Patent Publication Number: US-2022232280-A1

Title: Set-top box with interactive features 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. application Ser. No. 17/317,652, entitled “Set-Top Box with Interactive Features and System and Method for Use of Same”, filed on May 11, 2021, in the names of William C. Fang et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 11,297,376, issued on Apr. 5, 2022; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/933,604, entitled “Set-Top Box with Interactive Features and System and Method for Use of Same,” filed on Jul. 20, 2020, in the names of William C. Fang, et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 11,006,170, issued on May 11, 2021; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/138,699, entitled “Set-Top Box with Interactive Features and System and Method for Use of Same,” filed on Sep. 21, 2018, in the names of William C. Fang et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 10,721,518, issued on Jul. 21, 2020; which claims benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/561,963, entitled “Set-Top Box with Interactive Features and System and Method for Use of Same,” filed on Sep. 22, 2017, in the names of Vanessa Ogle et al.; 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 interactive features and systems and methods for use of the same that provide additional functionality to residences, as an example. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     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 features and 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 features in an easy-to-use platform for uses in residences and other locations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     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 features 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 interactive features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box receives various types of set-top box data such as information about display-based interactions with the set-top box, information about multiple amenities on a residential property co-located with the set-top box, and information from a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device interacting with the set-top box. The set-top box may render a map view of the property based on obtained map data. The map view may include an interactive graphical representation of the residential property and be annotated with at least a portion of the set-top box data. 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 residential property management according to the teachings presented herein; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of the system of  FIG. 1  within an on-property deployment; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of the system of  FIG. 1  within a cloud-computing deployment; 
         FIG. 3A  is a wall-facing exterior elevation view of one embodiment of the set-top box depicted in  FIG. 1  in further detail; 
         FIG. 3B  is a television-facing exterior elevation view of the set-top box depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3C  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. 3A and 3B ; 
         FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of a server presented in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; 
         FIG. 6  is a conceptual module diagram depicting a software architecture of an analytics application of some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a conceptual module diagram depicting a software architecture of an image viewing, editing, and organization application of some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8A  is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of a map representation of a residential property utilizing one embodiment of the system presented herein; 
         FIG. 8B  is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of a map representation of a floor of the residential property presented in  FIG. 8A ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a method for providing a set-top box with interactive features 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 is depicted one embodiment of a system  10  utilizing a set-top box  12  with enhanced interactive features. The set-top box  12  may be utilized on a residential property R, which may be a single family residence such as a house, duplex, townhome, or an apartment, for example. The set-top box  12  is located within the residential property R and is communicatively disposed with various amenities associated with the residential property R. 
     As illustrated, in one embodiment, within the residential property R, the system  10  includes the set-top box  12 , which as part of an entertainment center  14 , has 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 . 
     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 residential property R. 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, for example. The set-top box  12  is communicatively disposed with all of these various amenities in the amenity status/control suite  32 . A service suite  38  represents a set of services associated with the individual I living or staying in the residential property R. The various 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. 
     In one embodiment, the individual I may issue voice commands, such as signals Si, 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 . The set-top box  12  is also communicatively disposed with a television remote control  44  that 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 signals S 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, tablet computer, smart phone, smart speaker, or smart watch, for example. The proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  46  issues commands, such as signals S 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 . In one implementation, an application installed from a server enables the set-top box  12  and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  46  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  46 . 
     The set-top box  12  collects various set-top box data  50  including physical data  52 , physical quality assurance data  54 , program data  56 , program quality assurance data  58 , interactive data  60 , environmental data  62 , and smart device data  64 . Additionally, the set-top box data  50  includes identification data  66  identifying the set-top box  12  as well as self-diagnostic data  68 . In one embodiment, the physical data  52  includes the actual hardware specifications and arrangement of cable connections at the time of installation. The physical quality assurance data  54  may be physical state data relating to a current condition of the hardware and cable connections. The program data  56  may include information about the system software that engages the set-top box hardware and information about the application software that provides functionality relating to the individual&#39;s interest, for example. The program quality assurance data  58  may be software state data relating to the current operations of the system software and the application software. In one embodiment, the interactive data  60  includes information about the display-based interactions of a guest with the set-top box  12 . The environmental data  62  includes information about the non-display-based interactions of a guest with the set-top box  12 . In one implementation, the smart device data  64  may include information from a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  46  interacting with the set-top box  12 . In one implementation, the identification data  66  may include the location of the set-top box  12  as well as other information derived from the physical data  52  and the program data  56 , which identifies the set-top box  12 . The self-diagnostic data  68  relates to an application running automatically at a regular interval or continuously, for example, that detects faults—typically before becoming serious—in the physical data  52 , the physical quality assurance data  54 , the program data  56 , the program quality assurance data  58 , the interactive data  60 , or the environmental data  62 , for example. 
