US20180220181A1 - Set-Top Box with Enhanced Content and System and Method for Use of Same - Google Patents

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.

Description

PRIORITY STATEMENT & CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority from co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 62/453,305, entitled “Set-Top Box with Enhanced Content and System and Method for Use of Same”, filed on Feb. 1, 2017, in the names of Vanessa Ogle et al.; which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates, in general, to set-top boxes and, in particular, to set-top boxes with enhanced content and systems and methods for use of the same that address and enhance the content provided to a display or television, for example.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Without limiting the scope of the present invention, the background will be described in relation to televisions in the hospitality lodging industry, as an example. To many individuals, a television is more than just a display screen, rather it is a doorway to the world, both real and imaginary, and a way to experience new possibilities and discoveries. Consumers are demanding enhanced content in an easy-to-use platform. As a result of such consumer preferences, the quality of content and ease-of-use are frequent differentiators in determining the experience of guests staying in hospitality lodging establishments. Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems and methods for providing enhanced content in an easy-to-use platform in the hospitality lodging industry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• It would be advantageous to achieve a set-top box that would improve upon existing limitations in functionality. It would also be desirable to enable a computer-based electronics and software solution that would provide enhanced content in an easy-to-use platform in the hospitality lodging industry or in another environment. To better address one or more of these concerns, a set-top box with enhanced 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 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 device. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which:
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of a system for providing a set-top box having enhanced content thereon according to the teachings presented herein;
• FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of the system ofFIG. 1 within an on-property deployment;
• FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of the system ofFIG. 1 within a cloud-computing deployment;
• FIG. 3A is a wall-facing exterior elevation view of one embodiment of the set-top box depicted inFIG. 1 in further detail;
• FIG. 3B is a television-facing exterior elevation view of the set-top box depicted inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3C is a front perspective view of a dongle depicted inFIG. 1 in further detail;
• FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of the set-top box presented inFIGS. 3A and 3B;
• FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of a server presented inFIGS. 2A and 2B;
• FIG. 6 is a signalization timing depicting one embodiment of an operational process furnishing enhanced content according to the teachings presented herein;
• FIG. 7 is a packet diagram depicting one embodiment of packet break down utilized in the signalization timing presented inFIG. 6; and
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a method for providing a set-top box having enhanced content thereon according to the teachings presented herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the present invention.
• Referring initially toFIG. 1, therein is depicted one embodiment of asystem10 utilizing set-top box12 with enhanced content capabilities being employed within a hospitality lodging establishment. The hospitality lodging establishment or, more generally, hospitality property, may be a furnished multi-family residence, dormitory, lodging establishment, hotel, hospital, or other multi-unit environment. As shown, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the hospitality environment is depicted as a hotel H having various rooms and spaces, which may be common spaces. The set-top box12 is communicatively disposed with various amenities associated with the hospitality environment, including adisplay14. Set-top boxes, like the set-top box12, may be deployed throughout the rooms and spaces of the hotel H.
• As shown, in one embodiment, within a space, such as a lobby, elevator foyer, or other common space, for example, thesystem10 includes the set-top box12 and thedisplay14, which is illustrated as a television having ascreen16. It should be appreciated however, that thedisplay14 may also be any electronic visual display device, for example. A connection, which is depicted as anHDMI connection20, connects the set-top box12 to thedisplay14. Other connections include apower cable22 coupling the set-top box12 to a power source, acoaxial cable24 coupling the set-top box12 to an external cable source, and a category five (Cat 5)cable26 coupling the set-top box12 to an external pay-per-view source at a hotel or other lodging establishment, for example. As shown, the set-top box12 may include adongle30 providing particular technology and functionality extensions thereto. That is, the set-top box12 may be set-top box-dongle combination in one embodiment. More generally, it should be appreciated that the cabling connected to the set-top box12 will depend on the environment and application, and the cabling connections presented inFIG. 1 are depicted for illustrative purposes. Further, it should be appreciated that the positioning of the set-top box12 will vary depending on environment and application and, with certain functionality, the set-top box12 may be placed more discretely behind thedisplay14.
• A proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 may be a device, including handheld devices, that may be supplied or carried by the guest and may be selected from a range of existing devices, such as, for example iPads®, iPhones®, iPod Touch®, Android® devices, Blackberry® devices, personal computers, laptops, tablet computers, smart phones, and smart watches, for example. As will be discussed in further detail below, in one implementation, advertising broadcast data originating from the set-top box12 or the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 may be utilized to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32. Further, as will also be discussed in further detail hereinbelow, in another implementation, an application installed from a server enables the set-top box and the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 to be wirelessly paired. In another embodiment, a challenge-response is utilized to wirelessly pair the set-top box12 and the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32.
• As shown, an interactive general portal G is displayed on thedisplay16, which is generic, and displays a general welcome and general information about conferences and events occurring at the hospitality lodging establishment. In one implementation, as illustrated, the set-top box12 extends a physical authorization interface, shown as area A, from the set-top box to an area easily accessible to a transitory guest's convenience such as in front or side of thedisplay14. As will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow, this physical authorization interface A may include a short range wireless data connection that is enabled only when very close physically to the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32, for example.
• In one implementation, a search operation is utilized to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32. Responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32, a fully tuned signal is forwarded from the set-top box12 to thedisplay16 which includes custom content C. The custom content C is relative to agroup identification34 associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32.
• In one embodiment, the general content G and the custom content C relate to the hospitality establishment and thegroup identification34 relates to a hospitality aspect such as group travel relative to the hospitality establishment, group meeting accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment, group event accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment, and the like.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thedisplay14 is located in a common area within the hospitality establishment and guest I₁is carrying the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 within the common area. The guest I₁and the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 enter the physical authorization interface, shown as the area A. Perhaps, the guest I₁is walking through the common area or perhaps the guest I₁is stopping at thedisplay14 for additional information about conferences or events, for example, within the hospitality establishment. Via the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device wireless transmissions W and an advertising broadcast data standard, the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 is identified as being associated with the guest I₁. Thegroup identification34 is located within the set-top box12 or, alternatively, thegroup identification34 is accessible by the set-top box12 at a server (e.g., aserver40 inFIGS. 2A and 2B).
• The guest individual I₁is part of Group G-1, as opposed to Groups G-2 though G-n. As shown, Group G-1 includes multiple individuals such as individual I₁and individual I₂through individual I_n. These individuals, individual I₁and individual I₂through individual I_n, have a common hospitality aspect such as group travel relative to the hospitality establishment, group meeting accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment, or group event accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment, for example. Based on the common hospitality aspect, the custom content C is provided to thedisplay14 from the set-top box12. In the instant example inFIG. 1, the individuals, including individual I₁, of Group G-1 are all part of a group called NewCo and are attending a conference and have a specific schedule with breakout sessions. The events are occurring in the east conference room at 9 am as shown in the custom content C. As previously mentioned, with respect to the custom content C, thegroup identification34 is located within the set-top box12 or, alternatively, thegroup identification34 is accessible by the set-top box12 at a server (e.g., aserver40 inFIGS. 2A and 2B). Further, individuals may be associated with particular groups at the time of room reservation, event reservation, room check-in or event check-in, for example with an individual's proximate wireless-enabled programmable device being associated with the individual at the same time, for example.
• Further, following the identification, in one embodiment, a pairing may be established between the set-top box12 and the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive device32, and once the pairing is established, the set-top box12 provides a secure wireless interface to communicate transitory guest user device authorization information to the set-top box12 to accomplish verification. Once authorization information is communicated to the set-top box12, the set-top box12 enables virtual remote control functionality.
• In operation, virtual remote control functionality may be provided by the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 by actuation of virtual buttons, for example, to send a command signal to the television, to import content from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device to the television, or control the custom content C on thedisplay16. As shown inFIG. 1, by way of example, guest I₁provides input via the remote R, which is received by the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 and translated into a command to move the cursor S and click on “Breakout Sessions” to obtain additional information.
