Patents by Inventor Bruce Ehlers

Bruce Ehlers has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11334335
    Abstract: The present systems and methods relate to approaches for distributing software (such as firmware updates) in a security system that includes a control unit. The control unit may be configured to communicatively connect to a plurality of electronic devices, including sensors for the security system. The control unit may also communicatively connect to a remote server. The control unit receives firmware for target electronic devices from the remote server, determines which electronic devices are target electronic devices for which the firmware is intended, and sends the firmware to the target electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Karl Hisamoto, Geoffrey Wang, Bruce Ehlers
  • Patent number: 10944589
    Abstract: A method for providing wireless access to one or more wireless devices using an automation system control panel is described. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an automation system control panel and one or more automation components. Settings are applied to configure the automation system control panel for use as a wireless access point providing two-way communication with one or more electronic devices. Applying settings includes receiving input directly at a graphical user interface of the automation system control panel, the graphical user interface further providing access to control the one or more automation components. The automation system control panel is wirelessly connected to one or more electronic devices via a wireless access point interface using the settings applied at the graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye
  • Patent number: 10217335
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and apparatuses for dynamically linking a first security system and a second security system. A method may include selectively linking a first security system and a second security system based on one or more link conditions. The method may further include receiving one or more first sensor event messages from the first security system and sending at least a portion of the one or more first sensor event messages to the second security system. The method may also include receiving one or more second sensor event messages from the second security system, and sending at least a portion of the one or more second sensor event messages to the first security system. In one aspect, the method may include selectively de-linking the first security system and the second security system based on one or more de-link conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye, Jeremy B. Warren, Jeffrey G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20190044747
    Abstract: A method for providing wireless access to one or more wireless devices using an automation system control panel is described. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an automation system control panel and one or more automation components. Settings are applied to configure the automation system control panel for use as a wireless access point providing two-way communication with one or more electronic devices. Applying settings includes receiving input directly at a graphical user interface of the automation system control panel, the graphical user interface further providing access to control the one or more automation components. The automation system control panel is wirelessly connected to one or more electronic devices via a wireless access point interface using the settings applied at the graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye
  • Patent number: 10050802
    Abstract: A method for providing wireless access to one or more wireless devices using an automation system control panel is described. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an automation system control panel and one or more automation components. Settings are applied to configure the automation system control panel for use as a wireless access point providing two-way communication with one or more electronic devices. Applying settings includes receiving input directly at a graphical user interface of the automation system control panel, the graphical user interface further providing access to control the one or more automation components. The automation system control panel is wirelessly connected to one or more electronic devices via a wireless access point interface using the settings applied at the graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye
  • Patent number: 10042630
    Abstract: The present systems and methods relate to approaches for distributing software (such as firmware updates) in a security system that includes a control unit. The control unit may be configured to communicatively connect to a plurality of electronic devices, including sensors for the security system. The control unit may also communicatively connect to a remote server. The control unit receives firmware for target electronic devices from the remote server, determines which electronic devices are target electronic devices for which the firmware is intended, and sends the firmware to the target electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Hisamoto, Geoffrey Wang, Bruce Ehlers
  • Publication number: 20170243454
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and apparatuses for dynamically linking a first security system and a second security system. A method may include selectively linking a first security system and a second security system based on one or more link conditions. The method may further include receiving one or more first sensor event messages from the first security system and sending at least a portion of the one or more first sensor event messages to the second security system. The method may also include receiving one or more second sensor event messages from the second security system, and sending at least a portion of the one or more second sensor event messages to the first security system. In one aspect, the method may include selectively de-linking the first security system and the second security system based on one or more de-link conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye, Jeremy B. Warren, Jeffrey G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20170237577
    Abstract: A method for providing wireless access to one or more wireless devices using an automation system control panel is described. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an automation system control panel and one or more automation components. Settings are applied to configure the automation system control panel for use as a wireless access point providing two-way communication with one or more electronic devices. Applying settings includes receiving input directly at a graphical user interface of the automation system control panel, the graphical user interface further providing access to control the one or more automation components. The automation system control panel is wirelessly connected to one or more electronic devices via a wireless access point interface using the settings applied at the graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye
  • Publication number: 20170220242
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Todd Matthew Santiago, Bruce Ehlers, James E. Nye, Christopher Lee Harris
  • Patent number: 9710251
    Abstract: The present systems and methods relate to approaches for distributing software (such as firmware updates) in a security system that includes a control unit. The control unit may be configured to communicatively connect to a plurality of electronic devices, including sensors for the security system. The control unit may also communicatively connect to a remote server. The control unit receives firmware for target electronic devices from the remote server, determines which electronic devices are target electronic devices for which the firmware is intended, and sends the firmware to the target electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Hisamoto, Geoffrey Wang, Bruce Ehlers
  • Patent number: 9589453
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and apparatuses for dynamically linking a first security system and a second security system. A method may include selectively linking a first security system and a second security system based on one or more link conditions. The method may further include receiving one or more first sensor event messages from the first security system and sending at least a portion of the one or more first sensor event messages to the second security system. The method may also include receiving one or more second sensor event messages from the second security system, and sending at least a portion of the one or more second sensor event messages to the first security system. In one aspect, the method may include selectively de-linking the first security system and the second security system based on one or more de-link conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye, Jeremy B. Warren, Jeffrey G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9584336
    Abstract: A method for providing wireless access to one or more wireless devices using an automation system control panel is described. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an automation system control panel and one or more automation components. Settings are applied to configure the automation system control panel for use as a wireless access point providing two-way communication with one or more electronic devices. Applying settings includes receiving input directly at a graphical user interface of the automation system control panel, the graphical user interface further providing access to control the one or more automation components. The automation system control panel is wirelessly connected to one or more electronic devices via a wireless access point interface using the settings applied at the graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye
  • Patent number: 9568902
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Todd Matthew Santiago, Bruce Ehlers, James E. Nye, Christopher Lee Harris
  • Publication number: 20140269660
    Abstract: A method for providing wireless access to one or more wireless devices using an automation system control panel is described. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an automation system control panel and one or more automation components. Settings are applied to configure the automation system control panel for use as a wireless access point providing two-way communication with one or more electronic devices. Applying settings includes receiving input directly at a graphical user interface of the automation system control panel, the graphical user interface further providing access to control the one or more automation components. The automation system control panel is wirelessly connected to one or more electronic devices via a wireless access point interface using the settings applied at the graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye
  • Publication number: 20140266681
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and apparatuses for dynamically linking a first security system and a second security system. A method may include selectively linking a first security system and a second security system based on one or more link conditions. The method may further include receiving one or more first sensor event messages from the first security system and sending at least a portion of the one or more first sensor event messages to the second security system. The method may also include receiving one or more second sensor event messages from the second security system, and sending at least a portion of the one or more second sensor event messages to the first security system. In one aspect, the method may include selectively de-linking the first security system and the second security system based on one or more de-link conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Christopher Lee Harris, Bruce Ehlers, Todd M. Santiago, James E. Nye, Jeremy B. Warren, Jeffrey G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140267112
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Dunn, Todd Matthew Santiago, Bruce Ehlers, James E. Nye, Christopher Lee Harris
  • Publication number: 20140282486
    Abstract: The present systems and methods relate to approaches for distributing software (such as firmware updates) in a security system that includes a control unit. The control unit may be configured to communicatively connect to a plurality of electronic devices, including sensors for the security system. The control unit may also communicatively connect to a remote server. The control unit receives firmware for target electronic devices from the remote server, determines which electronic devices are target electronic devices for which the firmware is intended, and sends the firmware to the target electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Hisamoto, Geoffrey Wang, Bruce Ehlers
  • Patent number: D695234
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: 2Gig Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Matthew Santiago, James Ellis Nye, Alexander Dunn, Bruce Ehlers, Christopher Harris, Scott Simon, Lance Leo Dean
  • Patent number: D731442
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Matthew Santiago, James Ellis Nye, Jeremy Bruce Warren, Alexander Dunn, Bruce Ehlers, Christopher Harris, Scott Simon, Lance Leo Dean, Christopher Acera
  • Patent number: D761741
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Matthew Santiago, James Ellis Nye, Jeremy Bruce Warren, Alexander J. Dunn, Bruce Ehlers, Christopher Lee Harris, Scott Simon, Lance Leo Dunn, Christopher Acera