Patent Publication Number: US-11653056-B2

Title: Set-top box with enhanced behavioral controls and system and method for use of same

Description:
PRIORITY STATEMENT &amp; CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/078,942, entitled “Set-Top Box with Enhanced Behavioral Controls and System and Method for Use of Same”, filed on Oct. 23, 2020, in the names of Thomas R. Miller et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 11,272,244, issued on Mar. 8, 2022; which claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 62/925,807, entitled “Set-Top Box with Enhanced Behavioral Controls and System and Method for Use of Same”, filed on Oct. 25, 2019, in the name of William C. Fang; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/078,942 is also a continuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/916,771, “Set-Top Box with Enhanced Behavioral Controls and System and Method for Use of Same”, filed on Jun. 30, 2020 in the names of Thomas R. Miller, et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 11,128,912, issued on Sep. 21, 2021; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/969,001, “Set-Top Box with Enhanced Behavioral Controls and System and Method for Use of Same”, filed on May 2, 2018 in the names of Thomas R. Miller, et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 10,390,079, issued on Aug. 20, 2019; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/500,015, entitled “Set-Top Box with Enhanced Behavioral Controls and System and Method for Use of Same”, filed on May 2, 2017, in the name of Vanessa Ogle, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference, in entirety, for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates, in general, to set-top boxes and, in particular, to set-top boxes with enhanced behavior controls and systems and methods for use of the same that address the work and function of locking systems within a room in a hospitality establishment, for example. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Without limiting the scope of the present invention, the background will be described in relation to locking systems in the hospitality lodging industry, as an example. Known locking systems include a mechanical lock requiring a physical key inserted into the lock in order to open the lock for access. More advanced known locking systems include magnetic access cards and radio frequency identification (RFID) access cards; both of which use various encoding schemes and contact or proximity in order to open the lock for access. Consumers and particularly hotel guests are demanding enhanced capabilities in ever increasingly easy-to-use platforms. As a result of such consumer and hotel guest preferences, locking systems serving hotel guests must address issues of convenience in addition to traditional problems of misplacement and security. Accordingly, there a need for improved systems and methods for use of the same that address the work and function of locking systems within a room in a hospitality establishment, for example. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It would be advantageous to achieve a set-top box that would improve upon existing limitations in functionality with respect to locking systems. It would also be desirable to enable a computer-based electronics and software solution that would provide enhanced behavioral controls in an easy-to-use platform in the hospitality lodging industry or in another environment. To better address one or more of these concerns, a set-top box with enhanced behavioral controls and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, a wireless transceiver is associated with which also interconnectively includes a signal input, a signal output, a processor, and memory. 
     The set-top box may pair with an electronic door locking apparatus coupled to a door that is room-collocated with the set-top box in a hospitality establishment. The set-top box may reprogram the electronic door locking apparatus as well as control amenities, such as a display or television, in response to a presence signal from the electronic door locking apparatus. 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 
       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: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of a system for providing a set-top box having enhanced behavioral controls therein according to the teachings presented herein; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of the system of  FIG.  1    within an on-property deployment; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of the system of  FIG.  1    within a cloud-computing deployment; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a wall-facing exterior elevation view of one embodiment of the set-top box depicted in  FIG.  1    in further detail; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a display-lacing exterior elevation view of the set-top box depicted in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  30    is a front perspective view of a dongle depicted in  FIG.  1    in further detail; 
         FIG.  4    is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of the set-top box presented in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B ; 
         FIG.  5    is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of a property server presented in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A, and  2 B ; 
         FIG.  6    is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of a system server presented in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A, and  2 B ; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a door and an electronic door locking apparatus depicted in  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  8    is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a method for providing a set-top box having enhanced behavioral controls according to the teachings presented herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
     Referring initially to  FIG.  1   , therein depicted one embodiment of a system  10  utilizing a set-top box  12  with enhanced behavioral controls being employed within hospitality lodging establishment. The hospitality lodging establishment or, more generally, hospitality property, may be furnished multi-family residence, dormitory, lodging establishment, hotel, hospital, or other multi-unit environment. As shown, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the hospitality environment is depicted as a hotel H having various rooms, including a room R, and spaces, which may be common spaces. The set-top box  12  includes a housing  14  and is communicatively disposed with various amenities associated with the hospitality environment, including a display  16 . Set-top boxes, like the set-top box  12 , may be deployed throughout the rooms and spaces of the hotel H. It should be appreciated that although a hospitality environment is depicted, the system  10  and teachings herein are not limited to hospitality environments. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the system  10  and teachings herein are applicable to any multi-unit environment, including business, residential, and institutional properties. 
