U.S. patent application number 11/942445 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-21 for method and system for performance tracking to modify content presented by a set-top box.
This patent application is currently assigned to Verizon Data Services Inc.. Invention is credited to Martin A. Busse.
Application Number | 20090131152 11/942445 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40642549 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090131152 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Busse; Martin A. |
May 21, 2009 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMANCE TRACKING TO MODIFY CONTENT
PRESENTED BY A SET-TOP BOX
Abstract
An approach is provided for presenting, via a set-top box, a
game to a user according to a user profile of the first user.
Performance of the user is tracked. The performance information is
presented to a supervisory user, wherein the set-top box is
configured to provide modification of the user profile by the
supervisory user based on the performance information.
Inventors: |
Busse; Martin A.; (Woburn,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VERIZON;PATENT MANAGEMENT GROUP
1320 North Court House Road, 9th Floor
ARLINGTON
VA
22201-2909
US
|
Assignee: |
Verizon Data Services Inc.
Temple Terrace
FL
|
Family ID: |
40642549 |
Appl. No.: |
11/942445 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
H04N 21/4826 20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101; G07F 17/3239
20130101; G07F 17/3232 20130101; H04N 21/4751 20130101; H04N
21/4755 20130101; H04N 7/163 20130101; H04N 21/4781 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/23 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: selecting an educational game for a
dependent user based on a profile of the dependent user, wherein
the profile specifies available content and scheduling information
associated with the content; presenting, via a set-top box, an
educational game to the dependent user; tracking performance
information relating to playing the educational game by the
dependent user; comparing the tracked performance information with
performance information collected from a plurality of other
dependent users' performances on the educational game, wherein the
dependent users are within a specified geographical region;
notifying a parental user of the comparison; and receiving, in
response to the notification, input from the parental user for
modifying the profile of the dependent user.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: automatically
modifying the profile based on the performance information, wherein
the performance information is used to select content including
broadcast content, digital video recorder (DVR) content, on-demand
video, an on-demand game, or a locally stored game.
3. A set-top box device comprising: a memory configured to store a
profile of a dependent user, wherein the profile specifies
available content and scheduling information associated with the
content; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to
select an educational game for a dependent user based on a profile
of the dependent user; a presentation module configured to present
an educational game to the dependent user; a tracking module
configured to track performance information relating to playing the
educational game by the dependent user, wherein the processor is
further configured to compare the tracked performance information
with performance information collected from a plurality of other
dependent users' performances on the educational game, wherein the
dependent users are within a specified geographical region, and a
parental user is notified of the comparison; and an input interface
configured to receive, in response to the notification, input from
the parental user for modifying the profile of the dependent
user.
4. A set-top box device according to claim 3, wherein the profile
is automatically modified based on the performance information,
wherein the performance information is used to select content
including broadcast content, digital video recorder (DVR) content,
on-demand video, an on-demand game, or a locally stored game.
5. A method comprising: presenting, via a set-top box, a game to a
first user according to a user profile of the first user; tracking
performance, associated with playing the game, of the user; storing
the performance information; and presenting the performance
information to a second user, wherein the set-top box is configured
to provide modification of the user profile by the second user
based on the performance information.
6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the game includes an
educational game.
7. A method according to claim 5, further comprising: retrieving
performance information of other users associated with other
set-top boxes; and comparing the performance information of the
first user with the performance information of the other users to
output a report.
8. A method according to claim 5, wherein the comparison is
performed for users within a specified geographical region.
9. A method according to claim 5, further comprising: presenting
the report via the set-top box to the second user.
10. A method according to claim 5, wherein the performance
information is used to select content including broadcast content,
digital video recorder (DVR) content, on-demand video, an on-demand
game, or a locally stored game.
11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising: generating
statistical information based on usage of the content.
12. A method according to claim 10, further comprising:
automatically providing, via the set-top box, suggested content
based on the performance information or the user profile; and
automatically updating the user profile based on the performance
information.
13. A method according to claim 10, wherein the user profile
further specifies scheduling information for access to the
content.
14. A method according to claim 5, wherein the second user has a
supervisory role over the first user.
15. A set-top box apparatus comprising: a processor configured to
execute a game; a presentation module configured to present the
game to a first user according to a user profile of the first user;
a tracking module configured to track performance, associated with
playing the game, of the user; and a memory configured to store the
performance information, wherein the presentation module is further
configured to present the performance information to a second user,
and the user profile is selectively modified by the second user
based on the performance information.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the game includes
an educational game.
17. An apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: a
communication interface configured to retrieve performance
information of other users associated with other set-top boxes,
wherein the processor is further configured to compare the
performance information of the first user with the performance
information of the other users to output a report.
18. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the comparison is
performed for users within a specified geographical region.
19. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the presentation
module is further configured to present the report via the set-top
box to the second user.
20. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the performance
information is used to select content including broadcast content,
digital video recorder (DVR) content, on-demand video, an on-demand
game, or a locally stored game.
21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the tracking module
is further configured to generate statistical information based on
usage of the content.
22. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein suggested content
is automatically provided based on the performance information or
the user profile, and the user profile is automatically updated
based on the performance information.
23. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the user profile
further specifies scheduling information for access to the
content.
24. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second user has
a supervisory role over the first user.
25. A system comprising: a database configured to store content
including a game; and a video processor configured to transmit
video content to a set-top box over a transmission facility,
wherein the set-top box is configured to present the game to a
first user according to a user profile of the first user, to track
performance, associated with playing the game, of the user, to
store the performance information, and to present the performance
information to a second user, wherein the set-top box is further
configured to provide modification of the user profile by the
second user based on the performance information.
Description
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0001] With the advent of computers, interactive electronic
communications, and the Internet, as well as advances in the
digital realm of consumer information, has come a reinvention of
conventional entertainment and communication services to enhance
programming, recording, gaming, and viewing of multimedia, such as
broadcast television programs. Traditionally, broadcast media,
being based on pre-computer age technology, developed on its own
path, without any regard to other media systems. However, with
readily available, cost-effective broadband services, bandwidth
intensive applications, such as video streaming and online gaming,
have become viable alternatives to legacy broadcast systems.
[0002] It is recognized that modern lifestyles have become so
reliant on digital interfaces that media devices, such as set-top
boxes (STB), are developing into important iconographies of media
content accessibility. As such, an increasing number of individuals
are utilizing STBs to achieve the advantages of ubiquitous access
to information and entertainment. Advances in technology, services,
and affordability; however, can be better applied to foster the
enrichment of society. For example, the household media environment
plays a significant role in the socialization of youngsters. From
the kind of media available, to the extent with which young people
are exposed, media plays an inexorable role in what adolescents
know, believe, and value. Thus, to a large extent, media dictates
how young people learn, interact, and behave.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an approach that seamlessly
provides flexible, efficient techniques to track developmental
progression to modify available content.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of performance
tracking to modify content for a set-top box, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a set-top box configured to provide
modified content, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for establishing a
modifiable user profile, according to an exemplary embodiment
[0007] FIGS. 4a and 4b are diagrams of user interfaces utilized in
the process of FIG. 3, according to exemplary embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for "dynamic" content
modification, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0009] FIGS. 6a and 6b are diagrams of user interfaces utilized in
the process of FIG. 5, according to exemplary embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for "ad hoc" content
modification, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a user interface utilized in the
process of FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 9 is flowchart of a process for generating and
presenting a performance report, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a user interface utilized in the
process of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process for dynamic content
modification suggestions, according to an exemplary embodiment;
and
[0015] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a computer system that can be used
to implement various exemplary embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] A preferred apparatus, method, and software for performance
tracking to modify content for a set-top box are described. In the
following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is
apparent, however, that the preferred embodiments may be practiced
without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement.
In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in
block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0017] Although various exemplary embodiments are described with
respect to a set-top box (STB), it is contemplated that these
embodiments have applicability to any device capable of processing
audio-video (AV) signals for presentation to a user, such as a home
communication terminal (HCT), a digital home communication terminal
(DHCT), a stand-alone personal video recorder (PVR), a television
set, a digital video disc (DVD) player, a video-enabled phone, an
AV-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or a personal
computer (PC), as well as other like technologies and customer
premises equipment (CPE).
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of tracking game
performance to modify content for a set-top box, according to an
exemplary embodiment. For the purposes of illustration, a system
100 for configuring a media-based device (e.g., STB 101a) to modify
a menu of customized content options (e.g., audio, video, gaming,
and/or photographic media instances) presented to a user based on
game performance information is described with respect to a service
provider network 103. As used herein, the terms media-based device,
STB, and user equipment are interchangeable. It is recognized that
service providers need to be mindful of consumer demand for
cyclical feedback techniques that enable progressive adaptation to
the multimedia entertainment and programming accessible via a
media-based device. As such, a system 100 introduces a game
performance monitoring service for one or more STBs 101a-101n,
thereby affording substantial convenience and flexibility in
modifying available content by consumers. In other words, the game
performance monitoring service of system 100, according to certain
embodiments, stems from the recognition that guardians can benefit
from more flexible methods to redefine the content available to
dependents. However, little attention has been afforded to
extending and enhancing content modifying features based on game
performance information within the entertainment arena, as well as
among other communication mediums. Thus, it is apparent that
improvements are needed to increase the value of each media
experience.
[0019] Service provider network 103 includes a server 105 that
implements a game performance monitoring and/or content modifying
service, whereby supervisory users can monitor game performance of
other users to selectively modify content that is available to
those users. Namely, the game performance monitoring and content
modifying service provides guardians developmental feedback about
their dependents, thereby enhancing conventional control features
over the media (e.g., broadcast content, digital video recorder
(DVR) content, on-demand content, on-demand games, and/or other
suitable media, as well as locally stored instances of the same)
available to their dependents via a media-based device (e.g., STB
101a). In this manner, a subscriber (e.g., a parent) of the game
performance monitoring and content modifying service may modify the
content that is available to one or more dependent users (e.g., a
child) and schedule access to that content, via one or more user
profiles, so as to progressively enhance the edifying nature of the
dependent users' media experience. It is contemplated that system
100 may embody many forms and include multiple and/or alternative
components and facilities.
[0020] It is observed that television remains the prevalent global
medium for entertainment and information as individuals spend a
great deal of time tuning into televised media. As such, television
services provided over a dedicated network, such as an IPTV
(internet protocol television) network, cable network, or satellite
network, extend to subscribers an overwhelming choice of multimedia
entertainment and programming options. For example, IPTV service
providers offer consumers various AV services ranging from
multi-channel AV programming that mimics traditional broadcast
media, to true "on-demand" programming. These services are further
supplemented with interactive AV applications that enable robust
programming information, selection and navigation functionality, as
well as integrated digital AV recording, and other data services to
enhance the AV experience. Moreover, the increasing "richness" of
network resources also enables IPTV service providers to extend
interactive learning and video game applications to subscribers. As
such, television is no longer a passive medium; it is an
interactive entertainment encounter capable of endless
configuration and personalization.
[0021] Given the breadth of content available, parents are
confronted with the onerous task of managing (and redefining) the
programming and content available to their children. While a wealth
of educational and cultural material exists, so too does a large
body of objectionable content. Moreover, few parents are able to
maintain continuous supervision over their children's developmental
needs, much less constantly discover suitable content to meet those
needs.
[0022] As such, the consumer segment is driven, at least in part,
by a demand for performance monitoring and content modifying
services extended through easily manipulated, intuitive interfaces.
Thus, as previously mentioned, various embodiments of system 100
provide consumers convenient access to game performance monitoring
and content modifying features so as to maximize a dependent's
exposure to a progressively enhanced body of edifying media, while
at the same time, limiting (if not eliminating) their exposure to
inappropriate material.
[0023] As seen in FIG. 1, service provider network 103 integrates
the television medium with that of the telecommunications,
computing, and media environments, thereby broadening the scope of
devices and sources available to individuals for obtaining and
controlling access to content, as well as progressively modifying
media availability. In this manner, system 100 relieves guardians
from the daunting task of having to constantly police their
dependents' multimedia environment, by enabling users, via user
equipment, such as STBs 101a-101n and/or one or more end terminals
107, to establish and adaptively modify one or more user profiles
that specify content available to one or more secondary users.
Further, system 100 alleviates the burden and expense upon network
operators of providing parallel avenues to content, as well as
controls for managing that media. Although the user equipment is
described with respect to an STB, it is contemplated that various
embodiments have applicability to any device capable of processing
audio and/or video streams.
[0024] In a typical scenario, an individual (e.g., a subscriber of
the game performance and content modifying service) may, via a
client-user interface (such as a web-based application 109a
implemented on server 105, a computing application 109b executed
on, for instance, a PC, or a media-based application 109c operating
on, for example, STB 101n), receive game performance information of
a dependent user and/or modify an associated user profile based on
that information, wherein the user profile specifies content that
is available to the dependent user via a media-based device.
Namely, subscribers are presented with an integrated presentation
that includes developmental reports and customizable parameters
governing content originating from a media service provider (MSP)
111 or a third-party source, and made available at STBs 101a-101n.
In other words, guardians (e.g., a parent) may selectively modify
the content available to one or more dependent users (e.g., a
child), as well as schedule access to that media (in, for example,
an a la carte fashion), based on game performance information of
the dependent users and/or one or more content modifying policies.
As such, parents no longer have to constantly monitor their
children's development, but instead may focus on selecting (or
creating) appropriate content modifying techniques that will
progressively enhance the children's learning experience.
[0025] A content managing application (hereinafter "content
manager"), such as content manager 109a, permits supervisory users
to easily, effectively, and intuitively modify one or more user
profiles based on performance information, wherein the user
profiles govern the presentation of personalized menus for
customizing content (e.g., audio, video, gaming, and/or
photographic media) to make available to the users from content
sources, including media service provider (MSP) 111, television
broadcast systems 113, third party content provider systems 115, as
well as content accessible over one or more data networks (e.g.,
service provider network 103, packet-based network 117, and/or
telephony network 119), such as content within content repository
121. Moreover, a separate identity for each communication device
(e.g., STBs 101a-101n and/or one or more end terminals 107)
associated with a subscriber's account may be established to
further personalize the content received by users comprising the
account. Accordingly, the content managers 109a-109c may also
enable subscribers to specify scheduling information for access to
newly modified content.
