Apparatus and method for user-based control of television content
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United States of America Patent
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Nov 7, 2006
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Dec 15, 1998
filing date -
Dec 15, 1998
priority date (Note) -
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for controlling access to information based on content of the information and user identity. The apparatus includes a video display that displays the information to be viewable by one or more users. A user-recognition input device determines that an additional user is newly present in a given area having access to the display. A blocking device coupled to the user-recognition input device selectively blocks display of the information based on whether the additional user is newly present. In one embodiment, the user-recognition input device includes a video input device, and a feature recognition device operable to distinguish between two or more users based on one or more video features of the users. In another embodiment, the user-recognition input device includes an audio input device, and an audio feature recognition device operable to distinguish when an additional user arrives. In yet another embodiment, the user-recognition input device includes a movement-detection device operable to distinguish when an additional user arrives.
First Claim
Family
- 15 United States
- 10 France
- 8 Japan
- 7 China
- 5 Korea
- 2 Other
Patent Owner(s)
| Patent Owner | Address | |
|---|---|---|
| GATEWAY INC | 14303 GATEWAY PLACE POWAY CA 92064 |
International Classification(s)
Inventor(s)
| Inventor Name | Address | # of filed Patents | Total Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas, Keith C | Vermillion, SD | 8 | 455 |
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| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
|---|
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable | $700.00 | $350.00 | $175.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional | $1,640.00 | $820.00 | $410.00 |
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