U.S. patent application number 17/064375 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-21 for set-top box with interactive portal and system and method for use of same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Enseo, Inc.. Invention is credited to William C. Fang.
Application Number | 20210021875 17/064375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005135018 |
Filed Date | 2021-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210021875 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fang; William C. |
January 21, 2021 |
Set-Top Box with Interactive Portal and System and Method for Use
of Same
Abstract
A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method
for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top
box, the set-top box includes a housing that secures a signal
input, a signal output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory
therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box
receives a status signal via the transceiver from an amenity. The
set-top box then generates an interactive portal that includes a
status icon relating to the status signal and a management icon
relating to commanding the amenity or initiating a service
request.
Inventors: |
Fang; William C.; (Plano,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Enseo, Inc. |
Plano |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005135018 |
Appl. No.: |
17/064375 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16436341 |
Jun 10, 2019 |
10827203 |
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17064375 |
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15899263 |
Feb 19, 2018 |
10321165 |
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16436341 |
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15824766 |
Nov 28, 2017 |
10123056 |
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15899263 |
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15417554 |
Jan 27, 2017 |
9832489 |
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15824766 |
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15074067 |
Mar 18, 2016 |
9560388 |
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15417554 |
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14803428 |
Jul 20, 2015 |
9326009 |
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15074067 |
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14294123 |
Jun 2, 2014 |
9088828 |
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14803428 |
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62555303 |
Sep 7, 2017 |
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61829932 |
May 31, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/43615 20130101;
H04N 21/2143 20130101; H04N 21/8126 20130101; H04L 12/283 20130101;
H04N 21/478 20130101; H04N 21/8153 20130101; H04N 21/262 20130101;
H04L 12/2803 20130101; H04N 21/25 20130101; H04N 21/4131 20130101;
H04N 21/436 20130101; H04N 21/8146 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/214 20060101
H04N021/214; H04N 21/436 20060101 H04N021/436; H04N 21/478 20060101
H04N021/478; H04N 21/81 20060101 H04N021/81; H04N 21/25 20060101
H04N021/25; H04N 21/41 20060101 H04N021/41; H04L 12/28 20060101
H04L012/28; H04N 21/262 20060101 H04N021/262 |
Claims
1. A system for a set-top box, the system comprising: a programming
interface configured to communicate with a set-top box, the set-top
box including a housing securing a signal input, a signal output, a
processor, a transceiver, and memory therein, the set-top box
including a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the
signal input, the signal output, the processor, the transceiver,
and the memory; and the memory accessible to the processor, the
memory including processor-executable instructions that, when
executed, by the processor cause the system to: receive a status
signal via the transceiver from an amenity, generate an interactive
portal, the interactive portal including a status icon and a
management icon, the status icon being relative to the status
signal, the management icon including a command request and a
service request, the command request operates the amenity, the
service request solicits a third-party order relative to the
amenity selected from the group consisting of repair, maintenance,
and product fulfillment, forward the interactive portal to a
display via the signal output, and receive an interactive
instruction relative to at least one of the plurality of management
icons.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the
processor-executable instructions further comprise
processor-executable instructions that, when executed, by the
processor cause the system to access a database having a plurality
of annotated service profiles, each of the plurality of annotated
service profiles corresponding to a plurality of proximate
amenities including the amenity, the plurality of annotated service
profiles including information relative to the command request and
service request.
3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the status icon
further comprises words.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the status icon
further comprises a graphical representation.
5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the status icon
further comprises a combination of words and a graphical
representation.
6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the management icon
further comprises words.
7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the management icon
further comprises a graphical representation.
8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the management icon
further comprises a combination of words and a graphical
representation.
9. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the amenity is
selected from the group consisting of lighting, security alarm
systems, garage doors, front doors, hot-water heaters, sump pumps,
door bells, pet bowls, HVAC systems, and entry points.
