Abstract: A thermostat system for accessing a home automation system includes a device interface module for accessing a first home automated device, a wide-area communication module for data communication with an external network, and a local communication module for data communication over a home automation network. The first home automated device may be an external HVAC device. A first command for accessing the first home automated device is received. A first access signal based on the first received command is generated and transmitted to the first home automated device. A second command for accessing the second home automated device is received. A second access signal based on the second received command is generated and transmitted to the second home automated device. The first access signal may be transmitted independently of the home automation network while the second access signal may be transmitted via the home automation network.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a false alarm includes receiving a provisional alarm signal from a safety alarm system, the provisional alarm signal indicating an alarm type. At least one sensor senses at least one present condition of a type corresponding to the alarm type indicated by the provisional alarm signal. A normal alarm signal is transmitted based on the at least one present condition sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present embodiments provide a method for transferring A/V recording and communication devices to other parties for installation at structures such as homes. The distributed and/or installed devices may be in a pre-activation mode with limited functionality. For example, a video doorbell device in pre-activation mode may have similar functionalities as a traditional doorbell, such as sounding a signaling device (e.g., a bell or buzzer), when a front button of the doorbell is pressed. The camera and/or the recording capabilities of the video doorbell, however, may be disabled in the pre-activation mode. The homeowner (or renter or other occupant) may subsequently desire to activate the A/V recording and communication device. During the activation process, the homeowner may be required to submit a payment for the A/V recording and communication device.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present embodiments provide a method for transferring A/V recording and communication devices to other parties for installation at structures such as homes. The distributed and/or installed devices may be in a pre-activation mode with limited functionality. For example, a video doorbell device in pre-activation mode may have similar functionalities as a traditional doorbell, such as sounding a signaling device (e.g., a bell or buzzer), when a front button of the doorbell is pressed. The camera and/or the recording capabilities of the video doorbell, however, may be disabled in the pre-activation mode. The homeowner (or renter or other occupant) may subsequently desire to activate the A/V recording and communication device. During the activation process, the homeowner may be required to submit a payment for the A/V recording and communication device.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for separating the motion detection zone(s) of an A/V recording and communication device from the motion alert zone(s) of the A/V recording and communication device. For example, an A/V recording and communication device may be configured to generate motion alerts, and to record audio and video footage, when an event is detected within a selected motion alert zone (e.g., within a defined radius around the A/V recording and communication device). However, the A/V recording and communication device may not generate a motion alert for an event detected outside of the selected motion alert zone, even though the device may still record audio and video footage for the detected event (e.g., when the event is within a selected motion detection zone).

Abstract: An illuminated sign for providing a warning that an area adjacent the illuminated sign is within a field of view of an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device. The illuminated sign may include a front panel having translucent portions and opaque portions, and an illumination source located behind the front panel. The illumination source illuminates the front panel such that the opaque portions block transmission through the front panel of at least a portion of the light from the illumination source to provide the warning that the area adjacent the illuminated sign is within the field of view of the A/V recording and communication device.

Abstract: A communication device that may be removably coupled to a USB port, the device having a processor and non-volatile memory and configured to execute code, including code for receiving a wireless transmission including an alert signal from a second device, where the second device is a wireless doorbell, code for sounding an alarm via an audio or visual indicator on the communication device in response to the alert signal, code for receiving input from a user and transmitting a response signal to the second device, and code for allowing two-way audio communication between the communication device and the wireless doorbell.

Abstract: A communication device that may be removably coupled to a USB port, the device having a processor and non-volatile memory and configured to execute code, including code for receiving a wireless transmission including an alert signal from a second device, where the second device is a wireless doorbell, code for sounding an alarm via an audio or visual indicator on the communication device in response to the alert signal, code for receiving input from a user and transmitting a response signal to the second device, and code for allowing two-way audio communication between the communication device and the wireless doorbell.

Abstract: A device for communicating including a housing including a camera, a microphone, a speaker, a button, a battery, a sensor, non-volatile memory, a processor, and a wireless communications module, wherein the non-volatile memory stores code operable by the processor for switching the processor from low-power mode to active mode in response to an activation trigger, receiving, from the one of the microphone and the camera, outbound audio and video signals, then sending a signal to a server via the wireless communications module during active mode, the signal including one or more of an alert signal, a signal based on the outbound audio signal, and a signal based on the outbound video signal, receiving from the server an inbound audio signal and outputting a signal based on the inbound audio signal via the speaker, and switching the processor from active mode to low-power mode in response to a deactivation trigger.