     By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the physical data  52  may be processor specifications, memory specifications, storage specifications, wireless specifications, firmware versions, connection to display by type, connection to display by model number, network addressing, MAC addresses, or the like. The physical quality assurance data  54  may be online/offline status, power state, display control status, display connection status, HDMI interface status, control interface status, memory usage, unit up-time, hardware installation progress, or the like. The program data  56  may be user interface software version, operating system version, settings version, welcome menu version, and software configuration, or the like. The program quality assurance data  58  may be program guide status, debug console log, software usage, and software installation progress, or the like. The interactive data  60  may be guest configuration data, television channel viewing, program viewing, Internet history, program guide interaction, or the like. The environmental data  62  may be amenity interaction, lighting status, thermostat status, window shades status, door status, or the like. The smart device data  64  may be geolocation data, smart apps configured to utilize the set-top box, smart app usage, or the like. The identification data  66  may be the serial number and addressing information gathered from the physical data, software identification information gathered from the program data  56  or the like. The self-diagnostic data  68  may be percent online, display output errors, High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HBDCP) errors, self-test results, set-top box health reports, or the like. 
     As will be discussed in further detail hereinbelow, a map view  70  of the residential property R may be rendered by the system  10  as part of and following the collection of the set-top box data  50 . More particularly, in one operational embodiment of the system  10 , as discussed, the set-top box  12  stores various types of set-top box data  50  and the set-top box  12  may render the map view  70  of the residential property R based on obtained map data, as will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow. The map view  70  may include a graphical representation of the spaces and rooms at the residential property R. The set-top box may annotate the graphical representation of the room with at least a portion of the set-top box data  50 . 
     In one operational embodiment, in response to collecting set-top box data  50  from the set-top box, amenity status control suite  32 , service suite  38 , and proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device  46 , the set-top box  12  has generated an interactive portal  80 . 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  80 , which may be overlaid or superimposed on the program P on the display  16 , in one embodiment, or partially or fully integrated therewith. The interactive portal  80  includes the map view  70  as well as interactive icons  82 , and more particularly icons  84 ,  86 ,  88 , and  90 . Additionally, informational presentation  92  is provided, which includes date and time. It should be appreciated that any number or configuration of interactive icons  82  may be presented, including an entire screen of interactive icons  82  or a scrolling feature allowing a defined space to provide many sheets of interactive icons  82 . By way of example and not by way of limitation, the interactive icons  82  may include status icons, control icons, and service icons relating to the map  70 , including lighting, security alarm systems, garage doors, front doors, hot-water heaters, sump pumps, door bells, pet bowls, HVAC systems, and entry points, for example. Further, it should be appreciated that the map view  70  may be displayed in some embodiments independently of the interactive portal  80 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the icon  84  provides interaction with the lighting system to control the lights in the residential property R. The icon  86 , a status icon initially generated from receipt of the signal S 4  at the set-top box  12 , which provided interactive data  60 , indicates that a light bulb needs replacement in the kitchen, based on the map view  70 . The icon  88  is a management icon providing for a service request, and actuation of the icon  88  by way of a voice command by the individual I, the television 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  90 , in this instance, indicates that the household  90  is out of light bulbs and actuation of the icon  90 , which executes a product fulfillment, orders the appropriate lightbulb from a third-party service. 
     As shown, the individual I views the interactive portal  80 , including the map view  70  and the interactive icons  82 . After viewing the map view  70 , 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  12  to actuate icon  88  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 to the individual responsible for lightbulb replacement. 
