Abstract: A multi-factor authentication technique can use multiple smart devices to determine whether a person is authenticated by minimizing the extent to which the person is expected to interact with his or her smart devices. In an example multi-factor authentication method comprises performing a first determination, that a first mobile device is located within a wireless range of a device, obtaining a unique identifier from the first mobile device, sending, to a server, the unique identifier, receiving, from the server, information that indicates a first authentication technique and a second authentication technique, performing a second determination that the person is authenticated by successfully performing the first authentication technique with the first mobile device and by successfully performing the second authentication technique with the second mobile device, and performing a final authentication operation in response to performing the second determination.

Abstract: A system includes a building that has a wall that is at least partially covered in a smart paint. The system also includes a sensor that is configured to collect sensor data regarding a condition within the building. The system additionally includes a controller that is operatively coupled to the wall and the smart paint. The controller is configured to receive the sensor data from the sensor, determine whether the condition is present based on the sensor data, and in response to determining the condition is present, cause the smart paint to provide an indication that the condition is present.

Abstract: A method and system for creation of a virtual home center is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of IoT or smart devices connected to a network and arranged throughout a physical space, such as a house, apartment building, or other physical structure or edifice. In some embodiments, the devices can serve as beacons and receive sensed information via internal sensors and/or from other nearby devices such as a smoke detector. The sensors can be used to generate and render a virtual home within a virtual environment (e.g., VR/AR). In one example, the system is configured to communicate information between the virtual environment and IoT devices in the user's real home. If the user would like to read and/or modify controls of any IoT devices, they can enter the virtual environment as a virtual avatar and locate the room with the desired smart device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring shifting of a structure includes one or more hardware processors. The system also includes a non-transitory memory, the non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or hardware processors, causes the one or more hardware processors to perform actions. The actions include monitoring the structure for a shift in elevation in a portion of the structure. The actions also include receiving, from a first plurality of sensors, feedback related to a condition of a foundation of a structure. The actions further include determining whether a portion of the foundation of the structure has shifted in elevation based on the feedback. The actions still further include providing a notification when the portion of the structure has shifted in elevation.

Abstract: The presently described systems and techniques enable computers to discern impacts and structural weaknesses in objects in a new and cost-effective manner. As capacitive changes (e.g., mutual capacitance between rows or columns of smart coatings) occur in the smart coatings, contact with the object and/or structural weaknesses of the object may be identified, enabling electronic notification and/or action to occur in response to the contact and/or structural weakness.

Abstract: An environment-transforming system transforms a user's environmental information in ways that allow the user to better perceive her environment. For example, the system transforms some aspects of a visual scene into a sound space for a visually impaired user. Once the user learns to interpret the sound space, she avoids walking into an object because a sound cue tells her that the object is in her near environment and roughly where it is. Various types of transformations are possible depending upon the user's needs and preferences. As all people are different, each user has a personalized profile that directs the transformation process. More generally, the environment to be transformed may include aspects of artificial or enhanced reality. The transformed environmental information can be presented to the user in a number of ways, such as in haptic feedback, as directional audio, through oral stimulation, or through modified visual display.