Abstract:
Systems and methods are operable to prevent presentation of inappropriate media content. An exemplary embodiment receives a media content event; identifies at least one characteristic of the media content event; compares the identified characteristic with a plurality of predefined content characteristics, wherein each of the predefined content characteristics are associated with at least one type of inappropriate media content event; and defines the media content event as an inappropriate media content event in response to the identified characteristic corresponding to at least one of the plurality of predefined content characteristics.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Media devices, such as a set top box, a stereo, a television, a computer system, a game system, or the like are configured to receive media content. The media content may be received at the media device from a variety of sources. For example, the media device may be communicatively coupled to a media content provider system, such as a satellite system, a cable system, a fiber optic system, an over the air (OTA) system, and/or the Internet. The received media content is communicated to a presentation device having a display and/or speakers. The video portion of the media content is presented on the display and the audio portion of the media content is reproduced as sounds by the speakers. 
         [0002]    In some instances, the media device may be configured to receive media content from other sources. For example, the media device may be configured to communicatively couple to an electronic device with a memory medium, or that is configured to access a memory medium. Accordingly, the user of the media device may retrieve a movie or other media content event, which may then be communicated to the media presentation device for presentation. Such exemplary electronic devices include digital video disk (DVD) players, video cassette recorders (VCRs), disk drivers, or the like. As another example, the media device may be configured to be coupled directly to a memory medium, such as a flash memory (FM) device that employs a uniform serial bus (USB) connector. 
         [0003]    Some media content events may not be appropriate for young adults or children. Many devices and schemes are in place to enable parental control rights that restrict access to such inappropriate media content events by the young adults or children. However, such devices and schemes rely on information that is associated with the media content event, such as the well known motion picture rating system that classifies media content events with regard to suitability for audiences in terms of issues such as sex, violence, substance abuse, profanity, or other types of mature content. Information pertaining to the rating, or certification, for a particular media content event may be included in the metadata portion of the media content event. The detectable rating information may be used to limit access under various parental control schemes. 
         [0004]    In some systems, rating information or other information applicable to parental control rights management may be included with the provided media content events when the media device is accessing media content events over the media content provider system. For example, metadata information and/or a trigger may be used in conjunction with an onboard parental control rights scheme. When the received media content event is processed by the media device, the rating information is compared to parental control settings. If the rating information violates the parental control setting information, presentation of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted. 
         [0005]    However, in many situations, existing parental control devices and schemes are not able to determine if access rights should be restricted. For example, adult oriented media content or other inappropriate media content that does not have rating information may be accessed by the media device from a DVD player, a flash memory device, or other accessible memory medium having the adult film stored thereon. To limit access, the DVD, the flash memory device, or other memory medium must be kept under the physical control of the parent. However, in the event that the young adult or child obtains physical possession of the DVD, the flash memory device, or other memory medium, there is no other way to stop the young adult or child from accessing the inappropriate media content. 
         [0006]    As another example, the inappropriate media content event may be accessed over a non-secured communication link, such as over the Internet from an internet site. To limit access to the inappropriate media content, the media device that is configured to access the Internet must be kept under the physical control of the parent, and/or its use supervised by the parent. However, in the absence of supervision by the parent, there is no way to stop the young adult or child from accessing the inappropriate media content in the event that the young adult or child obtains physical possession of the media device. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need in the arts to manage access to inappropriate media content by young adults or children who have devised ways to defeat and/or circumvent existing parental control rights devices and/or schemes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Systems and methods of preventing presentation of inappropriate media content are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment receives a media content event; identifies at least one characteristic of the media content event; compares the identified characteristic with a plurality of predefined content characteristics, wherein each of the predefined content characteristics are associated with at least one type of inappropriate media content event; and defines the media content event as an inappropriate media content event in response to the identified characteristic corresponding to at least one of the plurality of predefined content characteristics. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Preferred and alternative embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the following drawing: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a media content analysis system implemented in a media device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a media content analysis system  100  implemented in a media device  102 . Exemplary media devices  102  include, but are not limited to, a set top box (STB), a stereo, a surround-sound receiver, a radio, a television (TV), a digital video disc (DVD) player, a smart phone, a digital video recorder (DVR), a game playing device, or a personal computer (PC). 
