WO2012082708A2

WO2012082708A2 - Method and system for enabling parental control for filtering content of terminal on the internet

Info

Publication number: WO2012082708A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/064576
Authority: WO
Inventors: Santoro Massimo Zerilli
Original assignee: D'EMILIA PAUL
Current assignee: D'EMILIA PAUL
Priority date: 2010-12-13
Filing date: 2011-12-13
Publication date: 2012-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2013-06-13
Also published as: WO2012082708A3

Abstract

A method and system containing predetermined programmed software in Java, C/c, JavaScript and Html is installed on a client PC containing a hard disc and is accessible via a browser. Programmed related settings to blocks and filters protected by encryption are stored on the hard disk. A "RADAR WEB" server is enabled for sending SMS and email to a parent for controlling the client PC and has stored therein listings of websites that can be accessed or blocked. A gateway communicates with the server for sending SMS or email to a parent.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING PARENTAL CONTROL FOR FILTERING

CONTENT OF TERMINAL ON THE INTERNET

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling parental control for filtering content of a terminal on the Internet.

Prior Art

Systems for monitoring content on a terminal connected to the Internet, particularly for controlling the terminal with respect to usage by children are generally known. A need still exists for an effective system for this purpose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an effective system and method for monitoring content on a terminal connected to the Internet to limit and have an adequate control of one's terminal in the large jungle of the web and is aimed above all at parents, whom for reasons of time and space can't control and know which and how many sites, at times extremely risky, their children are accessing daily.

The novel system and method utilizes unique software that is installed on a client PC that enables one to control in real time, through SMS or Emails that contain instant or periodical reports, all Internet access that comes from one's terminal whether present or by remote.

The novel system and method also enables blocking of access of certain contents, but above all, enables control by a parent of filters directly from a remote location via messaging sent by mobile phones or emails from the parent to the client PC. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows schematically a block diagram of the system and method. Fig. 2 shows schematically a flow diagram of a high level version of the system and method.

Fig. 3 shows schematically a flow showing how a website address is treated.

Fig. 4 shows schematically a flow diagram of how the system and method operate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 shows in block diagram the system composed of a personal computer (Client PC) connected to the web (Internet). Programmed software in Java, C/c, JavaScript and Html is installed on the client PC. This software program is also accessible via Browser of the PC, even though it is locally stored. All the related settings to the blocks and filters are saved on the hard disk of the PC. They are also protected by encryption and therefore, they are inaccessible. Also connected to the web (Browser) is a "RADAR WEB" server that sends SMS and email to a parent for controlling the personal computer and containing listings of websites that can be accessed or blocked. A parent may choose, through preselected commands, whether to block navigation or whether to filter certain contents, by sending an email or an SMS which, will be read and

interpreted by the server which will then act on the installed software on the computer (Client PC) communicating through the Internet connection. Fig. 2 shows a high level version of the novel program. Presetting the software, as generally described, controls browsing on the Internet. The specific websites and web content currently being viewed is monitored to be either locked or unlocked. If access to a locked site is attempted, an SMS or email is sent to the parent. If access to an unlocked site is attempted, the program sends an SMS or email to the parent with an inquiry whether or lock or not. If the response is NO, then no further action is taken. If the response is YES, then the site is locked and an SMS or email is sent to the parent so advising and the setting software is updated. Specifically, the program is initiated in the browsing block. A website and web content is displayed in the next block. If locked, and SMS or email is sent to the parent. If unlocked an SMS or email is sent to the parent inquiring LOCK?. If NO, no further action is taken. If YES, the site is locked and an SMS or email is sent to the programmed software on the Client PC for updating the programmed software and the listing of blocked sites.

Fig. 3 shows schematically how a website address is treated. The website address is inserted into the browser of the Client PC. The programmed software is alerted and inquires "is the link in a blocked link list?". If YES, browsing is blocked. If NO, the program proceeds to an inquiry "does the website belong to a blocked category?". If YES, browsing is blocked. If NO, the program proceeds to an inquiry "does the webpage contain locked words?". If YES, browsing is blocked. If NO, the program proceeds to allow browsing.

Fig. 4 shows schematically how the system and method function or operate. As shown in Fig. 4, the programmed software in Java, C/c, JavaScript and Html is installed on the client PC. This software program is also accessible via Browser, even though it is locally stored (step 1 of Fig.4). All the related settings to the blocks and filters are saved on the hard disk. The settings are also protected by encryption and therefore, are inaccessible. The programmed software collects the required information for the parents and the information is sent via port 80 (http port) to the server (step 2). The command: contains the following:

1. The chronology of the information is required.

2. The needed details to reach the recipient via (email or SMS).

3. Data authentication of the product.

A. SMS

i. Concerning the SMS, the server receives the command and right after sends it to a gateway telephone (step 3) which translates the command in SMS, and it will be sent to the parent number (step 4).

ii. The parent can determine whether or not to block the content. If he decides to block it, the parent should send the command via SMS (step 5). iii. The SMS, which contains a command block, reaches the so called gateway which will forward it by translating it in a message for the Server (step 6). B. EMAIL

i. Regarding the email, the server receives the command and sends the email message, concerning the parent's history, accompanied with the information requested by the SMTP protocol (step 7).

ii. The parent can determine whether or not to block the content.

If blocking is decided, the parent should send the command via email (step 8) to Server.

iii. The message received by Server will contain a command (a string text parsing by software) to block website. The message reaches the server (step 8).

iv. Every message stops temporarily on the server, waiting for a ping from the client initiated by the programmed software. As soon as all this takes place, the client will pick the new blocks by saving them on the hard disk (step 9). The system and method provides accessing of the configuration of a terminal via the default browser with password protection.

The system and method sets which Internet sites can be accessed based on categories of content, such as, sport news or sites dedicated to children and teenagers, health, science, religion, and which sites cannot be (prohibited) accessed based on categories access, such as pornography, drugs, tobacco, etc.

The system and method also provides the possibility of a summary of all the pages visited in one day, not only the home page but also the links available and statistics of the most visited sites. The system and method also enables the possibility of choosing what will be displayed in the event that a protected content is accessed. For example, a child that accesses a blocked category will either be redirected to a page of the parents choosing, or will receive an error such as "page not available". The system and method enables a parent to set the frequency of the notices:

i. Instant notice (real time updates on the contents visualized via email or SMS) ii. Periodical notice (periodical updates based on the time decided by the parents, via email or SMS)

The system and method also enables diversifying the notifications based on the contents. For example for a specific type of content (ex. Pornography) it is possible to set instant notices (via SMS, email or both) while for all the others a periodical notice.

The system and method through remote access, also enables activation or deactivation of specific types of application options even away from the computer by sending specific commands via SMS or email.

By the system and method a personalized category can be created and added to the list of default categories, including lists of sites to allow or block, by adding the links chosen by the parents or the words present on the web pages. In this last case access to all the Internet sites that contain the determined words chosen by the parents in the HTML text, will be allowed or blocked.

It is also be possible by the system and method to control "navigation time" through which it is possible to allow internet navigation only during certain times of the day on predetermined days of the week or also to establish a maximum daily limit of web navigation, in general or during the specified times chosen by the parents. In addition, a notice can be sent to parents on the child's time of connection and disconnection to the internet. Using the control panel of the client PC the system and method can allow or block internet access to other types of applications other than browsers, such as chat,

Peer2peer, Email, encrypted traffic or applications that use a single port.

