IoT-based Smart Room Management System for Hotels and Resorts

Abstract

An IoT-based intelligent room management system for hotels and resorts, consisting of: a variety of IoT-enabled devices in individual hotel rooms, with each device configured to control a specific room function, including lighting, air conditioning, entertainment systems, and security systems; a centralized management platform that is operationally coupled with the multitude of IoT-enabled devices and configured to communicate with the devices via a wireless network, with the centralized management platform collecting real-time data on room settings, occupancy status, and device performance; a guest interface that includes a mobile application or voice-activated assistant and is configured to allow guests to customize and control room functions, with the guest interface communicating with the central management platform to implement changes to room settings according to user preferences; An automatic occupancy detection system integrated into IoT-enabled devices and the central management platform. The system detects the presence or absence of guests in the room and adjusts room settings, including lighting and air conditioning, to optimize energy consumption when the room is unoccupied; a keyless access system that is operationally linked to the central management platform and provides guests with access to their assigned rooms via smartphones or wearable devices using wireless communication protocols; and A resource management module integrated into the central management platform, providing real-time insights into room occupancy, energy consumption and equipment status, enabling predictive maintenance and optimizing resource allocation within the hotel or resort.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] Given the above, it is evident that existing hotel automation systems are not intelligent enough and provide a poor user experience when used by guests. Therefore, we propose a new system for smart hotel automation based on IoT technologies in hotels. A smart room management system requires the development and implementation of a wireless connectivity solution to connect various in-room devices and services (lighting, air conditioning, security, and entertainment systems) using IoT technology. This enables live control and monitoring of these devices via a cloud-based management system, while simultaneously improving the guest experience and the efficiency of hotel operations.It also includes energy management, occupancy detection and predictive maintenance features that can help optimize energy consumption and improve the operational sustainability of hospitality services. Background of the invention

[0002] The hotel industry is increasingly adopting technology to enhance the customer experience and streamline operations. Traditional room management systems are largely manual and disjointed (lacking integration) tools that prevent efficient operations. The future vision, of course, is that guests will demand customized experiences, while hotel operators will strive to do more with less—utilizing resources and manpower more effectively to provide better service. Real-time monitoring and automation: While the IoT (Internet of Things) is booming, it offers opportunities to transform room management by connecting certified devices. However, current systems often lack a complete, end-to-end, consumer-facing UI / UX for guests and hotel staff, resulting in inefficiencies and, in most cases, a broken service chain.

[0003] Given changing customer expectations and technological advances, the hotel industry is under pressure to innovate and adapt. Hotels and resorts are continuing this trend by increasingly adopting technology to improve guest satisfaction while simultaneously making operations more efficient. These demands are now exceeding the capabilities of traditional room management systems, which often rely on manual control and limited automation. Most current solutions are not sufficiently integrated and user-friendly, preventing them from effectively managing a wide range of room functions.

[0004] Hotels often use a central control system to manage their (sometimes hundreds) hotel rooms. This system allows staff to change room settings from an office at the front desk or management. While these systems can heat, cool, and light a room, or even facilitate communication through toys and games, some interventions must be performed manually. But on the operations side, staying up-to-date with guest room usage and temperature commands in real time can force your front desk staff into a constant adjustment loop (and waiting for individual guest requests that require new template calibrations or adjustments). This isn't user-friendly—guests enter rooms that are too hot and take minutes to heat / cool as desired.Furthermore, these systems typically don't provide real-time occupancy information, leaving energy management reactive rather than proactive. This not only leads to a poor guest experience but also to higher operating costs, especially in energy expenses.

[0005] However, most current solutions don't support guest-directed control. While some hotels offer mobile apps that allow guests to control room settings from their phones, these applications are typically relatively basic in terms of features and use. They may offer limited controls, such as the ability to turn on lights or adjust temperature settings, but lack other features like blinds and entertainment functions. If guests feel like you can control everything but still can't provide them with a highly personalized experience, it's likely to be frustrating. Furthermore, these applications often have cumbersome user interfaces that could confuse and frustrate less tech-savvy guests.

[0006] Another significant disadvantage of current room management solutions is the virtually lack of integration with hotel accounting software. Multiple systems are isolated, resulting in a lack of seamless communication between housekeeping, maintenance, and the front desk. For example, if a guest complains that the air conditioning is broken, the front desk must manually contact the maintenance staff, which also leads to conflicts. Other services that are not properly integrated impact service response times and can therefore also reduce guest satisfaction. Furthermore, hotel management cannot make informed decisions about the most effective allocation of resources and staff because they lack access to real-time data sharing capabilities, limiting operational efficiency.

[0007] According to the allegations, the alleged deficiencies of existing solutions also affect energy management as a critical area. Hotels have traditionally been equipped with outdated HVAC systems that neglect the latest energy-saving technologies. Some hotels have installed programmable thermostats, but these are still manually programmed and do not automatically adjust when guests are present or a room is empty. This, of course, means that energy consumption does not decrease; on the contrary, it increases when rooms are empty, and you pay for this, both through your electricity bill and through an additional, higher carbon footprint. The hotel industry is increasingly scrutinized for its sustainable operations, but hotels cannot achieve their sustainability goals without efficient energy management solutions.

[0008] Security is another aspect that most traditional room management systems often overlook. Some hotels still use traditional key card systems for room access, but this poses a high risk because these cards can easily be stolen or lost. While some hotels have begun experimenting with mobile key solutions, they are far from universally adopted and often don't integrate well with other room management functions. This can result in guests having difficulty accessing their rooms or having to contact the front desk for assistance (which completely defeats the purpose of mobile access in the first place).

[0009] Furthermore, inconsistencies in these systems often lead to problems that increase with density. During peak times, such as holidays or major events, your staff may be overwhelmed with requests and issues that existing solutions couldn't resolve. This situation leads to a deterioration in quality and, consequently, declining guest satisfaction. Furthermore, non-automated real-time communication prevents hotel staff from quickly responding to guest requests or effectively changing room settings during a stay, resulting in an experience that, from that point on, no longer meets consumer standards.

[0010] Recently, some inns have begun testing the integration of IoT (Internet of Things), which can be used to customize their new room management systems. All of these IoT solutions are expected to support various in-room features, allowing guests to control lighting, climate, entertainment, and security through a single integrated communications platform, either via handheld tablets or mobile phones and voice-activated assistants. However, most of these implementations are still quite new and lack interoperability between devices or platforms. In hotel environments, the benefits of IoT technologies are often partially or not fully utilized due to compatibility issues stemming from the lack of prescribed protocols.

[0011] Although IoT-based systems have great potential, they often come with high costs and require infrastructure upgrades, which can deter many hotels—especially smaller businesses—from investing in the technology. Data security and privacy concerns also play a significant role. As hotel endpoints increasingly collect more data, it's important to understand the impact of an endpoint threat on a hotel's corporate network and implement appropriate mitigation measures.

[0012] So, it can be said that current room management in the hospitality industry is very stagnant and suffers from numerous inefficiencies and shortcomings. While traditional systems that use manual controls and lack integration are slow to respond to guest needs while increasing operating costs. There have been advances in mobile apps and IoT technologies, but current solutions only provide a small part of the experience guests require. The hotel industry is constantly changing, and there will always be a need for new ways to satisfy guests while making the environment more sustainable. Given the hurdles posed by current systems, it is very important to develop an all-encompassing and controlled intelligent IoT room management system that can overcome these challenges and become a trendsetter in this field. Summary of the invention

[0013] The current invention concerns an IoT-enabled smart room management system designed to enhance the guest experience and make operations more efficient in hotels and resorts. The system is essentially a network of IoT-enabled devices that connects and automates various in-room functions: lighting, climate control, entertainment, security, and more. They interact with room settings in real time, which guests and hotel staff can monitor and control through a centralized management platform. The system is unique to the Sinclair and is powered by Intelity. It allows guests to control their in-room experience via a mobile app or voice-activated assistants, and to adjust temperature settings, lighting effects, motorized blinds, input selection on TV monitors, and speaker system volume according to personal preferences.Furthermore, the invention is unrivaled when it comes to fully automated check-in and check-out procedures, including keyless room access via smartphone or wearable technologies for guest convenience.

