Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a content moderation system and particularly to a server-based parental control system for regulating screen time.
Description of Related Art
[002] Digital devices have become an integral part of modern households, providing entertainment, education, and communication. As children increasingly engage with the devices, concerns regarding excessive usage and exposure to inappropriate content have emerged. Many parents struggle to monitor and regulate their child's screen time, leading to potential negative consequences on their cognitive development, social interactions, and overall well-being. The availability of various applications and online content without adequate safeguards often results in unintended access to unsuitable material, raising significant concerns about child safety in digital environments.
[003] Traditional approaches to parental supervision rely on manual intervention, basic screen time restrictions, and generic content filtering tools. These methods require constant monitoring and lack adaptability to different age groups and user behaviors. Additionally, many existing solutions offer limited protection against unauthorized access, making it difficult for parents to enforce consistent digital usage guidelines. While device manufacturers provide built-in parental control features, these options often have complex configurations that are not user-friendly, leading to inconsistent adoption and limited effectiveness in ensuring a secure digital experience for children.
[004] Despite the availability of software-based parental control solutions, they often fail to provide a comprehensive, automated mechanism to regulate screen usage effectively. Many applications lack robust security measures to prevent circumvention, allowing children to bypass restrictions through readily available loopholes. Furthermore, current solutions do not accommodate the diverse linguistic and accessibility needs of users, making them less practical in multilingual and varied household settings. The growing demand for a more intuitive and secure approach to parental control highlights the need for an advanced solution that can address these limitations effectively.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced server-based parental control system for regulating screen time that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a server-based parental control system for regulating screen time. The system comprising a computing device. The system further comprising a processing unit deployed on a server, in communication with the computing device. The processing unit is configured to enable a first user to access a parent user interface via the computing device; and enable the first user to input, through the parent user interface, parental conditions. The parental conditions are selected from set a time limit for usage of the computing device, a listed category of content, a non-listed category, or a combination thereof; trigger a timing circuit based on the set time limit; enable a content monitoring mechanism upon detecting a usage of the computing device by a second user; categorize content being viewed into a listed category or a non-listed category; transmit an interrupt signal upon detecting the categorized content being viewed as non-listed; and actuate a locking mechanism to hard-lock the screen of the computing device upon the expiry of the set time limit or upon receiving the interrupt signal.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for regulating screen time. The method comprising steps of: enabling a first user to access a parent user interface via a computing device; and enabling the first user to input, through the parent user interface, parental conditions. The parental conditions are selected from set a time limit for usage of the computing device, a listed category of content, a non-listed category, or a combination thereof; triggering a timing circuit based on the set time limit; enabling a content monitoring mechanism upon detecting a usage of the computing device by a second user; categorizing content being viewed into a listed category or a non-listed category; transmitting an interrupt signal upon detecting the categorized content being viewed as non-listed; and actuating a locking mechanism to hard-lock the screen of the computing device upon the expiry of the set time limit or upon receiving the interrupt signal.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a server-based parental control system for regulating screen time.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for regulating screen time that ensures that device usage is automatically regulated by locking the screen after the preset time expires, eliminating the need for manual intervention by parents.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for regulating screen time that features an inclusion of a unique PIN and fingerprint authentication that prevents unauthorized access, offering a more secure approach compared to conventional parental control solutions.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for regulating screen time that offers a simple, visually engaging interface specifically designed for children, ensuring ease of use while restricting access to only pre-approved content.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for regulating screen time that allows customizable content restrictions, monitors activity, and sets specific screen time limits, providing greater flexibility and control over a child’s screen time habits.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for regulating screen time that accommodates diverse linguistic needs by recognizing various regional dialects for making it accessible to a wider audience, and improving usability for non-native speakers.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic block diagram of a server-based parental control system for regulating screen time, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary utilization scenario of the server-based parental control system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for regulating screen time, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic block diagram of a server-based parental control system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100) for regulating screen time, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may enable a first user to set a restrictive access, on an electronic device, for a second user. The restrictive access may be established by factors such as, but not limited to, an access time, a type of content viewed on the electronic device, a region serving the content, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any factors for establishing restrictive access, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0025] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance the processing speed and efficiency such as the system 100 may comprise a computing device 102, a parent user interface 104, a secure user interface 106, a processing unit 108, a server 110, a timing circuit 112, a content monitoring mechanism 114, an interrupt signal 116, a locking mechanism 118, and a remote device 120. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the system 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing systems.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing device 102 may be the electronic device. The computing device 102 may be share-ably used by the first user and the second user to execute actions. The actions carried out by the computing device 102 may be, but not limited to, communication, entertainment, monetary transactions, navigation, education, training, reading, sketching and drawing, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any actions that may be carried out by the computing device 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The computing device 102 may be, but not limited to, a laptop, a mobile, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the computing device 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing device 102 may comprise the parent user interface 104. The parent user interface 104 may enable the first user to input and set parental conditions for the computing device 102. The first user may be, but not limited to, parents, teachers, an office administrator, an IT supervisor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the first user. The parent user interface 104 may allow easy interaction by enabling a selection of languages and/or dialects for operating on the parent user interface 104.
