Abstract: A method and system architecture for automation and alarm systems is provided. The system architecture is hierarchically organized, allowing devices to process system data differently at different levels of the hierarchy. Moreover, different devices at the same level of the hierarchy may employ different or custom configurations, allowing for context-dependent algorithms to be deployed in the system. The configuration of each device in the system is defined by a set of rules, filters, thresholds, and other criteria, which are pushed to a device from other devices in the hierarchy. Accordingly, the configuration of each device is dynamically updated as information is learned about the context in which the device is deployed, and as more advanced algorithms and configurations are developed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing account number substitution for dial capture and IP based communicators (panel communicators) is disclosed. The system processes alarm information sent from building management systems such as fire alarm systems and security systems. In the system, control panels of the building management systems are located at one or more premises, and provide raw signals which include the alarm information and account numbers for identifying the control panels. A station receiver installed at a monitoring station provides site account numbers for the account numbers of the control panels. In an embodiment, panel communicators at the premises enable communications between legacy control panels having telephony interfaces and the station receiver. The monitoring station then uses the site account numbers to identify the premises at which each control panel is installed for responding to the alarm information sent from the control panels.

Abstract: A Safety Cooking Device includes a thermal sensor that detects infrared radiation (IR) to generate thermal images of a cooktop over time, and a controller. The controller uses the thermal images to determine whether the cooktop is unattended. Both wired and wireless embodiments of the cooking safety device are disclosed. In one implementation, the cooking safety device is in communication with and reports to a security panel of a security system.

Abstract: A security system comprises at least one component interconnected with the security system for detecting an alarm condition. A control panel is interconnected with the security system for at least one of controlling and communicating with the at least one component. A memory is interconnected with the control panel for storing a system identifier (ID) associated with the control panel and for storing connection information for accessing a system configuration file associated with the system ID. The system ID and the connection information are stored prior to interconnecting the control panel and the security system. The system configuration file identifies the at least one component and is stored remote from the security system.

Abstract: An alarm system including an alarm panel, a sensor operatively connected to the alarm panel and operable to detect alarm events, and a communicator module operatively connected to the alarm panel and operable to capture signals transmitted by mobile devices within a predefined area, extract mobile device identifiers from the signals, and record the mobile device identifiers in an active device identifier list that is maintained in a memory associated with the communicator module.

Abstract: A method and security system arrangement are disclosed for processing incoming signals at an alarm monitoring station. The method includes analyzing the incoming signals to assess if any particular incoming signal includes characteristics of a facsimile signal to thereby identify whether or not a given incoming signal is a facsimile signal. If the analyzing identifies that a given incoming signal includes characteristics of a facsimile signal, thus identifying that the given incoming signal is likely a facsimile signal, the alarm monitoring station refrains from initiating an alarm handling procedure to handle the given incoming signal. Caller ID information may be extracted from the facsimile signals received by the alarm monitoring station, and added to a call block list. Calls originating from caller IDs on the call block list may be blocked by the alarm monitoring station.

Abstract: A method and system architecture for automation and alarm systems is provided. The system architecture is hierarchically organized, allowing devices to process system data differently at different levels of the hierarchy. Moreover, different devices at the same level of the hierarchy may employ different or custom configurations, allowing for context-dependent algorithms to be deployed in the system. The configuration of each device in the system is defined by a set of rules, filters, thresholds, and other criteria, which are pushed to a device from other devices in the hierarchy. Accordingly, the configuration of each device is dynamically updated as information is learned about the context in which the device is deployed, and as more advanced algorithms and configurations are developed.

Abstract: An alarm system communicator monitors alarm event data output from an alarm panel to a communications path, irrespective of whether the alarm system communicator is in an active or a passive mode. The alarm event data is forwarded to a remote central monitoring station (CMS) over another communications path while the alarm system communicator is operable in the active mode, and not forwarding the alarm event data to the CMS while operable in a passive mode. At least a portion of the alarm event data is forwarded to a secondary monitoring station (SMS), at least while the CMS communications module is in the passive mode. Further, there may be forwarding of at least a portion of the alarm event data to the SMS, irrespective of whether the alarm system communicator is in the active mode or the passive mode.

Abstract: Techniques for decoding communications transmitted by a remote alarm panel over a communications network to a central monitoring station (CMS) are provided. A first signal from the remote alarm panel can be received by the CMS. The CMS can determine that the first signal cannot be decoded due to errors, missing data, or corrupted data in the first signal. The remote alarm panel can retransmit the signal. The CMS can analyze the first and second signals to determine if the first signal can be reconstructed based on information provided by the second signal. The first signal can subsequently be repaired and decoded, allowing the CMS to more quickly respond to the alarm condition provided in the first signal.

Abstract: A method and system architecture for automation and alarm systems is provided. The system architecture is hierarchically organized, allowing devices to process system data differently at different levels of the hierarchy. Moreover, different devices at the same level of the hierarchy may employ different or custom configurations, allowing for context-dependent algorithms to be deployed in the system. The configuration of each device in the system is defined by a set of rules, filters, thresholds, and other criteria, which are pushed to a device from other devices in the hierarchy. Accordingly, the configuration of each device is dynamically updated as information is learned about the context in which the device is deployed, and as more advanced algorithms and configurations are developed.

Abstract: A dual or progressive access level security system and method is disclosed. The system receives or acquires one or more initial access identifiers of the user via an identity reader. In examples, the identity reader is a biometric scanner such as a fingerprint scanner that reads a fingerprint, or an antenna such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna that reads an initial access identifier from a tag within a user device such as a fob or mobile phone or a Bluetooth identifier from the user's mobile computing device. In response to validation of the initial access identifier, the system presents virtual keys for the user to enter an access code. In embodiments, the virtual keys are included within a touchscreen and within a virtual projected keyboard presented by the security system. The security system grants access to the user in response to validation of the access code.

Abstract: A system and method for processing user speech commands in a voice interactive system is disclosed. Users issue speech phrases on a local device in a premises network, and the local devices first determine if the speech phrases match any commands in a set of local control commands. The control commands, in examples, can activate and deactivate premises devices such as “smart” televisions and simpler lighting devices connected to home automation hubs. In the event of a command match, local actions associated with the commands are executed directly on the premises devices in response. When no match is found on the local device, the speech phrases are sent in messages to a remote server over a network cloud such as the Internet for further processing. This can save on bandwidth and cost as compared to current voice recognition systems.

Abstract: An output interface circuit for a security panel. The output interface circuit includes an output switch for activating one or more output devices in response to a control signal from a port controller. The output interface circuit also includes an overload detection circuit for deactivating the one or more output devices in response to determining that a magnitude of a voltage associated with the one or more output devices exceeds an overload threshold voltage. The overload detection circuit comprises a protection switch for rendering the output switch non or less conductive thereby preventing damage to the output switch and possibly deactivating the one or more output devices when the voltage associated with the one or more output devices exceeds the overload threshold voltage.

Abstract: A notification system for virtual reality devices that includes a message indicator device, an audiovisual (A/V) signal source connected to the message indicator device and adapted provide an A/V feed containing at least one of video information and audio information, a monitoring system connected to the message indicator device and configured to detect notification events at a monitored premises, and a virtual reality (VR) headset connected to the message indicator device and adapted to receive and present the A/V feed, wherein the message indicator device is adapted to communicate the A/V feed to the VR headset during a normal operating state, and wherein the message indicator device is adapted to communicate an alert signal to the VR headset upon detection of a notification event by the monitoring system.

Abstract: A user-centric management application system and method for a security system that conceptualizes the security devices and the tasks to perform on the security devices as separate objects with common properties and behavior. Operators of the system create abstract containers, called dockviews, which the operator adds objects to in order to perform specific tasks. Because the operator assigns user access to dockviews and objects, the system tailors system access for both application users and tenants of the security system based on policy objectives. Dockviews have the ability to open in separate application windows to support priority display and isolation of critical management tasks. The system provides integrated user administration, event management and reports capability, a consistent “look and feel,” and system-wide automated event notification via a watchlist window.

Abstract: A system and methods for determining maintenance needs of an alarm system are provided. The system may include a central monitoring station configured to receive operational measurements and apply maintenance rules to the operational measurements and a maintenance history for the alarm system to determine maintenance needs of the alarm system. Additionally, the central monitoring station may be configured to receive points, which may be modules or devices, and status updates and apply installation rules to the points and status updates to determine the maintenance needs for one or more of the points.

Abstract: A notification system for virtual reality devices that includes a message indicator device, an audiovisual (A/V) signal source connected to the message indicator device and adapted provide an A/V feed containing at least one of video information and audio information, a monitoring system connected to the message indicator device and configured to detect notification events at a monitored premises, and a virtual reality (VR) headset connected to the message indicator device and adapted to receive and present the A/V feed, wherein the message indicator device is adapted to communicate the A/V feed to the VR headset during a normal operating state, and wherein the message indicator device is adapted to communicate an alert signal to the VR headset upon detection of a notification event by the monitoring system.

Abstract: Techniques for a central monitoring station (CMS) of a monitoring system to establish communications with a remote alarm panel more quickly and efficiently are provided. A signal from a remote alarm panel can be received by the CMS. The CMS can identify the remote alarm panel based on information related to the received signal. The CMS can determine if the remote alarm panel is known or unknown based on any prior interaction with the remote alarm panel. The CMS can store information regarding known remote alarm panels from prior interactions. Handshake signals and data formatting information determined from prior interactions with the known remote alarm panel can be stored and used on subsequent calls. Additional operational information related to the remote alarm panel can also be updated after each call to further customize future interactions with the remote alarm panel.

Abstract: Techniques for using a multi-core processor for optimizing power consumption in a security and home automation system are described. The security and home automation system may include a multi-core processor having a first core and a second core. The first core may be partitioned from the second core to form an asymmetric multi-core processor. The first core is a master core assigned to execute a real time operating system (RTOS) and configured to periodically transition between a partial sleep state and an awake state during a power shortage condition. The second core is a slave core assigned to execute a standard operating system (OS) and configured to enter a deep sleep state during the power shortage condition.

Abstract: A security system comprises a system control panel for arming and disarming the security system. A door sensing unit comprises a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver interconnected with the system control panel over a network. The first RF transceiver is mounted proximate to a door that defines at least a portion of a perimeter around an area to be monitored by the security system. The first RF transceiver has an RF detection field proximate to the door. A disarm device comprises a second RF transceiver that automatically transmits a disarm device packet. The first RF transceiver receives the disarm device packet when the second RF transceiver is within the RF detection field. The first RF transceiver sends a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on at least the disarm device packet.