System, method, and apparatus for sensing users for device settings

A system determines who is present within an area by reading radio waves emitted from a device carried by the user and then adjusts various devices within or near the area of the user based upon a profile(s) of the user(s) that are in the area. The devices (e.g. speaker systems, lighting systems, televisions, music systems) are controlled based upon profiles of the users, giving more control priority to the users that are closer to the devices.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of electrical control and more particularly to a system for determining the location of users and adjusting devices based upon the spatial relationship of the users that are local.

BACKGROUND

There are many smart devices and systems on the market. For example, networked lightbulbs allow users to send signals over local area networks to control the light's brightness and hue. Although such devices are called “smart” devices, they are only slaves to individual commands sent over a wireless network.

Add an infrared motion sensor and when a person, any person, walks into a room, the motion sensor detects the person and turns on the lights. Seems smart, but this system doesn't know which person is in the room, where in the room that person is located, and how that person would like to set the lighting. Such systems are useful in, for example, bathrooms where lighting is not desired when no person is present.

The present systems do not recognize the person or people that are present and, therefore, does not understand how to adjust various hardware based upon preferences of each person.

What is needed is a system that will detect one or more people within an area and adjust local devices in that area based upon preferences of each of the people that are detected.

SUMMARY

Nowadays, almost everybody has in their possession some sort of smart device such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a personal fitness device, etc. The present system determines who is present within an area by reading radio waves emitted from a smart device and then adjusts various devices within or near the area of the smart device based upon a profile or profiles of the person or people that are in the area. For example, in a household of two people, when the first person enters a room, lighting and music are set to the preferences of that person (e.g. low light, new age music) while when the second person enters the same room, lighting and music are set to the preferences of the second person (e.g. medium light, rock music). If both are present in the room, a compromise between preferences is made and the lighting and music are set according to the preference (e.g. medium-low light and music off).

In another example, the area is a dance floor. As a user moves closer to a first speaker and light emitter of the dance floor, the sound and lighting are adjusted to that user's tastes. As that user moves to another position on the dance floor, a second speaker and light emitter that are now near the user are adjusted to that user's tastes. As other users enter the same area, the devices (speakers, light emitters, etc.) are set based upon each of the user's tastes (e.g. profile values) and a distance between each of the users and the devices so that, the users closer to the devices have more impact on the settings of those devices than the users that are farther away from the devices. In some embodiments, alternate weighting or biasing is also provided to give one user priority over another user (e.g. if two users are the same distance from a speaker, the user with the higher priority will influence settings of the speaker more than the user with lower priorities).

In one embodiment, a system for sensing users includes a computer that has software for detecting a location of one or more users within an area (e.g. utilizing signal strengths or triangulation of a radio signal transmitted from a device on the person of the user such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or personal fitness device). There is also software for calculating a setting of a device within the area (e.g. based upon a distance from each user to the device and a profile value of each user for that device). The device is set based upon the setting (e.g. the brightness and/or color output of the device or the audio volume and/or compensation of the device).

In another embodiment, a method for sensing users includes determining a location of users within an area and obtaining a profile for each user within the area. For each user within the area: a distance between each device and each of the users is determined, then a setting for the each device is calculated based upon a profile setting of each user for each device and the distance between each device and each user. Each device is then set to the setting for the device (e.g. brightness/color output of the each device or volume/frequency compensation of the each device).

In another embodiment, method for sensing users includes determining a location of a user within an area and obtaining a profile for the user. The profile has a value related to a device (e.g. a speaker or lighting device within the area). A distance between the device and the user is determined (e.g. by a received signal strength or triangulation of a radio signal received from a device on the person of the user) and then a setting for the device is calculated based upon the value from the profile related to the device multiplied by a reciprocal of the distance between the device and the user (e.g. as the user gets closer to the device, the calculation is biased to that user's profile settings). The device is then set to the setting for the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this description, the term, “user” describes a person or other being who moves into and with the area of coverage and is, therefore, sensed by the system for sensing users.

The description uses the term “smart device” is used to describe any device that is typically held on the person (e.g. the users) and emits a radio frequency signal. Throughout this description, a smartphone or smartwatch is used as an example of a smart device.

Referring toFIG. 1illustrates a data connection diagram of the exemplary system for sensing a user. In this example, one or more smart devices such as smartphones10and smartwatches11emit radio frequency signals that are received and processed by one or more radio receivers94/96/98within or near to the area100of coverage (seeFIGS. 4 and 5). The radio receivers94/96/98are operationally connected to a server computer500. The server, utilizing signal strength values and/or signal timing values from the radio receivers94/96/98determines which users are present in the area100and a location of each user within the area100. In one embodiment, the radio receivers94/96/98receive and process a radio frequency signal that has embedded there within a value that uniquely identifies the user. In some embodiments, the radio receivers94/96/98transact with the smart devices10/11to extract data for identifying the users and/or for determining user preferences.

In some embodiments, the user preferences are received directly from the smart devices10/11while in other embodiments, the user preferences are stored in a user data area502that is accessible by the server computer500. In the latter, the value that uniquely identifies the user is used to find the user preferences in the user data area502.

Having identified the users and located the users, the server controls various devices510/512/514through a control circuit95. For example, the control circuit95adjusts sound levels, sound equalization, lighting, etc., based upon which user is in which location, making adjustments when multiple users are near each other.

Referring toFIG. 2, a schematic view of a typical smart device, a smartphone10is shown though other portable (wearable or carried with a person) end-user devices such as tablet computers, smartwatches11, smart ear buds, smart eyewear, personal fitness devices, etc., are fully anticipated. Although any end-user device is anticipated, for clarity purposes, a smartphone10will be used in the remainder of the description.

The example smartphone10represents a typical device used for sensing users in the system for sensing a user. This exemplary smartphone10is shown in one form with a sample set of features. Different architectures are known that accomplish similar results in a similar fashion and the present invention is not limited in any way to any particular smartphone10system architecture or implementation. In this exemplary smartphone10, a processor70executes or runs programs in a random-access memory75. The programs are generally stored within a persistent memory74and loaded into the random-access memory75when needed. Also accessible by the processor70is a SIM (subscriber information module) card88having a subscriber identification and often persistent storage. The processor70is any processor, typically a processor designed for phones. The persistent memory74, random-access memory75, and SIM card are connected to the processor by, for example, a memory bus72. The random-access memory75is any memory suitable for connection and operation with the selected processor70, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, etc. The persistent memory74is any type, configuration, capacity of memory suitable for persistently storing data, for example, flash memory, read only memory, battery-backed memory, etc. In some exemplary smartphones10, the persistent memory74is removable, in the form of a memory card of appropriate format such as SD (secure digital) cards, micro SD cards, compact flash, etc.

Also connected to the processor70is a system bus82for connecting to peripheral subsystems such as a cellular network interface80, a graphics adapter84and a touch screen interface92. The graphics adapter84receives commands from the processor70and controls what is depicted on the display86. The touch screen interface92provides navigation and selection features.

In general, some portion of the persistent memory74and/or the SIM card88is used to store programs, executable code, and data, etc. In some embodiments, other data is stored in the persistent memory74such as audio files, video files, text messages, etc.

The peripherals are examples and other devices are known in the industry such as Global Positioning Subsystem91, speakers, microphones, USB interfaces, camera93, microphone97, Bluetooth transceiver93, Wi-Fi transceiver99, image sensors, temperature sensors, health sensors, biometric sensors, etc., the details of which are not shown for brevity and clarity reasons. One feature of the Bluetooth transceiver and the Wi-Fi transceiver99is a unique address that is encoded into transmissions that is used to uniquely correlate between the smart device (smartphone10) and the user.

The cellular network interface80connects the smartphone10to the cellular network68through any cellular band and cellular protocol such as GSM, TDMA, LTE, etc., through a wireless medium78. There is no limitation on the type of cellular connection used. The cellular network interface80provides voice call, data, and messaging services to the smartphone10through the cellular network68.

For local communications, many smartphones10include a Bluetooth transceiver93, a Wi-Fi transceiver99, or both. Such features of smartphones10provide data communications between the smartphones10and data access points and/or other computers such as a personal computer (not shown). In the system for sensing a user, the Bluetooth transceiver93and a Wi-Fi transceiver99, or both, are used to identify which users are within the area100and to identify where each user is located within the area100.