[0028] The parental conditions may restrict the action that may be carried out by the computing device 102. Further, the parental conditions may restrict a duration of an action that may be carried out by a second user on the computing device 102. The parental conditions may be, but not limited to, a time limit for usage of the computing device 102, a listed category of content, a non-listed category, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any parental conditions that may be input and set using the parent user interface 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing device 102 may comprise the secure user interface 106. The secure user interface 106 may enable the second user to access and operate the computing device 102 based on the parental conditions set using the parent user interface 104 of the computing device 102. The secure user interface 106 may be triggered on the computing device 102 in an automated fashion when the computing device 102 may be unlocked and/or accessed by the second user. The second user may be, but not limited to, children, students, employees, workers, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the second user.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 108 may be deployed on the server 110. The processing unit 108 may be wirelessly connected to the computing device 102. The processing unit 108 may be configured to enable the first user to access the parent user interface 104 via the computing device 102. The processing unit 108 may be configured to enable the first user to input the parental conditions through the parent user interface 104. The processing unit 108 may be configured to trigger the timing circuit 112 based on the time limit set in the parental conditions.
[0031] The processing unit 108 may be configured to enable the content monitoring mechanism 114. The content monitoring mechanism 114 may be enabled upon detecting a usage of the computing device 102 by the second user. Further, the processing unit 108 may be configured to enable the second user to access only the secure user interface 106 on the computing device 102. The accessibility of the secure user interface 106 for the second user may be activated upon detecting unlocking of the screen of the computing device 102 by the second user. The unlocking of the screen by the second user may be detected by biometric inputs such as, but not limited to, fingerprint, iris scans, and so forth. The biometric inputs of the second user may be configured in the computing device 102 at a time of set up of the system 100. Additionally, the unlocking of the screen by the first user may be detected by biometric inputs such as, but not limited to, fingerprint, iris scans, and so forth. The biometric inputs of the first user may be configured in the computing device 102 at the time of set up of the system 100.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 108 may be configured to monitor biometric authentication attempts and adapt access control accordingly. The processing unit 108 may be configured to detect the biometric inputs from either the first or the second user and determine a level of access to be granted. If the biometric input corresponds to the first user, the processing unit 108 may be configured to allow full access to the computing device 102. If the biometric input corresponds to the second user, the processing unit 108 may be configured to limit access to only the secure user interface 106 and enable the content monitoring mechanism 114. This configuration may be designed to ensure seamless and automated security enforcement based on biometric authentication.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 108 may be configured to automatically recognize the first user and/or the second user by detecting the biometric inputs of the first user and/or the second user.
[0034] Further, upon unlocking of the screen of the computing device 102 by the second user, the processing unit 108 may be configured to monitor and categorize content being viewed into a listed category or a non-listed category. The content belonging to the listed category may be, but not limited to, educational videos, animations, cartoons, training applications, e-book readers, allowed communication applications, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any content that may belong to the listed category, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The content belonging to the non-listed category may be, but not limited to, banking applications, social media applications, controversial media content, web browsers, instant messaging applications, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any content that may belong to the non-listed category, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] The processing unit 108 may be configured to continuously monitor the content being viewed on the computing device 102. Further, if the processing unit 108 may detect the categorized content being viewed as non-listed, then the processing unit 108 may be configured to transmit the interrupt signal 116 to the computing device 102. the interrupt signal 116 may be configured to initiate a lockdown protocol on the computing device 102. Moreover, the interrupt signal 116 may be configured to activate the processing unit 108 to actuate the locking mechanism 118. The locking mechanism 118 may be configured to hard-lock the screen of the computing device 102 upon the expiry of the set time limit or upon receiving the interrupt signal 116.
