Patent ID: 12250426

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 toFIG.1, therein is depicted one embodiment of a system10utilizing a set-top box12with enhanced behavioral controls being employed within a hospitality lodging establishment. The hospitality lodging establishment or, more generally, hospitality property, may be a 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 room R, and spaces, which may be common spaces. The set-top box12includes a housing14and is communicatively disposed with various amenities associated with the hospitality environment, including a display16. Set-top boxes, like the set-top box12, may be deployed throughout the rooms and spaces of the hotel H.

As shown, in one embodiment, within a room R or space, such as a lobby, elevator foyer, or other common space, for example, the system10includes the set-top box12and the display16, which is illustrated as a television having a screen with a message18. It should be appreciated however, that the display16may also be any electronic visual display device, for example. A connection, which is depicted as an HDMI connection20, connects the set-top box12to the display16. Other connections include a power cable22coupling the set-top box12to a power source, a coaxial cable24coupling the set-top box12to an external cable source, and a category five (Cat 5) cable26coupling the set-top box12to an external pay-per-view source at a hotel or other lodging establishment, for example. As shown, the set-top box12may include a dongle30providing particular technology and functionality extensions thereto. That is, the set-top box12may be set-top box-dongle combination in one embodiment. More generally, it should be appreciated that the cabling connected to the set-top box12will depend on the environment and application, and the cabling connections presented inFIG.1are depicted for illustrative purposes. Further, it should be appreciated that the positioning of the set-top box12will vary depending on environment and application and, with certain functionality, the set-top box12may be placed more discretely behind the display16.

A proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device32may 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, iPads®, iPhones®, iPod Touch®, Android® devices, Blackberry® devices, personal computers, laptops, tablet computers, smart phones, and smart watches, for example. In one implementation, advertising broadcast data originating from the set-top box12or the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device32may be utilized to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device32. Moreover, as will also be discussed in further detail hereinbelow, in another implementation, an application installed from a server enables the set-top box12and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device32to be wirelessly paired. In another embodiment, a challenge-response is utilized to wirelessly pair the set-top box12and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device32.

As shown, an interactive portal P is displayed on the display16, which displays a general welcome for the hospitality lodging establishment. In one implementation, as illustrated, the set-top box12extends a physical authorization interface, shown as area A, from the set-top box to an area easily accessible to a guest's convenience within the room R. This physical authorization interface A may include a short range wireless data connection that is enabled only when very close physically to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device32, for example.

The set-top box12may pair with an electronic door locking apparatus34coupled to a door36that is room-collocated with the set-top box12in the room R of the hospitality establishment. As shown, the door36includes a handle38with an electronic reader40and an indicator42that indicates “Do Not Disturb.” The set-top box12may then receive a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus34relative to the open/closed status of the door36or locked/unlocked status of the door36, for example. In another aspect, the set-top box12may forward the status signal to the display16associated with the set-top box12or forward the status signal to a server, such as a server44discussed inFIG.2AandFIG.2B. As shown, the set-top box12has received the status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus34that the door36is locked with the indicator42is indicating “Do Not Disturb.” This status may be shown on the display16at the message18, which may be selectively and controllably actuatable.

The set-top box12may utilize a search operation, for example, to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device32and responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device32, receive guest control instructions regarding control functionality input and send a command to the electronic door apparatus34. The guest control instructions may be a wireless transmission W. In another embodiment, the set-top box may receive control functionality input instructions from a remote server, such as the server44ofFIG.2AandFIG.2B, and process these instructions and send a command to the electronic door apparatus34. Further, the set-top box12in combination with the remote server, such as the server44ofFIG.2AandFIG.2B, may evaluate access keycard data and determine access rights at the electronic door apparatus34responsive thereto.

It should be appreciated that the server44may be located on a single property to serve one or more televisions thereon. Further, it should be appreciated that the server44may be remotely located to serve multiple properties having multiple televisions. Referring now toFIG.2A, the system10may be deployed such that the server44is co-located on the property P-1with the displays16-1. . .16-nand the corresponding set-top boxes12-1. . .12-n, and doors36-1. . .36-n, with, in one embodiment, content sources46configured to provide sources of content. As shown, the server44includes a housing45having a television output and other components therein. As previously alluded, the server44may store the access keycard data for access by the set-top box12or, alternatively, for downloading prior to use by the set-top box12.

Referring toFIG.2B, the system10may be deployed such that the server44is located remotely within cloud C relative to displays16-1. . .16-n, which are located at properties P-1through P-n. In particular, the server44, which receives content from content sources46, may be located remotely relative to the displays16-1. . .16-nand any set-top boxes12-1. . .12-nwith the doors36-1. . .36-nsuch that a property headend48-1. . .48-nis interposed between the server44and the displays16-1. . .16-n. As shown, in this implementation, the property headend48-1. . .48-nis co-located with the displays16-1. . .16-nat a respective property, P-1through P-n.