Referring toFIG. 3, a schematic view of a typical computer system (e.g. server computer500) is shown. The example computer system (e.g. server computer500) represents a typical computer system used in the system for sensing a user for calculating which users are present, a location of each user, and for properly setting each device510/512/514through the control circuit95. This exemplary computer system is shown in its simplest form. Different architectures are known that accomplish similar results in a similar fashion and the present invention is not limited in any way to any particular computer system architecture or implementation.

Although represented as a computer system500having a single processor570, it is fully anticipated that other architectures be used to obtain the same or similar results. For example, it is fully anticipated that each device510/512/514have integral processing capabilities and each device510/512/514communicates directly with each other to jointly control without the use of a computer system500.

In the example computer system500ofFIG. 3, a processor570executes or runs programs in a random-access memory575. The programs are generally stored within a persistent memory574and loaded into the random-access memory575when needed. The processor570is any processor, typically a processor designed for computer systems with any number of core processing elements, etc. The random-access memory575is connected to the processor by, for example, a memory bus572. The random-access memory575is any memory suitable for connection and operation with the selected processor570, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, etc. The persistent memory574is any type, configuration, capacity of memory suitable for persistently storing data, for example, magnetic storage, flash memory, read only memory, battery-backed memory, magnetic memory, etc. The persistent memory574(e.g., disk storage) is typically interfaced to the processor570through a system bus582, or any other interface as known in the industry.

Also shown connected to the processor570through the system bus582is a network interface580(e.g., for connecting to a data network506), a graphics adapter584and a keyboard interface592(e.g., Universal Serial Bus—USB). The graphics adapter584receives commands from the processor570and controls what is depicted on a display586. The keyboard interface592provides navigation, data entry, and selection features.

In general, some portion of the persistent memory574is used to store programs, executable code, data, and other data, etc.

The peripherals are examples and other devices are known in the industry such as pointing devices, touch-screen interfaces, speakers, microphones, USB interfaces, radio frequency receivers94/96/98, Wi-Fi transceivers, image sensors, temperature sensors, etc., the details of which are not shown for brevity and clarity reasons. Although three radio frequency receivers94/96/98are shown, there is no limitation as to the number of radio frequency receivers94/96/98.

Referring toFIG. 4, a plan view of an area100covered by the system for sensing users utilizing radio triangulation is shown. In this example, the devices510/512/514are speakers (S1, S2, S3) and there are two smart devices (smartphones10A/10B) within the area100. Also, in this example are three radio frequency receivers94/96/98covering the area100.

As each smartphone10A/10B emits a radio frequency signal, the radio frequency signal is received at some time by each of the three radio frequency receivers94/96/98. The time that the radio frequency signal is received from the first smartphone10A is dependent upon a distance (d1, d2, d3) between the first smartphone10A and each of the three radio frequency receivers94/96/98. Likewise, time that the radio frequency signal is received from the second smartphone10B is dependent upon a distance (d1A, d2A, d3A) between the second smartphone10B and each of the three radio frequency receivers94/96/98. For example, when the first smartphone10A emits a radio signal, the first radio frequency receiver94receives that radio signal at time t1which is dependent upon distance d1; the second radio frequency receiver96receives that radio signal at time t2which is dependent upon distance d2; and the third radio frequency receiver98receives that radio signal at time t3which is dependent upon distance d3. Since d1is shorter than d2, t1is earlier than t2, etc. Through triangulation algorithms, the exact locations of the first smartphone10A and the second smartphone10B are calculated. Through analysis of the radio signal emitted from each smartphone10A/10B, the identity of each user is determined and, a profile of each user is either obtained directly from the smartphones10A/10B of retrieved from the user data area502using an identity of each smartphone10A/10B that is encoded in the radio signals.

Having the locations of each smartphone10A/10B (and hence each user U1and U2), the system for sensing users controls various devices that are in proximity to each user. For simplicity purposes, in this example, speakers S1, S2, and S3are controlled, though it is anticipated that any devices510/512/514are controlled.

The server computer500determines that the first smartphone10A (and user U1) is located between the speaker S1and the speaker S2(e.g. based upon known locations for the speakers S1/S2). For now, assume the second user U2is not present. Absent of the second user U2, the server controls the speaker S1and the speaker S2based upon audio preferences of the first user U1. For example, if the preferences of the first user, U1, indicate preferences for high volume, high bass, and low treble, the server controls the speaker S1and the speaker S2for high volume, high bass, and low treble. S3being distant (known location) from the first user U1is, for example, muted. As the first user U1traverses the area100and moves between the second speaker S2and the third speaker S3, the first speaker S1is muted by the server and the server controls the speaker S2and the speaker S3for high volume, high bass, and low treble.

In some embodiments, even though there is only the first user U1, there are default values such as a predetermined base set of preferences and as the first user U1moves within the location, the preferences of the first user U1are merged with the predetermined base set of preferences based upon distances from the various devices (e.g. first speaker S1, second speaker S2, third speaker S3). In some such embodiments, the predetermined base set of preferences are anticipated to be configured so as to be virtually a certain distance from the various devices (e.g. first speaker S1, second speaker S2, third speaker S3) so that as the first user U1is at the same distance for one of the devices as this certain distance, then the predetermined base set of preferences has the same footing as the first user's preferences (assuming equal priority between the predetermined base set of preferences and the first user's preferences.

Now, assume the second user U2is present. In the presence of the second user, U2, the server controls the speaker S1based upon audio preferences of the first user U1, the speaker S3based upon the audio preferences of the second user U2, and the speaker S2based upon a merger of preferences of the first user U1and the second user U2. For example, if the preferences of the first user, U1, indicate preferences for high volume, high bass, and low treble, and if the preferences of the second user, U2, indicate preferences for low volume, high bass, and high treble; the server controls the speaker S1for high volume, high bass, and low treble; and the speaker S3for low volume, high bass, and high treble. Since the speaker S2is heard by both the first user U1and the second user U2, the server controls the speaker S2for medium volume (average between high volume from the first user's profile and low volume from the second user's profile), high bass (both user's profiles indicate high base), and medium treble (average between low treble from the first user's profile and high treble from the second user's profile).

As the first user U1and the second user U2move within the area100, the location of each user is constantly monitored and the audio from each speaker S1/S2/S3is adjusted based upon each user's distance from each speaker S1/S2/S3with respect to other user's distance from each speaker S1/S2/S3.

Referring toFIG. 5, plan view of an area100covered by the system for sensing users utilizing radio signal strength is shown. In this example, the devices510/512/514are speakers (S1, S2, S3) and there are two smart devices (smartphones10A/10B) within the area100. Also, in this example are three radio frequency receivers94/96/98covering the area100, each in proximity to a device510/512/514that is to be controlled by the server computer500.

As each smartphone10A/10B emits a radio frequency signal, the radio frequency signal is received at some received signal strength by each of the three radio frequency receivers94/96/98. The signal strength that the radio frequency signal is received from the first smartphone10A is dependent upon a distance (d1, d2, d3) between the first smartphone10A and each of the three radio frequency receivers94/96/98(e.g. known location of the devices510/512/514). Likewise, the signal strength that the radio frequency signal is received from the second smartphone10B is dependent upon a distance (d1A, d2A, d3A) between the second smartphone10B and each of the three radio frequency receivers94/96/98. For example, when the first smartphone10A emits a radio signal, the first radio frequency receiver94receives that radio signal at a first received signal strength rss1which is dependent upon distance d1; the second radio frequency receiver96receives that radio signal at a second received signal strength rss2which is dependent upon distance d2; and the third radio frequency receiver98receives that radio signal at a third received signal strength rss3which is dependent upon distance d3. Since d1is shorter than d2, the first received signal strength rss1is greater than the second received signal strength rss2, etc. Through analysis of the signal content of the radio signal received from each smartphone10A/10B, the identity of each user is determined and, a profile of each user is either obtained directly from the smartphones10A/10B of retrieved from the user data area502using an identity of each smartphone10A/10B that is encoded in the radio signals.

Having the signal strengths measurements regarding each smartphone10A/10B (and hence each user U1and U2) at locations of each device510/512/514, the system for sensing users controls various devices510/512/514that are in proximity to each user. For simplicity purposes, in this example, speakers S1, S2, and S3are controlled, though it is anticipated that any devices510/512/514are controlled.

The server computer500determines that the first smartphone10A (and user U1) is located close to the speaker S1and the speaker S2. For now, assume the second user U2is not present. Absent of the second user, U2, the server controls the speaker S1and the speaker S2based upon audio preferences of the first user U1. For example, if the preferences of the first user, U1, indicate preferences for high volume, high bass, and low treble, the server controls the speaker S1and the speaker S2for high volume, high bass, and low treble. S3being distant from the first user U1(lower signal strength) is, for example, muted. As the first user U1traverses the area100and moves between the second speaker S2and the third speaker S3, the first speaker S1is muted by the server since the received signal strength reduces at the first radio frequency receiver94and the server controls the speaker S2and the speaker S3for high volume, high bass, and low treble.

Now, assume the second user U2is present. Since the received signal strength from the first user U1at S1and S2is higher and the received signal strength from the second user U2at S2and S3is higher, the server controls the speaker S1based upon audio preferences of the first user U1, the speaker S3based upon the audio preferences of the second user U2, and the speaker S2based upon a merger of preferences of the first user U1and the second user U2. For example, if the preferences of the first user, U1, indicate preferences for high volume, high bass, and low treble, and if the preferences of the second user, U2, indicate preferences for low volume, high bass, and high treble; the server controls the speaker S1for high volume, high bass, and low treble; and the speaker S3for low volume, high bass, and high treble. Since the speaker S2is heard by both the first user U1and the second user U2, the server controls the speaker S2for medium volume (average between high volume from the first user's profile and low volume from the second user's profile), high bass (both user's profiles indicate high base), and medium treble (average between low treble from the first user's profile and high treble from the second user's profile).

As the first user U1and the second user U2move within the area100, the location of each user is constantly monitored and the audio from each speaker S1/S2/S3is adjusted based upon each user's distance from each speaker S1/S2/S3with respect to other user's distance from each speaker S1/S2/S3.

When only one user is present, the settings of each device510/512/514is determined by that user's preferences and that user's distances from each device510/512/514. In this way, when the user is closest to one device510, that user will have a greater influence on settings of that device510than a second device512that is further away.

When multiple users are present the settings of each device510/512/514is determined by a merger of each user's preferences and each user's distances from each device510/512/514. In this way, a user closest to one device510will have a greater influence on settings of that device510than a different user that is farther away from that device510.

In some embodiments, influence on each device510/512/514is proportional to the user's distance from each device510/512/514. For example, if a first user U1has a volume preference of 1 (range 1-10) and a second user U2has a volume preference of 10 (range 1-10) and both are the same distance from one device510, then the volume setting of the one device510is set to 5 (average), assuming both users U1/U2have equal priority. For example, if the first user is 4 feet from the one device510and the second user is 8 feet from the one device510, then the volume setting of the one device510is set closer to the first user U1who is closer. For example, the volume setting is set to the weighted average of the user preferences such as 2× the volume preference of the first user U1plus 1× the volume preference of the second user U2divided by 3 ((2×10)+(1×1)/3), or in this example, a volume setting of 7 (closer to the profile setting of the first user U1since the first user U1is closer to the one device510). Now, if the first user moves and is now 8 feet from the one device510and the second user moves and is now 4 feet from the one device510, the volume setting of the one device510is set closer to the first user U1who is closer. The volume setting is set to the weighted average of the user preferences such as 2× the volume preference of the second user U2plus 1× the volume preference of the first user U1divided by 3 ((2×1)+(1×10)/3), or in this example, a volume setting of 4 (closer to the profile setting of the second user U2since the second user U2is closer to the one device510).

Note that, as explained later, in some embodiments, users U1/U2have the ability to gain priority through various loyalty or payment mechanisms. In such, depending upon the level of priority, it is anticipated that if the first user U1has a higher priority than the second user U2, then the settings will be skewed toward the preferences of the first user U1, depending upon differences between the priority of the first user U1in contrast to the priority of the second user U2.

In some embodiments, each user also has a priority based upon a value derived from, for example, paying for priority or earning points each time the user patronizes the area100. For example, a frequent dancer one a specific dance floor (area100) will have more points than someone who visits the dance floor once every year and, therefore, frequent dancer's profile settings will have more weight than the profile settings of the person that visits once every year. In this, even if both are the same distance from a device510/512/514, the frequent dancer's profile settings will have more weight than the profile settings of the person that visits once every year.

In some embodiments, volume settings of each device510/512/514that is a speaker is determined from volume profile settings of all users in range of the device510/512/514. In some embodiments, audio equalization settings of each device510/512/514that is a speaker is determined from audio equalization profile settings of all users in range of the device510/512/514. In some embodiments, audio balance settings of each device510/512/514that is a speaker is determined from pure locations of all users in range of the device510/512/514. In some embodiments, color and/or brightness settings of each device510/512/514that is an emitter of light is determined from color and/or brightness profile settings of all users in range of the device510/512/514.

