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: The present disclosure relates to a method for security and/or automation systems. In some embodiments, the method may include retrieving a predefined list of user preferences associated with a guest. The method may further include updating a status of one or more devices associated with the security and/or automation systems at a home based at least in part on the predefined list of user preferences, and determining a change in the status of the one or more devices associated with the security and/or automation systems at the home. The method may further include updating the predefined list of user preferences based at least in part on the determined change. The method may further include communicating, to the guest, a request for a feedback associated with the determined change.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for storing and accessing video content collected by a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for accessing video content collected by a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to receive metadata about a recorded event from a cloud storage, request video content of the recorded event based on the metadata, and receive at least some of the video content from a controller of the home automation system.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to operating a security system are described. In one embodiment a method may include receiving at a receiving unit a protected signal sent from a portable transmitter, the receiving unit in communication with a security system panel, assessing at least one characteristic of the protected signal, modifying at least one characteristic of the protected signal based at least in part on the assessing, and comparing the protected signal to a stored signal after the modifying.

Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving occupancy data, identifying characteristics of the occupancy data, determining an occupant's location relative to the premises at a predetermined time, and generating a notification based at least in part on the determining.

Abstract: Techniques are described for enhanced interactions for a security automation system using a doorbell camera. One method includes detecting, by the doorbell camera, that a person is located within a distance threshold to an entry of a structure based on received sensor data; identifying, by the doorbell camera, a suggested security action for the security and automation system to perform based on the detecting; transmitting the suggested action to the security and automation system based on the identifying; and broadcasting, via the doorbell camera, in response to the transmitting a message to the person located within the distance threshold.

Abstract: A method for managing an irrigation schedule is described. Data related to soil at a location may be received from a first sensor by way of a first wireless communication. Data related to weather at the location may be received from a second sensor by way of a second wireless communication. At least one video frame of the location may be received from a camera located within a predetermined distance from the location by way of a third wireless communication. An amount of liquid to discharge at the location may be determined based at least in part on the received data and the received video frame. A discharge of the determined amount of liquid at the location may be activated.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the security and/or automation system, collectively referred to herein as automation system, may include a system for remotely monitoring a residence while respecting the privacy of occupants of the residence and the need for safety and security concerns. When a user is actively monitoring a residence, the system may provide a notification to occupants that remote monitoring is active. The remote monitoring may comprise video feed viewing of the residence, review of still images, audio review, and the like. The remote monitoring may allow review of multiple areas or rooms of a residence, the outside of a residence, and the like. The notifications may alert an occupant when a user is remotely viewing an audio feed, a video feed, images, or the like. However, the user may be disable the notifications if so desired.

Abstract: In some embodiments, security and/or automation systems, collectively referred to as automation systems, may facilitate communications between a remote user and an occupant of a residence. The automation system may receive one or more communications from a user and deliver the communication to the specified recipient when the recipient occupies the residence. The automation system may determine the recipient is proximate the residence and may notify the recipient of the pending communication. The recipient may use the control panel or another device associated with the security and/or automation system to receive the message.

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: Methods and systems are described for setting operation rules for use in controlling aspects of a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for establishing operation rules in a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by the processor to receive a spoken command having a plurality of rule setting terms, establish at least one operation rule for the home automation system based on the spoken command, and store the at least one operation rule for later use by the home automation system.

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 system and method for controlling a security and/or automation system using a aspects of a vehicle. The method may include receiving confirmation of a user's presence in the vehicle, receiving confirmation of vehicle operation, displaying on a display of the vehicle at least one control option for a security and/or automation system of a property monitored by the security and/or automation system, receiving at least one user input on the display related to the at least one control option, and transmitting instructions to control the security and/or automation system based on the at least one user input.

Abstract: In some embodiments, security and/or automation systems, collectively referred to as automation systems, may offer a user the comforts of automatically controlling HVAC settings based at least in part on an alarm. The automation system may provide automatically meet desired HVAC conditions at select times and provide a more comfortable living situation. In some embodiments, the increased comfort level may enable or ease household activities. For example, if a person sleeps with a cooler temperature, it may be harder for the person to get out of bed. But an automated HVAC system may adjust the temperature such that when a person desires to wake up, the temperature is comfortable and may ease a transition from day to night.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining operation of an openable barrier and direction of movement of a person through an opening controlled by the barrier. A method includes detecting with a hinge sensor a closed position for the barrier, the hinge sensor being mounted to a hinge of the barrier, determining with the hinge sensor when the barrier changes position from the closed position to an open position, detecting with at least one motion sensor motion of an object in proximity to the opening, and determining a direction of movement of the object through the opening based on whether the motion is detected before or after detecting the change in position of the barrier.

Abstract: A method for detecting occupancy of a building is described. In one embodiment, the method includes using a microphone to monitor for sounds at a building, detecting a sound via the microphone, and determining whether the sound is made by a human or made by an animal. In some cases, the microphone is a glass break sensor microphone.

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.

Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems, comprising determining a presence of a first occupant in a first room at a predefined location, the first room communicatively coupled to a first electronic device capable of receiving input; receiving a request for communication with the first occupant by a remote computer system; sending a response to the request for communication with the first occupant; and establishing a communications link between the first electronic device and the remote computer system.

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: Methods and systems for security and/or automation systems are described. In some embodiments, the methods may include identifying an area of a premises associated with an occupant, identifying a wake up time associated with the occupant, identifying a location associated with the occupant, and initiating one or more automated actions based at least in part on the wake up time and the area.