for downloaded software, and for other applications provided by a DTV service provider. Some digital set-top boxes may also include a writeable digital versatile disk drive (e.g., a DVD R/W drive) to facilitate creating copies of broadcast content.
Typically, PVR and DVR equipped digital set-top boxes are content centric. In other words, the content stored upon the hard drive is organized according to characteristics assigned to each particular instance of media. As a result, anyone accessing the digital set-top box can access any of the media content stored therein. However, at times it may not be desired that all users have access to all of the media content stored in the digital set-top box.
It would be advantageous to control access to media content accessible via a digital set-top box in a manner which prevents displaying all of the media content to each user of the digital set-top box. While meeting the above stated need, it would further be advantageous to restrict access to some instances of media accessible via a digital set-top box to a particular user or users.
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for user secure access to user content recordings. This is called a “user-centric” model for the media system. In one embodiment, a particular user who is permitted access to an instance of restricted user-specific media content via a digital set-top box is identified. A user-specific list of media content accessible via the digital set-top box is presented. In embodiments of the present invention, the user-specific list comprises the instance of restricted user-specific media content accessible by the particular user. The particular user is then permitted to access the instance of restricted media via the digital set-top box. Each user has a unique set or media authorized for that user respectively. All users can also access global media recorded onto the system.
As an example, a user of a digital set-top box enters a log-in name and password through a user interface screen. When the identity of the user is confirmed, a user-specific screen provides a list of user-specific media content accessible via the digital set-top box is displayed to that user. In embodiments of the present invention, the list comprises instances of media content (global) which are available to all users of the digital set-top box as well as instances of restricted user-specific media content which are available to authorized users, but not available to all users. In other words, that particular user does not have access to restricted user-specific media content of other users of the digital set-top box. In so doing, embodiments of the present invention control access to the media content accessible via the digital set-top box. This is advantageous in a situation where a parent may wish to be able to, for example, watch a movie which they feel is unsuited for their children to watch due to language, violence, or other objectionable content.
In one embodiment, the user can record the media content while logged in. Subsequently, access to the recorded instance of media content is restricted to that particular user as long as the user is logged-in, the user does not have to re-enter the username/password sequence upon entering the use-specific interface screens. A user can also log-in as a guest and view only the global media content recordings.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a wireless device may be used to remotely access the digital set-top box. A user can insert a removable memory device into the wireless device in order to identify the user to the system and provide user preferences, etc. For example, the removable memory device may store the user's log-in name and password as well as content entitlement information. As a result, the user may directly access the list of content available to that user without using the intervening log-in steps and user password screens described above. In embodiments of the present invention, more than one removable memory device may be inserted into the wireless remote device (e.g., one removable memory device for each of a plurality of users). As a result, the list of media content would display the generally accessible media content as well as the restricted user-specific media content accessible by each of the plurality of users.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Unless specifically noted, the drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale.
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention will be described in conjunction with the following embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments alone. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents which may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
There are a variety of configurations which may be used by end users to couple a digital set-top box with content provider 110 in embodiments of the present invention. For example, end user 130 has coupled television 132 with network 120 via digital set-top box 131. Other users may couple a personal computer or home gateway device with network 120 and use that as the connection point for other devices. For example, user 140 has coupled a computer 143 between digital set-top box 141 and network 120. Alternatively, end user 150 has coupled a plurality of digital set-top boxes (e.g., digital set-top boxes 151 and 153 with network 120 and coupled each of the digital set-top boxes with a television (e.g., televisions 152 and 154 respectively). In another embodiment, a single digital set-top box may be coupled with a plurality of televisions. For example, digital set-top box 161 is coupled with televisions 162 and 163. It is appreciated that embodiments of the present invention are well suited to be utilized in configurations other than those shown in
Embodiments of the present invention use hard drive 203 as temporary storage during real-time viewing to support digital video recorder features such as pause, cue, rewind, etc. For example, to pause the recorder, hard drive 203 continuously spools the data until playback of the media content is resumed. Additionally, storing a digital copy 220 of media content 102 on hard disk drive 203 allows a user to view media content 102 at a later time that is more convenient to the user.
