Method and system for managing television viewing habits
US7921440B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/4755
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems for monitoring and budgeting television viewing in order to influence and manage television-viewing habits in a manner that promotes self-monitoring. Example embodiments provide a Content Viewer Control System (“CVCS”), which enables devices and systems connected to a head-end, such as through a standard set-top box or a media center, to track and potentially control differing aspects of television viewing according to a viewing budget. For example, the CVCS can allow tracking and control over what content is viewed according to a variety of criteria, during which time periods, and for what duration on an individual or on a per-location basis, and/or based upon other configurable parameters. In summary, the CVCS receives notification of content as potential viewing events, compares a potential viewing event to stored viewing budget “allocations,” and reconciles the potential viewing event against the viewing budget. In one example embodiment, the CVCS comprises an interface to the content display and control components, a viewing event tracker component, and a viewing event reconciler engine. The viewing event tracker receives notification of content to be viewe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.