Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 5/08 - Position of single direction-finder fixed by determining direction of a plurality of spaced sources of known location
• G06T 11/60 - Editing figures and textCombining figures or text
• G08B 25/10 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
• H04N 23/66 - Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal location device with trilateration and received signal strength modeling.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04B 17/318 - Received signal strength
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/90 - Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements

Abstract

A remote control feature and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a programming interface is configured to communicate with a smart device, which is paired with at least one proximate amenity to enable remote control thereof. A user interface of the smart device is populated with a request for a telephone number that belongs to another smart device. Upon receiving the telephone number of the other smart device, the initial smart device sends a link to the telephone number via a text messaging infrastructure, such as a short message service (SMS)-enabled infrastructure. The link includes an activation, which is authorized, that establishes a pairing between the other smart device and the at least one proximate amenity, the pairing being authorized by way of the link.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04M 1/72412 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• H04M 1/72406 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by software upgrading or downloading
• H04M 1/72436 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality with interactive means for internal management of messages for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• H04W 4/14 - Short messaging services, e.g. short message service [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal location device with angle of arrival modeling.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 5/08 - Position of single direction-finder fixed by determining direction of a plurality of spaced sources of known location
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• H04W 48/12 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using downlink control channel
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements

Abstract

A set-top box for changing channels and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the set-top box includes a network interface controller that is configured to receive a source internet protocol television signal, which includes two channels, from an external source and at least partially prepare the source internet protocol signal in order to forward the tuned signal to a television. The set-top box saves in a buffer the at least partially prepared second channel beginning at a recent periodic, sequential signal access point. In response to receiving a channel change instruction when the set-top box is forwarding the at least partially prepared first channel signal, the set-top box causes the television tuner to forward the at least partially prepared signal based on the second channel stored in the buffer beginning at the recent periodic, sequential signal access point.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 5/50 - Tuning indicatorsAutomatic tuning control
• H04N 21/40 - Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of, or interaction with, content, e.g. STB [set-top-box]Operations thereof
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/426 - Internal components of the client
• H04N 21/438 - Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving encoded video stream packets from an IP network
• H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, an array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device with transmitted signal strength modeling.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G06Q 50/12 - Hotels or restaurants
• G08B 25/01 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
• H04B 17/318 - Received signal strength
• H04L 65/1033 - Signalling gateways
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, set-top boxes are located in respective rooms at a hospitality establishment. The set-top boxes are joined in network communication with environmental amenities, such as lights and a thermostat that respectively control lighting and temperature. The set-top boxes utilize an unoccupied room profile and occupied room profile to set the environmental conditions, such as lighting and temperature, in the rooms. A guest preference profile may be activated within a room to provide guest-specific environmental conditions in the room associated with the guest.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]

Abstract

A set-top box with enhanced features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network. The guest configuration profile may further enable the control of in-room amenities, such as temperature control, lighting, shades, and availability, for example.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A set-top box with self-monitoring and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, a housing secures a television input, a television output, a processor, memory, and storage therein, which are communicatively interconnected by a busing architecture. The memory is accessible to the processor, and the memory includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to detect when the television is not being utilized. Responsive thereto, the instructions cause the processor to scan channels received from the television input and generate a composite TV screen image data that may be resolved to a single TV screen image made from an assemblage of TV screen image captures corresponding to the scanned channels.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
• H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
• H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfacesContent or additional data rendering

Abstract

A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of thermostats is provided and each thermostat includes an identification corresponding to a room in which the thermostat is placed. Each thermostat includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon signal that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of thermostat identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. A location of the proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts

Abstract

A television with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the television, the television is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The television is associated with a room and includes a processor, memory, tuner, panel, and audio drive disposed in an interconnected busing architecture. The television generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• H04L 67/306 - User profiles
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• H04W 12/06 - Authentication

Abstract

A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A content management system and method for use of same is disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, the set-top box is configured to receive a source signal which includes a stream of network programming having time slots interposed therein. The set-top box detects signaling data indicative of a designated time slot within the network programming and responsive thereto, interposes content stored at the set-top box at the designated time slot within the network programming. The set-top box then forwards the interposed content to the display. Following the forwarding of the interposed content, the set-top box returns to receiving network programming and forwarding the network programming to the display. The set-top box also provides confirmation of the displayed interposed content to a server, which may map the confirmation information.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
• H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof

Abstract

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 located within a housing, which also interconnectedly includes a television input, a television 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 then receive a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus relative to the open/closed status of the door and locked/unlocked status of the door.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection

Abstract

A television and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment of the television, the television includes a processor, a memory, a tuner, a panel, and an audio driver therein in an interconnected architecture. The television may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create an experience parallel to the experience on the television. The television receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device to control amenities associated with the television.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• G06F 21/35 - User authentication involving the use of external additional devices, e.g. dongles or smart cards communicating wirelessly
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04L 67/125 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
• H04W 4/21 - Services signallingAuxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel for social networking applications
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/475 - End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. PIN [Personal Identification Number] or preference data
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of set-top boxes is provided and each set-top box includes an identification corresponding to the room in which the set-top box is placed. Each set-top box includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of set-top box identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. The location of the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A system and method for making reservations in a hospitality establishment are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, a database includes multiple the media source files relative to guest room spaces within a room. A server which handles reservations renders a map view of the hospitality establishment based on obtained map data. The map view includes a graphical representation of the room as well as other rooms. In response to the room being selected, the graphical representation of the selected room is annotated with room reservation data and at least one of the media source files of the selected room. The server may execute a reservation for the selected room.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 50/12 - Hotels or restaurants
• G06T 15/20 - Perspective computation
• G06Q 50/14 - Travel agencies
• G06T 11/60 - Editing figures and textCombining figures or text
• G06Q 10/02 - Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• G06F 16/29 - Geographical information databases
• G06T 17/05 - Geographic models
• G06T 19/00 - Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/4425 - Monitoring of client processing errors or hardware failure

Abstract

A set top/back box and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes television input/output, a processor, and memory. The set top/back box may establish a pairing with a programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create an experience parallel to the experience on the television. The set top/back box receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the programmable device to control amenities associated with the set top/back box.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
• H04W 4/21 - Services signallingAuxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel for social networking applications
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/475 - End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. PIN [Personal Identification Number] or preference data
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines an estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A sever for providing television and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the server includes a network interface controller that is configured to receive a source internet protocol television signal, which includes two channels, from an external source and at least partially prepare the source internet protocol signal in order to forward the signal to a television. The server saves in a buffer the at least partially prepared second channel beginning at a recent periodic, sequential signal access point. In response to receiving a channel request instruction from a requesting television when the server is forwarding the at least partially prepared first channel signal, the server forwards the at least partially prepared signal based on the second channel stored in the buffer beginning at the recent periodic, sequential signal access point.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/643 - Communication protocols
• H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
• H04N 5/50 - Tuning indicatorsAutomatic tuning control
• H04N 21/438 - Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving encoded video stream packets from an IP network
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/426 - Internal components of the client
• H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs
• H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
• H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs

Abstract

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 located within a housing, 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 then reprogram the electronic door locking apparatus as well as control amenities, such as a display, in response to presence signal from the electronic door locking apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection

Abstract

A set-top box for changing channels and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the set-top box includes a network interface controller that is configured to receive a source internet protocol television signal, which includes two channels, from an external source and at least partially prepare the source internet protocol signal in order to forward the tuned signal to a television. The set-top box saves in a buffer the at least partially prepared second channel beginning at a recent periodic, sequential signal access point. In response to receiving a channel change instruction when the set-top box is forwarding the at least partially prepared first channel signal, the set-top box causes the television tuner to forward the at least partially prepared signal based on the second channel stored in the buffer beginning at the recent periodic, sequential signal access point.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 5/50 - Tuning indicatorsAutomatic tuning control
• H04N 21/40 - Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of, or interaction with, content, e.g. STB [set-top-box]Operations thereof
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/426 - Internal components of the client
• H04N 21/438 - Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving encoded video stream packets from an IP network
• H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home

Abstract

A set-top box with enhanced functionality and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box system, first and second set-top boxes each include a housing securing a television input, a television output, a processor, a wireless transceiver, memory, and storage communicatively interconnected by a busing architecture. Each of the set-top boxes is connected to a display, such as a television. A syndication profile associated with the set-top boxes enables a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device to control both displays via each of the set-top boxes.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home

