Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for utilizing a single circuit to feed at least two electrical loads when adding an additional load would normally require its own circuit and an upgrade of the electrical service to a dwelling where the circuit is deployed to handle the additional load, including a first electrical component, connected to a circuit and a first load and a second load, the first electrical component configured to power to the first load and second load but disconnect power to the second load when the first load is utilized greater than a threshold ampacity. The first and the second load cannot be fully energized at the same time as the capacity of the circuit would be exceeded.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for back-end failure redundancy in security and automation systems. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for back-end failure redundancy 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 detect an alarm event, and attempt to establish a connection between a control panel and a backend system. If no connection between control panel and backend system is made, the instructions may initiate a two-way cellular call between the control panel and a central station, and deliver a caller ID from the control panel to the central station via the two-way cellular call.

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 at a first location, a request to access data associated with a time period from a second device at a second location, the data comprising at least one of audio data, visual data, or a combination thereof, receiving, from the first device, a category associated with the request, identifying a first set of data associated with the time period, the identified first set of data based at least in part on the request and the category, and automatically transmitting the first set of data to the first device based at least in part on the category.

Abstract: 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.

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 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: 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 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.

Abstract: A method for energy management is described. In one embodiment, an aspect of a dwelling is monitored. The monitored aspect of the dwelling is compared to an energy policy to determine a deviation of the monitored aspect of the dwelling from a setting of the energy policy. A notification is sent to an occupant, the notification comprising the deviation of the monitored aspect of the dwelling from the setting of the energy policy.

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 at a first location, a request to access data associated with a time period from a second device at a second location, the data comprising at least one of audio data, visual data, or a combination thereof, receiving, from the first device, a category associated with the request, identifying a first set of data associated with the time period, the identified first set of data based at least in part on the request and the category, and automatically transmitting the first set of data to the first device based at least in part on the category.

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: Methods and systems are described for managing one-time access to an automation system. According to at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method to grant a user access to an automation is described. The method may comprise receiving one or more access parameters to authorize one-time permission to the user to access the automation system. The method may further comprise granting one-time permission to the user to access the automation system based at least in part on the one or more access parameters. The method may additionally comprise generating a message comprising at least the one-time permission to access the automation system. The one or more access parameters may comprise at least one of a limited time frame, single use entry code, or a limited number of entries.

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 at a first location, a request to access data associated with a time period from a second device at a second location, the data comprising at least one of audio data, visual data, or a combination thereof, receiving, from the first device, a category associated with the request, identifying a first set of data associated with the time period, the identified first set of data based at least in part on the request and the category, and automatically transmitting the first set of data to the first device based at least in part on the category.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for back-end failure redundancy in security and automation systems. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for back-end failure redundancy 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 detect an alarm event, and attempt to establish a connection between a control panel and a backend system. If no connection between control panel and backend system is made, the instructions may initiate a two-way cellular call between the control panel and a central station, and deliver a caller ID from the control panel to the central station via the two-way cellular call.

Abstract: 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 a processor to detect a trigger word spoken by a user at a location remote from a control panel of the automation and security system, detect a command spoken by the user at the remote location which follows the trigger word, deliver at least one audio response to the user at the remote location in response to the command, and perform an action in response to the command.

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 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.