10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the
processor-executable instructions further comprise
processor-executable instructions that, when executed, by the
processor cause the system to utilize a standard to receive the
status signal, the standard being selected from the group
consisting of infrared (IR), 802.11, 3G, 4G, Edge, Wi-Fi, ZigBee,
near field communications (NFC), Bluetooth, and Bluetooth low
energy.
11. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the display is
selected from the group consisting of televisions and electronic
visual display devices.
12. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the status signal is
received in response to an event at the amenity.
13. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the status signal is
received in response to a periodic update transmitted by the
amenity.
14. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the status signal is
received in response to a status inquiry initiated by the set-top
box.
15. A system for a set-top box, the system comprising: a
programming interface configured to communicate with a set-top box
connected to a display; and the memory accessible to the processor,
the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when
executed, by the processor cause the system to: receive a status
signal from an amenity, generate an interactive portal, the
interactive portal including a status icon and a management icon,
the status icon being relative to the status signal, the management
icon including a command request and a service request, the command
request operates the amenity, the service request solicits a
third-party order relative to the amenity selected from the group
consisting of repair, maintenance, and product fulfillment, forward
the interactive portal to the display via the set-top box, and
receive an interactive instruction via the set-top box relative to
at least one of the plurality of management icons.
16. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the display is
selected from the group consisting of televisions and electronic
visual display devices.
17. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the status signal is
received in response to an event at the amenity.
18. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the status signal is
received in response to a periodic update transmitted by the
amenity.
19. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the status signal is
received in response to a status inquiry initiated by the set-top
box.
20. A system for a set-top box, the system comprising: a
programming interface configured to communicate with a set-top box
connected to a display; and the memory accessible to the processor,
the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when
executed, by the processor cause the system to: access a database
having a plurality of annotated service profiles, each of the
plurality of annotated service profiles corresponding to a
plurality of proximate amenities including a particular amenity,
the plurality of annotated service profiles including information
relative to a command request and a service request, receive a
status signal from the particular amenity, generate an interactive
portal, the interactive portal including a status icon and a
management icon, the status icon being relative to the status
signal, the management icon including the command request and the
service request, the command request operates the particular
amenity, the service request solicits a third-party order relative
to the particular amenity selected from the group consisting of
repair, maintenance, and product fulfillment, forward the
interactive portal to the display via the set-top box, and receive
an interactive instruction via the set-top box relative to at least
one of the plurality of management icons.
Description
PRIORITY STATEMENT & CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/436,341 entitled "Set-Top Box with
Interactive Portal and System and Method for Use of Same" filed on
Jun. 10, 2019, in the names of William C. Fang, et al.; which
claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/899,263
entitled "Set-Top Box with Interactive Portal and System and Method
for Use of Same" filed on Feb. 19, 2018, in the names of William C.
Fang et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 10,321,165, issued on Jun. 11, 2019;
which claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
62/555,303 entitled "Set-Top Box with Interactive Portal and System
and Method for Use of Same" filed on Sep. 7, 2017, in the names of
Vanessa Ogle et al.; all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference, in entirety, for all purposes. Application Ser. No.
16/436,341 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/824,766 entitled "Set-Top Box with
Interactive Portal and System and Method for Use of Same" filed on
Nov. 28, 2017, in the names of Vanessa Ogle et al., now U.S. Pat.
