Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a security and/or automation system using one or more powered faceplates are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods may include identifying an active communication connection with a first powered faceplate, receiving a first set of automation data, receiving a second set of automation data, analyzing the first set of automation data and the second set of automation data, and initiating an operation relating to at least one of a first powered faceplate, one or more other powered faceplates, an automation sensor, an automation system component, a user device, or a combination thereof based at least in part on the analyzing.

Abstract: A retractable fence system for a pool surround includes an array of ground tubes mounted around the pool. A resiliently upwardly biased substantially hollow post is slidably mounted in each ground tube. A retractable non-resilient flexible fence panel is mounted within each post so that, when the post is fully extended above ground, the fence panel maybe selectively extended laterally from the post, through a vertical slot in the sidewall of the post. The distal end of the fence panel, when extended, releasably mounts to a next adjacent post.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller. The lock survives power cycling and soft resets of the audio output device. A special hard reset can be used to release the audio output device.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable user interaction with a video segment. A hit-zone file, which includes hit-zone data, is produced and stored for a video segment, wherein the hit-zone data corresponds to spatial regions that define hit-zones for hidden objects included in the video segment. The hit-zone file is provided to a computing system so that when the computing system displays the video segment the hit-zone file adds hit-zones for the hidden objects included in the video segment. The hit-zone file is produced separate from the video segment. Each of the hit-zones is defined by a different portion of the hit-zone data and corresponds to a different one of the hidden objects included in the video segment. The spatial regions that define the hit-zones for hidden objects are not visible to a user of the computing system that views the video segment with the hit-zones added.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, devices, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for multi-site dashboards is described. In one embodiment, an activity of a commercial entity is monitored, via a sensor at a first location, in relation to a policy associated with the commercial entity. Whether a value derived from the monitored activity satisfies a predetermined threshold of the policy is determined. Upon determining the value derived from the monitored activity satisfies the predetermined threshold of the policy, a notification is generated. The notification includes information related to the value derived from the monitored activity.

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 a processor to detect a trigger word spoken by a user at a location remote from a control panel of the automation and security system, detect a command spoken by the user at the remote location which follows the trigger word, deliver at least one audio response to the user at the remote location in response to the command, and perform an action in response to the command.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for a doorbell camera is described. In one embodiment, an image is captured using a camera in a doorbell unit. The doorbell unit is wired to doorbell wiring. The doorbell wiring includes a first wire and a second wire. Data associated with the capturing of the image is sent over the doorbell wiring. The data associated with capturing of the image is received, over doorbell wiring, at a chime unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for back-end failure redundancy in security and automation systems. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for back-end failure redundancy 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 detect an alarm event, and attempt to establish a connection between a control panel and a backend system. If no connection between control panel and backend system is made, the instructions may initiate a two-way cellular call between the control panel and a central station, and deliver a caller ID from the control panel to the central station via the two-way cellular call.

Abstract: The present systems and methods are directed to a security or automation system that is configured for monitoring health and exercise conditions of an individual. A security or automation system may include at least one sensor for sensing a medical condition and at least one module for receiving sensed data from the at least one sensor. The security or automation system may further include a communication device for conveying information based on the sensed data to a remote site.

Abstract: A clip having a first leg for attaching to a trim strip and a second leg for attaching to a grid runner, the first leg having a backer plate attached with a screw through a slot, a head of the screw on a side of the first leg facing the second leg, the backer plate on the other side of the first leg, an upper edge of the first leg in a downwardly facing groove on a backside of the trim strip, the backer plate fitting between a depending free edge of the upper groove and an upstanding edge of a lower upwardly facing groove when the screw is up in the slot, and being received in the lower groove when the screw is down in the slot and clamping between the upstanding edge and a rear face of the trim strip when the screw is tightened.

Abstract: A clip having a first leg for attaching to a trim strip and a second leg for attaching to a grid runner, the first leg having a backer plate attached with a screw through a slot, a head of the screw on a side of the first leg facing the second leg, the backer plate on the other side of the first leg, an upper edge of the first leg in a downwardly facing groove on a backside of the trim strip, the backer plate fitting between a depending free edge of the upper groove and an upstanding edge of a lower upwardly facing groove when the screw is up in the slot, and being received in the lower groove when the screw is down in the slot and clamping between the upstanding edge and a rear face of the trim strip when the screw is tightened.

Abstract: A retractable fence system for a pool surround includes an array of ground tubes mounted around the pool. A resiliently upwardly biased substantially hollow post is slidably mounted in each ground tube. A retractable non-resilient flexible fence panel is mounted within each post so that, when the post is fully extended above ground, the fence panel maybe selectively extended laterally from the post, through a vertical slot in the sidewall of the post. The distal end of the fence panel, when extended, releasably mounts to a next adjacent post.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and computer program products for automating a system based on weather data are disclosed. A method may comprise receiving weather related data and modifying at least one system rule at least partially based on the received weather related data. The method may also include conveying one or more commands to at least one system control based at least partially on the at least one modified system rule. Further, the method may include operating the at least one system in response to the one or more commands.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller. The lock survives power cycling and soft resets of the audio output device. A special hard reset can be used to release the audio output device.

Abstract: The present application provides a user configurable test system for the automatic detection of events on a set-top box (STB) and the determination of their timing. The system relies upon performing metric calculations on the A/V output of the STB and measuring the duration of the event by reference to a set of user defined metrics satisfying a set of user defined conditions.

Abstract: A method for preventing or reducing clogging of a fines ejector in a gas-phase olefin polymerization process is disclosed. The process involves injecting a liquid into the motive gas stream entering the fines ejector.

Abstract: A video conferencing system comprises a video codec 24 and an ISDN interface 34 for selectively sending still or video images from a locally attached camera 62 to a remote video conferencing system, and for displaying such images received from the remote system on a local monitor 26. A graphics card 16 also allows a local application program, such as a web browser, to be run and its output viewed on a second local monitor 28. In order to allow the application to be viewed also by the remote system, the output of the application program currently displayed on the second monitor can be transmitted as a still image to the remote system in the same manner as a still image from the camera.