All traffic carried out (in any application) will be summarized by the system and method in detailed reports and statistics with advanced search functions. Regarding the technical operation of the system and method:

i. The programmed software is installed on the computer operating system of the client PC.

ii. Through internet connection of the client PC, the programmed software communicates with a "WEB RADAR" server to collect the information and send the data requested to the parents via SMS or email.

iii. The parent may choose, through preselected programmed commands, whether to block navigation or whether to filter certain contents, by sending an email or an SMS which, will be read and interpreted by the server which, will then be acted on the installed programmed software on the computer (client PC) communicating through the Internet connection.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a specific embodiment, nevertheless, changes and modifications will be evident to those of skill in the art which do not depart from the teachings herein. Such changes and modifications are deemed to fall within the purview of the invention as claimed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A system comprising predetermined programmed software in Java, C/c,

JavaScript and Html installed on a client PC containing a hard disc and accessible via a browser, programmed related settings to blocks and filters protected by encryption stored on the hard disk, a "RADAR WEB" server enabled for sending SMS and email to a parent for controlling the client PC and having stored therein listings of websites that can be accessed or blocked, a gateway in communication with said server for sending SMS to a parent, and said server including an email capability.

2. The system of claim 1 further including means for formulating information to be sent to a parent via SMS or email including the chronology of the information is required, the needed details to reach the recipient via (email or SMS) and data authentication of the product.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the data authentication includes concerning a SMS, means for sending and receiving a command in SMS to and from a parent number.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein the data authentication includes, concerning an email, means for sending and receiving an email to and from a parent.

5. The method comprising the steps of i. providing a system including a client PC containing a hard disc and accessible via a browser, a "RADAR WEB" server enabled for sending SMS and email to a parent for controlling the client PC, and a gateway in communication with said server for sending SMS to a parent, ii installing predetermined programmed software in Java, C/c, JavaScript and Html on on the hard disk, said programmed software including related settings to blocks and filters protected by encryption, storing on said hard disc under the control of said programmed software listings of websites that can be accessed or blocked, generating messages responsive to browsing on said client PC that are sent to parent by at least one of SMS and email, and responsive to receipt of at least one of SMS and email from parent for blocking browsing of a website.

6. The method of claim 5 further including controlling the server remotely via at least one of SMS and email.

7. The method of claim 5 further including setting which Internet sites can be accessed based on categories of content, such as, sport news or sites dedicated to children and teenagers, health, science, religion, and which sites cannot be (prohibited) accessed based on categories access, such as pornography, drugs, tobacco, etc.

8. The method of claim 5 including sending a summary of all the pages visited in one day, not only the home page but also the links available and statistics of the most visited sites.

9. The method of claim 5 including redirecting to a page of the parents choosing or displaying "page not available" responsive to an attempt to access a blocked site.

10. The method of claim 5 including setting the frequency of notices as instant notice or periodical notice for contents of websites accessed or diversifying by setting some for instant notice and some for periodic notice.

1 1 . The method of claim 5 including controlling the system remotely to activate or deactivate specific types of application options by sending specific commands via

SMS or email.

12. The method of claim 5 including creating a personalized category and adding to the list of default categories including lists of sites to allow or block, by adding the links chosen by the parents or the words present on the web pages for access to all the Internet sites that contain the determined words chosen by the parents in the HTML text, will be allowed or blocked.

13. The method of claim 5 including controlling "navigation time" through which it is possible to allow internet navigation only during certain times of the day on predetermined days of the week or also to establish a maximum daily limit of web navigation and sending a notice to parents on the child's time of connection and disconnection to the internet

14. The method of claim 5 including using the control panel to allow or block internet access to other types of applications other than browsers, such as chat,

Peer2peer, Email, encrypted traffic or applications that use a single port.

15. The method of claim 5 including summarizing traffic carried out (in any

application) in detailed reports and statistics with advanced search functions.

16. The method of claim 5 wherein the programmed software is installed on the computer operating system and communicates with "WEB RADAR" server to collect predetermined information and send data requested to a parent via SMS or email and a parent responsive thereto communicates preselected commands, whether to block navigation or whether to filter certain contents, by sending an email or an SMS which, will be read and interpreted by the server which will then act on the installed software on the computer communicating through the Internet connection.