FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AN ENTITY”
We, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, an Indian National, of, 101, Saffron, Nr. Centre Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad-380006, Gujarat, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD:
The present invention generally relates to Set Top Box and more particularly, to systems and methods for identifying an entity such in vicinity of the set top box based on a collection of contextual data by the set top box in order to perform a set of actions.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:
The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.
Over the past few years with an advancement in the digital and wireless technologies, the TV Set-Top Boxes (STBs) are also enhanced to a great extent. Currently, the type of TV Set-Top Box (STB) most widely used is one which receives encoded/compressed digital signals from a signal source (e.g., a content provider's headend) and decodes/decompresses those signals, converting them into analog signals compatible to an analog (SDTV) television. A STB may be defined as a computerized device that processes digital information and may come in many forms and can have a variety of functions such as Digital Media Adapters, Digital Media Receivers, Windows Media Extender and most video game consoles are also examples of the set-top boxes. The STB accepts commands from user/s (often via use of remote devices such as a remote control) and transmits these commands back to the network operator which has a return path capability for two-way communication. The STB device provides satellite broadband TV services, Video on Demand, games, etc. The STB also contains communication capabilities including, but not limited to, wireless communication capabilities provided by wireless networks such as LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NB IoT, etc.
Furthermore, today a wireless network, that is widely deployed to provide various communication services such as voice, video, data, advertisement, content, messaging, broadcasts, etc. usually comprises multiple access networks and support

communications for multiple users by sharing the available network resources.
One example of such a network is the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) which is a radio access network standard meant to be a replacement of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and High-Speed Downlink Packet Access/High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA/HSUPA) technologies specified in 3GPP releases 5 and beyond. Unlike HSPA, Long Term Evolution’s (LTE's) E-UTRA is an entirely new air interface system, unrelated to and incompatible with W-CDMA. It provides higher data rates, lower latency and is optimized for packet data. The earlier UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) is the radio access network (RAN), defined as a part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a third generation (3G) mobile phone technology supported by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The UMTS, which is the successor to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technologies, currently supports various air interface standards, such as Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Time Division-Code Division Multiple Access (TD-CDMA), and Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA). The UMTS also supports enhanced 3G data communications protocols, such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), which provides higher data transfer speeds and capacity to associated UMTS networks. Furthermore, as the demand for mobile data and voice access continues to increase, research and development continue to advance the technologies not only to meet the growing demand for access, but to advance and enhance the user experience with user device. Some of the technologies that have evolved starting GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA, CDMA2000/EV-DO and TD-SCDMA radio interfaces with the 3GPP Release 8, e-UTRA is designed to provide a single evolution path for providing increases in data speeds, and spectral efficiency, and allowing the provision of more functionality.
Also, the wireless communication includes 5th generation mobile networks or 5th generation wireless systems, abbreviated 5G, the telecommunications standards beyond the current 4G LTE/ international mobile telecommunications (IMT)-advanced standards. 5G aims at higher capacity than current 4G LTE, allowing a higher density of mobile broadband users, and supporting device-to-device, ultra-reliable, and massive machine communications. 5G also aims at lower latency than 4G equipment

and lower battery consumption, for better implementation of the Internet of things (IoT) devices.
Furthermore, 3GPP has introduced Narrow Band Internet of things IoT (NB-IoT) technology in release 13. The low end IoT applications can be met with this technology. It has taken efforts to address IoT markets with completion of standardization on NB-IoT. The NB-IoT technology has been implemented in licensed bands. The licensed bands of LTE are used for exploiting this technology. This technology makes use of a minimum system bandwidth of 180 KHz i.e. one PRB (Physical Resource Block) is allocated for this technology. The NB-IOT can be seen as a separate RAT (Radio Access Technology). The NB-IOT can be deployed in 3 modes as: “in-band”, “guard band” and “standalone”. In the “in-band” operation, resource blocks present within LTE carrier are used. There are specific resource blocks reserved for synchronization of LTE signals which are not used for NB-IOT. In “guard band” operation, resource blocks between LTE carriers that are not utilized by any operator are used. In “standalone” operation, GSM frequencies are used, or possibly unused LTE bands are used. Release 13 contains important refinements like discontinuous reception (eDRX) and power save mode. The PSM (Power Save Mode) ensures battery longevity in release 12 and is completed by eDRX for devices that need to receive data more frequently.
Further, the STBs may also have communication capabilities to connect to the smart computing devices. A ‘smart computing device or user equipment (UE) or user device’ refers to any electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical computing device or equipment or a combination of one or more of the above devices. Also, a ‘smartphone’ is one type of “smart computing device” that refers to a mobility wireless cellular connectivity device that allows end users to use services on cellular networks such as including but not limited to 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and/or the like mobile broadband Internet connections with an advanced mobile operating system which combines features of a personal computer operating system with other features useful for mobile or handheld use. Also, a smart device may have one or the other type of a subscriber identity module (SIM) card to connect to a network.
Furthermore, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of devices, vehicles, home

appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which can be readable, recognizable, locatable, addressable, and controllable via an IoT communications network that enables these things to connect and exchange data, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, resulting in efficiency improvements, economic benefits, and reduced human exertions. The “Internet of things” (IoT) concept getting more and more popular, devices, such as sensors, actuators and everyday objects including the coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps and wearable devices, etc. are being increasingly looked upon as potential IoT devices. IoT involves extending internet connectivity beyond standard devices, such as desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets, to any range of traditionally dumb or non-internet-enabled physical devices and everyday objects. Embedded with technology, these devices can communicate and interact over the communication networks, and they can be remotely monitored and controlled. The term "Enterprise IoT" refers to devices used in business and corporate settings in a network of physical objects that contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their internal states or the external environment. Here, IoT refers to connected physical devices, in many cases everyday objects (things) that can communicate their status, respond to events, or even act autonomously. This enables communication among those things, closing the gap between the real and the virtual world and creating smarter processes and structures that can support user without needing their attention. IoT has evolved from the convergence of wireless technologies, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), and the Internet. An IoT device is generally provisioned with an IP address to provide it with the capability of transferring data and receive control signals over an IP network using the standard Internet protocols such as TCP/IP or UDP which is being exclusively used in the Internet.
Further, the set top boxes (STBs) via the above disclosed and the like communication capabilities receives and displays TV signals, connect to networks, play games via a game console, surf the Internet, interact with Interactive Program Guides (IPGs), virtual channels, electronic storefronts, walled gardens, sends e-mail, and videoconferences etc.. Many STBs are able to communicate in real time with devices such as camcorders, DVD and CD players, portable media devices and music

keyboards. Some STB have large dedicated hard-drives and smart card slots to insert smart cards for purchases and identification. The customer uses the STB for entertainment purposes. The users typically watch specific contents on specific channels at specific time. The user has to remember the time and channel number for playing the content every time. Also, there is an option to record content as well, however, this optionally involves connecting STB with a dedicated external hard drive and explicitly recording the desired content.
Furthermore, over a period of time the STB device has gone on a major transformation in terms of processing and capabilities but one of the major challenges in STB hub based along with IoT platform deployments is different use cases based on the detection of a person in vicinity of the set top box. Most of the known solutions rely on direct interaction for command to build the use cases which are static and closed model definition for person detection. For instance, one of the known solution provides a solution for interacting with a set-top box based on sensor events from a user device”, said solution suggests for controlling a set-top box based on sensor triggered events on a user device. The solution primarily focused on a "user device", based on "event" corresponding to one or more of its own "sensor", the user device communicates with STB to transmit a "control message". Further, one another solution suggests about a remote control unit which stores profiles and on-board sensors to authenticate a user profile. Furthermore, one other known solution suggests about remote control unit registering multiple fingerprint data and setting user preference based on personalized setting. Also, another known solution suggests for detecting a person by a method which includes: receiving a command for setting a scheduled viewing of broadcast content; recording the scheduled broadcast content; during the recording, detecting presence of a user; and determining whether to delete the recorded broadcast content based on a result of the detecting the presence of the user. According to this disclosure, "detecting presence of a user" is done via sensors that are directly connected to display apparatus. Also, the detection is done at a set frequency interval that is configurable and is applicable only when recording is ongoing.
Therefore, at present there are no solutions to the existing problems as defined above for detection of an entity such as a person at the STB along with the Gateway to

