Abstract: A controlling device is automatically configured to issue a communication directly to a first controllable appliance to control a functional operation of the first controllable appliance in the event that the first controllable appliance is determined to be unresponsive to a command communication transmitted to the first controllable appliance via a digital communications link or to issue a communication to a second controllable appliance to control the functional operation of the first controllable appliance via a digital communications link in the event that first controllable appliance is determined to be responsive to a command communication transmitted to the first controllable appliance via a digital communications link.

Abstract: A current geographical location of a portable device is used to facilitate selection of channel lineup that is appropriate for a Multi-System Operator (MSO) provider and the current geographical location of the portable device. A program guide GUI of the portable device is then configured using the selected channel lineup. The configured GUI is displayable to a user of the portable device whereupon the configured GUI is available for use in commanding tuning operations of a set-top box.

Abstract: A motion detector that can automatically adjust a dwell time used by the motion detector to prevent unnecessary transmissions as an activity level of an area increases or decreases. The motion detector determines the activity level in the area and if the activity level is increasing, the dwell time is reduced and vice-versa.

Abstract: An electronic barrier alarm sensor having a flexible sensing device. The sensor may be mounted to a door, door frame, window, window frame, object or wall to detect when a door or window has been opened, that an object has been moved or to detect the presence of an animal. The flexible sensing device comprises one or more attributes that change as the flexible sensing device is bent, or unbent, by operation of a door, window, removal of an object, or the presence of an animal. Based on the changes, the electronic barrier alarm sensor may transmit an alarm signal when one or more measured values of the one or more attributes changes by more than one or more predetermined amounts.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed towards a more natural way to interact with an intelligent personal assistant. An intelligent personal assistant comprises a camera that provides images of an area surrounding the assistant. The assistant monitors images provided by the camera to determine when a user is addressing the assistant. When voice input is received after determining that a user is addressing the assistant, the assistant understands that the voice input is intended for the assistant, and acts on the voice input to respond to the user.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operating mode of a remote device based upon a local user preference setting includes determining a user privacy setting by a user at a local device and storing the user privacy setting. The user privacy setting is conveyed to the remote device and the operational mode of the remote device is modified based upon the transmitted user privacy preference setting. The operational mode of the remote device is returned to the normal operational mode upon meeting a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Contextual information for an ecosystem that includes a consumer electronic device is used by a virtual agent to speed up the process by which the virtual agent provides technical support related to the consumer electronic device. The contextual information is used to reduce the amount of information the virtual agent requires from the consumer. Whilst collecting information from the consumer, the virtual agent also functions to determines if a hand-off of the consumer to a further agent is needed.

Abstract: Various ways to control the ambient temperature of a room in a structure are described. In one embodiment, a method for intelligently controlling an ambient room temperature in a structure is described, comprising receiving a future outdoor temperature forecast related to a geographic area where the structure is located, and altering a temperature profile for controlling the ambient room temperature based on the future outdoor temperature forecast.

Abstract: An entertainment device initiates a configuration process of a controlling device in response to a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device.

Abstract: A barrier alarm device for reducing the occurrence of false alarms in a security system. A barrier alarm device receives a status message from a central security system controller indicating that a security system controlled by the central security system controller is in an armed-home state. In response to receiving the status message indicating that the security system is in an armed-home state, the barrier alarm device causes a status indicator of the barrier alarm to activate, thereby warning people inside a home or business that the security system is armed.

Abstract: A custom graphical user interface is displayed in a media device accessed by a plurality of users upon authorization of access by a select user. The media device receives a request to display a custom graphical user interface, determines authorization for access, and receives data indicative of the custom graphical user interface associated with the select user. The media device may also select at least one command code compatible with the media device for configuring a remote control device to command the media device and transmit the command code to the remote control device for provision the remote control device.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: Described is a method, apparatus and system for controlling one or more security sirens of a security system. A security system controller receives alarm signals from security sensors of the security system. In response, the security system controller determines one or more conditions related to the security system and then generates one or more siren control signals that are used to control audible alerts generated by one or more of the security sirens.

Abstract: A controller receives from a sensor associated with a window treatment a first data obtained during a controlled closing of the window treatment. A setpoint temperature, a current temperature within a structure, and a weather data is subsequently used to determine that the window treatment needs to be closed in order to hasten a movement of the current temperature towards the setpoint temperature. After an instruction is provided to cause the window treatment to start to close, second data is obtained from the sensor while the window treatment is being closed. The first data is compared to the second data, when the comparison indicates that an obstruction exists in a path of travel of the window treatment, the closing of the window treatment is stopped.

Abstract: A person-detection device that automatically configures itself as a motion sensor or an occupancy sensor upon receiving a command from a home security panel or home automation hub.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for automatically controlling the volume of a home entertainment device by an HVAC component. An HVAC component determines when it, or another HVAC, is active or not, and causes a home entertainment device to adjust its volume accordingly.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a person in an area monitored by an electronic person detector that may operate both as a security motion sensor and a home automation occupancy sensor.

Abstract: A controlling device having an activity mode corresponding to a controllable activity in which activation of a command key within a logical group of command keys of the controlling device causes a transmission of command data to control one or more functional operations of an intended target appliance. For a controllable activity the controlling device has a memory in which is stored a plurality of predetermined appliance to logical group of command keys mappings. To configure the controlling device for the controllable activity one or more predetermined keys of the controlling device are activated to thereby designate one or more intended target appliances for the controllable activity.

Abstract: A base station used in a home security or home automation/control system is described. The base station is configured to automatically accept new sensors or control modules by placing such new sensors or control modules in proximity to the base station.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for automatically disarming a security system. For example, a method for automatically disarming a security system is described, comprising determining, by a personal communication device, when a person is in proximity to the person's home or business and, in response to determining that the person is in proximity to the person's home or business, transmitting a disarm command by the personal communication device to a security controller for the security controller to disarm the security system.