In some embodiments, light pulse rate and/or color intensity of each device510/512/514that is an emitter of light is determined from pulse rate profile settings of all users in range of the device510/512/514. In some embodiments, light pulse rate of each device510/512/514that is an emitter of light is determined from measured heart beat patterns of all users in range of the device510/512/514. In such, for example, as the collective heart rates of all users in range of the device510/512/514increases, so does the light pulse rate and/or color intensity of each device510/512/514that is an emitter of light. In this embodiment, it is anticipated that the radio frequency signal is timed with user's pulse or the user's pulse rate is encoded into the radio frequency signal.

In some embodiments, audio balance settings of each device510/512/514that is a speaker is determined from pure locations of all users in range of the device510/512/514. This is anticipated to be of use in a multiple speaker audio system. In the past, if a listener is not sitting centered between the speakers of such an audio system, the balance needed to be adjusted manually (e.g. if the listener is closest to the left speaker, the right speaker volume needed to be increased). In the disclosed system, as the user positions themselves anywhere in range of the speakers, the balance is automatically adjusted to provide best balance given the location of the user. When two or more users are in range of the speakers, then compromises are made to provide the best listening experience to both users.

Referring toFIG. 6, a schematic view of an area100covered by the system for sensing users utilizing radio signal strength is shown. In this example, the devices510/512/514are speakers (S1, S2, S3) and there is one smart devices (first smartphones10A) within the area100. Also, in this example are three radio frequency receivers94/96/98covering the area100, each in proximity to a device510/512/514that is to be controlled by the server computer500(or distributed control by a distributed processing scheme).

The first smartphone10A emits a radio frequency signal, the radio frequency signal is received at some received signal strength by each of the three radio frequency receivers94/96/98. The signal strength that the radio frequency signal is received from the first smartphone10A is dependent upon a distance (d1, d2, d3) between the first smartphone10A and each of the three radio frequency receivers94/96/98. For example, when the first smartphone10A emits a radio signal, the first radio frequency receiver94receives that radio signal at a first received signal strength rss1which is dependent upon distance d1; the second radio frequency receiver96receives that radio signal at a second received signal strength rss2which is dependent upon distance d2; and the third radio frequency receiver98receives that radio signal at a third received signal strength rss3which is dependent upon distance d3. Since d1is shorter than d2, the first received signal strength rss1is greater than the second received signal strength rss2, etc. Through analysis of the signal content of the radio signal received from the first smartphone10A, the identity of the user U1is determined and, a profile of the user is either obtained directly from the first smartphones10A or retrieved from the user data area502using an identity of the first smartphone10A that is encoded in the radio signals.

In this example, the first smartphone10A is close to S1and, therefore, S1is greatly influenced by the profile settings of the user U1, but the first smartphone10A is not as close to S2and, therefore, S2is only partially influenced by the profile settings of U1. The first smartphone10A is too far from S3and, therefore, S3is not influenced by the profile settings of user U1

Referring toFIG. 7, an exemplary user interface for displaying/changing a user's preferences is shown. In general, each device, and therefore, each user has a personal profile400indicating user preferences. In this example, the user has a user name401(e.g., “John Doe.” This user has several preferences including audio preferences402of base402A at a level 10 (e.g. high), midrange402B at a level 7, and treble402C at a level 1 (low). This user has preferences for lighting403with blues403A at dim levels, reds403B at medium levels, and greens403C at high levels. As far as music genre, this user's preferences are that they like rap404A, are okay with techno404B, and the do not like jazz404C or classical404D music. This user device (user device10/11possessed by this user) had several device identifiers405, a Wi-Fi device serial number (e.g. MAC address)405A of “05ADBC110A” and a Bluetooth device serial number (e.g. MAC address)405B of “000012001A8.” The device identifiers405are used by the receivers and/or the server computer500to determine the user associated with a device that is within range of the area100.

Referring toFIGS. 8-11, exemplary program flows of the exemplary system for sensing a user are shown. The program flows are shown for examples as it is well known to perform software tasks in many different ways achieving the same or similar outcomes.

It is anticipated that portions of the exemplary program flow execute on a user device such as a smartphone10while portions of the exemplary program flow execute on the server computer500.