         [0012]    In operation, the media device  102  is configured to process a received media content stream  104  and to communicate a media content event stream  106  to a media content presentation device  108 , generically represented as a television or a TV. The media content event stream  106  comprises a video portion that is presented on a display  110  of the media content presentation device  108 . An optional audio portion of the media content event stream  106  is reproduced as audible sounds by speakers (not shown) of the media content presentation device  108  or by another media content presentation device. Other embodiments of the media content presentation device  108  may include a personal computer (PC), a lap top computer, a personal device assistant (PDA), a net book, a smart phone, or other electronic media presentation device. Such embodiments may include the display  110  as an integrated component. 
         [0013]    In many situations, the media device  102  is configured with a parental control rights scheme that is configured to limit access to certain types of inappropriate media content events. For example, the parental control rights scheme may limit access of young adults or children to adult oriented media content, violent themed media content, offensive language media content, or other inappropriate media content. The media content may include video portions and/or audio portions. 
         [0014]    However, in some situations, the parental control rights scheme implemented in the media content device  102  may be defeated or circumvented. In other situations, the parental control rights scheme in the media device  102  is simply not configured to control access to the received media content stream  104 . In such situations, young adults or children may gain access to the inappropriate media content event. 
         [0015]    Embodiments of the media content analysis system  100  are configured to analyze one or more characteristics of a media content event. The analyzed characteristics of the media content event are compared with a plurality of predefined content characteristics of the media content event. Each of the predefined content characteristics are known to be associated with at least one type of inappropriate media content event. In the event that the analyzed characteristics of the media content event correspond to one or more of the predefined content characteristics, the analyzed media content event is defined as an inappropriate media content event. In response, access to the inappropriate media content event is prevented. 
         [0016]    In an exemplary embodiment, if the inappropriate media content event is being currently communicated to the media content presentation device  108 , via the media content event stream  106 , the communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted so that presentation of the inappropriate media content event on the media content presentation device  108  is prevented. In some embodiments, processing of the inappropriate media content event by the media device  102  may be stopped. In another embodiment, reception and/or delivery of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted. In an exemplary embodiment, a “turn off” signal, a channel change signal, or other command may be communicated to the media content presentation device  108 . Other embodiments may prevent presentation of the inappropriate media content event in other manners. 
         [0017]    The non-limiting exemplary media device  102  comprises a media content stream interface  112 , a processor system  114 , a memory  116 , a program buffer  118 , an optional digital video recorder (DVR)  120 , a presentation device interface  122 , a remote interface  124 , an optional external device interface  126 , and an optional communication system interface  128 . The memory  116  comprises portions for storing the media device logic  130 , the media content access logic  132 , the media content analysis logic  134 , and a media content characteristics database  136 . The media content analysis logic  134  may comprise the audio recognition logic  138 , the object recognition logic  140 , the text recognition logic  142 , and/or the character recognition logic  144 . The media content characteristics database  136  may comprises the audio database  146 , the object database  148  and/or the text database  150 . In alternative embodiments, the various logic may be integrated together, and/or may be integrated with other logic. In other embodiments, some or all of these memory and other data manipulation functions may be provided by and using remote server or other electronic devices suitably connected via the Internet or otherwise to a client device. Other media devices  102  may include some, or may omit some, of the above-described media processing components. Further, additional components not described herein may be included in alternative embodiments. 
         [0018]    The functionality of the media device  102 , here a set top box, is now broadly described. A media content provider provides media content that is received in one or more media content streams  104  from a content provider system (not shown) to which the media device  102  is communicatively coupled to. A plurality of media content events may be multiplexed together in the media content streams  104 . The media content streams  104  are communicated to the media device  102  from a media system sourced from a remote head end facility (not shown) operated by the media content provider. Examples of a content provider system include, but are not limited to, a satellite system, a cable system, a fiber optic system, an over the air (OTA) system, and/or the Internet. For example, if the media content provider provides programming via a satellite-based communication system, the media device  102  is configured to receive one or more broadcasted satellite signals detected by an antenna (not shown). 
         [0019]    Alternatively, or additionally, the media content stream  104  may be received from one or more external media content source devices  152  to which the external device interface  126  of the media device  102  is coupled to. Examples of an external media content source device  152  include, but are not limited to, a digital video disc (DVD) player, a compact disc (CD) player, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a flash memory medium, a uniform serial bus (USB) flash memory, a disc storage device, a computer, and other memory medium devices. 
