Video playing responsive to usage restriction

Abstract

This invention relates to an automated control system and method that furnishes viewers with individualized automated editing and retrieval capabilities over the contents and length of a variable content video program in order to produce a transparently continuous and complete show. The system capabilities include an automated flexible control system design that enables an operator to selectively apply different editing criteria to the variety of subject matters that may be contained within the program. The system controls also include an automated capability for efficiently previewing program scenes of pre-identified categories and classes of subject matter and a capability for determining their inclusion in the program seen by the viewer. Finally, the control system provide a keyword/menu segment/program retrieval facility from an existing program and program database, and a requesting capability for programs to be produced according to viewer-specified requirements.

1 - 42 . (canceled)  
     
     
         43 . A method of playing a video comprising the steps of: 
 establishing a viewer identification and password;    establishing an usage restriction with respect to an accumulated usage during a specified time frame; and    playing a video responsive to the viewer identification and password and to the usage restriction, whereby a playing of the video is prevented when the viewer identification and password are not found acceptable, or when the accumulated usage during a specified time frame for the identified viewer is restricted.    
     
     
         44 . A method of playing a video comprising the steps of: 
 establishing an usage restriction with respect to an accumulated usage during a specified time frame; and    playing a video responsive to the usage restriction, whereby a playing of the video is prevented when the accumulated usage during a specified time frame is restricted.    
     
     
         45 . A system capable of playing a video comprising: 
 control means for establishing a viewer identification and password; and for establishing an usage restriction with respect to an accumulated usage during a specified time frame; and    processing means for playing a video responsive to the viewer identification and password and to the usage restriction, whereby a playing of the video is prevented when the viewer identification and password are not found acceptable, or when the accumulated usage during a specified time frame for the identified viewer is restricted.