Abstract: In some embodiments, security and/or automation systems, collectively referred to as automation systems, may facilitate communications between a remote user and an occupant of a residence. The automation system may receive one or more communications from a user and deliver the communication to the specified recipient when the recipient occupies the residence. The automation system may determine the recipient is proximate the residence and may notify the recipient of the pending communication. The recipient may use the control panel or another device associated with the security and/or automation system to receive the message.

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.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems relating to drone-assisted mesh network design are disclosed. Exemplary methods for wireless networking and communications may include identifying a geographic area, receiving topographic data obtained by an unmanned air vehicle at a first predetermined height, the topographic data relating to the geographic area, analyzing the topographic data to identify one or more characteristics, determining a location relating to a first wireless network device based at least in part on the analyzing, and determining one or more locations each relating to one or more other wireless network devices within the geographic area based at least in part on the location relating to the first wireless network device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for implementing an integrated device includes operating a component of a security and/or automation system, wherein the component is housed with an electronic device that is connected to electrical wiring of a building, communicating between the component and a control panel of the security and/or automation system, and providing power to the component and the electronic device through the electrical wiring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to approaches for providing real time traffic information to a user using a control panel of a building automation system. The control panel includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory that are executable by the processor to couple the control panel to at least one of a sensor and a controller of the building automation system, receive traffic data for a geographic area associated with the control panel, and generate at least one audible notification to communicate the traffic data to a user through the control panel.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for communicating messages using a home automation system. An example computer-implemented method for communicating based on geo location information using an automation and security system includes determining a geo location of a person relative to a property being monitored by the automation and security system, and automatically delivering a message to the person based on the geo location.

Abstract: Apparatus and method relating to wireless communication access points are described. In one embodiment an apparatus including one or more antennas to function as an access point for wireless communication is described. In some cases the apparatus or methods may include determining location information and/or one or more operating characteristics of one or more wireless communication access points.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining operation of an openable barrier and direction of movement of a person through an opening controlled by the barrier. A method includes detecting with a hinge sensor a closed position for the barrier, the hinge sensor being mounted to a hinge of the barrier, determining with the hinge sensor when the barrier changes position from the closed position to an open position, detecting with at least one motion sensor motion of an object in proximity to the opening, and determining a direction of movement of the object through the opening based on whether the motion is detected before or after detecting the change in position of the barrier.

Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving, at a home automation system, data from a detachable broadcasting device indicating an authenticated biosignature, the biosignature being authenticated at the detachable broadcasting device, and the biosignature being associated with an animate object or a mobile inanimate object. The method may further include authenticating the received data, and deriving an alarm bypass instruction based at least in part on the received data. The method may further include detecting a location of the detachable broadcasting device, and communicating the alarm bypass instruction to at least one of a plurality of sensors based at least in part on the detected location of the detachable broadcasting device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for managing and adding user profiles to access an automation system. According to at least one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes receiving a request to add a user to an automation system. The request is generated from one of a mobile computing device or an automation controller of the automation system. The method further includes receiving contact information for the user and generating a message to send to the user. The message includes an invitation to the automation system. The method also includes sending the message to the user.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems relating to narrow beam communications and wireless networking are disclosed. Exemplary methods for wireless networking and communications may include identifying a geographic area, receiving location data relating to the geographic area, receiving network performance data, analyzing the location data and the network performance data, identifying a first access point in the geographic area based at least in part on the analyzing, and adjusting a narrow beam communication device a predetermined amount relating to the first access point based at least in part on the analyzing.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method to interface with an automation system is disclosed. One or more activation parameters and deactivation parameters may be identified associated with a mobile control panel. A concealed interface of the mobile control panel may be activated based at least in part on the one or more activation parameters. The activated interface of the mobile control panel may be deactivated based at least in part on one or more sleep parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating weather related notices using features of a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for generating weather related notices with a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to receive weather data about current weather conditions, receive status information about at least one barrier of a property monitored by the home automation system, and generate at least one notice based at least in part on the weather data and the status information.

Abstract: A hidden display apparatus, system, and method. A display apparatus embodiment may include a face layer and a projection layer, with the projection layer positioned behind the face layer. The face layer may include a front side and a back side. The front side may include a first area configured to display high resolution images and a second area positioned around the first area. The first area and the second area may be made of the same material, and have similar color(s) and/or patterns. The projection layer may include a light source operative in an active mode and an inactive mode. When in the active mode, the projection layer may project light to the face layer to display images in the first area. When in the inactive mode, the face layer may be visually obscured so that the first area and the second area together display a colored surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for the prevention of network peripheral takeover activity. Peripheral devices may implement an anti-takeover mechanism limiting the number of available device command classes when certain handshake and verification requirements are not met. Anti-takeover peripheral devices with protection enabled may be relocated within a controller network, or in certain cases, from one controller network to another controller network when certain conditions are met. That same device may be hobbled when removed from a controller network and may remain hobbled when connected to another network that fails to meet certain conditions. Unprotection and unhobbling of a device may occur through an algorithmic mechanism using values stored on the peripheral device and the controller device for one or more of anti-takeover code generation, anti-takeover code comparison, network identification value comparison, and manufacturer identification value comparison.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for integration of a set top box and an automation system is described. In one configuration, subscriber program content is provided. An aspect of a premises is monitored via one or more sensors. A monitor channel may be provided to display the monitored aspect of the premises. The monitor channel may be displayed in a channel guide among channels of the subscriber program content.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for entity detection is described. In one embodiment, an entity passing through a perimeter of a predefined area is detected via a camera. Upon detecting the entity passing through the perimeter of the predefined area, a type of the entity is classified from an image of the entity captured by the camera. Upon classifying the type of the entity, a feature of the entity is detected from the image of the entity. An identifier is assigned to the entity based on the type and the detected feature of the entity. The identifier distinguishes the entity from another entity of a same type.

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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for mapping a living space. An example computer-implemented method for mapping a living space includes receiving information about an exterior perimeter of the living space, receiving information about a plurality of interior boundaries of the living space, receiving information about a location for each of a plurality of barriers of the living space, and generating an electronic map of the living space using the information about the exterior perimeter, the plurality of interior boundaries, and the location of each of the plurality of barriers.