     As shown, in one embodiment, within the room R or space, such as a lobby, elevator foyer, or other common space, for example, the system.  10  includes the set-top box  12  and the display  16 , which is illustrated as a television having screen with message  18 . It should be appreciated however, that the display  16  may also be any electronic visual display device, for example. A connection, which is depicted as an HDMI connection  20 , connects the set-top box  12  to the display  16 . Other connections include a power cable  22  coupling the set-top box  12  to a power source, a coaxial cable  24  coupling the set-top box  12  to an external cable source, and a category five (Cat 5) cable  26  coupling the set-top box  12  to an external pay-per-view source at a hotel or other lodging establishment, for example. 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 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, 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 . 
     A proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  may be a device, including handheld devices, that may be supplied or carried by the guest G and may be selected from a range of existing devices, such as, smart devices, personal computers, laptops, tablet computers, smart phones, and smart watches, for example. In one implementation, advertising broadcast data originating from the set-top box  12  or the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  can electronic door apparatus  34  may be utilized to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . Moreover, as will also be discussed in further detail hereinbelow, in another implementation, an application installed from a server enables the set-top box and proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  to be wirelessly paired. In another embodiment, a challenge response is utilized to wirelessly pair the set-top box  12  and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 , when the guest G and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  are located within the room R. 
     As shown, an interactive portal P is displayed on the display  16 , which displays a general welcome for the hospitality lodging establishment. In one implementation, as illustrated, the set-top box  12  extends a physical authorization interface, shown as area from the set-top box  12  to an area easily accessible to a guest&#39;s convenience within the room R. This physical authorization interface A 1  may include a short-range wireless data connection that is enabled only when very close physically to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 , for example. 
     The set-top box  12  may pair with the electronic door locking apparatus  34  coupled to door  36  that is room-collocated with the set-box  12  in the room R of the hospitality establishment. As shown, the door  36  includes a handle  38  with an electronic reader  40  and an indicator  42  that indicates “Welcome.” The set-top box  12  may then receive a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus  34  relative to the open/closed status of the door  36  or locked/unlocked status of the door  36 , for example. In another aspect, the set-top box  12  may forward the status signal to the display  16  associated with the set-top box  12  or forward the status signal to a server, such as a property server  44 , which has a housing  45 , in an Operations One (O 1 ) layer or a system server  46 , which has a housing  47 , in an Operations Two (O 2 ) layer, as will be discussed in  FIG.  2 A  and  FIG.  2 B . As shown, the set-top box  12  may be exchanging signals with the electronic door locking apparatus  34  and the door  36  presently locked with the indicator  42  indicating“Welcome.” This status may also be shown on the display  16  at the message  18 , which may be selectively and controllably actuatable. 
     The set-top box  12  may utilize a search operation, for example, to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  and responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 , receive quest control instructions regarding control functionality input and send a command to the electronic door apparatus  34 . The quest control instructions may be a wireless transmission W. In another embodiment, the set-top box  12  may receive control functionality input instructions from a remote server, such as the property server  44  or system server  46  of  FIG.  2 A  and  FIG.  2 B , and process these instructions and send a command to the electronic door apparatus  34 . Further, the set-top box  12  in combination with the remote server, such as the property server  44  of  FIG.  2 A  and  FIG.  2 B , may evaluate access keycard data and determine access rights at the electronic door apparatus  34  responsive thereto. 
     In one implementation, as illustrated, the electronic door apparatus  34  extends a physical authorization interface, shown as area A 2 , from the electronic door apparatus  34  to an area easily accessible to a guest&#39;s convenience near the door  36 . This physical authorization interface A 2  may include a short-range wireless data connection that is enabled only when very close physically the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 , for example. The electronic door apparatus  34  may utilize a search operation, for example, to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  and responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 , receive guest control instructions regarding control functionality input and send a command to the door  36  via the electronic door apparatus  34 . The quest control instructions may be a wireless transmission W. 