No. 10,123,056 issued on Nov. 6, 2018; which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/417,554 entitled "Set-Top Box
with Interactive Portal and System and Method for Use of Same"
filed on Jan. 27, 2017, in the names of Vanessa Ogle et al., now
U.S. Pat. No. 9,832,489 issued on Nov. 28, 2017; which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/074,067
entitled "Set-Top Box with Interactive Portal and System and Method
for Use of Same" filed on Mar. 18, 2016, in the names of Vanessa
Ogle et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 9,560,388 issued on Jan. 31, 2017;
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/803,428 entitled "Set-Top Box with Interactive Portal and System
and Method for Use of Same" filed on Jul. 20, 2015, in the names of
Vanessa Ogle et al, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,009 issued on Apr. 26,
2016; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/294,123 entitled "Set-top Box with Interactive Portal and System
and Method for Use of Same" filed on Jun. 2, 2014, in the names of
Vanessa Ogle et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 9,088,828 issued on Jul. 21,
2015; which claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
61/829,932 entitled "On-Screen Display" filed on May 31, 2013 in
the name of Vanessa Ogle; all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates, in general, to set-top boxes and, in
particular, to set-top boxes with interactive portals and systems
and methods for use of the same that provide additional
functionality to residences, as an example.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] To many individuals, a television is more than just a
display screen, rather it is a doorway to the world, both real and
imaginary, and a way to experience new possibilities and
discoveries. To enhance the experience, consumers are desiring
televisions with enhanced content in an easy-to-use platform. As a
result of such consumer preferences, the quality of content and
ease-of-use of televisions are frequent differentiators in
determining the experience. Accordingly, there is a need for
improved systems and methods for providing televisions with
enhanced content in an easy-to-use platform for uses in residences
and other locations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It would be advantageous to achieve a set-top box that would
improve upon existing limitations in functionality. It would also
be desirable to enable a computer-based electronics and software
solution that would provide a television or other display with
enhanced content in an easy-to-use platform in a residential
environment or in another environment. To better address one or
more of these concerns, a set-top box with an interactive portal
and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one
embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box includes a housing
that secures a signal input, a signal output, a processor, a
transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus
architecture. The set-top box receives a status signal via the
transceiver from an amenity. The set-top box then generates an
interactive portal that includes a status icon relating to the
status signal and a management icon relating to commanding the
amenity or initiating a service request. These and other aspects of
the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference
to the embodiments described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a more complete understanding of the features and
advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the
detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying
figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures
refer to corresponding parts and in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of a
system utilizing set-top boxes with interactive portals being
employed in a residential environment, according to the teachings
presented herein;
[0007] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of a
display depicted in FIG. 1, under control of the set-top box,
exhibiting exemplary enhanced functionality;
[0008] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of
the display depicted in FIG. 1, under control of the set-top box,
exhibiting exemplary enhanced functionality;
[0009] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of
the display depicted in FIG. 1, under control of the set-top box,
exhibiting exemplary enhanced functionality;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a home depicted as a
residence wherein the system is being advantageously utilized
[0011] FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a
set-top box depicted in FIG. 1 in further detail;
[0012] FIG. 4B is a rear elevation view of the set-top box depicted
in FIG. 4A;
[0013] FIG. 4C is a front perspective view of a dongle depicted in
FIG. 1 in further detail;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting one
embodiment of the set-top box presented in FIGS. 4A and 4B; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a method
utilizing set-top boxes with interactive portals according to the
teachings presented herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] While the making and using of various embodiments of the
present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of
specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are
merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention,
and do not delimit the scope of the present invention.
[0017] Referring initially to FIG. 1, therein is depicted one
embodiment of a system 10 utilizing a set-top box 12 with an
interactive portal. The set-top box 12 may be utilized in an
environment E, which may be a single family residence such as a
house, duplex, or townhome. Alternatively, the environment E may be
a hospitality lodging establishment or more generally, hospitality
property, which may be a furnished multi-family residence,
dormitory, lodging establishment, hotel, hospital, or other
multi-unit environment. The set-top box 12 is located in a room R
of the environment E and is communicatively disposed with various
amenities associated with the environment E. The set-top boxes 12
may be located in communication with a server 14, which may be
co-located within the environment E or alternatively, as shown,
located within a cloud C.
