Patents by Inventor Christopher Lee Harris

Christopher Lee Harris 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).

  • Publication number: 20240057241
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for lighting control are described. An apparatus may include a panel for controlling one or more devices associated with a home. A panel may include a recess shaped to encapsulate a switch disposed on a wall of the home. A panel may include user interface hardware configured to receive input from a user. A panel may include a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor storing instructions executable by the processor. An instruction may include transmitting one or more communications to the one or more devices to cause the one or more devices to perform a first action based on input received by the user interface hardware. An instruction may include transmitting one or more communications to the home automation hub to cause one or more other devices to perform a second action based on the input received by the user interface hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: BRIAN VENCIL SKARDA, CHRISTOPHER LEE HARRIS
  • Patent number: 11849521
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for lighting control are described. An apparatus may include a processor, memory, a power component, a set of control buttons, and one or more radio components for lighting control. The apparatus may be a light control device associated with a home or automation system. The light control device may be a light switch cover with a cover plate that encapsulate a light switch. The light switch cover may have a radio, a battery, and control circuitry for lighting control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Vencil Skarda, Christopher Lee Harris
  • Patent number: 11546905
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for Wi-Fi routers and switching are described. An apparatus for wireless communication in a Wi-Fi network may include a set of radio frequency (RF) switches, where a first RF switch provides a connection for a set of RF signal paths to a processor of the apparatus and a second RF switch provides a connection for the set of RF signal paths to an antenna of the apparatus. The set of RF signal paths may include a combination of one or more highpass signal paths, lowpass signal paths, bandpass signal paths, or passthrough signal paths. The apparatus may determine a set of Wi-Fi channels for the wireless communication with one or more wireless devices of the Wi-Fi network, select at least one RF signal path to pass at least one Wi-Fi channel, and process the wireless communication using the at least one RF signal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Vencil Skarda, Christopher Lee Harris
  • Patent number: 11354907
    Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving image data associated with an area via an image sensor, receiving sound data associated with an object via an audio sensor, analyzing the image data in relation to the sound data, detecting an object's presence based at least in part on the analyzing, and identifying at least one characteristic relating to the object based at least in part on the detecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Jason C. Flint, Christopher Lee Harris, Craig Matsuura
  • 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: 10579879
    Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving image data associated with an area via an image sensor, receiving sound data associated with an object via an audio sensor, analyzing the image data in relation to the sound data, detecting an object's presence based at least in part on the analyzing, and identifying at least one characteristic relating to the object based at least in part on the detecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Flint, Christopher Lee Harris, Craig Matsuura
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20180046864
    Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving image data associated with an area via an image sensor, receiving sound data associated with an object via an audio sensor, analyzing the image data in relation to the sound data, detecting an object's presence based at least in part on the analyzing, and identifying at least one characteristic relating to the object based at least in part on the detecting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Jason C. Flint, Christopher Lee Harris, Craig Matsuura
  • 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: 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
  • 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