[0026] In certain embodiments, one or more content managers
109a-109c may enable subscribers to review game performance
information of a first user in a convenient, graphically formatted
report and/or modify a user profile of the first user based on that
report. More specifically, the game performance report can include
feedback information concerning the first user's performance in an
educational game, wherein the feedback affords subscribers
immediate perspective into the first user's aptitudes (e.g.,
abilities, skills, strengths, talents, etc.), interests
(amusements, hobbies, occupations, obsessions, etc.), and/or
weaknesses (inabilities, deficiencies, handicaps, shortcomings,
etc.). In this manner, the content mangers 209a-209c provide
content modification capabilities for the subscribers to modify
(either automatically or manually) available content to the first
user based on their game performance; thus, progressively
maximizing the educational value of the first user's multimedia
experience.
[0027] Alternatively (or additionally), the subscribers can
retrieve performance information of other users associated with
other STBs to compare the performance information of the first user
against the performance information of the other users. That is,
subscribers can review (in a convenient report) the first user's
relative development compared to, for instance, the first user's
peers. In certain embodiments, the comparison report can concern
select users within a specified geographic region, or of like
age/maturity, or having a similar socio-economic status, or
behavioral characteristic, as well other suitable categories
corresponding to information stored within the users' profiles. As
such, embodiments of service provider network 103 may also enable
individuals utilizing STBs 101a-101n (and/or end terminal(s) 107)
to interact with one another, through personalized communications
channels, to further facilitate the processes described herein.
[0028] Content can include any AV media (e.g., gaming applications,
broadcast television programs, video-on-demand (VOD) programs,
audio-on-demand (AOD) programs, pay-per-view programs, IPTV feeds,
DVD related content, etc.), pre-recorded media content (e.g., DVR
content), data communication services content (e.g., commercials,
advertisements, videos, movies, songs, images, sounds, etc.),
Internet services content (streamed audio, video, or pictographic
media), and/or any other equivalent media form, such as locally
stored content instances of the aforementioned media. In this
manner, an MSP 111 may provide (in addition to their own media
content) content obtained from sources, such as one or more
television broadcast systems 113, one or more third-party content
provider systems 115, content residing in a repository 121,
accessible via server 105, or otherwise available via one or more
packet-based networks 117 and/or telephony networks 119, as well as
any other suitable avenue or source
[0029] In particular embodiments, MSP 111 may comprise an IPTV
system configured to support the transmission of television video
programs from the broadcast systems 113 as well as other content,
such as media content from the various third-party sources (e.g.,
components 101a-101n, 107, 115, 121) utilizing internet protocol
(IP). That is, the IPTV system 111 may deliver signals and/or
streams, including content, control commands, and/or user profile
information, in the form of IP packets. Further, the transmission
network (e.g., service provider network 103) may optionally support
end-to-end data encryption in conjunction with the streaming and
content management services, as will be explained in more detail
below.
[0030] In this manner, the use of IP permits television services to
be integrated with broadband Internet and gaming services, and
thus, share common connections to a user site. Also, IP packets can
be more readily manipulated, and therefore, provide users with
greater flexibility in terms of control, modification, and
personalization, as well as offer superior methods for increasing
the availability of content from disparate sources. Delivery of AV
content, control commands, and/or user profile information, by way
of example, may be through a multicast from the IPTV system 111 to
the STBs 101a-101n. Any individual STB may tune to a particular
source by simply joining a multicast (or unicast) of the media
content, control command, or user profile information, utilizing an
IP group membership protocol (IGMP). For instance, the IGMP v2
protocol may be employed for joining STBs to new multicast (or
unicast) groups. Such a manner of delivery avoids the need for
expensive tuners to view media content, such as television
broadcasts; however, other delivery methods, such as cable, may
still be utilized. Further, this delivery method also enables
varied levels of control, i.e., control over single STBs or
broadcast control affecting multiple STBs. It is noted that
conventional delivery methods may also be implemented and combined
with the advanced methods of system 100. Further, the content (and
subsequently the control commands and user profile information) may
be provided to various IP-enabled devices, such as various
computing, telephony, and mobile apparatuses delineated below.
[0031] An STB (e.g., STB 101a) may integrate all the functions of
an IPTV system, as well as combine the content management and
control functions of the various online or off-line environments,
in a manner that seamlessly toggles among the various system 100
resources. It is contemplated that the performance monitoring and
content modifying service may be extended to users with a presence
on the Internet. In alternative embodiments, the services of system
100 may be extended to users having an end terminal (not
illustrated), such as a plain old telephone service (POTS) device,
connected to telephony network 119.
[0032] Accordingly, MSP 111 can provide content that is retrieved
over a data network, as well as provide conventional media streams.
For instance, MSP 111 provides STBs 101a-101n access to content
traditionally limited to host sites, such as end user originated
content uploaded to audio, video, and/or pictographic sharing
sites. The content may also be shared between STBs 101a-101n, as
well as between STBs 101a-101n and end terminal(s) 107. It is
generally noted that media content can be any type of information
provided from any source having connectivity to system 100.
[0033] In this manner, system 100 provides online games 123,
including educational games and other interactive learning
applications, to STBs 101a-101n via an online game module 125 of
sever 105. According to one embodiment, server 105 includes one or
more processors (not shown) and memory (not shown) that are
accessible to online game module 125 for executing game
applications in response to a request for an available game from a
STB (e.g., STB 101a). Online games 123 may be stored at server 105
via the memory or at a repository (not illustrated) connected
thereto, as well as received from MSP 111, content provider systems
115, or one or more content repositories 121 (or databases)
available via one or more data networks (e.g., networks 103, 117,
and/or 119). In the illustrated embodiment, online game 123 can be
selected by a user from a plurality of game applications that are
made available via a menu of customized content options presented
to the user by an STB (e.g., STBs 101a-101n) based on previous game
performance of that user. Online game module 125 may query a user
profile repository 127 via one or more data networks (e.g.,
packet-based network 117 and/or service provider network 103)
and/or MSP 111 for user profile information associated with the
requesting user, wherein the user profile information includes
modifications to available content (and/or scheduling information
for content availability) generated based on previous game
performance information, such as scores or levels of play that each
user has attained. In other embodiments, online game module 125 can
provide previous game information to STBs 101a-101n to allow users
to continue previously saved (and/or uncompleted) games based on
information stored within a respective user profile. Accordingly,
online game module 125 can provide users with online games 123
progressively tailored to the gaming user's performance and/or
development. Customized menus are described in more detail with
respect to FIGS. 6a and 6b.
[0034] According to one embodiment, online games 123 can be
executed via various components of system 100. For instance, server
105 can execute one or more game applications and may transmit game
data to respective STBs 101a-101n for display. In turn, STBs
101a-101n can receive commands from users via an input interface
(not illustrated), wherein STBs 101a-101n, via a communications
interface (not illustrated), can transmit these commands to server
105 to effectuate modifications to the display of the one or more
online games 123. Accordingly, an online game 123 requested by a
user can be operated entirely on server 105, via online game module
125, wherein online game module 125 processes and executes commands
received from STBs 101a-101n and transmits data corresponding to
updated or new displays to the respective devices, such that
communication between the respective components is directly
effectuated over packet-based network 117. In this embodiment, STBs
101a-101n can operate essentially like a terminal that receives AV
content from server 105 for display.
[0035] In another embodiment, server 105 can execute one or more
game applications and may transmit game data to respective STBs
101a-101n via MSP 111. To effectuate modifications to the display
of the one or more online games 123, STBs 101a-101n can receive
commands from users and can transmit these commands either directly
to server 105 over packet-based network 117 or indirectly via MSP
111, i.e., over one or more networks (e.g., service provider
network 103 and/or packet-based network 117). Accordingly, an
online game 123 requested by a user can be operated entirely on
server 105, via online game module 125, wherein online game module
125 processes and executes commands received from either MSP 111 or
STBs 101a-101n and transmits data corresponding to updated or new
displays to STBs 101a-101n either directly or indirectly via MSP
111. In this embodiment, STBs 101a-101n may still operate
essentially like a terminal; however, AV content may be received
from MSP 111 and/or server 105.
[0036] In alternative embodiments, online games 123 may be operated
entirely on STBs 101a-101n, wherein available games requested by a
user can be downloaded to STBs 101a-101n, or otherwise made
available, such as by an optical disc. In this embodiment, STBs
101a-101n only communicate game performance data to server 105, in
conjunction with, or independently of, the online game 123.
Transmission may occur directly between server 105 and STBs
101a-101n over, for instance, packet-based network 105, or
indirectly via MSP 111. In other embodiments, the operation of
online game 123 can be distributed between online game module 125,
MSP 111, STBs 101a-101n, and/or end terminals 107, as well as any
other suitable system 100 component, such as a third party content
provider system 115.
[0037] Accordingly, server 105 can include a tracking module 129
configured to communicate with online game module 125 to track
performance, associated with playing the online game 123, of the
users at one or more media-based devices (e.g., STBs 101a-101n
and/or end terminal(s) 107). Tracking module 129 may obtain the
game performance information from online game module 125 in
real-time (i.e., as the game is being played) or periodically
(i.e., based on a predetermined time interval). Thus, tracking
module 129 may acquire game performance information continuously,
intermittently, or in an "on demand" fashion. In turn, the game
performance information may be stored in a memory of server 105 or
a repository (not illustrated) coupled thereto or associated
therewith. Alternatively, the game performance information may be
transmitted to MSP 111, user profile repository 127, or any other
suitable memory and/or repository, such as a memory of one or more
STBs 101a-101n, for storage. As such, game performance information
may be tracked and stored over a given period of time, such that
the information may accessible to one or more supervisory users to
facilitate a determination as to whether available content to a
dependent user requires modification. In other embodiments,
tracking module 129 may be utilized to generate statistical
information based on general usage of content by dependent
users.
[0038] Game performance information may include data, such as basic
statistical information (e.g., scores, levels, correct/wrong
answers, time played, decisions made, etc.), as well as analyzed
information gleaned from those statistical parameters (e.g.,
parallel processing capabilities, mental adroitness, visual
intelligence, coordination, problem solving capabilities, maturity,
sociability, strategies, psychological awareness, competitive
nature, literacy, relative knowledge of a given subject matter,
interests, aptitudes, weaknesses, etc.). As such, server 105 can
include a report module 131 for gathering tracked game performance
information on a dependent user to present that information to a
supervisory user. This presentation may comprise written text
and/or a graphical display illustrating the dependent user's
development. Report module 131 may gather performance information
of other dependent users and compare that information across two or
more individuals, so as to generate a report communicating the
relative development of each dependent user. These comparisons may
be further segregated across select geographic regions, specific
age groups, socio-economic statuses, behavioral characteristics, as
well other suitable categories corresponding to user profile
information within user profile repository 127.
[0039] Further, report module 131 is configured to generate and
transmit reports to supervisory users via one or more media-based
devices (e.g., STBs 101a-101n or end terminal(s) 107 capable of
audio and/or video display) utilizing one or more content managers
109a-109c. In one embodiment, reports are generated based on a
policy or configuration of a user profile stored at user profile
repository 127 or other memory, such as a memory of STBs 101a-101n,
end terminal(s) 107, etc. Similarly, reports may be generated
"on-demand" when requested by a supervisory or other authorized
user. As such, report module 131 may communicate (or otherwise
deliver) reports to authorized users via STB (e.g., STBs 101a-101n)
or one or more end terminal(s) 107, such as those computing,
telephony, and mobile apparatuses described below. Further,
delivery may include conventional techniques, such as by postal
mail, fax, e-mail, etc. Thus, these reports can help supervisory
users determine whether to modify the media (e.g., broadcast
content, digital video recorder (DVR) content, on-demand content,
on-demand games, and/or other suitable media, as well as locally
stored instances of the same) available to one or more dependent
users, so as to maximize the dependent users' motor development,
intellectual development, affective development, and/or social
development.
[0040] Accordingly, one or more content managers 109a-109c may be
implemented on (or accessed by) one or more end-terminals 107
and/or STBs 101a-101n to effectuate the content modification
procedures based on game performance information, as described
herein.
[0041] With continued reference to FIG. 1, content managers 109b
and 109c may be executed, for example, as a user interface capable
of local implementation on an STB (e.g., STB 101a-101n) or on an
end terminal 107, such as a computing device, telephony device,
mobile device, or other like mechanism. Thus, exemplary embodiments
of content managers 109b and 109c may be provided through
navigation shell applications, e.g., menu applications having
options corresponding to different functions, as well as various
content instances and/or multimedia experiences. Computing devices
may include desktop computers, notebook computers, servers,
terminal workstations, gaming systems, customized hardware, or
other equivalent apparatus. Telephony devices may comprise
plain-old-telephones, wireless telephones, cellular telephones,
satellite telephones, voice over internet protocol telephones, and
the like. Mobile devices may include personal digital assistants
(PDA), pocket personal computers, smart phones, tablets, handsets,
portable gaming systems, and customized hardware, as well as other
mobile technologies capable transmitting data and/or processing
audio/video signals. Moreover, STBs 101a-101n may be used alone or
in combination with one or more end terminal(s) 107 to implement
various exemplary embodiments.