[0018] As illustrated, in one embodiment, within the room R, the
system 10 includes the set-top box 12 and a display 16 having a
screen 18. The display 16 may be a television or any electronic
visual display device, for example. The set-top box 12 includes a
housing 20. A connection, which is depicted as an HDMI connection
22, connects the set-top box 12 at the housing 20 to the display
16. Other connections include a power cable 24 coupling the set-top
box 12 to a power source, a coaxial cable 26 coupling the set-top
box 12 to an external cable source, and a category five (Cat 5)
cable 28 coupling the set-top box 12 to an external source. As
shown, the set-top box 12 may include a dongle 30 providing
particular technology and functionality extensions thereto. That
is, the set-top box 12 may be a set-top box-dongle combination in
one embodiment. More generally, it should be appreciated that the
cabling connected to the set-top box 12 will depend on the
environment and application, and the cabling connections presented
in FIG. 1 are depicted for illustrative purposes. Further, it
should be appreciated that the positioning of the set-top box 12
will vary depending on environment and application and, with
certain functionality, the set-top box 12 may be placed more
discretely behind the display 16.
[0019] An amenity status/control suite 32 represents the status and
control of various amenities, such as residential amenities,
associated with the individual I in the environment E. The various
amenities may include lights 34, a thermostat, shades, and a
doorbell 36, for example. The set-top box 12 may also be
communicatively disposed with these various amenities, which may
also include a CD/DVD player, and a radio tuner. The set-top box 12
is communicatively disposed with these various amenities. In one
embodiment, the set-top box 12 is communicatively disposed with the
amenities of the amenity status/control suite 32 in order to, in
part, receive status updates from the amenities and control the
amenities. A service suite 38 represents a set of services
associated with the individual I living or staying in the
environment E. The various guest services may include maid service
40, pool service, and food delivery service 42, for example. The
set-top box 12 is communicatively disposed with these various
services to, in part, receive status updates about the various
services and to make service inquiries and requests, for
example.
[0020] In one embodiment, the individual I may issue voice
commands, such as signaling S.sub.1, from a distance to the set-top
box 12 in order to control the display 16 via the set-top box 12,
for example, or interact with the amenity status/control suite 32
or the service suite 38. A television remote control 44 includes an
array of buttons for adjusting various settings such as television
channel and volume. In one embodiment, the television remote
control 44 may be a consumer infrared (IR), Bluetooth or other
wireless-protocol-based device configured as a small wireless
handheld object that issues commands, such as signaling S.sub.2,
from a distance to the set-top box 12 in order to control the
display 16 via the set-top box 12, for example, or interact with
the amenity status/control suite 32 or the service suite 38. A
proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 46 is
illustrated as a tablet computer having a touch screen display.
Although a tablet computer is depicted, the proximate
wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 46 may be a
personal computer, laptop, smart phone, smart speaker, or smart
watch, for example. The proximate wireless-enabled interactive
programmable device 46 issues commands, such as signaling S.sub.3,
from a distance to the set-top box 12 in order to control the
display 16 via the set-top box 12, for example, or interact with
the amenity status/control suite 32 or the service suite 38.
[0021] In one operational embodiment, in response to receiving a
status update, via signaling S.sub.4, from the amenity
status/control suite 32, and, in particular, from lights 34, the
set-top box 12 has generated an interactive portal 50.
Alternatively, in another implementation, the individual I may
press a service button on a device, such as the television remote
control 44 or the proximate wireless-enabled interactive
programmable device 46, or navigate a menu to cause the generation
of the interactive portal 50, which may be overlayed or
superimposed on the program P on the display 16, in one embodiment,
or partially or fully integrated therewith. The interactive portal
50 includes interactive icons 52, and more particularly icons 54,
56, 58, 60, 62, and 64. Additionally, informational presentation 66
is provided, which includes date and time. It should be appreciated
that any number or configuration of interactive icons 52 may be
presented, including an entire screen of interactive icons 52 or a
scrolling feature allowing a defined space to provide many sheets
of interactive icons 52. By way of example and not by way of
limitation, the interactive icons may include status icons, control
icons, and service icons relating to lighting, security alarm
systems, garage doors, front doors, hot-water heaters, sump pumps,
door bells, pet bowls, HVAC systems, and entry points, for
example.
[0022] In the embodiment shown, the icon 54 provides interaction
with the lighting system to control the lights in the environment
E. The icon 56, a status icon initially generated from receipt of
the signal S.sub.4 at the set-top box 12, indicates that a light
bulb needs replacement. The icon 58 is a management icon providing
for a service request, and actuation of the icon 58 by way of the
individual's voice command, the remote control 44, or the proximate
wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 46, for example,
generates, by way of the set-top box 12, a maintenance request in
substantially real time. The maintenance request may be sent to
household member or other individual charged with lightbulb
replacement. The icon 60, in this instance, indicates that the
household is out of light bulbs and actuation of the icon 60, which
executes a product fulfillment, orders the appropriate lightbulb
from a third-party service. The icon 62, a status icon, indicates a
load of laundry is now complete in the washer. The icon 64 provides
a snooze function for the load of laundry and sets a reminder to
appear on the display 16 at the end of the program P, for
example.
[0023] As shown, the individual I views the interactive portal 50,
including the icon 56. The individual I utilizes the proximate
wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 46 to send an
interactive instruction in the form of a command to the set-top box
to actuate icon to order maintenance of the lightbulb by, in one
implementation, adding the lightbulb replacement to a "honey-do"
list or causing the set-top box 12 to send a text message, using
signaling S.sub.5 to the person responsible for lightbulb
replacement. The individual I also sends an interactive instruction
in the form of a command to snooze the clean laundry in the washing
machine until the program P is concluded. Signaling S.sub.5 is an
example of the communication and signaling between the set-top box
12 and the amenity/control suite 32 in order to, for example,
receive status updates from various amenities and control the
various amenities. The control may relate to changing the status or
state of an amenity or adjusting a parameter such as light or
temperature.
[0024] The icons, including the status icons and the management
icons, may be words, graphical representations or a combination of
words and graphical representations, for example. In one
implementation, the icons and information presentations may be
language independent. In this manner, the set-top box 12 is
providing various environmental support without the need for
additional technology. Further, complex systems that require
additional training are not needed as the systems and methods
presented herein are intuitive.
[0025] In the embodiments presented in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the
icons may represent status icons and management icons, for example.
The status icons provide a description of the state of the amenity.
The management icon may be a command request that operates the
amenity or a service request that solicits a third-party (e.g.,
non-set-top box) order selected from the group consisting of
repair, maintenance, and product fulfillment. By way of example and
not by way of limitation, with reference to FIG. 2A, the display 16
includes the screen which is showing the program P.sub.2. The
interactive portal 50 includes an icon 74 providing the
temperature, an icon 76 indicating the dishwasher has 10 minutes
remaining in a cleaning cycle, an icon 78 indicating mail has
arrived, an icon 80 indicating the refrigerator is out of
beverages, an icon 82 indicating the dog bowl is out of water, and
an icon 84 representing an alarm. With reference to FIG. 2B, the
interactive portal 50 includes an icon 94 showing the temperature,
icons 96, 98 to increase or decrease the temperature, an icon 100
to launch a service request for the Internet, an icon 102 to change
channels to a news program, and an icon 104 to change channels to a
drama. Continuing with the range of examples of icons 50, with
reference to FIG. 2C, icon 114 shows a refrigerator and indicates
the refrigerator is not cooling and may require maintenance. An
icon 116 provides contact information for a refrigerator service
company and permits an individual I to contact the refrigerator
service company to repair the refrigerator. An icon 118 provides
access to a streaming service. An icon 120 displays a lightbulb and
permits the lights in the room to be brightened. An icon 122
displays a lightbulb also and permits the lights in the room to be
dimmed. An icon 124 provides information about the weather.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3, the environment E is depicted as a
single family residence and more particularly, home H utilizing one
embodiment of the systems presented herein. The home H includes a
first floor 152, a second floor 154, a basement 156, and a yard
158. A living room 160, an entryway 162, and a kitchen 164 are
located on the first floor 152. In the living room 160, the display
16 receives programming through the set-top box 12 which may
provide cable programming or satellite programming, for
example.
[0027] Sensors are associated with various household amenities
throughout the first floor 152, second floor 154, basement 156, and
yard 158 of the home H. The sensors may also be partially or fully
integrated into the amenities. In one embodiment, each sensor or
amenity is operable to transmit a wireless signal in response to an
event occurrence associated with the respective household amenity.
As will be discussed further below, the event may be the ringing of
a doorbell, the detection of water, or the detection of a low
battery, for example. Further, in one embodiment, each sensor is
operable to transmit a wireless signal in response to a status
request or periodically. The set-top box 12 receives the wireless
signals from the sensors and generates the aforementioned
interactive portal 50. Such messaging provides a television viewer
with the ability to monitor the status of home H and determine home
awareness while engaged in watching television programming.
[0028] By way of example, the entryway 162 includes a front door
166 having a doorbell associated therewith. A sensor connected to
the doorbell senses when the doorbell is rung and sends a
corresponding wireless signal to the set-top box, which
incorporates an icon representative of "DOORBELL" into the
interactive portal. The television viewer or viewers see the icon
and are aware of the ringing doorbell while watching the television
in the living room 160. This is particularly useful in instances
where the television viewers have the television volume excessively
high or the doorbell amplifier and speaker is sufficiently removed
from the living room 160.
[0029] By way of further example, the kitchen 164 includes a number
of household amenities such as a refrigerator 168 that is equipped
with a sensor that detects the status of the refrigerator door,
i.e., open or closed. When the refrigerator door is open for more
than seconds, for example, a wireless signal is transmitted from
the sensor to the set-top box 12. The set-top box 12 includes an
icon in the interactive portal meaning "REFRIGERATOR DOOR AJAR". A
smoke detector 170 is another household amenity that is located in
the kitchen 164. A sensor associated with the smoke detector 170
monitors the battery and sends an appropriate wireless signal to
the set-top box 12 when the battery becomes low. Additionally, the
sensor associated with the smoke detector 170 transmits a wireless
signal when the smoke detector detects smoke. A smart speaker 48 is
located on a counter top in the kitchen 164 to communicate with the
set-top box 12 as previously discussed.
[0030] The second floor 154 of the house H includes a study 172, a
hallway 174, and a bedroom 176. As illustrated, a computer 178 is
located in the study 172. A sensor associated with the computer 178
sends a wireless signal to the set-top box 12 in response to
receiving an e-mail. A telephone 180 is sitting on a stand in
hallway 174. A sensor associated with the telephone 180 monitors
for an incoming call and broadcasts a wireless signal in response
thereto. The bedroom 176 includes an entry point or window 182
having a sensor associated with a security system. The sensor
broadcasts a wireless signal in response to the detection of broken
glass or the opening of the window 182, for example.
[0031] Similarly, the basement 156 includes a number of household
amenities having sensors associated therewith that send wireless
signals to the set-top box 12. A water shut-off box 184, a hot
water heater 186, a washer and dryer 188, a meat freezer 190, and a
sump pump 192 each have a sensor that detects the occurrence of an
event. The sensor associated with the water shut-off box 184 may
detect the condition of the water valve; namely open or closed. The
sensor associated with the washer and dryer 188 alerts the
television viewer when a load has finished washing or drying. The
sensor associated with the meat freezer 190 detects an ajar door
and the sensor associated with the sump pump 192 broadcasts a
wireless signal upon detecting the presence of water.
[0032] The amenities found in yard 158 may also include sensors. A
mailbox 194 may include a sensor that detects the opening and
closing of the mailbox door in order to provide an indication that
mail has arrived. Additionally, a pet bowl 196 may include a sensor
that detects the emptying of the food in the bowl. The household
amenities described herein encompass simple mailboxes to complex
security systems. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the
home H utilizing the systems presented herein permits members of
the household to monitor any technology that the household is
inclined to implement. In particular, the sensors may monitor
household amenities relating to the environment, family comfort,
utilities, appliances, and security. By way of further example, the
sensors may monitor the turning ON or OFF of particular lights,
power usage, the opening and closing of a garage door, the turning
ON and OFF of an iron, the freezing of a pipe, the presence of
water leaks, the presence of gas or carbon monoxide (CO),
temperature and humidity, the efficiency of an HVAC system, and the
presence of smoke or fire. Additionally, the system for home
awareness may provide schedule reminders, medical alerts, and the
like.