seamlessly provide different use cases without any disruption with zero downtime. Also, in the current technology landscape there are no mechanism to contextually determine presence of entities such as person(s), IoT devices, smart devices and/or pets in a room (i.e. in the vicinity of the set top box) by the other present IoT or smart devices or sensor devices connected in the premise. Also, there are no solution that can contextually determine the presence of the entity such as the person based on internal and external sensors connected to STB directly or in-directly via cloud.
Furthermore, the current solutions does not disclose elements for detection of an entity say a person by enabling the STB to connect to external smart sensors via wireless connectivity along with directly connected sensors and perform "detecting presence of an entity such as a user" through all available sensors and contextual information via cloud computing that is based on previous usage patterns. Also, there are no solutions based on the detection that indicates whether a particular entity/person is present or not based on usage pattern of specific users/entities and sensors/ smart devices data to further –
• Automatically power on and stream a specific serial/episode/movie if the entity/user is present in the vicinity of the set top box, OR
• Automatically record the specific serial/episode/movie at said time if entity /user is not present in the vicinity of the set top box.
Hence, there is a need for novel system and method for detecting presence of a specific entity such as a specific user through all available sensors and contextual information that is based on previous usage patterns, in order to perform one or more actions by the set top box.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related herewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the figures.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present

invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In order to overcome at least some of the drawbacks mentioned in the previous section and those otherwise known to persons skilled in the art, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and system/set top box for identifying a specific entity such as a specific user in vicinity of the set top box, based on a collection of contextual data, to further perform one or more actions by the set top box. Also, another object of the present invention is to provide method and system for enabling the set top box (STB) to connect to external smart sensors via wireless connectivity along with directly connected sensors to detect presence of a user through all available sensors and contextual information received via cloud computing that is based on previous patterns like; time when user enters and leaves the house; data collected on remote control operations to detect the possibility of user operating the remote control etc. Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that can automatically power on the set top box and stream a user specific serial/episode/movie if the user is present in the house/vicinity of the set top box. Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a solution that can automatically record a specific serial/episode/movie at a particular time if user is not present in the house/vicinity of the set top box. Another object of the present invention is to provide solution that helps transformation of a STB to Smart STB that contains communication capabilities including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NB IoT, etc. Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a solution that utilizes data from a remote control device having multiple sensors including but not limited to a fingerprint sensor to identify an operator whenever the STB is turned ON or OFF, a Mic sensor to identify the voice of operator, accelerometer sensor and gyroscope sensor to detect movement of remote, etc. Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a solution that provides a secure backend cloud infrastructure where all sensor information (internal and external) collected by a Smart STB is securely stored, categorized and processed using complex Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to derive patterns, user preference recognition and to provide enhanced user experience. Another object of the present invention is to

provide solution that upgrades the existing Set Top Boxes available in market that lack the capability to understand user requirement and preferences. One other object of the present invention is to provide solution that upgrades the current STB’s dumb devices with capability to stream digital signal based on the person presence and preference. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a seamless enhancement of existing Set Top Boxes for precision and decision services in the user devices independent of whether the STB and the IoT is on 5G/4G/3G/EV-Do/eHRPD capable technology. Another object of the present invention is to add value to user for content services and deliver interactive advertisements. Another object of the present invention is to add value with input rich information and technology rich digital content, serving dual purpose of enhancing user experience with low input cost and reducing ecological burden of adding additional devices for such functionality.
Furthermore, in order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention provides a method and system/set top box for identifying a specific user in vicinity of the set top box, based on a collection of contextual data by the set top box.
A first aspect of the present invention relates to the method for identifying the specific user in vicinity of the set top box, based on a collection of contextual data by the set top box. The method comprises identifying, by a processing unit of the set top box, one or more user devices in the vicinity of the set top box, wherein each of the one or more user devices are associated with one or more users. Thereafter the method encompasses receiving, by a transceiver unit of the set top box from one or more storage units, a set of pre-stored contextual information associated with the one or more users. Further the method leads to identifying, by an identification unit of the set top box, a target contextual information from the received set of pre-stored contextual information, wherein the target contextual information is associated with the specific user. The method thereafter comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit of the set top box from one or more sensors, at least one sensor data related to the one or more users. Further the method comprises identifying, by the processing unit of the set top box, the specific user from the one or more users in vicinity of the set top box based on the target contextual information and the at least one sensor data.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system i.e. a set top box for

identifying a specific user in vicinity of the set top box, based on a collection of contextual data. The set top box comprises a processing unit configured to identify, one or more user devices in the vicinity of the set top box, wherein each of the one or more user devices are associated with one or more users. Further the set top box comprises a transceiver unit configured to receive from one or more storage units, a set of pre-stored contextual information associated with the one or more users. The set top box thereafter comprises an identification unit configured to identify, a target contextual information from the received set of pre-stored contextual information, wherein the target contextual information is associated with the specific user. Further the transceiver unit is configured to receive from one or more sensors, at least one sensor data related to the one or more users. Also, the processing unit is thereafter configured to identify, the specific user from the one or more users in vicinity of the set top box based on the target contextual information and the at least one sensor data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a set top box [100] for identifying a specific user in vicinity of a set top box, based on a collection of contextual data by the set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary diagram of a set top box [200], in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram [300], depicting a method for identifying a specific user in vicinity of a set top box, based on a collection of contextual data by the set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram, depicting an instance implementation of an exemplary process of performing one or more actions based on identification of a specific user in vicinity of a set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram, depicting an instance implementation of an exemplary process of performing one or more actions based on identification of a specific user in vicinity of a set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.
The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.

Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a sequence diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a computer-program product) may be stored in a machine-readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.
The term “machine-readable storage medium” or “computer-readable storage medium” includes, but is not limited to, portable or non-portable storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other mediums capable of storing, containing, or carrying instruction(s) and/or data. A machine-readable medium may include a non-transitory medium in which data can be stored and that does not include carrier waves and/or transitory electronic signals propagating wirelessly or over wired connections. Examples of a non-transitory medium may include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, memory or memory devices. A computer-program product may include code and/or machine-executable instructions that may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc.