[0042] The STBs 101a-101n and/or end terminal(s) 107 can
communicate using packet-based network 117 or telephony network
119. These systems can include: a public data network (e.g., the
Internet), various intranets, local area networks (LAN), wide area
networks (WAN), the public switched telephony network (PSTN),
integrated services digital networks (ISDN), other private packet
switched networks or telephony networks, as well as any additional
equivalent system or combination thereof. These networks may employ
various access technologies including cable networks, satellite
networks, subscriber television networks, digital subscriber line
(DSL) networks, optical fiber networks, hybrid fiber-coax networks,
worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) networks,
wireless fidelity (WiFi) networks, other wireless networks (e.g.,
3G wireless broadband networks, mobile television networks, radio
networks, etc.), terrestrial broadcasting networks, provider
specific networks (e.g., a Verizon.RTM. FiOS.RTM. network, a
TiVo.RTM. network, etc), and the like. Such networks may also
utilize any suitable protocol supportive of data communications,
e.g., transmission control protocols (TCP), internet protocols
(IP), user datagram protocols (UDP), hypertext markup languages
(HTML), dynamic HTML (DHTML), file transfer protocols (FTP),
telnet, hypertext transfer protocols (HTTP), asynchronous transfer
mode (ATM), wireless application protocols (WAP), socket
connections (e.g., secure sockets layer (SSL)), Ethernet, frame
relay, and the like, to connect STBs 101a-101n to various sources
of media content and devices capable of remotely managing STBs
101a-101n.
[0043] By way of example, STB 101a-101n, as well as terminal(s)
107, can remotely access, via a communication interface (not
illustrated), server 105 which can be configured to execute
multiple instances of a content manager application 109a utilizing,
for instance, one or more processors (not illustrated). That is,
remote application 109a may be provided in a distributed fashion
using, for instance, client-server architectures, such as
implemented by enterprise application service providers (ASP). It
is noted that ASP models (and other like architectures) offer
system scalability in terms of administrative scalability,
geographic scalability, and/or load scalability. Thus, distributed
environments are attractive modes for disseminating system 100
functionality to a broad spectrum of users and devices
[0044] For example, server 105 can be an "online" system capable of
communicating with one or more third-party web servers (not
illustrated), content repositories (e.g., repository 121), or
equivalent facilities, to provide users various avenues to draw
content from, as well as establish and/or modify one or more user
profiles to control and progressively adapt the content made
available to particular users via, for example, STBs 101a-101n.
More specifically, one or more servers 105 may include one or more
processors configured to receive user input concerning one or more
user profiles from one or more end terminals 107 (and/or STBs) for
modifying (or otherwise controlling) content made available to one
or more users at one or more STBs 101a-101n (and/or end terminal(s)
107), wherein the server(s), via the processor(s), are capable of
configuring the user profile(s) according to the user input. In
particular embodiments, this configuration can be performed in
real-time, wherein the user input is transmitted to STBs 101a-101n
to directly affect configuration data (e.g., modify user profile
information) stored in a memory (not illustrated) of the respective
media-based devices 101a-101n. Additionally (or alternatively),
server(s) 105 can access a shared memory, wherein STBs 101a-101n
obtain sufficient configuration data (including modifications to
one or more user profiles based on game performance information)
from the shared memory, either in real-time or on a periodic
basis.
[0045] As such, exemplary embodiments of content manager 109a may,
for instance, comprise hypertext markup language (HTML) user
interfaces or JAVA.TM. applets stored on server 105 and accessed
via world-wide-web pages. Further, by enabling access and control
of STBs 101a-101n over one or more data networks (e.g., network
103, 117, and/or 119) using a "web paradigm," server 105 provides
users with a convenient and efficient manner for modifying user
profiles and associated content made available to the media-based
devices 101a-101n, based on game performance information of
particular users. Further, remote applications 109a-109c may port
local user interfaces typically utilized on stand-alone STBs to
enable user input in a context consumers are increasing becoming
familiar with due to the growing popularity of the Internet. These
interfaces are particularly useful in extending system 100
functionality to devices having limited resources (e.g., PDAs,
handsets, thin-clients, etc.), as well as providing scalable
solutions to varied devices without necessitating intensive
high-end costs associated with independent design, tooling, and
manufacturing. In alternative embodiments, server 105 is collocated
with and/or integrated into MSP 111. In other embodiments, the
various modules of server 105 may be implemented as one or more
standalone systems. It is also contemplated that the various
modules and/or functions of server 105 may be distributed to one or
more of the facilities of system 100. As such, multiple users,
interfaces, and instances of content manager 109a, online game
module 125, tracking module 129, and/or report module 131 can be
simultaneously realized through system 100.
[0046] In one embodiment, STBs 101a-101n, end terminal(s) 107,
and/or content managers 109a-109c may periodically establish a
connection with one or more networks (e.g., networks 103, 117,
and/or 119) and one or more repositories (e.g., repository 121) to
"push" and "pull" content, user profile information, and/or control
commands (e.g., user profile modification signals), such as in a
"batched" processing mode. That is, a user interface of STBs
101a-101n may be virtualized over a networked connection. In
another embodiment, these components may initiate peer-to-peer
communications such that control input and configuration updates
(e.g., user profile modifications) governing the user profile
information are executed "on-the-fly," i.e., in real-time, thus,
enabling substantially instantaneous results.
[0047] In the example of FIG. 1, STBs 101a-101n may be located at
one or more user premises, and geospatially associated with one or
more regions. Further, the STBs 101a-101n may be logically
associated into one or more workgroups, wherein a user may modify
one or more user profiles to execute on a plurality of STBs
101a-101n arranged into the workgroups in one or more configuration
sessions, utilizing one or more end terminals 107 or STBs (e.g.,
STB 101a).
[0048] For example, a learning institution (such as a secondary
school) can distribute a plurality of STBs (e.g., STBs 101a and
101b) throughout various classrooms for extending customized
content to an attending student body. An administrator (e.g., a
principal) may establish one or more user profiles, via an end
terminal 107 (e.g., a PC in the principal's office) or at an
associated STB (e.g., STB 101n) executing a content manager (e.g.,
content managers 109a-109c), so as to select and disseminate
appropriate educational content instances (e.g., broadcast media,
DVR media, on-demand media, or educational games, as well as
locally stored instances of the same) to the students in particular
classrooms, concerning various subject matter (e.g., science, math,
social studies, physical wellbeing, etc.). Further, students maybe
issued (or personally own) an STB at their home, e.g., STB 101n. As
such, an authorized administrator can logically join STBs 101a-101n
to a workgroup, wherein the plurality of STBs 101a-101n may be
configured to present the customized educational content to an
entire student body, wherein particular user profiles may match
customized educational content to the aptitudes, interests, and/or
weaknesses of each student, and provide access to this content on a
scheduled basis, i.e., as the students progress from
period-to-period, namely from one subject to another. In other
words, even if certain students were unable to attend school on
particular days, every pupil could simply access their associated
user profile via a media-based device (e.g., STB 101a-101n and/or
one or more end terminal(s) 107) and follow a scheduled curriculum
of customized content tailored to each individual student. As such,
no student would be deprived of a learning opportunity. In this
manner, the students may also be given authorization to access
their profile to review the material later, via STBs 101a-101n or
an end terminal 107 capable of processing audio and/or video
signals, access additional content (e.g., interactive educational
games) to build upon or reinforce previous lessons.
[0049] In one instance, the administrator may, as a homework
assignment, select an educational game (e.g., online game 123) to
make available to select students according to information in their
user profile, such as low standardized test scores. As those
students play online game 123, via one or more STBs 101a-101n,
their performance can be tracked, as well as usage statistics
generated, and stored to a respective user profile within profile
repository 127. Upon each student successfully completing (or
otherwise finishing) online game 123, the game performance
information of each student may be presented to the administrator,
via one or more content managers 109a-109c as a display report, at
for instance end terminal 107 or an STB (e.g., STB 101n). The
report may include an aggregation of game performance information
across each student to convey a relative knowledge level between
the students. Further, game performance information of other
students, at other institutions, located in other geographical
regions (e.g., school districts), may be provided to convey a
relative knowledge level of the administrator's students in
comparison to geographic averages. Moreover, content managers
109a-109c may automatically provide suggested content based on the
performance information, content usage statistics, and/or other
information within the students' profiles. Accordingly, the
administrator via, for example, content manager 109c, executed on
STB 101n, can provide individual and/or group modification to the
students' profiles based on the presentation, i.e., on the game
performance information. Namely, the modification may be employed
to select new content to make available to those students, on a new
scheduled basis, so as to adapt the students' learning experience
to their relative needs.
[0050] As such, STBs 101a-101n may be associated with one or more
subscribers, may be located in one or more user premises, and/or
may be situated in different physical locations, but nevertheless,
may provide access to and modification of one or more user profiles
specifying content that is specifically made available to
particular dependent users by a supervisory user.
[0051] Thus, STBs 101a-101n can be configured to communicate with
and receive signals and/or data streams from a MSP 111 (or other
transmission facility, such as server 105, end terminal 107, etc.)
in response to processes of one or more content managers 109a-109c.
These signals include content, as well as user profile information
and control commands (e.g., user profile modification signals)
transmitted over a data network (e.g., service provider network
103, packet-based network 117, and/or telephony network 119). By
way of example, MSP 111 can include one or more content servers
(not illustrated) and/or data repositories (not shown).
Alternatively, user profile repository 1277, content repository
121, or server 105 may be accessed via one or more service provider
networks 103 and/or data networks (e.g., networks 117 and/or 119).
Further, service provider network 103 may include a system
administrator (not shown) for operational and management functions
to deploy the remote management service using, for instance, an
IPTV system. In this manner, STBs 101a-101n can utilize any
suitable technology to draw, receive, and/or transmit content, user
profile information, and control signals (including user profile
modification signals) from/to an MSP 111 or other source/sink
(e.g., server 105, end terminal 107, user profile repository 127,
etc.). A more detailed explanation of an exemplary STB is provided
with respect to FIG. 2.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, STBs 101a-101n can draw,
receive, and/or transmit content, user profile information, and/or
control commands (including user profile modification signals) from
(or to) multiple sources/sinks, thereby alleviating the burden on
any single entity, e.g., MSP 111, to meet the content, user
profile, and control demands of any user, premise, or workgroup.
Thus, particular embodiments enable authenticated third-party
television broadcast systems 113, third-party content provider
systems 115, and servers (e.g., server 105) to transmit content,
user profile information, and/or control commands to STBs 101a-101n
either apart from, or in conjunction with, MSP 111. The content,
user profile information, and/or the control commands may be
distinguished (or otherwise categorized) utilizing metadata
included therewith or appended thereto. Metadata can be generally
considered data about data; but more specifically, it can be
utilized to describe all aspects of, and media content, user
profile information, and/or control commands distributed by, system
100. Namely, metadata can include descriptions about: data aspects
(file name, type, administrator, size, location, version, or
include timestamps, mode bits, arbitrary attribute-value pairs,
etc.), titles, activities/events, individuals and organizations
involved, intended audiences (e.g., ethnicities, ages, genders,
incomes, educational levels, disabilities, mobilities, as well as
other like demographic statistics), geospatial identifications
(intended zip codes, school districts, communities, regions, etc.),
locations of supplementary information and processes, game
performance information, access methods, limitations, timing of
activities/events/content availability (e.g., start/end times and
dates), as well as motivations, policies and rules. As such,
metadata may be utilized by various components of system 100 for
control or guiding purposes.
[0053] In certain embodiments, system 100 may structure and encode
metadata to describe characteristics of the content-bearing
entities to aid in the identification, discovery, assessment, and
management of the content by content managers 109a-109c. For
example, the metadata can be used to optimize compression
algorithms or perform other computational tasks by the components
of system 100. The metadata might be utilized to generate and/or
transmit user profile information and/or control commands to a
plurality of STBs 101a-101n. Various other embodiments might use
metadata to suggest content sources to a user based on information
stored in a user profile, such as game performance information or
usage statistics. In other embodiments, metadata can be utilized to
describe user profile information (including game performance
information) and/or control parameters governing content accessible
to secondary users via STBs 101a-101n and/or end terminal(s) 107 to
facilitate profile modification. A more detailed explanation of
user profiles is provided with respect to FIG. 3.
[0054] In various embodiments, the service provider network 103 may
include one or more video, audio, communication, and/or control
command processing modules (not shown) for acquiring, generating,
presenting, and/or transmitting content feeds, user profile
information, and/or control commands (including user profile
modification signals) from MSP 111, the television broadcast
systems 113, the third-party content provider systems 115, servers
105, end terminals 107, or STBs 101a-101n, over one or more of the
networks 103, 117, 119, to particular users at various STBs
101a-101n and/or end terminal(s) 107. Further, service provider
network 101 can optionally support end-to-end data encryption in
conjunction with media content streaming and remote access services
such that only authorized users are able to experience customized
content, establish and/or modify one or more user profiles
specifying content available to dependent users, and/or interact
with other legitimate users/components of system 100.
[0055] Accordingly, system 100 may include an authentication module
(not shown) configured to perform authentication services and
determine whether users are indeed subscribers to the performance
tracking and content modification service. An authentication schema
may require a user name and password, a key access number, a unique
machine identifier (e.g., media access control (MAC) address,
globally unique identifier (GUID), serial number), etc., as well as
combinations thereof. In this manner, the authenticate module may
be in communication with a user profile repository 127, which
stores user credentials and personalized information for use by
content managers 109a-109c. In particular embodiments, media-based
devices 101a-101n and/or end terminal(s) 107 are provisioned for
system 100 by associating a device identifier of the respective
devices with respect subscriber accounts, where the accounts
identify each of the media-based devices 101a-101n and/or end
terminal(s) 107, as well as dependent user profiles under the
control of a supervisory user and their associated profile.
[0056] In exemplary embodiments, a one time only provisioning
authentication procedure is executed for each STB 101a-101n and/or
end terminal(s) 107 by transmitting an associated machine
identifier and user credentials to the authentication module. Thus,
once a subscriber has authenticated a presence on system 100, the
user may bypass additional authentication procedures for executing
later applications (e.g., content streaming instances and/or
content manager sessions, including content modification procedures
based on game performance information). Data packets, such as
cookies, may be utilized for this purpose. Thus, once an STB or
content source is authenticated, connections between the STBs
101a-101n and the end terminal(s) 107 may be established directly
or through server 105 and/or MSP 111.
