Apparatus and method for controlling viewing of video signals
US6698019B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/84
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for controlling viewing of video programs. The apparatus includes a signal unit for receiving and processing a video signal, a decoding unit for decoding a grade code of a video program contained in the video signal, a key input unit for receiving control data from a user wherein the control data includes a secret number, a storage unit for prestoring a grade code and a secret number, and a control unit for comparing the decoded grade code with the prestored grade code, comparing the secret number inputted to the key input unit with the prestored secret number if the decoded grade code matches the prestored grade code, and outputting the video signal to the user if the secret numbers match.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.