Patent ID: 7367040
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: H04H,H04N

Abstract:
1. A view restriction method for imposing view restriction on a program that is scheduled to be broadcasted or being broadcasted, the method comprising: associating receiver identification information for identifying a receiver of a viewer with a restricted program when the restricted program is designated by the viewer; broadcasting view restriction information including the receiver identification information associated with the restricted program together with the restricted program in a broadcasting time range of the restricted program, wherein the view restriction information includes an individual message that is voluntarily specified by the viewer; broadcasting a rating value based on a content of the restricted program in association with the restricted program; acquiring, at the receiver, the view restriction information broadcasted together with the restricted program; restricting, at the receiver, display of the restricted program if the receiver identification information included in the view restriction information matches that set at the receiver; displaying, at the receiver, a password enter screen when the restricted program has the rating value equal to or greater than a predetermined rating value; and displaying, at the receiver, the individual message included in the view restriction information instead of a screen of the restricted program, at the time of restriction of displaying the restricted program, in response to a predetermined password being entered.