Abstract:
The multifunctional television remote control includes a fingerprint verification module and sensory feedback to monitor and control access to television content. The method includes placing at least one finger on a fingerprint reader, obtaining fingerprint data, verifying the user is an authorized user and providing feedback to the user, such as a child. The multifunctional remote control has a number of sensory feedbacks to provide children with information with respect to their choices regarding the television programs selected for viewing. The remote control&#39;s feedback capabilities include lighting representing the different feedback responses providing an interactive experience.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to remote control devices, and more particularly, to a multifunctional television remote control including sensory feedback and fingerprint verification to monitor and control user access to television programming. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Security features for controlling access to television content have been developed to protect children from age-specific and/or inappropriate television content and programming. Recent studies have shown that television programming can impact a child&#39;s attitude, behavior, beliefs and knowledge. Further, other studies have shown that excessive television can negatively affect a child&#39;s socialization with his or her peers, world view, as well as general behavior. Additional harmful effects of excessive and/or inappropriate television content on children can include diminished learning development, increased aggression, as well as childhood obesity. 
         [0005]    In the United States, devices such as the V-chip, are used to protect users, and particularly children, from unsuitable viewing content. In the United Kingdom, unsuitable programming for children can be blocked by devices, such as television receivers. While the aforementioned devices use password protection to control television programming access, they do not provide a personalized management system that can be pre-programmed by an administrator, such as a parent. Additionally, these devices are not user-specific and/or capable of detecting and controlling television programming access based on the user in possession of the remote control, which is typically how channel selection occurs. Thus, a multifunctional television remote control including finger-print recognition and sensory feedback to solve the aforementioned problems is desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The multifunctional television remote control device includes a housing for handling by a user. The housing includes a first section, a third section and a second section intermediate to the first section and third section. The housing also includes an authentication device to detect at least one user biometric feature and obtain user biometric data. The authentication device is coupled to the housing. The multifunctional remote control device further includes a memory to store user feature information for at least one user. The memory is in operative communication with the authentication device and stores user feature information having pre-assigned viewing content for each user; 
         [0007]    In addition, the multifunctional remote control includes a processor to compare user feature information stored in the memory, to the detected user biometric data, and permit preselected viewing content to be stored to memory. The processor is in operative communication with the authentication device and memory. The processor compares the detected biometric feature to user feature information stored in the memory and upon finding a match, permits the user to control selection of viewing content pre-assigned to the user. 
         [0008]    The multifunctional remote control includes components to provide sensory feedback to children and other users. The multifunctional remote control has voice and visual feedback to enable children to make correct choices, especially regarding the television programs children choose to view, and warns children against making bad choices. The multifunctional remote control also includes feedback to the user via light panels displaying a number of colors representing different feedback responses. 
         [0009]    The method for controlling television access using the multifunctional remote control comprises the steps of executing, with a processor, a program stored in a non-transitory memory of a computer implemented device and requiring a user to place a finger on the fingerprint recognition module of the multifunctional remote control for scanning. Thereafter, the method includes the steps of comparing the fingerprint data of the finger scanned to a record data, and when it is determined the action is authorized according to the record data, providing at least one sensory feedback, and sending a signal to allow access to the action. 
         [0010]    These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the multifunctional remote control including fingerprint verification and sensory feedback, according to the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  is a sectional view of a multifunctional remote control of  FIG. 1A  further illustrating features to provide fingerprint verification and sensory feedback, according to the present invention 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the multifunctional remote control according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a flow chart illustrating steps for operating the multifunctional remote control, according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a flow chart continuing from  FIG. 3A , further illustrating steps for operating the multifunctional remote control, according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    The multifunctional television remote control, generally referred to by reference number  100  in the drawings, includes fingerprint verification and sensory feedback, to monitor and control user viewing of various programs. These include, but are not limited thereto, television programs, multimedia videos, presentation slides, and the like which can be construed as viewing content in general. Various embodiments shown are provided for illustrative purposes, and accordingly should not be construed in a limiting sense or limited to the illustrations provided. 
         [0018]    Referring now to the drawings, in particular to  FIG. 1A , there is shown a perspective view of the multifunctional remote control  100 . The multifunctional remote control  100  permits an administrator to control and/or monitor a user&#39;s television usage and additionally provides sensory feedback to the user during use. The multifunctional remote control  100  can be a computer implemented device, but analog, digital, combinations, or variations thereof can also be implemented in accordance with the functions described herein. 
