Abstract: Security systems and methods of operating the same. One security system includes a plurality of point devices positioned in a premises, a plurality of interim devices, and a control panel. The system also includes a first communication bus connecting the control panel and each of the plurality of interim devices and a plurality of second communication buses. Each of the plurality of second communication buses connects one of the plurality of interim devices with at least one of the plurality of point devices. The control panel is also configured to address a message for one of the plurality of point device based on an identifier of the one of the plurality of point devices and an identifier of at least one of the plurality of interim devices connected to the point device over one of the plurality of second communication buses.

Abstract: A building management system and method for controlling a building in response to sensing of a wearable article includes a wearable article for securement to a user. Wearable article building sensing units wirelessly obtain information from the wearable article. A building management controller is configured to receive an output from the wearable article building sensing unit; identify a unique user wearing the wearable article; determine a location of the identified unique user wearing the wearable article inside or outside of a building; and control at least one of: a building access control system, lights, and temperature of rooms within the building based on the identified unique user and the location of the identified unique user. The wearable articles include glasses, a wristwatch, a fitness band or jewelry.

Abstract: A building security system includes means for detecting human motion. An imaging device scans for a visible code in response to the detection of human motion by the detecting means. A security device deciphers the scanned code, determines an authorization level associated with the deciphered code, and provides the human with a level of access to the building commensurate with the authorization level.

Abstract: Security systems and methods of operating the same. One security system includes a plurality of point devices positioned in a premises, a plurality of interim devices, and a control panel. The system also includes a first communication bus connecting the control panel and each of the plurality of interim devices and a plurality of second communication buses. Each of the plurality of second communication buses connects one of the plurality of interim devices with at least one of the plurality of point devices. The control panel is also configured to address a message for one of the plurality of point device based on an identifier of the one of the plurality of point devices and an identifier of at least one of the plurality of interim devices connected to the point device over one of the plurality of second communication buses.

Abstract: A battery-powered camera is mounted within the interior of a suitcase. The camera has an awake mode in which the camera captures a plurality of images in response to it being detected that the suitcase is in an open position. A controller switches the camera from a sleep mode to the awake mode in response to the user actuating an awake mode switch, a motion detector mounted to the suitcase detecting motion of the suitcase, and/or a touch sensor mounted to the suitcase detecting a human being touching the suitcase.

Abstract: A building security system including a security sensor configured to sense a security breach associated with a building. An off-the-shelf portable personal electronic computing device is communicatively coupled to the security sensor and to a central monitoring station. The computing device is programmable within the building to transmit an alarm signal to the central monitoring station in response to the security sensor sensing a security breach associated with the building.

Abstract: A method of identifying a potential security threat in a space. A first scan of the space is performed during a first time interval by illuminating at least a portion of the space with energy from an energy source at an illumination angle, such that the energy is reflected from a surface in the space. An incident angle of the reflected energy is detected with a detector located at a known distance from the energy source and a distance from the surface to the energy source is calculated based on the incident angle. The steps are repeated for a plurality of different locations in the space. A first map of the space is generated from the first scan, and a second map is generated from a second scan of the area. The maps are compared to determine a change in the space and to determine if a potential security threat is present.

Abstract: A building security system includes a security sensor for sensing a security breach associated with a building. An electronic location-detecting device senses fixed geographic coordinates of the building. An electronic processor responds to a security breach sensed by the security sensor by transmitting an alarm signal to a central monitoring station. The alarm signal includes the fixed geographic coordinates of the building sensed by the location-detecting device.

Abstract: A building security system includes means for detecting human motion. An imaging device scans for a visible code in response to the detection of human motion by the detecting means. A security device deciphers the scanned code, determines an authorization level associated with the deciphered code, and provides the human with a level of access to the building commensurate with the authorization level.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an automation and security system including a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first sensor detects a signal from an identification device indicative of a first authorized person in an exterior area near a door. The second sensor is coupled to a handle on the exterior surface of the door to detect a touch to the handle. The controller is configured to operate one or more lighting devices and a lock associated with the door. When the controller receives a signal from the first sensor indicative of the identification device in the exterior area near the door, it initiates a timer and operates one or more lighting devices to indicate a condition detected by the automation and security system. When the controller receives a signal from the second sensor indicative of a touch to the handle after the initiation of the timer and before the timer expires, it unlocks the door and turns on one or more lights in an interior area.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a security system using a network. The security system includes at least two discrete parts and is connected using a local area network. The security system also includes a first dedicated, hard-wired field bus, a first plurality of peripheral devices, a control panel, a first transfer device, a second transfer device, a second dedicated, hard-wired field bus, and a second plurality of peripheral devices. The control panel is configured to send data through the first field bus. Each of the first plurality of peripheral devices is coupled to the first field bus and is configured to receive the data from the control panel. The first transfer device is connected to the control panel and is configured to packetize the data from the control panel and send the packetized data through the local area network.

