Set-Top Box Media Control for Occupancy Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deterring home intruders, such as leaving lights on, are ineffective as they do not convincingly simulate occupancy, especially if the occupant forgets to turn on devices or if the intruder observes no other activity.
Innovation Solution
A media device control system that predicts when an occupant will be away based on geographic location and vacation data, and automatically controls media devices like TVs and radios to create the illusion of occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods like leaving lights on are used to deter intruders, then home security is improved, but the method is ineffective because it does not convincingly simulate occupancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple media devices (TVs, radios, stereos) into a coordinated system that works together to simulate occupancy. The control system manages multiple devices simultaneously, merging their functions to create a comprehensive illusion of presence that is more convincing than single-device approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to work with various types of media devices (televisions, radios, stereos, audio systems) universally. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different device types and configurations in a home, enabling versatile occupancy simulation across different scenarios.
2Reliability
If manual reminders are used to turn on devices, then home security is improved, but the method fails when occupants forget to turn on devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically monitors vacation schedules and activates media devices without requiring manual user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting when occupants are away and independently managing the occupancy simulation, eliminating the need for users to remember to turn devices on or off.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring vacation schedules and automatically activating devices before occupants leave or at predetermined times. This advance preparation ensures security measures are in place without requiring last-minute manual actions from users.
3Reliability
If automatic control systems are implemented, then home security is improved and occupancy simulation is convincing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the user's vacation schedule and the media devices. It translates high-level vacation information into specific device control commands, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a clear separation between user input and device control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to manage multiple types of media devices through a unified interface and control mechanism. This universal approach reduces complexity by using a single system to handle various device types rather than requiring separate control systems for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
A media device control system is provided herein. The media device control system receives a first indication of a geographic location of a set-top box associated with a user and receives a second indication of data representing one or more vacation time periods based on the geographic location. The media device control system determines that the user is predicted to be on vacation within a period of time based on the data representing the one or more vacation time periods and the geographic location. The media device control system receives user input confirming that the user will go on vacation within the period of time. The media device control system causes the set-top box to transmit signals to activate a television during the period of time based on the user input indicating that the user will go on vacation within the period of time.