Abstract

A set-top box with self-monitoring and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, a housing secures a television input, a television output, a processor, memory, and storage therein, which are communicatively interconnected by a busing architecture. The memory is accessible to the processor, and the memory includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to detect when the television is not being utilized. Responsive thereto, the instructions cause the processor to scan channels received from the television input and generate a composite TV screen image data that may be resolved to a single TV screen image made from an assemblage of TV screen image captures corresponding to the scanned channels.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
• H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
• H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfacesContent or additional data rendering

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal location device with angle of arrival modeling.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 3/02 - Direction-finders for determining the direction from which infrasonic, sonic, ultrasonic, or electromagnetic waves, or particle emission, not having a directional significance, are being received using radio waves
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G01S 5/08 - Position of single direction-finder fixed by determining direction of a plurality of spaced sources of known location
• H04W 48/12 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using downlink control channel
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements

Abstract

A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, the system includes a set-top box located in a room at a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms. The set-top box stores various types of set-top box data and transmits the set-top box data to a remote server. The remote server receives and stores the set-top box data. The server may render a map view of the hospitality establishment based on obtained map data. The map view may include a graphical representation of the room and other rooms at thehospitality establishment. The server may annotate the graphical representation of the room with at least a portion of the set-top box data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application

Abstract

A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a guest interactive portal as well as a housekeeping interactive portal for a guest and housekeeper, respectively. Each of the portals provides relevant feedback on the condition of the room to a server associated with the hotel.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists

Abstract

A thermostat and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor, memory, and a camera. To improve convenience, the thermostat may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the thermostat may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network and, under certain conditions, the thermostat may provide a video feed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 76/14 - Direct-mode setup
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A television and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment of the television, the television includes a processor, a memory, a tuner, a panel, and an audio driver therein in an interconnected architecture. The television may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create an experience parallel to the experience on the television. The television receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device to control amenities associated with the television.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04L 67/125 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
• G06F 21/35 - User authentication involving the use of external additional devices, e.g. dongles or smart cards communicating wirelessly
• H04W 4/21 - Services signallingAuxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel for social networking applications
• H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/475 - End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. PIN [Personal Identification Number] or preference data

Abstract

A set top/back box and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes television input/output, a processor, and memory. The set top/back box may establish a pairing with a programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create an experience parallel to the experience on the television. The set top/back box receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the programmable device to control amenities associated with the set top/back box.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04W 4/21 - Services signallingAuxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel for social networking applications
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/475 - End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. PIN [Personal Identification Number] or preference data
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal location device with trilateration and received signal strength modeling.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04B 17/318 - Received signal strength
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/90 - Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements

Abstract

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 located within a housing, which also interconnectedly includes a television input, a television 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 then receive a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus relative to the open/closed status of the door and locked/unlocked status of the door.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
• G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals

Goods & Services

Computer services, namely, remote and on-site management of hospitality information technology (IT) cloud-based computing systems for hospitality establishments

Abstract

A thermostat and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor and memory. To improve convenience, the thermostat may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the thermostat may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within an in-wall housing, which also interconnectedly includes a processor, memory, various physical ports and wireless transceivers. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 12/66 - Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G08B 25/01 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
• G05B 19/4155 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04W 76/10 - Connection setup
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04B 1/38 - Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
• H04W 8/00 - Network data management
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements
• G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A system and method for making reservations in a hospitality establishment are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, a database includes multiple the media source files relative to guest room spaces within a room. A server which handles reservations renders a map view of the hospitality establishment based on obtained map data. The map view includes a graphical representation of the room as well as other rooms. In response to the room being selected, the graphical representation of the selected room is annotated with room reservation data and at least one of the media source files of the selected room. The server may execute a reservation for the selected room.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/4425 - Monitoring of client processing errors or hardware failure
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• G06Q 50/12 - Hotels or restaurants
• G06T 15/20 - Perspective computation
• G06Q 50/14 - Travel agencies
• G06T 11/60 - Editing figures and textCombining figures or text
• G06Q 10/02 - Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• G06F 16/29 - Geographical information databases
• G06T 17/05 - Geographic models
• G06T 19/00 - Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics

Abstract

A remote control feature and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a programming interface is configured to communicate with a smart device, which is paired with at least one proximate amenity to enable remote control thereof. A user interface of the smart device is populated with a request for a telephone number that belongs to another smart device. Upon receiving the telephone number of the other smart device, the initial smart device sends a link to the telephone number via a text messaging infrastructure, such as a short message service (SMS)-enabled infrastructure. The link includes an activation, which is authorized, that establishes a pairing between the other smart device and the at least one proximate amenity, the pairing being authorized by way of the link.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04M 1/72412 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• H04M 1/72406 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by software upgrading or downloading
• H04M 1/72436 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality with interactive means for internal management of messages for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• H04W 4/14 - Short messaging services, e.g. short message service [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]

Abstract

A content management system and method for use of same is disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, the set-top box is configured to receive a source signal which includes a stream of network programming having time slots interposed therein. The set-top box detects signaling data indicative of a designated time slot within the network programming and responsive thereto, interposes content stored at the set-top box at the designated time slot within the network programming. The set-top box then forwards the interposed content to the display. Following the forwarding of the interposed content, the set-top box returns to receiving network programming and forwarding the network programming to the display. The set-top box also provides confirmation of the displayed interposed content to a server, which may map the confirmation information.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, set-top boxes are located in respective rooms at a hospitality establishment. The set-top boxes are joined in network communication with environmental amenities, such as lights and a thermostat that respectively control lighting and temperature. The set-top boxes utilize an unoccupied room profile and occupied room profile to set the environmental conditions, such as lighting and temperature, in the rooms. A guest preference profile may be activated within a room to provide guest-specific environmental conditions in the room associated with the guest.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
• H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systemsAnalogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of set-top boxes is provided and each set-top box includes an identification corresponding to the room in which the set-top box is placed. Each set-top box includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of set-top box identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. The location of the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor and memory. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

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 located within a housing, 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 then reprogram the electronic door locking apparatus as well as control amenities, such as a display, in response to presence signal from the electronic door locking apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
• H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. The vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices form a mesh network. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals via the mesh network to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal location device with received signal characteristic modeling.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• H04B 17/318 - Received signal strength
• H04B 17/391 - Modelling the propagation channel
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements
• H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks

Abstract

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 located within a housing, 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 then reprogram the electronic door locking apparatus as well as control amenities, such as a display, in response to presence signal from the electronic door locking apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
• H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]

Abstract

A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within an in-wall housing, which also interconnectedly includes a processor, memory, various physical ports and wireless transceivers. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04L 12/66 - Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• G08B 25/01 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
• G05B 19/4155 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04W 76/10 - Connection setup
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04B 1/38 - Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
• H04W 8/00 - Network data management
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements
• G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A set-top box with enhanced features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network. The guest configuration profile may further enable the control of in-room amenities, such as temperature control, lighting, shades, and availability, for example.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines an estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines an estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines an estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines an estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, the system includes a thermostat located in a room at a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms. The thermostat stores various types of thermostat data and transmits the thermostat data to a server, which may be remote. The server receives and stores the thermostat data. The server may render a map view of the hospitality establishment based on obtained map data. The map view may include a graphical representation of the room and other rooms at the hospitality establishment. The server may annotate the graphical representation of the room with at least a portion of the thermostat data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, thermostats are located in respective rooms at a hospitality establishment. The thermostats are joined in network communication with environmental amenities, such as lights and a thermostat that respectively controls lighting and temperature. The thermostats utilize an unoccupied room profile and an occupied room profile to set the environmental conditions, such as the lighting and the temperature, in the rooms. A guest preference profile may be activated within a room to provide guest-specific environmental conditions in the room associated with a guest.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
• H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systemsAnalogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities

Abstract

A thermostat with interactive features and a system and a method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the thermostat, the thermostat receives various types of thermostat data such as information about display-based interactions with the thermostat, information about a plurality of amenities on a residential property co-located with the thermostat, and information from a proximate wireless-enabled programmable device interacting with the thermostat. The thermostat 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 thermostat data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfacesContent or additional data rendering
• F24F 11/52 - Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
• G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
• G05D 23/19 - Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof

Abstract

A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, thermostats are located in respective rooms at a hospitality establishment. The thermostats are joined in network communication with environmental amenities, such as lights and a thermostat that respectively controls lighting and temperature. The thermostats utilize an unoccupied room profile and an occupied room profile to set the environmental conditions, such as the lighting and the temperature, in the rooms. A guest preference profile may be activated within a room to provide guest-specific environmental conditions in the room associated with a guest.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
• H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systemsAnalogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities

Abstract

A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, the system includes a thermostat located in a room at a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms. The thermostat stores various types of thermostat data and transmits the thermostat data to a server, which may be remote. The server receives and stores the thermostat data. The server may render a map view of the hospitality establishment based on obtained map data. The map view may include a graphical representation of the room and other rooms at the hospitality establishment. The server may annotate the graphical representation of the room with at least a portion of the thermostat data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application

Abstract

A set-top box with enhanced content and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, a wireless transceiver is located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a television input, a television output, a processor, and memory. The set-top box provides a fully tuned signal including general content via the television output to a display or a television, for example. The set-top box may also identify a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device, forward a fully tuned signal including custom content relative to a group identification associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/47 - End-user applications
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]

Abstract

A self-calibrating RF network and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the self-calibrating RF network includes multiple hospitality properties, wherein RF network includes a property server located in communication with a terminal device providing data services through distribution elements to end point devices, such as set-top boxes. Each of the property servers collects RF performance data relative to the terminal device, the distribution elements, and the end point devices. The RF performance data is analyzed by a remote central server that provides RF adjustment data, which is indicative of power and equalization adjustments to the terminal device, power and equalization adjustments to the plurality of distribution elements, and power and ranging adjustments to the plurality of end point devices.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• H04W 24/10 - Scheduling measurement reports
• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04L 12/40 - Bus networks
• G06Q 50/12 - Hotels or restaurants

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, an array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device with transmitted signal strength modeling.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• G06Q 50/12 - Hotels or restaurants
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• H04B 17/318 - Received signal strength
• G08B 25/01 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
• H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• H04L 65/1033 - Signalling gateways

Abstract

A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device with time of arrival modeling.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G07C 1/10 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people together with the recording, indicating or registering of other data, e.g. of signs of identity
• G08B 25/01 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
• H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings

Abstract

A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a guest interactive portal as well as a housekeeping interactive portal for a guest and housekeeper, respectively. Each of the portals provides relevant feedback on the condition of the room to a server associated with the hotel.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists

Abstract

A television with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the television, the television is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The television is associated with a room and includes a processor, memory, tuner, panel, and audio drive disposed in an interconnected busing architecture. The television generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• H04L 67/306 - User profiles
• H04W 12/06 - Authentication

Abstract

ON/operating state (first state); power standby state (second state); and no/low power state (third state). Utilized with a television in a commercial or residential application, the system and circuit are employed to provide accelerated turn-on time to receive an image for user interaction, while providing sufficient control to maintain energy power savings.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 5/63 - Generation or supply of power specially adapted for television receivers
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB

Abstract

A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, the system includes a set-top box located in a room at a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms. The set-top box stores various types of set-top box data and transmits the set-top box data to a remote server. The remote server receives and stores the set-top box data. The server may render a map view of the hospitality establishment based on obtained map data. The map view may include a graphical representation of the room and other rooms at the hospitality establishment. The server may annotate the graphical representation of the room with at least a portion of the set-top box data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof

Abstract

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 located within a housing, which also interconnectedly includes a television input, a television 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 then receive a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus relative to the open/closed status of the door and locked/unlocked status of the door.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
• G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals

Abstract

A geolocationing system, personal locator device, and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment, a personal locator device includes a first operational mode that determines an estimated location of the personal locator device by communicating with a server via an array of gateway devices defining an area of coverage. The personal locator device also has a second operational mode that determines the estimated location of the personal locator device by communicating with a server via a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. The second operational mode may be utilized when the personal locator device is out of the area of coverage.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
• H04W 76/14 - Direct-mode setup