[0057] In other embodiments, authentication procedures on a first
device (e.g., STB 101a) may identify and authenticate a second
(e.g., terminal 107) and/or a third device (STB 101b-101n)
communicatively coupled to, or associated with, the first device.
Further, the authentication module may grant primary users the
right to control (e.g., modify) one or more user profiles, STBs
101a-101n, and/or end terminal(s) 107 serviced by service provider
network 103 by revoking existing sets of digital certificates
associated with a profile/STB/end terminal, and issuing new sets of
digital certificates mapped to a second profile/STB/end terminal.
In this regard, subscribers may start a new content manager
session, whereas the previous session may be automatically closed
when the "old" or prior certificates associated with the first
session are revoked. This enables primary and secondary users to
initiate secure sessions at any given end terminal 107 (or STB
101a-101n) linked to system 100, whether or not the end terminal
(or STB) belongs to that individual user. It is additionally
contemplated that multiple rights sessions may exist
concurrently.
[0058] While system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the components
are exemplary in nature, and indeed, additional or alternative
components and/or implementations may be utilized.
[0059] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a set-top box configured to provide
modified content, according to an exemplary embodiment. STB 201 may
comprise any suitable technology to receive user profile
information (e.g., signals 203a and 203b) from a sever 205 and/or
an end terminal 207, as well as from another STB (e.g., STB 101n).
As such, STB 201 may also generate and/or modify user profile
information (and/or content scheduling information) based on game
performance information, content usage statistics, and/or other
user profile information for selecting and modifying content to
make available to dependent users of STB 201. Further, STB 201
includes gaming technology, such as processor 211 and tracking
module 213, for executing games and tracking performance associated
with playing those games, such as online game 245.
[0060] STB 201 may execute (or communication with) one or more
content managers 209a-209c receiving input from a supervisory user
for modifying user profile information based on game performance
data, so as to present modified menus of customized content options
(e.g., audio, video, gaming, and/or photographic media instances)
to dependent users, wherein the processes of content managers
209a-209c may be performed "on-the-fly," i.e., in real-time, or as
the result of a "batched" request, i.e., periodically. Further, STB
201 may also include suitable technology to receive one or more
content streams 215 from a media source 217, such as the IPTV
system of FIG. 1, as well as receive (and transmit) online games
(and game performance information) via signals 203a. Content stream
215 and signals 203a may be received and transmitted in response to
command(s) from content manager(s) 209a-209c and may include media,
such as broadcast content, digital video recorder (DVR) content,
on-demand content, on-demand games, and/or other suitable media, as
well as locally stored instances of the same.
[0061] Accordingly, STB 201 may comprise computing hardware (such
as described with respect to FIG. 12) and include additional
components configured to provide specialized services related to
the generation, modification, transmission, reception, and display
of user profiles, user profile information, control commands,
and/or content (e.g., user profile modification capabilities,
conditional access functions, tuning functions, gaming functions,
presentation functions, multiple network interfaces, AV signal
ports, etc.). Alternatively, the functions and operations of STB
201 may be governed by a controller 219 that interacts with each of
the STB components to configure and modify user profiles in
response to control commands from content managers 209a-209c, as
well as provide media content retrieved from media source 217.
Additionally, a user may be afforded greater functionality
utilizing a control device 221 to control these services, as will
be more fully described below.
[0062] As such, STB 201 may be configured to process data streams
(e.g., streams 203a, 203b, and 215), including causing a content
manager 209c and/or one or more components of received content
(e.g., video component 223 and/or an audio component) to be
presented on (or at) a display 225. Presentation of the content may
be in response to a command received from one or more content
managers 209a-209c and include: displaying, recording, playing,
rewinding, forwarding, toggling, selecting, zooming, or any other
processing technique that enables users to select customized
content instances from a menu of options and/or experience content,
such as playing online game 245. For instance, STB 201 may provide
one or more signals 227 to a display 225 (e.g., television) so that
the display 225 may present (e.g., display) content manager 209c
overlaid on the content (e.g., video 223) to a user, wherein the
content manager 209c enables a first user to establish and
selectively modify a user profile based on game performance
information, content usage statistics, and/or other user profile
parameters, wherein the user profile specifies content that is
available to the user via STB 201 or end terminal(s) 107. In
certain embodiments, the user profile also specifies scheduling
information for access to the specified content. Alternatively,
signals 227 may be configured and provided to display 225 in
response to a received control command from a content manager
209a-209c.
[0063] STB 201 may also interact with a PVR, such as digital video
recorder (DVR) 229, to store received content that can be
manipulated by a user at a later point in time. In various
embodiments, DVR 229 may be network-based, e.g., included as a part
of the service provider network 103, collocated at a subscriber
site having connectivity to STB 201, and/or integrated into STB
201. In any case, content managers 209a-209c may port content
instances provided by DVR 229 into a customized menu of content
options available to dependent users based on associated user
profiles and scheduling information established and/or modified by
a supervisory user. Display 225 may present these menus and
associated content provided via STB 201 to a user. In alternative
embodiments, STB 201 may be configured to communicate with a number
of additional peripheral devices, including: PCs, laptops, PDAs,
cellular phones, monitors, mobile devices, handheld devices, as
well as any other equivalent technology capable of presenting
modified content to a user, such as those computing, telephony, and
mobile apparatuses described with respect to FIG. 1.
[0064] These peripherals may be configured to access user profile
information and/or modified content stored and/or processed by STB
201 in response to control commands from content managers
209a-209c. For example, a content stream 215 may be received by STB
201 and recorded by DVR 229, wherein a user at a PC may later
access and view the stored content based on a modified menu of
content options, scheduling information, and/or any other command
of one or more content managers 209a-209c. Moreover, the peripheral
devices may be configured to implement instances of a content
manager (e.g., content manager 209b) to control, configure, modify,
or otherwise program user profile information and/or available
content to users of STB 201. For instance, a content manager 209b
executed on end terminal 207 may receive input from a supervisory
user modifying user profile information based on game performance
information, content usage statistics, or other profile parameter,
including modified scheduling information and modified content to
make available to dependent users via STB 201. An associated
control command, generated based on the input, may be received at a
communication interface 231, wherein STB 201 retrieves the user
profile information (including profile modifications), scheduling
information, and associated content for presentation to the user
via display 225. In another embodiment, a communication interface
(not illustrated) of end terminal 207 may be configured to retrieve
the user profile information, scheduling information, and/or
associated content over, for instance, a data network (e.g.,
packet-based network 117), wherein STB 201 may receive a data
stream 203b from end terminal 207 including the retrieved user
profile information, scheduling information, and/or associated
content to present to a dependent user via display 225.
[0065] In another embodiment, user input to STB 201 and/or a
peripheral device (e.g., end terminal 207) executing an instance of
a content manager (e.g., content manager 209c and/or 209b) may
cause specified content (e.g., online game 245) to be made
available at another STB (e.g., STB 101a-101n) or a computing,
telephony, or mobile device capable of processing audio and/or
video streams. Still further, user input to a network-based content
manager 209a, implemented on, for instance, server 205, may be
configured to program, modify, or otherwise control available
content and/or multimedia entertainment instances of STB 201. For
instance, a user may access content manager 209a, via an end
terminal 107, over one or more data networks (e.g., network 103,
117, and/or 119), to transmit user profile information, including
user profile modifications based on game performance information,
scheduling information, and information specifying content to make
available to particular dependents users, via STB 201. In this
manner, server 205 (or other component of system 100, such as MSP
111) may, when suitable, transmit the user profile information and
specified content instances (including online game 245) as a part
of stream 203a to STB 201 for presentation at display 225.
[0066] Communication interface 231 may be configured to receive
user profile information from server 205, end terminal 207, MSP
111, or another STB (e.g., STB 101n). In turn, modified content may
be streamed from a media source 217 (e.g., MSP 111, television
broadcast system 113, content provider system 115, and/or
repository 121), an end terminal 207, and/or server 205 and
received at communication interface 231. In particular embodiments,
communication interface 231 can be configured to receive an online
game (e.g., online game 245) from, or transmit online game commands
to, server 205, MSP 111, or other suitable source/sink, such as
content repository 121. In other embodiments, communication
interface 231 can be configured to receive and transmit game
performance information, including game performance information of
other users associated with other STBs, wherein processor 211 is
further configured to compare the performance information of two or
more users to output a report for presentation via display 225. As
such, communication interface 231 may optionally include single or
multiple port interfaces. For example, STB 201 may establish a
broadband connection to multiple sources transmitting data to STB
201 via a single port, whereas in alternative embodiments, multiple
ports may be assigned to the one or more sources. In still other
embodiments, communication interface 231 may receive and/or
transmit user profile information (including modified content menu
options, and/or modified content scheduling data), as well as
associated customized content instances (e.g., online game 245) to
other users with STBs, an MSP 111, or any other suitable
source/sink, such as end terminal 207.
[0067] According to various embodiments, STB 201 may also include
inputs/outputs (e.g., connectors 233) to display 225 and DVR 229,
as well as an audio system 235. In particular, audio system 235 may
comprise a conventional AV receiver capable of monaural or stereo
sound, as well as multichannel surround sound. Audio system 235 may
include speakers, ear buds, headphones, or any other suitable
component configured for personal or public dissemination. As such,
STB 201, display 225, DVR 229, and audio system 235, for example,
may support high resolution audio and/or video streams, such as
high definition television (HDTV) or digital theater systems high
definition (DTS-HD) audio. Thus, STB 201 may be configured to
encapsulate data into a proper format with required credentials
before transmitting onto one or more of the networks of FIG. 1, and
de-encapsulate incoming traffic to dispatch data to display 225
and/or audio system 235.
[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, display 225 and/or audio system
235 may be configured with internet protocol (IP) capability (i.e.,
include an IP stack, or otherwise made network addressable), such
that the functions of STB 201 may be assumed by display 225 and/or
audio system 235 and controlled, in part, by content manager
command(s). In this manner, an IP ready, HDTV display or DTS-HD
audio system may be directly connected to one or more service
provider networks 103, packet-based networks 117, and/or telephony
networks 119. Although STB 201, display 225, DVR 229, and audio
system 235 are shown separately, it is contemplated that these
components may be integrated into a single component, or other
combination of components.
[0069] An authentication module 237 may be provided at STB 201 to
initiate or respond to authentication schemes of, for instance,
service provider network 103 or various other content providers,
e.g., broadcast television systems 113, third-party content
provider systems 115, or servers 105. Authentication module 237 may
provide sufficient authentication information, e.g., a user name
and password, a key access number, a unique machine identifier
(e.g., GUID or MAC address), and the like, as well as combinations
thereof, to a corresponding network interface for establishing
connectivity. As described earlier, one or more digital
certificates may be simultaneously mapped. Moreover, authentication
at STB 201 may identify and authenticate a second device (e.g., end
terminal 207) communicatively coupled to, or associated with, STB
201, or vice versa. Further, authentication information (as well as
user profile information, game performance information, content
usage statistics, and/or scheduling data) may be stored locally at
memory 239, in a repository (not shown) connected to STB 201, or at
a remote repository, e.g., user profile repository 127.
[0070] Authentication module 237 may also facilitate the reception
of data from single or disparate sources. For instance, STB 201 may
receive broadcast video from a first source (e.g., IPTV system
111), signals from a content manager 209b at second source (e.g.,
server 207), and a content stream (e.g., online game 245) from a
third source accessible over a data network (e.g., server 205). As
such, display 225 may present the broadcast video and/or online
game 245 to a user in response to the signals from content manager
209b, wherein STB 201 (in conjunction with one or more content
managers 209a-209c) can permit supervisory users to modify the
content available to dependent users at STB 201 and/or end
terminal(s) 207 based on game performance information. This
presentation may be experienced separately, concurrently, in a
toggled fashion, or with zooming, maximizing, minimizing, or trick
capabilities, or equivalent mode. In other exemplary embodiments,
authentication module 237 can authenticate a user to allow them to
modify scheduling information for access to the modified content at
other STBs (e.g., STB 101a-101n), as well as transmit and receive
game performance information from (or to) one or more other users
associated with other STBs, in addition to server 205.
[0071] A presentation module 241 may be configured to receive data
streams 203a, 203b, and 215, e.g., AV feeds (including online game
245) and/or control commands (including content modification
signals), and output a result via one or more connectors 233 to
display 225 and/or audio system 235. In this manner, presentation
module 241 may also provide a user interface for content manager
209a or 209c via display 225. Aural aspects of content managers
209a or 209c may be presented via audio system 235 and/or display
225. In certain embodiments, content managers 209a or 209c may be
overlaid on the video content output 223 of display 225 via
presentation module 241. In other instances, presentation module
241 can be configured to present game performance information to a
supervisory user. Namely, presentation module 241 can format game
performance data into a report, including textual displays,
graphical illustrations, aural exhibitions, or other suitable
reporting element. In any case, however, the data streams 203a,
203b, and 215 may include user profile information (including
scheduling information) received in response to a supervisory user
modifying specified content instances based on game performance
information, content usage statistics, and/or other user profile
parameter(s). As such, presentation module 241 may dynamically
update a menu of customized content options based on the
modifications, wherein the modifications effect media instances,
such as broadcast content, digital video recorder (DVR) content,
on-demand content, on-demand games, and/or other suitable media, as
well as locally stored instances of the same, available to one or
more dependent users.