may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.
The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The term "data" as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks, symbols, domains,

symbol sets, representations, and any other physical form or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic or otherwise manifested. The term "data" as used to represent predetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed to encompass any and all representations of corresponding information in a different physical form or forms.
The terms "media data" and "media" as used herein mean data which is widely accessible, whether over-the-air, or via cable, satellite, network, internetwork (including the Internet), print, displayed, distributed on storage media, or by any other means or technique that is humanly perceptible, without regard to the form or content of such data, and including but not limited to audio, video, audio/video, text, images, animations, databases, broadcasts, displays (including but not limited to video displays, posters and billboards), signs, signals, web pages, print media and streaming media data.
The terms "reading" and "read" as used herein mean a process or processes that serve to recover data that has been added to, encoded in, combined with or embedded in, media data.
The term "database" as used herein means an organized body of related data, regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized body thereof is represented. For example, the organized body of related data may be in the form of one or more of a table, a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, a frame, a file, an e-mail, a message, a document, a report, a list or in any other form.
The terms "first", "second", "primary" and "secondary" are used to distinguish one element, set, data, object, step, process, function, activity or thing from another, and are not used to designate relative position, or arrangement in time or relative importance, unless otherwise stated explicitly. The terms "coupled", "coupled to", and "coupled with" as used herein each mean a relationship between or among two or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations,

processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation of any one or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.
The terms "communicate," and "communicating'' and as used herein include both conveying data from a source to a destination, and delivering data to a communications medium, system, channel, network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit and/or link to be conveyed to a destination and the term "communication" as used herein means data so conveyed or delivered. The term "communications" as used herein includes one or more of a communications medium, system, channel, network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit and link.
Moreover, terms like “user equipment” (UE), “electronic device”, “mobile station”, “user device”, “mobile subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “smartphone,” “smart computing device,” “handset,” and similar terminology refers to any electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical equipment or a combination of one or more of the above devices. Smart computing devices may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, pager, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other computing device as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art. In general, a smart computing device is a digital, user configured, computer networked device that can operate autonomously. A smart computing device is one of the appropriate systems for storing data and other private/sensitive information. The said device operates at all the seven levels of ISO reference model, but the primary function is related to the application layer along with the network, session and presentation layer with any additional features of a touch screen, apps ecosystem, physical and biometric security, etc. Further, a ‘smartphone’ is one type of “smart computing device” that refers to the mobility wireless cellular connectivity device that allows end-users to use services on

2G, 3G, 4G and the like mobile broadband Internet connections with an advanced mobile operating system which combines features of a personal computer operating system with other features useful for mobile or handheld use. These smartphones can access the Internet, have a touchscreen user interface, can run third-party apps including the capability of hosting online applications, music players and are camera phones possessing high-speed mobile broadband 4G LTE internet with video calling, hotspot functionality, motion sensors, mobile payment mechanisms and enhanced security features with alarm and alert in emergencies. Mobility devices may include smartphones, wearable devices, smart-watches, smart bands, wearable augmented devices, etc. For the sake of specificity, we will refer to the mobility device to both feature phone and smartphones in this disclosure but will not limit the scope of the disclosure and may extend to any mobility device in implementing the technical solutions. The above smart devices including the smartphone as well as the feature phone including IoT devices enable the communication on the devices. Furthermore, the foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably in the subject specification and related drawings.
As used herein, a “processor” or “processing unit” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, a low-end microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. Furthermore, the term "processor" as used herein includes, but is not limited to one or more computers, hardwired circuits, signal modifying devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, systems on a chip, systems comprised of discrete elements and/or circuits, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities and combinations of any of the foregoing. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor. The term "processor" as used herein means

processing devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems and subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, tangibly-embodied software or both, and whether or not programmable.
As used herein, “memory unit”, “storage unit” and/or “memory” refers to a machine or computer-readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computer-readable medium includes read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media. The memory unit as used herein is configured to retain data, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, and to provide such retained data to various units to perform their respective functions.
As used herein the “Transceiver Unit” may include but not limited to a transmitter to transmit data to one or more destinations and a receiver to receive data from one or more sources. Further, the Transceiver Unit may include any other similar unit obvious to a person skilled in the art, to implement the features of the present invention. The transceiver unit may convert data or information to signals and vice versa for the purpose of transmitting and receiving respectively.
The present invention provides a novel system and method for identifying a specific entity such as a specific user, IOT device, pet etc. in vicinity of a set top box, based on a collection of contextual data by the set top box. Also, the in the present invention the specific entity is explained with respect to a specific person/user, but the same is not limited to a person or a user or a human object. More specifically, for the purposes of illustration only, the present disclosure has been discussed with reference to identifying a specific user. However, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to identification of a specific user but encompasses identifying any entity as described above. Also, in the present invention contextual information associated with a user is collected based on prior consent provided by such user. Further, the contextual information is a non-personal information. The vicinity of the set top box may refer to a specific area where the set top box and/or a display device such as TV connected to the set top box is placed. Furthermore, the vicinity of the set top box may be an area up to which the set top box and/or the display device connected to the set top box is

clearly visible to the user to watch a program/event/live stream via the set top box. Furthermore, to implement the features of the present invention, in an implementation, the set top box is connected to one or more display devices such as Televisions (TV), user device/s, Remote-Control Unit (RCU) and other devices including but not limited to IoTs, sensors such as CCTV, Smart bulb, Thermostat, Smartphone, Fitness Band, Smart door-lock etc. Also, the STB is further connected to one or more secured cloud computing backend/cloud storage units for data processing and storing.
Further, a smart Set-Top-Box/Set Top Box receives, decodes and displays digital signals and also supports IP TV, gaming, etc. The Set Top Box (STB) have multiple communication interfaces like infrared (IR), Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, Cloud etc. through which it connects to devices within/outside a building including but not limited to, thermostat, smart door lock, smart bulbs, smartphones, home surveillance systems, home automation systems, smartphone, fitness band, etc. The Remote-control unit (RCU) connects to smart STB/STB including the sensors like accelerometer, mic, gyroscope, fingerprint, mic etc. via IR (InfraRed), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or any other communication mechanism that is able to transmit sensor data. Further, at the cloud storage unit, all sensor information (i.e. an information related to the internal and external sensors connected to the STB) along with other information (such as a user device or user profile related information) is securely stored, categorized and processed by the STB using complex Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) modules to derive patterns, user preference recognition to provide better user experience.
More specifically, in order to identify the specific user in vicinity of the set top box, based on the collection of contextual data by the set top box, the set top box is configured to connect to the various devices such as one or more user devices, internal and/or external sensors, remote control units, storage units (such as the cloud storage unit) and the like. Further, once all the connections are established, the set top box is configured to perform one or more checks to identify if the specific user is present in the vicinity of the set top box or not, based at least on a pre-stored contextual information received from the cloud storage unit and a sensor data of the connected sensors. In an implementation the set top box is also configured to perform

the one or more checks based on at least one of a user data associated with the one or more user devices and a data associated with the remote control unit. Thereafter, the set top box is configured to perform one or more actions based on one of a presence and an absence of the specific user in the vicinity of the set top box to provide various use cases related to automatic recording and playing of a user specific channel/program/live stream and the like contents.
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary block diagram of a set top box [100] for identifying a specific user (i.e. a specific entity) in vicinity of a set top box, based on a collection of contextual data by the set top box in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.
The set top box [100] comprises, at least one processing unit [102], at least one transceiver unit [104], at least one identification unit [106] and at least one storage unit [108]. Also, all of the components/ units of the set top box [100] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. Also, in Fig. 1 only a few units are shown, however, the set top box [100] may comprise multiple such units or the set top box [100] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
The set top box [100], is configured to identify the specific user in vicinity of the set top box, based on the collection of contextual data by the set top box, with the help of the interconnection between the components/ units of the set top box [100].
The transceiver unit [104] of the set top box [100] is configured to initiate a connection between the set top box [100] and at least one of one or more user devices, one or more sensors and one or more storage units. Also in an implementation the one or more user devices are connected to the set top box [100] via at least one of a wired and a wireless connection. Also, the one or more sensors comprises at least one of one or more internal sensors of the set top box and one or more externally connected sensors of the set top box. In an implementation the one or more sensors may also