• It should be appreciated that theserver40 may be located on a single property to serve one or more televisions thereon. Further, it should be appreciated that theserver40 may be remotely located to serve multiple properties having multiple televisions. Referring now toFIG. 2A, thesystem10 may be deployed such that theserver40 is co-located on the property P-1 with the displays14-1 . . .14-nand the corresponding set-top boxes12-1 . . .12-n, with, in one embodiment,content sources44 configured to provide sources of content. As shown, theserver40 includes ahousing42 having a television output and other components therein. As previously alluded, theserver40 may store thegroup identification34 for access by the set-top box12 or, alternatively, for downloading prior to use by the set-top box12.
• Referring toFIG. 2B, thesystem10 may be deployed such that theserver40 is located remotely within cloud C relative to displays14-1 . . .14-n, which are located at properties P-1 through P-n. In particular, thesever40, which receives content fromcontent sources44, may be located remotely relative to the displays14-1 . . .14-nand any set-top boxes12-1 . . .12-nsuch that a property headend46-1 . . .46-nis interposed between theserver40 and the displays14-1 . . .14-n. As shown, in this implementation, the property headend46-1 . . .46-nis co-located with the televisions14-1 . . .14-nat a respective property, P-1 through P-n. As previously alluded, theserver40 may store thegroup identification34 for access by the set-top box12 or, alternatively, for downloading prior to use by the set-top box12.
• Referring toFIG. 3A,FIG. 3B,FIG. 3C, andFIG. 4, as used herein, set-top boxes, back boxes and set-top/back boxes may be discussed as set-top boxes. By way of example, the set-top box12 may be a set-top unit that is an information appliance device that generally contains set-top box functionality including having a television-tuner input and displays output through a connection to a display or television set and an external source of signal, turning by way of tuning the source signal into content in a form that can then be displayed on the television screen or other display device. Such set-top boxes are used in cable television, satellite television, and over-the-air television systems, for example.
• The set-top box12 includes ahousing50 having arear wall52,front wall54,top wall56,bottom base58, and twosidewalls60,62. It should be appreciated that front wall, rear wall, and side wall are relative terms used for descriptive purposes and the orientation and the nomenclature of the walls may vary depending on application. The front wall includes various ports,ports64,66,68,70,72,74,76,78, and80 that provide interfaces for various interfaces, including inputs and outputs. In one implementation, as illustrated, theports64 through80 includeinputs82 andoutputs84 and, more particularly, anRF input86, a RJ-45input88, universal serial bus (USB) input/outputs90, an Ethernet category 5 (Cat 5)coupling92, aninternal reset94, anRS232 control96, an audio out98, an audio in100, and a debug/maintenance port102. Thefront wall54 also includesvarious inputs82 and outputs84. More particularly,ports110,112,114, and116 include a 5Vdc power connection120, USB inputs/outputs122, an RJ-coupling124, and anHDMI port126. It should be appreciated that the configuration of ports may vary with the set-top box depending on application and context. As previously alluded to, thehousing50 may include a housing-dongle combination including, with respect to thedongle30, aunit130 having acable134 with a set-top box connector132 for selectively coupling with the set-top box12.
• Within thehousing50, aprocessor140,memory142,storage144, theinputs82, and theoutputs84 are interconnected by abus architecture146 within a mounting architecture. It should be understood that theprocessor140,memory142,storage144, theinputs82, and theoutputs84 may be entirely contained within thehousing50 or the housing-dongle combination. Theprocessor140 may process instructions for execution within the computing device, including instructions stored in thememory142 or instorage144. Thememory142 stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, thememory142 is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, thememory142 is a non-volatile memory unit or units.Storage144 provides capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the set-top box12.Various inputs82 andoutputs84 provide connections to and from the computing device, wherein theinputs82 are the signals or data received by the set-top box12, and theoutputs84 are the signals or data sent from the set-top box12.
• A televisioncontent signal input148 and atelevision output150 are also secured in thehousing50 in order to receive content from a source in the hospitality property and forward the content, including external content such as cable and satellite and pay-per-view (PPV) programing, to the television located within the hotel room.
• Atransceiver152 is associated with the set-top box12 and communicatively disposed with thebus146. As shown thetransceiver152 may be internal, external, or a combination thereof to the housing. Further, thetransceiver152 may be a transmitter/receiver, receiver, or an antenna for example. Communication between various amenities in the hotel room and the set-top box12 may be enabled by a variety of wireless methodologies employed by thetransceiver152, including 802.11, 3G, 4G, Edge, WiFi, ZigBee, near field communications (NFC), Bluetooth low energy and Bluetooth, for example. Also, infrared (IR) may be utilized.
• Thememory142 andstorage144 are accessible to theprocessor140 and include processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor140 to execute a series of operations. The processor-executable instructions forward the fully tuned signal to the display and, as mentioned, the fully tuned signal including general content. The processor-executable instructions also specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device by receiving advertising broadcast data from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device via the wireless transceiver using, for example, a Bluetooth low energy standard, wherein the search operation utilizes the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Alternatively, the processor-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor to specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device by transmitting advertising broadcast data via the wireless transceiver using, for example, a Bluetooth low energy standard, wherein the search operation utilizes the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor to forward the fully tuned signal to the display and, in this instance, the fully tuned signal includes custom content relative to a group identification associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device.
• In another embodiment, the processor-executable instructions specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, wherein the search operation utilizes the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32. The processor-executable instructions then establish a pairing between the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 and the set-top box12. Following the establishment of a pairing, formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions are sent to the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32. The formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions are configured to provide a downstream parallel experience related to the content on thedisplay14. Thememory142 also provides instructions to the processor for virtual buttons on a touch screen display associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32. The virtual buttons are associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32.
• With respect to controlling thedisplay14, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor to receive and process virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32. The virtual remote control functionality input instructions being representations of a spoken sequence of words. Theprocessor140 is then caused to evaluate the spoken sequence of words to assign a meaning to the spoken sequence of words and then generate a command signal, which is sent to the television. The formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions include instructions that prompt the spoken sequence of words as a response.
• With respect to importing content from the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32, thememory142 includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed cause theprocessor140 to be responsive to evaluating the spoken sequence of words, import content from the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 and reformat the imported content such that the television output forwards a fully tuned signal including the imported content to thedisplay14. The fully tuned signal includes the imported content provides an upstream parallel experience on thedisplay14 related to the content on the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32.
• With respect to amenity control, thememory142 includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed cause the processor to be responsive to evaluating the spoken sequence of words, send a command to the particular amenity. A configuration profile is associated with thememory142 and processor-executable instructions that enables the set-top box12 to control multiple proximate amenities related to a user's stay in a lodging establishment in a multi-room environment, including the particular amenity to be controlled. The configuration profile, for each amenity of the plurality of amenities, includes instructions for virtual buttons on a touch screen display, and instructions for associating virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the touch screen display with commands. The configuration profile, for each amenity of the plurality of amenities, includes instructions for virtual buttons on a touch screen display, and instructions for associating virtual remote control functionality input instructions received as the spoken sequence of words from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device with commands.
• Referring now toFIG. 5, one embodiment of theserver40 as a computing device includes aprocessor160,memory162,storage164,inputs166, and outputs168 interconnected withvarious buses170 in a common or distributed, for example, mounting architecture. In other implementations, in the computing device, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Further still, in other implementations, multiple computing devices may be provided and operations distributed therebetween. Theprocessor160 may process instructions for execution within theserver40, including instructions stored in thememory162 or instorage164. Thememory162 stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, thememory162 is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, thememory162 is a non-volatile memory unit or units.Storage164 includes capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for theserver40.Various inputs166 andoutputs168 provide connections to and from theserver40, wherein theinputs166 are the signals or data received by theserver40, and theoutputs168 are the signals or data sent from theserver40.
• Thememory162 is accessible to theprocessor160 and includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor160 to execute a series of operations. The processor-executable instructions cause the processor to update periodically or on-demand, depending on the operational configuration, a database or update portion thereof, with current group identification to one or more of the set-top boxes directly or through a property headend.
