Abstract: The systems of the present invention provide monitoring and recording means for monitoring and maintaining a history of one or more parameters associated with a building or a particular location. The system can be preset with default actions to be conducted as a result of certain events or changes in certain parameters being detected. For example, the water and/or gas utilities can be programmed to shut down if smoke is detected, indicating the possible presence of a fire, or if the temperature drops below freezing temperature. All utilities, including gas, and water can be programmed to shut down in the event that a potentially significant change in a monitored parameter is detected.

Abstract: An interface receives procurement data, the procurement data comprising data received from a home automation device. A processor applies forecast development rules to the procurement data. The processor determines an electricity procurement recommendation, the electricity procurement recommendation based on the analyzed energy usage data and the forecast development rules. Upon a determination of the electricity procurement recommendation, the interface communicates the electricity procurement recommendation to a retail electricity provider.

Abstract: A system including a security system having a plurality of sensors and actuators within a building and a respective control feature embodied as a programmed processor and associated with operation of the security system and at least some of the plurality of sensors and actuators, a user display of a portable wireless device that depicts a portion of the building using a building information model (BIM), an user interface of the wireless device that receives a symbol drawn by a human user over part of the building portion and a processor that correlates the symbol with a control feature of the security system based upon proximity of the symbol on the display with a location of an associated sensor or actuator of the control feature within the BIM model of the building.

Abstract: A smart panel device comprising at, least, one memory, at least one module, wherein the at least one module is detachably coupled to the smart panel device, and wherein the smart panel device is communicatively coupled to at least one building wiring, a processor, coupled to the at least one memory, the processor is configured to cause a first action upon detecting a first activity.

Abstract: A system and methods comprise a touchscreen at a premises. The touchscreen includes a processor coupled to a security system at the premises. User interfaces are presented via the touchscreen and include a security interface that provides control of functions of and access to data collected by the security system, and a network interface that provides access to network devices. A plurality of network devices at the premises is coupled to the touchscreen. A security server at a remote location is coupled to the touchscreen. The security server comprises a client interface through which remote client devices exchange data with the touchscreen and the security system. The client interface is a cross-client interface provided by a client view model of at least one of the touchscreen and the security server that normalizes information of the plurality of network devices and the security system.

Abstract: Embodiments of an adaptive virtual intelligent agent (“AVIA”) service are disclosed. It may include the functions of a human administrative assistant for an enterprise including customer support, customer relationship management, and fielding incoming caller inquiries. It also has multi-modal applications for the home through interaction with AVIA implemented in the home. It may engage in free-form natural language dialogs. During a dialog, embodiments maintain the context and meaning of the ongoing dialog and provides information and services as needed by the domain of the application. Over time, the service automatically extends its knowledge of the domain (as represented in the Knowledge Tree Graphs) through interaction with external resources.

Abstract: The invention enables creation of grammar networks that can regulate, control, and define the content and scope of human-machine interaction in natural language voice user interfaces (NLVUI). More specifically, the invention concerns a phrase-based modeling of generic structures of verbal interaction and use of these models for the purpose of automating part of the design of such grammar networks.

Abstract: A point-of-sale terminal differentiates dynamically among different data streams by processing data encoded with “sentinels” that bracket the beginning and end of the data and identify the type of data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for controlling settings of an automation system, such as a home and/or business automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling settings of an 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 continuously detect user patterns of behavior with a home automation system, and adaptively update one or more settings of the home automation system based on the detected patterns of behavior.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a selection of a building via a touchscreen interface, identifying a plurality of rooms based on a stored data record associated with the selected building, populating the touchscreen interface with visual representations of the plurality of rooms of the selected building, receiving a selection of a room via the touchscreen interface, identifying a plurality of predefined objects associated with the selected room, providing a list of the plurality of predefined objects on the touchscreen interface in a manner facilitating selection of an asset for the selected room via the touchscreen interface, facilitating entry of make and model information of the selected asset via the touchscreen interface, and retrieving estimated energy usage information based on the make and model information of the selected asset from a database of building objects via a network connection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses, methods and systems operable to provide transformable living spaces. The system includes a chassis and a configurable unit movably coupled to the chassis for at least one of translation and rotation with respect to the chassis. The system also includes at least one drivetrain assembly movably coupling the configurable unit to the chassis. The system includes at least one actuator coupled to the configurable unit by the at least one drivetrain assembly. The system also includes at least one robotic controller communicatively coupled to the at least one actuator.

Abstract: In the case where selection of an icon representing an air conditioner is sensed in a region corresponding to a certain room on a floor plan, a region corresponding to the certain room on the floor plan is switched to an adjustment region for changing the set temperature of the air conditioner. In the case where it is sensed that a contact made to a touch-panel display moves within the region corresponding to the certain room, a control command for changing the set temperature of the air conditioner in accordance with a distance in which the contact moves is transmitted to the network.

