UWB Hotel Room Occupancy Detection With STB Preference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hotels struggle to optimize energy consumption based on user presence and preferences due to inefficiencies in detecting user entry and exit, leading to unconfigured room settings such as temperature, lighting, and connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) tags and a set-top box (STB) to detect user presence and preferences, enabling dynamic configuration of hotel room settings through MATTER protocol commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If key cards are used to detect user presence, then energy consumption is reduced, but user preferences cannot be configured automatically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidautomatic configuration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an UWB tag as an intermediary device that carries user identification information. When the tag enters the hotel room, the STB detects it and uses the embedded user ID to automatically retrieve and apply user preferences, thus enabling automatic configuration without requiring direct interaction between the key card system and preference database

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical key card insertion system with a wireless UWB-based detection system. The UWB tag communicates wirelessly with the STB, eliminating the need for physical card insertion while enabling more sophisticated user identification and preference matching capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If UWB tags are used to detect user presence, then automatic configuration of room settings is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic configuration capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The STB is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a set-top box for television services, a UWB receiver for presence detection, and an automated room configuration controller. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated hardware components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation where the STB automatically detects the UWB tag, retrieves user preferences from the hotel management server, and configures room settings without requiring manual intervention from hotel staff or the guest. The process is fully automated from detection to configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If continuous monitoring of user presence is implemented, then user comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The STB performs periodic scanning of UWB frequencies to detect the presence of UWB tags rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic detection approach maintains user comfort by promptly detecting when users enter or leave the room while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the STB continuously monitors UWB signals and automatically adjusts room settings based on detected user presence. When users are detected, the system applies their preferences; when no users are present, the system reverts to default settings, creating a responsive feedback loop that optimizes both comfort and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances energy efficiency by automatically adjusting room settings to user preferences upon arrival, improving comfort and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

scanning at least one UWB frequency for a ranging signal transmitted by the UWT

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltra-wideband electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12627858B2Person occupancy detection in hotels using UWB technology and integration with matter protocol in STB

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 DISH NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES INDIA PTE LTD

AI summary

Devices, systems and methods are described for detecting occupancy of persons within hotels using ultra-wide band tag and a MATTER protocol. A system may include a set top box (STB) coupled to a hotel management server (HMS) a user device (UD), an ultra-wideband tag (UWT) and an electronic device coupled to the STB located within a hotel room. The STB executes computer instructions which instantiate an STB user location engine (SULE), an STB user preference engine (SUPE) and an STB Room Configure Engine (SRCE). The STB performs STB User Location Operations (SULOs) include scanning at least one ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency for a signal from the UWT, determining whether the UWT, when detected, is within an STB determined distance, receiving an association of at least one user preference with the UWT, and configuring the electronic device in view of the at least one user preference.