• The group identification relates to a hospitality aspect such as group travel relative to the hospitality establishment, group meeting accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment, group event accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment, and the like. The group identification associated with a proximate wireless-enabled programmable device carried by an individual guest may be stored in the set-top box or accessible by a server. In one embodiment, individual guest settings, including group identification, are stored in a database of guest settings indexed by a master index record that could be either the guest's loyalty program membership identifier or a separate identifier such as the guests email address. In some situations, a hotelier may choose to use their own system to maintain these records while other hoteliers may choose to use a database system provided by an external service.
• Thus, the systems and methods disclosed herein enable displays in common areas of lodging establishments to provide customized content to guests and visitors. Further, the systems and methods disclosed herein may enable users to use existing electronic devices as a temporary remote control device to control a display or television in a common area via a set-top box. Therefore, the systems and methods presented herein avoid the need for additional or expensive high functionality remote controls. In this respect, the teachings presented herein also include providing the software and/or application for the electronic device or interactive handheld device. The application, to the extent needed, may be downloaded from the Internet or alternatively made available by download from the set-top box.
• Referring now toFIG. 6, wherein signalization timing between theserver40, an application on the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32, the set-top box12, and the display located in a common space is depicted. As previously mentioned, individuals may be associated with particular groups at the time of room reservation, event reservation, room check-in or event check-in, for example, with an individual's proximate wireless-enabled programmable device being associated with the individual at the same time, for example. At signalingblock180, in one embodiment, an individual I₁checks-in to the hotel associated with theserver40. At this time, the individual's proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 is associated with the individual I₁and the individual's group information is determined by theserver40. Additionally, at this moment or before, the application may be installed on the individual's proximate wireless-enabled programmable device. It should be appreciated, however, that the installation of the application is exemplary and not necessary to the practice of the teachings presented herein.
• At signalingblock182, the group information is transmitted from theserver40 to the set-top box12. The transmission may be part of a regular update sent to the set-top box12 from theserver40 or prompted by an event, such as the check-in of the individual I₁. At signalingblock184, thedisplay14 is showing aninitial presentation184 in the common space. Theinitial presentation184 may include information that is generic to the guests in the hotel and not specific for any one group. At signalingblocks186 and188, the set-top box12, which in one embodiment is co-located with thedisplay14, transmits advertising broadcast data to identify any proximate wireless-enabled programmable devices near the set-top box12 and thedisplay14. At this time, the individual I₁and the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 are not near the common space wherein the set-top box12 and thedisplay14 are located.
• At signaling block190, the set-top box12 transmits further advertising broadcast data to identify any proximate wireless-enabled programmable devices nearby. The individual I₁and the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 are now near the common space wherein the set-top box12 and thedisplay14 are located. The advertising broadcast data is received by the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device responds with advertising broadcast data at signalingblock192. The set-top box12 then identifies the group associated with the individual I₁based on the previously provided group information atprevious signaling block182. Once the group identification is made, then the set-top box12 sends a command at signalingblock194 to provide custom content and a custom presentation on thedisplay14, as shown by signalingblock196. The custom presentation may include information particularly relevant to the group that the individual I₁belongs.
• At signalingblock198, with the use of the application installed on the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32, a pairing is established between the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 and the set-top box12. Based on this pairing, the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device may control and interact with the set-top box12 and thedisplay14. At signalingblock200, the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device acts as a remote control and sends a command to the set-top box12 to obtain make a selection on the custom presentation on thedisplay14. This command is received by the set-top box12 and the set-top box12 sends a new custom presentation representing the processing of the command to the display as shown by signalingblock202. The new responsive custom presentation is shown on thedisplay14 as shown by signalingblock204. The custom information requested may be, for example, additional information about an event or a map relative to an event that is associated with the group that the individual I₁belongs.