     The interactive icons  82  may be words, graphical representations or a combination of words and graphical representations, for example. In one implementation, the interactive icons  82  and informational presentation  92  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. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , the system  10  may be deployed as discussed in  FIG. 1  with the set-top box  12  collecting the set-top box data  50  and generating the map view  70  based on obtained map data with annotations based on the set-top box data  50  as discussed herein. Referring now to  FIG. 2B , the system  10  may be deployed such that a server is located remotely with respect to the residential properties R 1  . . . Rn, such as in a cloud-based deployment, shown by cloud C. As shown, each of the residential properties R 1  . . . Rn may respectively include set-top boxes  12 - 1  . . .  12 -n, entertainment centers  14 - 1  . . .  14 -n, and displays  16 - 1  . . .  16 -n. As shown, the remote server  94  includes a housing  96  having various components and software therein as will be discussed in  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 7 . In one embodiment, the set-top boxes  12 - 1  . . .  12 -n send the set-top box data  50  periodically as part of regular broadcasts or in response to an inquiry made from the remote server  94 . The remote server  94  receives the set-top box data  50  from the set-top boxes  12 - 1  . . .  12 - 2 . 
     The remote server  94  or each of the set-top boxes  12 - 1  through  12 -n in combination with the remote server  94  may render a map view  70  of the respective residential properties R 1  . . . Rn based on obtained map data with annotations based on the set-top box data  50  as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the map view  70  may include a graphical representation of one or more rooms of the residential properties R 1  . . . Rn that are annotated with set-top box data  50  relative to the physical data  52 , the physical quality assurance data  54 , the program data  56 , the program quality assurance data  58 , the interactive data  60 , the environmental data  62 , the smart device data  64 , the identification data  66 , and/or the self-diagnostic data  68 . It should be appreciated that the remote server  94  may be remotely located to serve multiple properties having multiple televisions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B ,  FIG. 3C , 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 are used in cable television, satellite television, and over-the-air television systems, for example. 
     The set-top box  12  includes the housing  20  having a panel  100  and a rear wall  102 , front wall  104 , top wall  106 , bottom base  108 , and two sidewalls  110 ,  112 . 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 rear wall  102  includes various ports, ports  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 , and  128  that provide interfaces for various interfaces, including inputs  132  and outputs  134 . In one implementation, as illustrated, the ports  114  through  128  include inputs  132  and outputs  134  and, more particularly, an RF input  136 , an RJ- 45  input  138 , universal serial bus (USB) input/outputs  140 , an Ethernet category 5 (Cat 5) coupling  142 , an internal reset  144 , an RS232 control  146 , an audio out  148 , an audio in  150 , and a debug/maintenance port  152 . The front wall  104  also includes various inputs  132  and outputs  134 . More particularly, ports  160 ,  162 ,  164 , and  166  include a 5V dc power connection  170 , USB inputs/outputs  172 , an RJ- 45  coupling  174 , and an HDMI port  176 . It should be appreciated that the configuration of ports may vary with the set-top box  12  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  180  having a cable  182  with a set-top box connector  184  for selectively coupling with the set-top box  12 . 
     Within the housing  20 , a processor  200 , memory  202 , storage  204 , the inputs  132 , and the outputs  134  are interconnected by a bus architecture  206  within a mounting architecture. It should be understood that the processor  200 , the memory  202 , the storage  204 , the inputs  132 , and the outputs  134  may be entirely contained within the housing  20  or the housing-dongle combination. The processor  200  may process instructions for execution within the computing device, including instructions stored in the memory  202  or in storage  204 . The memory  202  stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, the memory  202  is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory  202  is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Storage  204  provides capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the set-top box  12 . Various inputs  132  and outputs  134  provide connections to and from the computing device, wherein the inputs  132  are the signals or data received by the set-top box  12 , and the outputs  134  are the signals or data sent from the set-top box  12 . A content signal input  208  and a content signal output  210  are also secured in the housing  20  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) programing, to the display located within the residential property. 
     A transceiver  212  is associated with the set-top box  12  and communicatively disposed with the bus  206 . As shown the transceiver  212  may be internal, external, or a combination thereof to the housing. Further, the transceiver  212  may be a transmitter/receiver, receiver, or an antenna for example. Communication between various amenities in the residential property R and the set-top box  12  may be enabled by a variety of wireless methodologies employed by the transceiver  212 , 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. 
     The memory  202  and storage  204  are accessible to the processor  200  and include processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  200  to execute a series of operations. As will be discussed in further detail below, the processor-executable instructions, or a portion thereof, may be implemented on the set-top box  12 , the remote server  94 , or distributed between the set-top box  12  and remote server  94 . In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  200  to receive interactive data  60 , environmental data  62 , and smart device data  64  via the transceiver. As previously discussed, set-top box data  50  includes the interactive data  60 , the environmental data  62 , and the smart device data  64 . The processor-executable instructions cause the processor  200  to store the set-top box data  50 . Further, the processor-executable instructions may cause the processor  200  to receive and store physical data  52 , physical quality assurance data  54 , and program data  56 . As previously discussed, the physical data  52 , the physical quality assurance data  54 , and the program data  56  are forms of set-top box data  50 . The processor-executable instructions may cause the set-top box data  50  to be sent to the remote server  94 . 
     The processor-executable instructions also cause the processor  200  to render a map view  70  of the residential property R based on obtained map data. The map view  70  may include an interactive graphical representation of the residential property R, the amenities, and any proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable devices. The processor  200  is then caused to annotate the interactive graphical representation of the residential property R with at least a portion of the set-top box data  50 . The processor-executable instructions cause the processor  200  to send the annotated interactive graphical representation of the residential property R to the display  16 , and then receive via the transmitter an interactive instruction relative to the annotated interactive graphical representation of the residential property R. 
     In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  200  to render a map view  70  of the residential property R based on obtained map data and the map view  70  may include a graphical representation of the residential property R. The processor-executable instructions, when executed, may cause the processor  200  to render a 3-D perspective view of the residential property R, a multi-floor view of the residential property R, a 2-D top plan view of at least a portion the residential property R, a map view  70  of a floor of the residential property R, or a map view  70  of a room of the residential property R, for example. The map view  70  may be a virtual model of at least a portion of the physical body of the residential property R, including a virtual model of the physical body of the residential property R. 
     In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  200  to at least partially integrate or at least partially combine multiple portions of the set-top box data  50  into the graphical representation of the residential property R or room. The processor-executable instructions may also include instructions that cause the processor  200  to implement a map application configured to provide a user interface and obtain instructions, such as interactive instructions, from a user on the desired map view and annotations. Further, the processor-executable instructions may cause the map view  70  to be integrated into an interactive portal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , one embodiment of the remote server  94  as a computing device includes a processor  230 , memory  232 , storage  234 , inputs  236 , outputs  238 , and a network adaptor  240  interconnected with various buses  242  in a common or distributed, for example, mounting architecture. 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  230  may process instructions for execution within the remote server  94 , including instructions stored in the memory  232  or in storage  234 . The memory  232  stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, the memory  232  is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory  232  is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Storage  234  includes capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the remote server  94 . Various inputs  236  and outputs  238  provide connections to and from the remote server  94 , wherein the inputs  236  are the signals or data received by the remote server  94 , and the outputs  238  are the signals or data sent from the remote server  94 . The network adaptor  240  couples the remote server  94  to a network such that the remote server  94  may be part of a network of computers, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, a network of networks, or the Internet, for example. 
     The memory  232  and storage  234  are accessible to the processor  230  and include processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  230  to execute a series of operations. As previously discussed, the processor-executable instructions, or a portion thereof, may be implemented on the set-top box  12 , the remote server  94 , or distributed between the set-top box  12  and remote server  94 . In one embodiment, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  230  to receive the set-top box data  50  from the set-top box  12  as well as receive the self-diagnostic data from the set-top box  12 . The processor-executable instructions may then cause the processor  230  to store the set-top box data from the set-top box in a database, which may be associated with the storage  234 . The self-diagnostic data  68  from the set-top box  12  may also be caused to be stored in the database. The processor-executable instructions then cause the processor to render a map view  70  of the residential property R based on obtained map data. As previously discussed, the map view  70  may include a graphical representation of the room and a plurality of other rooms at the hospitality establishment. The processor-executable instructions may then access the database and annotate the graphical representation of the room with at least a portion of the set-top box data  50 . 
     In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  230  to render a map view  70  of the residential property R based on obtained map data and the map view  70  may include a graphical representation of the residential property R. The processor-executable instructions, when executed, may cause the processor  230  to render a  3 -D perspective view of the residential property R, a multi-floor view of the residential property R, a  2 -D top plan view of at least a portion the residential property R, a map view  70  of a floor of the residential property R, or a map view  70  of a room of the residential property R, for example. The map view  70  may be a virtual model of at least a portion of the physical body of the residential property R, including a virtual model of the physical body of the residential property R. 
