WO1998043429A1 - Device for viewing selection of television broadcast programmes - Google Patents

Device for viewing selection of television broadcast programmes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998043429A1
WO1998043429A1 PCT/FR1998/000576 FR9800576W WO9843429A1 WO 1998043429 A1 WO1998043429 A1 WO 1998043429A1 FR 9800576 W FR9800576 W FR 9800576W WO 9843429 A1 WO9843429 A1 WO 9843429A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
symbols
image
programs
vision
selection
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR1998/000576
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yvan Frausti
Original Assignee
Ebim S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ebim S.A. filed Critical Ebim S.A.
Priority to EP98917206A priority Critical patent/EP0914743A1/en
Publication of WO1998043429A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998043429A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only

Definitions

  • the subject of the invention is a device for selecting the vision of television programs.
  • a radical solution consists in prohibiting outright either the operation of the television, for example in the absence of the parents, using a key switch, or the reception of certain channels. Like any radical solution, this can lead to the deprivation of interesting programs, such as educational programs and, in any case, programs which do not include the prohibited sequences.
  • the invention therefore provides a device for selecting, that is to say, to allow the vision of TV shows from the symbols on the screen, said selection being independent of both the channel broadcasting the programs that the broadcast time and being flexible independently of the viewer.
  • Other advantages of the device will appear on reading the following.
  • symbols are of the "classification symbols” type as mentioned above, and which are often in the form of geometric figures (triangles, square, round ). It goes without saying that other forms of symbols can be used and, in the absence of a specific symbol, the very logo of the chain can serve as a symbol.
  • the device essentially comprises: a) means for analyzing the content of the image signal and in particular for detecting the symbols accompanying the image broadcasting; b) means for selecting the type of symbol authorized or prohibited for vision; c) means of comparison between the symbol detected under a) and the selection according to b); d) means of action on the image signal output means, taking into account the result of the comparison according to c); e) connection interfaces for image acquisition and signal output; f) the connection interface for acquiring authorizations according to b); g) possibly means for displaying on the screen an information message from the viewer.
  • the device according to the invention is connected to the television set by a PERITEL (SCART) socket and by the ANTENNA link, in order to allow the prohibition of viewing "harmful” images whatever their origin (radio network, network satellite, VCR ).
  • the single plate represents the diagram of the architecture of this device. On this plate, the marks indicate:
  • the analysis and comparison means provided for under a) and c) may in particular consist of a microprocessor and a shape recognition system, intended to analyze the part of the image likely to contain the symbol to be detected and to perform a comparison with all possible forms of symbols, already stored.
  • the image processing can itself consist in digitizing the latter by means of an analog / digital converter and in storing the said digitized image in storage units. Just store the part of the image containing the symbol and, in a way general, it is not necessary to carry out a color analysis, provided that the only shape of the symbols allows their identification. It goes without saying that this color analysis will be necessary if two symbols differ only in color.
  • the selection of authorized programs provided for in b), the action provided in d) and the interface (f) can be carried out in different ways, the main thing being to allow selection only by authorized persons.
  • a simple way consists in using a selection by key but it is also possible to make this selection by keyboard, with password or by smart card, by magnetic card or even by bar code card.
  • the input connection interface (e) may consist of cables provided with ad hoc sockets, intended in particular to prevent or limit the possibility of disconnecting the device.
  • the output connection interface can be of the conventional type.
  • the display means provided under g) may in particular consist of text printed on the screen, for example in white on a black or colored background or vice versa.
  • the message can itself be recorded on a smart card, incorporated in the device.
  • the signage used to define the different categories of programs may vary from one channel to another, and in particular between encrypted channels and free-to-air channels, channels which may be broadcast by cable or satellite. It goes without saying that the device is not limited either to a given signage or at a given time or even for a specific purpose, the video signal analysis system having only the role of entering the symbol for comparison purposes with authorized symbols.
  • the device confirms to the invention, which can fit in a box a few centimeters aside, can be interposed between the antenna inlet and the television or the video recorder or even between the video recorder and the television.
  • This device fulfilling its function only on the basis of the video signal, it follows that, even if a "forbidden” program has been recorded on a video recorder, it cannot be seen on a television controlled by the said device. as is clear from the above, the authorized person can, at any time, modify the selection of "authorized” programs. In addition, certain "trailers” of the programs already carrying the signage mentioned above, the vision of these strips themselves can be controlled and this advantage of the device is all the more important since these strips, in order to be attractive, often include “shocking" and in particular violent extracts.

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for viewing selection of television programmes, comprising means based on symbols appearing on the screen (for instance classification symbols or channel logo) for allowing or prohibiting the viewing of programmes to which said symbols are allocated. This device is particularly useful for controlling programmes likely to be viewed by children in their parents' absence.

Description

DISPOSITIF DE SELECTION DE LA VISION D'EMISSIONS DE TELEVISION DEVICE FOR SELECTING THE VISION OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS
DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA
L'invention a pour objet un dispositif de sélection de la vision d' émissions de télévision.The subject of the invention is a device for selecting the vision of television programs.
A l'heure actuelle, on observe à la fois une multiplication des programmes de télévision comportant des films ou des séquences à caractère violent ou pornographique et un souci de protection de certains publics, notamment des enfants vis-à-vis de tels programmes. Une solution radicale consiste à interdire purement et simplement soit le fonctionnement du téléviseur, par exemple en l'absence des parents, grâce à un interrupteur à clé, soit la réception de certaines chaînes. Comme toute solution radicale, celle-ci peut aboutir à la privation de programmes intéressants, tels que des programmes éducatifs et, en tout cas, de programmes ne comportant pas les séquences prohibées. C'est dans cette optique que les autorités dans le domaine de l'audiovisuel ont recommandé l'affichage sur l'écran du téléviseur de symboles correspondant à une classification des programmes ou films, depuis ie programme tout public jusqu'au programme dont la diffusion est interdite en clair (c'est-à-dire sans décodeur), en passant par les programmes comportant certaines séquences pouvant heurter certains publics, les programmes " interdits " aux moins de 12 ou 16 ans ou, évidemment toute autre classification.At the present time, there is both a multiplication of television programs comprising films or sequences of a violent or pornographic nature and a concern for the protection of certain audiences, in particular children from such programs. A radical solution consists in prohibiting outright either the operation of the television, for example in the absence of the parents, using a key switch, or the reception of certain channels. Like any radical solution, this can lead to the deprivation of interesting programs, such as educational programs and, in any case, programs which do not include the prohibited sequences. It is with this in mind that the authorities in the audiovisual field have recommended the display on the television screen of symbols corresponding to a classification of programs or films, from the general public program to the program whose broadcasting is prohibited in plain text (that is to say without a decoder), passing through programs comprising certain sequences which may strike certain audiences, programs "prohibited" for children under 12 or 16 years old or, obviously, any other classification.
D'une manière générale, la mise en pratique de cette classification, c'est-à- dire l'autorisation de voir les programmes est laissée à l'appréciation des parents mais plus encore des enfants, lesquels peuvent, en l'absence des parents , respecter ou non les consignes.In general, the putting into practice of this classification, that is to say the authorization to see the programs is left to the appreciation of the parents but even more of the children, who can, in the absence of parents, respect or not the instructions.
EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONSTATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
L'invention propose donc un dispositif permettant de sélectionner, c'est-à- dire de permettre la vision des émissions de télévision à partir des symboles apparaissant sur l'écran, ladite sélection étant indépendante aussi bien de la chaîne émettant ces programmes que de l'heure de diffusion et étant modulable indépendamment du téléspectateur. D'autres avantages du dispositif apparaîtront à la lecture de ce qui suit.The invention therefore provides a device for selecting, that is to say, to allow the vision of TV shows from the symbols on the screen, said selection being independent of both the channel broadcasting the programs that the broadcast time and being flexible independently of the viewer. Other advantages of the device will appear on reading the following.
D'une manière générale les "symboles" sont du type "symboles de classification" tels que mentionnés plus haut, et qui se présentent souvent sous la forme de figures géométriques (triangles, carré, rond ...). Il va de soi que d'autres formes de symboles peuvent être utilisées et, qu'à défaut de symbole spécifique, le logo même de la chaîne peut servir de symbole. Le dispositif conforme à l'invention comprend essentiellement : a) des moyens d'analyse du contenu du signal de l'image et en particulier de détection des symboles accompagnant la diffusion d'image ; b) des moyens de sélection du type de symbole autorisé ou interdit pour la vision ; c) des moyens de comparaison entre le symbole détecté sous a) et la sélection selon b) ; d) des moyens d'action sur les moyens de sortie du signal de l'image, compte tenu du résultat de la comparaison selon c) ; e) les interfaces de raccordement pour l'acquisition et pour la sortie du signal de l'image ; f) l'interface de raccordement pour l'acquisition des autorisations selon b) ; g) éventuellement des moyens d'affichage sur l'écran d'un message d'information du téléspectateur.In general, the "symbols" are of the "classification symbols" type as mentioned above, and which are often in the form of geometric figures (triangles, square, round ...). It goes without saying that other forms of symbols can be used and, in the absence of a specific symbol, the very logo of the chain can serve as a symbol. The device according to the invention essentially comprises: a) means for analyzing the content of the image signal and in particular for detecting the symbols accompanying the image broadcasting; b) means for selecting the type of symbol authorized or prohibited for vision; c) means of comparison between the symbol detected under a) and the selection according to b); d) means of action on the image signal output means, taking into account the result of the comparison according to c); e) connection interfaces for image acquisition and signal output; f) the connection interface for acquiring authorizations according to b); g) possibly means for displaying on the screen an information message from the viewer.
Le dispositif conforme à l'invention est raccordé au téléviseur par une prise PERITEL (SCART) et par la liaison ANTENNE, dans le but de permettre l'interdiction de la vision des images " nocives " quelle que soit leur provenance ( réseau hertzien, réseau de diffusion par satellite, magnétoscope...).The device according to the invention is connected to the television set by a PERITEL (SCART) socket and by the ANTENNA link, in order to allow the prohibition of viewing "harmful" images whatever their origin (radio network, network satellite, VCR ...).
La planche unique représente le schéma de l'architecture de ce dispositif. Sur cette planche, les repères désignent :The single plate represents the diagram of the architecture of this device. On this plate, the marks indicate:
© interface d'entrée du signal de l'image,© image signal input interface,
© système de transformation de l'image,© image transformation system,
® système d'interdiction ou d'autorisation d'image,® image prohibition or authorization system,
® interface de sortie du signal de l'image,® image signal output interface,
© système de stockage des informations de l'image,© image information storage system,
© interface pour les autorisations,© interface for authorizations,
© stockage des informations de base,© storage of basic information,
® système de gestion et de comparaison.® management and comparison system.
Les moyens d'analyse et de comparaison prévus sous a) et c) peuvent notamment consister en un microprocesseur et en un système de reconnaissance de forme, destinés à analyser la partie de l'image susceptible de contenir le symbole à détecter et à effectuer une comparaison avec toutes les formes possibles de symboles, déjà mises en mémoire. Le traitement de l'image peut lui-même consister en une numérisation de celle-ci grâce à un convertisseur analogique/numérique et en une mémorisation de la dite image numérisée dans des unités de stockage. Il suffit de stocker la partie de l'image contenant le symbole et, d'une manière générale, il n'est pas nécessaire de réaliser une analyse couleur, pour autant que la seule forme des symboles permet leur identification. Il va de soi que cette analyse couleur sera nécessaire si deux symboles ne se différencient que par leur couleur.The analysis and comparison means provided for under a) and c) may in particular consist of a microprocessor and a shape recognition system, intended to analyze the part of the image likely to contain the symbol to be detected and to perform a comparison with all possible forms of symbols, already stored. The image processing can itself consist in digitizing the latter by means of an analog / digital converter and in storing the said digitized image in storage units. Just store the part of the image containing the symbol and, in a way general, it is not necessary to carry out a color analysis, provided that the only shape of the symbols allows their identification. It goes without saying that this color analysis will be necessary if two symbols differ only in color.
La sélection des programmes autorisés prévue sous b), l'action prévue sous d) et l'interface (f) peuvent être réalisées de différentes manières, l'essentiel étant de ne permettre la sélection que par des personnes habilitées. Un moyen simple consiste à utiliser une sélection par clé mais on peut également réaliser cette sélection par clavier, avec mot de passe ou par carte à puce, par carte magnétique ou encore par carte à code à barres.The selection of authorized programs provided for in b), the action provided in d) and the interface (f) can be carried out in different ways, the main thing being to allow selection only by authorized persons. A simple way consists in using a selection by key but it is also possible to make this selection by keyboard, with password or by smart card, by magnetic card or even by bar code card.
L'interface de raccordement d'entrée (e) peut consister en câbles munis de prises ad hoc, destinées notamment à empêcher ou limiter la possibilité de débrancher le dispositif. L'interface de raccordement de sortie peut être du type classique.The input connection interface (e) may consist of cables provided with ad hoc sockets, intended in particular to prevent or limit the possibility of disconnecting the device. The output connection interface can be of the conventional type.
Les moyens d'affichage prévus sous g) peuvent notamment consister en un texte imprimé, sur l'écran, par exemple en blanc sur fond noir ou coloré ou inversement.The display means provided under g) may in particular consist of text printed on the screen, for example in white on a black or colored background or vice versa.
Le message peut lui-même être enregistré sur une carte à puce, incorporée dans le dispositif.The message can itself be recorded on a smart card, incorporated in the device.