[0072] Connector(s) 233 may provide various physical interfaces to
display 225, audio system 235, and the peripheral apparatuses
(e.g., end terminal 207); the physical interfaces including, for
example, RJ45, RJ11, high definition multimedia interface (HDMI),
optical, coax, FireWire, wireless, and universal serial bus (USB),
or any other suitable connector. The presentation module 241 may
also interact with a control device 221 for configuring (i.e.,
modifying) user profiles, as well as determining particular content
instances that a user desires to experience. In an exemplary
embodiment, the control device 221 may comprise a remote control
(or other access device having control capability, such as a
joystick, video game controller, or an end terminal 207, e.g., a
PC, wireless device, mobile phone, etc.) that provides a user with
the ability to readily manipulate and dynamically modify parameters
affecting user profile information and/or a multimedia experience
(e.g., playing online game 245). Such parameters can include STB
201 configuration data, such as parental controls, available
channel information, favorite channels, program recording settings,
viewing history, or loaded software, as well as other suitable
parameters.
[0073] In particular embodiments, configuration data may also
include channel fixing options, show/hide/label channel functions,
making captions or info banners available, label inputs (such as
connector(s) 233) options, application graphics settings (e.g.,
color schemes, icons, etc.), video game settings, high altitude
settings, power saving modes, device password options,
country/language options, display settings (e.g., AV parameters),
control functions (e.g., channel up/down. input, mute, pause,
picture-in-picture, play, power on/off, rewind, fast-forward,
record, stop, volume up/down), parental locks, application settings
(e.g., memory sticks, i.links, clocks/timers, diagnostics, cable
card), change operating system functions, or install software, as
well as provide troubleshooting frequently asked questions, get
device manuals, or receive safety tips, etc. It is generally noted
that configuration data can be any option/feature available at STB
201, DVR 229, or peripheral device (e.g., display 225, audio system
235, control device 221, etc.) having connectivity to (or
association with) STB 201.
[0074] In this manner, control device 221 and/or end terminal 207
may include (not shown) a cursor controller, trackball, touch
screen, touch pad, keyboard, joystick, and/or a key pad for
activating content managers 209a-209c, navigating through broadcast
channels and/or content, as well as modifying user profiles,
playing video games, and performing other processes as described
herein. For instance, control device 221 or end terminal 207 may be
utilized to maximize a content manager, navigate through
displayable interfaces permitting users to modify user profile
information, locate/specify/retrieve content made available based
on a user profile specified by a supervisory user, adjust STB 201
configuration data, or toggle through available broadcast channels
and/or content. Control device 221 or end terminal 207 may also
include functional actuators (e.g., buttons, keys, icons, etc.),
such as power on/of, play, pause, stop, fast-forward, reverse,
volume up/down, channel up/down, menu, ok/enter, record, info, my
content, search, edit, or exit, as well as any other suitable
control trigger, such as alphanumeric buttons, shift, control,
back, symbols, and the like. Other functional actuators may also
include levers, knobs, pedals, switches, steering wheels, etc.,
utilized in video game play. In other examples, STB 201 may be
configured for voice recognition such that STB 201 may be
controlled with spoken utterances. For example, users may modify
user profile parameters through one or more content managers via
speech acts.
[0075] Further, control device 221 or end terminal 207 may comprise
a memory (not illustrated) for storing preferences (or user profile
information) affecting the available content, which can be conveyed
to STB 201 through an input interface 243 (or communication
interface 231). Input interface 243 may support any type of wired
and/or wireless link, e.g., infrared, radio frequency (RF),
BLUETOOTH, and the like. Input interface 243, communication
interface 231, and/or control device 221 may further comprise
automatic speech recognition (ASR) and/or text-to-speech (TTS)
technology for effectuating voice recognition functionality. Thus,
according to certain embodiments, control device 221 and/or end
terminal 207 may store user preferences with respect to modified
content, such as favorite sources, etc., as well as user profile
information, including game performance information associated with
particular users and/or scheduling information for making
particular content available. Alternatively, user preferences and
user profile information may be tracked, recorded, and/or stored in
STB 201, via memory 239, or in a network user profile repository
127. Tracking module 213 may be provided for this purpose, as well
as monitoring content usage statistics (e.g., date and time spent
experiencing particular content instances) and/or game performance
information for effecting user profile modifications, scheduling
changes, which determine content availability at STB 201 on a per
profile basis. The preferences and user profile information may be
automatically retrieved and activated by one or more users at any
time, or may be actuated in response to user profile information
(including scheduling information) received via content managers
209a-209c. It is noted that control device 221 may be separate from
STB 201 or may be integrated within STB 201 (in which case certain
input interface hardware and/or software may not be necessary).
[0076] Exemplary embodiments enable supervisory users, via one or
more content managers 209a-209c and control device 221 (or an input
interface of one or more end terminals 207), to modify dependent
user profiles based on game performance information, wherein the
user profiles govern the content that is made available to the
dependent users. For instance, a user profile function of a content
manager(s) 209a-209c may be provided or accessed by STB 201/end
terminal 207 to enable users to modify a plurality of user profile
entry fields utilizing, for instance, control device 221. A user
profile may include one or more customized or personalized settings
that affect any aspect of content accessible to dependent users via
STB 201, game performance information, configuration parameters,
scheduling information, and/or options of a peripheral device. More
specifically, the profile may include: subscription information
(account numbers, usernames, passwords, security questions,
avatars, selectable images, image files identifying associated
users, monikers, etc.), subscriber demographics (age, gender,
ethnicity, location of residence, zip code, school district,
community, socioeconomic status, religion, marital status,
ownerships, languages, mobility, life cycles, etc.),
group/organizational affiliations (e.g., political), memberships,
interests, buddies, friends, cohorts, system configurations,
policies, associated users/devices, etc., as well as any other like
personal information.
[0077] In other embodiments, profile information can include phone
numbers, email addresses, workgroups, viewing history (e.g.,
current programming, logged history, etc.), account plan,
authorized access to specified content, scheduling information
governing access to specified content, billing preferences (e.g.,
bill receipt options, such as electronic or paper bills, payment
methods, such as automatic or manual, etc.), add accounts/users,
and parental controls, as well as the game performance information
described with respect to FIG. 1. Additionally, a user profile may
include a "whitelist" specifying one or more accessible media
content sources/subjects, a "blacklist" specifying one or more
media content sources/subjects, as well as other equivalent
customized settings, such as color schemes, sound effects, etc.
Still further, network settings may be affected such as registering
associated STBs, DVRs, end terminals, registering premises (e.g.,
primary residence, vacation cottage, work, etc.), link to content
sources (e.g., audio, video, and/or pictographic
sites/systems/repositories, etc.), as well as other equivalent
parameters, such as available broadcast content, DVR content,
on-demand content, on-demand games, or locally stored instances of
the same.
[0078] In other embodiments, the user profile may be established,
reviewed, and/or modified using the additional access devices
described earlier, e.g., end terminal 207, such as a PC,
implementing or accessing one or more content managers 209a-209c.
As such, user profile information and configuration data may be
stored in STB 201, e.g., in memory 239, and/or at a user site
repository (not illustrated) directly connected to STB 201.
Additionally or alternatively, this information may be stored in a
network-based repository (e.g., remote user profile repository
127), control device 221, and/or any other accessible storage
medium, such as a memory stick, or other database. Similarly, STB
201 (via memory 239), a user site repository, and/or a
network-based repository may store a collection of digital audio,
video, game, and/or pictographic content accumulated by a user.
This collection may also include a plurality of identifiers (or
bookmarks) to specified content made available based on a user
profile established via content manager(s) 209a-209c, wherein the
selection of a particular identifier may cause the content to be
retrieved from an associated link (either directly from a third
party source (e.g., television broadcast system 113, content
provider system 115, content repository 121, etc.) or indirectly
from server 105, MSP 111, end terminal 107, another STB 101a-101n,
etc.).
[0079] Thus, under arrangements of FIGS. 1 and 2, a supervisory
user may modify, via an STB (e.g., STB 101n), end terminal 107, or
server 105 application, one or more user profile parameters based
on game performance information associated with a dependent user,
wherein the user profiles specifies content (including game
applications, e.g., an educational game) that is available to the
dependent users, as well as scheduling information for access to
the content. In an exemplary embodiment, STBs 101a-101n enable the
dependent users to access and manipulate online games (e.g., online
game 245), wherein their game performance associated with playing
the online game may be monitored and tracked by one or more
tracking modules (e.g., modules 129 or 213). Performance reports
generated from this game performance information may be utilized by
one or more supervisory users to progressively tailor available
content to dependent users, so as to promote the development of the
dependent users.
[0080] The operation of STB 201 and one or more content managers
209a-209c, in conjunction with the components of system 100, will
now be described with respect to modifying a user profile based on
game performance information, content usage statistics, and/or
other user profile parameters.
[0081] As there may be a relatively large number of configurable
user profile parameters, STB 201 may include one or more user
interfaces configured to allow subscribers to seamlessly access and
modify associated user profile information, via one or more content
managers 209a-209c. As such, a menu of customized content options
(e.g., audio, video, gaming, and/or photographic media instances)
may be conveniently modified by a supervisory user, via content
managers 209a-209c, and presented to a dependent user at, for
instance, STB 201, based on information within one or more user
profiles. These modifications may be initialized in response to
previously tracked game performance associated with the dependent
user and made available to the supervisory user. It is recognized;
however, that one or more user interfaces may be implemented at one
or more end terminals 207 or accessible via one or more servers 205
or MSPs 111. Thus, the user interface may be displayed to the user
as part of a content manager accessible over a suitable
communications link. Namely, web pages may be displayed to the user
as part of an online application accessed over an Internet
communications link. Exemplary processes and user interfaces of
system 100 are described with respect to FIGS. 3-11.
[0082] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for establishing a
modifiable user profile, according to an exemplary embodiment. This
process is described with respect to exemplary user interfaces of
FIGS. 4a and 4b. In step 301, a new user subscribes to the game
performance monitoring and content modifying service utilizing, for
instance, an end terminal 207, which is capable of processing and
transmitting data over a network (e.g., packet-based network 117).
That is, the user may interact with an input interface (described
in more detail with respect to FIG. 7) of end terminal 207 to
activate software resident on the device, such as content manager
209b executed on end terminal 207 or web-based content manager 209a
implemented on server 205. The software may then establish one or
more connections to a service provider network 103 through an
IP-based connection. Consequently, the user may register as a new
subscriber of the content management service, as well as obtain
sufficient authentication information for establishing future
sessions.
[0083] In certain embodiments, registration procedures may prompt
the user to identify all user devices (e.g., STBs 101a-101n and/or
end terminal(s) 107) that the user may employ to interact with
system 100 features, e.g., content managers 209a-209c. The software
may automatically search for peripheral devices, e.g. through a
pinging or other suitable procedure, as well as port any peripheral
configuration parameters or user interface information into, for
instance, user profile repository 127 for access by content
managers 209a-209c. In other embodiments, the user may identify
devices by entering appropriate device information, such as: device
type, serial number, registration number, MAC address, GUID, phone
number, communications link, etc. In this manner a new subscriber
may establish a separate identity for each media-based device
101a-101n and/or end terminal(s) 107 associated with the user,
which may be utilized to further personalize the content received
by dependent users of the subscribing account.
[0084] As such, MSP 111, server 105, and or one or more content
managers 209a-209c may obtain device configuration parameters from
a manufacturer or other third-party supplier over, for instance,
the packet-based network 117. Further, when a new device is
employed, the software may add the apparatus to the list of user
devices associated with the user's account. Registered devices
(such as one or more STBs 101a-101n) may be logically associated
with one another. That is, STBs 101a-101n can be grouped into
workgroups such that associated subscription accounts, i.e.,
supervisory user profiles and one or more dependent user profiles,
governing the availability of content to the associated users may
be established, wherein the user profiles specify content that is
available to the associated users and scheduling information for
making the content available, as well as game performance
information and content usage statistics associated with the
users/user profiles.
[0085] Once registered and/or authenticated, the user may establish
one or more user profiles, per step 303. That is, the user via end
terminal 207, executing content manager 209a and/or 209b, may
establish communication with MSP 111 for configuring one or more
user profiles, i.e., supervisory profiles and one or more dependent
profiles, wherein each user profile embodies user-defined
attributes, policies, configuration data, scheduling information,
selectable images, premises, and/or workgroups for carrying out
functions of system 100. Thus, when the user authenticates a
presence via, for instance, an STB (e.g., STB 201), the software
may provide user-specific interfaces and features based on
information stored within the user profile. Moreover,
authentication procedures at one device (e.g., end terminal 107)
may authenticate other devices (e.g., STBs 101a-101n), as
previously described, or vice versa. In other embodiments, users
may subscribe to the game performance monitoring and content
modification service and/or configure a user profile via STB 201,
utilizing an input interface, such as control device 221 and/or end
terminal 207, via content managers 209a and/or 209c. It is
contemplated that the user profile may be updated manually as well
as automatically using predefined rules or scripts. For example,
the user profile can be modified based on the user's
performance--e.g., if the performance is high, then the profile can
note the user is at a higher skill level, while continued poor
performance can result in changing the user's skill level to a
lower one.
[0086] As seen in FIG. 4a, an exemplary user interface 400 for
selecting a "CREATE A NEW PROFILE" option 401 is illustrated. An
authenticated subscriber (e.g., a parent) may directly input user
profile information (e.g., dependent user profiles of, for
instance, one or more children), wherein associated profiles govern
the content available to one or more dependent users, such as the
availability of online game 123. User interface 400 may be invoked
using a number of different methods. For example, the user may
select a dedicated "MENU" button on control device 221 or on a
peripheral device communicatively coupled thereto (or associated
therewith), such as end terminal 207. It is recognized that any
other suitable actuator of these devices may be additionally, or
alternatively, used to access the functionality of interface 400,
such as triggering a "GUIDE" icon or other suitable graphical
element. Further, interface 400 may be evoked by selecting an
option within another interface or application (e.g., when
navigating from a public screen to a user-specific screen, i.e., a
private screen). As such, an executing device (e.g., STB 201,
server 205, end terminal 207, etc.) may require sufficient
authentication information (e.g., username, password, MAC address,
GUID, etc.) to be input in order to access the functions of
interface 400.