[0033] It should be understood that although only one display, a
television, is illustrated in FIG. 3, the systems and methods
presented herein may be utilized in a multiple television or
multiple display environment wherein a monitoring unit associated
with each display receives all or a portion of the wireless signals
from the sensors and provides the appropriate text messages. In one
implementation, the computer 178 located in the study 172 has a
monitoring unit connected therewith so that a user of the computer
178 is provided with home awareness.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C and FIG. 5, as
used herein, set-top boxes, back boxes and set-top/back boxes may
be discussed as set-top boxes. By way of example, the set-top box
12 may be a set-top unit that is an information appliance device
that generally contains set-top box functionality including having
a television-tuner input and displays output through a connection
to a display or television set and an external source of signal,
turning by way of tuning the source signal into content in a form
that can then be displayed on the television screen or other
display device. Such set-top boxes are used in cable television,
satellite television, and over-the-air television systems, for
example.
[0035] The set-top box 12 includes the housing 20 having a cover
220 having a rear wall 222, front wall 224, top wall 226, bottom
base 228, and two sidewalls 230, 232. It should be appreciated that
front wall, rear wall, and side wall are relative terms used for
descriptive purposes and the orientation and the nomenclature of
the walls may vary depending on application. The front wall
includes various ports, ports 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 246,
248, and 250 that provide interfaces for various interfaces,
including inputs and outputs. In one implementation, as
illustrated, the ports 234 through 250 include inputs 252 and
outputs 254 and, more particularly, an RF input 256, a RJ-45 input
258, universal serial bus (USB) input/outputs 260, an Ethernet
category 5 (Cat 5) coupling 262, an internal reset 264, an RS232
control 266, an audio out 268, an audio in 270, and a
debug/maintenance port 272. The front wall 224 also includes
various inputs 252 and outputs 254. More particularly, ports 280,
282, 284, and 286 include a 5V dc power connection 290, USB
inputs/outputs 292, an RJ-45 coupling 294, an HDMI port 296, and a
microphone 298. It should be appreciated that the configuration of
ports may vary with the set-top box depending on application and
context. As previously alluded to, the housing 20 may include a
housing-dongle combination including, with respect to the dongle
30, a unit 300 having a cable 302 with a set-top box connector 304
for selectively coupling with the set-top box 12.
[0036] Within the housing 20, a processor 310, memory 312, storage
314, the inputs 252, and the outputs 254 are interconnected by a
bus architecture 166 within a mounting architecture. It should be
understood that the processor 310, memory 312, storage 314, the
inputs 252, and the outputs 254 may be entirely contained within
the housing 20 or the housing-dongle combination. The processor 310
may process instructions for execution within the computing device,
including instructions stored in the memory 312 or in storage 314.
The memory 312 stores information within the computing device. In
one implementation, the memory 312 is a volatile memory unit or
units. In another implementation, the memory 312 is a non-volatile
memory unit or units. Storage 314 provides capacity that is capable
of providing mass storage for the set-top box 12. The various
inputs 252 and outputs 254 provide connections to and from the
computing device, wherein the inputs 252 are the signals or data
received by the set-top box 12, and the outputs 254 are the signals
or data sent from the set-top box 12.
[0037] A content signal input 318 and a television output 320 are
also secured in the housing 20 in order to receive content from a
source in the hospitality lodging establishment and forward the
content, including external content such as cable and satellite and
pay-per-view (PPV) programming, to the television located within
the hotel room. A transceiver 322 is associated with the set-top
box and communicatively disposed with the bus architecture 316. As
shown the transceiver 322 may be internal, external, or a
combination thereof to the housing 20. Further, the transceiver 322
may be a transmitter/receiver, receiver, or an antenna for example.