[0014] For hotel management, the system provides real-time data on room occupancy, energy consumption, and equipment status to enable predictive maintenance and resource allocation. When rooms are unoccupied, the system automatically adjusts room settings to save energy. It also seamlessly integrates with the hotel's central management software to enable optimal cross-departmental communication between departments such as housekeeping, front desk, and maintenance. This leads to improved service response times and, in turn, higher guest satisfaction. In summary, this IoT-powered smart room management system not only increases guest comfort but also contributes to energy sustainability, an essential innovation for modern hospitality establishments.

[0015] An intelligent IoT-based room management system for hotels and resorts is designed to enhance the guest experience while optimizing hotel operations, with the added benefit of reducing energy consumption. The invention primarily involves the ability to allow guests to fully customize their room, including real-time control of lighting levels, room temperature, entertainment, and even security. This allows our guests to change their environment according to different profiles and interact naturally via an intuitive mobile application and the use of voice-activated assistants.

[0016] The system is also designed to automate processes and relieve hotel staff of some operational burdens. The invention enables seamless communication between departments such as housekeeping, maintenance, and reception through a central management platform. This integration helps ensure requests and alerts are handled promptly, improving response time and service efficiency. Furthermore, real-time data analytics allows hotel managers to control resource allocation and staffing based on occupancy trends and equipment status.

[0017] Another goal of the invention is to save energy in hotel rooms. The system detects guest presence through motion sensors and adjusts room settings when no one is in the room to prevent energy waste. This not only reduces operating costs but also enables the hotel to achieve its internal sustainability goals by reducing its carbon footprint.

[0018] Additionally, security will be enhanced through next-generation access control methods such as keyless entry via mobile devices or wearables. This makes things easier for guests while also addressing some security risks associated with traditional keycard methods. Ultimately, the combined outcome is intended to foster an ecosystem of connected devices that collaborate to enhance the guest experience and operational efficiency while promoting environmental responsibility, ultimately establishing hotels and resorts as leaders in the progressive hospitality industry. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout. Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an IoT-based intelligent room management system for hotels and resorts.

[0020] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an IoT-based smart room management system for hotels and resorts. The system 100 includes: a plurality of IoT-enabled devices 102 in individual hotel rooms, each device configured to control a specific room function, including lighting, air conditioning, entertainment systems, and security systems; a centralized management platform 104 operatively coupled to the plurality of IoT-enabled devices and configured to communicate with the devices over a wireless network, the centralized management platform collecting real-time data on room settings, occupancy status, and device performance;a guest interface 106 comprising a mobile application or a voice-activated assistant and configured to allow guests to customize and control room features, wherein the guest interface communicates with the centralized management platform to implement changes to room settings according to user preferences; an automatic occupancy detection system 108 integrated with the IoT-enabled devices and the centralized management platform that detects the presence or absence of guests in the room and adjusts room settings, including lighting and air conditioning, to optimize energy consumption when the room is unoccupied; a keyless entry system 110 operatively coupled to the central management platform that allows guests to access their assigned rooms via smartphones or wearable devices using wireless communication protocols;and a resource management module 112 integrated with the central management platform, which provides real-time insights into room occupancy, energy consumption, and equipment status, enabling predictive maintenance and optimizing resource allocation within the hotel or resort.;

[0021] In one embodiment, the IoT-enabled devices 102 are equipped with machine learning algorithms that analyze guest behavior and preferences over time, allowing the system to automatically personalize room settings based on historical data for returning guests.

[0022] In one embodiment, the centralized management platform 104 is also configured to communicate with external hotel systems, including property management systems, housekeeping systems, and maintenance systems. This enables seamless interdepartmental communication and real-time service updates, thus reducing response times to guest requests.

[0023] In one embodiment, the housekeeping system is automatically notified of guest check-out events so that the system can prioritize housekeeping tasks based on room occupancy and guest check-out times, thereby optimizing operational efficiency.

[0024] In one embodiment, the automatic occupancy detection system 108 uses multiple sensor types, including motion detectors, temperature sensors, and infrared sensors, to determine guest presence with high accuracy and ensure that energy conservation protocols are initiated only when the room is confirmed to be empty.

[0025] In one embodiment, the guest interface 106 is also configured to support remote check-in and check-out, allowing guests to bypass the front desk and manage their entire stay through the mobile application, including room access and payment processing through integrated payment gateways.

[0026] In one embodiment, the keyless entry system 110 supports multi-factor authentication, including biometric verification through fingerprint or facial recognition via the guest's smartphone, to increase room security and prevent unauthorized access.

[0027] In one embodiment, the centralized management platform 104 is also integrated with the hotel's energy management systems, enabling real-time adjustments to the HVAC systems based on external weather conditions and internal occupancy data to ensure optimal energy efficiency throughout the hotel or resort.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system further includes a maintenance alert module, wherein the IoT-enabled devices 102 regularly transmit operational data to the central management platform and the system generates automated maintenance alerts when a device shows signs of a potential failure, thereby facilitating predictive maintenance and minimizing downtime.

[0029] In one embodiment, guest interface 106 allows guests to control blinds and drapes in addition to lighting and air conditioning, with the system automatically adjusting window coverings based on guest preferences or ambient light conditions to improve energy efficiency.

[0030] The IoT-based smart room management system for hotels and resorts is designed to ensure a seamless guest experience through automation while optimizing operational efficiency and energy sustainability. The trick is to use a network of IoT devices in the room for smart lighting, climate control, entertainment systems, and security. These devices communicate via a wireless network with the central management software, which acts as the command center for the room system and enables real-time control of all these systems.

[0031] Data on each room's occupancy, as well as device performance and energy consumption, is collected by a central management platform of IoT devices in each room. This information is fed into a complex algorithm that enables both real-time control and predictive analytics. To this end, the system uses automatic occupancy detection, which can be achieved with various sensor types (motion detectors, infrared, or temperature sensors), as a solution for accurate and reliable detection of guest presence in the hotel room. The system automatically adjusts the room to optimal energy-saving conditions when no occupancy is detected: lights are dimmed or turned off, heating / cooling is turned down, and entertainment devices are turned off. When the guest returns, their own settings are restored—either preconfigured or machine-learned.

[0032] This example mediator is used to teach the system learned behaviors achieved through machine learning algorithms, allowing it to personalize room settings for returning guests. It could change room features like lighting or a thermostat (if it's been previously set) using analytics of your past behavior and preferences, without requiring any input from you to input a self-adjusting automation. This provides personalized in-room comfort and convenience, as the system continues to learn from how guests use their rooms to improve its predictive security over time.

[0033] Visitors are provided with a mobile app or voice-activated assistant to interact with the in-room systems. A mobile application serves as a control interface, allowing guests to change the lighting, air conditioning, blinds, and entertainment system settings using their smartphones or other connected devices. The app communicates with the central management platform, which processes the guest request and sends real-time instructions to all participating IoT devices. In addition to in-room features, the app enables mobile check-in and check-out—meaning guests never need to interact with a traditional reception desk. This includes comprehensive features such as keyless room access via smartphones or wearables using wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth and NFC.To ensure a high level of security, the keyless entry system can utilize multi-factor authentication and even offer biometric verification solutions such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition using the guest's smartphone, enabling highly secure access to the room.

[0034] The centralized management platform can provide hotel management with insights into room occupancy, energy consumption, and the status of in-room equipment. It includes a resource management module that allows you to collect real-time information on these metrics and make decisions about where more or less resources are needed. For example, the system can automatically minimize its energy consumption by adjusting HVAC systems based on information about how many people are currently in a particular room, as well as real-time outdoor weather trends and historical energy consumption patterns. A centralized system interfaces with a hotel's property management, housekeeping, and maintenance systems. With this integration, the system also notifies housekeeping departments when a guest has checked out, so they immediately know to begin preparing the room.