         [0019]    As best shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the multifunction remote control  100  includes a substantially hollow, curvilinear body  101  enclosing the components facilitating various operations of the multifunction remote control  100 . In an embodiment, the body  101  is desirably shaped as an anthropomorphic representation of a finger pressing down on an object. The body  101  includes a relatively short first or front section  102 , an intermediate curved, second section  103  contiguous with the first section  102 , and a substantially elongate third section  104  extending from the second section  103 . The curvilinear, finger-shape is very ergonomic and comfortably conforms to the natural holding position of a user&#39;s hand. Features such as selectors  112 , digital display  114 , and an authentication device  118 , the details of which will be further described, are desirably disposed at preselected positions on the body  101  for ease of interaction therewith by the user. In normal use, the palm of a user&#39;s hand can rest or wrap around the third section  104  leaving the fingers or thumb free to operate the selectors  112  without hindering the user&#39;s view of the display  114 . It is noted that the shape of the body  101  can be any desired shape. However, the anthropomorphic shape is desired because though the shape has universal appeal, the shape has more appeal for the young and represents a more entertaining factor that invites positive interaction from children. 
         [0020]    As shown, the multifunction remote control  100  includes one or more button interface or selectors  112 , for permitting the user to control channel selection and other television capabilities, an infrared interface, or transmitter  106  for transmitting control signals to the television or television controller, an authentication device  118  for detecting the user, such as a fingerprint reader, for identifying the user, and an output unit  116  such as a digital display  114  for providing visual user input and feedback to the user, and a light panel  120  for providing sensory feedback to the user. The selectors  112  are desirably disposed on the curved second section  103  within easy reach of the user&#39;s fingers or thumb. The digital display  114  is desirably disposed on the front section  102  spaced from the second section  103  so as to provide unencumbered view of operations. The authentication device  118  is desirably disposed on a side of the housing  100  the second section  103  where the user&#39;s thumb and/or finger normally can reside during use. Further, the digital display  114  can be representative of a fingernail while the curved second section  103  can be representative of a knuckle maintaining the anthropomorphic theme of a finger. 
         [0021]    Continuing to  FIG. 1B , there is shown a sectional view of the multifunctional remote control  100 , further including a power source, such as a battery  104  for providing power, a circuit board or controller  105 , including a central processing unit or processor  108  for receiving and processing information from the authentication device  118  and memory  110 . 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the fingerprint reader  118  can be any type of electronic device adapted to capture data, and/or capture an image of the user&#39;s fingerprint pattern. The fingerprint reader  118  can include fingerprint sensing technologies such as, for example, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, capacitance sensors, passive capacitance sensors, and active capacitance sensors. Other types of authentication devices  118  include, for example, biometric devices for detecting user biometric information, such as finger vein recognition, iris recognition, voice recognition, personal identification number (PIN), or a combination thereof, and is not limited in this regard. 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , the power source  104  can be a battery  104 , or any similar device capable of providing power to the multifunctional remote control  100 . The power source  104  can be coupled to a charging device, or connected to a standard outlet for electrical power. The transmitter  106  is adapted to transmit data, which can be in the form of electronic data, via infrared, wired signals, wireless signals, Bluetooth®, or a variation thereof. The information and operations that are transmitted throughout the various embodiments are desirably wireless or optics, for example, infrared transmission. However, USB connections or any of various types of hard wire connections or combinations thereof can also be used to transmit data between the multifunctional remote control  100  and the device to be controlled such as a television. 
         [0024]    The multifunctional remote control  100  is adapted to provide sensory feedback to a user. To permit sensory feedback, the multifunctional remote  100  can be formed in a well-adapted material, such as, for example, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or any suitable plastic or metal material. The multifunction remote control  100  can be produced using processes, such as, mechanical manufacturing, stereolithography or fused deposition modeling, for example. Notably, the multifunctional remote control  100  can include additional components and accordingly, the control  100  is not limited in this regard. 
         [0025]    The multifunctional remote control  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  can include a unique design and additional components, but are not limited in this regard. As shown, embodiments of the multifunctional remote control  100  can provide the fingerprint reader or fingerprint recognition module  118 , controller and processor  108 , memory  110 , and output units  116  as separate components. It is however contemplated that the aforementioned components can also be included or integrated in combination with the circuit board  105 , for example. Notably, the overall size of the multifunctional remote control  100  can vary. Accordingly, the embodiment of the multifunctional remote control  100  can include a computer, tablet, PDA, smart phone or cellular phone, for example. 
         [0026]    The multifunctional remote control  100  is programmable to provide sensory feedback that encourages the user to stay a preselected viewing distance away from the television, as well as control the viewing time available for the particular user. The multifunctional remote control  100  can include audio feedback and visual feedback to control the viewing selection accessible to the user. 
         [0027]    During use, the multifunctional remote control  100  can include sensory feedback via the output unit  116 , such as vibrations, olfaction, and voltage or electrical stimulus. Sensory feedback can also be delivered interactively through the digital display  114  or on-the screen provided by the television or digital console. The sensory feedback feature can further include visually displaying an assortment of colors and/or shapes on the light panel  120  or digital display  114 . For example, the color red can indicate an attempt to view a prohibited channel, and green will indicate that a selected channel is appropriate for viewing by a child. The audio feedback of the output unit  116  can produce an audio message to the user or child indicating to “please turn down the volume” if the volume exceeds a preselected level or “you have one hour left” informing the viewer the amount of television viewing time that is available. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the functions disclosed utilize similar reference numerals of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , however are of a  200  series, and accordingly correspond to the aforementioned components disclosed in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the multifunctional remote control  200  can include a fingerprint recognition module or reader  218 , a power source  204 , such as the battery  204 , an infrared interface  206 , and one or more button interfaces  212 . The multifunctional control  200  can further include a processor  208 , memory  210  in communication with the processor  208 , and an output unit  216  to provide feedback to the user. The output unit  216  can include an audio output unit  222 , a digital display  214 , and a light panel  220 . However, notably, the output unit  216  is not limited in this regard, and can include other output devices to provide feedback, such as vibration or electric stimulus. The sensory output units  216 , the processor  208 , the memory  210  and any associated computer readable recoding media are in communication with one another by any suitable type of system or data bus, for example. 
         [0029]    The fingerprint recognition module or reader  218  is adapted to detect information, such as the fingerprint data. The recognition module  218 , in communication with the processor  208 , sends the information to the processor  208 . The general system of the multifunctional remote control  200  can also include a number of additional authentication methods after the fingerprint verification of the multifunctional remote control, such as iris recognition, voice recognition, personal identification number (PIN), another biometric or physical trait, or a combination thereof and is not limited in this regard. 
         [0030]    The central processing unit, such as the processor  208 , can be associated with, or incorporated into, any suitable type of electronic device, for example, a personal computer, portable computing device, smartphone, or a programmable logic controller. The central processing unit  208  is in communication with the button interface or selectors  212 , memory  210 , finger recognition module  218 , and transmitting or infrared interface  206 . 
         [0031]    Data entered into the fingerprint recognition module  218  via any suitable type of interface, such as the fingerprint reader  218 , can be stored in the memory  210 , which can be any suitable type of computer readable and programmable memory  210  and can be a non-transitory, computer readable medium. Record data, user profiles or a number of information can also be programmed and stored in a memory, such as the memory  210 , for example. Examples of computer readable memory  210  as can be used or included in the memory  210  can include a non-transitory computer readable storage memory, a magnetic recording apparatus, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and/or a semiconductor memory (for example, RAM, ROM, etc.). Examples of magnetic recording apparatus that can be used in addition to or in place of the memory  210  include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), a magnetic tape (MT). Examples of the optical disk include types of DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), DVD-RAMs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), and CD-Rs (recordable)/RW. 
         [0032]    The digital display  214  can include a plurality of visual words, messages and/or symbols, such as, for example, check marks, music notes, alarm clocks, stop signs, “Go” signs. The light panel  220  can include a number of colors to represent sensor feedback, such as green for approval when a user selects a channel that he or she is authorized to view, red for denial of authorization, and yellow for neutral. Notably the light panel  220  is not limited in this regard and additional colors can be displayed without departing from the scope of the invention. Notably, embodiments of the multifunctional remote control and methods of operation can that the audio or written feedback can be provided various languages and is not limited in this regard. Additional embodiments include for a number of preset audio or written messages on the remote and customizable messages to be stored and recorded into the remote. 
         [0033]    The multifunctional remote control  200  can be programmed at the multifunctional remote control  200  by the user, or through an external computer-implemented device that is in communication to the multifunctional remote control  200  Operations can be controlled at the central processing unit, such as the processor  208 , which can be any suitable type of computer processor. 
         [0034]    The processor  208  compares the detected fingerprint data to recorded fingerprint data stored in the memory  210 . If the finger print data detected matches with the data recorded, the user is authorized to select television channels to view, using the button interface  212 . The processor  208  receives the user&#39;s selection from the interface  212  and verifies the user has access to the selected channel, based on the assigned authorization information stored in the memory  210 . If verified, the processor  208  sends a signal through the infrared interface  206  to a television or content provider, such as a cable box. In addition, the processor  208  can also send a signal to an output unit  216  to provide at least one sensory feedback to the user, such as an audio message or sound from the audio output unit  222 , a picture or written message from the digital display  214 , or a number of colored lights from the light panel  220 . The processor  208  can also use a combination of the sensory output units  216 , or other sensory output units such as vibrations, olfaction, and voltage or electrical stimulus, for example, and is not limited in this regard. 
         [0035]    The method for operating the multifunctional remote control using fingerprint verification and providing sensory feedback can be performed by any suitable computer system, such as diagrammatically shown in the drawing of the multifunctional remote control  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 3A and 3B , illustrate a flowchart of a logic tree  301  of a method for operating a multifunctional remote control having fingerprint verification and sensory feedback, such as the general multifunctional remote control  200  of  FIG. 2 . As disclosed in the flow chart  301 , at step  302  a user engages the control  200  with at least one finger to the fingerprint reader or fingerprint recognition module  218  and the fingerprint is detected by the reader. 
         [0037]    Thereafter, step  304  provides that the multifunctional remote control  200  compares or match record data stored in the memory  210  to the fingerprint data detect of the user. If there is not a match of the fingerprint data to the record data in the memory at  303 , an administrator for the multifunctional remote control  200  can create an account for the user, or the user can access the television in a guest mode, e.g. being able to view standard government channels or pre-authorized channels, at step  306 . The multifunctional remote control  200  can also deny television access to the user at step  306 . 
         [0038]    If there is a match at  304 , the remote control  200  sends a signal to permit the user access to a number of preselected channels for the specified user at step  308 . Continuing at step  310 , the user selects a channel using the multifunctional remote control  200 . At step  312 , the multifunctional remote control  200  compares information stored in the memory, as to whether the channel selected by the user is an authorized channel for the specific user. If the channel is not an authorized channel at step  312 , the multifunctional remote control produces at least one sensory feedback to the user at step  314  and the user is prompted to select another channel at step  310 . 
         [0039]    If, at step  312 , the channel selected by the user is an authorized channel for the specific user, the multifunctional remote control produces at least one sensory feedback to the user, such as a colored light from the light panel  220  or a written message from the digital display  214  of  FIG. 2 , and sends a signal to allow access to the selected channel at step  316 . Continuing at step  318 , the multifunctional remote control can inform the user of the remaining or allotted time the user has to watch television. At step  320  the multifunctional remote control can check whether the user attempts to select another channel. If the user has attempted to select another channel, the multifunctional remote control checks whether the new channel is an authorized channel for the user at step  312 . 
         [0040]    If, at step  320 , the user has not attempted to select another channel, the multifunctional remote control can produce a number of messages through at least one sensory feedback at step  322 , such as a reminder recorded from the child&#39;s parent, for example. The messages produced from the at least one sensory feedback at step  322  can be a variety of messages and feedback, such as an audio message encouraging a child to be good to their parents, a written reminder to the child or providing moral and religious nurturing. 
         [0041]    Continuing at step  324 , the multifunctional remote control can check whether the user has attempted to perform an action other than selecting a channel, such as changing the volume, for example. If the user does not attempt another action at step  324 , the multifunctional remote control can produce at least one sensory feedback, such an audio moral message from the audio output unit  222  of  FIG. 2 , and end television access upon completion of the allotted time to the user at step  332 . 
         [0042]    If, at step  324 , the multifunctional remote control has determined the user has attempted to perform an action, the multifunctional remote control then checks whether the user is authorized to perform the action at step  326 . If the user is authorized to perform the action, the multifunctional remote control produces at least one sensory feedback and sends a signal to perform the action at step  328 . Continuing from step  328 , the multifunctional remote control can produce additional sensory feedback, such as displaying an image on the digital display  220  of  FIG. 2 , and end television access upon completion of the allotted time to the user at step  332 . 
         [0043]    If the user is not authorized to perform the action attempted at step  326 , the multifunctional remote control can produce at least one sensory feedback to the user at step  330 , such as displaying a stop sign on the digital display of the remote control, for example. Continuing from step  330 , the multifunctional remote control can produce additional sensory feedback, such producing an audio message from a child&#39;s parent, and end television access upon completion of the allotted time to the user at step  332 . 
         [0044]    It should be noted by persons of ordinary skill in the art that equivalent replacements or variations of components or units with the same or similar property and purpose can be made in embodiments of a multifunctional remote control providing sensory feedback and, therefore, should not be construed in a limiting sense. It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.