Controlling access to content and/or services

Abstract

The exemplary embodiments of the method and system according to the present invention provide a system and method for controlling access to audiovisual content such as television shows, video-on-demand services or streaming video which can be delivered by cable, satellite, wired or wireless networks, cell phones, the Internet, etc. More particularly, the present invention provides a capability to define certain criteria which can be used to restrict access to content based on combinations of various parameters including, but not limited to, time of day, day of the week, type of content, source of content, content display device, etc. These criteria may also be provided by data storage arrangements or a network, and access restrictions specified by such criteria can be associated with a plurality of display devices.

1 . A method for restricting access to content, comprising:
 providing at least one first information;   providing at least one second information;   selecting at least one of the at least one first information or the at least one second information; and   preventing access to the content if the content is associated with the selected information.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one first information and the at least one second information comprises at least one restriction criterion. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one restriction criterion is based on at least one of a time, a content rating, a classification of the content, or metadata associated with the content. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one restriction criterion is based on at least one of a source of the content, a fee associated with the content, or a format of the content. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one first information and the at least one second information are provided using a memory storage arrangement. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the memory storage arrangement comprises at least one of a memory stick, a flash memory arrangement, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant or a magnetic stripe. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 generating at least one particular code; and   granting access to the content upon providing the at least one particular code.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the selecting step is performed using a menu. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one particular code comprises at least one of an alphanumeric string, a plurality of signals, data provided on a memory storage arrangement, or biometric information. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one particular code is provided using at least one of a remote control or a control panel. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one particular code is provided using at least one of a sensor, a memory storage arrangement or a network connection. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one particular code is associated with the at least one first information or the at least one second information. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one first information and the at least one second information are associated with a particular device configured to provide access to the content. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the selecting step is performed using a further device that is different than the particular device. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one first information and the at least one second information are associated with a plurality of devices configured to provide access to the content. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one particular code is associated with at least one particular device of the plurality of devices. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising choosing at least one of the plurality of devices, wherein the preventing step is performed on the at least one chosen device. 
     
     
         18 . A system for restricting access to particular content, comprising:
 a first arrangement configured to receive at least one first information and at least one second information;   a second arrangement configured to select at least one of the at least one first information or the at least one second information; and   a third arrangement configured to prevent access to the content if the content is associated with the selected information.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising a fourth arrangement configured to:
 receive a particular code associated with the selected information; and   provide access to the content if the particular code is received.   
     
     
         20 . A method for controlling access to content, comprising:
 receiving, from a first device, a lock controlling access to content on a second device;   storing the lock on the second device;   determining, based on a capability of the device, if the lock is satisfied;   if the lock is satisfied, preventing access to the content.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein:
 the second device is a mobile phone;   the capability of the device is a measurement of speed; and   the content is voice communication.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the capability of the device is a measurement of speed derived from a global positioning system module.