Patents by Inventor Michael D. Child

Michael D. Child has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11570401
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for security and/or automation systems are described. In one embodiment, the method including identifying a presence of a first person at a first location, capturing a first video related to the first person at the first location, and initiating an adjustment of a display of the first video based at least in part on identifying the presence of the first person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Michelle Zundel
  • Patent number: 11502869
    Abstract: A method for adjusting devices upon detecting occupant is asleep in a security/automation system is described. In one embodiment, the method may include monitoring sensor data from one or more sensors, detecting an occupant sleeping, based at least in part on the monitored sensor data, and upon detecting the occupant sleeping, modifying one or more settings associated with one or more devices of the home automation system. In some cases, the method may include modifying at least one of an audio setting associated with the home automation system, a thermostat setting associated with the home automation system, a sensor setting associated with the home automation system, an appliance setting associated with the home automation system, and a security setting associated with the home automation system, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Child
  • Patent number: 11410221
    Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method includes integrating, via a processor of a first computing device, a secure delivery option in relation to a checkout interface of a point of sale (POS) system. In some cases, the method includes receiving, via the processor, an input to enable the secure delivery option in relation to an order being placed via the checkout interface, generating, via the processor, an access code for the order based at least in part on enabling the secure delivery option, and enabling, via the processor, access to a premises via the access code generated for the order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Michelle Zundel, Michael D. Child
  • Patent number: 11308333
    Abstract: Techniques are described for security and automation system. One method includes receiving, from an exterior camera located outside a structure, data associated with an occurrence of a security event associated with the structure, activating a light of the camera based at least in part on determining the received data is associated with the security event, and initiating an action at the first location based at least in part on determining that the received data is associated with the security event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Landon Mark Langford, Michael D. Child, Michelle Bea Zundel
  • Patent number: 11164601
    Abstract: Methods and systems for routing messages are described. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a security system of a premises, identifying a video file captured by the security system of the premises, determining one or more aspects of the video file, selecting a first playback speed based on the determined one or more aspects of the video file, and playing the video file at the first playback speed. In some cases, the one or more aspects of the video file includes at least one of runtime, file size, and frame rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Michelle Zundel
  • Patent number: 11025863
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Mahar, Matthew J. Eyring, Clint Huson Gordon-Carroll, Jeremy Bruce Warren, James Ellis Nye, Jefferson Huhta Lyman, Michael D. Child
  • Patent number: 10999561
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Todd Matthew Santiago, Jeremy B. Warren
  • Publication number: 20200402374
    Abstract: A method for adjusting devices upon detecting occupant is asleep in a security/automation system is described. In one embodiment, the method may include monitoring sensor data from one or more sensors, detecting an occupant sleeping, based at least in part on the monitored sensor data, and upon detecting the occupant sleeping, modifying one or more settings associated with one or more devices of the home automation system. In some cases, the method may include modifying at least one of an audio setting associated with the home automation system, a thermostat setting associated with the home automation system, a sensor setting associated with the home automation system, an appliance setting associated with the home automation system, and a security setting associated with the home automation system, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Michael D. Child
  • Patent number: 10873728
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Matthew Mahar, Matthew J. Eyring, Clint Huson Gordon-Carroll, Jeremy Bruce Warren, James Ellis Nye, Jefferson Huhta Lyman, Michelle Zundel
  • Patent number: 10861265
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Logan Sanders Merkley, Janelle Kim Seegmiller, Spencer J. Nugent, Michael D. Child, Tanner H. Potter
  • Patent number: 10796160
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to memory, including read or write performance of a phase change memory, are described. A plurality of memory cells of a memory array may be read. A total number of read errors resulting from the read operation of the plurality of memory cells may be determined, and reference read currents may be adjusted if the total number of read errors exceeds an error threshold. In some examples, adjusting reference read currents includes reading a reference memory cell, determining a current shift for the reference memory cell, and adjusting read currents for other memory cells of the memory array by a current delta based at least in part on the current shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Michelle Zundel
  • Publication number: 20200279117
