Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Miller

Thomas R. Miller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210084373
    Abstract: A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of set-top boxes is provided and each set-top box includes an identification corresponding to the room in which the set-top box is placed. Each set-top box includes an infrared receiver that receives an infrared signal from a proximate wireless-enabled programmable device and responsive thereto, transmits a data packet including set-top box identification and a proximate wireless-enabled programmable device identification. A server determines the location of the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device based on the data packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Publication number: 20210084344
    Abstract: A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor and memory. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Raymond S. Horton, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Publication number: 20210051445
    Abstract: A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device with time of arrival modeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Raymond S. Horton, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Publication number: 20210051369
    Abstract: A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, an array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device with transmitted signal strength modeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas R. Miller, William C. Fang, Vanessa Ogle
  • Patent number: 10904582
    Abstract: A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Raymond S. Horton, Thomas R. Miller
  • Patent number: 10904583
    Abstract: A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Thomas R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20210021807
    Abstract: A set-top box with self-monitoring and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, a housing secures a television input, a television output, a processor, memory, and storage therein, which are communicatively interconnected by a busing architecture. The memory is accessible to the processor, and the memory includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to detect when the television is not being utilized. Responsive thereto, the instructions cause the processor to scan channels received from the television input and generate a composite TV screen image data that may be resolved to a single TV screen image made from an assemblage of TV screen image captures corresponding to the scanned channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Publication number: 20210014555
    Abstract: A set-top box with enhanced functionality and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box system, first and second set-top boxes each include a housing securing a television input, a television output, a processor, a wireless transceiver, memory, and storage communicatively interconnected by a busing architecture. Each of the set-top boxes is connected to a display, such as a television. A syndication profile associated with the set-top boxes enables a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device to control both displays via each of the set-top boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Publication number: 20210014552
    Abstract: A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box includes a housing that secures a signal input, a signal output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box establishes a pairing with a proximate robot executing room service to a room where the set-top box is located. As the proximate robot executes room service, signals are received from the proximate robot. The set-top box then generates an interactive portal that provides a description of the behavior of the proximate robot and facilitates guest interaction with the proximate robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas R. Miller, William C. Fang, Vanessa Ogle
  • Patent number: 10887627
    Abstract: A set-top box with enhanced features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network. The guest configuration profile may further enable the control of in-room amenities, such as temperature control, lighting, shades, and availability, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle, Charles T. Hixon, Craig D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200413222
    Abstract: A geolocationing system, personal locator device, and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment, a personal locator device includes a first operational mode that determines an estimated location of the personal locator device by communicating with a server via an array of gateway devices defining an area of coverage. The personal locator device also has a second operational mode that determines the estimated location of the personal locator device by communicating with a server via a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. The second operational mode may be utilized when the personal locator device is out of the area of coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Vanessa Ogle, William C. Fang, Thomas R. Miller
  • Patent number: 10873767
    Abstract: A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Miller, William C. Fang
  • Patent number: 10856047
    Abstract: A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of set-top boxes is provided and each set-top box includes an identification corresponding to the room in which the set-top box is placed. Each set-top box includes an infrared receiver that receives an infrared signal from a proximate wireless-enabled programmable device and responsive thereto, transmits a data packet including set-top box identification and a proximate wireless-enabled programmable device identification. A server determines the location of the proximate wireless-enabled programmable device based on the data packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Patent number: 10848789
    Abstract: A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor and memory. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Raymond S. Horton, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Publication number: 20200351540
    Abstract: A set-top box with interactive features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box receives various types of set-top box data such as information about display-based interactions with the set-top box, information about a plurality of amenities on a residential property co-located with the set-top box, and information from a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device interacting with the set-top box. The set-top box may render a map view of the property based on obtained map data. The map view may include an interactive graphical representation of the residential property and be annotated with at least a portion of the set-top box data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Patent number: 10827311
    Abstract: A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device with time of arrival modeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Raymond S. Horton, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Patent number: 10827219
    Abstract: A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device with transmitted signal strength modeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Miller, William C. Fang, Vanessa Ogle
  • Publication number: 20200329274
    Abstract: A set-top box with enhanced behavioral controls and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, a wireless transceiver is located within a housing, which also interconnectedly includes a television input, a television output, a processor, and memory. The set-top box may pair with an electronic door locking apparatus coupled to a door that is room-collocated with the set-top box in a hospitality establishment. The set-top box may then receive a status signal from the electronic door locking apparatus relative to the open/closed status of the door and locked/unlocked status of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Patent number: 10798374
    Abstract: A set-top box with self-monitoring and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, a housing secures a television input, a television output, a processor, memory, and storage therein, which are communicatively interconnected by a busing architecture. The memory is accessible to the processor, and the memory includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to detect when the television is not being utilized. Responsive thereto, the instructions cause the processor to scan channels received from the television input and generate a composite TV screen image data that may be resolved to a single TV screen image made from an assemblage of TV screen image captures corresponding to the scanned channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle
  • Publication number: 20200314455
    Abstract: A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, the system includes a set-top box located in a room at a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms. The set-top box stores various types of set-top box data and transmits the set-top box data to a remote server. The remote server receives and stores the set-top box data. The server may render a map view of the hospitality establishment based on obtained map data. The map view may include a graphical representation of the room and other rooms at the hospitality establishment. The server may annotate the graphical representation of the room with at least a portion of the set-top box data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle