GB2493775A

GB2493775A - Event alert apparatus integral to furniture item

Info

Publication number: GB2493775A
Application number: GB1114319.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Darren Karp
Original assignee: TV BED Ltd
Current assignee: TV BED Ltd
Priority date: 2011-08-19
Filing date: 2011-08-19
Publication date: 2013-02-20
Also published as: WO2013027043A1; GB201114319D0

Abstract

An event alert apparatus comprises an item of furniture 100 including a storage portion 102; a lift mechanism 106 is disposed within the storage portion 102 and supports a media device (200, fig 2) which can be translated between a stowed state and a deployed state; a control unit 114 is coupled to the lift mechanism 106 and the media device (200) in order to control deployment and/or activation of the media device (200); a switching device 116 is also provided and actuatable by a user; the control unit 114 comprises a switch input coupled to the switching device 116 for detecting actuation of the switching device 116, and the control unit 114 is also arranged to deploy and/or activate the media device (200) in response to an alert command generated in response to an alert event. The furniture item is preferably a bed with a TV stored in the footboard and the TV functions as an alarm clock.

Description

EVENT ALERT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DEPLOYING A MEDIA

DEVICE

[0001] The present invention relates to an event alert apparatus of the type that, for example, generates an audible alert in order to alert an individual or individuals, such as to wake the individual or individuals. The present invention also relates to a method of deploying a media device, the method being of the type that, for example, controls deployment and/or activation of the media device in response to a control signal.

[0002] Alarm clocks for domestic use are well known. From the mechanical alarm clock to the digital alarm clock, the ability to generate an alert to wake an individual or individuals can be implemented in a number of ways. Dedicated alarm clocks are clearly useful, but can have a number of needs associated therewith. In this respect, an alarm clock needs space in a bedroom for location thereof, for example on a bedside table or the like. Whilst some alarm clocks are quite small and portable, others are not and require space in a bedroom that can otherwise be put to good use. Also, many alarm clocks do not have their own power supply, for example batteries, and so need to be connected to a power supply, for example a wall socket. In a room that has a paucity of wall sockets, a wall socket may not be available. Additionally, while many manufacturers of alarm clocks try to make their products as aesthetically pleasing as possible, many products are unsightly and/or not in keeping with the decor of a room, such as a bedroom.

[0003] Furthermore, some alarm clocks simply generate an audible alert in the form of a repeating tone and do not play media. As a result, being woken by such alarm clocks can be unpleasant for some users.

[0004] In recent years, so-called "television beds" have entered the marketplace and are increasing in popularity. A television bed is a bed having a television disposed in a footboard of the bed, the footboard being constructed such that, in a stowed state, the television can be concealed within the footboard and, in a deployed state, a viewable area of the television is above a top surface of the footboard so that the television can be viewed. Consequently, the concealment of the television when in the stowed state results in an otherwise technically enhanced item appearing as a normal item of furniture. Additionally, the ability to conceal the television within the bed results in the integrated television and bed having a tidier appearance and a bedroom in which the television bed is located having an uncluttered overall appearance.

[0005] In order to stow and deploy the television with respect to the footboard of the bed, the footboard of the bed is known to comprise an opening and a hinged lid to close the opening when the television is in the stowed state. In this respect, when the television is being deployed, the lid opens to allow the television to pass through the opening in order to assume the deployed state. When the television is being stowed, the lid closes once the television is within the footboard in order to substantially conceal the opening and provide the top surface of the footboard with a pleasant appearance.

[0006] An electromechanical lift mechanism is provided within the footboard of the bed in order to execute the deployment and stowage of the television. The lift mechanism therefore similarly has a retracted or lowered state and an extended or raised state corresponding to the stowed and deployed states of the television.

The retraction and extension of the television is controlled by a control unit activatable by a switch, usually provided in the side of the base of the bed within easy reach of a user when lying on the bed. It is known for the television to be coupled to the lift mechanism by a bracket or frame, the bracket being coupled to a translatable base portion of the lift mechanism and the television being secured to the bracket by fixing screws or bolts.

[0007] The use of the electromechanical lift mechanism requires a power source as mentioned above. In this respect, and as mentioned above, where a paucity of wall sockets exist in a room, a problem arises when two electrical devices compete for the same available wall socket or it is desirable to minimise use of available wall sockets.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an event alert apparatus for alerting an individual, the apparatus comprising: an item of furniture arranged to provide a storage portion; a lift mechanism disposed within the storage portion, the lift mechanism being arranged to support a media device and translate between a stowed state and a deployed state; a control unit operably coupled to the lift mechanism and the media device in order to control selectively deployment and/or activation of the media device; a switching device actuatable by user; an alert trigger input arranged to receive an alert command associated with an alert event; wherein the control unit comprises a switch input coupled to the switching device for detecting actuation of the switching device; and the control unit is arranged to deploy and/or activate the media device in response to the alert command.

[0009] The item of furniture may be a bed including or excluding a mattress. The storage portion may be a footboard.

[0010] The control unit may comprise a data event alert module.

[0011] The apparatus may further comprise a portable computing apparatus comprising a processing resource arranged to support an operational environment; wherein the operational environment is arranged to support a data event alert module.

[0012] The data event alert module may be arranged to receive a data feed. The data feed may be user selectable.

[0013] The data event alert module may be programmable to set a data condition upon which to trigger deployment and/or activation of the media device.

[0014] The data event alert module may be arranged to monitor the data feed and to generate the alert command in response to the set data condition being met.

[0015] The data event alert module may comprise a clock module arranged to be programmable to set an alarm time.

[0016] The data event alert module may be arranged to communicate the alert command to the control unit.

[0017] The data event alert module may be arranged to manipulate a user interface in order to permit user-selection of the data condition.

[0018] The clock module may be operably coupled to the data event alert module and may be arranged to monitor a current time and to generate the alert command in response to the current time reaching the set alarm time.

[0019] The data feed may comprise the current time. The data condition may be the set alarm time.

[0020] The media device may be a television. The media device may be a display device, such as a television or a monitor [0021] The media device may have a command interface for receiving a channel selection command; the control unit may be arranged to activate the media device and set the media device to a predetermined channel using the command interface.

[0022] The predetermined channel may be associated with the data feed.

[0023] The control unit may be arranged to receive an identity of the predetermined channel.

[0024] The control unit may be arranged to support user selection of the predetermined channel.

[0025] The data event alert module may be arranged to support user selection of the predetermined channel.

[0026] The control unit may be arranged to support a user interface visible via the media device; the user interface may support setting of the data condition.

[0027] The control unit may comprise an interface for receiving input data generated by a user in order to set the data condition.

[0028] The control unit may be arranged to serve a web page.

[0029] The web page may constitute at least part of a web interface to permit user-selection of the data condition.

[0030] The control unit may comprise a wireless interface through which the data condition is received.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the data feed may be received via the wireless interface.

[0032] The wireless interface may be a wi-fi interface. The wireless interface may be a Bluetooth interface.

[0033] The control module may comprise a wired interface for electrically coupling the portable electronic computing apparatus to the control unit.

[0034] The data event alert module may be arranged to communicate the data condition to the control unit.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of deploying a media device, the method comprising: coupling a control module to the media device disposed within an item of furniture; the control module awaiting detection of actuation of a switching device by a user; determining an alert event that occurs independently of the actuation of the switching device; awaiting receipt at an alert trigger input of an alert command associated with the alert event; and deploying and/or activating the media device in response to the alert command.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program element comprising computer program code means to make a computer execute the method as set forth above in relation to the second aspect of the invention.

[0037] The computer program element may be embodied on a computer readable medium.

[0038] It is thus possible to provide an apparatus and method that each require the use of fewer power outlets, occupies less space and enhances aesthetics of a room. The apparatus and method that also each provide an enhanced manner in which to wake or alert an individual, for example only in response to one or more event of interest to the individual. In this respect, the user is woken or alerted to receive important information and/or at or after a preferred or required time.

[0039] At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a bed footboard comprising a lift mechanism and an electric motor; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the bed footboard of Figure 1 from a different viewing angle and having a television in a deployed state; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a control unit coupled to the lift mechanism of Figure 1 in an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the control unit of Figure 3 in greater detail; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a control unit coupled to the lift mechanism of Figure 1 and a portable computing apparatus in another embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the control unit of Figure 5 coupled to the portable computing apparatus wirelessly in yet another embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the control unit of Figure 5 or Figure 6 in greater detail; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a data event alert module for use with the control unit of Figures 3, 5 or 6; and Figure 9 is a flow diagram of a method of deploying a media device for use with the control unit of Figures 3, Sand/or 6.

[0040] Throughout the following description identical reference numerals will be used to identify like parts.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1, a footboard 102 of a bed 100, constituting a storage portion within an item of furniture, comprises a cavity 104 for storing a lift mechanism 106 therein. The cavity 104 can be accessed through a hinged lid 108.

The footboard 102 constitutes a housing and defines the cavity 104. In this example, the lift mechanism 106 is coupled to and carries a media device, such as a television 200 (Figure 2). When in a stowed state, the television 200 is located within the footboard 102. An upper surface 118 (Figure 1) of the footboard 102 comprises an opening 202 (Figure 2) therein, the opening 202 being covered by the lid 108 when the lid 108 is in a closed state. When in an open state, the opening 202 provides a port through which the television 200 can pass.

[0042] The lift mechanism 106 is coupled to an electric motor 110 by linkage 112 comprising, for example a drive shaft. The electric motor 110 is coupled to a control unit 114 and the control unit 114 is coupled to a button or switch 116 for detecting actuation of the switching device and selectively initiating deployment or stowage of the television 200 by a user in a time independent manner.

[0043] In the stowed state (Figure 1), the television 200 is concealed within the footboard 102 of the bed 100, whereas when the television 200 is in a deployed state (Figure 2), a viewable area 204 of the television 200 is located beyond the upper surface 118 of the footboard 102.

[0044] Turning to Figures 3 and 4, the control unit 114 is coupled to the lift mechanism 106 by a wired connection in order to provide a drive signal to actuate or stow the television 200. In this example, the control unit 114 comprises a data event alert module 210 coupled to a controller 212, for example a microcontroller, the controller 212 being operably coupled to a driver circuit 214. The driver circuit 214 is coupled to an output port 216 of the control unit 114 in order to couple the lift mechanism 106 to the control unit 114 using the wired connection mentioned above.

[0045] In another embodiment (Figure 5), the data event alert module 210 is not disposed within the control unit 114 and is, instead, supported by a portable computing device 220. The portable computing device 220 can be any suitable portable computing device comprising a processing resource, for example a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) irrespective of whether the PDA has a wireless communications capability. In this example, the portable computing apparatus is a so-called smart phone, for example an iPhone 4 made by Apple Computers, Inc. or an HTC Desire made by HTC Corporation and running the iOS operating system or the Andriod operating system, respectively. In this regard, the operating system provides an operational environment to support execution of the data event alert module 210, further details of which will be described later herein. In order to couple the portable computing device 220 to the control unit 114, in this example, a docking module 222 is connected to the control unit 114 via another wired connection 224.

[0046] Referring to Figure 6, in a yet another embodiment, the control unit is capable of communicating with the portable computing device 220 via a wireless communications interface 226, for example a Wi-Fi air interface or a BluetoothTM air interface. Consequently, the portable computing device 220 comprises wireless communications functionality and a first antenna 228. Similarly, the control unit 114, in order to be able to communicate with the portable computing device 220, also comprises wireless communications functionality and a second antenna 230.

[0047] Referring to Figure 7, the control unit 114 comprises the controller 212, for example the microcontroller, the controller 212 being operably coupled to the driver circuit 214. The driver circuit 214 is again coupled to the output port 216 of the control unit 114 in order to couple the lift mechanism 106 to the control unit 114 using the wired connection mentioned above. In order to support communication with the portable computing device 220, the controller 212 is operably coupled to a communications interface 232. If the communications interface 232 is to support the wired connection of the portable computing device 220 to the control unit 114, the communications interface 232 is coupled to the wired connection 224, for example a cable, via a communications port 234.

Additionally or alternatively, the communications interface is coupled to the second antenna 230 mentioned above. In such an example, the communications interface 232 comprises the wireless communications functionality described above in respect of the control unit 114.

[0048] In the above-described embodiments, the provision of the data event alert module 210 can vary depending upon desired implementation. In this respect, the control unit 114 can comprise the data event alert module 210 as described above in relation to Figure 4. Additionally or alternatively, the data event alert module 210 can be provided as, for example, software supported by the operating system and hardware of the portable computing device 220.

[0049] Turning to Figure 8, the data event alert module 210 comprises a data analysis module 240 that serves, in a basic implementation, as a comparison unit.

The data event alert module 210 is programmable and so also comprises a parameter configuration interface 242 in order to be able to set a data condition upon which to trigger deployment and/or activation of the media device, the parameter configuration interface 242 being operably coupled to the data analysis module 240. The data analysis module 240 is coupled to a first data feed input 244, which in this example is coupled to a source of clock data, such as a clock module 246. Additionally or alternatively, the data analysis module 240 is coupled to a second data feed input 248, which in this example is operably coupled to another source of data, for example a share price data feed, exchange rate currency feed or any other suitable source of data that can be evaluated with respect to a rule. For example, suitable content can include weather data, financial data, news data, an alarm system and/or a CCTV monitoring system.

[0050] In relation to an alarm system, for example a domestic or office alarm, or a CCTV monitoring system, the system can be arranged to generate an alert signal. For example, if the alarm system is triggered, an alert can be communicated to the control unit 114 of the portable computing device 220 for use by the data analysis module 240. In relation to the CCTV monitoring system, the system can be configured to generate an alert signal in response to, for example, motion detection.

[0051] Although in this example, the clock module 246 is disposed external to the data event alert module 210, the skilled person should appreciate that the data event alert module 210 can comprise the clock module 246.

[0052] The parameter configuration interface 242 is capable of communicating with a user interface (not shown). Depending upon the manner of communicating with the control unit 114 chosen by or available to the user, the user interface can be a user interface of the portable computing device 220 or a user interface provided by the parameter interface 242 and supported, for example by a web page server application (not shown) also supported by the parameter configuration interface 242. In this respect, the web page server can serve one or more web pages constituting a web interface. Where the user interface is provided by the control unit 114, the parameter configuration interface 242 is operably coupled to a suitable port of the television 200 in order to enable the user to set one or more parameter associated with triggering deployment and/or activation of the television 200. If the television 200 is cable of receiving input form the user and communicating the input to the parameter configuration interface 242 for subsequent processing, this can be used. Otherwise, the control unit 114 can be provided with a suitable input interface, for example a Human Interface Device (HID) interface coupled to an input device, such as a keyboard. Of course, if the web server application mentioned above is supported by the control unit 114, the control unit 114 can be configured to provide access to the parameter configuration interface 242 via a communications interface, for example a wired or wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and/or via the Internet if, for example, the control unit 114 supports the use of a Internet Protocol (IP) address or any other suitable mechanism that allows the communication with the parameter configuration interface 242 via the communications network.

[0053] In operation (Figure 9), in the first embodiment, the user is able to access (Step 300) the control unit 114 via the television 200 in order to view a parameter configuration input interface. In this example, the control unit 114 supports a keyboard coupled to the control unit 114. Consequently, in a simple example, the user wishes only to set a wake-up time. The user therefore is presented with a number of fields pertaining to criteria that can be used to trigger deployment and/or activation of the television 200 and the user selects a first field that relates to a wake-up or alarm time and sets (Step 302) the wake-up or alarm time. Whilst a single field is described in this example, the skilled person should appreciate that multiple fields relating to day, month, year, hour and minutes can be employed. In any event, using the parameter configuration interface 242 the user can set the wake-up time. The user confirms the time set by, for example, selecting a "set" button. In response to the setting of the wake-up or alarm time, the parameter configuration interface 242 communicates (Step 304) the time set to the data analysis module 240 to monitor. The user can then, for example, choose to stow the television by actuating the switching device 116. In this example, the user is about to go to sleep and so sets the wake-up time for the following morning at 700am. Of course, in other embodiments, the parameter configuration interface 242 can be used to set the data analysis mode 240 simply to recognise the occurrence of an event, for example when a trigger event or message is communicated, such as in relation to the alarm system or the CCTV monitoring system mentioned above.

[0054] As described above, the data analysis module 240 of the data event alert module 210 receives data via the first data feed input 244 from a clock module 246. The data analysis module 240 monitors the data feed by comparing current time data from the clock module 246 with the wake-up time data received from the parameter configuration interface 242. Once the data analysis module 240 determines (Step 306) that the set data condition has been met, for example the wake-up time of 700am set has been reached, the data analyser module 240 generates (Step 308) an alert command that is received by the controller 212 of the control unit 114. The controller 212 then, in response to the alert command received and depending for example as to whether or not the television is already in a deployed state, issues a deploy (Step 310) command to the driver circuit 214 in order to deploy the television and power up the television 200. In the event that the television 200 is already deployed, the controller 212, aware of this status, can issue only a power-up command to the driver circuit 214 in order to power up the television 200.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the interface of the portable computing device 220 is used to set the wake-up time (Steps 300, 302 and 304) and monitor (Step 306) the parameter set in order to determine when the wake up time has been reached. As mentioned above, the data event alert module 210 is instantiated in software and generates the alert command when the wake-up time has been reached. In this example, the alert command is received (Step 308) by the communications interface 232 either via the wired connection 224 or via the wireless interface 226 and communicated by the communications interface 232 to the controller 212. The controller 212 responds (Step 310) in the manner described above in relation to the previous embodiment.

[0056] In another embodiment, the television 200 is able to receive channel select data, either via a wired interface connection (not shown) or through a wireless remote control type interface. In such circumstances, the parameter configuration interface 242 used by the user can support selection of a predetermined channel to be selected upon the condition set being met, for example the wake up time. In another example, the control unit 114, even if lacking the parameter configuration interface 242, can be arranged to support selection of the channel. Consequently, when the wake-up time is reached, in addition to deploying and/or activating the television 200, the control unit 114 can set the channel according to the channel selected by the user when configuring the wake-up time either through the wired interface or by transmission to the television 200 via the wireless remote control type interface, such interfaces constituting a command interface. In another example, the channel can be associated with one or more of the data feeds used.

[0057] In other embodiments, the functionality of the data event alert module 210 can be distributed between the control unit 114 and the portable computing device 220. In this respect, for example, the input of one or more parameters can be implemented on the portable computing device 220 and the monitoring of the parameter(s) can be implemented by the control unit 114. In such an embodiment, if the control unit 114 is suitably equipped, data for example time data or other relevant data feeds, can be obtained via a communications interface of the control unit 114, for example via the Internet. Otherwise, the time data or other relevant data feeds can be obtained by the portable computing device 220 and communicated to the control unit 114 for monitoring and generation of the alert command.

[0058] Whilst in the above examples particular reference has been made to setting a wake-up time as a trigger for deploying and/or activation of the television 200, the skilled person should appreciate that other data types and criteria can be employed to generate the alert command. In this respect, it should also be appreciated that a combination of data parameters can be employed, for example a stock price parameter in combination with a time parameter. In such an example, the user may only wish to be alerted in relation to stock price information before or after a certain time set, such as when a stock price reaches or exceeds a predetermined value after 700am. In this respect, a data feed employed is user

selectable.

[0059]The criteria for the parameters set need not necessarily be limited to a particular value being reached, and thresholds andlor inequalities and/or rules can be set in relation to one or more parameter.

[0060] Furthermore, the alert signal can, if appropriate, be communicated to the data event alert module 210 using any suitable communications protocol(s), including for example those relating to e-mail messaging and Short Messaging Service (SMS) messaging.

[0061] As mentioned above, in the event that the control unit 114 is provided with the web server application and is capable of supporting access thereto via a communications network, the user can set any of the parameters mentioned above remotely or from elsewhere within a property where the bed is located provided the user has access to a computing apparatus, for example a Personal Computer (PC) having network connectivity.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, a FM radio or digital radio can be coupled to the control unit 114 or the control unit 114 can comprise the FM or digital radio. In such an embodiment, the radio can be adapted or arranged to provide a trigger signal or alert command, in response to a set time or other data event condition being met, through an output port provided. The output port can be operably coupled to the control unit 114 and used by the data event alert module 210 or used by the control unit 114 to constitute actuation of the switch 116 and respond accordingly by deploying and/or powering up the television 200.

[0063] In a further example, the control unit 114 can be configured to receive a stream of data associated with at least one parameter set by the user, for example video data relating to a weather report, financial information traffic information 2nd/or news information. In such circumstances, the data for example a news teed, can be streamed to the control unit 114 for presentation to the user via the television 200, for example if the television 200 is suitably configured, for example with a so-called Ethernet port that can be connected to the control unit 114, the data can be communicated to the television 200, In relation to traffic information, a trigger can, for example, be configured in respect of detection of a report of a traffic event in a geographical locality, identified for example by a postal or zip code, or within a radius of a location identified by longitude and latitude coordinates, possibly obtained by access to a website serving map data and using a suitable interface to capture the coordinates.

[0064] In the event that the television 200 is equipped with a suitable device coupling port, for example a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, the television 200, if compatible with a wireless communications device (or so-called dongle"), can be coupled to the wireless communications device for receipt of the streamed data mentioned above. As an alternative to the streamed data being video data, the streamed data can be in the form of a web page, for example a web page selected by the user. Indeed, the streamed data can also be communicated to the control unit 114 wirelessly, for example using a wi-fi standard, and processed by the control unit 114, or if the streamed data is sent directly to the media device 200 by the media device 200. In this respect, the data streamed can relate to content, for example music, video or other information. To this end, the television 200 or the control unit 114 can be equipped to support wireless media streaming, for example by providing support for the AirFlayTM protocol of Apple, Inc.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. An event alert apparatus for alerting an individual, the apparatus comprising: an item of furniture arranged to provide a storage portion; a lift mechanism disposed within the storage portion, the lift mechanism being arranged to support a media device and translate between a stowed state and a deployed state; a control unit operably coupled to the lift mechanism and the media device in order to control selectively deployment and/or activation of the media device; a switching device actuatable by user; an alert trigger input arranged to receive an alert command associated with an alert event; wherein the control unit comprises a switch input coupled to the switching device for detecting actuation of the switching device; and the control unit is arranged to deploy and/or activate the media device in response to the alert command.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the item of furniture is a bed including or excluding a mattress.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the storage portion is a footboard.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit comprises a data event alert module, 5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3, further comprising a portable computing apparatus comprising a processing resource arranged to support an operational environment; wherein the operational environment is arranged to support a data event alert module.6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the data event alert module is arranged to receive a data feed.7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the data feed is userselectable.8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the data event alert module is programmable to set a data condition upon which to trigger deployment and/or activation of the media device.9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, when dependent upon Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the data event alert module is arranged to monitor the data feed and to generate the alert command in response to the set data condition being met.10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 9, wherein the data event alert module comprises a clock module arranged to be programmable to set an alarm time.11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the clock module is operably coupled to the data event alert module and is arranged to monitor a current time and to generate the alert command in response to the current time reaching the set alarm time.12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the media device is a television.13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the media device has a command interface for receiving a channel selection command; the control unit is arranged to activate the media device and set the media device to a predetermined channel using the command interface.14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the control unit is arranged to receive an identity of the predetermined channel.15. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the control unit is arranged to support user selection of the predetermined channel.16. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the data event alert module is arranged to support user selection of the predetermined channel.17. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, when dependent upon Claim 8, wherein the control unit is arranged to support a user interface visible via the media device, the user interface supporting setting of the data condition.18. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is arranged to serve a web page.19. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, when dependent upon Claim 8, wherein the web page constitutes at least part of a web interface to permit user-selection of the data condition.20. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit comprises a wireless interface through which the data condition is received.21. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the control module comprises a wired interface for electrically coupling the portable electronic computing apparatus to the control unit.22. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the data event alert module is arranged to communicate the data condition to the control unit.23. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the data event alert module is arranged to communicate the alert command to the control unit.24. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the data event alert module is arranged to manipulate a user interface ri order to permit user-selection of the data condition.25. A method of deploying a media device, the method comprising: coupling a control module to the media device disposed within an item of turniture; the control module awaiting detection of actuation of a switching device by a user; determining an alert event that occurs independently of the actuation of the switching device; awaiting receipt at an alert trigger input of an alert command associated with the alert event; and deploying and/or activating the media device in response to the alert command.26. An event alert apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.27. A method of deploying a media device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>