    Abstract: Techniques are described for enhanced interactions for a security automation system using a doorbell camera. One method includes detecting, by the doorbell camera, an object located within a pre-determined distance from the doorbell camera; identifying, by the doorbell camera, a suggested security action for the security and automation system to perform based at least in part on the detecting; transmitting the suggested action to the security and automation system based at least in part on the identifying; and transmitting, in response to identifying the suggested security action, a message to a user associated with the security automation system regarding the suggested security action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Tanner Hawkes Potter, Wes Frisby, Michael D. Child, Spencer J. Nugent, Michelle Bea Zundel, Max Benjamin Crebs
  • Patent number: 10750131
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to security system and automation monitoring are described. In one embodiment a method may include receiving motion detection data via an electrical signal, analyzing the motion detection data based at least in part on a first parameter, identifying a movement of an object based at least in part on the analyzing, and adjusting one or more light emitting diodes based at least in part on the identifying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Jowen Lin
  • Patent number: 10687214
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to operating a security system are described. In one embodiment a method may include receiving at a receiving unit a protected signal sent from a portable transmitter, the receiving unit in communication with a security system panel, assessing at least one characteristic of the protected signal, modifying at least one characteristic of the protected signal based at least in part on the assessing, and comparing the protected signal to a stored signal after the modifying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Call, Craig DeVries, Jeremy B. Warren, Michael D. Child
  • Patent number: 10687025
    Abstract: In some embodiments, security and/or automation systems, collectively referred to as automation system, may provide deterrents to the illicit acquisition of a device unique to the automation system. The system may enable a device to self-detect when the device is either stolen and/or the potential victim of hacking. The automation system may implement several solutions to help prevent tampering with its devices. The solutions may help prevent the physical acquisition of a device or may aid in the recovery of the device. The solutions may additionally include programming the device to automatically detect when the device is being hacked and/or misappropriated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, JonPaul Vega, Craig Matsuura, Dean Brederson
  • Patent number: 10645772
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for security and/or automation systems, for adjusting a home environment. Some method embodiments involving a lighting system may include receiving data relating to an occupant of a home from a sensor, analyzing the data, identifying the occupant based at least in part on the analyzing, and initiating an adjustment of the lighting system based at least in part on the identifying. One such embodiment may also include searching a catalog of occupant profiles, and comparing the data with the catalog of occupant profiles. Some other method embodiments may initiate adjustments to an environment based on an occupant's preferences (whether those preferences are already included in a profile, or determined by analysis) such as for example the occupant's lighting preferences (in an embodiment involving a lighting system). One method embodiment may also include correlating data relating to the occupant with the occupant's profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Michelle Zundel
  • Patent number: 10635907
    Abstract: Techniques are described for enhanced interactions for a security automation system using a doorbell camera. One method includes detecting, by the doorbell camera, that a person is located within a distance threshold to an entry of a structure based on received sensor data; identifying, by the doorbell camera, a suggested security action for the security and automation system to perform based on the detecting; transmitting the suggested action to the security and automation system based on the identifying; and broadcasting, via the doorbell camera, in response to the transmitting a message to the person located within the distance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Jeremy B. Warren, Alen L. Peacock, Michelle Zundel
  • Patent number: 10586114
    Abstract: Techniques are described for enhanced interactions for a security automation system using a doorbell camera. One method includes detecting, by the doorbell camera, an object located within a pre-determined distance from the doorbell camera; identifying, by the doorbell camera, a suggested security action for the security and automation system to perform based at least in part on the detecting; transmitting the suggested action to the security and automation system based at least in part on the identifying; and transmitting, in response to identifying the suggested security action, a message to a user associated with the security automation system regarding the suggested security action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Tanner Hawkes Potter, Wes Frisby, Michael D. Child, Spencer J. Nugent, Michelle Bea Zundel, Max Benjamin Crebs
  • Publication number: 20200077045
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for security and/or automation systems are described. In one embodiment, the method including identifying a presence of a first person at a first location, capturing a first video related to the first person at the first location, and initiating an adjustment of a display of the first video based at least in part on identifying the presence of the first person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Michelle Zundel
  • Publication number: 20200045268
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Michael D. Child, Matthew Mahar, Matthew J. Eyring, Clint Huson Gordon-Carroll, Jeremy Bruce Warren, James Ellis Nye, Jefferson Huhta Lyman, Michelle Zundel