     In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  230  to at least partially integrate or at least partially combine multiple portions of the set-top box data  50  into the graphical representation of the residential property R or a room within the residential property R. The processor-executable instructions may also include instructions that cause the processor  230  to implement a map application configured to provide a user interface and obtain instructions from a user on the desired map view  70  and annotations. Further, the processor-executable instructions may cause the map view  70  to be integrated into an interactive portal. The processor-executable instructions may cause the processor  230  to send the map view  70  to the set-top box  12 . 
       FIG. 6  conceptually illustrates the software architecture of an analytics application  250  of some embodiments that may render the map view  70  of the residential property R. In some embodiments, the analytics application  250  is a stand-alone application or is integrated into another application, while in other embodiments the application  250  might be implemented within an operating system  280 . In some embodiments, the analytics application  250  may be implemented within the set-top box  12 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, the analytics application  250  is provided as part of a server-based solution or a cloud-based solution. In some such embodiments, the application is provided via a thin client, which may be installed on the set-top box  12 . That is, the application runs on a server while a user interacts with the application via a separate machine remote from the server  94 . In other such embodiments, the application is provided via a thick client, which may be installed on the set-top box  12 . That is, the application is distributed from the server  94  to the client machine and runs on the client machine. 
     The analytics application  250  includes a user interface (UI) interaction and generation module  252 , management (user) interface tools  254 , aggregator modules  256 , filter modules  258 , numerical decomposer modules  260 , discrete decomposer modules  262 , assignment modules  264 , property access module  266 , and a map rendering application  268 . The analytics application  250  has access to historic property databases of set-top box data  270 , real-time property databases of set-top box data  272 , and presentation instructions  274 , which presents instructions from the operation of the analytics operation  250 . In some embodiments, storages  270 ,  272 , and  274  are all stored in one physical storage. In other embodiments, the storages  270 ,  272 ,  274  are in separate physical storages, or one of the storages is in one physical storage while the other is in a different physical storage. 
     The UI interaction and generation module  252  generates a user interface that allows the end user to specify parameters that may be utilized to generate an annotated map view of the hospitality establishment, which may include elements of a heat map. Prior to the generation of an annotated map view  70  of the hospitality establishment, the aggregator modules  256  may be executed to obtain instances of set-top box data  50 . In other instances, the set-top box data  50  is continually provided to the analytics application  250  such that the aggregator modules  256  do not have to obtain instances of set-top box data  50  proactively. The set-top box data  50  may also be filtered by the filter modules  258 . The aggregator modules  256  and the filter modules  258  cooperate, in combination, to gather the desired set-top box data  50 . 
     At this time, the parameters have been established for the annotated map view  70  of the hospitality establishment by default or by an end user utilizing the management (user) interface tools  254 . The numerical decomposer modules  260  may be executed to numerically decompose instances or summaries of set-top box data  50  gathered by the aggregator modules  256  and the filter modules  258  by applying the selected performance characteristic or selected performance characteristics to the instances of the set-top box data  50 . The discrete decomposer modules  262  may be executed to containerize the decomposed set-top box data  50 . In this manner, multiple containers may be defined that each have a range of values. The assignment modules  264  may be executed to assign a pre-map annotation element to each of the multiple containers. The property access module  266  may be executed to obtain data from the historic property databases of set-top box data  270  or the real-time property databases of set-top box data  272 . The map rendering application  268  may be executed to call a map rendering application  300  of  FIG. 7 , for example. 
     In the illustrated embodiment,  FIG. 6  also includes an operating system  280  that includes input device driver(s)  282  and a display module  284 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the input device drivers  282  and display module  284  are part of the operating system  280  even when the analytics application  250  is an application separate from the operating system  280 . The input device drivers  282  may include drivers for translating signals from a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, tablet, touch screen, gyroscope, accelerometer or speaker, for example. A user interacts with one or more of these input devices, which send signals to their corresponding device driver. The device driver then translates the signals into user input data that is provided to the UI interaction and generation module  252 . 
       FIG. 7  conceptually illustrates the software architecture of the map rendering application  300  of some embodiments that may render the map view  70  of the residential property R. In some embodiments, the map rendering application  300  is a stand-alone application or is integrated into another application, while in other embodiments the application might be implemented within an operating system. In some embodiments, the map rendering application  300  may be implemented within the set-top box  12 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, the map rendering application  300  is provided as part of a server-based solution or a cloud-based solution. In some such embodiments, the application is provided via a thin client, which may be installed on the set-top box. That is, the application runs on a server while a user interacts with the application via a separate machine remote from the server. In other such embodiments, the application is provided via a thick client, which may be installed on the set-top box. That is, the application is distributed from the server to the client machine and runs on the client machine. 