[0035] The system's predictive maintenance capability relies on continuous data streaming from IoT-enabled devices. All devices regularly send operating data to a central management platform, where an algorithm checks this information for wear and tear or potential failures. A device that behaves abnormally or underperforms by exceeding its specified performance range triggers an automatic maintenance alert. This predictive maintenance allows us to prevent equipment failures in hotels, minimize downtime, and minimize reactive repairs or other measures to ensure smooth hotel operations.

[0036] The IoT-enabled smart room management system not only manages the devices in the rooms, but also some of the other benefits a hotel offers, such as controlling blinds and curtains. These can be automatically raised or lowered depending on the light in the room, the time of day, or the guest's preferences. For example, if the room receives a lot of sun, the blinds can be lowered to keep it cooler and reduce the air conditioning's power. This contributes overall to energy efficiency while ensuring pleasant comfort for guests.

[0037] This Internet of Things (IoT)-based infrastructure not only significantly increases guest comfort by making the in-room experience more personalized, but also drastically improves the operational efficiency of hotels and resorts. By integrating intelligent automation and predictive algorithms, the system reduces energy consumption while optimizing service delivery to ensure efficient use of hotel resources. Furthermore, interfacing with hotels' external systems also enables departmental optimization, ensuring faster response to guest requests and thus enhancing their experience. With such forms of intelligent automation technology, as well as energy sustainability and predictive conservation, this IoT-based smart room management device has become a valued innovation in the industry.

[0038] An IoT-based smart room is a standalone system that includes an end-to-device network and a central management platform hosted in a cloud infrastructure. It consists of smart sensors, actuators, mobile applications, and a voice control interface. Each room has its own smart devices, such as a thermostat, a lighting control system, and motorized curtains that offer automated day and night modes, easily controlled via a single line of code or apps. These devices can not only communicate with each other but also back up to a central platform via a secure wireless network.

[0039] The system is controlled via a dedicated mobile application that allows guests to change room settings through an incredibly simple interface. Guests can control lighting, heating, and entertainment options through this app. Voice-activated in-room smart assistants allow hands-free control, enhancing convenience and accessibility. The app also enables automated check-in and check-out—guests can enter their rooms using either a smartphone or wearable device to unlock the door without the need for physical keys.

[0040] A central management platform collects and reads data from all devices in real time. Fig.: Data on room occupancy, energy consumption, and equipment performance. This dashboard provides hotel staff with the knowledge they need to run their hotels more efficiently. Staff time is minimized by generating predictive maintenance alerts to respond directly to likely problems in advance. This reduces both downtime and overall maintenance costs.

[0041] In addition, we have an occupancy detection backend that uses motion sensors to signal whether a room is occupied. When a room is detected as unoccupied, the system automatically adjusts the settings to save energy, for example, by turning off the lights and putting the air conditioning into non-occupancy mode. The ability to control each floor of guest rooms individually has a hugely positive impact on the hotel's sustainability, as it uses only as much energy as necessary—and no more—whenever needed, without compromising guest quality.

[0042] Because the smart room management system is integrated with a hotel's central management software, departments communicate effortlessly. For example, if a guest requests extra towels via the mobile app, the housekeeping department is immediately notified so they can respond quickly. By providing their guests with a professional and efficient communication flow, companies can improve their processes, deliver better service, and lead to overall higher guest satisfaction.

[0043] The IoT-based smart room management system for hotels and resorts is future-proofing hospitality. This groundbreaking transformation not only enhances the guest experience by harnessing the power of IoT technology but also enables hotels to operate more efficiently and sustainably, raising the bar for the industry.