include sensor/s present in a remote control unit (RCU) connected to the set top box [100]. More particularly, in an example the one or more sensors may include but not limited to smart door-lock sensors, smart bulb sensors, motion sensors, camera sensors, thermostat sensors, microphone sensors, thermal sensors, pressure sensors, sensors present in a smartphone, a smart/fitness watch, a smart TV and/or the like smart devices connected to the set top box. The one or more sensors are connected to the set top box via one or more communication interfaces such as IR (infrared), Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, Cloud etc. Further, in an implementation the one or more storage units comprises one or more cloud storage units. The cloud storage unit/s are connected to the one or more sensors and the set top box [100] via one or more wireless communication mediums. Also, in the cloud storage unit/s, a data received from the one or more sensors is securely stored, categorized and processed using complex Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to derive users’ contextual information such as user patterns, user preferences and to provide enhanced user experience.
Once the set top box [100] is connected to at least one of the one or more user devices, the one or more sensors, the one or more RCU and the one or more storage units, the processing unit [102] of the set top box is configured to identify, one or more user devices in the vicinity of the set top box [100], wherein each of the one or more user devices are associated with one or more users. In an implementation, the processing unit [102] is configured to identify the one or more user devices in the vicinity of the set top box [100] based on an information related to the one or more user devices connected to the set top box [100], for example based on a strength of signals and/or a type of connectivity such as a wired or wireless connection between a user device and the STB [100] the processing unit [102] is configured to identify the one or more user devices in the vicinity of the set top box [100]. Further, the vicinity of the set top box may refer to a specific area where the set top box and/or a display device such as TV connected to the set top box is placed. Furthermore, the vicinity of the set top box may be an area up to which the set top box and/or a display device connected to the set top box is clearly visible to the user to watch a program/event/live stream via the set top box.

Thereafter, the transceiver unit [104] of the set top box [100] is configured to receive from one or more storage units (i.e. the one or more cloud storage units), a set of pre-stored contextual information associated with the one or more users. The set of pre-stored contextual information comprises a contextual information associated with each of the one or more users. Further the contextual information comprises a usage pattern related to a user activity for example a time a user usually leaves home, a time the user usually comes back home, one or more digital programs, channels and/or media application the user usually watches, a time the user usually watches a display device connected to the set top box [100] and other such usage pattern related to various user activities monitored via one or more sensors/IoT devices. Also, in an implementation at the one or more cloud storage units, the processing unit [102] is configured to categorize and process the data received from the one or more sensors using AI and ML to derive the contextual information associated with each of the one or more users such as user patterns, user preferences and the like.
Thereafter, the identification unit [106] configured to identify, a target contextual information from the received set of pre-stored contextual information, wherein the target contextual information is associated with the specific user. For example, if a set of pre-stored contextual information comprises a contextual information of 5 users of 5 user devices connected to the set top box, in such scenario a target contextual information from the contextual information of 5 users is identified by the identification unit [106] and such target contextual information is associated with one of a specific user from the 5 users.
Thereafter, the transceiver unit [104] is configured to receive from the one or more sensors, at least one sensor data related to the one or more users. The sensor data further provides an information related to one of a presence and an absence of the one or more users in an area such as in the vicinity of the set top box. For example, the sensor data may include but not limited to a data received from at least one of smart door locked sensor, a microphone sensor, a camera sensor, a smart bulb sensor, a smart AC sensor, a smart TV sensor, a remote control unit, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor and the like.

Thereafter the processing unit [102] is configured to identify, the specific user from one or more users in vicinity of the set top box based on the target contextual information and the at least one sensor data. For example, if a target contextual information of a user 1 (i.e. a usage pattern related to a user 1’s activities) is identified and at least one sensor data is received, the processing unit [102] is configured to identify the user 1 based on the target contextual information of the user 1 and the at least one sensor data. More particularly, if the target contextual information of the user 1 indicates that a user 1 in between 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM usually present in a room where the set top box is placed, and a camera, microphone and/or the like sensor data indicates two users are present in said room between 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the processing unit in such instance identifies the user 1 in said room based on the target contextual information of the user 1 and the sensor data of the camera, microphone and/or the like sensors. Furthermore, for the purposes of illustration only, the present disclosure has been discussed with reference to identifying a specific user. However, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to identification of a specific user/person/human object but encompasses identifying any entity such as an IOT device, pet, etc. Also, in the present invention contextual information/information associated with a user is collected based on prior consent provided by such user. Further, the contextual information is a non-personal information.
Further, the processing unit [102] is configured to identify a usage information of the specific user based on the identification of the specific user and the target contextual information associated with the identified specific user. The usage information includes but not limited to one or more specific user preferred channels, programs, live streams, media contents and the like data streamed by the set top box [100], a time related to said one or more specific user preferred channels, programs, live streams, media contents etc. and the similar specific user preferred information related to one or more contents streamed via the set top box. Furthermore, in an example, if a user 1 and a target contextual information associated with the user 1 is identified, the usage information may include but not limited to user 1’s favorite contents streamed via the set top box, a time of streaming of said user 1’s favorite contents and the like.

Furthermore, the target contextual information comprises a pattern of usage associated with the specific user to determine the usage information. The pattern of usage is further based on an identification of the specific user based on the at least one sensor data, a data received from a user device of said specific user and a data associated with a pre-stored user profile of said specific user. For example, the pattern of usage associated with a user 1 is determined based on an identification of the user 1, wherein said identification is based at least on the at least one sensor data such as a camera sensor data, a microphone sensor data and the like. Also, the pattern of usage associated with the user 1 is further determined based on a data of the user 1’s user device connected to the set top box, for instance the pattern of usage associated with the user 1 is determined based on an identification of the user 1 and one or more user 1 preferred applications based on the user 1’s user device data. Further, the pattern of usage associated with the user 1 is also determined based on a pre-stored user profile of the user 1, for example, information related to user 1 preferred contents streamed via the set top box is identified based on the user profile of the user 1 stored at the set top box and/or the one or more cloud storage units.
Further the processing unit [102] is configured to identify one of a presence of the specific user and an absence of the specific user in the vicinity of the set top box. More specifically, the processing unit [102] is configured to identify, the specific user from the one or more users in vicinity of the set top box to further identify one of the presence of the specific user and the absence of the specific user in the vicinity of the set top box. Once the presence or the absence of the specific user in the vicinity of the set top box is identified, the processing unit [102] is configured to perform a set of actions based on the usage information and one of the presence and the absence of the specific user.
The processing unit [102] is configured to perform a first set of actions based on the usage information and the presence of the specific user wherein the first set of actions comprises at least one of automatically switching ON the set top box, in an event the set top box is in a power off state, automatically starting at least one of a specific user preferred program and a specific user preferred channel, displaying a notification of an upcoming specific user preferred program on the specific user preferred channel and automatically adjusting a volume level of the set top box. For example, if a

presence of a user 1 is identified in the vicinity of the set top box, the processing unit [102] is configured to automatically switch on the set top box and/or a display device connected to the set top box in an event such set top box and/or the display device is in a power off state. In an implementation the power off state of the set top box refers to a state where only those units/components of the set top box are powered on which are required to perform the functions of the present invention. Thereafter, the processing unit [102] is configured to automatically start at least one of a user 1 preferred program and a user 1 preferred channel based on the usage information of the user 1. Also, in an event the set top box is in a power on state the processing unit [102] is directly configured to automatically start at least one of the user 1 preferred program and the user 1 preferred channel based on the usage information of the user 1. Further, in the said example the processing unit [102] is also configured to display a notification of an upcoming user 1 preferred program on the user 1 preferred channel and also to automatically adjust a volume level of the set top box based on the usage information of the user 1.
Also, the processing unit [102] is configured to perform a second set of actions based on the usage information and the absence of the specific user, wherein the second set of actions comprises at least one of automatically switching ON the set top box, in an event the set top box is in a power off state, automatically recording at least one of the specific user preferred program and the specific user preferred channel and transmitting at the user device of the specific user, a notification indicating automatic recording. For example, if an absence of a user 1 is identified in the vicinity of the set top box, the processing unit [102] is configured to automatically switch on the set top box in an event such set top box is in a power off state. In an implementation the power off state of the set top box refers to a state where only those units/components of the set top box are powered on which are required to perform the functions of the present invention and rest of the units are powered off. Thereafter, the processing unit [102] is configured to automatically record at least one of a user 1 preferred program and a user 1 preferred channel based on the usage information of the user 1. Also, in an event the set top box is in a power on state the processing unit [102] is directly configured to automatically record at least one of the user 1 preferred program and the user 1 preferred channel based on the usage information of the user

