Abstract: A home security and automation system includes multi-sensor sensor devices that communicate with a base unit. Each sensor device is a self-identifying multi-function device that includes a housing, multiple sensors disposed in the housing, and a communication device disposed in the housing that permits communication between the sensor device and the base unit. Each sensor device is configured to be operated in multiple operating modes, and an active operating mode of each sensor device, corresponding to one operating mode selected from the several possible operating modes, is determined by the orientation in space of the sensor device housing. The base unit is configured to receive from each sensor device information identifying the active operating mode.

Abstract: A surveillance camera system includes a camera that acquires images and that has an adjustable field of view. A processing device is operably coupled to the camera. The processing device allows a user to define a virtual mask within the acquired images. The processing device also tracks a moving object of interest in the acquired images with a reduced level of regard for areas of the acquired images that are within the virtual mask.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is used to secure a housing to a support structure such as a post, wall or ceiling. The bracket assembly includes an inner bracket, an outer bracket and a connector. The inner bracket is configured to be mounted on the support structure separately from the outer bracket, and the outer bracket is configured to be quickly mounted on the inner bracket. The outer bracket and connector are joined by a ball and socket joint. Angular adjustment of the ball relative to the socket is made prior to mounting of the outer bracket on the inner bracket, and the desired orientation is maintained using a clamping assembly. The bracket assembly includes sealing features that prevent moisture from entering the assembly.

Abstract: A housing assembly includes a base and a front assembly assembled with the base. The base includes a bottom and a sidewall that surrounds a peripheral edge of the bottom, and the front assembly is configured to engage with the sidewalls and close an open end of the base. The front assembly includes a latch that protrudes inward from an inner surface, and a spring-biased cam is rotatably supported on the base. The cam includes a cam surface that is engaged with the latch in such a way that rotation of the cam about the rotational axis results in a translation of the front assembly relative to the base in a direction parallel to the cam rotational axis. The cam is manually actuated using a tool.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is used to secure a housing to a support structure such as a post, wall or ceiling. The bracket assembly includes an inner bracket, an outer bracket and a connector. The inner bracket is configured to be mounted on the support structure separately from the outer bracket, and the outer bracket is configured to be quickly mounted on the inner bracket. The outer bracket and connector are joined by a ball and socket joint. Angular adjustment of the ball relative to the socket is made prior to mounting of the outer bracket on the inner bracket, and the desired orientation is maintained using a clamping assembly. The bracket assembly includes sealing features that prevent moisture from entering the assembly.

Abstract: A motion sensor housing includes a base and a lens holder that is supported on the base. The motion sensor is disposed in the housing between the base and the lens holder so as to face the lens holder, and a frameless lens is supported on an outer surface of the lens holder in such a way that the lens provides the outermost surface of the housing. In addition, when the motion sensor housing is viewed facing the lens, the lens holder is not visible, and the outward-facing surface of the lens is free of edges, borders and/or discontinuities.

Abstract: A video tracking system and method are provided for tracking a target object with a video camera.

Abstract: A surveillance camera system includes a camera that acquires images and that has an adjustable field of view. A processing device is operably coupled to the camera. The processing device allows a user to define a virtual mask within the acquired images. The processing device also tracks a moving object of interest in the acquired images with a reduced level of regard for areas of the acquired images that are within the virtual mask.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for installing and programming a network interface module within a security system. A security programming system may be implemented from a computing device connected over a network with the network interface module. The computing device may communicate with a server storing components of the security programming system. The security programming system may include user interface components located on the server and accessible through a browser of the computing device to enable selection of a network interface module participating in the security system and selection of a security system application program. The system may additionally include one or more programming applications located on the server for programming the selected network interface module to operate within the security system, wherein the programming application is selectable from the user browser of the computing device.

Abstract: A modular building system arrangement includes a plurality of electrical building systems. Each electrical building system has a housing with a mechanical connector that is connectable with a like connector of each other building system housing. Members of any subset of the building system housings are connectable with each other to form a building system assembly. The building systems of the building system assembly conjointly define an electrically conductive pathway interconnecting each of the building systems of the building system assembly. The pathway carries power and/or data.

Abstract: A modular building system arrangement includes a plurality of electrical building systems. Each electrical building system has a housing with a mechanical connector that is connectable with a like connector of each other building system housing. Members of any subset of the building system housings are connectable with each other to form a building system assembly. The building systems of the building system assembly conjointly define an electrically conductive pathway interconnecting each of the building systems of the building system assembly. The pathway carries power and/or data.

Abstract: A door position detecting apparatus comprises a switch including a body having two electrical contacts and a through-channel. The through-channel of the switch receives a hinge pin inserted therethrough and further inserted into a door hinge. Two lever arms extend from the body. Each of the arms is attached to a respective one of the electrical contacts. The arms have a first position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically connected to each other, and a second position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically disconnected from each other. Biasing means biases the arms against a fixed door jamb and a rotatable door, respectively, such that one of the arms follows movement of the rotatable door from an open position of the door to a closed position of the door. Monitoring means monitors whether the contacts are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A security system includes a perimeter sensor configured to cause an alarm signal to be issued after a first period of time upon sensing a security breach. An interior sensor is configured to cause an alarm signal to be issued after a second period of time upon sensing a security breach. The second period of time is shorter than the first period of time. A controller is communicatively coupled to each of the perimeter sensor and the interior sensor. The controller is adapted, in response to the perimeter sensor entering into a fault condition, to reconfigure the interior sensor to cause an alarm signal to be issued after a third period of time upon sensing a security breach. The third period of time is longer than the second period of time.

Abstract: A video tracking system and method are provided for tracking a target object with a video camera.

Abstract: A method of identifying motion within a field of view includes capturing at least two sequential images within the field of view. Each of the images includes a respective array of pixel values. An array of difference values between corresponding ones of the pixel values in the sequential images is calculated. A sensitivity region map corresponding to the field of view is provided. The sensitivity region map includes a plurality of regions having different threshold values. A presence of motion is determined by comparing the difference values to corresponding ones of the threshold values.

Abstract: A method of operating a loudspeaker includes providing a digital audio signal and identifying a target transfer function to be applied to the signal. At least one coefficient of an FIR filter is generated. The generating includes performing Heyser spiral curve fitting, and fitting a three-dimensional curve based on a magnitude and phase of a target transfer function. The digital audio signal is filtered through the FIR filter. The filtered signal is inputted into the loudspeaker.