     In some embodiments, the system  10  and the set-top box  12  provide integration of the electronic door apparatus  34  at the door  36  and the set-top box  12 . The set-top box  12  may then be utilized as a guest room controller between a hotel reservation and management system distributed between the property server  44  and the system server  46  and the guest G regarding the management and status of the door  36  including the door lock. In one operational embodiment, the guest G may make a room reservation stay at the hospitality property and select the room R. The guest G may interface with the system server  46  to complete the reservation process. The property server  44  may wait on the status of the room R from housekeeping. Once the guest has checked in, either in person or utilizing e proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 , the check-in/check-out status on the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  and with the system server  46  is “Check-In.” Additionally, the system server  46  may provide the check-in/check-out status S to the property server  44 , which, in turn, provides the check-in/check-out status S as “Check-In” to the set-top box  12  associated with the room. 
     The system server  46  may then provide a new electronic key K to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  associated with the guest G. In a complimentary fashion, a new keyless entry code L is issued by the property server  44  to the set-top box  12 . Utilizing a communication and control channel C, the set-top box  12 , in one embodiment, wirelessly provides the new keyless entry code L to the electronic door apparatus  34 . As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the guest C may then arrive at the door  36  to the room R. The electronic door apparatus  34  detects the presence of the guest G by establishing a pairing with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . Once the pairing is established between the electronic door apparatus  34  and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 , the electronic door apparatus  34  unlocks the door in response to the matching of the electronic key K and the keyless entry code L. 
     The electronic door apparatus  34  also sends guest presence signal from the electronic door apparatus  34  to the set-top box  12  via the communication and control channel C. The set-top box  12  then sends a command signal to the display  16  to turn the display  16  on. The set-top box  12  may also send a command signal to the display  16  to initiate a gateway. As illustrated, the gateway includes the message  18  that welcomes the guest G to the room R and hospitality establishment H. During the stay of the guest G, for any reason, the property server  44  by way of communication with the electronic door apparatus  34  via the set-top box  12  may revoke a keyless entry code L and issue a new keyless entry code L. 
     As alluded, during the stay of the guest G in the room R, the electronic door apparatus  34  may utilize the communication and control channel C with the set-top box  12  to provide status updates and communications between the display  16  and the electronic door apparatus  34 . By way of example and not by way of limitation, such information exchanged and provided may include informing the guest G that door  36  is open or enabling, with visual verification, the “Do Not Disturb” message on the door  36 . Additionally, the guest G may view the folio provided by the property server  44  or the system server  46  to the set-top box  12  via the display  16 . Alternatively, the guest G may view the folio provided by the property server  44  or the system server  46  to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . On viewing the folio, the guest G may check out. If the guest checks out via the display  16  and the set-top box  12 , then the set-top box  12  updates the check-in/check-out status S with the property server  44  and the system server  46 . Alternatively, if the guest G checks out via the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 , then the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  updates the check-in/check-out status S with the system server  46 , which may share the information with the property server  44  and the set-top box  12 . After the guest G has checked out, the electronic door apparatus  34  may send the set-top box  12  a guest leave signal, when the quest G leaves the room R through the door  36 . The set-top box  12  may then relay the guest leave signal to the property server  44 . The property server  44 , in turn, may then revoke the keyless entry code L associated with the quest G by sending the appropriate signals the electronic door apparatus  34  and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . 
     It should be appreciated that the property server  44  and system server  46  may be located on a single property to serve one or more displays thereon. Further, it should be appreciated that the property server  44  and the system server  46  may remotely located serve multiple properties having multiple displays. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2 A , the system  10  may be deployed such that the property server  44  is collocated on the property P- 1  with the displays  16 - 1  . . .  16 - n  and the corresponding set-top boxes  12 - 1  . . .  12 - n , and doors  36 - 1  . . .  36 - n , with, in one embodiment, the property server  44  configured to handle hotel reservations and management across properties. As previously alluded, the property server  44  may store the access keycard data for access by the set-top box  12  or, alternatively, for downloading prior to use by the set-top box  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 B , the system  10  may be deployed such that the property server  44  is located remotely within cloud C relative to displays  16 - 1  . . .  16 - n , which located at properties P- 1  through P-n. In particular, the property server  44 , which is located in communication with the system server  46 , may be located remotely relative to the displays  16 - 1  . . .  16 - n  and any set-top boxes  12 - 1  . . .  12 - n  with the doors  36 - 1  . . .  36 - n  such that a property headend  48 - 1  . . .  48 - n  is interposed between the property server  44  and the displays  16 - 1  . . .  16 - n . As shown in this implementation, the property headend  48 - 1  . . .  48 - n  is co-located with the displays  16 - 1  . . .  16 - n  at a respective property, P- 1  through P-n. It should be appreciated that various deployments of the property server  44  and the system server  46  may be employed. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 A ,  FIG.  311   ,  FIG.  35   , and  FIG.  4   , 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 used in cable television, satellite television, and over-the-air television systems, for example. 