Referring toFIG.3A,FIG.3B,FIG.3C, andFIG.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 box12may 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 box12includes a housing14with a cover50and a rear wall52, front wall54, top wall56, bottom base58, and two sidewalls60,62. 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, ports64,66,68,70,72,74,76,78, and80that provide interfaces for various interfaces, including inputs and outputs. In one implementation, as illustrated, the ports64through80include inputs82and outputs84and, more particularly, an RF input86, a RJ-45 input88, universal serial bus (USB) input/outputs90, an Ethernet category5(Cat 5) coupling92, an internal reset94, an RS232 control96, an audio out98, an audio in100, and a debug/maintenance port102. The front wall54also includes various inputs82and outputs84. More particularly, ports110,112,114, and116include a 5V dc power connection120, USB inputs/outputs122, an RJ-45 coupling124, and an HDMI port126. 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 housing14may include a housing-dongle combination including, with respect to the dongle30, a unit130having a cable134with a set-top box connector132for selectively coupling with the set-top box12.

Within the housing14, a processor140, memory142, storage144, the inputs82, and the outputs84are interconnected by a bus architecture146within a mounting architecture. It should be understood that the processor140, memory142, storage144, the inputs82, and the outputs84may be entirely contained within the housing14or the housing-dongle combination. The processor140may process instructions for execution within the computing device, including instructions stored in the memory142or in storage144. The memory142stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, the memory142is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory142is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Storage144provides capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the set-top box12. Various inputs82and outputs84provide connections to and from the computing device, wherein the inputs82are the signals or data received by the set-top box12, and the outputs84are the signals or data sent from the set-top box12.

A television content signal input148and a television output150are also secured in the housing14in 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 television located within the hotel room.

A transceiver152is associated with the set-top box12and communicatively disposed with the bus146. As shown the transceiver152may be internal, external, or a combination thereof to the housing. Further, the transceiver152may be a transmitter/receiver, receiver, or an antenna for example. Communication between various amenities in the hotel room and the set-top box12may be enabled by a variety of wireless methodologies employed by the transceiver152, 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 memory142and storage144are accessible to the processor140and include processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor140to execute a series of operations. The processor-executable instructions cause the processor to forward a fully tuned signal to the display. Further, the instructions may cause the processor to pair with an electronic door locking apparatus coupled to a door. The processor-executable instructions may cause the processor to receive a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus. In one implementation, the status signal may be relative to the open/closed status of the door or locked/unlocked status of the door, for example. By way of further example, the status signal may relate to the “Do Not Disturb” status of the door or a power state of the electronic door apparatus.

In one implementation, the processor-executable instructions may further include instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to forward a fully tuned signal to the display including a status indicator based on the received status signal. Alternatively or in addition, the processor-executable instructions may cause the processor to forward a status indicator based on the received status signal to a remote server, such as the server44ofFIGS.2A and2B.

In another implementation, the 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. The search operation may utilize the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. By way of example, with respect to the search operation, the processor-executable instructions may specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device by receiving advertising broadcast data from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 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. Alternatively, the processor-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor to specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device 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.

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. The processor-executable instructions may then cause the processor to send formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. 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. The virtual buttons are associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Instructions may then cause the processor to receive and process virtual remote control functionality input instructions to control the electronic door locking apparatus from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 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 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 to unlock the door or alternate the do not disturb status.

In one embodiment, the processor-executable instructions may further include instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive and process server control functionality input instructions to control the electronic door locking apparatus 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. The command signal may relate to re-programming the electronic door locking apparatus or maintaining access beyond data, for example. In another embodiment, the processor-executable instructions may further include instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive and process keycard data from the electronic door locking apparatus, 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.

Referring now toFIG.5, one embodiment of the server44as a computing device includes a processor160, memory162, storage164, inputs166, and outputs168interconnected with various buses170in 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 processor160may process instructions for execution within the server40, including instructions stored in the memory162or in storage164. The memory162stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, the memory162is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory162is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Storage164includes capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the server44. Various inputs166and outputs168provide connections to and from the server40, wherein the inputs166are the signals or data received by the server44, and the outputs168are the signals or data sent from the server44.

The memory162is accessible to the processor160and includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor160to execute a series of operations. The processor-executable instructions cause the processor 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-top 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 via the set-top box. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the command signal may relate to causing the electronic door locking apparatus to unlock the door or alternate the do not disturb status. Further, in one embodiment, the command signal may be multiple signals that relate to reprogramming one or more of the electronic door locking apparatuses via the set-top boxes, for example. Additionally, similar to the display, the server44may receive various status signals and have processor-executable instructions relative thereto.

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 to control an electronic door locking apparatus via a set-top box. Additionally, the status of the electronic door locking apparatuses may be discerned. Therefore, the systems and methods presented herein avoid the need for additional or expensive high functionality remote controls.

Referring now toFIG.6, one embodiment of the door locking apparatus34is depicted. As shown, the door locking apparatus34may be mounted adjacent the door36or on the door36or in another suitable location. The door locking apparatus34may be an integral unit that is easily mounted at each door site and may include serval components. The components of the door locking apparatus34may include a controller202coupled to a transceiver204and a display driver206, which is coupled to the display42. Additionally, the electronic reader40is supported by an entry card reader module208. A power source210supplies power to the door locking apparatus and may include battery power or a wired electrical interface connection, for example, to a 120V source. A door lock actuator212is coupled to the controller202and locks/unlocks the door36.

The electronic reader40and the entry card reader module208perform the task of reading the entry card as a door key and delivering the card identity information to the controller202. It should be appreciated that the electronic reader40and the entry card reader module208may be equipped to work with either magnetic strip cards, radio-frequency identification (RFID) cards, or wireless interactive programmable devices, for example. Further, the entry cards220, including entry cards220-1,220-2, . . .220-n, and the electronic door locking apparatus34may utilize key identification locking wherein the system is programmed to accept multiple identifications, for example a 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 apparatus34to stop accepting an older sequence identification, expiration date based key identification locking, or check-in date-based key identification locking, for example.

The controller202is electronically connected to receive information from the entry card reader module208and compare information with current access keycard data relative to the electronic door locking apparatus34stored at the controller202or the set-top box12via the use of the transceiver204. The electronic door locking apparatus generates a lock actuation signal, which is sent to lock actuator212, when it determines that an entry card, such as entry card220-1being read at the electronic reader40matches an approved card. The controller202may include an associated memory for storing information received from the set-top box12, allowing all such stored information to be continually available. While it is necessary to have a local controller202which has memory and processing capability as described herein, it should be appreciated that a portion or all of the processing tasks of the controller202may be performed by the set-top box12or the set-top box12in combination with the server44.

In operation, the controller202may send status signals to the set-top box12via 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 open/closed or locked/unlocked. The status signals may also indicate which entry cards are utilized and attempted to be utilized to gain entry to the door36. The status signal may also relate to the status of the “Do Not Disturb” indication, which may be electronically shown on the display16. In addition to sending status signals, the electronic door locking apparatus34may receive commands from the set-top box12or the server44via the set-top box12or a guest via the set-top box12, 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.7depicts one embodiment of a method for providing enhanced content, according to the teachings presented herein. The methodology starts at block252where a pairing may be established between the set-top box and electronic locking apparatus, which is room co-located with the set-top box. At decision block254, the methodology may provide status information, guest control, or server-based interaction. With respect to status information, the methodology advances to block256where the set-top box receives a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus34. 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 keycard at the electronic door locking apparatus. At decision block258, the status signal may or may not be forwarded to the display or server. If the status signal is forwarded to the display, then the methodology advances to block260where the status signal is forwarded to the display for displaying. If the status signal is not to be forwarded, then the methodology ends at block262. On the other hand, if the status signal is to be forwarded to the server, then the methodology advances to block264where the status signal is forwarded to the server for receipt and processing.

Returning to decision block254, with respect to guest control, at block266, the set-top box may be paired with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and then at block268, the set-top box may receive and process in-room remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. At block270, the in-room remote control functionality input instructions are evaluated and at block272a command signal is generated at the set-top box prior to being sent at block274. The in-room remote control functionality input instructions and related command signal may relate to relate to requesting a status, unlocking the door, or changing a “Do Not Disturb” status of the door, for example.

Returning to decision block254, with respect to server-based interaction, the methodology advances to decision block276where the set-top box and server may perform, in one implementation control or validation operations. With respect to control, at block278, the set-top box may receive and process server remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. At block280, the server remote control functionality input instructions are evaluated and at block282a command signal is generated at the set-top box prior to being sent at block284. The server remote control functionality input instructions and related command signal may relate to relate to requesting a status of the electronic door locking apparatus, unlocking the door, changing a “Do Not Disturb” status of the door, or re-programming the keycard data relative to an access keycard database stored at the set-top box or electronic door locking apparatus, for example.

Returning to decision block276, with respect to validation, advancing to block286the set-top box may receive and process keycard data from the electronic door locking apparatus to determine access rights associated with the keycard. At block288, in one embodiment, the access keycard database associated with the set-top box or the server is checked so that at block290, the keycard data may be evaluated. At block292, a command signal is generated relative to the access rights, e.g, permission granted to open the door, no permission to open the door. At block294, the command signal is sent from the set-top box to the electronic door locking apparatus.

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.