     The map rendering application  300  includes a UI interaction and generation module  302 , graphics data tools  304 , a cropping and straightening tool  306 , brush tools  308 , effect tools  310 , a tilt shift tool  312 , gradient tools  314 , a vignette tool  316 , and an activation manager  318 . The image editing application has access to map service files  320 , set-top box source files  322 , and editing instructions  324 . In some embodiments, the map service files  320  may be vector graphics data files with texture identifiers or two or three dimensional map image files specified in one or more map tiles that may be raster-based map tiles, for example. The map service files  320  create a virtual model of the physical body of the residential property R based on definitions derived from any GIS resources, such as a geodatabase, address location map document or geoprocess model, or any two- or three-dimensional CAD-based drawings and plans as well as architectural and building plans. 
     The set-top box source files  322  store operational instructions for processing set-top box data  50 . The editing instructions  324  store the image editing operations that the map rendering application  300  performs as a set of instructions. The map rendering application  300  uses these set of instructions to generate new images based on the original data stored in the source files. In some embodiments, the map image files and/or media content data are stored as .mov, .avi, .jpg, .png, .gif, pdf, .mp 3 , .bmp, .wav, .txt, .tiff, etc. files in the map service files  320  and set-top box source files  322 . In some embodiments, storages  320 ,  322 , and  324  are all stored in one physical storage. In other embodiments, the storages  320 ,  322 ,  324  are in separate physical storages, or one of the storages is in one physical storage while the other is in a different physical storage. 
     In the illustrated embodiment,  FIG. 7  also includes an operating system  330  that includes input device driver(s)  332  and a display module  334 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the device drivers  332  and display module  334  are part of the operating system  330  even when the image editing application is an application separate from the operating system  330 . The input device drivers  332  may include drivers for translating signals from a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, tablet, touch screen, gyroscope, accelerometer or speaker, etc. A user interacts with one or more of these input devices, which send signals to their corresponding device driver. The device driver then translates the signals into user input data that is provided to the UI interaction and generation module  302 . 
     The present application describes a graphical user interface that provides users with numerous ways to perform different sets of operations and functionalities. By either executing a pre-determined series of editing instructions on a pre-determined set of media source files or receiving a selection of media processing operations, the present map rendering application  300  provides for a map view  70  of the hospitality establishment with the appropriate annotations of set-top box data  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B , in one implementation, residential property monitoring and optimization is provided in the form of a database, or as shown, in the map view  70  of the residential property R including a graphical presentation  350  of a floor of the residential property R, wherein particular rooms with set-top box data  50  historically and in substantially real time permits a user or manager to select the desired information and make optimal property management decisions. In particular, color-coding and hue assignment adds additional understanding and visibility into housekeeping and maintenance conditions as well as use. As shown, the residential property R which is depicted as a home H, includes a first floor  352 , a second floor  354 , a basement  356 , and a yard  358 . A living room  360 , an entryway  362 , and a kitchen  364  are located on the first floor  352 . In the living room  360 , the display  16  receives programming through the set-top box  12  which may provide cable programming or satellite programming, for example. 
     Sensors are associated with various household amenities throughout the first floor  352 , second floor  354 , basement  356 , and yard  358  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, for example. 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  80 . 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. 
     By way of example, the entryway  362  includes a front door  366  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  12 , which incorporates an icon representative of “DOORBELL” into the interactive portal  80 . The television viewer or viewers see the icon and are aware of the ringing doorbell while watching the television in the living room  360 . 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  360 . 
     By way of further example, the kitchen  364  includes a number of household amenities such as a refrigerator  368  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  30  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 light  370  is another household amenity that is located in the kitchen  364 . A sensor associated with the light  370  monitors the illumination sends an appropriate wireless signal to the set-top box  12 . The proximate wireless enabled interactive programmable device  46 , which shown as a smart speaker, is located on a counter top in the kitchen  364  to communicate with the set-top box  12  as previously discussed. 
     The second floor  354  of the home H includes a study  372 , a hallway  374 , and a bedroom  376 . As illustrated, a computer  378  is located in the study  372 . A sensor associated with the computer  378  sends a wireless signal to the set-top box  12  in response to receiving an email. A telephone  380  is sitting on a stand in hallway  374 . A sensor associated with the telephone  380  monitors for an incoming call and broadcasts a wireless signal in response thereto. The room  376  includes an entry point or window  382  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  382 , for example. 
     Similarly, the basement  356  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  384 , a hot water heater  386 , a washer and dryer  388 , a freezer  390 , and a sump pump  392  each have a sensor that detects the occurrence of an event. The sensor associated with the water shut-off box  384  may detect the condition of the water valve; namely open or closed. The sensor associated with the washer and dryer  388  alerts the television viewer when a load has finished washing or drying. The sensor associated with the freezer  390  detects an ajar door and the sensor associated with the sump pump  392  broadcasts a wireless signal upon detecting the presence of water. 
     The amenities found in yard  358  may also include sensors. A mailbox  394  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  396  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 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. 
     It should be understood that although only one display  16 , a television, is illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the systems and methods presented herein may be utilized in a multiple television or multiple display environments 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  378  located in the study  372  is communicating with the set-top box  12  so that a user of the computer  378  is provided with home awareness. 
     In  FIGS. 8A and 8B , by collecting the substantially real time and historic set-top box data from the residential property R, a map may be shown depicting data and information  400 , for example. In particular, the kitchen  364  is highlighted to inspect the data status, which may include the physical data  52 , the physical quality assurance data  54 , the program data  56 , the program quality assurance data  58 , the interactive data  60 , the environmental data  62 , the smart device data  64 , the identification data  66 , the self-diagnostic data  68 , or any subset or combination thereof. With this information and knowledge of the issue, individuals at the residential property R may appropriately administer the strategy for organizing and coordinating the resources of the property. As mentioned, it should be appreciated that other types of databases and charts may be prepared from the substantially real-time information collected. 
     As shown, the graphical representation  350  of the kitchen  364  is annotated with the data and information  400 . For example, the data and information  400  shows the status indicator  402  of the kitchen light  370  as OUT and needing replacement, the refrigerator  368  has a closed door and sodas are out as indicated by status indicators  404 ,  406 , and the smart device  46  is playing music as shown by status indicator  408 . Residents use the map view  70  to gather real time information about the status of the residential property R and reports on any failures, for example. To view the set-top box data  50  captured by the set-top box  12  in each room or part of the residential property R, the map view users can select a room from the map and appropriately click or tap on the rooms and then select the set-top box data  50  or other processing operations requested. 
     The system  10  presented herein provides for the management of residential property R. In one embodiment, an onsite or web-hosted, cloud-based property monitoring and troubleshooting tool is furnished that provides a graphical presentation  350  of the residential property R with historic and real time room status. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the user may select to annotate the map view  70  with rooms and amenities online/offline, rooms and amenity status. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , one embodiment of a method for utilizing property management tools for the operation, control, and oversight of residential properties, for example, is depicted. The methodology starts at block  420  and progresses through blocks  422 ,  424 , and  426  where, respectively set-top box data  50  is aggregated from status inquiries, broadcasts, and interactions with various amenities for example. At block  428 , the set-top box receives a request to generate a map view of the residential property R. At block  430 , the aggregated set-top box data is filtered according to a characteristic or characteristics. At blocks  432  and  434 , the set-top box data  50  is discretely decomposed and assigned annotation elements. At block  436 , the digital representation of the physical location, e.g., the residential property R, is located and at block  438 , the data correlation of the map annotation elements to the digital representation occurs. 
     At decision block  400 , if the map processing including any applied annotations are based on a pre-selected or pre-stored or pre-defined criteria, then the methodology advances to block  442  where the appropriate map view is rendered prior to block  444 , where the methodology continues. On the other hand, at decision block  440 , if user input will be sought on the map view and annotations, then the methodology displays the map view at block  446 . Then at block  448 , the server receives selection of media processing operations from the user and then applies the image processing operations at block  450 . The media processing operations may include, for example, selecting the media to be displayed and various luminance and color properties and such to provide further visibility into the map view. At block  452 , the map view with annotations is rendered prior to the methodology continuing at block  444 . At block  444 , the set-top box receives an interactive instruction based on the map view and executes the instruction at block  454 . At decision block  456 , if there are more interactive instructions then the methodology returns to block  444 , otherwise the methodology concludes at block  458 . 
     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 in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.