• Following this interaction with the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 and the set-top box12 anddisplay14, the individual walks away from the common space wherein the set-top box12 and thedisplay14 are located. As shown by thesignaling block206, this causes the communication between the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 and the set-top box12 to end. Further, the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device32 is out-of-range of receipt or transmission of advertising broadcast data with the set-top box12. As a result, the set-top box12 sends a command, which may include content, to the television at signalingblock208 to return to the general information as shown by thesignaling block210.
• Referring now toFIG. 7, the advertising broadcast data may include apacket220 that may utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) that provides for an exchange of data via a connected mode and an advertising mode. The connected mode may utilize a communication layer, such as the Generic Attribute (GATT) layer, to transfer data in a one-to-one connection. On the other hand, the advertising mode may use a layer, such as the Generic Access Profile (GAP) layer, to broadcast data out to anyone listening. In one implementation, BLE beacons may utilize GAP advertising mode to broadcast data out in a periodic, specifically formatted advertising packets. In one embodiment, thepacket220 includes apreamble222 utilized for internal protocol management, anaccess address224 for addressing an advertising packet, a packet data unit (PDU)226, and a Cyclical Redundancy Check (CRC)228. As shown, thePDU226 may include aheader234, aMAC address232 for identification, anddata230, which includes the payload. In one implementation, thedata230 includes abeacon prefix236, a proximity Universally Unique Identifier (UUID)238, amajor number240, aminor number242, and transmission (TX)power level244.
• In one embodiment, thepacket220 acts as a beacon that may broadcast information including aproximity UUID238 that identifies the beacon, themajor number240 identifying a subset of beacons within a large group, theminor number242 identifying a specific location, and theTX power level244 indicating the signal strength. In one embodiment, the beacon may be broadcast from a proximate wireless-enabled programmable device in response to a communication or of its own initiative, and a scanning application with the set-top box, may read theproximity UUID238, themajor number240, and theminor number242 and then reference theproximity UUID238, themajor number240, and theminor number242 against at database to obtain information about the beacon as the beacon itself may carry no descriptive information. TheTX power field244 is utilized with the measured signal strength to determine how far away the beacon is from the set-top box. Theproximity UUID238 may be standard BLE UUID and the major andminor numbers240,242 may denote assets within the standard BLE UUID. By accessing the database, the set-top box12 determines the identity of the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device and the group identification associated with the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device.
• FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a method for providing enhanced content, according to the teachings presented herein. Atblock260, the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device is registered. In one implementation, this may involve using an existing application on the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device, such as a browser, or downloading a new application. As mentioned, the registration may occur at the time of room reservation, event reservation, room check-in or event check-in, for example with an individual's proximate wireless-enabled programmable device being associated with the individual at the same time, for example. Atblock262, the profile, including group identification, is established for the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device.
• Atblock264, a search, which may be active or passive, is performed by the set-top box to identify a physically proximate programmable device in the common area within the multi-room environment. Atdecision block266, if a programmable device is not found, then atblock268, a fully tuned signal with a general content provides a default presentation to the display, which may be a television. The methodology then returns to block264. Returning to decision block266, if a programmable device is located, then atblock270, a fully tuned signal with custom content and a customized presentation is forwarded to the display.
• Atdecision block272, if the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device doesn't want a pairing, then the methodology returns todecision block266. On the other hand, if the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device initiates a pairing, by way of an application or pre-setting, for example, then the methodology advances to block274. Atblock274, with respect to remote control of the television, instructions are provided from the set-top box for virtual buttons on a touch screen display associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. The virtual buttons are associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and relate to obtaining user input for the virtual TV remote control functionality provided by the set-top box. Atblock276, the set-top box receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device that are relative to user input. Atblock278, the command is executed and a fully tuned signal that is responsive to the command is generated and sent to the display or television as a responsive custom presentation. The methodology then returns todecision block272.
• The order of execution or performance of the methods and data flows illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, elements of the methods and data flows may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and that the methods may include more or less elements than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular element before, contemporaneously with, or after another element are all possible sequences of execution.
• While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A set-top box comprising:

a housing securing a television input, a television output, a processor, memory, and storage therein;

a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the television input, the television output, the processor, the memory, and the storage;

a wireless transceiver associated with the housing and coupled to the busing architecture, the wireless transceiver operable to communicate with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

the television input configured to receive a source signal from an external source;

the television output configured to forward a fully tuned signal to a display; and

the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:

forward the fully tuned signal to the display, the fully tuned signal including general content,

specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, wherein the search operation utilizes the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, and

responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device, forward the fully tuned signal to the display, the fully tuned signal including custom content relative to a group identification associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device.

2. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the display further comprises a device selected from the group consisting of electronic visual display devices and televisions.

3. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the general content and custom content relate to a hospitality establishment, and

wherein the group identification relates to a hospitality aspect selected from the group consisting of group travel relative to the hospitality establishment, group meeting accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment, and group event accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment.

4. The set-top box as recited inclaim 3, wherein the hospitality establishment is selected from the group consisting of furnished multi-family residences, dormitories, lodging establishments, hotels, hospitals, and multi-unit environments.

5. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device further comprise processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to transmit advertising broadcast data via the wireless transceiver.

6. The set-top box as recited inclaim 5, wherein the processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device further comprise processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive via the wireless transceiver response data from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device responsive to the transmission of advertising broadcast data via the wireless transceiver.

7. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device further comprise processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive via the wireless transceiver advertising broadcast data from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device.

8. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device utilizing Bluetooth low energy data exchange.

9. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device utilizing Bluetooth low energy beacons.

10. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the processor-executable instructions further comprise instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:

establish a pairing between the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and the set-top box;

send formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, wherein the formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions are configured to provide a downstream parallel experience related to the content on the television;

provide instructions for virtual buttons on a touch screen display associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, the virtual buttons being associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

receive and process virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

evaluate the functionality input instructions to assign a meaning;

generate a command signal; and

send the command signal to the television.

11. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a housing-dongle combination securing the television input, the television output, the processor, memory, storage, and wireless transceiver therewith.

12. The set-top box as recited inclaim 2, wherein the processor and the memory are distributed through the housing-dongle combination.

13. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to communicate with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device via a standard selected from the group consisting of infrared (IR), 802.11, 3G, 4G, Edge, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, near field communications (NFC), Bluetooth, and Bluetooth low energy.

14. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to communicate with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device via a short distance data exchange standard.

15. The set-top box as recited inclaim 14, wherein the short distance data exchange standard comprises Bluetooth low energy.

16. The set-top box as recited inclaim 1, wherein the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of personal computers, laptops, tablet computers, smart phones, and smart watches.

17. A set-top box comprising:

a housing securing a television input, a television output, a processor, memory, and storage therein;

a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the television input, the television output, the processor, the memory, and the storage;

a wireless transceiver associated with the housing and coupled to the busing architecture, the wireless transceiver operable to communicate with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

the television input configured to receive a source signal from an external source;

the television output configured to forward a fully tuned signal to a display; and

the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:

forward the fully tuned signal to the display, the fully tuned signal including general content,

specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device by transmitting advertising broadcast data via the wireless transceiver using a Bluetooth low energy standard, wherein the search operation utilizes the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, and

responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, forward the fully tuned signal to the display, the fully tuned signal including custom content relative to a group identification associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

the general content and custom content relate to a hospitality establishment; and

the group identification relates to a hospitality aspect selected from the group consisting of group travel relative to the hospitality establishment, group meeting accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment, and group event accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment.

18. The set-top box as recited inclaim 17, wherein the processor-executable instructions further comprise instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:

establish a pairing between the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and the set-top box;

send formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, wherein the formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions are configured to provide a downstream parallel experience related to the content on the television;

provide instructions for virtual buttons on a touch screen display associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, the virtual buttons being associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

receive and process virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

evaluate the functionality input instructions to assign a meaning;

generate a command signal; and

send the command signal to the television.

19. A set-top box comprising:

a housing securing a television input, a television output, a processor, memory, and storage therein;

a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the television input, the television output, the processor, the memory, and the storage;

a wireless transceiver associated with the housing and coupled to the busing architecture, the wireless transceiver operable to communicate with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

the television input configured to receive a source signal from an external source;

the television output configured to forward a fully tuned signal to a display; and

the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:

forward the fully tuned signal to the display, the fully tuned signal including general content,

specify a search operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device by receiving advertising broadcast data from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device via the wireless transceiver using a Bluetooth low energy standard, wherein the search operation utilizes the wireless transceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, and

responsive to identifying the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device, forward the fully tuned signal to the display, the fully tuned signal including custom content relative to a group identification associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device;

the general content and custom content relate to a hospitality establishment; and

the group identification relates to a hospitality aspect selected from the group consisting of group travel relative to the hospitality establishment, group meeting accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment, and group event accommodations relative to the hospitality establishment.

20. The set-top box as recited inclaim 19, wherein the processor-executable instructions further comprise instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:

establish a pairing between the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and the set-top box;

send formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions to the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, wherein the formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions are configured to provide a downstream parallel experience related to the content on the television;

provide instructions for virtual buttons on a touch screen display associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, the virtual buttons being associated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

receive and process virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device;

evaluate the functionality input instructions to assign a meaning;

generate a command signal; and

send the command signal to the television.

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