Abstract

A set top/back box and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes television input/output, a processor, and memory. The set top/back box may establish a pairing with a programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create an experience parallel to the experience on the television. The set top/back box receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the programmable device to control amenities associated with the set top/back box.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04W 4/21 - Services signallingAuxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel for social networking applications
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/475 - End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. PIN [Personal Identification Number] or preference data
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A television and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment of the television, the television includes a processor, a memory, a tuner, a panel, and an audio driver therein in an interconnected architecture. The television may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create an experience parallel to the experience on the television. The television receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device to control amenities associated with the television.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04L 67/125 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
• G06F 21/35 - User authentication involving the use of external additional devices, e.g. dongles or smart cards communicating wirelessly
• H04W 4/21 - Services signallingAuxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel for social networking applications
• H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/475 - End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. PIN [Personal Identification Number] or preference data

Abstract

A set-top box with enhanced content and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wireless transceiver is located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a television input, television output, a processor, and memory. The set-top box may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Content, such music, for example, may be imported from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and provided to the television. While the music is playing, the set-top box may generate and provide to the television a control signal that includes instructions to adjust the brightness of the television by dimming the television.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/439 - Processing of audio elementary streams
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/485 - End-user interface for client configuration
• H04W 4/21 - Services signallingAuxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel for social networking applications
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
• H04N 5/58 - Control of contrast or brightness in dependence upon ambient light
• H04N 21/4223 - Cameras
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
• H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies

Abstract

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 a plurality of 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.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfacesContent or additional data rendering
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk

Abstract

A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within an in-wall housing, which also interconnectedly includes a processor, memory, various physical ports and wireless transceivers. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 12/66 - Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G08B 25/01 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
• G05B 19/4155 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04W 76/10 - Connection setup
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04B 1/38 - Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
• H04W 8/00 - Network data management
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements
• G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor, memory, and a camera. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network and, under certain conditions, the gateway device may provide a video feed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 12/66 - Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04L 12/40 - Bus networks
• H04L 65/611 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for multicast or broadcast

Abstract

A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of thermostats is provided and each thermostat includes an identification corresponding to a room in which the thermostat is placed. Each thermostat includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon signal that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of thermostat identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. A location of the proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of thermostats is provided and each thermostat includes an identification corresponding to a room in which the thermostat is placed. Each thermostat includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon signal that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of thermostat identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. A location of the proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of thermostats is provided and each thermostat includes an identification corresponding to a room in which the thermostat is placed. Each thermostat includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon signal that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of thermostat identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. A location of the proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of thermostats is provided and each thermostat includes an identification corresponding to a room in which the thermostat is placed. Each thermostat includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon signal that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of thermostat identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. A location of the proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A thermostat and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor, memory, and a camera. To improve convenience, the thermostat may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the thermostat may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network and, under certain conditions, the thermostat may provide a video feed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• H04W 76/14 - Direct-mode setup

Abstract

A thermostat and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor, memory, and a camera. To improve convenience, the thermostat may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the thermostat may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network and, under certain conditions, the thermostat may provide a video feed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05D 23/19 - Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
• F24F 11/30 - Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• F24F 11/56 - Remote control
• F24F 11/63 - Electronic processing
• F24F 110/10 - Temperature

Abstract

A thermostat and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor and memory. To improve convenience, the thermostat may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the thermostat may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A thermostat and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor and memory. To improve convenience, the thermostat may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the thermostat may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal location device with trilateration and received signal strength modeling.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/90 - Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• H04B 17/318 - Received signal strength
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements

Abstract

A content management system and method for use of same is disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, a set-top box is configured to receive a source signal which includes a stream of network programming having time slots interposed therein. The set-top box detects signaling data indicative of a designated time slot within the network programming and responsive thereto, interposes content stored at the set-top box at the designated time slot within the network programming. The set-top box then forwards the interposed content to the display. Following the forwarding of the interposed content, the set-top box returns to receiving network programming and forwarding the network programming to the display. The set-top box also provides confirmation of the displayed interposed content to a server, which may map the confirmation information.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
• H04N 7/025 - Systems for transmission of digital non-picture data, e.g. of text during the active part of a television frame
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• G06Q 30/02 - MarketingPrice estimation or determinationFundraising
• H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
• H04N 21/458 - Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming streamUpdating operations, e.g. for OS modules
• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs

Goods & Services

Electronic device for locating and tracking people through a wireless network via a server in communication with telecommunication and internet services

Abstract

A content management system and method for use of same is disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, the set-top box is configured to receive a source signal which includes a stream of network programming having time slots interposed therein. The set-top box detects signaling data indicative of a designated time slot within the network programming and responsive thereto, interposes content stored at the set-top box at the designated time slot within the network programming. The set-top box then forwards the interposed content to the display. Following the forwarding of the interposed content, the set-top box returns to receiving network programming and forwarding the network programming to the display. The set-top box also provides confirmation of the displayed interposed content to a server, which may map the confirmation information.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
• H04N 7/025 - Systems for transmission of digital non-picture data, e.g. of text during the active part of a television frame
• H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A set-top box with enhanced features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network. The guest configuration profile may further enable the control of in-room amenities, such as temperature control, lighting, shades, and availability, for example.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
• H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals

Abstract

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A sever for providing television and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the server includes a network interface controller that is configured to receive a source internet protocol television signal, which includes two channels, from an external source and at least partially prepare the source internet protocol signal in order to forward the signal to a television. The server saves in a buffer the at least partially prepared second channel beginning at a recent periodic, sequential signal access point. In response to receiving a channel request instruction from a requesting television when the server is forwarding the at least partially prepared first channel signal, the server forwards the at least partially prepared signal based on the second channel stored in the buffer beginning at the recent periodic, sequential signal access point.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/426 - Internal components of the client
• H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs
• H04N 21/643 - Communication protocols
• H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
• H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
• H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/438 - Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving encoded video stream packets from an IP network
• H04N 5/50 - Tuning indicatorsAutomatic tuning control

Abstract

A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor and memory. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/214 - Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel or hospital
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
• G07C 1/00 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A set-top box with enhanced content and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, a wireless transceiver is located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a television input, a television output, a processor, and memory. The set-top box provides a fully tuned signal including general content via the television output to a display or a television, for example. The set-top box may also identify a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device, forward a fully tuned signal including custom content relative to a group identification associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/47 - End-user applications
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]

Abstract

ON/operating state (first state); power standby state (second state); and no/low power state (third state). Utilized with a television in a commercial or residential application, the system and circuit are employed to provide accelerated turn-on time to receive an image for user interaction, while providing sufficient control to maintain energy power savings.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 5/63 - Generation or supply of power specially adapted for television receivers
• H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
• H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB

Abstract

A set-top box for changing channels and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the set-top box includes a network interface controller that is configured to receive a source internet protocol television signal, which includes two channels, from an external source and at least partially prepare the source internet protocol signal in order to forward the tuned signal to a television. The set-top box saves in a buffer the at least partially prepared second channel beginning at a recent periodic, sequential signal access point. In response to receiving a channel change instruction when the set-top box is forwarding the at least partially prepared first channel signal, the set-top box causes the television tuner to forward the at least partially prepared signal based on the second channel stored in the buffer beginning at the recent periodic, sequential signal access point.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/426 - Internal components of the client
• H04N 21/40 - Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of, or interaction with, content, e.g. STB [set-top-box]Operations thereof
• H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
• H04N 21/438 - Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving encoded video stream packets from an IP network
• H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
• H04N 5/50 - Tuning indicatorsAutomatic tuning control

Abstract

A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within an in-wall housing, which also interconnectedly includes a processor, memory, various physical ports and wireless transceivers. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 7/204 - Multiple access
• H04L 12/66 - Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G08B 25/01 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
• G05B 19/4155 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
• H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
• H04W 76/10 - Connection setup
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04B 1/38 - Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
• H04W 8/00 - Network data management
• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements
• G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within an in-wall housing, which also interconnectedly includes a processor, memory, various physical ports and wireless transceivers. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 88/16 - Gateway arrangements
• H04W 76/10 - Connection setup
• H04B 1/38 - Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H04W 8/00 - Network data management
• G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication