Abstract: Methods and systems are described for controlling an automation and security system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for data storage in an automation and security system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by a processor to receive data at a first device, store a copy of the data on the first device, fragment the data into a plurality of data fragments, transmit the plurality of data fragments to a plurality of remote devices, and store some of the plurality of data fragments on each of the plurality of remote devices.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for the prevention of network peripheral takeover activity. In some embodiments, peripheral devices may implement an anti-takeover mechanism encrypting messages and transmitting unencrypted decryption keys for a limited period of time. Anti-takeover peripheral devices may transition from a plain operational mode, to a decryption key transmission mode, to a secure mode based on pre-defined triggering events, commands, or timers. Random decryption key values may be generated by peripheral devices and transmitted to listening devices for later storage and retrieval by the listening device. Decryption keys may be stored in remote data stores for later retrieval by anti-takeover aware controller devices.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for monitoring commercial activities is described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving information related to commercial activities at at least one of a plurality of locations, the information being collected at the at least one of a plurality of locations, and transmitting the collected information for at least one of the plurality of locations to a device located remote from at least one of the plurality of locations.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for controlling an automation and security system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for voice control of an automation and security 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 input from the user to perform at least one function of the automation and security system, receive confirmation that the user has received an authentication message at an electronic device carried by the user, and initiate the at least one function.

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 premises security is described. In one embodiment, a person passing through a perimeter of a predefined area is detected via a boundary sensor. Upon detecting the person passing through the perimeter of the predefined area, a camera is activated to capture an image of the person, the camera being positioned in relation to the predefined area. A notification is sent to a user determined to be nearest to the predefined area. The notification may include the image of the person. A proximity of a person in relation to a vehicle is detected via a proximity sensor. Upon determining the proximity of the person satisfies a predetermined threshold, a notification is sent to a user. Upon determining the proximity of the person satisfies the predetermined threshold, a camera positioned in relation to the vehicle is activated.

Abstract: A method for energy management is described. In one embodiment, an aspect of a dwelling is monitored. The monitored aspect of the dwelling is compared to an energy policy to determine a deviation of the monitored aspect of the dwelling from a setting of the energy policy. A notification is sent to an occupant, the notification comprising the deviation of the monitored aspect of the dwelling from the setting of the energy policy.

Abstract: A method for geo-location services is described. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring, via a sensor, a location of a service provider in relation to a predetermined location and receiving a request for a current status of the service provider. The current status includes a current location of the service provider and a current job-related status of the service provider. Upon determining the current status of the service provider, a notification including the current status of the service provider is generated.

Abstract: A method for geo-location services is described. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a condition of a user at a location, identifying an emergency situation in relation to the user at the location, and upon identifying the emergency situation, sending a notification message to a predetermined contact, the notification message comprising a temporary code to unlock a door lock at the location within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method for geo-location services is described. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a status of an entrance associated with a dwelling, monitoring an occupancy in relation to the dwelling, and upon detecting an occupant of the dwelling departing from the dwelling and the status of the entrance of the dwelling is in an open state, generating a notification. In some cases, the entrance includes at least one of a doorway, a garage door, a gate, and a window.

Abstract: A method for geo-location services is described. In one embodiment, the method includes tracking incidents that occur within a predetermined geographic area in relation to a subscription service, upon receiving a request for a list of incidents in relation to the predetermined geographic area, generating a notification comprising the requested list of incidents, and sending the notification to one or more subscribers within the predetermined geographic area.

Abstract: A method for geo-location services is described. In one embodiment, the method includes storing in a database an appointment with one or more attendees and monitoring, via a sensor, a location of an attendee in relation to a time and location of the appointment. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a route for the attendee to take to the location of the appointment based on the current location of the attendee.

Abstract: A method for geo-location services is described. A location of a user is monitored, via a sensor, in relation to a predetermined location. Upon detecting a predetermined condition of the user, a determination is made of which contact on a contact list is nearest to the predetermined location. A notification is sent to the contact determined to be nearest to the predetermined location.

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: 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: A computer-implemented method for installing a component within a system is described. In one embodiment, component information is identified via a component code on a component. User input is received that includes additional component information. A component associated with the component code is activated in a system based on the component information and the additional component information.

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.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described that are directed to status and control of a garage door system via an alarm system controller. A garage door system may include one or more garage doors and at least one sensor configured to sense data indicative of a status of a garage door of the one or more garage doors. The at least one sensor may further be configured to convey the sensed data to an alarm system controller.

Abstract: A system is described herein including a control panel configured to communicate with at least one mobile wireless device, including sending image data to the at least one mobile wireless device using electronic messaging protocols. The system also includes at least one automation component wirelessly connected to the control panel through short range wireless communication protocols. The at least one automation component includes at least one sensor configured to detect a presence of a person at an entry to the physical structure, at least one camera inconspicuously integrated within an entry component at the entry, and at least one short range wireless transceiver coupled to the at least one sensor and the at least one camera and configured to communicate image and sensor data to the control panel and to receive control information from the control panel.

Abstract: A control panel is used to control and/or monitor an automation system. The automation system may also be used in connection with one or more enhanced services, such as a remote access service. The remote access service may allow a user to control or monitor some or all aspects of the automation system through a remote computing device. To use the remote access service, or other enhanced services, the user may register to associate the user with the control panel of the automation system. If it is determined that the user has not registered, the service provider may send a message to the control panel. The message may prompt the user to register for the enhanced service. Optionally, contact information may be requested to allow a message to be sent to a personal device of the user to facilitate registration or use of the enhanced service.