[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, user interface 400 may
include one or more interactive panes, such as panes 403-409. In
particular embodiments, as will be described in more detail below,
the content of respective panes may be dynamically updated to
display various information related to actions conducted within
other panes, and vice versa. Pane 403 (i.e., a options pane)
includes a listing of selectable entries corresponding to one or
more features (or options) that may be associated with a
subscription service or provided via STB 201 and/or end terminal
207. For example, entries might include: a home (i.e., main menu)
option 403a, an address book option 403b, a message center option
403c, a calendar option 403d, a search option 403e, a collaborate
option 403f, and an entertainment option 403g, as well as other
suitable entries. In certain embodiments, graphical elements may be
provided to correspond to one or more of these entries 403a-403g,
and may be displayed therewith to facilitate interface usability.
In other embodiments, pane 403 may include a navigation tree, an
expandable table of contents, or FlashMedia presentation of
selectable entries. Based on a particular selection within pane
403, a main window pane 411 may be populated with appropriate input
fields, selectable elements (e.g., toggle buttons, check boxes,
radio buttons, sliders, list boxes, spinners, drop-down lists,
menus, toolbars, ribbons, combo boxes, icons, etc.), output fields
(e.g., labels, tooltips, balloon helps status bars, progress bars,
infobars, etc.) and additional windows/panes, as well as any other
suitable interface widget for inputting (or otherwise perceiving)
configurable parameters. Actions within main window 411 may affect
selectable parameters within pane 403.
[0088] As seen, main window 411 includes: pane 405 (i.e., a profile
establishing pane), pane 407 (i.e., an educational resources pane),
and pane 409 (i.e., a featured games, channels, or other content
pane). In this manner, pane 407 comprises, for instance, a
plurality of links (or bookmarks) for researching content to make
available to one or more secondary users that will edify the users'
multimedia experience. An exemplary process for automatically
providing these suggested content and research links is described
with respect to FIG. 11. As for now, these links may connect the
user to information stored at MSP 111 or another third party source
(such as a website) providing educational or other content resource
information/suggestions. For example, links 413 may provide users
with information, such as suggested content for certain age groups,
ways to maximize secondary users "spare" time, or how much time
should be allotted to a secondary user for interacting with various
multimedia resources available via STB 201, as well as other
suitable information, such as public school rankings, frequently
asked questions, etc. Further, links 415 can be provided to inform
supervisory users about certain educational games, such as math
games, language games, critical thinking games, as well as other
suitable interactive learning applications. As such, supervisory
users may consult pane 407 to acquire expert knowledge concerning
content to make available to one or more dependent users that will
maximize their multimedia learning experience.
[0089] Similarly, pane 409 may be provided to include, for example,
featured programming, broadcast channels, on-demand media,
on-demand games, DVR content, or locally stored instances of the
same, most often made available by other subscribers to the game
performance monitoring and content modification service, as well as
new availabilities of the same. Thus, supervisory users may consult
pane 409 to acquire insight into what other subscribers are making
available to dependent users. Additionally (or alternatively),
information within pane 409 may be populated based on metadata
correlation between user profile information (including game
performance information and content usage statistics) and available
content (such as educational content, e.g., an educational game)
provided by the one or more content sources of system 100.
According to certain embodiments, one or more graphical icons
corresponding to featured content may be provided, wherein users
may acquire knowledge regarding the particular content instance
being suggested by interacting with, e.g., "clicking on," the
icons. For instance, selection of graphical icon 409a may provide
information regarding a particular broadcast channel, including:
rating information, plot summaries, lesson plans, interactive
capabilities, messages, characters, etc., from which the
supervisory user may determine whether such content is suitable or
appropriate to make available to one or more dependent users based
on, for example, previous game performance information. Again, this
information may be provided using metadata correlation.
[0090] Interface 400 also includes a user profile pane 405 for
making available the "CREATE A NEW PROFILE" option 401 for
configuring a new profile. As seen can be seen in FIG. 8, existing
user profiles can be displayed in pane 405, wherein selection of an
existing profile enables users to receive game performance
information, modify one or more profile parameters, and delete
profiles, as will be described in more detail according to FIGS. 7
and 8. In other embodiments, aural descriptions, tooltips, or other
effects may be provided when a user navigates, for instance, a
cursor over particular fields of panes 403-409. Interface 400 may
also be configured to accept verbal commands for entering suitable
data into corresponding entry fields or for making selections
within the respective panes. While not shown, interface 400 may
include fields for targeted advertisements generated based on
metadata concerning information within a user profile, or content
available at one or more STBs 101a-101n, as well as other suitable
fields, such as a field for an MSP logo, etc. Moreover,
navigational elements/fields, e.g., scrollbar 417, as well as
heading field 419, may be provided and configured to indicate the
existence of additional entries not displayed, but navigably
available, as well as facilitate interface usability. Accordingly,
users may browse to these entries via, for instance, an input
interface of end terminal 207, e.g., a cursor control, or actuation
of a respective control device 221 component.
[0091] When a user interacts with the "CREATE A NEW PROFILE" option
401 of pane 405, main window 411 of interface 400 is dynamically
updated to main window 441, thus making available interface 440 of
FIG. 4b. Alternatively, interaction with option 401 may launch a
separate profile configuring user interface. In this manner,
interface 440 enables supervisory users, via one or more end
terminal(s) 207 and/or STB 201, executing one or more content
managers 209a-209c, to transmit a signal to an interface, e.g., a
communication interface, of service provider network 103, server
105, user profile repository 127, etc., based on the user profile
information input to the content managers 209a-209c. More
specifically, the transmitted signal may be received at an
interface of user profile repository 127 directly or indirectly via
an interface of, for instance, MSP 111 or server 105, wherein one
or more of these interfaces (via one or more processors) can
configure associated user profiles based on the received signal.
Such configuration may be executed in real-time, thus having
substantially immediate effect on the user's account, and
consequently on available content at STBs 101a-101n. Alternatively,
configuration processes may be executed periodically via
established connections with one or more networks (e.g., networks
103, 117, or 119) and one or more repositories (e.g., repository
127) to "push" and "pull" user profile information, such as in a
"batched" processing mode.
[0092] Turning now to FIG. 4b, exemplary user interface 440 enables
primary users to configure dependent user profiles. Similarly to
interface 400, interface 440 includes one or more interactive
panes, such as panes 441 and 443, that may be dynamically updated
to display various information and/or fields related to actions
conducted within the respective panes. Pane 443, i.e., the options
pane 403 of FIG. 4a, includes the various selectable entries
corresponding to one or more features (or options) that may be
associated with a subscription service or provided via STB 201
and/or end terminal 207, and may be accompanied by suitable
graphical elements corresponding to the one or more entries. Pane
441 includes appropriate input fields, selectable elements, output
fields, and/or windows, as well as other suitable interface widgets
for inputting (or otherwise perceiving) configurable user profile
parameters, such as those parameters described with respect to FIG.
2. Actions within panes 441 and 443 may affect selectable
parameters within those panes, as well as in the respective other
pane. As previously mentioned, aural descriptions, tooltips, or
other effects may be provided when a user navigates, for instance,
a cursor over particular fields of panes 441 and 443. Additionally
(or alternatively), interface 440 may be configured to accept
verbal commands for entering suitable data into entry fields or
making selections within the respective panes. Targeted
advertisements, content available at one or more STBs 101a-101n, as
well as other suitable fields, such as a field for an MSP logo, etc
may also be included. Further, navigational elements/fields, e.g.,
scrollbar 445, as well as heading field 447, may be provided, as in
FIG. 4a.
[0093] More specifically, pane 441 (i.e., a profile configuring
pane) includes various input fields 449-459 for users to input
various user profile parameters. Actions within the various fields
may dynamically modify the display of information within the
interested field and/or the other respective fields. Utilizing one
or more input interfaces of end terminal(s) 107, STB 201, and/or
control device 221, supervisory users can input into field 449
personal information, such as a name, birthday, and gender of a
dependent user. Other entries (not shown) can correspond to the
previously delineated profiles parameters described in conjunction
with FIG. 2. A language field 451 (implemented as, for instance, a
drown-down list) enables the supervisory user to select preferred
secondary languages of one or more dependent user interfaces,
content instances (e.g., an online game 123), etc., so as to
increase the dependent users' familiarity and/or proficiency with
multiple languages.
[0094] Field 453 (i.e., a profile policy field) permits users to
choose between one or more pre-established profile policies 453a
designed to distribute (or portion) a dependent user's multimedia
experience between various technical categories, such as math
oriented development, language oriented development, critical
thinking oriented development, as well as other technical fields,
such as science, history, social studies, cognitive awareness,
memory recognition, etc. One or more selection fields, e.g., radio
buttons, check boxes, etc., may be provided for selecting a
technical category. In other embodiments, field 453 may include a
navigation tree, an expandable table of contents, or a FlashMedia
presentation of selectable entries. Moreover, a plurality of
graphical displays 453b may visually illustrate the distribution
between the various technical categories as a function of a
particular category. For instance, a default setting may be
selectively available, wherein an entertainment experience may be
evenly distributed between each of the available technical
categories. Thus, a corresponding graphical display may illustrate,
for instance, evenly sized bars, wherein the size of a particular
bar relates to the relative exposure to various technical
categories. In alternative embodiments, relative exposure may be
conveyed through percentages, pie charts, sized icons, color codes,
etc. Further, a primary user may be permitted to construct their
own distribution between various available (or user defined)
categories.
[0095] As such, metadata descriptions concerning specified content
may be utilized by the content managers 209a-209 to control the
availability of certain content instances based on the subject
matter of the content with respect to a technical category policy.
Additionally, these metadata descriptions may be utilized in
conjunction with statistical content usage parameters to control
content availability based on the selected technical category
policy.
[0096] Interface 440 also includes field 455, a content
specification field, wherein supervisory users can specify content
to make available to particular dependent users. As illustrated,
field 455 enables the primary user to select, via one or more
selection fields (e.g., check boxes, radio buttons, etc.), a
plurality of listed broadcast channels to make available. In other
embodiments, field 455 may include a navigation tree, an expandable
table of contents, or a FlashMedia presentation. In this manner, a
local navigation element, e.g., scrollbar 455a, can be provided and
configured for navigating to additional selectable entries (not
shown). Further, a plurality of tabs 455b may enable users to
toggle content selection modes of field 455 between broadcast
content selection, DVR content selection, on-demand media (e.g.,
audio, pictographic, and/or video content) selection, on-demand
game selection, or locally stored instances of the same.
[0097] In conjunction with the various modes of field 455, a time
management field 457 may be provided to control the scheduling
availability of the selected content within field 455 based on, for
example, absolute time values, times of day, days of the week,
weeks of the month, months of the year, etc., as well as any other
suitable time management parameter. Selectable fields, e.g., radio
buttons, check boxes, etc., are provided to select between these
various modes. Further, a schedule builder option 457a provides a
scheduling widget to schedule content availability as a function of
the content and/or of the respective users. A conventional calendar
display utilizing scheduling blocks may be provided for this
purpose. For instance, the scheduling widget (not shown) enables
supervisory users to specify scheduling information by simply
interacting within (e.g., clicking on) a particular display period
(e.g., day of the week). The user may then choose between various
available time slots, or may specify particular scheduling
information (e.g., start/end dates, times, etc.). In particular
embodiments, scheduling information may be made as a singular
instance or as recurring events. Scheduling information may
distinguish between applicable profiles, content instances,
devices, etc. In other instances, supervisory users may limit
dependent users to only those content instances specifically
scheduled.
[0098] Utilizing an upload option 459, the primary user can upload
an image file to be presented as a selectable icon, as described in
more detail with respect to FIGS. 6a and 6b. In any instance,
however, the selectable image may include an image file identifying
the user (e.g., a headshot, avatar, or other visual artifact), such
that the image file can be shown to dependent users to assist with
the selection of the users' particular user profile. User
interaction with the upload image option 459 enables a user to
browse a memory (e.g., memory 239 of STB 201, user profile
repository 127, content repository 121, or other accessible memory,
e.g., a memory of one or more end terminals 207, a database of MSP
111 or other third party source, etc.) and choose an image file to
associate with a particular user profile, and in some embodiments,
store therein. Conventional uploading techniques may be utilized
for this purpose. Accordingly, an image field 461 may be provided
to convey a "successful" association (i.e., upload), as well as
demonstrate what the selectable image will "look like." In certain
embodiments, interface 440 also includes a frequently asked
questions feature 463 to aid user decisions and/or inputs.
[0099] After generating a user profile, MSP 111 may store a list of
subscribers to the service, as well as a list of subscriber STB
identifiers, authentication information, and user-defined profiles
(including user-specific policies, subscription service options,
and/or configuration data) for one or more STBs 101a-101n and
associated peripheral devices (e.g., display 225, audio system 235,
etc.). Additionally (or alternatively), users may directly interact
with user profile repository 127. Further, user profile information
may be stored within respective user equipment (e.g., STBs
101a-101n) via a memory 239 or other repository (e.g., a locally
accessible database coupled to STB 201, or a content repository
accessible over a data network, such as repository 121).
[0100] Referring back to FIG. 3, after the supervisory user
configures at least one user profile, per step 305, the user may
enable the game performance tracking and content modifying services
of system 100. Furthermore, based on information stored within
these user profiles, STBs 101a-101n may present a menu of
customized content options (e.g., audio, video, gaming, and/or
photographic media instances) from which authenticated dependent
users may select from and interact with.
[0101] According to certain embodiments, the menu of customized
content options may be automatically modified by an STB based on
dependent user game performance, content usage, and/or other
information stored within a respective user profile, such as a
profile policy. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for "dynamic"
content modification, according to an exemplary embodiment.
Exemplary user interfaces effectuating this process are shown in
FIGS. 6a and 6b.
[0102] In step 501, an authenticated dependent user may access the
functions of STB 201 via, for instance, control device 221. Namely,
the user may access a main menu interface 600 of FIG. 6a, by for
example, actuating a dedicated "MENU" button on control device 221
or a peripheral device (e.g., PC 221, a mobile handset, etc.). It
is recognized that any other suitable actuator of these devices may
be additionally, or alternatively, used to access the functionality
of main menu 600, such as by triggering a "GUIDE" icon. Further,
main menu 600 may be evoked by selecting an option within another
interface or application (e.g., when navigating from a public
screen to a user-specific screen, i.e., a private screen). As such,
an executing device (e.g., STB 201, PC 221, etc.) may require
sufficient authentication information (e.g., username and password,
etc.) to be input in order to access the functions of main menu
600.
[0103] As seen in FIG. 6a, an exemplary user interface 600 of STB
201 for providing a main menu is illustrated and may include one or
more interactive viewing panes, such as panes 601 and 603. The
display of pane 603 may be dynamically updated to present various
information related to user interaction within pane 601, and vice
versa. Pane 601 includes a listing of selectable entries
corresponding to one or more features (or options) that may be
provided via STB 201. For example, entries might include: program
guide listings, DVR options, marketplace (shopping) options,
messaging and communications features, searching options, calendar
features, settings, help features, collaboration features, and the
like, as well as a "FOR KIDS" option 605. In certain embodiments,
graphical elements (e.g., element 607) may be provided to
correspond to one or more of the entries, and may be displayed
therewith. Header 609 and footer 611 fields may be provided and
configured to indicate the existence of additional entries not
displayed, but navigably available. Users may browse through these
entries via, for instance, suitable components of control device
221, e.g., navigational up/down arrows. A fixed focus state (e.g.,
border/box 613) and/or distinctive magnification features, e.g.,
color, brightness, bolding, font type, text size, etc., can be used
to convey a "currently" navigated position. In this manner, when a
user navigates to a desired entry, actuation of, for instance, an
"OK" button on control device 221 may launch corresponding features
and/or applications of the particular entry. In some embodiments, a
displayed interactive "OK" option (not shown) may be utilized.
Moreover, main menu 600 may include tooltips (not illustrated) when
a user navigates to a particular entry. In other embodiments, aural
descriptions of the entry navigated to and methods of interaction
may be provided.
[0104] In other embodiments, main menu 600 may provide navigation
fields 615 and 617 to facilitate usability. For example, field 615
may provide the name of the function/option being accessed, e.g.,
"MAIN MENU." In this manner, when a user accesses a new
function/option, field 615 can be automatically updated, as is
apparent in, for example, fields 661 of FIG. 6b. Field 617 may be
utilized to indicate sub-functions/sub-options accessed, e.g.,
"EDUCTIONAL" content functions. Thus, a dependent user can select
their user profile via pane 603 by navigating to and selecting
entry 605 and then, for instance, entry 619 of main menu 600.
Dependent user will be able to distinguish between various user
profiles via appropriate indicia, such as a username, selectable
image 621, or other personalized information, such as those
parameters stored within the users' respective user profiles.
Secondary header 623 and footer 625 fields may be provided and
configured to indicate the existence of additional user profiles
not displayed, but navigably available. In the depicted embodiment,
header 623 and footer 625 fields respectively display "TOP OF LIST"
and "BOTTOM OF LIST," thus demonstrating the existence of a set of
selectable profiles limited to those displayed. It is contemplated
that any number of profiles may exist. Thus, users may browse
through these entries via, for instance, control device 221, and
select their associated profile via, for instance, selectable image
621. In some embodiments, additional authentication procedures may
be required to access one or more of the dependent user profiles,
so as to keep over inquisitive users from accessing content not
appropriate or unintended for them; however, suitable for another
user.
[0105] Upon selection of, for example, profile 619, i.e.,
"AUGUSTINE'S" profile, interface 600 will be dynamically updated to
interface 650 of FIG. 6b. In step 503, the dependent user receives
a prompt of menu options corresponding to customized content
instances (e.g., audio, video, gaming, and/or photographic media
instances) made available based on the user's profile, such as
those instances of menu 651, e.g., "GAMES" 653 and "TV" 655,
illustrated in FIG. 6b. More specifically, interface 650 may
comprise panes of a content manger, such as content manager 209c.
As previously described with respect to earlier interfaces, panes
651, 657, and 659 include displays that may be dynamically altered
in response to user interaction. Further, header and footer fields
(e.g., header 661 and footer 663) may be provided to facilitate
micro-navigation with each of the panes 651, 657, and 659. Fields
665 and 667 may be provided to facilitate macro-navigation between
interfaces 600 and 650. In the depicted embodiment, fields 665
provide the name of the function/option being accessed, e.g.,
"EDUCATIONAL" material. Meanwhile, field 667 indicates the user
profile of the current session, e.g., "AUGUSTINE."
[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, pane 651 includes a list of
navigably available content categories, e.g., broadcast
programming, DVR content, on-demand media, on-demand, games, or
locally stored instances of the same. In certain embodiments,
graphical elements (e.g., element 669) may be provided to
correspond to one or more of the entries, and may be displayed
therewith. Accordingly, users may browse through these entries via
suitable method (e.g., using control device 221). A fixed focus
state (e.g., border/box 669) and/or distinctive magnification
features may be used to convey a "currently" navigated position.
Thus, when a user navigates to a desired entry, the display of pane
659 may toggle between corresponding content instances made
available by STB 201 based on information within the user's
profile. Selection of, for example, a "GAMES" content category 653
within pane 651 causes pane 659 to display various specified games
instances, such as online game 123, e.g., the "BARNIE" game
673.
[0107] At step 505, a dependent user selects a game content
instance, e.g., an online educational game, such as game 673. Upon
selection, STB 201 issues a request to either MSP 111 or server 105
for game 673. MSP 111 and/or server 105 may query user profile
repository 127 and, in particular, the dependent user's profile to
ensure game 673 is permissible for the dependent user. Assuming
game 673 is permissible, the online game may be executed and
played, in step 507, by the user in a variety of ways. For example,
game 673 may be executed on server 105 and/or MSP 111, such that
game commands issued by the player to STB 201, via, for instance,
control device 221, are transmitted to, received by, and executed
at server 105 and/or MSP 111. In this embodiment, STB 201
substantially operates as a terminal receiving video content from
server 105 and/or MSP 111 for presentation at display 221.
Accordingly, online game module 125 may execute game 673, while
tracking module 129 tracks the game performance of the player and
stores the game performance information in a suitable location,
e.g., user profile repository 127 and/or memory 239 of STB 201, as
well as any other equivalent location. Alternatively, a copy or
version of game 673 can be downloaded to STB 201, such that the
operation of the game and the execution of the game commands
received at STB 201, via control device 221, from the player, occur
at STB 201 via processor 211. In this embodiment, gaming data is
calculated by processor 211 and tracked either locally via tracking
module 213 or by the network-based tracking module 129. As such,
game performance information may be stored at a suitable location,
such as memory 239, user profile repository 127, etc. In other
embodiments, the execution of game 673 and/or the processing of
game control commands may be distributed between system 100
components, such as STB 201, end terminal 207, server 205, MSP 111,
etc. For example, server 105 may transmit a single level of game
673 to STB 201, wherein game execution and commands received from,
for instance, control device 221 may be executed at STB 201 via
processor 211. Once the player completes the level, another level
may be executed on, for instance, sever 105 via online game module
125. As such, one or more tracking modules 129 and/or 213 may be
used to track game performance information, but, nevertheless, the
game performance information can be stored to a centralized
location, such as user profile repository 127 or memory 235.
[0108] Upon completion of game 673, the expiration of a scheduled
time period, or the dependent user simply surrendering, as well as
other equivalent processes, STB 201 may dynamically provide
modification to the player's user profile based on the player's
game performance information, content usage statistics, and/or user
profile information (such as scheduling information, profile
policy, etc.). Thus, when the user accesses, for instance,
interface 650, the user receives a prompt of customized menu
options modified based on the modified user profile (step 509). For
example, if the user scored very well in game 673, it may be
replaced by a new, more challenging game. As another example, if
the dependent user exhausted all of their scheduled content usage
time, interface 650 may provide a corresponding message, such as
"ALLOTTED TIME EXPIRED," or other like message.
[0109] According to another embodiment, the menu of customized
content options may be manually modified by a supervisory user
based on dependent user game performance, content usage, and/or
other information stored within a respective user profile, such as
a profile policy. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for "ad hoc"
content modification, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8
is an exemplary diagram of a user interface configured for this
purpose.
[0110] In step 701, an authenticated dependent user (e.g., a child)
is presented with a game (e.g., a download version of online game
123, such as an educational game) via, for instance, display 225
receiving formatted signals from presentation module 241 of STB
201. As such, the child may manipulate control device 221 sending
game commands to processor 211, via input interface 243, for
execution, wherein updated or new displays of game 123 are
presented via display 225 by way of presentation module 241.
According to other embodiments, the child can utilize an input
interface of end terminal 207 to communicate game commands to
processor 211, wherein signals 203b are transmitted between STB 201
and end terminal 207 via communications interface 231. In the
alternative, the commands may be convey to STB 201 through a voice
application using an appropriate voice station (not shown). In
certain embodiments, aural aspects of game 123 may be presented via
display 225 and/or audio system 235. Next, tracking module 213
tracks the game performance of the user, per step 703.
[0111] Tracking module 213 may obtain the game performance
information from processor 211 in real-time (i.e., as the game is
being played) or periodically (i.e., based on a predetermined time
interval). As such, game performance information may be acquired by
tracking module 129 continuously, intermittently, or in an "on
demand" fashion. In other embodiments, tacking module 129 may be
employed for this purpose, wherein game performance information is
transmitted to server 105 either directly over packet-based network
117 or indirectly via MSP 111 over one or more data networks (e.g.,
network 117 and/or 103). In step 705, the game performance
information may be stored in a memory 239, a repository (not shown)
coupled to STB 201, user profile repository 127, or other suitable
location, such as in a memory (not shown) of server 105 or a
database (not illustrated) of server 105. In this manner, game
performance information may be tracked and stored over a given
period of time, such that the information may accessible to one or
more supervisory users to facilitate a determination as to whether
available content to a dependent user requires modification. In
other embodiments, tracking modules 129 and/or 213 may be utilized
to generate statistical information based on general usage of
content by the child, such as the amount of time playing game 123
and, for instance, watching broadcast programming.
[0112] Per step 707, STB 201 can provide game performance
information to a supervisory user, via for instance one or more
content manager instances 209a-209c. For example, an authenticated
supervisory user may access content manager 209c of STB 201,
wherein a user interface of content manager 209c may be presented
to the supervisory user at display 225 overlaid on video component
223 of a content instance transmitted from media source 217, such
as a VOD documentary on lake houses. Presentation module 241 may
format the game performance information and/or content usage
statistics into a report, such as a simplified graphical
representation, for presentation within content manager 209c.
Alternatively, network-based report module 131 of server 105 may be
utilized for the report generation purposes. An exemplary report is
described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0113] Upon receiving the game performance information and/or
content usage statistics, the supervisory user may determine, as in
step 709, whether to modify the dependent user's profile based on
the received information. If no modification is necessary the
process ends, otherwise the supervisory user, via one or more
content managers 209a-209c, may edit the dependent user's profile
to change the available content (including video content and games)
to the dependent user based on the presented information, as in
step 711. In this regard, the supervisory user may access user
interface 800 of FIG. 8, to acquire the game performance
information, as well as edit the dependent user's profile.
[0114] As seen in FIG. 8, an exemplary user interface 800 for
obtaining game performance information and/or editing a dependent
user's profile is illustrated. User interface 800 includes
interactive pane 803, i.e., pane 405 of interface 400 (of FIG. 4a)
dynamically updated to present the existence of two established
user profiles 801 and 802. As such, interface 800 is invoked as an
instance of pane 405 of user interface 400, and therefore is
accessed utilizing those methods previously described with respect
to FIG. 4a. Utilizing one or more input interfaces of end
terminal(s) 107, STB 201, and/or control device 221, supervisory
users can interact with one or more selection fields (e.g., fields
805-811) for selecting user profiles (e.g., check boxes 805a and
805b), for obtaining performance information of users (e.g., icons
807a and 807b), for editing particular user profiles (e.g., icons
809a and 809b), and/or for deleting selected user profiles (e.g.,
icon 811). Further, supervisory users may distinguish between user
profiles via usernames 813a and 813b, as well as graphic elements
815a and 815b. While only two previously established user profiles
are illustrated, it is contemplated that any number of profiles may
exist and be accessed through pane 803. In this regard, a
navigational element (not illustrated) may be provided (such as a
scrollbar) to facilitate selection of user profiles navigably
available, but not displayed. In other embodiments, pane 803 may
include a navigation tree, an expandable table of contents, or a
FlashMedia presentation of selectable entries. Additionally (or
alternatively), interface 800 may be configured to accept verbal
commands to effectuate interaction with pane 803.
[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, graphic element 815a is
implemented as a headshot, while graphic element 815b is a generic
depiction utilized when no selectable image has been uploaded via
interface 440 (of FIG. 4b) during the profile configuration stage.
According to exemplary embodiments, selection of icons 807a or 807b
may dynamically modify interface 400 (including interface 800) to,
for instance, user interface 1000 (of FIG. 10) having a performance
report 1001 therein. Performance report 1001, as well as interface
1000, will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 9 and
10. In other embodiments, interaction with icons 809a-809b may
dynamically modify interface 400 (including interface 800) to, for
instance, interface 440, wherein a supervisory user may modify user
profile parameters previously established, so as to maximize the
dependent users' development based on game performance formation,
content usage statistics, and/or other suitable information within
an associated user profile, such as a profile policy.
[0116] As previously mentioned, supervisory users may obtain
performance reports to facilitate their decision making process as
to whether modification to a dependent users' profile is necessary
to enhance their learning experience. In particular embodiments,
the supervisory may retrieve performance information of other users
associated with other STBs, wherein a report can be generated
comparing the relative performance information of two or more of
users.
[0117] FIG. 9 is flowchart of a process for generating and
presenting a performance report, according to an exemplary
embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary user interface
utilized in this process. In step 901, STB 201 (via communication
interface 231) and/or report module 131 of server 105 may retrieve
game performance information concerning various users (e.g.,
dependent subscribers to the game performance monitoring and
content modification service) based on a command input by a
supervisory user to, for instance, one or more content managers
209a-209c implemented on (or accessed by) one or more media-based
devices 101a-101n and/or end terminal(s) 107. The various users'
game performance information may be extracted from system 100
components, such as: user profile repository 127, various memories
239 of the users' respective STBs 101a-101n, or any other suitable
location storing this information, such as a memory of server 105.
At step 903, STB 201 via, for instance, processor 211, or report
module 131 of server 105 may compare the retrieved performance
information of the various users with the performance information
of a particular dependent user of interest to the requesting
supervisory user. These comparisons can be conducted across select
geographic regions, specific age groups, socio-economic statuses,
behavioral characteristics, as well any other suitable category
corresponding to one or more parameters stored within a user
profile.
[0118] Per step 905, processor 211 and/or report module 131 may
generate one or more report(s) including comparisons based on, for
instance, a locality (e.g., local region comparisons, regional
average comparisons, national average comparisons, etc.). At step
907, the supervisory user may particularly specify a delivery
method (e.g., as a STB display, sent as a fax, etc.) and/or a
reporting mode (e.g., textual analysis, pie graph, bar chart, plot,
etc.) via one or more content managers 209a-209c, wherein the one
or more content managers 209a-209c instruct processor 211 and/or
report module 131 to effectuate the specified delivery method
and/or reporting mode. For instance, if report module 131 generated
the comparison report and the supervisory user made a delivery
request for presentation via STB 201, report module 131 may
transmit corresponding signals to STB 201 for display at, for
instance, display 225. Thus, the supervisory user (e.g., a parent
of the dependent user) can be presented with the selected report
via, for instance, STB 201, as per step 909. Namely, display 225
may present output signals 227 formatted by presentation module 241
in response to instructions from either processor 211, controller
219, report module 131, and/or content managers 209a-209c, as well
as any other suitable system 100 component, such as MSP 111. In
turn, the supervisory user may utilize this report to selectively
modify the dependent user's user profile, thereby changing the
content availability to that dependent user based on the
performance information.
[0119] As seen in FIG. 10, an exemplary user interface 1000 for
presenting game performance information to a supervisory user,
formatted as a graphical report, is illustrated. An authenticated
subscriber (e.g., a parent) may directly review game performance
information and/or edit user profile information, such as a profile
policy, based on the displayed report. User interface 1000 may be
invoked using a number of different methods. For example, the user
may select a dedicated "MENU" button on control device 221 or on a
peripheral device communicatively coupled thereto (or associated
therewith), such as end terminal 207. It is recognized that any
other suitable actuator of these devices may be additionally, or
alternatively, used to access the functionality of interface 1000,
such as triggering a "GUIDE" icon or other suitable graphical
element. Further, interface 1000 may be evoked by selecting an
option within another interface or application, such as interacting
with a performance icon 807a or 807b of interface 800. In some
embodiments, an executing device (e.g., STB 201, server 205, end
terminal 207, etc.) may require sufficient authentication
information (e.g., username, password, MAC address, GUID, etc.) to
be input in order to access the functions of interface 1000.
[0120] Accordingly, interface 1000 includes one or more interactive
panes, such as panes 1003 and 1005 that may be dynamically updated
to display various information and/or fields related to actions
conducted within the respective panes. Pane 1003, i.e., the options
pane 403 of FIG. 4a, includes the various selectable entries
corresponding to one or more features (or options) that may be
associated with a subscription service or provided via STB 201
and/or end terminal 207, and may be accompanied by suitable
graphical elements corresponding to the one or more entries. Pane
1005 includes performance report 1001, report legend 1007, and one
or more profile editing fields, such as profile policy field 1009.
In certain embodiments, pane 1005 may also include additional input
fields, selectable elements, output fields, and/or windows, as well
as any other suitable interface widgets for inputting (or otherwise
perceiving) user profile modifications and/or viewing (or
generating) a game performance report. Actions within panes 1003
and 1005 may affect selectable parameters within those panes, as
well as in the respective other pane. Aural descriptions, tooltips,
or other effects may be provided when a user navigates, for
instance, a cursor over particular fields of panes 1003 and 1005.
Additionally (or alternatively), interface 1000 may be configured
to accept verbal commands for entering suitable data into entry
fields or making selections within the respective panes. Targeted
advertisements, content modification suggestions, as well as other
suitable fields, such as a field for an MSP logo, etc. may also be
included. Further, navigational elements/fields, e.g., scrollbar
1011, as well as heading field 1013, may be provided. Moreover,
image 1015 and/or report title 1017 may be displayed via pane 1005
to notify a supervisory user whose report they are accessing.
[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, report 1001 comprises a
performance comparison chart including a title 1017 and legend
1007. The chart makes use of rectangular bars of varying length,
sized in proportion to the magnitude or frequency of the value they
represent, to compare two or more values. More specifically, the
chart compares the relative skill set (e.g., math skills, language
skills, and critical thinking skills) of a particular user versus
those skills exhibited across multiple geographic regions. A
supervisory user may obtain deeper insight into a dependent user's
abilities, interests, weaknesses, etc. For instance, report 1001
demonstrates that Augustine is trailing the regional averages in
both math and language, however, performing better in critical
thinking skills. In other embodiments, report 1001 may comprise
textual information, other graphical displays (e.g., pie charts,
graphs, plots, etc.), and/or aural components. Legend 1007 is
included to identify the intended meaning of certain graphical
depictions. For instance, legend 1007 may convey the meaning of
particular color codes, cross-hatching, etc., used in report 1001,
thereby promoting visual and conceptual clarity of the display.
Based on the game performance information provided, a supervisory
user may determine whether user profile modification is necessary
to increase the dependent user's development. The one or more
profile editing fields (e.g., field 100p) are provided for
effectuating quick, convenient profile modifications.
[0122] Field 1009 (i.e., a profile policy field) permits users to
modify previous policy choices. In this manner, a supervisory user
may make a new choice between one or more pre-established profile
policies 1009a designed to distribute (or portion) a dependent
user's multimedia experience between various technical categories,
such as math oriented development, language oriented development,
critical thinking oriented development, as well as other technical
fields, such as science, history, social studies, cognitive
awareness, memory recognition, etc. One or more selection fields,
e.g., radio buttons, check boxes, etc., may be provided for
selecting a technical category. In other embodiments, field 1009
may include a navigation tree, an expandable table of contents, or
a FlashMedia presentation of selectable entries. Moreover, a
plurality of graphical displays 1009b may visually illustrate the
distribution between the various technical categories as a function
of a particular category. Further, a primary user may be permitted
to construct their own distribution between various available (or
user defined) categories. Thus, with reference to FIG. 4b, in
response to Augustine's game performance information shown in
report 1001, a supervisory user modified an associated user profile
policy from a default setting (as in FIG. 4b) to a language 1019
oriented policy, so as to compensate for Augustine's exhibited
weakness in language oriented development. As such, the next time
Augustine is presented with a menu of customized content options,
the options will be modified according to the adjusted profile
policy.
[0123] As previously mentioned, interface 400 of FIG. 4a includes
panes 407 and 409 comprising, for instance, a plurality of links
(or bookmarks) to automatically generated content suggestions.
These modification suggestions may be generated in response to game
performance information, content usage statistics, or other user
profile parameter associated with a dependent user.
[0124] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process for dynamic content
modification suggestions, according to an exemplary embodiment. In
step 1101, one or more tracking modules 129 and/or 213 may monitor
content usage of one or more dependent users. At step 1103, the one
or more tracking modules may track and store statistical
information based on the monitored content usage. These stored
statistical parameters may be included in one or more report(s),
such as report 1001 (of FIG. 10), and made available to a
supervisory user, as per step 1105. The supervisory user; however,
may not always know exactly how to modify a dependent user's
content availability, so as to maximize their learning experience.
Therefore, content managers 209a-209c, via one or more processors
of one or more executing platforms (e.g., STBs 101a-101n, end
terminal(s) 107, and/or server(s) 105), may automatically suggest
content modifications to a supervisory user based on the tracked
statistical information and/or stored game performance data, per
step 1107. This process may be carried out through metadata
correlation, wherein metadata descriptions of available system 100
content may be analyzed and compared to information within a
dependent user's profile. The content managers 209a-209c may, for
instance, access (or implement) conventional neural network
technology, whereby the neural network can determine what content
is most suitable for a dependent user based on associated game
performance information, content usage statistics, and other user
profile parameters in comparison to the metadata descriptions and
previous success with other suggestions made to other users.
[0125] The processes described herein for performance tracking to
modify content for a STB may be implemented via software, hardware
(e.g., general processor, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an
Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable
Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.), firmware or a combination thereof. Such
exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is
detailed below.
[0126] FIG. 12 illustrates computing hardware (e.g., computer
system) 1200 upon which an embodiment according to the invention
can be implemented. The computer system 1200 includes a bus 1201 or
other communication mechanism for communicating information and a
processor 1203 coupled to the bus 1201 for processing information.
The computer system 1200 also includes main memory 1205, such as a
random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled
to the bus 1201 for storing information and instructions to be
executed by the processor 1203. Main memory 1205 can also be used
for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information
during execution of instructions by the processor 1203. The
computer system 1200 may further include a read only memory (ROM)
1207 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 1201 for
storing static information and instructions for the processor 1203.
A storage device 1209, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is
coupled to the bus 1201 for persistently storing information and
instructions.
[0127] The computer system 1200 may be coupled via the bus 1201 to
a display 1211, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal
display, active matrix display, or plasma display, for displaying
information to a computer user. An input device 1213, such as a
keyboard including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the
bus 1201 for communicating information and command selections to
the processor 1203. Another type of user input device is a cursor
control 1215, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction
keys, for communicating direction information and command
selections to the processor 1203 and for controlling cursor
movement on the display 1211.
[0128] According to an embodiment of the invention, the processes
described herein are performed by the computer system 1200, in
response to the processor 1203 executing an arrangement of
instructions contained in main memory 1205. Such instructions can
be read into main memory 1205 from another computer-readable
medium, such as the storage device 1209. Execution of the
arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 1205 causes
the processor 1203 to perform the process steps described herein.
One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also
be employed to execute the instructions contained in main memory
1205. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used
in place of or in combination with software instructions to
implement the embodiment of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the
invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware
circuitry and software.
[0129] The computer system 1200 also includes a communication
interface 1217 coupled to bus 1201. The communication interface
1217 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network
link 1219 connected to a local network 1221. For example, the
communication interface 1217 may be a digital subscriber line (DSL)
card or modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card,
a cable modem, a telephone modem, or any other communication
interface to provide a data communication connection to a
corresponding type of communication line. As another example,
communication interface 1217 may be a local area network (LAN) card
(e.g. for Ethernet.TM. or an Asynchronous Transfer Model (ATM)
network) to provide a data communication connection to a compatible
LAN. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such
implementation, communication interface 1217 sends and receives
electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital
data streams representing various types of information. Further,
the communication interface 1217 can include peripheral interface
devices, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a PCMCIA
(Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
interface, etc. Although a single communication interface 1217 is
depicted in FIG. 12, multiple communication interfaces can also be
employed.
[0130] The network link 1219 typically provides data communication
through one or more networks to other data devices. For example,
the network link 1219 may provide a connection through local
network 1221 to a host computer 1223, which has connectivity to a
network 1225 (e.g. a wide area network (WAN) or the global packet
data communication network now commonly referred to as the
"Internet") or to data equipment operated by a service provider.
The local network 1221 and the network 1225 both use electrical,
electromagnetic, or optical signals to convey information and
instructions. The signals through the various networks and the
signals on the network link 1219 and through the communication
interface 1217, which communicate digital data with the computer
system 1200, are exemplary forms of carrier waves bearing the
information and instructions.
[0131] The computer system 1200 can send messages and receive data,
including program code, through the network(s), the network link
1219, and the communication interface 1217. In the Internet
example, a server (not shown) might transmit requested code
belonging to an application program for implementing an embodiment
of the invention through the network 1225, the local network 1221
and the communication interface 1217. The processor 1203 may
execute the transmitted code while being received and/or store the
code in the storage device 1209, or other non-volatile storage for
later execution. In this manner, the computer system 1200 may
obtain application code in the form of a carrier wave.
[0132] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing instructions to the
processor 1203 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,
including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media,
and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,
optical or magnetic disks, such as the storage device 1209.
Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 1205.
Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber
optics, including the wires that comprise the bus 1201.
Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, optical, or
electromagnetic waves, such as those generated during radio
frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms
of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a
flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium,
a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper
tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns
of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM,
and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a
carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0133] Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in
providing instructions to a processor for execution. For example,
the instructions for carrying out at least part of the embodiments
of the invention may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a
remote computer. In such a scenario, the remote computer loads the
instructions into main memory and sends the instructions over a
telephone line using a modem. A modem of a local computer system
receives the data on the telephone line and uses an infrared
transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal and transmit
the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such as a
personal digital assistant (PDA) or a laptop. An infrared detector
on the portable computing device receives the information and
instructions borne by the infrared signal and places the data on a
bus. The bus conveys the data to main memory, from which a
processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions
received by main memory can optionally be stored on storage device
either before or after execution by processor.
[0134] While the preferred embodiments have been described herein,
alterations thereto, and other embodiments and implementations of
the invention as set forth in the attached claims are possible.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited to the
description provided herein, but rather covers various
modifications and equivalent arrangements.
[0135] The following patent application is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety: co-pending U.S. patent application
(Attorney Docket No. 20070245) filed xxxxxxx, entitled "Method and
System for Providing Content Management for a Set-top Box."
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