[0044] The present invention relates to the technical field of intelligent hotel automation systems, particularly to an IoT-based intelligent room management system for a hospitality establishment. The technical solution can monitor room parameters in real time, such as lighting, variable-frequency fan speed controllers for HVAC systems, and dimmable lamp heads or sockets, to ensure comfortable temperature ranges for user comfort in energy-saving situations. This invention also encompasses predictive maintenance algorithms, energy management solutions, and machine learning-based guest personalization services. It is primarily intended for guest-centric hotels, resorts, and other accommodations seeking to increase their operational efficiency using modern technology devices to maximize energy consumption. REFERENCES 100 A block diagram of an IoT-based intelligent room management system for hotels and resorts. 102 User interface 104 A data processing unit 104a Machine Learning Algorithms 106 Recommendation Engine 108 Adaptive feedback loop 110 Itinerary Generator 112 Module Share

Claims

[1] An IoT-based intelligent room management system for hotels and resorts, consisting of: a variety of IoT-enabled devices in individual hotel rooms, with each device configured to control a specific room function, including lighting, air conditioning, entertainment systems, and security systems; a centralized management platform operatively coupled to the plurality of IoT-enabled devices and configured to communicate with the devices over a wireless network, wherein the centralized management platform collects real-time data on room settings, occupancy status, and device performance; a guest interface comprising a mobile application or a voice-activated assistant and configured to allow guests to customize and control room features, wherein the guest interface communicates with the central management platform to implement changes to room settings according to user preferences; An automatic occupancy detection system integrated with IoT-enabled devices and the central management platform. The system detects the presence or absence of guests in the room and adjusts room settings, including lighting and air conditioning, to optimize energy consumption when the room is unoccupied. a keyless entry system operatively linked to the central management platform, providing guests with access to their assigned rooms via smartphones or wearable devices using wireless communication protocols; and A resource management module integrated into the central management platform that provides real-time insights into room occupancy, energy consumption, and equipment status, enabling predictive maintenance and optimizing resource allocation within the hotel or resort. [2] The IoT-based smart room management system according to claim 1, wherein the IoT-enabled devices are equipped with machine learning algorithms that analyze guest behavior and preferences over time, allowing the system to automatically personalize room settings based on historical data for returning guests. [3] The IoT-based smart room management system according to claim 1, wherein the centralized management platform is further configured to communicate with external hotel systems, including property management systems, housekeeping systems, and maintenance systems, thereby enabling seamless cross-departmental communication and real-time service updates and reducing response times to guest requests. [4] The IoT-based smart room management system according to claim 3, wherein the housekeeping system is automatically notified of guest check-out events so that the system can prioritize housekeeping tasks based on room occupancy and guest check-out times, thereby optimizing operational efficiency. [5] The IoT-based intelligent room management system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic occupancy detection system uses multiple types of sensors, including motion sensors, temperature sensors, and infrared sensors, to determine the presence of guests with high accuracy and ensure that energy saving protocols are initiated only when the room is confirmed to be empty. [6] The IoT-based smart room management system according to claim 1, wherein the guest interface is further configured to support remote check-in and check-out, allowing guests to bypass the front desk and manage their entire stay via the mobile application, including room access and payment processing via integrated payment gateways. [7] The IoT-based smart room management system according to claim 1, wherein the keyless entry system supports multi-factor authentication, including biometric verification by fingerprint or facial recognition via the guest's smartphone, to enhance room security and prevent unauthorized entry. [8] The IoT-based smart room management system according to claim 1, wherein the centralized management platform is further integrated with the hotel's energy management systems and enables real-time adjustments of the HVAC systems based on external weather conditions and internal occupancy data to ensure optimal energy efficiency throughout the hotel or resort. [9] The IoT-based intelligent space management system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a maintenance alert module, wherein the IoT-enabled devices regularly transmit operational data to the central management platform and the system generates automated maintenance alerts when a device shows signs of a potential failure, thereby facilitating predictive maintenance and minimizing downtime. [10] The IoT-based intelligent room management system according to claim 1, wherein the guest interface allows guests to control blinds and curtains in addition to the lighting and air conditioning.

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