Communication between various amenities in the environment E and
the set-top box 12 may be enabled by a variety of wireless
methodologies employed by the transceiver 322, including 802.11,
3G, 4G, Edge, WiFi, ZigBee, near field communications (NFC),
Bluetooth low energy and Bluetooth, for example. Also, infrared
(IR) may be utilized.
[0038] The memory 312 and storage 314 are accessible to the
processor 310 and include processor-executable instructions that,
when executed, cause the processor 310 to execute a series of
operations. A configuration profile is associated with the storage
314 and the memory 312. The memory and processor-executable
instructions enable the set-top box 12 to control multiple
proximate amenities related to a user's stay in a lodging
establishment in a multi-room environment, including the particular
amenity to be controlled. Further, a database having multiple
annotated service profiles may be stored in the storage 314 or the
memory 312. Each of the annotated service profiles corresponds to
the multiple proximate amenities and includes information relative
to the service requests.
[0039] The processor-executable instructions cause the processor
310 to send via the television output 320 to the display 16,
instructions for the interactive portal 50 and interactive icons 52
that are shown on the display 16. More particularly, the
processor-executable instructions cause the processor 310 to
receive a status signal via the transceiver 322 from an amenity.
Then, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor 310
to access the configuration profile and determine a status icon
relative to the status signal. As previously discussed, the status
icon provides a description of the state of the amenity. Based on
the processor-executable instructions, the processor 310 is caused
to access the configuration profile and determine a management icon
relative to the status signal. The management icon may include a
service request which solicits an order, which in one
implementation, the order may be a third-party order such as
repair, maintenance, or product fulfillment. The
processor-executable instructions then cause the processor 310 to
generate an interactive portal 50 including the status icon and the
management icon. The processor 310 then forwards the interactive
portal 50 to the display 16 via the signal output and waits to
receive an interactive instruction relative to the management icon.
Upon receipt of the interactive instruction, the set-top box 12
executes.
[0040] During operation, the processor 310 may be caused to
evaluate the spoken sequence of words S.sub.1 by the individual I
to assign a meaning to the spoken sequence of words S.sub.1 and
then generate the interactive instruction. With respect to a
service request, the processor 310, following receipt of the
interactive instruction, may send the set-top box a service request
to the appropriate entity, or control an amenity with a
command.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of a method
utilizing set-top boxes with interactive portals is depicted. At
block 340, the methodology is initiated. At blocks 342 and 344
respectively, a notification signal is received at the set-top box
and the meaning of the notification signal is determined. The
notification signal may relate to a status of an amenity and a
description of the state of the amenity as, in one embodiment, the
set-top box is communicatively disposed with the amenity in order
to, for example, receive status updates and send commands to
control the amenity. At decision block 346, if control options are
applicable to the signal received, then at block 348 control
options are determined prior to advancing to decision block 350. On
the other hand, if control options are not applicable, then the
methodology advances to decision block 350. At decision block 350,
the set-top box evaluates if service options are applicable. If
service options are applicable, then the methodology advances to
block 352 where the service options are determined before the
methodology advances to block 354. If service options are not
applicable, then the methodology advances to block 354. At block
354, an interactive portal is generated and then sent to the
display at block 356. At block 358 the set-top box waits for a
response and as shown by decision block 360, once a response is
received by the set-top box as shown by decision blocks 362 and
364, the command signal is processed and executed.
[0042] The order of execution or performance of the methods and
data flows illustrated and described herein is not essential,
unless otherwise specified. That is, elements of the methods and
data flows may be performed in any order, unless otherwise
specified, and that the methods may include more or less elements
than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that
executing or performing a particular element before,
contemporaneously with, or after another element are all possible
sequences of execution.
[0043] While this invention has been described with reference to
illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be
construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and
combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other
embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled
in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore,
intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications
or embodiments.
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