VIVINT, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150350612 | SECURITY CAMERA PRIVACY SHUTTER - A method for improving privacy of security cameras is described. In one embodiment, predetermined events are monitored via a security camera. The security camera may include an optical barrier. At least one of the predetermined events is detected via the security camera. Based on detecting at least one of the predetermined events, the optical barrier is repositioned, via the security camera, in relation to a camera lens of the security camera. | 12-03-2015 |
20150347955 | MANAGING STAFFING REQUIREMENTS - A computer-implemented method to manage staffing requirements is disclosed. The method may comprise creating a network of employees. The method may also determine if a staffing level from the network of employees satisfies a threshold and may also poll one or more employees from the network of employees based in at least in part on the determining step. In some embodiments, the method may predict a potential staffing shortage. Predicting the staffing shortage may include identifying a physical location of a scheduled employee prior to a scheduled shift and determining the identified physical location of the scheduled employee is greater than a distance threshold. | 12-03-2015 |
20150347916 | DETERMINING OCCUPANCY WITH USER PROVIDED INFORMATION - Methods and systems are described for determining occupancy with user provided information. According to at least one embodiment, a method for determining occupancy with user provided information includes using at least one sensor to detect occupancy in a building over time, determining a predictive schedule based on the occupancy detected with the at least one sensor, and requesting information relevant to the predictive schedule from a user. | 12-03-2015 |
20150327011 | EMPLOYEE TIME AND PROXIMITY TRACKING - Systems and methods for tracking employee time and proximity are described. According to at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method to track employees in disclosed. The method may comprise registering a mobile device associated with an employee and recognizing when the mobile device associated with the employee enters a location. The method may include monitoring the mobile device once it enters the location and generating a report based at least in part on the monitoring. | 11-12-2015 |
20150325096 | WEATHER BASED NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HOME AUTOMATION - Methods and systems are described for generating weather related notices using features of a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for generating weather related notices with a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to receive weather data about current weather conditions, receive status information about at least one barrier of a property monitored by the home automation system, and generate at least one notice based at least in part on the weather data and the status information. | 11-12-2015 |
20150324706 | HOME AUTOMATION VIA VOICE CONTROL - Methods and systems are described for setting operation rules for use in controlling aspects of a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for establishing operation rules in a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by the processor to receive a spoken command having a plurality of rule setting terms, establish at least one operation rule for the home automation system based on the spoken command, and store the at least one operation rule for later use by the home automation system. | 11-12-2015 |
20150324210 | SETTING UP A SYSTEM WITH A MOBILE DEVICE - Methods and systems are described for setting up a security and/or automation system. According to at least one embodiment, a method for setting up the security or automation system includes receiving a communication from a mobile device associated with installing a system peripheral device at a control unit and executing an installation task based on the communication. | 11-12-2015 |
20150324179 | VOICE CONTROL COMPONENT INSTALLATION - A method for voice control component installation is described. In one embodiment, a speech recognizable input spoken by an installer is identified, the speech recognizable input relating to installation of a system component. The system component is in communication with a control panel. An installation task for the system component is performed according to the speech recognizable input. | 11-12-2015 |
20150323915 | CONTROLLING A BUILDING SYSTEM BASED ON REAL TIME EVENTS - Methods and systems are described for controlling parameters in a building. According to at least one embodiment, a method for controlling a building system includes using at least one sensor to detect occupancy in a building over time, determining a predictive schedule based on the occupancy detected with the at least one sensor, and associate real time events that occur simultaneously with an occupancy state of the predictive schedule. | 11-12-2015 |
20150319942 | SPRINKLER CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods, systems, and devices are described for controlling a sprinkler system, including an apparatus for sprinkler system control that includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to receive operation instructions for the sprinkler system from a source that is separate from a control panel of the sprinkler system, and operate valves of the sprinkler system independent of instructions from the control panel. | 11-12-2015 |
20150312341 | SAVING VIDEO CLIPS ON A STORAGE OF LIMITED SIZE BASED ON PRIORITY - Methods and systems are described for storing video content collected by a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for accessing video content collected by a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to receive video content associated with an event, determine a priority level of the video content based on at least one predetermined criteria, and store the video content for a period of time based on the priority level. | 10-29-2015 |
20150312050 | REMOTE TALK DOWN TO PANEL, CAMERA AND SPEAKER - Methods and systems are described for storing video content collected by a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for accessing video content collected by a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to receive at a remote device live video content from a camera of the home automation system, and initiate real-time, two-way audio communication between the remote device and a user of the home automation system via the camera. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310712 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING REMOTE PRESENCE SECURITY - A computer-implemented method for remote presence security is described. In one embodiment, an event is detected in relation to a premises. Upon detecting the event, a location of an occupant of the premises is determined in relation to the premises. Upon determining the occupant is a predetermined distance away from the premises, a first type of notification is sent. The first type of notification includes a display of real-time video being captured at the premises. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310565 | TIME CLOCK FOR TRACKING EMPLOYEES - Methods and systems are described for employee time entry using an automation and security system. An apparatus for employee time entry includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to request employee login at a control panel of an automation and security system at initiation of the employee's work shift, request employee logout at the control panel at completion of the employee's work shift, and collect data related to at least one of employee work hours, shift frequency, and employee cost. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310450 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AWARDING GREEN SCORE TO BUSINESSES - Methods and systems are described for awarding a green score to a business using an automation and security system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for awarding a green score to a business includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to receive data related to at least one of energy usage and energy conservation practices by a business, determine whether the energy usage by the business meets threshold levels, determine an energy green score for the business, and display the energy green score. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310381 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURE PACKAGE DELIVERY - A computer-implemented method for enabling secure delivery of a package to a designated delivery area of a premises is described. In one embodiment, information regarding a delivery of a package to a premises may be received, a delivery person arriving at the premises may be detected, and instructions may be provided to the delivery person regarding how to deliver the package to the designated delivery area within the premises. | 10-29-2015 |
20150309548 | REMOTE POWER MANAGEMENT OF AN ADAPTER - Methods and systems are described for controlling a power management of a remote adapter. According to at least one embodiment, an adapter assembly for controlling a power supply includes an electrical interface arranged to receive power from a power source, a first circuit arranged to supply power to a light emitting device from the electrical interface, a second circuit arranged to supply power to a security device from the electrical interface, and a controller in communication with a wired or wireless receiver where the controller is configured to independently control a level of power of the first circuit. | 10-29-2015 |
20150309487 | MANAGING HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM BASED ON OCCUPANCY - Methods and systems are described for controlling access to a home based on user occupancy. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling access to a home based on user occupancy includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to determine a location of a user of a home automation system relative to a barrier of a home being monitored by the home automation system. The instructions are executable to determine whether to permit a change in a locking mechanism of the barrier based in part on the determined location of the user, and maintain a current state of the home automation system. | 10-29-2015 |
20150309484 | MANAGING HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM BASED ON BEHAVIOR - Methods and systems are described for controlling settings of an automation system, such as a home and/or business automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling settings of an automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to continuously detect user patterns of behavior with a home automation system, and adaptively update one or more settings of the home automation system based on the detected patterns of behavior. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308706 | CONTROLLING PARAMETERS IN A BUILDING - Methods and systems are described for controlling parameters in a building. According to at least one embodiment, a method for controlling parameters in a building includes using a first sensor type to determine whether the building is occupied and using a second sensor type to determine how reliable the first sensor type determines occupancy. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308178 | SENSORS INDICATING FROM WHICH SIDE A BARRIER IS ACCESSED - Methods and systems are described for determining operation of an openable barrier into a building. A method for determining operation of an openable barrier into a building includes confirming that the barrier is closed, wherein the barrier has an exterior side and an interior side. The method also includes determining whether the barrier is operated from the exterior side or the interior side, and controlling a feature of a home automation system based at least in part on the determined operation of the barrier. | 10-29-2015 |
20150307273 | AUTOMATED WASTE MANAGEMENT - A method for enabling automated waste management is described. In one embodiment, data related to an event detected via a sensor coupled to a trash receptacle is received. A waste collection vehicle is configured to collect trash directly from the trash receptacle. The data related to the detected event is processed. A notification is generated based on the processing of the data. In some cases, a notification based on a determination of a volume of trash within the trash receptacle is generated, where the volume is determined via a ranging sensor. A notification is generated based on a determination of a weight of the trash within the trash receptacle, where the weight is determined via a load sensor. | 10-29-2015 |
20150304689 | PUSHING VIDEO TO PANELS AND SENDING METADATA TAG TO CLOUD - Methods and systems are described for storing and accessing video content collected by a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for accessing video content collected by a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to receive metadata about a recorded event from a cloud storage, request video content of the recorded event based on the metadata, and receive at least some of the video content from a controller of the home automation system. | 10-22-2015 |
20150304613 | CAMERA WITH A LENS CONNECTOR - Methods and systems are described for using a video camera. According to at least one embodiment, a camera assembly for recording video footage includes a lens connector with a lens attached to a first end and a camera body connector on a second end. Further, the lens connector has a length that separates the video lens a distance from a camera body when the lens connector is attached to camera body and also housing at least one cable capable of transmitting a video signal recorded by the lens from the lens to the camera body. Also, the camera body has a power module and a communication module to communicate with a remote control unit. | 10-22-2015 |
20150296187 | CHRONOLOGICAL ACTIVITY MONITORING AND REVIEW - A computer-implemented method for monitoring activity at a location, provides receiving a first data signal and a second data signal, wherein the first and second data signals are related to activities detected at a location, and reproducing the first and second data signals in a chronology that indicates relative timing of receipt of the first and second data signals via a user interface. This may accelerate review and inspection of multiple data signals recorded over time, including data signals of various types. The coincidence of patterns in the data signals may be detected and brought to the user's attention for closer review, such as via transmission of a message or transmission of a segment of recorded data. | 10-15-2015 |
20150294543 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CROWDSOURCING DETECTED EVENTS - A computer-implemented method for crowdsourcing detected events is described. In one embodiment, an event is detected via one or more sensors located at a first location within a predetermined geographic area. Data from the one or more sensors is analyzed to determine a scope of the event. Upon determining the scope of the event affects a second location within the predetermined geographic area, a notification is sent to a user associated with a location within the predetermined geographic area that does not include a sensor of a type that detects the event. | 10-15-2015 |
20150294450 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING CALORIE INTAKE - Systems and methods for measuring calorie input are described. A calorie measure may be maintained. At least one image of a food item may be captured. The at least one image of the food item may be transmitted to a server. A calories consumed value may be received from the server. The calories consumed value may be determined based at least in part on the at least one image of the food item. The calorie measure may be updated based on the received calories consumed value. | 10-15-2015 |
20150286435 | USING HARD DRIVE ON PANELS FOR DATA STORAGE - Methods and systems are described for controlling an automation and security system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for data storage in an automation and security system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by a processor to receive data at a first device, store a copy of the data on the first device, fragment the data into a plurality of data fragments, transmit the plurality of data fragments to a plurality of remote devices, and store some of the plurality of data fragments on each of the plurality of remote devices. | 10-08-2015 |
20150279134 | MOBILE DEVICE BASED AUTHENTICATION - Methods and systems are described for controlling an automation and security system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for voice control of an automation and security system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to receive input from the user to perform at least one function of the automation and security system, receive confirmation that the user has received an authentication message at an electronic device carried by the user, and initiate the at least one function. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278720 | MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-SITE DASHBOARDS - A computer-implemented method for monitoring commercial activities is described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving information related to commercial activities at at least one of a plurality of locations, the information being collected at the at least one of a plurality of locations, and transmitting the collected information for at least one of the plurality of locations to a device located remote from at least one of the plurality of locations. | 10-01-2015 |
20150215337 | ANTI-TAKEOVER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NETWORK ATTACHED PERIPHERALS - Methods, systems, and devices are described for the prevention of network peripheral takeover activity. Peripheral devices may implement an anti-takeover mechanism limiting the number of available device command classes when certain handshake and verification requirements are not met. Anti-takeover peripheral devices with protection enabled may be relocated within a controller network, or in certain cases, from one controller network to another controller network when certain conditions are met. That same device may be hobbled when removed from a controller network and may remain hobbled when connected to another network that fails to meet certain conditions. Unprotection and unhobbling of a device may occur through an algorithmic mechanism using values stored on the peripheral device and the controller device for one or more of anti-takeover code generation, anti-takeover code comparison, network identification value comparison, and manufacturer identification value comparison. | 07-30-2015 |
20140373074 | SET TOP BOX AUTOMATION - A computer-implemented method for integration of a set top box and an automation system is described. In one configuration, subscriber program content is provided. An aspect of a premises is monitored via one or more sensors. A monitor channel may be provided to display the monitored aspect of the premises. The monitor channel may be displayed in a channel guide among channels of the subscriber program content. | 12-18-2014 |
20140282486 | SOFTWARE UPDATES FROM A SECURITY CONTROL UNIT - The present systems and methods relate to approaches for distributing software (such as firmware updates) in a security system that includes a control unit. The control unit may be configured to communicatively connect to a plurality of electronic devices, including sensors for the security system. The control unit may also communicatively connect to a remote server. The control unit receives firmware for target electronic devices from the remote server, determines which electronic devices are target electronic devices for which the firmware is intended, and sends the firmware to the target electronic devices. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278028 | SECURITY SYSTEM WITH TRAFFIC MONITORING - The present disclosure relates to approaches for providing real time traffic information to a user using a control panel of a building automation system. The control panel includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory that are executable by the processor to couple the control panel to at least one of a sensor and a controller of the building automation system, receive traffic data for a geographic area associated with the control panel, and generate at least one audible notification to communicate the traffic data to a user through the control panel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277811 | POWER PRODUCTION MONITORING OR CONTROL - The present invention is directed to monitoring or control of power production. A power production monitoring system may include a power production monitoring panel that is also configured to operate a premises control system. The power production monitoring system may include a gateway unit that receives signals from a power production source and sends signals to a power production monitoring panel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277621 | MONITORING HEALTH AND EXERCISE WITH A PREMISE SECURITY OR AUTOMATION SYSTEM - The present systems and methods are directed to a security or automation system that is configured for monitoring health and exercise conditions of an individual. A security or automation system may include at least one sensor for sensing a medical condition and at least one module for receiving sensed data from the at least one sensor. The security or automation system may further include a communication device for conveying information based on the sensed data to a remote site. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277609 | MONITORING REMOVAL OF AN AUTOMATION CONTROL PANEL - A control panel is used to control and/or monitor an automation system. The control panel may be removed from a mounted location to repair or replace the control panel. Replacement may be performed by a different provider of automation systems, potentially without prior notice to the current provider of the automation system. To alert the provider of the replacement, the control panel may use an anti-tamper switch to detect removal from the mounted location. A signal may be sent to a remote service system indicating the removal. If the control panel also loses AC power, or if the control panel loses all power, the remote service system may assume that the control panel is being replaced. In response, the remote service center may request that a customer service representative contact the customer to potentially retain the customer, recover equipment, or resolve any concerns about the automation system equipment. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274084 | CONTENT STORAGE AND PROCESSING IN NETWORK BASE STATIONS AND METHODS FOR CONTENT DELIVERY IN A MESH NETWORK - A system includes a base station having a local storage device and a local processor, and providing a cell in a network for one or more clients communicatively connected to the base station. A content distribution module of the system is configured to store a local copy of a digital content item. A remote copy of the digital content item is stored on a remote computing device. A content request module of the system is configured to receive a request for the digital content item. A content serving module of the system is configured to identify at least one secondary source other than the remote computing device and the base station that stores a secondary copy of the digital content item, determine which of the local, remote and secondary copies of the digital content item may be delivered in a least amount of time, and deliver that copy. | 09-18-2014 |
20140273865 | EXPANDABLE IN-WALL ANTENNA FOR A SECURITY SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT - The present disclosure relates to an expandable antenna for a security system that is installed within a wall. The security system may include a control unit. The control unit may include a casing that houses one or more internal components of the control unit and a radio-frequency (RF) communication module that is situated within the casing. The RF communication module includes an antenna connected that is exposed to the exterior of the casing. An expandable antenna connects to the antenna connector. The expandable antenna is fit through an aperture in a wall and is then expanded to an enlarged size within the gap of the wall. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269671 | SIMULTANEOUS CHANNEL SWITCHING WITHIN A MESH NETWORK - A computer-implemented method for channel switching in a mesh network is described. In one embodiment, a beacon is sent. The beacon includes a channel change request in both proprietary and standard formats. The channel change request includes an instruction to change to a particular channel and a timing synchronization function identifying when the change to the particular channel should occur. The timing synchronization function is used to determine that the time has arrived to change to the particular channel. The particular channel is changed to synchronously with all other access points in a mesh network. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269660 | USING A CONTROL PANEL AS A WIRELESS ACCESS POINT - A method for providing wireless access to one or more wireless devices using an automation system control panel is described. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an automation system control panel and one or more automation components. Settings are applied to configure the automation system control panel for use as a wireless access point providing two-way communication with one or more electronic devices. Applying settings includes receiving input directly at a graphical user interface of the automation system control panel, the graphical user interface further providing access to control the one or more automation components. The automation system control panel is wirelessly connected to one or more electronic devices via a wireless access point interface using the settings applied at the graphical user interface. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269487 | MULTICAST TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT WITHIN A WIRELESS MESH NETWORK - The present disclosure relates to a management of multicast traffic within a wireless mesh network. In some embodiments, a wireless mesh network includes a plurality of mesh nodes and a central server in communication with at least one of the mesh nodes of the plurality of mesh nodes. In some embodiments, the central server is configured to generate one or more rules for at least one of the mesh nodes to enable a change in a pre-routing parameter in a packet header. In some embodiments, the central server includes a rules-based engine configured to generate and convey one or more traffic shaping rules in response to sensing traffic conditions. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269385 | BANDWIDTH ESTIMATION BASED ON LOCATION IN A WIRELESS NETWORK - Methods, systems, and devices are described that are directed to estimating the bandwidth at a particular location in a wireless mesh network. In some embodiments, a performance determination apparatus includes a signal receiver module, a location module, a signal analysis module, a report module, and a placement module. In some embodiments, the signal analysis module collects received signal strength indicator (RSSI) on one or more receive chains of the receiver and analyzes various aspects of signal quality. In some embodiments, the signal analysis module estimates the bandwidth available at the location, estimates the latency at the location, or both. In some embodiments, the report module represents the quality of the signal graphically by overlaying a representation of the signal quality on a map of the area. In some embodiments, the placement module recommends where to place customer premises equipment (CPE) in order to maximize signal quality. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269292 | DYNAMIC ADJUSTMENT OF QUALITY OF SERVICE PARAMETERS - A computer-implemented method for dynamic adjustment of quality of service parameters is described. In one embodiment, one or more quality of service (QoS) parameters of a client of a mesh network is set based on an expected bandwidth for the mesh network. An actual bandwidth for the mesh network is measured. One or more QoS parameters of the client is automatically changed in response to the actual bandwidth differing from the expected bandwidth. The change in the QoS parameters may be configured to compensate for the difference between the actual bandwidth and the expected bandwidth. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267716 | METHODS FOR USING AN IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE INTEGRATED AT A BUILDING ENTRY WITH AN AUTOMATION CONTROL PANEL, AND SYSTEMS AND DEVICES RELATED THERETO - A system is described herein including a control panel configured to communicate with at least one mobile wireless device, including sending image data to the at least one mobile wireless device using electronic messaging protocols. The system also includes at least one automation component wirelessly connected to the control panel through short range wireless communication protocols. The at least one automation component includes at least one sensor configured to detect a presence of a person at an entry to the physical structure, at least one camera inconspicuously integrated within an entry component at the entry, and at least one short range wireless transceiver coupled to the at least one sensor and the at least one camera and configured to communicate image and sensor data to the control panel and to receive control information from the control panel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267112 | HOME SECURITY SYSTEM WITH TOUCH-SENSITIVE CONTROL PANEL - A security system includes a control panel and sensors for monitoring conditions related to the security of a residential or commercial location. The control panel communicates with the sensors and displays information related to the operation of the security system. The control panel may also receive user input. User input can be received at a touch-sensitive display on the control panel. The touch-sensitive display may be adapted to receive and recognize multiple, simultaneous touches. Different types of touches can be associated with different actions taken by the touch-sensitive display. Detection of types of touches can also include gesture identification. A haptic response may also be provided for giving tactile feedback when input is received at the control panel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266764 | SECURITY SYSTEM PROVIDING A LOCALIZED HUMANLY-PERCEIVABLE ALERT FOR IDENTIFYING A FACILITY TO EMERGENCY PERSONNEL - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for guiding emergency personnel to a location in a facility proximate to an alarm that has been generated. In one aspect, a method may include detecting an alarm condition at a facility protected by a security system and determining a location at the facility of the alarm condition. The method may further include causing at least one indicator at the facility, which is proximate to the determined location of the alarm condition, to generate an identifying alert that is humanly perceivable from an exterior of the facility such that emergency personnel can identify the facility based at least in part on the identifying alert. In some aspects, the method may also include notifying a security representative of the alarm condition, and receiving a notification from the security representative indicating that emergency personnel are dispatched to the facility. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266762 | SECURITY SYSTEM WITH EARTHQUAKE DETECTION - The present disclosure relates to approaches for detecting and monitoring for earthquakes using a control unit of a security system. A security system may include a plurality of sensors that detect alarm conditions and send alarm condition messages to a control unit for the security system. The control unit may be communicatively coupled to the sensors and configured to receive the alarm condition messages from the sensors. The security system may also include an earthquake sensor that senses earthquake conditions and sends an earthquake condition message to the control unit if it detects the earthquake condition. The control unit may include an alarm module. The control unit causes the alarm module to generate an alarm in response to receiving the earthquake condition message from the earthquake sensor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266719 | METHODS FOR PROMPTING A USER TO USE ENHANCED AUTOMATION SYSTEM FEATURES, AND SYSTEMS AND DEVICES RELATED THERETO - A control panel is used to control and/or monitor an automation system. The automation system may also be used in connection with one or more enhanced services, such as a remote access service. The remote access service may allow a user to control or monitor some or all aspects of the automation system through a remote computing device. To use the remote access service, or other enhanced services, the user may register to associate the user with the control panel of the automation system. If it is determined that the user has not registered, the service provider may send a message to the control panel. The message may prompt the user to register for the enhanced service. Optionally, contact information may be requested to allow a message to be sent to a personal device of the user to facilitate registration or use of the enhanced service. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266717 | METHODS FOR PROVIDING NOTIFICATIONS FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS IN RESPONSE TO EVENTS DETECTED BY AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM, AND SYSTEMS AND DEVICES RELATED THERETO - An automation system may include a control panel monitoring one more automation system components. When an event is detected at an automation system component, the control panel may automatically access a local or remote data source and identify procedures to be implemented in response to the event. The procedures may include follow-up actions and procedures specific to a particular dealer of the automation system. Dealer-specific procedures may then be displayed or otherwise communicated by the control panel to alert the user of what actions to take or to expect. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266708 | SECURITY SYSTEM TRACKING OF REMOTE ITEMS USING REDUCED POWER - A mobile tracking unit includes a controller having a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to communicate with a control unit of an automation and security system, determine a position of the mobile tracking unit relative to a base station using a low power location module, and communicate the position of the mobile tracking unit to at least one of the base station and a control unit of the automation and security system. When the mobile tracking unit is outside a specified range from the mobile tracking unit, the controller continues tracking the position of the mobile tracking unit with the low power location module. When the mobile tracking unit is inside the specified range, the controller determines the position of the mobile tracking unit using a high power location module. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266681 | DYNAMIC LINKING OF SECURITY SYSTEMS - The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and apparatuses for dynamically linking a first security system and a second security system. A method may include selectively linking a first security system and a second security system based on one or more link conditions. The method may further include receiving one or more first sensor event messages from the first security system and sending at least a portion of the one or more first sensor event messages to the second security system. The method may also include receiving one or more second sensor event messages from the second security system, and sending at least a portion of the one or more second sensor event messages to the first security system. In one aspect, the method may include selectively de-linking the first security system and the second security system based on one or more de-link conditions. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266674 | DETECTING DESTRUCTION OF AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM COMPONENT - A control panel is used to monitor events within a security system or other automation system. In the event an intruder enters a physical location, the intruder may attempt to damage the control panel to disrupt its operation. One or more sensors of the control panel may detect disruption in the operation of the control panel. Example sensors may detect an impact force, sudden acceleration, removal from a mounted location, or disruption of communication with an input/output element, such as a display device. When an event is detected at the control panel itself, the control panel can send a signal to a remote service provider, and the remote service provider can follow-up with the customer. The control panel and/or remote service provider may also determine when the control panel loses partial or complete power loss to identify the disruption as a potential crash-and-smash entry. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266593 | GARAGE DOOR STATUS AND CONTROL VIA A SECURITY SYSTEM - Methods, systems, and devices are described that are directed to status and control of a garage door system via an alarm system controller. A garage door system may include one or more garage doors and at least one sensor configured to sense data indicative of a status of a garage door of the one or more garage doors. The at least one sensor may further be configured to convey the sensed data to an alarm system controller. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263612 | SYSTEM COMPONENT INSTALLATION - A computer-implemented method for installing a component within a system is described. In one embodiment, component information is identified via a component code on a component. User input is received that includes additional component information. A component associated with the component code is activated in a system based on the component information and the additional component information. | 09-18-2014 |
20130223642 | MANAGING AUDIO OUTPUT THROUGH AN INTERMEDIARY - The present invention extends to methods, devices, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller. | 08-29-2013 |