In embodiments of the present invention, when a user wants to access media content 102, hard disk drive 203 is accessed by MPEG decoder 202 wherein the digitally encoded content is decoded and sent via coupling 254 to a display device (e.g., a television). Again, this may be performed in a real-time operation which is substantially concurrent with the receiving of media content 102, or may occur at a later time.
In embodiments of the present invention, media content 102 may also sent be from MPEG decoder 202 to formatter 205 via coupling 256 wherein the broadcast content is converted into a format compatible with a second storage medium. For example, in one embodiment, the broadcast content is converted into a data stream format which facilitates storing media content 102 on a recordable DVD R/W disk. Again, while the present embodiment recites a recordable DVD R/W disk, embodiments of the present invention are well suited for converting media content 102 into a variety of formats. Additionally, formatter 205 may convert media content 102 into more than one format to be compatible with a variety of storage media. In embodiments of the present invention, media content 102 is converted by formatter 205 concurrent with its being displayed by a display device. In embodiments of the present invention, this may occur in real-time as media content 102 is received by system 200 (e.g., via coupling 251). Alternatively, media content 102 may be stored on hard disk drive 203 as the first digital copy 220 and undergo the format conversion by formatter 205 at a later time. In embodiments of the present invention, this is controlled by the user of system 200. For example, a user may first wish to review media content 102 before deciding whether to create the second digital copy, and thus use more storage space of hard disk drive 203.
Additionally, system 200 can also receive a digital broadcast comprising media content 102 via coupling 255 and MPEG decoder 202. In embodiments of the present invention, the digital broadcast may comprise a standard definition (SD) digital broadcast or a high definition (HD) digital broadcast. Typically, digital broadcast content is received as a packetized data stream. The packetized data is passed through MPEG decoder 202 to hard disk drive 203 via coupling 253 wherein a digital copy 220 of media content 102 is stored to support features of the digital video recorder as described above. The broadcast digital data is stored in an encoded MPEG format. When a user wants to access media content 102, hard disk drive 203 is accessed by MPEG decoder 202 via coupling 253 wherein it is decoded and sent to the display device via coupling 254.
As described above, in embodiments of the present invention, media content 102 may also sent to MPEG decoder 202 for decoding and then to formatter 205 via coupling 256 wherein the broadcast content is converted into a format compatible with a second storage medium (e.g., a data stream format). In embodiments of the present invention, the broadcast content is converted by formatter 205 in real-time (e.g., concurrent with its being displayed), or may be stored on hard disk drive 203 and undergo the format conversion by formatter 205 at a later time. The broadcast content undergoes format conversion and is sent through MPEG decoder 202 via coupling 256 and then to hard disk drive 203 wherein a second digital copy of the broadcast content is stored.
In one embodiment, when the media content 102 is accessed for playback, hard disk drive 203 is accessed by MPEG decoder 202 via IDE interface 227 and media content 102 is sent to memory 228 via memory controller 221 and then sent to MPEG decoder 222. In embodiments of the present invention, DVR/PVR controller software processed by processor 224 typically comprises logic for controlling the presentation of the media content 102 by controlling demux 220. For example, a DVR/PVR software controller comprises logic for controlling functions such as playback, pause, cue, rewind, slow-motion play, etc. A PVR/DVR software controller comprises logic for performing the functions of a DVR controller and additional features such as tracking program preferences, recommending programs, etc. In the embodiment of
In embodiments of the present invention, demux 220 sends the broadcast content to MPEG decoder 223 wherein the broadcast content may be formatted into an interim signal. For example, if the digital broadcast content comprises a high definition digital broadcast, it cannot be stored by a DVD R/W. Therefore, MPEG decoder 223 would first “down decode” the HD broadcast content into a standard definition digital format. In one embodiment, the interim signal from MPEG decoder 223 comprises an analog signal. The interim signal is sent from MPEG decoder 223 to formatter 205 via coupling 256.
In embodiments of the present invention, a user can store media content via set-top box 200 for later access. In embodiments of the present invention, when a user is logged in and indicates that he/she would like to record or otherwise store an instance of media content, the user is presented with the option of storing the media content as a generally accessible title. If the user selects this option, the media content will be stored either on digital set-top box 200 (e.g., on hard disk drive 203), or remotely (e.g., in repository 101 of content provider 110). Subsequently, this media content will be accessible to any user of digital set-top box 200 without restriction. However, if the user selects to save the media content to his/her individual user account, the instance of media content will be accessible to users who provide the correct user name and password for accessing that account.
An exemplary user selection mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown in
In embodiments of the present invention, if a user selects user log-in sub-screen 512 screen 520 is next displayed. In screen 520, a sub-screen 521 is displayed which facilitates selecting a user name of the user logging in. In the embodiment of
In embodiments of the present invention, upon selecting a user name, screen 530 is displayed. In screen 530, a sub-screen 531 is displayed which allows a user to enter a password which is associated with that particular user. In embodiments of the present invention, the user name and password entered by the user attempting to log-in are compared with a user name and password stored, for example, on hard disk drive 203, or memory 228 of digital set-top box 200. In another embodiment, the user name and password may be stored remotely (e.g., in repository 101 of
In step 420 of
In step 430 of
In embodiments of the present invention, at least one user of digital set-top box 200 may be designated as the system administrator of that digital set-top box. In embodiments of the present invention, that user can access system functions of digital set-top box 200 such as hard disk drive maintenance (e.g., deleting media content, editing user accounts and user definitions, etc.). However, the system administrator may not access information related to the other user's content such as the titles or other descriptions of restricted media content stored in each user's account. Instead, a generic ID shall be used during system maintenance. In another embodiment, the system administrator may override this function to permit, for example, a parent to view titles stored by his/her children.
In embodiments of the present invention, a user may log-out from digital set-top box 200 using, for example, a button or log-out key sequence of controller 600. Alternatively, upon logging in, a timeout sequence may be initiated by digital set-top box 200. At the end of the timeout sequence, the user is automatically logged out of his/her individual user account and logged in as a guest of digital set-top box 200. This prevents a user from forgetting to log-out, thus allowing other users to view the titles of restricted media content in an account and possibly access media content which may be unsuitable.
In step 460 of method 450, a user-specific media list is presented. In response to identifying the particular user accessing system 200, a user-specific list is presented which includes the restricted media content that is specific to that user. The list (e.g., sub-screen 541 of
In step 465 of method 450, the user accesses selected content. In embodiments of the present invention, the user may scroll down the list displayed in step 460 to identify a particular instance of media content and indicate that the instance of media content has been selected.
In step 470 of method 450, the user elects to record the media content and the content is marked as restricted. In embodiments of the present invention, the user may choose to record an instance of media content. In embodiments of the present invention, when a user is logged in, the recorded media content will be associated with that particular user. As a result, later access of that instance of media content is restricted to the user that recorded it. However, the user can override this function by marking the instance of media content as global content. It is appreciated that the user may mark the instance of media content as global before, during, or after the media content has been recorded.
In step 475 of method 450, a logical operation is performed to determine whether a pre-determined time period has elapsed. In embodiments of the present invention, a logged in user is automatically logged out when a pre-determined time period has elapsed. This prevents other users of system 200 from accessing the restricted media content of the logged in user if, for example, that user forgets to log out. In embodiments of the present invention, the time period can be determined by each individual user, or by the system administrator of system 200. If the pre-determined time period has elapsed, method 450 returns to step 455 and the user may log in again if so desired.
In step 480 of method 450, a logical operation is performed to determine whether the user has logged out. If the pre-determined time period has not elapsed, system 200 determines whether the user has logged out. If the user has logged out, method 450 returns to step 455. As a result, users will again access system 200 with guest access privileges until another user logs in. If the user has not logged out, method 450 continues to step 485.
In step 485 of method 450, a logical operation is performed to determine whether the user wants to return back to the user-specific media list. In embodiments of the present invention, a user can cause user selection mechanism 500 to be displayed (e.g., using remote controller 600 of
Also shown in
In embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of users may log-in simultaneously by inserting their respective memory devices into controller 600 (e.g., into ports 651 and 652). In embodiments of the present invention, when more than one user is logged in to set-top box 200, the titles of restricted media content accessible by both users, as well as the media content generally accessible to guest users, will be displayed (e.g., on screen 540 of
Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous because they allow greater control of access to media content which may not be suitable for all users of the set-top box.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method and system for user secure access to user content recordings, is thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claims.
