BLOCKING SYSTEM

Abstract: This description sets forth a blocking system which may be used in television programming and elsewhere. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a television program-blocking device. The television program-blocking device is adapted to prevent viewing of selected television programming. This embodiment further includes a selecting unit which is communicatively coupled to the television program-blocking device. The selecting unit is adapted to receive user-based criteria. The user-based criteria define the selected television programming which the television program-blocking device will prevent from being viewed. Additionally, the present invention includes a removable memory unit which is communicatively coupled to the selecting unit. The removable memory unit is adapted to store the user-based criteria, such that the user-based criteria can readily be transferred to a second television program-blocking device. In so doing, the present invention allows a user to enter the user-based criteria one time and then apply the user-based criteria to multiple other television program-blocking devices.

Description: BLOCKING SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention pertains to a blocking system. It may be used in the field of television as well as elsewhere. The present invention is related to blocking of selected television programming. In one embodiment there is described access control for television receivers using a removable memory device. BACKGROUND ART The 1996 Telecommunications Bill mandated that a violence-blocking function be provided to at least some of all newly-manufactured televisions. The violence-blocking function is used, for example, by parents to prevent younger viewers from viewing unsuitable television programming. A standard, EIA-744 and EIA-608 A/B has been provided to assist in achieving the violence blocking (V block) function. Although the standard sets forth some guidelines, the actual method of implementing the V-block function is still largely left to television manufacturers. Television manufacturers now understand that, in addition to complying with the standard, V block implementation must be easy to use, or the V-block function will be ignored by the average consumer. That is, the V-block function must be easy to activate and, similarly, easy to deactivate. Easy deactivation allows, for example, parents to view programming which they wish to prevent their children from viewing unsupervised. In one prior art approach, the television receiver includes a channel- blocking function. The channel-blocking function prevents tuning and, hence, viewing of channels which parents deem inappropriate for their children. In such an approach, parents must first review printed program guides, and then meticulously enter the channel to be blocked and the time frame during which the channel is to be blocked. In some conventional blocking approaches, the parent, or other "blocker," enters a pin number or access code into the blocking system. Once authorized, the parent manually activates blocking of selected programming or deactivates blocking of previously-blocked programming. Such prior art processes are not intuitive for many average consumers. As a result, blocking of selected programming can be frustrating and ti e- consuming for the average consumer. As yet an additional drawback, many homes now contain multiple televisions disposed at various locations throughout the home. Thus, the frustrating and time-consuming conventional blocking process often needs to be repeated at the separate locations corresponding to each of the multiple televisions. When such a burden becomes overwhelming, parents are less likely to utilize the V-block function, thereby negating the usefulness of the feature. Furthermore, conventional N-blocking systems operate in conjunction with ratings transmitted ~ by the content provider. For example, a parent may read in a program guide that a particular channel will be broadcasting a program having a restricted or "R" rating. If the parent does not wish to have R-rated programming viewed by younger viewers in the home, the parent must then block the channel for the time period during which the R-rated programming will be broadcast. However, many programs (e.g. news programming and documentaries) are not required to have a rating associated therewith. As a result, even if a parent has taken the time and effort to prevent all programming of a violent nature from being received in the parent's home, violent news coverage and/or violent documentary programming may still be accessible to younger or sensitive viewers in that parent's home. Thus, a need exists for a system and method for blocking television programming at multiple locations without requiring a user to repeatedly- enter the same information at each of the locations. Still another need exists for a system and method for blocking television programming which meets the above need and which is applicable to programming which does not include a program rating. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a system and method for blocking television programming at multiple locations without requiring a user to repeatedly enter the same information at each of the locations. The present invention further provides a system and method for blocking television programming which achieves the above-listed accomplishment and wherein the system and method is applicable to programming which does not include a program rating. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a television program- blocking device. The television program-blocking device is adapted to prevent viewing of selected television prograπuning. This embodiment further includes a selecting unit which is communicatively coupled to the television program- blocking device. The selecting unit is adapted to receive user-based criteria. The user-based criteria define the selected television programming which the television program-blocking device will prevent from being viewed. Additionally, the present invention includes a removable memory unit which is communicatively coupled to the selecting unit. The removable memory unit is adapted to store the user-based criteria, such that the user-based criteria can readily be transferred to a second television program-blocking device. In so doing, the present invention allows a user to enter the user-based criteria one time and then apply the user-based criteria to multiple other television program-blocking devices. In another embodiment, the present invention includes the features of the above-described embodiment and further recites that the user-based criteria is non-rating oriented. That is, in the present embodiment, the user enters non-rating oriented criteria which is then utilized to define the selected television programming which the television program-blocking device will prevent from being viewed. Thus, the present embodiment can be utilized to prevent viewing of television programming, even when that programming does not have a rating associated therewith. These and other advantages of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the various drawing figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system used in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram of a television program-blocking device having a selecting unit integral therewith and wherein the entire system is integral with a television in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention. FIGURE 3 is a schematic diagram of a television program-blocking device integral with a television and a selecting unit integral with a remote control in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention. FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of a television program-blocking device integral with a television, a removable memory unit adapted to be removably coupled to the television, and a selecting unit integral with a remote control in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention. FIGURE 5 is a schematic diagram of a stand-alone unit having a television program-blocking device and a selecting unit integral therewith, and wherein the stand-alone unit is adapted to have a removable memory unit removably coupled thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention. FIGURE 6 is a schematic diagram of a remote control device having a selecting unit integral therewith and an adapter coupled thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention. FIGURE 7 is flow chart illustrating steps performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention. FIGURE 8 is flow chart illustrating steps performed using non-rating information to determine blocking guidelines in accordance with another embodiment of the present claimed invention. The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to Hmit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the 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, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that 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 as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In the present application, a procedure, logic block, process, etc., is conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proved convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention, discussions utilizing terms such as "receiving," "recording," "transferring," or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device. The computer system or similar electronic computing device, manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices. The present invention is also well suited to the use of other computer systems such as, for example, optical and mechanical computers. Although the present application will refer to a computer system, for purposes of the present application, a computer system is intended to refer to, for example, a television program-blocking device and/or a selecting unit. Hence, the following discussion which refers to processes performed by a computer system also pertains to processes performed by a television program-blocking device and/or a selecting unit of the present invention. COMPUTER SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With reference now to Figure 1, portions of the present method and system are comprised of computer-readable and computer-executable instructions which reside, for example, in computer-usable media of a computer system. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary computer system 100 used to perform the present invention. It is appreciated that system 100 of Figure 1 is exemplary only and that the present invention can operate within a number of different computer systems including general purpose networked computer systems, embedded computer systems, and stand-alone computer systems. Furthermore, as will be described below in detail, the components of computer system 100 reside, for example, in a client computer and/or in the television program-blocking device and/or selecting unit of the present system and method. Additionally, computer system 100 of Figure 1 is well adapted to having computer readable media such as, for example, a floppy disk, a compact disc, and the like coupled thereto. Such computer readable media is not shown coupled to computer system 100 in Figure 1 for purposes of clarity. System 100 of Figure 1 includes an address/data bus 102 for communicating information, and a central processor unit 104 coupled to bus 102 for processing information and instructions. Central processor unit 104 may be an 80x86-family microprocessor. System 100 also incudes data storage features such as a computer usable volatile memory 106, e.g. random access memory (RAM), coupled to bus 102 for storing information and instructions for central processor unit 104, computer usable non- volatile memory 108, e.g. read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus 102 for storing static information and instructions for the central processor unit 104, and a data storage unit 110 (e.g., a magnetic or optical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus 102 for storing information and instructions. System 100 of the present invention also includes an optional alphanumeric input device 112 including alphanumeric and function keys, coupled to bus 102 for communicating information and command selections to central processor unit 104. System 100 also optionally includes a cursor control device 114 coupled to bus 102 for communicating user input information and command selections to central processor unit 104. System 100 of the present embodiment also includes an optional display device 116 coupled to bus 102 for displaying information. Referring still to Figure 1, optional display device 116, may be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, or other display device suitable for creating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to a user. Optional cursor control device 114 allows the computer user to dynamically signal the two dimensional movement of a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 116. Many implementations of cursor control device 114 are known in the art including a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick or special keys on alphanumeric input device 112 capable of signaling movement of a given direction or manner of displacement. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that a cursor can be directed and/or activated via input from alphanumeric input device 112 using special keys and key sequence commands. The present invention is also well suited to directing a cursor by other means such as, for example, voice commands. A more detailed discussion of the method and system embodiments of the present invention are found below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With reference now to Figure 2, a schematic representation of a television programming blocking system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The present discussion will begin with a detailed description of the structure and physical components relevant to the present invention. The following discussion will then recite, in detail, the operation of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, in one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a television programming blocking system 200. Television programming blocking system 200 includes a television program-blocking device 202 which is adapted to prevent viewing of selected television programming. In one embodiment, television program- blocking device 202 is disposed integral with a television receiver. As will be discussed in detail below, the present invention is also well suited to various other embodiments in which television program-blocking device 202 is disposed other than integral with a television receiver. With reference still to the embodiment of Figure 2, television programming blocking system 200 also includes a selecting unit 203. Selecting unit 203 is coupled to television program-blocking device 202. Selecting unit 203 is adapted to receive user-based criteria which define the selected television programming which television program-blocking device 202 will prevent from being viewed. As will be described in detail below, selecting unit 203 is adapted to receive non-rating oriented user-criteria for defining the selected television programming which television program-blocking device 202 will prevent from being viewed. In the embodiment of Figure 2, selecting unit 203 is integral with television program-blocking device 202. Again, as will be discussed in detail below, the present invention is also well suited to various other embodiments in which selecting unit 203 is disposed other than integral with television program-blocking device 202. Television programming blocking system 200 of the embodiment of Figure 2 also includes a removable memory unit 204. As indicated by arrow 206, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be communicatively coupled to selecting unit 203. In the embodiment of Figure 2, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be communicatively coupled to selecting unit 203 by removably coupling removable memory unit 204 to television program- - blocking device 202. Removable memory unit 204 of the present embodiment is adapted to store the user-based criteria received into selecting unit 203 such that the user-based criteria can readily be transferred to a second television program-blocking device, not shown. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 2, television program-blocking device 202, selecting unit 203, and removable memory unit 204 are all adapted to be disposed integrally with a television, not shown. Referring now to Figure 3, another television programming blocking system 300 is shown. In this embodiment, television progra -blocking device 202 is integral with a television 302. In the present embodiment, and in the embodiments to follow, television 302 will be shown as a single integral unit. The present invention is, however, well suited to an embodiment in which, for example, the receiver of television 302 is located separately from other components such as, for example, the display of television 302. Additionally, television programming blocking system 300 of Figure 3 includes a selecting unit 203 which is integral with a remote control unit 304. In this embodiment, selecting unit 203 is configured to be controlled or programmed via keypad 306 of remote control unit 304. Furthermore, in television program-blocking system 300, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to remote control unit 304. Hence, in television programming blocking system 300, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to selecting unit 203. As indicated by arrow 308, remote control unit 304 is adapted to communicate with television 302. With reference now to Figure 4, still another embodiment of a television programming blocking system 400 is shown. Television programming blocking system 400 of the present embodiment includes a selecting unit 203 which is integral with a remote control unit 304. In this embodiment, selecting unit 203 is configured to be controlled or programmed via keypad 306 of remote control unit 304. Furthermore, in television program-blocking system 400, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to television 302. More specifically, television 302 includes a slot 402 for removably receiving removable memory unit 204. For purposes of the present application, removably receiving, removably coupling, and the like refer to being able to couple and then uncouple removable memory unit 204 to and from another unit or device. Hence, in television programming blocking system 400, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to television 302 and integral television program-blocking device 202. As indicated by arrow 404, remote control unit 304 is adapted to communicate with television 302. Referring now to Figure 5, yet another television programming blocking system 500 is shown. In the embodiment of Figure 5, television program- blocking device 202 and selecting unit 203 are both integral with a stand-alone unit 502 which is adapted to be coupled to a television 302. Additionally, standalone unit 502 includes a slot 504 for receiving removable memory unit 204. Thus, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to stand-alone unit 502. In this embodiment, stand-alone unit 502 is, for example, a set-top box. In the present embodiment, stand-alone unit 502 is adapted to be coupled, for example by cable 506, to television 302. Also, in the embodiment of Figure 5, selecting unit 203 is adapted to be programmed using a keypad or other data entry device (not shown) which is coupled to standalone unit 502. Although such a selecting unit is recited above, the present invention is also well suited to an embodiment in which, for example, a remote control unit is used to operate or program stand-alone unit 502. In Figure 6, another television programming blocking system 600 is shown. In this embodiment, television program-blocking device 202 is integral with a television 302. Additionally, television programming blocking system 600 includes a selecting unit 203 which is integral with a remote control device 304. In this embodiment, selecting unit 203 is configured to be controlled or programmed using, for example, a keypad (not shown) of remote control device 304. Television programming blocking system 600 also includes an adapter 602 which is configured to be coupled to remote control device 304. Adapter 604 includes a slot 604 which is adapted to have removable memory unit 204 removably coupled thereto. Hence, in television programming blocking system 600, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to selecting unit 203. As indicated by arrow 606, remote control unit 304 is adapted to communicate with television 302. Thus, adapter 602 of the present embodiment allows a standard V-block compatible remote control device to be utilized in novel television programming blocking system 600. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With reference next to Figure 7, a flow chart 700 of exemplary steps performed in one embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, the following steps pertain to a method for readily transferring television programming blocking parameters between a plurality of televisions. Flow chart 700 includes processes of the present invention which, in one embodiment, are carried out by a processor under the control of computer- readable and computer-executable instructions. The computer-readable and computer-executable instructions reside, for example, in data storage features such as computer usable volatile memory 106 and/or computer usable nonvolatile memory 108 of Figure 1 physically residing, for example, in television program-blocking device 202 of Figures 2-6. The computer-readable and computer-executable instructions are used to control or operate in conjunction with, for example, central processing unit 104 of Figure 1. As mentioned above, the features of the computer system of Figure 1 are well suited to being disposed, for example, in television program-blocking device 202 and/or selecting unit 203 of Figures 2-6. Although specific steps are disclosed in flow chart 700 of Figure 7, such steps are exemplary. That is, the present invention is well suited to performing various other steps or variations of the steps recited in Figure 7. The steps of the present embodiment will be described below in conjunction with the physical components of the embodiments of Figures 2-6. As shown in step 702, in one embodiment, the present invention receives user-based criteria into selecting unit 203. Such user-based criteria are, for example, data typed into keypad 306 indicating the time period (or time periods) and the respective channel (or channels) which the user desires to block. Such user-based criteria, when received by television program-blocking device 202, cause television program-blocking device 202 to prevent viewing of the specified channel or channels during the specified time or times. In one embodiment, the user-based criterion is a maximum allowable rating level. For example, selecting unit 203 would receive input from a user indicating that only programming having a rating of PG (parental guidance suggested) or less mature can be viewed. In such an embodiment, when received by television program-blocking device 202, such user-based criteria or criterion cause television program-blocking device 202 to prevent viewing any rated program on any channel at any time if the program has a rating above (more mature) than PG. Referring still to step 702, as mentioned above, many programs (e.g. news programming and documentaries) are not required to have a rating associated therewith. As a result, even if a parent has taken the time and effort to prevent all programming of a violent nature from being received in the parent's home, violent news coverage and/or violent documentary programming may still be accessible to younger or sensitive viewers in that parent's home. However, unlike conventional V-blocking systems and methods, the present embodiment is not limited solely to selectively blocking programming based upon rating levels supplied by the content providers. That is, the present embodiment is also well suited to receiving non-rating oriented user-based criteria into said selecting unit. In one embodiment, selecting unit 203 is adapted to receive data such as key words, phrases, titles, and the like. The present embodiment then compares the keys words with the title and program description supplied by the content provider and displayed in the vertical blanking interval at line 20 of field 2. As a result, when a parent does not want to have footage viewable, the parent can enter descriptor words such as, for example, "war," "combat," "desert storm," and the like into selecting unit 203. The present embodiment will then prevent viewing of material having such words or phrases in the title, or in the program description provided by the content provider. Thus, even if such war-related programming is unrated (e.g. a war documentary, or news footage of a war), the present embodiment will still prevent viewing of the programming. With reference still to step 702 of Figure 7, Although the present - emboαiment specifically recites comparing the non-rating user-based criteria to the title and description information supplied at vertical blanking interval line 20 of field 2, the present invention is also well suited to comparing non- rating user-based criteria to various other programming information. As an example, the present invention is also well suited to comparing the non-rating user-based criteria to close captioning information, teletext data, and the like. As another example, the present invention is also well suited to utilizing privately generated "blacklists" as the non-rating user-based criteria. In one such embodiment, the user retrieves a list (e.g. the titles) of programs which, for example, a parental committee (or the parent) deems as inappropriate for viewing by children. By merely entering the titles into selecting unit 203 (i.e. without requiring laborious time and channel entry), the present embodiment ensures that the inappropriate programming is prevented from being viewed. Additionally, such an embodiment is especially advantageous when the program has an "allowable" rating but still contains subject matter which the parent (or other blocker) would consider objectionable. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is well suited to creating a "blacklist" while the user is viewing a program. In such an embodiment, if, while viewing a program, the user finds the content objectionable, the user activates, for example, a blacklist button, not shown, on selecting unit 203. The present embodiment then stores the title, program description, and other information supplied by the content provider and deems such programming as blacklisted. Thus, programming having such a title, program description, and other information is prevented from being viewed. Hence, the present embodiment allows a user to create and utilize a blacklist without requiring the user to have previously retrieved the blacklist on-line, or frorrTsome other outside source. Referring now to step 704, the present invention records the user-based criteria on removable memory unit 204. That is, removable memory unit 204 records the information (e.g. user-based criteria including user-based criteria which are not based upon a program rating) which the user enters into selecting unit 203. Such recording of the user-based criteria occurs regardless of whether removable memory unit 204 is communicatively coupled to selecting unit 203 as shown in the embodiment of Figure 3, or any of the other configurations shown in the embodiments of Figures 2, and 4-6. With reference still to step 704, in the present embodiment, removable memory unit 204 is a compact flash memory card. The present invention is, however, well suited to various other portable memory devices such as, for example, floppy disks, portable tape- type recording media, CD ROM, and the like. As yet another advantage of the present invention, in addition to recording the user-based criteria, removable memory unit 204 can record title and content information of programs which were viewed. Thus, parents can track or monitor the programming which has been viewed, for example, by their children. Such an embodiment is also well suited to tracking the amount of time which has been spent watching television. With reference now to step 706, the present embodiment uses removable memory unit 204 to transfer the user-based criteria received at step 702 and recorded at step 704 to a second television program-blocking system. More specifically, once removable memory unit 204 records the user- based criteria thereon, removable memory unit 204 is adapted to be removed from " a first television program-blocking system (e.g. television programming- blocking systems 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600) and then used in a second television program-blocking system. In one embodiment, after programming the selecting unit of a first television program-blocking system, removable memory unit 204 is removed from that selecting unit 203. Removable memory unit 204 is then inserted into the selecting unit of a second television program-blocking system. In so doing, the present invention eliminates the need to re-enter the user-based criteria. Additionally, removable memory unit 204 can then be transferred to another television program-blocking system, and then to another television program-blocking system, and