Patent ID: 7739707

Claim:
A multi-channel video distribution system for controlling viewing of a video program by an end user, the multi-channel video distribution system comprising: a program distribution system adapted to provide linearly-scheduled programs with predetermined rights to a plurality of end user viewing devices all limited by the predetermined rights, wherein the linearly-scheduled programs are distributed according to a linear schedule including multiple channels that simultaneously distribute the linearly-scheduled programs; a viewing control system in communication with the program distribution system and the end user viewing devices, the viewing control system, comprising: a parental control programming function; a viewing limit configuration menu adapted to receive parental control rules from an end user, wherein: the parental control rules define program viewing limits for a plurality of time periods, the plurality of time periods comprising a first time period and a second time period, wherein: the first time period comprising a first scheduled start time and a first scheduled stop time; and the second time period comprising a second scheduled start time and a second scheduled stop time; and the parental control rules curtail the predetermined rights to create defined program viewing limits; and a program viewing limit control system that: counts a first number of viewings of a first program and a second number of viewings of a second program during the first time period, the first program having a first point value and the second program having a second point value; determines whether a first time period spent budget based on the first number of viewings of the first program, the second number of viewings of the second program, the first point value, and the second point value exceeds a first time period viewing limit budget; determines a roll over amount when the first time period viewing limit budget exceeds the first time period spent budget, the roll over amount being limited by a parental control rule; prevents further viewings of the first program and the second program during the first time period if the first time period spent budget exceeds the first time period viewing limit budget and inserts a pre-selected program; counts a third number of viewings of the first program and a fourth number of viewings of the second program during the second time period; determines whether a second time period spent budget based on the third number of viewings of the first program, the fourth number of viewings of the second program, the first point value, and the second point value exceeds a second time period viewing limit budget; and prevents further viewings of the first program and the second program during the second time period if the second time period spent budget exceeds the second time period viewing limit budget combined with the roll over amount and inserts a pre-selected program.