Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for an improved graphical user interfaces suitable for monitoring home automation, security, and/or energy management systems. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface may include a summary list of device states, including a security device state. In some embodiments, one or more configurable lists of context-associated state types may be provided. The summary list of device states may include, for example, one or more device state list items associated with a detected context. In some instances, the system may include configuration of meta-devices. Meta-devices may include a combination of multiple devices, multiple meta-devices, or both. In some embodiments, meta-devices may be associated with one or more sensors, feature controllers, and/or security systems. A meta-device may indicate any type of relationship between sensor and/or feature controllers such as, for example, a property feature, a physical location, and/or an area associated with a property.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing a graphical user interface suitable for viewing and modifying home automation, home security, and/or energy management devices. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface may include a scene selection list displaying multiple selectable items representing various scenes. In certain instances, control and monitoring of one or more devices may at least be accessed through a transitory user interface element such as, for example, a drawer control, a pullable view, or the like. Multiple device states may be set in accordance with a scene definition associated with a selectable list item in a scene selection list displayed in the transitory user interface element. The contents of the scene selection, in certain embodiments, may be determined in part based on a detected application context, user context, or both.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for detecting a premise condition. According to at least one embodiment, a method for detecting a premise condition includes detecting a sound with a security system component, determining with the security system component whether the sound belongs to a recognized class of sounds, sending the recognized class to a remote control unit, and causing with the remote control unit a predetermined response to occur based on the recognized class.

Abstract: A method for geo-location services is described. In one embodiment, the method includes tracking incidents that occur within a predetermined geographic area in relation to a subscription service, upon receiving a request for a list of incidents in relation to the predetermined geographic area, generating a notification comprising the requested list of incidents, and sending the notification to one or more subscribers within the predetermined geographic area.

Abstract: A hidden display apparatus, system, and method. A display apparatus embodiment may include a face layer and a projection layer, with the projection layer positioned behind the face layer. The face layer may include a front side and a back side. The front side may include a first area configured to display high resolution images and a second area positioned around the first area. The first area and the second area may be made of the same material, and have similar color(s) and/or patterns. The projection layer may include a light source operative in an active mode and an inactive mode. When in the active mode, the projection layer may project light to the face layer to display images in the first area. When in the inactive mode, the face layer may be visually obscured so that the first area and the second area together display a colored surface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for generating time-lapse representation of video footage in a security/automation system is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving video from a camera at a location associated with a home automation system, determining a first motion event in the video, identifying a level of priority associated with the first motion event, and generating a time-lapse representation of the video having a first frame rate for a first part of the time-lapse representation of the video and a second frame rate different from the first frame rate for a second part of the time-lapse representation of the video that includes the first motion event. In some cases, the time-lapse representation of the video may be generated based at least in part on the level of priority associated with the first motion event.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for implementing an integrated device includes operating a component of a security and/or automation system, wherein the component is housed with an electronic device that is connected to electrical wiring of a building, communicating between the component and a control panel of the security and/or automation system, and providing power to the component and the electronic device through the electrical wiring.

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: Techniques are described for a security and automation system. One method includes receiving sensor data associated with at least one sensor of the security and automation system; analyzing the received sensor data; and initiating a function of the security and automation system based on the analyzing.

Abstract: Apparatuses, techniques, and methods for a security and/or automation system are described. In some cases, methods may include receiving, from a first device, a request to capture data during an identified time period at a first location, determining that a mobile camera device and the first device are part of a predetermined group of devices operating in a neighborhood network, capturing the data using the mobile camera device at the first location, and transmitting the data to the first device. In some cases, the first device comprises a stationary device and the mobile camera device comprises an unmanned air vehicle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access to a building associated with a security and/or automation system may include detecting a presence of at least one person positioned proximate an entry to the building, collecting one or more biometric identifiers from the at least one person, identifying one or more devices within a predetermined proximity of the entry to the building, and granting the person access to the building based at least in part on the collecting and the identifying.

Abstract: Methods ad systems are described for generating custom rules for device operation in a home environment. A method includes monitoring an activity in home environment via one or more sensors, generating a recommended action associated with the at least one device based on the monitored activity, receiving user input regarding the recommended action, determining a trend based on the received user input, and adjusting performance of the at least one device based on the determined trend.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. In one example, a method for mobile vehicle integration with a home automation system is described, the method including detecting, at the home automation system, an event associated with a mobile vehicle integrated with the home automation system. The method also includes performing, by the home automation system, an action related to the detected event.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for operating a wall mounted thermostat. An example computer-implemented method includes receiving an indication of a physical touch to an exposed portion of a housing of the thermostat, wherein the housing is movable when touched. The method also includes determining a thermostat command associated with where the housing is touched and movement of the housing in response to the touch, and operating the thermostat according to the determined thermostat command.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for premises security is described. In one embodiment, a person passing through a perimeter of a predefined area is detected via a boundary sensor. Upon detecting the person passing through the perimeter of the predefined area, a camera is activated to capture an image of the person, the camera being positioned in relation to the predefined area. A notification is sent to a user determined to be nearest to the predefined area. The notification may include the image of the person. A proximity of a person in relation to a vehicle is detected via a proximity sensor. Upon determining the proximity of the person satisfies a predetermined threshold, a notification is sent to a user. Upon determining the proximity of the person satisfies the predetermined threshold, a camera positioned in relation to the vehicle is activated.