La signalétique utilisée pour définir les différentes catégories de programmes (tout public, violence, nudité...) peut varier d'une chaîne à l'autre, et en particulier entre les chaînes cryptées et les chaînes en clair, chaînes pouvant être diffusées par câble ou par satellites. Il va de soi que le dispositif n'est limité ni à une signalétique donnée ni à un moment donné ni encore à un but spécifique, le système d'analyse du signal vidéo n'ayant pour rôle que de saisir le symbole aux fins de comparaison avec les symboles autorisés.The signage used to define the different categories of programs (all audiences, violence, nudity ...) may vary from one channel to another, and in particular between encrypted channels and free-to-air channels, channels which may be broadcast by cable or satellite. It goes without saying that the device is not limited either to a given signage or at a given time or even for a specific purpose, the video signal analysis system having only the role of entering the symbol for comparison purposes with authorized symbols.
Le dispositif confirme à l'invention, qui peut tenir dans un boîtier de quelques centimètres de côté, peut être intercalé entre l'arrivée d'antenne et le téléviseur ou le magnétoscope ou encore entre le magnétoscope et le téléviseur.The device confirms to the invention, which can fit in a box a few centimeters aside, can be interposed between the antenna inlet and the television or the video recorder or even between the video recorder and the television.
Ce dispositif ne remplissant sa fonction que sur la base du signal vidéo, il en résulte que, même si un programme " interdit " a été enregistré sur un magnétoscope, il ne pourra pas être vu sur un téléviseur commandé par le dit dispositif Par contre, ainsi qu'il ressort de ce qui précède, la personne habilitée peut, à tout moment, modifier la sélection des programmes " autorisés ". De plus , certaines " bandes annonces " des programmes portant déjà la signalétique mentionnée plus haut, la vision de ces bandes elles-mêmes peut être contrôlée et cet avantage du dispositif est d'autant plus important que ces bandes, pour être attrayantes, comportent souvent des extraits " choquants " et notamment violents. This device fulfilling its function only on the basis of the video signal, it follows that, even if a "forbidden" program has been recorded on a video recorder, it cannot be seen on a television controlled by the said device. as is clear from the above, the authorized person can, at any time, modify the selection of "authorized" programs. In addition, certain "trailers" of the programs already carrying the signage mentioned above, the vision of these strips themselves can be controlled and this advantage of the device is all the more important since these strips, in order to be attractive, often include "shocking" and in particular violent extracts.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
Dispositif de sélection de la vision d'émissions de télévision, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend : a) des moyens d'analyse du contenu du signal de l'image et en particulier de détection des symboles accompagnant la diffusion d'image ; b) des moyens de sélection du type de symbole autorisé ou interdit pour la vision ; c) des moyens de comparaison entre le symbole détecté sous a) et la sélection selon b) ; d) des moyens d'action sur les moyens de sortie du signal de l'image, compte tenu du résultat de la comparaison selon c) ; e) les interfaces de raccordement pour l'acquisition et pour la sortie du signal de l'image ; f) l'interface de raccordement pour l'acquisition des autorisations selon b) ; g) éventuellement des moyens d'affichage sur l'écran d'un message d'information du téléspectateur. Device for selecting the vision of television broadcasts, characterized in that it comprises: a) means for analyzing the content of the image signal and in particular for detecting the symbols accompanying image broadcasting; b) means for selecting the type of symbol authorized or prohibited for vision; c) means of comparison between the symbol detected under a) and the selection according to b); d) means of action on the image signal output means, taking into account the result of the comparison according to c); e) connection interfaces for image acquisition and signal output; f) the connection interface for acquiring authorizations according to b); g) possibly means for displaying on the screen an information message from the viewer.
PCT/FR1998/000576 1997-03-25 1998-03-23 Device for viewing selection of television broadcast programmes WO1998043429A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP98917206A EP0914743A1 (en) 1997-03-25 1998-03-23 Device for viewing selection of television broadcast programmes

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR97/03626 1997-03-25
FR9703626 1997-03-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998043429A1 true WO1998043429A1 (en) 1998-10-01

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FR1998/000576 WO1998043429A1 (en) 1997-03-25 1998-03-23 Device for viewing selection of television broadcast programmes

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EP (1) EP0914743A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1998043429A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5144663A (en) * 1986-04-18 1992-09-01 Kudelski S.A. Fabrique D'engregistreurs Nagra Method of interactive communication between a subscriber and a decoder of a system of pay-television and decoder thereof
US5552837A (en) * 1995-03-01 1996-09-03 Gemstar Development Corporation Remote controller for scanning data and controlling a video system
WO1996041478A1 (en) * 1995-06-07 1996-12-19 Tv Guide On Screen Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5144663A (en) * 1986-04-18 1992-09-01 Kudelski S.A. Fabrique D'engregistreurs Nagra Method of interactive communication between a subscriber and a decoder of a system of pay-television and decoder thereof
US5552837A (en) * 1995-03-01 1996-09-03 Gemstar Development Corporation Remote controller for scanning data and controlling a video system
WO1996041478A1 (en) * 1995-06-07 1996-12-19 Tv Guide On Screen Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0914743A1 (en) 1999-05-12

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