Abstract: A battery-powered camera is mounted within the interior of a suitcase. The camera has an awake mode in which the camera captures a plurality of images in response to it being detected that the suitcase is in an open position. A controller switches the camera from a sleep mode to the awake mode in response to the user actuating an awake mode switch, a motion detector mounted to the suitcase detecting motion of the suitcase, and/or a touch sensor mounted to the suitcase detecting a human being touching the suitcase.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating a microenvironment condition report. The microenvironment condition report is generated from information related to a plurality of vehicle conditions. The vehicle condition information is gathered from a plurality of in-vehicle technologies such as a stability control system, ABS, and navigation system. The vehicle condition information is sent to a remote terminal that organizes the information with respect to a set of microareas. The information for each microarea is analyzed and used to generate the microenvironment condition report.

Abstract: A control for a system in a building. The control includes a tracking device, a controller, and a programmer. The tracking device is configured to travel with a vehicle and to determine where the tracking device is located. The controller is configured to be located in the building, to communicate with the tracking device, to communicate with the system in the building, to determine an event that should be executed based on information received from the tracking device and a programmed event trigger. The programmed event trigger includes a programmed location for the tracking device. The controller generates a command for the system in the building to execute the determined event. The programmer is configured to communicate with a user interface. The user interface includes an interactive map and one or more geographical boundary tools for creating one or more event triggers on the map. A user uses the user interface to program the event triggers.

Abstract: A control for a system in a building. The control includes a tracking device, a controller, and a programmer. The tracking device is configured to travel with a vehicle and to determine where the tracking device is located. The controller is configured to be located in the building, to communicate with the tracking device, to communicate with the system in the building, to determine an event that should be executed based on information received from the tracking device and a programmed event trigger. The programmed event trigger includes a programmed location for the tracking device. The controller generates a command for the system in the building to execute the determined event. The programmer is configured to communicate with a user interface. The user interface includes an interactive map and one or more geographical boundary tools for creating one or more event triggers on the map. A user uses the user interface to program the event triggers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an automation and security system including a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first sensor detects a signal from an identification device indicative of a first authorized person in an exterior area near a door. The second sensor is coupled to a handle on the exterior surface of the door to detect a touch to the handle. The controller is configured to operate one or more lighting devices and a lock associated with the door. When the controller receives a signal from the first sensor indicative of the identification device in the exterior area near the door, it initiates a timer and operates one or more lighting devices to indicate a condition detected by the automation and security system. When the controller receives a signal from the second sensor indicative of a touch to the handle after the initiation of the timer and before the timer expires, it unlocks the door and turns on one or more lights in an interior area.

Abstract: A system and method of image content analysis using a pattern generator that emits a regular and pre-calibrated pattern of non-visible electromagnetic radiation from a surface in range of a camera adapted to perceive the pattern. The camera captures images of the perceived pattern and other objects within the camera's range, and outputs image data. The image data is analyzed to determine attributes of the objects and area within the camera's range. The pattern provides a known background, which enables an improved and simplified image analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a security system using a network. The security system includes at least two discrete parts and is connected using a local area network. The security system also includes a first dedicated, hard-wired field bus, a first plurality of peripheral devices, a control panel, a first transfer device, a second transfer device, a second dedicated, hard-wired field bus, and a second plurality of peripheral devices. The control panel is configured to send data through the first field bus. Each of the first plurality of peripheral devices is coupled to the first field bus and is configured to receive the data from the control panel. The first transfer device is connected to the control panel and is configured to packetize the data from the control panel and send the packetized data through the local area network.

Abstract: A method of identifying a potential security threat in a space. A first scan of the space is performed during a first time interval by illuminating at least a portion of the space with energy from an energy source at an illumination angle, such that the energy is reflected from a surface in the space. An incident angle of the reflected energy is detected with a detector located at a known distance from the energy source and a distance from the surface to the energy source is calculated based on the incident angle. The steps are repeated for a plurality of different locations in the space. A first map of the space is generated from the first scan, and a second map is generated from a second scan of the area. The maps are compared to determine a change in the space and to determine if a potential security threat is present.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a microenvironment condition report. The microenvironment condition report is generated from information related to a plurality of vehicle conditions. The vehicle condition information is gathered from a plurality of in-vehicle technologies such as a stability control system, ABS, and navigation system. The vehicle condition information is sent to a remote terminal that organizes the information with respect to a set of microareas. The information for each microarea is analyzed and used to generate the microenvironment condition report.