Method and device for operating a television located in a premises to simulate occupation of the premises
AssigneeEldon Technology Limited
InventorsKevin Thornberry, Mark Stephens
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electronic device operates a television located in a premises to simulate occupation of the premises, and thereby deter intrusion. The electronic device is caused to operate automatically, without any input from a user, and activates the television at different times according to a predetermined schedule not set by the user. During automatic operation, the television is caused not only to present television programming, but also to present visual and sound effects simulating human activity, whereby occupation of the premises is simulated.
Claims14
A method of simulating occupation of a premises, the method comprising:
- setting an electronic device to operate automatically without any input from a user, wherein the electronic device is operable to receive broadcast programming, and is operable to couple to a television located in the premises to control the television and to cause the television to present selected programming;
- and
- during automatic operation, causing the electronic device to activate the television at different times according to a predetermined schedule not set by the user;
- wherein the predetermined schedule determines the times at which the television is to present television programming and determines the broadcast channels to be presented;
- and
- wherein the method further comprises causing the television, during automatic operation, to present programming, including at least television programming, and to present visual and sound effects simulating human activity, whereby occupation of the premises is simulated.
An electronic device for simulating occupation of a premises, the electronic device including:
- input means for receiving broadcast programming;
- and
- control circuitry for controlling a television located in the premises and for causing the television to present selected programming;
- wherein the electronic device can be set to operate automatically, without any input from a user, and wherein, during automatic operation, the electronic device activates the television at different times according to a predetermined schedule not set by the user;
- the predetermined schedule determining the times at which the television is to present television programming and determines the broadcast channels to be presented;
- and
- wherein when activated, the electronic device causes the television to present at least one of programming, including television programming, and visual and sound effects simulating human activity, whereby occupation of the premises is simulated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.