[0036] Furthermore, upon hard-locking of the screen of the computing device 102, the processing unit 108 may be configured to enable the unlocking of the hard-locked screen of the computing device 102 by inputting a set PIN, an authorized biometric input, and so forth.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 108 may be configured to enable the unlocking of the hard-locked screen of the computing device 102 by inputting both the set PIN and the authorized biometric input. Moreover, the processing unit 108 may be configured to enable the first user to set the PIN and authorize the biometric input using the parent user interface 104 to unlock the hard-locked screen of the computing device 102.
[0038] The processing unit 108 may be configured to transmit an alert notification to the first user upon detecting unauthorized access attempts. The alert notification delivered to the first user may be in a pre-defined form, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the pre-defined form of the alert notification delivered to the first user may be, but not limited to a pop-up notification, a flash notification, a ringer notification, a silent notification, a push notification, a hidden notification, an electronic mail notification, a Short Message Service (SMS) notification, an always on-screen notification, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any pre-defined form of the alert notification that may be delivered to the first user, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] The processing unit 108 may further be configured to enable the first user to access the parent user interface 104 of the computing device 102 using the remote device 120. The processing unit 108 may be configured to generate a report of the content being viewed, on the computing device 102 by the second user, for a set duration of time.
[0040] The remote device 120 may be, but not limited to, a desktop, a laptop, a mobile, a tablet, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote device 120 may be a parent device that may be installed with a parental control application to monitor, manage, and restrict the usage of the computing device 102. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the remote device 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the parental control application installed on the remote device 120 may enable the parent device to track screen time, filter content, block specific applications, set usage schedules, and monitor the online activities of the remote device 120. Additionally, the parental control application may provide real-time alerts and reports to the remote device 120 for a safe and controlled digital environment for the second user.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the remote device 120 may be a limited-capability device that may be designed specifically to function as a dedicated parental control unit. In this embodiment of the present invention, the remote device 120 may have limited processing power, memory, and functionality, focusing primarily on providing an intuitive and secure interface for managing and monitoring the computing device 102 via the server 110. The remote device 120 may comprise a simplified operating system optimized for parental control tasks for ease of use and efficiency. Furthermore, the remote device 120 may support dedicated hardware buttons or a streamlined touch interface for quick access to parental controls.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the remote device 120 may also be designed with enhanced security features, such as encrypted communication with the computing device 102 via the server 110, tamper-proof firmware, and restricted access to unauthorized applications or modifications. In certain implementations, the remote device 120 may be a standalone handheld device, a smart hub, or a wearable device for allowing the first user to conveniently monitor and manage the second user’s activities in real-time. The remote device 120 may be pre-configured with parental control features and require minimal setup for making it an ideal solution for guardians who prefer a dedicated tool for child monitoring and management.
[0044] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary utilization scenario of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the system 100 may connect the first user and the second user. Further, the first user and the second user may commonly share and use the computing device 102. The computing device 102 when unlocked by the first user may present the parent user interface 104. The computing device 102 when unlocked by the second user may present the secure user interface 106.
[0045] The parent user interface 104 may enable the first user to input the parental conditions. Further, the parental conditions may drive an operability of the computing device 102 when unlocked by the second user. Further, the parental conditions may be enforced by the processing unit 108 deployed on the server 110. For example, the parental conditions inputted by the first user may state that an exemplary social media application may be permanently blocked, and an exemplary video streaming platform (may be allowed on the computing device 102 per day for 30 minutes.
[0046] In such cases, when the computing device 102 may be unlocked by the second user, and as the second user may start using the exemplary social media application, the processing unit 108 may actuate the locking mechanism 118 to hard-lock the screen of the computing device 102. Further, the hard-locked screen of the computing device 102 may be unlocked upon authentication of the first user.
[0047] Further, the computing device 102 may be unlocked by the second user, and as the second user may start using the video streaming platform, the processing unit 108 may trigger the timing circuit 112 for time keeping of the usage of the video streaming platform. As 30 minutes may elapse, the processing unit 108 may actuate the locking mechanism 118 to hard-lock the screen of the computing device 102. Further, the hard-locked screen of the computing device 102 may be unlocked upon authentication of the first user.
[0048] Thus, the system 100 may regulate and control the screen-time for the second user as directed in the parental conditions by the first user. The control on screen-time may allow an independent yet an enforced control over digital routine of the second user. Along with moderation the screen-time, the system 100 may enforce a permanent ban in screen time habits of the second user as directed in the parental conditions by the first user.
[0049] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for regulating the screen time using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] At step 202, the system 100 may enable the first user to access the parent user interface 104 via the computing device 102.
[0051] At step 204, the system 100 may enable the first user to input the parental conditions through the parent user interface 104.
[0052] At step 206, the system 100 may trigger the timing circuit 112 based on the set time limit.
[0053] At step 208, the system 100 may enable the content monitoring mechanism 114 upon detecting the usage of the computing device 102 by the second user.
[0054] At step 210, the system 100 may categorize the content being viewed into the listed category or the non-listed category.
[0055] At step 212, if the categorized content being viewed may be from the non-listed category, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 214. Else, the method 200 may revert to the step 208.
[0056] At step 214, the system 100 may transmit the interrupt signal 116.
[0057] At step 216, the system 100 may actuate the locking mechanism 118 to hard-lock the screen of the computing device 102 upon the expiry of the set time limit or upon receiving the interrupt signal 116.
[0058] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0059] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A server-based parental control system (100) for regulating screen time, comprising:
a computing device (102); and
a processing unit (108) deployed on a server (110), in communication with the computing device (102), wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to:
enable a first user to access a parent user interface (104) via the computing device (102);
enable the first user to input, through the parent user interface (104), parental conditions; wherein the parental conditions are selected from set a time limit for usage of the computing device (102), a listed category of content, a non-listed category, or a combination thereof;
trigger a timing circuit (112) based on the set time limit;
enable a content monitoring mechanism (114) upon detecting a usage of the computing device (102) by a second user;
categorize content being viewed into a listed category or a non-listed category;
transmit an interrupt signal (116) upon detecting the categorized content being viewed as non-listed; and
actuate a locking mechanism (118) to hard-lock the screen of the computing device (102) upon the expiry of the set time limit or upon receiving the interrupt signal (116).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to enable the second user to access to only a secure user interface (106) on the computing device (102) upon detecting unlocking of the screen of the computing device (102) by the second user.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to enable the first user to set a PIN using the parent user interface (104) to unlock the hard-locked screen of the computing device (102).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to enable the unlocking of the hard-locked screen of the computing device (102) upon inputting a set PIN, an authorized biometric input, or a combination thereof.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to transmit an alert notification to the first user upon detecting unauthorized access attempts.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to enable the first user to access the parent user interface (104) of the computing device (102) using a remote device (120).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to recognize the first user and the second user by detecting biometric inputs of the first user and the second user.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to generate a report of the content being viewed for a set duration of time.
9. A method (200) for regulating screen time, the method (200) comprising steps of:
enabling a first user to access a parent user interface (104) via a computing device (102);
enabling the first user to input, through the parent user interface (104), parental conditions; wherein the parental conditions are selected from set a time limit for usage of the computing device (102), a listed category of content, a non-listed category, or a combination thereof;
triggering a timing circuit (112) based on the set time limit;
enabling a content monitoring mechanism (114) upon detecting a usage of the computing device (102) by a second user;
categorizing content being viewed into a listed category or a non-listed category;
transmitting an interrupt signal (116) upon detecting the categorized content being viewed as non-listed; and
actuating a locking mechanism (118) to hard-lock the screen of the computing device (102) upon the expiry of the set time limit or upon receiving the interrupt signal (116).
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a step of enabling the unlocking of the hard-locked screen of the computing device (102) upon inputting a set PIN, an authorized biometric input, or a combination thereof.
Date: April 04, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant