Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to security and/or automation systems are described. In one embodiment, a method may include receiving linking information from a first device by a second device, linking the second device with the first device via a first connection, the linking based at least in part on the linking information, storing at least a portion of the linking information, and transmitting the stored linking information from the second device to one or more other devices via a second connection.

Abstract: A computer system for optimizing bandwidth usage within a cloud storage system identifies distinct requests to access a particular digital file. When the number of requests exceeds a threshold, the computer system queries a remote directory server for the particular digital file. The query system then receives, from the remote directory server, addresses to data blocks stored within multiple remote storage nodes. The system requests at least a portion of the addressed data blocks. Upon receiving the blocks, the system decodes the particular digital file from the portion of the addressed data blocks. The computer system then stores the decoded digital file within local memory and communicates the local-area network address to the remote directory server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for enabling secure access using a security and/or automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for enabling secure access using a security and/or 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 determine information regarding a service associated with a premises, detect a service personnel associated with the service arriving at the premises; unarm a designated area within the premises and verify that a remaining area within the premises is armed, and provide instructions to the service personnel regarding how to access the designated area within the premises.

Abstract: A method including determining an occupancy state of a building relating to a user, detecting a condition of a component of the security and/or automation system associated with the home, displaying, based at least in part on the determined occupancy state of the user and the detected condition of the component, a message related to the user on a graphical conversational user interface (“G-CUI”). The message include a request for permission from the user to initiate a change associated with the component of the system. The method may include receiving, via the G-CUI, a response from the user including an instruction whether to grant permission to initiate the change based at least in part on the displaying, and generating a rule associated with the component and a future occupancy state of the home relating to the user based at least in part on the received response.

Abstract: A device having indirect visual indicators to communicate information about states of operation is disclosed herein. The visual indicators may output a visual indication based on operational states of the device or other systems associated with the device. In some examples, a thermostat may include a downcast light that outputs a visual indication based on a mode of operation of the thermostat or a mode of operation of an associated heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) system. Various characteristics of the visual indication may be altered to output different information. In some examples, a color of the visual indication may change based on the modes of operation or the visual indication may be pulsed based on the modes of operation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for progressive profiling in a home automation system is described. Data related to a premises and an occupant of the premises may be analyzed and one or more observations may be made based on the analysis of the data. Upon detecting one or more conditions associated with the one or more observations made, an offer to perform one or more actions may be communicated to the occupant.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for personifying communications. According to at least one embodiment, the computer-implemented method for personifying a natural-language communication includes observing a linguistic pattern of a user. The method may also include analyzing the linguistic pattern of the user and adapting the natural-language communication based at least in part on the analyzed linguistic pattern of the user. In some embodiments, observing the linguistic pattern of the user may include receiving data indicative of the linguistic pattern of the user. The data may be one of verbal data or written data. Written data may include at least one of a text message, email, social media post, or computer-readable note. Verbal data may include at least one of a recorded telephone conversation, voice command, or voice message.

Abstract: A method for monitoring vehicle usage is described. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a vehicle event and detecting a query from a mobile device. The query includes a Wi-Fi probe request or Bluetooth inquiry. The method includes identifying a mobile device identifier from the query and associating the mobile device identifier with the vehicle event.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for security and/or automation systems are described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving a call initiation instruction at a video monitoring component of a home automation system. The method may further include analyzing the call initiation instruction, and communicating a call request from the video monitoring component of the home automation system to a first remote user based at least in part on the received call initiation instruction.

Abstract: A method for operating a security and/or automation system is described. A sensor may identify when a first person is in a sleep state. The sensor may detect a disturbance in the sleep state, and alert a second person when the detected disturbance satisfies one or more disturbance parameters.

Abstract: A method for a security and automation system is described. The method may include detecting that a person is present at or near the entry to the structure, capturing an image of the person in response to detecting that the person is present, comparing the image of the person to a database of images associated with the structure, identifying an identity of the person based at least in part on the comparing, and transmitting the captured image based at least in part on the identity of the person to a control panel of an automation and security system of the structure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for managing and adding user profiles to access an automation system. According to at least one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes receiving a request to add a user to an automation system. The request is generated from one of a mobile computing device or an automation controller of the automation system. The method further includes receiving contact information for the user and generating a message to send to the user. The message includes an invitation to the automation system. The method also includes sending the message to the user.

Abstract: A door to door sales management tool utilizes a mobile device configured to request data from a database regarding a neighborhood within proximity of that sale. The mobile device sends results back to the database, wherein the results are flagged as verified. A simplified prequalification system is shown where a salesperson may select a house on a map to run a prequalification on the residents expected occupants of the selected house.

Abstract: Methods and systems for signal proxying and modification relating to security and/or automation systems are described. In one embodiments, the methods include receiving, at a proxy device, a data signal transmitted from a first device, receiving a request for the data signal from at least one of two or more other devices, and transmitting the data signal to each of the two or more other devices based at least in part on the received request.

Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include detecting a proximity of a user at a home automation device. The method may further include projecting an external display of home automation system information from the home automation device onto a surface. In some embodiments, the external display may be projected based, at least in part, on the detected proximity of the user at the home automation device.

Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving a plurality of video footage at a home automation system from at least one video monitor. The method may further include reviewing the plurality of video footage recorded over a predetermined period of time. The method may further include automatically identifying at least one distinguishing feature in the video footage over the predetermined period of time, and automatically indexing the video footage based, at least in part, on identifying the at least one distinguishing feature in the video footage.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for storing metadata in a network of distributed remote storage devices. An example computer implemented method includes identifying a plurality of metadata inodes, grouping the plurality of metadata inodes into one or more metadata pages, mapping the plurality of metadata inodes and the plurality of metadata pages, and storing the mapping as a manifest page, and storing data to and retrieving data from the distributed remote storage devices using the plurality of metadata inodes.

Abstract: Security and/or automation systems, collectively referred to as automation systems, may allow a parent to leave their child at home and feel comfortable. The automation system may receive a notification that the parents are leaving. The parents may set a child alone state or a babysitter state. The system may use settings determined by the parents to track child parameters. Restricted areas may include a parents liquor cabinet, a parents bedroom, an office, and the like. The automation system may additionally track the comings and goings of a child to determine if the child is out past a curfew, when the child left, when the child arrived at home, and the like. Additionally, the parent away state may implement a lock down on any firearms or other potential hazards in a home.