Abstract: A home security system may infer a mode of operation based on indications it receives regarding a user's behavior. The disclosed implementations provide for a vacation mode of operation that defines a response for a security event that differs from the response that would be provided by the home security system for the same security event if it operated in another mode such as an away mode.

Abstract: A point-of-care computer system is provided, including a display positioned in a point-of-care location. The point-of-care computer includes hardware coupled to a frame of a hospital bed.

Abstract: Techniques for creating groups of devices for controlling these groups with voice commands are described herein. For instance, an environment may include an array of secondary devices (or “smart appliances”, or simply “devices”) that are configured to perform an array of operations. Users may request to create different groups of these devices, such that the users may control entire groups at a single time with individual voice commands.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses, methods and systems operable to provide transformable living spaces. The system includes a chassis and a configurable unit movably coupled to the chassis for at least one of translation and rotation with respect to the chassis. The system also includes at least one drivetrain assembly movably coupling the configurable unit to the chassis. The system includes at least one actuator coupled to the configurable unit by the at least one drivetrain assembly. The system also includes at least one robotic controller communicatively coupled to the at least one actuator.

Abstract: Techniques for defining a set of predefined device capabilities generally offered by available voice-controllable devices are described herein. Thereafter, as a particular user introduces new secondary devices into his environment and registers these devices, the techniques may identify the capabilities of the new device and map these capabilities to one or more of the predefined device capabilities of the set.

Abstract: An intelligent massage bathing system applied for a massage bathing equipment is disclosed herein, which comprises a plurality of attached devices, a massage bathing control unit, an operating panel unit and a master control device. The attached devices includes at least one first attached devices and at least one second attached devices, wherein the at least one first attached devices is configured as at least one slave control device. The master control device establishes a master-slave connection with the at least one slave control device, and commands to directly control the at least one slave control device to actuate relatively to the massage bathing equipment, according to an instruction generated from the operating panel unit.

Abstract: A speech-based audio device may be configured to detect a user-uttered wake expression and to respond by interpreting subsequent words or phrases as commands. In order to distinguish between utterance of the wake expression by the user and generation of the wake expression by the device itself, directional audio signals may by analyzed to detect whether the wake expression has been received from multiple directions. If the wake expression has been received from many directions, it is declared as being generated by the audio device and ignored. Otherwise, if the wake expression is received from a single direction or a limited number of directions, the wake expression is declared as being uttered by the user and subsequent words or phrase are interpreted and acted upon by the audio device.

Abstract: A speech-based audio device may be configured to detect a user-uttered wake expression and to respond by interpreting subsequent words or phrases as commands. In order to distinguish between utterance of the wake expression by the user and generation of the wake expression by the device itself, directional audio signals may by analyzed to detect whether the wake expression has been received from multiple directions. If the wake expression has been received from many directions, it is declared as being generated by the audio device and ignored. Otherwise, if the wake expression is received from a single direction or a limited number of directions, the wake expression is declared as being uttered by the user and subsequent words or phrase are interpreted and acted upon by the audio device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, apparatus and methods for activity guidance and monitoring utilizing a scanning device associated with a system network. Embodiments further disclose activity guidance and monitoring of labor workflow. The system may include a scanning device with a network communication component facilitating communication with a server. The scanning device may scan identification codes associated with a user or an activity, and display activity information based upon the scanned codes. The server may include a database of information related to the users and activities as well as historical information, and the server may provide analysis of such information. A user interface may facilitate activity status updates to be input into the system. Reports may be created to reflect the status updates or an analysis of the information.

Abstract: A security system includes a control panel and sensors for monitoring conditions related to the security of a residential or commercial location. The control panel communicates with the sensors and displays information related to the operation of the security system. The control panel may also receive user input. User input can be received at a touch-sensitive display on the control panel. The touch-sensitive display may be adapted to receive and recognize multiple, simultaneous touches. Different types of touches can be associated with different actions taken by the touch-sensitive display. Detection of types of touches can also include gesture identification. A haptic response may also be provided for giving tactile feedback when input is received at the control panel.

Abstract: An interface between a telephone-type communications system and a regional ambient condition monitoring system receives incoming verbal status information relative to the region. That information can be transferred to the monitoring system. Verbal messages can be fed back to the communications systems to provide information as to responding to conditions in the region being monitored.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a protective distribution system is disclosed. The method includes monitoring an information transmission line, detecting a disturbance on the information transmission line, displaying the disturbance as a graphical representation, comparing the disturbance to a preset threshold, and triggering an alert if the disturbance is greater than the preset threshold or the number of disturbances less than the preset threshold meets a preset number within a preset time period. A system for managing a protective distribution system is also provided. The system includes a set of instructions which when executed causes a processor to perform a method for managing an information transmission line. The system further includes an intrusion detector, an optical line terminal and/or network switch, an optical circuit switch, an optical test access point device, and a network analytic tool.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus is provided. The door lock apparatus includes a first interface configured to communicate with a plurality of external apparatuses; a near field communicator configured to perform authentication for opening a door; a second interface configured to communicate with a display apparatus; and a controller configured to control the first interface to receive status information on each of the plurality of external apparatuses from the plurality of external apparatuses, control the second interface to transmit the received status information to the display apparatus to be displayed in response to the authentication being performed by the near field communicator.

Abstract: A passive RFID transponder circuit comprises a transducer antenna, a power conditioning unit and an RFID signal module coupled to the transducer antenna and an additional powered element coupled to the transducer antenna in parallel with the power conditioning unit and RFID signal module. The powered element is powered by electrical current from the transducer antenna that bypasses the power conditioning unit and RFID signal module.

Abstract: A method for teaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes storing the acquired identification code for operating the switching circuit and locking the switching circuit against learning identification codes of any other target prior to reaching an allowed number of reteaching attempts.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: status information input means for inputting status information indicating an operating state and power consumption of each of a plurality of electronic appliances targeted for connection from the plurality of electronic appliances; list screen generating means for generating a list screen that associates the status information inputted from each of the plurality of electronic appliances with the plurality of electronic appliances; and a display control means for controlling display means for displaying the list screen thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is related to systems and methods for identifying and reporting a crisis status. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises a central server; an administrative work station communicably coupled to the central server, wherein the administrative work station is accessible only by an authorized administrator; a database communicably coupled to the central server, the database including a floor plan of the area, wherein the database is accessible and modifiable by the authorized administrator at the administrative work station; and a remote device at a particular location in the area, the remote device communicably coupled to the central server, the remote device capable of communicating securely to the database the particular location of the remote device and the crisis status of the particular location.

Abstract: An indicator light for filming is provided having a button wirelessly coupled to an illumination device. The button is placed on a camera while the illumination device is placed on the barrel of a gun. The button is depressed on the camera to indicate that the shooter is free to take the shot.

Abstract: Portable interface devices for controlling machines at control locations. One example device is arranged, in response to a positive verification that it is at a control location, to enable a user to control the machine by means of the device. Another example device is arranged to display information comprising control-location-specific information, based on which of at least two control locations was identified. Another example device is arranged to enable machine control for a limited period of time after a positive detection that it is located at a control location. Another example device includes a barcode reader. The device enables a user to control the machine in response to a positive verification that the barcode read is associated with the at least one control location.

Abstract: A method for locating a wireless communications device WCD (102). The method includes the step of receiving at the WCD (102) a wireless transmission comprising a first auto-location trigger signal. The WCD (102), responsive to the first auto-location trigger signal, operates in an auto-location mode. The auto-location mode includes the automatic collection and communication of predetermined first data, such as audio, video, and GPS location data. After the automatic collection and communication step of the first data is complete, the WCD (102) enters into a standby mode. The standby mode continues until a state detection device (206) of the WCD (102) detects a change in the state of the WCD (102). These changes in state are exclusive of the wireless transmission comprising the first auto-location trigger signal. The change(s) in state produce a second auto-location trigger signal, which causes the automatic collection and communication of a second data that is the same or similar to the first data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accounting for responders at a site, includes obtaining a first RFID from a scanning of a responder radio performed in a vicinity of the site; determining, by using the first RFID, a responder identity from a RFID database that associates each one of a plurality of responder identities to a corresponding responder radio RFID; adding at least one of the responder identity and the first RFID to an active responder database for the site; initiating an acknowledgement to the responder radio; obtaining a second RFID as a result of a second scanning; and removing the responder identity from the active responder database when the second RFID matches the first RFID.

Abstract: A biometric sensor may be coupled to a portable communications device, such as a cellular telephone. The biometric sensor may be configured to acquire one or more measurements of biological characteristics of an individual. One or more of the measurements may relate to internal, sub-epidermal characteristics of the individual, such as non-volitional processes occurring within the individual, sub-epidermal structures within the individual, or the like. A biometric marker may be derived from one or more of the measurements. The portable communications device may be activated responsive to deriving the biometric marker. The activation may include transmitting the measurements and/or biometric markers derived therefrom to a receiver using the portable communications device.

Abstract: A utility monitoring system, methods of implementation, and programs are disclosed which can provide real-time information regarding a utility system, such as a water system of a home or building. The monitoring system can detect operating parameters or attributes of one or more sources in the water system and create a user-defined output selected so as to motivate and inspire conservation. For example, the system can output a monetized analysis of the usage of the water system. Further, the system can be configured to provide alarms in response to possible leaks when no period of zero usage is detected and/or in response to operating parameters that exceed a predetermined range of acceptable values. The system can control one or more of the sources in response to an alarm, allowing the system to shutoff or otherwise control the sources in the water system.