so on. Thus, the present invention provides a system and method for readily transferring user- based criteria between multiple television program-blocking systems without requiring a user to repeatedly enter the same information at each of the locations. In one advantageous implementation, parents can take removable memory unit 204 from their home to, for example, a grandparent's home. In so doing, the parents achieve the same level of television viewing control without requiring tedious, manual, re-entry of desired user-based criteria at the grandparent's home. Referring still to step 706, in one embodiment, if removable memory unit 204 is removed from the television program-blocking system, all television viewing is prevented. That is, in such an embodiment, the television is only activatable when removable memory unit 204 is in place. Hence, in one implementation of such an embodiment, the child is required to have a removable memory unit (which contains the parent's previously-recorded criteria) in order for the child to view television. Removable memory unit 204 of the present invention is also well suited to limiting the amount television viewing time. In such an embodiment, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the television program-blocking system prevents any further television viewing. With reference next to Figure 8, a flow chart 800 illustrating steps performed by one embodiment of the present invention in determining whether or not television programming is to be blocked is shown. The steps of the present embodiment will be described below in conjunction with the physical components of the embodiments of Figures 2-6. At step 802, a television program -blocking device 202 of the present embodiment, determines whether a received television program has a rating associated therewith. If the television program does not have a rating, the present embodiment proceeds to step 812. If the television program " does have a rating, however, the present embodiment proceeds to step 804. At step 804, the present embodiment obtains the rating of the television program. Such rating information is obtained, for example, by television program-blocking device 202 of Figures 2-6. Next, at step 806, the present embodiment determined whether the rating of the television program is above the permitted rating level. That is, television program-blocking device 202 would compare the rating level of the television program with the rating level specified in the user-based criteria. Such user-based criteria will have been previously received by, for example, selecting unit 203 of Figure 2-6. If the rating of the television program is-above the permitted rating level, the present embodiment proceeds to step 810. If, however, the rating of the television program is not above the permitted rating level, the present embodiment proceeds to step 808. At step 808, because the rating of the television program is not above the permitted rating level, television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment allows the television program to be viewed. At step 810, if the rating of the television program was above the permitted rating level, television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment prevents (i.e. blocks) the television program from being viewed. Referring now to step 812, if at step 802 the television program did not have a rating, the present embodiment determines whether or not a program title is available. Such title information is obtained, for example, by television program-blocking device 202 of Figures 2-6. If title information for the television program is available, the present embodiment proceeds to step 818. If title information for the television program is not available, the present embodiment proceeds to step 814. At step 814, the present embodiment determines whether or not a program description is available. Such program description information is obtained, for example, by television program-blocking device 202 of Figures 2- 6. If program description information for the television program is available, the present embodiment proceeds to step 818. If program description information for the television program is not available the present embodiment proceeds to step 816. At step 816, if no program title information and not program description information was available, television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment prevents (i.e. blocks) the television program from being viewed. At step 818, the present embodiment searches the non-rating based user criteria to locate, for example, a blacklist of program titles or descriptions. In step 820, the present invention determined whether either the program's title or description information appears in the blacklist. If title information or the program description information appears in the blacklist, the present embodiment proceeds to step 822. If title information or the program description information does not appear in the blacklist, the present embodiment proceeds to step 824. At step 822, because title information or the program description information appears in the blacklist, television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment prevents (i.e. blocks) the television program from being viewed. At step 824, because the title information or the program description information does not appear in the blacklist, television program-blocking device 202 of the present embodiment allows the television program to be viewed. At step 826, if the title information, the program description information, or the rating information changes, the present embodiment returns to step 802. Thus, the present invention provides a system and method for blocking television programming at multiple locations without requiring a user to repeatedly enter the same information at each of the locations. The present invention further provides a system and method for blocking television programming which achieves the above-listed accomplishment and wherein the system and method is applicable to programming which does not include a program rating. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order best to explain the principles of the invention and its practical appHcation, to thereby enable others skilled in the art best to utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims: Claims 1. A system comprising: a television program blocking means or device for preventing viewing of selected television programming; selecting means or unit for receiving user-based criteria which defines said selected television programming which said television program blocking means or device will prevent from being viewed; and removable memory means or unit for storing said user-based criteria, said user-based criteria being transferable to a second television program blocking means . 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said selecting means or unit is communicatively coupled to said television program- blocking device, and said removable memory unit is communicatively coupled to said selecting unit. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said system is for readily transferring television programming blocking parameters between a plurality of televisions; said selecting means or unit is for receiving user-based criteria and for communicating said user-based criteria to said television program blocking means; and said removable memory means or unit is also for transferring said user based criteria to said second television program blocking means. 4. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said television program-blocking device or means is integral with a television. 5. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said television program-blocking device or means is a stand-alone unit which is adapted to be coupled to a television. 6. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said selecting means or unit is integral with a television. 7. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said selecting means or unit is integral with a remote control device. 8. The system of claim 5 wherein said selecting unit or means is integral with said stand-alone unit. 9. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said selecting unit or means is adapted to receive non-rating oriented user-criteria which will define said selected television programming which said television program-blocking device or means will prevent from being viewed. 10. The system of Claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said removable memory unit or means is adapted to be removably coupled to said television program-blocking device or means. 11. The system of claim 5 wherein said removable memory unit or means is adapted to be removably coupled to said stand-alone unit. 12. The system of Claim 1 wherein said removable memory unit or means is adapted to be removably coupled to said selecting unit or means. 13. A method for readily transferring television programming blocking parameters between a plurality of televisions, said method comprising the step of: a) receiving user-based criteria into a selecting unit, said user-based criteria defining selected television programming which a first television program-blocking system will prevent from being viewed; b) recording said user-based criteria on a removable memory unit communicatively coupled to said selecting unit, said removable memory unit adapted to store said user-based criteria thereon; and c) using said removable memory unit to transfer said user-based criteria received at step a) to a second television program-blocking system such that said step a) does not have to be repeated for said second television program-blocking system. 14. The method for readily transferring television programming blocking parameters between a plurality of televisions as recited in claim 13 wherein said step a) comprises : receiving non-rating oriented user-based criteria into said selecting unit wherein said non-rating user-based criteria defines said selected television programming which said first television program-blocking system will prevent from being viewed. 15. The method for readily transferring television programming blocking parameters between a plurality of televisions as recited in claim 13 wherein said step b) comprises : recording said user-based criteria on a removable memory unit communicatively coupled to said selecting unit wherein said selecting unit is integral with a television. 16. The method for readily transferring television programming blocking parameters between a plurality of televisions as recited in claim 13 wherein said step b) comprises : recording said user-based criteria on a removable memory unit communicatively coupled to said selecting unit wherein said selecting unit is integral with a remote control device. 17. The method for readily transferring television programming blocking parameters between a plurality of televisions as recited in claim 13 wherein said step b) comprises : recording said user-based criteria on a removable memory unit communicatively coupled to said selecting unit wherein said selecting unit is integral with a stand-alone unit coupled to a television. 18. The method for readily transferring television programming blocking parameters between a plurality of televisions as recited in claim 13 wherein step c) comprises : using said removable memory unit to transfer said user- based criteria received at step a) to a second television program-blocking system by coupling said removable memory unit to a second selecting unit communicatively coupled to said second television program-blocking system such that said step a) does not have to be repeated for said second television program-blocking system.

Inventors: SHINTANI PETER RAE, SHINTANI, PETER, RAE
Applicants: SONY ELECTRONICS INC, SONY ELECTRONICS, INC.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: H04N7
IPC codes: H04N7