1. Further, in the said example the processing unit [102] is also configured to transmit a notification indicating automatic recording at a user device of the user 1.
Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary diagram of a set top box [200], in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. The set top box [200] as indicated in the Figure 2, depicts units/components additional to units/components disclosed in the Figure 1.
More particularly, as shown in Figure 2, the set top box [200] comprises, at least one processing unit [102], at least one transceiver unit [104], at least one identification unit [106], at least one storage unit [108], at least one power management unit [202], at least one remote control interface [204], at least one video decoder [206], at least one audio decoder [208], at least internal sensor interface [210] and at least one external sensor interface [212]. All of the components/ units of the set top box [200] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. Also, in Fig. 2 only a few units are shown, however, the set top box [200] may comprise multiple such units or the set top box [200] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. The set top box [200] is configured to identify the specific user in vicinity of the set top box, based on the collection of contextual data by the set top box [200], with the help of the interconnection between the components/ units of the set top box [200].
Furthermore, the power management unit [202] is configured to manage a power source or a power on/off state of the units/components of the set top box [200]. Also, the remote control interface [204] is configured to provide an interface to remotely connect the set top box [200] with one or more remote devices/sensors. The video decoder [206] and the audio decoder [208] are configured to decode an encoded video and audio digital contents respectively, to stream at least one digital content via the set top box [200]. Further, internal sensor interface [210] and the external sensor interface [212] are configured to provide an interface to connect to the one or more internal sensor and one or more external sensors respectively, with the set top box [200].
Further, the processing unit [102], the transceiver unit [104], the identification unit [106] and the storage unit [108] of the set top box [200] are configured to operate in

a similar manner as disclosed above in Figure 1, to implement the features of the present invention.
Referring to Figure 3, an exemplary method flow diagram [300], depicting a method for identifying a specific user (i.e. a specific entity) in vicinity of a set top box, based on a collection of contextual data by the set top box in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. As shown in Figure 3, the method starts at step [302].
The method comprises initiating, by a transceiver unit [104] of the set top box, a connection between the set top box and at least one of one or more user devices, one or more sensors and one or more storage units. Also in an implementation the one or more user devices are connected to the set top box [100] via at least one of a wired and a wireless connection. Also, the one or more sensors comprises at least one of one or more internal sensors of the set top box [100] and one or more sensors externally connected with the set top box [100]. In an implementation the one or more sensors may also include sensor/s present in a remote control unit (RCU) connected to the set top box [100]. More particularly, in an example the one or more sensors may include but not limited to accelerometer sensors, gyroscope sensors, motion sensors, camera sensors, proximity sensors, thermostat sensors, microphone sensors, pressure sensors, infrared sensors, optical sensors, sensors present in at least one of a smartphone, a smart/fitness watch, a smart TV and/or the like smart/IoT devices connected to the set top box. The one or more sensors are connected to the set top box via one or more communication interfaces such as IR (infrared), Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, Cloud etc. Further, in an implementation the one or more storage units comprises one or more cloud storage units. The cloud storage unit/s are connected to the one or more sensors and the set top box [100] via one or more wireless communication mediums. Also, in the cloud storage unit/s, a data received from the one or more sensors is securely stored, categorized and processed using complex Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to derive users’ contextual information such as user patterns, user preferences and to provide enhanced user experience.

Thereafter, at step [304] the method comprises identifying, by a processing unit [102] of the set top box, one or more user devices in the vicinity of the set top box [100], wherein each of the one or more user devices are associated with one or more users. In an implementation, the method encompasses identifying by the processing unit [102], the one or more user devices in the vicinity of the set top box [100] based on an information related to the one or more user devices connected to the set top box [100]. For example the method comprises identifying by the processing unit [102], the one or more user devices in the vicinity of the set top box [100] based on an information related to a type of a wired or wireless connection between a user device and the STB [100], such as a signal strength of a Bluetooth connection, an infrared connection, a Wi-Fi connection and the like. Further, the vicinity of the set top box may refer to a specific area where the set top box and/or a display device such as TV connected to the set top box is placed. Furthermore, the vicinity of the set top box may be an area up to which the set top box and/or a display device connected to the set top box is clearly visible to the user to watch a program/event/live stream and the like content via the set top box.
Next at step [306] the method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit [104] of the set top box from one or more storage units, a set of pre-stored contextual information associated with the one or more users, wherein in an implementation the one or more storage units are one or more cloud storage units. The set of pre-stored contextual information comprises a contextual information associated with each of the one or more users. Further the contextual information comprises a usage pattern related to a user activity for example a time a user usually listens to music, a time the user usually power on smart lights, smart fans, smart AC and the like smart devices, one or more digital programs, channels and/or media application the user usually watches, a time the user usually watches a display device connected to the set top box [100] and other such usage pattern related to various user activities monitored via one or more sensors/IoT devices. Also, in an implementation at the one or more cloud storage units, the method also encompasses categorizing and processing the data received from the one or more sensors using AI and ML to derive the contextual information associated with each of the one or more users such as user patterns, user preferences and the like.

Further at step [308] the method comprises identifying, by an identification unit [106] of the set top box [100], a target contextual information from the received set of pre-stored contextual information, wherein the target contextual information is associated with the specific user. For example, if a set of pre-stored contextual information comprises a contextual information of 4 users of 4 user devices connected to the set top box [100], in such scenario the method encompasses identifying by the identification unit [106], a target contextual information from the contextual information of 4 users, wherein such target contextual information is associated with one of a specific user from the 4 users.
Thereafter at step [310] the method comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit [104] of the set top box from one or more sensors, at least one sensor data related to the one or more users. The sensor data further provides an information related to one of a presence and an absence of the one or more users in an area such as in the vicinity of the set top box. For example, the sensor data may include but not limited to a data received from at least one of smart door locked sensor, a microphone sensor, a camera sensor, an infrared sensor, a smart bulb sensor, a smart AC’s sensor, a smart TV’s sensor, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a remote control unit comprising one or more sensors and the like.
Next at step [312] the method comprises identifying, by the processing unit [102] of the set top box, the specific user from the one or more users in vicinity of the set top box [100] based on the target contextual information and the at least one sensor data. For example, if a target contextual information of a user 1 (i.e. a usage pattern related to a user 1’s activities) is identified and at least one sensor data is received, the method encompasses identifying by the processing unit [102], the user 1 based on the target contextual information of the user 1 and the at least one sensor data. More particularly, if the target contextual information of the user 1 indicates that a user 1 around 9:00 PM usually powers on a light in a room where the set top box is placed, and a sensor data indicates two users are present in said room around 9:00 PM, the method in such instance encompasses identifying by the processing unit [102], the user 1 in said room based on the target contextual information of the user 1 and the sensor data. Furthermore, for the purposes of illustration only, the present disclosure has been discussed with reference to identifying a specific user. However, the scope