         [0020]    Alternatively, or additionally, the media content stream  104  may be received from one or more external media content sources  154  to which the communication system interface  128  is coupled, via a communication system  156 . Examples of an external media content source  154  include, but are not limited to, a portable media device, a computer, a smart phone, an Internet site, or the like. The communication system  156  is illustrated as a generic communication system. In one embodiment, the communication system  156  comprises a cellular telephone system, such as a radio frequency (RF) wireless system. Accordingly, the media device  102  includes a suitable transceiver. Alternatively, the communication system  156  may be a telephony system, the Internet, a Wi-fi system, a microwave communication system, a fiber optics system, an intranet system, a local access network (LAN) system, an Ethernet system, a cable system, a radio frequency system, a cellular system, an infrared system, a satellite system, or a hybrid system comprised of multiple types of communication media. Additionally, embodiments of the media device  102  may be implemented to communicate using other types of communication technologies, such as but not limited to, digital subscriber loop (DSL), X.25, Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). Also, embodiments of the media device  102  may be configured to communicate over combination systems having a plurality of segments which employ different formats for each segment that employ different technologies on each segment. 
         [0021]    One or more tuners  158  in the media content stream interface  112  selectively tune to one of the media content streams  104  in accordance with instructions received from the processor system  114 . The processor system  114 , executing the media device logic  130 , and based upon a request for a media content event of interest specified by a user, parses out media content associated with the media content event of interest. The media content event of interest is then assembled into a stream of video and/or audio information which may be stored by the program buffer  118  such that the media content event can be streamed out to the media presentation device  108 , via the presentation device interface  122 . Alternatively, or additionally, the parsed out media content may be saved into the DVR  120  for later presentation. The DVR  120  may be directly provided in, locally connected to, or remotely connected to, the media device  102 . 
         [0022]    The exemplary media device  102  is configured to receive commands from a user via a remote control  160 . The remote control  160  includes one or more controllers  162 . The user, by actuating one or more of the controllers  162 , causes the remote control  160  to generate and transmit commands, via a wireless signal  164 , to the remote interface  124  of the media device  102 . The commands control the media device  102  and/or control the media presentation device  108 . The wireless signal  164  may be an infrared signal or a radio frequency (RF) signal. 
         [0023]    The above processes performed by the media device  102  are generally implemented by the processor system  114  while executing the media device logic  130 . Thus, the media device  102  may perform a variety of functions related to the processing and presentation of one or more media content events received in the media content stream  104 . 
         [0024]    In the various embodiments, one or more content characteristics of a currently processed media content event are analyzed to identify one or more inappropriate media content characteristics that may be associated with inappropriate media content events. In some embodiments, the media content event may be analyzed as the media content event is received by the media device  102 . Alternatively, or additionally, the media content event may be analyzed as the media content event is communicated from the media device  102  to other electronic devices, such as the external media device content source  152 , the external media content source  145 , or another memory medium for storage. 
         [0025]    In the various embodiments, the processor system  114  executes one or more of the logic residing in the media content analysis logic  134 . The executing logic is configured to compare characteristics of the analyzed media content event with predefined inappropriate media content characteristics stored in the media content characteristics database  136 . The various logic may be separately executed, or two or more of the logic may be executed in cooperation with each other, so as to analyze different types of characteristics of the analyzed media content event. 
         [0026]    An exemplary embodiment includes the audio recognition logic  138 . The audio recognition logic  138  is configured to compare audio information in the audio portion of the analyzed media content event with predefined audio information residing in the audio database  146 . Any suitable audio analysis algorithm that is configured to identify audio information may be employed by the various embodiments. The predefined audio information in the audio database  146  corresponds to inappropriate audio content characteristics. If audio characteristics of the analyzed media content event correspond to the predefined inappropriate audio content characteristics, then communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment so that presentation of the inappropriate media content event on the media content presentation device  108  is prevented. 
         [0027]    For example, various words may be associated with adult oriented media content or other inappropriate media content events. For example, the word “sex” may tend to indicate that the analyzed media content event may be adult oriented or inappropriate. The audio information corresponding to the word “sex” would, in this example, reside in the audio database  146 . The executing audio recognition logic  138  would detect words or sounds in the analyzed media content event to determine if the word “sex” occurs. In the event that the word “sex” is detected, and since the word “sex” is one of many possible predefined inappropriate words associated with adult oriented or inappropriate content, the embodiments may determine that the analyzed media content event may be adult oriented or inappropriate. Accordingly, the communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0028]    As another example, violent or action films may, from time to time, have very loud sounds such as when an explosion, a car crash, a fight, or the like occurs in the presented media content event. The parents or other entities may not wish to permit access to such violent or action films by young adults or children. Sounds associated with explosions, car crashes, fights, or the like have audio characteristics that may be identified. Information corresponding to these audio characteristics may be stored into the audio database  146 . The executing audio recognition logic  138  would detect sounds in the analyzed media content event to identify the occurrence of sounds associated with explosions, car crashes, fights, or the like. In the event that such sounds are detected, and since such predefined sounds are associated with inappropriate content, embodiments may determine that the analyzed media content event may be inappropriate. Accordingly, the communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0029]    As yet another example, violent or action films may, from time to time, have very loud music. Sounds associated with such music have audio characteristics that may be identified. Information corresponding to these audio characteristics of the music may be stored into the audio database  146 . The executing audio recognition logic  138  would detect the music in the analyzed media content event to identify the occurrence of sounds associated with the predefined music. In the event that such music is detected, and since such predefined music is associated with inappropriate content, embodiments may determine that the analyzed media content event may be inappropriate. Accordingly, the communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0030]    An exemplary embodiment includes the object recognition logic  140 . The object recognition logic  140  is configured to identify objects in the video portion of the analyzed media content event, and compare identified objects with predefined objects residing in the object database  148 . Any suitable object recognition algorithm that is configured to identify objects based on video information may be employed by the various embodiments. For example, images or the like may be stored as predefined objects in the object database  148 . If identified objects in the analyzed media content event correspond to the predefined objects, then communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment so that presentation of the inappropriate media content event on the media content presentation device  108  is prevented. 
         [0031]    For example, an exposed body part of a person may be associated with adult oriented media content or other inappropriate media content events. For example, an exposed breast of a woman may tend to indicate that the analyzed media content event may be adult oriented or otherwise inappropriate. Various images of a woman&#39;s exposed breast, here defined as objects in this example, reside in the object database  148 . The executing object recognition logic  140  would detect image portions in the analyzed media content event. If one or more of the objects are identified, and since the such objects correspond to predefined objects associated with adult oriented or inappropriate content, embodiments may determine that the analyzed media content event may be adult oriented or inappropriate. Accordingly, the communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0032]    As another example, violent or action films may have, from time to time, explosions, car crashes, fighting, or the like in the presented media content event. The parents or other entities may not wish to permit access to such violent or action films by young adults or children. Still images and/or video images corresponding to explosions may be associated with bright colors, rapidly changing shape patterns, or the like. Car crashes may be associated with abrupt edge changes or the like. Fights may be associated with rapid movement of the actors. Alternatively, or additionally, fighting instruments such as guns, swords, knives, or the like may be identifiable in the analyzed media content event. Information corresponding to these inappropriate object characteristics may be stored into the object database  148 . The executing object recognition logic  140  would identify objects in the analyzed media content event to identify the occurrence of objects associated with explosions, car crashes, fights, or the like. In the event that such objects are detected, and since such predefined inappropriate objects are associated with inappropriate content, the embodiments may determine that the analyzed media content event may be inappropriate. Accordingly, the communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0033]    An exemplary embodiment includes the text recognition logic  142 . The text recognition logic  142  is configured to compare text information identified in the video portion of the analyzed media content event with predefined text information residing in the text database  150 . Any suitable text recognition algorithm that is configured to identify text based on video information may be employed by the various embodiments. If the identified text of the analyzed media content event corresponds to the predefined inappropriate text, then communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment so that presentation of the inappropriate media content event on the media content presentation device  108  is prevented. 
         [0034]    For example, text associated with various words may be associated with adult oriented media content or other inappropriate media content events. For example, the text “Rated X” may tend to indicate that the analyzed media content event may be adult oriented or inappropriate, particularly if such text is presented in the initial portion of analyzed media content. The text “Rated X” would, in this example, reside in the text database  150 . The executing text recognition logic  142  would detect text in the analyzed media content event to determine if the text “Rated X” occurs. In the event that the text “Rated X” is detected, and since the text “Rated X” is a rating associated with adult oriented or inappropriate content, embodiments may determine that the analyzed media content event may be adult oriented or otherwise inappropriate. Accordingly, the communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0035]    As another example, some types of media content events may include various media, such as an electronic “magazine” that includes stories, articles, and images. If the electronic “magazine” is adult oriented, various words, terms and/or phrases may be used to determine that the electronic “magazine” as inappropriate. A plurality of predefined words, terms and/or phrases may be saved into the text database  150 . The executing text recognition logic  142  would detect the text in the analyzed electronic “magazine” to determine if the predefined words, terms and/or phrases occur. In the event that the words, terms and/or phrases are detected, embodiments may determine that the analyzed electronic “magazine” may be adult oriented or inappropriate. Accordingly, the communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0036]    As yet another example, some types of web sites accessible over the Internet may include stories, articles, and images. If the web site is adult oriented, various words, terms and/or phrases may be used to determine that the web site is inappropriate. A plurality of predefined words, terms and/or phrases may be saved into the text database  150 . The executing text recognition logic  142  would detect the text in the analyzed electronic web site to determine if the predefined words, terms and/or phrases occur. In the event that the words, terms and/or phrases are detected, embodiments may determine that the analyzed web site may be adult oriented or inappropriate. Accordingly, the communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0037]    An exemplary embodiment includes the actor recognition logic  144 . The actor recognition logic  144  is configured to compare information identified in the video portion and/or the audio portion of the analyzed media content event with predefined information associated with certain actors. Such information associated with certain actors may reside in the audio database  146 , the object database  148 , and/or the text database  150 . 