In this example, starting withFIG. 8, the flow loops while the exemplary system for sensing a user is determining whether a user is in the area100. The loop starts with a test220to determine if a user is in the area100. The determination is done as described, by measuring the signal strength of a radio signal from a device possessed by a user or triangulating the location of the user by received timing from a radio signal transmitted from the device possessed by the user as received in several (typically three) locations. In some embodiments, presence of the user (and identity of the user) is performed using cameras (e.g. identity is determined by facial recognition, other biometric input, or user input mechanism).

The location of this user is calculated222(e.g. location within the area100) and, a user profile is obtained224either by looking up a profile based upon identifying information of the user transmitted in the radio signal or by receiving the profile directly from the user's device within the radio signal. This user's profile is then added226to a list of users present in the area100.

The current user is set to the first user228and a second loop is started. The loop determines230if the current user is near a device510/512/514(e.g. speaker, light emitting device) and if the current user is near a device510/512/514, the device510/512/514is adjusted332based upon the profile of the current user. If the current user is the last user in the list234, then the program flow restarts at the beginning (LCC). If the current user is not the last user in the list234, then the current user is set to the next user in the list236and the loop continues.

InFIG. 9, a slightly different method is described in which the device510/512/514is set depending on preferences from multiple users in the vicinity of the device510/512/514. The flow loops while the exemplary system for sensing a user is determining whether a user is in the area100. The loop starts with a test320to determine if a user is in the area100. The determination is done as described, by measuring the signal strength of a radio signal from a device possessed by a user or triangulating the location of the user by received timing from a radio signal transmitted from the device possessed by the user as received in several (typically three) locations. In some embodiments, presence of the user (and identity of the user) is performed using cameras (e.g. identity is determined by facial recognition, other biometric input, or user input mechanism).

The location of this user is calculated322(e.g. location within the area100) and, a user profile is obtained324either by looking up a profile based upon identifying information of the user transmitted in the radio signal or by receiving the profile directly from the user's device within the radio signal. This user's profile is then added326to a list of users present in the area100.

In another loop, the current device is set to the first device327and the current user is set to the first user328and a second loop is started. If the current user is near330a device510/512/514(e.g. speaker, light emitting device) the profile of the current user is added to a list for the current device.

If the current device is not the last device in the list of devices334, then the current device is set336to the next device in the list of devices.

If the current device is the last device in the list of devices334, then if the if the current user is not the last user in the area338, the current user is set to the next user in the list340and program flow proceeds within the loop.

If the current device is the last device in the list of devices334, then if the if the current user is the last user in the area338, the program flow proceeds to set the devices according to the profiles in the lists (seeFIGS. 10 and 11).

InFIGS. 10 and 11, two program flows are shown for setting each device510/512/514to the appropriate settings based upon the profiles of the users that are in range of those devices. The current device is set to the first device350and a loop begins (for each device in the list of devices). First, the current user profile is set to the first user profile that was stored for the current device352. Now an inner loop begins setting354the current device value to zero and a counter to zero. A test is performed356to determine if there is a current user profile stored for this device. If there is another current user profile stored for this device, then the current user profile value is added to the current device value, the count, n, is incremented, and the current user profile is set to the next user profile in the list for this device358, then the loop continues.

If there is not another current user profile stored for this device, then if the count is zero362, then the device is either shut off366or set to a predetermined setting, for example, controlled by a default profile. If there is not another current user profile stored for this device, then if the count is not zero362, then the device is set based upon the current device value divided by the count, n (e.g. the average of all profile values for those within range of this device).

Now if the current user profile is the last370, flow resumes searching for users entering/exiting the area100(seeFIG. 9).

InFIG. 11, there is a slight modification to one set of steps. In this, the settings for the device are biased based upon a priority of each user.

If there is another current user profile stored for this device, then the current user profile value modified by a current user priority is added to the current device value, the count, n, is incremented, and the current user profile is set to the next user profile in the list for this device358A, then the loop continues. The current user priority is, for example, a priority achieved by the frequency of visiting the area100, by paying for extra priority, etc. For example, a first user who rarely visits the area100has a priority of 1 while a second user who frequently visits the area100has a priority of 1.5 meaning, when these two user's profile settings are averaged, the first user's profile settings have less weight as to settings of the devices that are in range of the first user and second user.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.