     The set-top box.  12  includes the housing  14  with a cover  50  and a rear wall  52 , front wall  54 , top wall  56 , bottom base  58 , and two sidewalls  60 ,  62 . 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  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 , and  80  that provide interfaces for various interfaces, including inputs and outputs. In one implementation, as illustrated, the ports  64  through  80  include inputs  82  and outputs  84  and, more particularly, an RF input  86 , RJ-45 input  88 , universal serial bus (USE) input/outputs  90 , an Ethernet category 5 (Cat 5) coupling  92 , an internal reset  94 , an RS232 control  96 , an audio out  98 , an audio in  100 , and a debug/maintenance port  102 . The front wall  54  also includes various inputs  82  and outputs  84 . More particularly, ports  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  include a 5V dc power connection  120 , USB inputs/outputs  122 , an RJ-45 coupling  124 , and an HDMI port  126 . 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  14  may include a housing-dongle combination including, with respect to the dangle  30 , a unit  130  having a cable  134  with a set-top box connector  132  for selectively coupling with the set-top box  12 . 
     Within the housing  14 , a processor  140 , memory  142 , storage  144 , the inputs  82 , and the outputs  84  are interconnected by a bus architecture  146  within a mounting architecture it should be understood that the processor  140 , memory  142 , storage  144 , the inputs  82 , and the outputs  84  may be entirely contained within the housing  14  or the housing-dongle combination. The processor  140  may process instructions for execution within the computing device, including instructions stored in the memory  142  or in storage  144 . The memory  142  stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, the memory  142  is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory  142  is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Storage  144  provides capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the set-top box  12 . Various inputs  62  and outputs  84  provide connections to and from the computing device, wherein the inputs  82  are the signals or data received by the set-top box  12 , and the outputs  84  are the signals or data sent from the set-top box  12 . 
     A content signal input  148  and a content signal output  150  are also secured in the housing  14  in order to receive content from a source in the hospitality property and forward the content, including external content such as cable and satellite and pay-per-view (PPV) programming, to the display or television located within the hotel room. A transceiver  152  is associated with the set-top box  12  and communicatively disposed with the bus  146 . As shown the transceiver  152  may be internal, external, or a combination thereof to the housing. Further, the transceiver  152  may be a transmitter/receiver, receiver, or an antenna for example. Communication between various amenities in the hotel room, including the electronic door apparatus  34 , and the set-top box  12  may be enabled by a variety of wireless methodologies employed the transceiver  152 , including 802.11, 3G, 4G, Edge, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, near field communications (NFC), Bluetooth low energy and Bluetooth, for example. Also, infrared (IR) may be utilized. 
     The memory  142  and storage  144  are accessible to the processor  140  and include processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  140  to execute a series of operations. With respect to first processor-executable instructions, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  140  to forward a fully tuned signal to the display. Further, the instructions may cause the processor  140  to pair with an electronic door locking apparatus  34  coupled to a door  36 . The processor-executable instructions may cause the processor  140  to receive a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus  34 . In one implementation, the status signal may be relative to the open/closed status of the door  36  or locked/unlocked status of the door  36 , for example. By way of further example, the status signal may relate to, the “Do Not Disturb” status of the door  36  or a power state of the electronic door apparatus  34 . 
     In one implementation, the processor-executable instructions may further include instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  140  to forward a fully tuned signal to the display  16  including a status indicator based on the received status signal. Alternatively, or in addition, the processor-executable instructions may cause the processor  140  to forward a status indicator based on the received status signal to a remote server, such as the property server  44  of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . 
     In another implementation, second processor-executable instructions may further include instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to specify a search operation to identify a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . The search operation may utilize the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . By way of example, with respect to the search operation, the processor-executable instructions may a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  by receiving advertising broadcast data from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  via the wireless transceiver using, for example, a Bluetooth low energy standard, wherein the search operation utilizes the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . Alternatively, the processor-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor  140  to specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device  32  by transmitting advertising broadcast data via the wireless transceiver using, for example, a Bluetooth low energy standard, wherein the search operation utilizes the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . 
     The processor-executable instructions may further include instructions that establish a pairing between the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and the set-top box  12 . The processor-executable instructions may cause the processor  140  to send formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . In one implementation, the formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions may be configured to provide a downstream parallel experience related to the content on the television. 
     The processor-executable instructions may still further include instructions that provide for virtual buttons on a touch screen display associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . The virtual buttons are associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32 . Instructions may then cause the processor  140  to receive and process virtual remote control functionality input instructions to control the electronic door locking apparatus  34  from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  and evaluate the functionality input instructions to assign a meaning. Following the evaluation, the processor-executable instructions may generate a command signal and send the command signal to the electronic door locking apparatus  34  to effect the command. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the command signal may relate to causing the electronic door locking apparatus  34  to unlock the door or alternate the do not disturb status. 
     In one embodiment, third processor-executable instructions may include instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  140  to receive and process server control functionality input instructions to control the electronic door locking apparatus  34  from a remote server, evaluate the functionality input instructions to assign a meaning, generate a command signal, and send the command signal to the electronic door locking apparatus  34 . The command signal may relate to re-programming the electronic door locking apparatus  34  or maintaining access beyond data, for example. In another embodiment, the processor-executable instructions may further include instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  140  to receive and process keycard data from the electronic door locking apparatus  34 , evaluate the keycard data to determine access rights, generate a command signal relative to the access rights, and send the command signal to the electronic door locking apparatus  34 . 
     In one embodiment, fourth processor-executable instructions may processor-executable instructions that cause the processor  10  to pair with the electronic door locking apparatus  34 . Processor-executable instructions may also cause the processor  140  to generate command signal relative to re-programming the electronic door locking apparatus  34  and then to send the command signal to the electronic door locking apparatus  34 . The re-programming of the electronic door locking apparatus  34  may relate to issuing a new keyless entry code L or to revoking a keyless entry code L. 
     In one embodiment, fifth processor-executable instructions may include processor-executable instructions that cause the processor  140  to pair with the electronic door locking apparatus  34 . The instructions may cause the processor  140  to receive a presence signal from the electronic door locking apparatus  34  and send a command signal via the signal output to the display  16  to turn the display  16  on. The processor  140  may be further caused to send a second command signal via the signal output to the display to initiate a gateway on the display  16 . Then, the processor  140  may receive a guest check-out signal from an interaction with the set-top box  12 . The processor  140  then receives a guest G leave signal from the electronic door locking apparatus  34  that indicates the quest G has left the room and the quest G leave signal is forwarded to a remote server, such as the property server  44  or the system server  46 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , one embodiment of the property server  44  as a computing device includes processor  160 , memory  162 , storage  164 , inputs  166 , and outputs  168  interconnected with various buses  170  in a common or distributed, for example, mounting architecture. A network interface  172  is also connected to the various buses  170  to provide controller, including required computer hardware components, that connect the property server  44  to one or more computer networks. In other implementations, in the computing device, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Further still, in other implementations, multiple computing devices may be provided and operations distributed therebetween. The processor  160  may process instructions for execution within the property server  44 , including instructions stored in the memory  162  or in storage  164 . The memory  162  stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, the memory  162  is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory  162  is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Storage  164  includes capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the property server  44 . Various inputs  166  and outputs  168  provide connections to and from the server  40 , wherein the inputs  166  are the signals or data received by the property server  44 , and the outputs  168  are the signals or data sent from the property server  44 . 
     The memory  162  is accessible to the processor  160  and includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  160  to execute a series of operations. The processor-executable instructions cause the processor  160  to update periodically or on-demand, depending on the operational configuration, a database or update portion thereof, with current access keycard data relative to the electronic door locking apparatuses to one or more of the set-t boxes directly or through a property headend. 
