Abstract: A computer that facilitates calibration of an environmental monitoring device is described. In particular, the computer may interact with an electronic device of a user of the environmental monitoring device to calibrate the environmental monitoring device. During the calibration, the computer provides user-interface information associated with a user interface that allows the user to select to select to monitor sound corresponding to an alarm output by a legacy device (such as a smoke detector) that is in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. When the user selects to monitor a legacy device, the computer provides an instruction to the electronic device for the user to activate the legacy device. Then, the computer receives legacy-device information from the environmental monitoring device, specifying whether the legacy device was detected, a type of legacy device identified based on the monitored sound and/or a location of the legacy device.

Abstract: A system that determines types of problems by monitoring connection disruptions and/or available connections is described. During operation, the system monitors communication within the system and with client devices, where the system includes environmental monitoring devices, a data subsystem, and a client subsystem, and where the environmental monitoring devices monitor and communicate information about environmental conditions in external environments that include the environmental monitoring devices. Then, the system determines the type, of problem in the system based on the disruptions in connections and/or the available connections that convey information during the communication within the system and with the client devices.

Abstract: An electronic device that provides a user interface that allows individuals to listen to an alarm is described. In particular, an environmental monitoring device may monitor an environmental condition in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. This environmental monitoring device may provide to a computer a notification based on the environmental condition and an audio recording of sounds associated with the environmental condition. Then, using registered-device information specifying the electronic device of an individual, the computer may provide a message with the notification and the audio recording. In response, the electronic device provides the user interface that indicates the notification and/or a location of the environmental monitoring device.

Abstract: A computer that facilitates calibration of an environmental monitoring device is described. In particular, the computer may interact with an electronic device of a user of the environmental monitoring device to calibrate the environmental monitoring device. During the calibration, the computer provides user-interface information associated with a user interface that allows the user to select to select to monitor sound corresponding to an alarm output by a legacy device (such as a smoke detector) that is in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. When the user selects to monitor a legacy device, the computer provides an instruction to the electronic device for the user to activate the legacy device. Then, the computer receives legacy-device information from the environmental monitoring device, specifying whether the legacy device was detected, a type of legacy device identified based on the monitored sound and/or a location of the legacy device.

Abstract: An example method is provided and includes identifying an active speaker of a video session; analyzing a signal from an originating endpoint associated with the active speaker; identifying a target participant with whom the active speaker seeks to interact; and providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant. In more particular embodiments, the identifying of the target participant includes detecting a gaze of the active speaker; and identifying a target screen to which the gaze is directed.

Abstract: An example method is provided and includes identifying an active speaker of a video session; analyzing a signal from an originating endpoint associated with the active speaker; identifying a target participant with whom the active speaker seeks to interact; and providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant. In more particular embodiments, the identifying of the target participant includes detecting a gaze of the active speaker; and identifying a target screen to which the gaze is directed.