of the disclosure is not limited to identification of a specific user/person/human object but encompasses identifying any entity such as an IOT device, pet, etc. Also, in the present invention contextual information/information associated with a user is collected based on prior consent provided by such user. Further, the contextual information is a non-personal information.
Further the method comprises identifying by the processing unit [102], a usage information of the specific user based on the identification of the specific user and the target contextual information associated with the identified specific user. The usage information includes but not limited to one or more specific user preferred channels, programs, live streams, media contents and the like data streamed by the set top box [100], a time related to said one or more specific user preferred channels, programs, live streams, media contents etc. and the similar specific user preferred information related to one or more contents streamed via the set top box. Furthermore, in an example, if a user 1 and a target contextual information associated with the user 1 is identified, the usage information may include but not limited to user 1’s favorite contents streamed via the set top box, a time of streaming of said user 1’s favorite contents and the like.
Also, the target contextual information further comprises a pattern of usage associated with the specific user to determine the usage information. The pattern of usage is further based on an identification of the specific user based on the at least one sensor data, a data received from a user device of said specific user and a data associated with a pre-stored user profile of said specific user. For example, the pattern of usage associated with a user 1 is determined based on an identification of the user 1, wherein said identification is based at least on the at least one sensor data such as a fingerprint sensor data, a microphone sensor data and the like. Also, the pattern of usage associated with the user 1 is further determined based on a data of the user 1’s user device connected to the set top box, for instance the pattern of usage associated with the user 1 is determined based on an identification of the user 1 and one or more user 1 preferred applications based on the user 1’s user device data. Further, the pattern of usage associated with the user 1 is also determined based on a pre-stored user profile of the user 1, for example, information related to user 1 preferred

contents streamed via the set top box is identified based on the user profile of the user 1 stored at the set top box [100] and/or the one or more cloud storage units.
Also, the process of identifying, by the processing unit [102] of the set top box [100], the specific user further comprises identifying one of a presence of the specific user and an absence of the specific user in the vicinity of the set top box. Once the presence or the absence of the specific user in the vicinity of the set top box is identified, the method encompasses performing by the processing unit [102], a set of actions based on the usage information and one of the presence and the absence of the specific user.
More specifically, the method comprises performing a first set of actions by the processing unit [102] based on the usage information and the presence of the specific user. The first set of actions comprises at least one of automatically switching ON the set top box in an event the set top box is in a power off state, automatically starting at least one of a specific user preferred program and a specific user preferred channel, displaying a notification of an upcoming specific user preferred program on the specific user preferred channel and automatically adjusting a volume level of the set top box. For example, if a presence of a user 1 is identified in the vicinity of the set top box, the method encompasses automatically switching on by the processing unit [102], the set top box and/or a display device connected to the set top box in an event such set top box and/or the display device is in a power off state. In an implementation the power off state of the set top box refers to a state where only those units/components of the set top box are powered on which are required to perform the functions of the present invention and rest of the units/components are powered off. Thereafter, the method comprises automatically starting by the processing unit [102], at least one of a user 1 preferred program and a user 1 preferred channel based on the usage information of the user 1. Also, in an event the set top box is in a power on state the method via the processing unit [102] directly starts at least one of the user 1 preferred program and the user 1 preferred channel based on the usage information of the user 1. Further, in the said example the method also comprises displaying by the processing unit [102], a notification of an upcoming user 1 preferred program on the user 1 preferred channel. Also the method encompasses

automatically adjusting by the processing unit [102], a volume level of the set top box based on the usage information of the user 1.
Further, the method further comprises performing a second set of actions by the processing unit [102] based on the usage information and the absence of the specific user, wherein the second set of actions comprises at least one of automatically switching ON the set top box in an event the set top box is in a power off state, automatically recording at least one of the specific user preferred program and the specific user preferred channel, and transmitting at the user device of the specific user, a notification indicating automatic recording. For example, if an absence of a user 1 is identified in the vicinity of the set top box, the method encompasses automatically switching on by the processing unit [102], the set top box in an event such set top box is in the power off state. Thereafter, the method via the processing unit [102] encompasses automatically recording at least one of a user 1 preferred program and a user 1 preferred channel based on the usage information of the user 1. Also, in an event the set top box is in the power on state the method comprises is automatically recording by the processing unit [102], at least one of the user 1 preferred program and the user 1 preferred channel based on the usage information of the user 1. Further, in said example, the method also comprises transmitting by the processing unit [102], a notification indicating automatic recording at a user device of the user 1.
The method thereafter terminates at step [314].
Referring to Figure 4, an exemplary flow diagram, depicting an instance implementation of an exemplary process of performing one or more actions based on identification of a specific user in vicinity of a set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. As shown in Figure 4, the method starts at step [402].
At step [404], the set top box (STB) is powered on. Once the STB is powered on, at step [406], the STB connects to all available sensors including internal sensors, external sensors and RCU (Remote Control Unit). In an implementation the STB also connects to one or more user devices. Also, the STB thereafter connects to one or more cloud storage units to receive a set of pre-stored contextual data related to one

or more users. After establishing all the connections, the STB [100], based on the contextual information received from the one or more cloud storage units, is configured to perform one or more checks to decide if user1 is present or not in a room where the set top box is placed to display media contents. Further to perform the one or more checks, the method leads to step [408].
At step [408], if the smart door-lock sensor is connected, the method encompasses checking if the smart door/door is locked or not. If the door is locked and no other sensors are enabled, then STB considers user1 is not in the house and the method leads to step [430], otherwise the method leads to step [410].
At step [410], if a smartphone and/or fitness band is connected, the method leads to step [412] to check its signal strength to decide if user1 is in the same room or not. Thereafter, if the user 1 is identified to be in the same room based on the signal strength the method leads to step [438]. Otherwise the method leads to step [414].
At step [414], if a motion sensor/camera sensor is connected, the method based on said sensor’s information, decide if user1 is in the same room or not. If the user 1 is identified to be in the same room the method leads to step [438] via step [416]. At step [416] the method based on the motion sensor/camera sensor information, decides if user1 is in the other room or not. If the user 1 is identified in the other room and user1 is not identified in the same room, the method leads to step [418]. Otherwise the method leads to step [438].
At step [418], if a smart bulb sensor is connected, the method based on which bulb is activated, decides if user1 is in the same room or not. If the user 1 is identified to be in the same room the method leads to step [438] via step [420]. At step [420] the method based on an activation of a smart bulb in other room, decides if user1 is in the other room or not. If the user 1 is identified in the other room and user1 is not identified in the same room, the method leads to step [422]. Otherwise the method leads to step [438].
At step [422], if a thermostat sensor is connected, the method based on based on which thermostat sensor is activated, decide if user1 is in the same room or not. If the user 1 is identified to be in the same room the method leads to step [438] via step

[424]. At step [424] the method based on an activation of an AC/ thermostat sensor in other room, decides if user1 is in the other room or not. If the user 1 is identified in the other room and user1 is not identified in the same room, the method leads to step [426]. Otherwise the method leads to step [438].
At step [426], if a mic sensor interface is connected, the method based on voice samples received from mic input, decide if user1 is in the same room or not. If one or more voice samples received on the mic sensor, the method leads to step [428], otherwise the method leads to step [430]. At step [428] if the voice of user1 is identified the method leads to step [438], otherwise the method leads to step [430].
Thereafter the step [430] indicates that the user1 is not in the same room and the method leads to step [432]. Also, the step [438] indicates that the user1 is in the same room and the method leads to step [440]. Furthermore, the method to detect if user1 is in the same room or not is not restricted to above sensors only and other sensors, including but not limited to, pressure sensor, thermal sensor, sensors on RCU and TV, etc. can also be used. Also, in an implementation the logic to detect if user1 is in same room, is a combination of data from multiple sensor’s (for e.g.: smart bulb, thermostat, motion sensor) or from a single sensor (e.g.: camera or smartphone or fitness band). Furthermore, the method also encompasses detecting presence of multiple person(s) in the room based on above steps.
Further after detecting an absence of the user1 at step [430], the method leads to step [432]. At step [432] the method comprises detecting if a current time is a timing of user1’s favorite channel based on a usage information of the user1. In an event the current time is a timing of user1’s favorite channel the method leads to step [434] otherwise the method leads to step [436]. At step [436] no action is performed by the set top box and at step [434] the method encompasses starting auto recording of the user1’s favorite channel by the set top box. More specifically, at step [434], if the set top box is in a switched OFF state, it automatically switch ON itself and starts auto-recording of the preferred channel content. Also if the STB is in switched ON state, it automatically starts auto-recording the preferred channel content. Also, optionally the method encompasses sending notification to user1 on smartphone to provide indication about auto-recording.

Further after detecting a presence of the user1 at step [438], the method leads to step [440]. At step [440] the method comprises detecting if a current time is a timing of user1’s favorite channel based on a usage information of the user1. In an event the current time is a timing of user1’s favorite channel the method leads to step [442] otherwise the method leads to step [436]. At step [436] no action is performed by the set top box and at step [442] the method encompasses starting the user1’s favorite channel by the set top box. More specifically, at step [442], if
the STB is in a switched OFF state, it automatically switches ON itself and a connected TV and sets channel to preferred number and sets volume accordingly. Also, if the STB is in a switched ON state, it automatically sets channel to preferred number and optionally displays notification to user.
The method thereafter terminates at step [444].
Referring to Figure 5, an exemplary flow diagram, depicting an instance implementation of an exemplary process of performing one or more actions based on identification of a specific user in vicinity of a set top box in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. As shown in Figure 5 the method starts at step [502].
At step [504], the set top box (STB) is powered on. Once the STB is powered on, at step [506], the STB connects to all available sensors including internal sensors, external sensors and RCU (Remote Control Unit). In an implementation the STB also connects to one or more user devices. Also, the STB thereafter connects to one or more cloud storage units to receive a set of pre-stored contextual data related to one or more users. After establishing all the connections, the STB [100], based on the contextual information received from the one or more cloud storage units, is configured to perform one or more checks to decide if user1 is present or not in a room where the set top box is placed to display media contents. Further to perform the one or more checks, the method leads to step [508].
Thereafter at step [508] the method encompasses identifying if user 1 is operating the remote control unit based on one or more sensors including but not limited to fingerprint sensor, accelerometer sensor, gyroscope sensor, mic for voice commands,

camera sensor and the like placed in the RCU. In an event the user 1 is identified to be operating the remote control unit, the method leads to step [510] otherwise the method leads to step [512].
At step [510], the method comprises detecting if a current time is a timing of user1’s favorite channel based on a usage information of the user1. In an event the current time is a timing of user1’s favorite channel the method leads to step [516] otherwise the method leads to step [514]. At step [514] no action is performed by the set top box and at step [516] the method encompasses providing notification/indication on the STB-TV about the upcoming preferred serial/movie on preferred channel.
Further at step [512], it is indicated that the user is not identified in the same room where the STB is placed. Thereafter the method leads to step [518] and at step [518] the method comprises detecting if a current time is a timing of user1’s favorite channel based on the usage information of the user1. In an event the current time is a timing of user1’s favorite channel the method leads to step [520] otherwise the method leads to step [522]. At step [520] no action is performed by the set top box and at step [522] the method encompasses automatically starting by the set top box, auto-recording of the preferred channel content and optionally sending a notification to the user 1 on smartphone to provide indication about the auto-recording.
The method thereafter terminates at step [524].
Thus, the present invention provides a novel solution for identifying a specific user in vicinity of a set top box, based on a collection of contextual data by the set top box, in order to perform one or more actions by the set top box to provide various use cases. Also, the present invention provides a solution that automatically switch on and stream a user specific serial/episode/movie if the user is present in the house/near the set top box. Also, the present invention provides a solution that automatically records the user specific serial/episode/movie, if the user is not present in the house/near the set top box. Furthermore, the present invention provides a solution that helps to transformation a STB to a Smart STB that contains communication capabilities including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NB IoT, etc.

Further, the systems/units depicted in some of the figures may be provided in various configurations. In some embodiments, the systems may be configured as a distributed system where one or more components of the system are distributed across one or more networks in a cloud computing system.
A network may be set up to provide an access device user with access to various devices connected to the network. For example, a network may include one or more network devices that provide a user with the ability to remotely configure or control the network devices themselves or one or more electronic devices (e.g., appliances) connected to the network devices. The electronic devices may be located within an environment or a venue that can support the network. An environment can include, for example, a home, an office, a business, an automobile, a park, or the like. A network may include one or more gateways that allow client devices (e.g., network devices, access devices, or the like) to access the network by providing wired connections and/or wireless connections using radio frequency channels in one or more frequency bands. The one or more gateways may also provide the client devices with access to one or more external networks, such as a cloud network, the Internet, and/or other wide area networks.
A local area network, such as a user's home local area network, can include multiple network devices that provide various functionalities. Network devices may be accessed and controlled using an access device and/or one or more network gateways. One or more gateways in the local area network may be designated as a primary gateway that provides the local area network with access to an external network. The local area network can also extend outside of the user's home/building and may include network devices located outside of the user's home/building. For instance, the local area network can include network devices such as exterior motion sensors, exterior lighting (e.g., porch lights, walkway lights, security lights, or the like), garage door openers, sprinkler systems, or other network devices that are exterior to the user's home. It is desirable for a user to be able to access the network devices while located within the local area network and also while located remotely from the local area network. For example, a user may access the network devices using an access device within the local area network or remotely from the local area network.

In some embodiments, a user may create an account with login information that is used to authenticate the user and allow access to the network devices. For example, once an account is created, a user may enter the login information in order to access a network device in a logical network.
In some embodiments, an accountless authentication process may be performed so that the user can access one or more network devices within a logical network without having to enter network device login credentials each time access is requested. While located locally within the local area network, an access device may be authenticated based on the access device's authentication with the logical network. For example, if the access device has authorized access to the logical network (e.g., a WiFi network provided by a gateway), the network devices paired with that logical network may allow the access device to connect to them without requiring a login. Accordingly, only users of access devices that have authorization to access the logical network are authorized to access network devices within the logical network, and these users are authorized without having to provide login credentials for the network devices.
An accountless authentication process may also be performed when the user is remote so that the user can access network devices within the logical network, using an access device, without having to enter network device login credentials. While remote, the access device may access the network devices in the local area network using an external network, such as a cloud network, the Internet, or the like. One or more gateways may provide the network devices and/or access device connected to the local area network with access to the external network. To allow accountless authentication, a cloud network server may provide a network ID and/or one or more keys to a network device and/or to the access device (e.g., running an application, program, or the like). In some cases, a unique key may be generated for the network device and a separate unique key may be generated for the access device. The keys may be specifically encrypted with unique information identifiable only to the network device and the access device. The network device and the access device may be authenticated using the network ID and/or each device's corresponding key each time the network device or access device attempts to access the cloud network server.
In some embodiments, a home local area network may include a single gateway, such

as a router. A network device within the local area network may pair with or connect to the gateway and may obtain credentials from the gateway. For example, when the network device is powered on, a list of gateways that are detected by the network device may be displayed on an access device (e.g., via an application, program, or the like installed on and executed by the access device). In this example, only the single gateway is included in the home local area network (e.g., any other displayed gateways may be part of other local area networks). In some embodiments, only the single gateway may be displayed (e.g., when only the single gateway is detected by the network device). A user may select the single gateway as the gateway with which the network device is to pair and may enter login information for accessing the gateway. The login information may be the same information that was originally set up for accessing the gateway (e.g., a network user name and password, a network security key, or any other appropriate login information). The access device may send the login information to the network device and the network device may use the login information to pair with the gateway. The network device may then obtain the credentials from the gateway. The credentials may include a service set identification (SSID) of the home local area network, a media access control (MAC) address of the gateway, and/or the like. The network device may transmit the credentials to a server of a wide area network, such as a cloud network server. In some embodiments, the network device may also send to the server information relating to the network device (e.g., MAC address, serial number, or the like) and/or information relating to the access device (e.g., MAC address, serial number, application unique identifier, or the like).
The cloud network server may register the gateway as a logical network and may assign the first logical network a network identifier (ID). The cloud network server may further generate a set of security keys, which may include one or more security keys. For example, the server may generate a unique key for the network device and a separate unique key for the access device. The server may associate the network device and the access device with the logical network by storing the network ID and the set of security keys in a record or profile. The cloud network server may then transmit the network ID and the set of security keys to the network device. The network device may store the network ID and its unique security key. The network

device may also send the network ID and the access device's unique security key to the access device. In some embodiments, the server may transmit the network ID and the access device's security key directly to the access device. The network device and the access device may then communicate with the cloud server using the network ID and the unique key generated for each device. Accordingly, the access device may perform accountless authentication to allow the user to remotely access the network device via the cloud network without logging in each time access is requested. Also, the network device can communicate with the server regarding the logical network.
In some embodiments, a local area network may include multiple gateways (e.g., a router and a range extender) and multiple network devices. For example, a local area network may include a first gateway paired with a first network device, and a second gateway paired with a second network device. In the event credentials for each gateway are used to create a logical network, a server (e.g., a cloud network server) may register the first gateway as a first logical network and may register the second gateway as a second logical network. The server may generate a first network ID and a first set of security keys for the first logical network. The first set of security keys may include a unique security key for the first network device and a unique security key for the access device for use in accessing the first network device on the first logical network. The server may register the second gateway as the second logical network due to differences in the credentials between the first gateway and second gateway. The server may assign the second gateway a second network ID and may generate a second set of security keys. For example, the server may generate a unique security key for the second network device and may generate a unique security key for the access device for use in accessing the second network device on the second logical network. The server may associate the first network device and the access device with the first logical network by storing the first network ID and the first set of security keys in a first record or profile. The server may also associate the second network device and the access device with the second logical network by storing the second network ID and the second set of security keys in a record or profile. The server may then transmit the first network ID and the first set of security keys to the first network device and may transmit the second network ID and the second set of security keys to the second network device. The two network devices may store the

respective network ID and set of security keys of the gateway with which each network device is connected. Each network device may send the respective network ID and the access device's unique security key to the access device. The network devices and the access device may then communicate with the cloud server using the respective network ID and the unique key generated for each device.
Accordingly, when multiple gateways are included in the home local area network, multiple logical networks associated with different network identifiers may be generated for the local area network. When the access device is located within range of both gateways in the local area network, there is no problem accessing both network devices due to the ability of the access device to perform local discovery techniques (e.g., universal plug and play (UPnP)). However, when the user is located remotely from the local area network, the access device may only be associated with one logical network at a time, which prevents the access device from accessing network devices of other logical networks within the local area network.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented merely as illustrative of the invention and not as limitation.

We Claim:
1. A method for identifying a specific user, based on a collection of contextual
data by set top box, the method comprising:
- identifying, by a processing unit [102] of the set top box, one or more user devices in vicinity of the set top box, wherein each of the one or more user devices are associated with one or more users;
- receiving, by a transceiver unit [104] of the set top box from one or more storage units, a set of pre-stored contextual information associated with the one or more users;
- identifying, by an identification unit [106] of the set top box, a target contextual information from the received set of pre-stored contextual information, wherein the target contextual information is associated with the specific user;
- receiving, by the transceiver unit [104] of the set top box from one or more sensors, at least one sensor data related to the one or more users; and
- identifying, by the processing unit [102] of the set top box, the specific user from the one or more users in vicinity of the set top box based on the target contextual information and the at least one sensor data.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, the method comprises initiating, by the transceiver unit [104] of the set top box, a connection between the set top box and at least one of the one or more user devices, the one or more sensors and the one or more storage units.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, the method further comprises identifying by the processing unit [102], a usage information of the specific user based on:
- the identification of the specific user; and

- the target contextual information associated with the identified
specific user.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the target contextual information further comprises a pattern of usage associated with the specific user.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pattern of usage is further based on an identification of the specific user based on the at least one sensor data, a data received from a user device of said specific user and a data associated with a pre-stored user profile of said specific user.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein identifying, by the processing unit [102] of the set top box, the specific user further comprises identifying one of a presence of the specific user and an absence of the specific user in the vicinity of the set top box.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, the method further comprises performing a first set of actions by the processing unit [102] based on the usage information and the presence of the specific user wherein the first set of actions comprises at least one of:

- automatically switching ON the set top box, in an event the set top box is in a power off state;
- automatically starting at least one of a specific user preferred program and a specific user preferred channel;
- displaying a notification of an upcoming specific user preferred program on the specific user preferred channel; and
- automatically adjusting a volume level of the set top box.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, the method further comprises performing
a second set of actions by the processing unit [102] based on the usage
information and the absence of the specific user, wherein the second set of
actions comprises at least one of:

- automatically switching ON the set top box, in an event the set top box is in a power off state;
- automatically recording at least one of the specific user preferred program and the specific user preferred channel; and
- transmitting at the user device of the specific user, a notification indicating automatic recording.
9. A system for identifying a specific user, based on a collection of contextual
data by set top box comprising:
- a processing unit [102] configured to identify, one or more user devices in vicinity of the set top box, wherein each of the one or more user devices are associated with one or more users;
- a transceiver unit [104] configured to receive from one or more storage units, a set of pre-stored contextual information associated with the one or more users;
- an identification unit [106] configured to identify, a target contextual information from the received set of pre-stored contextual information, wherein the target contextual information is associated with the specific user; wherein:
the transceiver unit [104] is further configured to receive from one or more sensors, at least one sensor data related to the one or more users, and
the processing unit [102] is further configured to identify, the specific user from the one or more users in vicinity of the set top box based on the target contextual information and the at least one sensor data.
10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the transceiver unit [104] is further
configured to initiate a connection between the set top box and at least one

of the one or more user devices, the one or more sensors and the one or more storage units.
11. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processing unit [102] is further
configured to identify a usage information of the specific user based on:
- the identification of the specific user; and
- the target contextual information associated with the identified specific user.

12. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the target contextual information further comprises a pattern of usage associated with the specific user.
13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pattern of usage is further based on an identification of the specific user based on the at least one sensor data, a data received from a user device of said specific user and a data associated with a pre-stored user profile of said specific user.
14. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processing unit [102] is further configured to identify one of a presence of the specific user and an absence of the specific user in the vicinity of the set top box.
15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the processing unit [102] is further configured to perform a first set of actions based on the usage information and the presence of the specific user wherein the first set of actions comprises at least one of:

- automatically switching ON the set top box, in an event the set top box is in a power off state;
- automatically starting at least one of a specific user preferred program and a specific user preferred channel;
- displaying a notification of an upcoming specific user preferred program on the specific user preferred channel; and
- automatically adjusting a volume level of the set top box.

16. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the processing unit [102] is further configured to perform a second set of actions based on the usage information and the absence of the specific user, wherein the second set of actions comprises at least one of:
- automatically switching ON the set top box, in an event the set top box is in a power off state;
- automatically recording at least one of the specific user preferred program and the specific user preferred channel; and
- transmitting at the user device of the specific user, a notification indicating automatic recording.