     The processor-executable instructions may also generate a command signal and send the command signal to the electronic door locking apparatus  34  via the set-top box  12 . By way of example and not by way of limitation, the command signal may relate to causing the electronic door locking apparatus  34  to unlock the door or alternate the do not disturb status. Further, in one embodiment, the command signal may be multi signals that relate to reprogramming one or more of the electronic door locking apparatuses via the set-top poxes for example. Such instructions may relate to issuing a new keyless entry code L or revoking a keyless entry code L. Additionally, similar to the display  16 , the property server  44  may receive various status signals and have processor-executable instructions relative thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , one embodiment of the system server  46  as a computing device includes a processor  180 , memory  182 , storage  184 , inputs  186 , and outputs  188  interconnected with various buses  190  in a common or distributed, for example, mounting architecture. A network interface  192  is also connected to the various buses  190  to provide a controller, including required computer hardware components, that connect the system server  46  to one or more computer networks. In other implementations, in the computing device, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types memory. Further still, in other implementations, multiple computing devices may be provided and operations distributed therebetween. The processor  180  may process instructions for execution within the system server  46 , including instructions stored in the memory  182  or in storage  184 . The memory  182  stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, the memory  182  is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory  182  is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Storage  184  includes capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the system server  46 . Various inputs  186  and outputs  188  provide connections to and from the system server  46 , wherein the inputs  186  are the signals or data received by the system server  46 , and the outputs  188  are the signals or data sent from the system server  46 . The memory  182  is accessible to the processor  180  and includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  180  to execute a series of operations. In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  180  to execute a hotel reservation system. In still other embodiments, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  180  to execute a management system. 
     Thus, the systems and methods disclosed herein enable set-top boxes to have enhanced behavior controls that control electronic door locking apparatuses. Further, the systems and methods disclosed herein may enable users to use existing electronic devices as a temporary remote control device or keyless entry device to control an electronic door locking apparatus via a set-top box. Additionally, the status of the electronic door locking apparatuses may be discerned and as needed the programming of the electronic door locking apparatus may be modified as needed. Therefore, the systems and methods presented herein avoid the need for additional or expensive high functionality remote controls. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , one embodiment of the door locking apparatus  34  is depicted. As shown, the door locking apparatus  34  may be mounted adjacent the door  36  or on the door  36  or in another suitable location. The door locking apparatus  34  may be an integral unit that is easily mounted at each door site and may include several components. The components of the door locking apparatus  34  may include a controller  202  coupled to a transceiver  204  and a display driver  206 , which is coupled to the indicator  42 . Additionally, the electronic reader  40  is supported by an entry card reader module  208 . A power source  210  supplies power to the door locking apparatus  34  and may include battery power or a wired electrical interface connection, for example, to a 120V source. A door lock actuator  212  is coupled to the controller  202  and locks/unlocks the door  36 . 
     The electronic reader  40  and the entry card reader module  208  perform the task of reading the entry card as a door key and delivering the card identity information to the controller  202 . It should be appreciated that the electronic reader  40  and the entry card reader module  208  may be equipped to work with either magnetic strip cards, radio-frequency identification (RFID) cards, or wireless interactive programmable devices, for example. Further, the entry cards  220 , including entry cards  220 - 1 ,  220 - 2 ,  220 - n , and electronic door locking apparatus  34  may utilize key identification locking wherein the system is programmed to accept multiple identifications, for example master identification for staff and various guest identifications. Other key identification locking schemes that may be utilized include sequence identification where a newer sequence identification will inform the electronic door locking apparatus  34  stop accepting an older sequence identification, expiration date based key identification locking, or check-in date-based key identification locking, for example. 
     The controller  202  is electronically connected to receive information from the entry card reader module  208  and compare information with current access keycard data relative to the electronic door locking apparatus  34  stored at the controller  202  or the set-top box  12  via the use of the transceiver  204 . The electronic door locking apparatus generates a lock actuation signal, which is sent to door lock actuator  212 , when it determines that an entry card, such as entry card  220 - 1  being read at the electronic reader  40  matches an approved card. The controller  202  may include an associated memory for storing information received from the set-top box  12 , allowing all such stored information to be continually available while it is necessary to have a local controller  202  which has memory and processing capability as described herein, it should be appreciated that a portion or all of the processing tasks of the controller  202  may be performed by the set-top box  12  or the set-top box  12  in combination with the property server  44 . 
     In operation, the controller  202  may pair with a smart device, much as the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  32  having keyless entry code L associated therewith, to enable the locking or unlocking of the door  36 . Additionally, the controller  202  may send status signals to the set-top box  12  via the aforementioned pairing relative to the power status, such as low battery or power source good or power source needs maintenance, or the status of the door such as being or locked/unlocked. The status signals may also indicate which entry cards  220  or keyless entry card devices, such as smart devices, are utilized and attempted to be utilized to gain entry to the door  36 . The status signal may also relate to the status of the “Do Not Disturb” indication which may be electronically shown on the display  16 . In addition to sending status signals, electronic door locking apparatus  34  may receive commands from the set-top box  12  or the property server  44  via the set-top box  12  or guest G via the set-top box  12 , for example. Such commands may relate to unlocking the door, changing the “Do Not Disturb” status, or reprogramming the keycard data relative to an access keycard database. 
       FIG.  8    depicts one embodiment of a method for providing enhanced content, according to the teachings presented herein. The methodology starts at block  252  where a pairing may be established between the set-top box and electronic locking apparatus, which is room-collocated with the set-top box. At decision block  254 , the methodology may provide status information, interaction regarding the stay, or key services. With respect to status information, the methodology advances to block  256  where the set-top box receives a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus. The status signal may relate to the open/closed status of the door, locked/unlocked status of the door, a “Do Not Disturb” status of the door, a power state of the electronic door locking apparatus, or the successful/unsuccessful use of a key and at the electronic door locking apparatus, for example. At block  258 , the status signal is forwarded to the property server, where it is received. Subsequently, the status signal is forwarded to the system server, where received at block  260 . The methodology may then advance to block  262 , where the methodology ends. 
     Returning to decision block  254 , with respect to interaction regarding the stay, the methodology advances to decision block  264 , where the method may address check-in or check-out actions by a guest. At block  266 , the guest checks in either at a front desk or using an application on the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device that the guest carrying. At block  268 , the request to check-in is provided to the system server, which in some embodiments handles reservations. At block  270 , the check-in request is received by the property server. At decision block  272 , if the room is not yet prepared for the guest, then the methodology advances to block  274  where the room is prepared for guest service or appropriately selected and the check-in request is received at the set-top box in the room. The methodology then advances to block  276  where applicable data across the system server, property server, and set-top box is updated. The methodology then ends at block  262 . Returning to block  272 , if the room is already prepared and the set-top box notified of the guest&#39;s arrival then the methodology advances to block  276 , where, as previously discussed, applicable data across the system server, property server, and set-top box is updated prior to the methodology concluding at block  262 . 
     Returning to decision block  264 , with respect to checking out, the methodology advances to block  278 , where, in one embodiment, a leave signal is received at the set-top box. More specifically, the set-top box may be paired with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and the set-top box may receive and process in-room remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. One such instruction may be to check out. Alternatively, an in-room remote control may be utilized with the display and set-top box for the Guest to check out. Following the guest checking out, the electronic door apparatus may forward a leave signal when the door is opened and closed to the set-top box. The leave signal is then forwarded to the property server at block  280  and the system server at block  282 . The property server and the system server then take appropriate steps to close the account and prepare the room for the next guest prior to the methodology ending at block  262 . 
     Returning to decision block  254 , with respect to key services, the methodology advances to decision block  284  where the set-top box and servers (e.g., property server and system server) may perform, in one implementation, control and validation operations to issue and/or revoke a key and reprogram the electronic door locking apparatus. With respect to issuing a new keyless entry code, at block  286 , a new key signal is provided to the property server. The new key signal may originate from a guest request, a check-out, or a management request, for example. At block  288 , the new key signal is forwarded from the property server to the set-top box, which provides the new key signal to the electronic door locking apparatus to complete the issuance of a new keyless entry code. In parallel, at block  290 , the new key signal is forwarded from the property server to the appropriate smart devices. In this manner, the desired electronic door locking apparatus and the appropriate smart devices which may interact with the electronic door locking apparatus are provided the new programming. The methodology ends at block  262 . 
     On the other hand, with respect to revoking a keyless entry code, at block  292 , a revoke key signal is provided to the property server. The revoke key signal may originate from a guest request, a check-out, or a management request, for example. At block  294 , the revoke key signal is forwarded from the property server to the set-top box, which provides the revoke key signal to the electronic door locking apparatus to complete the revocation of the keyless entry code. In parallel, at block  296 , the revoke key signal is forwarded from the property server to the appropriate smart devices. In this manner, the desired electronic door locking apparatus and the appropriate smart devices which may in with the electronic door locking apparatus are provided the new programming. The methodology ends at block  262 . With respect to issuing and revoking new keys to change the electronic programming at the electronic door locking apparatus, it should be appreciated each electronic door locking apparatus may include multiple keyless entry codes and the teachings presented herein with respect to issuing a revoking keyless entry codes may change one or more the keyless entry codes. 
     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. 
     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 is the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.