         [0038]    For example, a particular actor&#39;s voice may have identifiable characteristics, such as a tonal characteristic, an accent or the like. Any suitable voice recognition algorithm that is configured to identify a person on audio information may be employed by the various embodiments. If the identified voice characteristics of the actor of the analyzed media content event correspond to one of the predefined actors stored in the audio database  146 , then communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0039]    As another example, a particular actor&#39;s image may have identifiable characteristics, such as a famous face and/or hair. Any suitable person recognition algorithm that is configured to identify a person based on video information may be employed by the various embodiments. If identified image of the actor of the analyzed media content event corresponds to one of the predefined actors stored in the object database  148 , then communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0040]    As yet another example, a particular actor&#39;s name may be identifiable. Actor names may be presented in the opening credits of the inappropriate media content event. If identified name of the actor of the analyzed media content event corresponds to one of the predefined actor names stored in the text database  150 , then communication of the inappropriate media content event may be halted, terminated or otherwise disrupted by an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0041]    In the various embodiments, a single identified sound, word, text, image, and/or object in the analyzed media content event that is associated with a corresponding inappropriate sound, word, text, image, and/or object residing in the media content characteristics database  136  may be sufficient to define the analyzed media content event as an inappropriate media content event. For example, a single instance of the text “Rated X” in the analyzed media content event may be sufficient to warrant the halting, termination, or disruption of the analyzed media content event. 
         [0042]    On the other hand, a single instance of a detected sound, word, text, image, and/or object in the analyzed media content event may not be sufficient to warrant the halting, termination, or disruption of the analyzed media content event. For example, a single detected explosion may not be sufficient, alone, to warrant the halting, termination, or disruption of the analyzed media content event. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the various information stored in the media content characteristics database  136  are assigned a weighting or the like that corresponds to a severity rating of that particular sound, word, text, image, and/or object. For example, a detected image of an exposed breast of a woman may be given a severity rating that is sufficient alone to warrant the halting, termination, or disruption of the analyzed media content event. On the other hand, a detected explosion may be given a lesser severity rating. For example, but not limited to, two explosions may be sufficient to warrant the halting, termination, or disruption of the analyzed media content event. Or, two explosions within a predefined time span or duration in the analyzed media content event may warrant the halting, termination, or disruption of the analyzed media content event. Or, the intensity of explosions may have different severity ratings. For example, a series of relatively small explosions may not be sufficient to warrant the halting, termination, or disruption of the analyzed media content event. On the other hand, a series of relatively large explosions may warrant the halting, termination, or disruption of the analyzed media content event. Thus, detected characteristics of the sound, word, text, image, and/or object of the analyzed media content event may be compared against thresholds or the like that are associated with the corresponding characteristics stored in the media content characteristics database  136 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, a plurality of different characteristics may be considered in total. For example, the sound of an explosion and the image of the explosion may be considered together. As another example, the sound of the music and the image of the explosion may be considered together to determine if halting, termination, or disruption of the analyzed media content event is warranted. Any number of and/or combination of determined characteristics of the analyzed media content event may be considered together. That is, patterns of determined characteristics may be evaluated together. 
         [0045]    In addition to halting, terminating, or disrupting presentation of the analyzed media content event on the media presentation device  108 , some embodiment may be configured to halt, terminate, or disrupt other functions associated with the analyzed media content event. For example, embodiments may prevent storage of the analyzed media content event to a memory medium which may be accessed at a later time and/or which may be communicated from the memory medium to an uncontrolled media device. As another example, embodiments may prevent communicating of the analyzed media content event to an uncontrolled remote electronic device. 
         [0046]    It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the media content analysis system  100  are merely possible examples of implementations of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.