Abstract: A video analytics function is disclosed for use in a video monitoring applications to control and monitor streaming video from a video source arranged to monitor a field of view (FOV) and providing for end-user input to identify and modify a compression level of at least one object or area field encompassing the field of view (FOV) based on a monitoring priority of the at least one object. The inventive operation realizes reduced bandwidth and processing requirements for monitoring the FOV because of a reduction in streaming video data based on the compression level, which includes a fully-masked compression level. The novel function provides for reconstructing the FOV for viewing at an end-user interface, e.g.’ a remote workstation, and inputting end-user commands at the end-user interface to create an object field encompassing the at least one object or area field within the FOV. The compression level is defined based on a monitoring priority for the at least one object, or object field area.

Abstract: A regional monitoring system can include a plurality of voice sensing units each of which incorporates speech recognition circuitry. In response to recognizing a verbal command at a unit, a coded representation, or token, along with location information, can be transmitted to a system control apparatus. Upon receipt of the token, the control apparatus can carry out the requested command or provide requested information.

Abstract: A monitoring security system can be coupled to a thermostatic HVAC control module, either wired or wirelessly. In at least some embodiments, an interactive interface of the monitoring security system can communicate with the thermostatic HVAC control module. Information as to operation of the monitoring security system and the thermostatic HVAC control module can be presented on a common display of the monitoring security system, and commands that are directed to the thermostatic HVAC control module can be entered via the monitoring security system.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using secondary measurements to make a system-based determination are provided. Some methods can include a transceiver device receiving a first signal from at least one system-based device, the transceiver device receiving a second signal from at least one non-system device, and control circuits coupled to the transceiver device making a system-based determination responsive to both the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A communications network is available to implement at least M2M communications between a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The units can communicate via the Internet as a primary network. They can also communicate via a cellular-type network. At least some of the units include respective subscriber information to provide access and services via the networks. Groups of units can share a common data plan with other related units. Subscriber information can be included in respective SIM cards. At least one of the SIM cards can provide voice or data service via the common data plan.

Abstract: A group of unsupervised detectors or control units in wireless communication with a user can be upgraded for the user with the addition of hardware and/or downloadable software to provide communications and information to a supervisory station. Supervisory station services can be implemented locally or via cloud based computer services. A displaced dealer can be contacted using codes carried by the detectors or the control units for installation or activation of additional services.

Abstract: A regional monitoring system can establish and store patterns of signals from sensors or patterns of signals coupled to actuators. Incoming patterns can be compared to pre-stored patterns, and in the presence of a disparity therebetween, a message can be sent wirelessly to a displaced individual associated with the region indicative of the disparity. The individual can override a pre-established action associated with one of the pre-stored patterns. Monitoring systems can include security monitoring systems, fire safety monitoring systems or HVAC-type systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods of a portable communications device and a product exchanging direct commands or requests via bar codes to address a condition of the product are provided. Some methods can include the portable communications device scanning a bar code displayed on the product and generating and displaying a bar code to be scanned by the product, wherein the bar codes represent direct commands or requests to be executed by the portable communications device or the product to address the condition of the product. Additionally or alternatively, some methods can include the product scanning a bar code displayed on the portable communications device and generating and displaying a bar code to be scanned by the portable communications device, wherein the bar codes represent direct commands or requests to be executed by the product or the portable communications device to address the condition of the product.

Abstract: A network based product enables browser based computers, smart phones or tablets to connect to and access the product. A local router can be automatically configured by the product. The product can be automatically registered with a DDNS server and a user account opened. Authentication can be carried out between the product and the server.

Abstract: A method and system are provided, wherein a user can log in to a first cloud based server using a selected communications device. Upon log in, a selected plurality of video cameras is activated to simultaneously provide respective streaming video from each of the selected plurality of video cameras to a second cloud based server. Upon designation of a first member of the selected plurality of video cameras, the first member streams the respective streaming video from the first member to a communications device of the user, and streaming from all other members of the selected plurality of video cameras is terminated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that include biometric identification intrusion and access control. The apparatus features a monitoring system, a visual input device, and an audible input device. The visual and audible input devices are coupled to control circuits of the monitoring system, which can implement an authentication process responsive to both visual and audile inputs.

Abstract: A security system installation kit carries a coded designation of the characteristics of the components of the kit. An installer can use a wireless telephone, which is executing a scanning application, to sense or read the coded designation. The telephone can transmit the component parameters to an installation server. The server can transmit installation instructions back to the telephone. Those instructions can be visually or audibly presented to the installer facilitating the process. The installer, via the telephone and the server, can test the installed components for proper operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using secondary measurements to make a system-based determination are provided. Some methods can include a transceiver device receiving a first signal from at least one system-based device, the transceiver device receiving a second signal from at least one non-system device, and control circuits coupled to the transceiver device making a system-based determination responsive to both the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A system having first and second different communication systems can include a plurality of illumination devices having modulatable optical output signals. A plurality of building control units are in wireless communication with one another. Representative units could include ambient condition detectors, intrusion detectors, output devices, or actuators. At least some of the units include optical sensors responsive to the modulatable optical output signals, wherein, in response to received, modulated optical output signals, a respective control unit carries out a predetermined function.

Abstract: A regional monitoring system in communication with a plurality of locally displaced detectors can implement a fusion of inputs from a variety of additional non-system devices. The monitoring system includes a wireless receiver or transceiver enabling the system to detect local traffic from the non-system devices, such as sensors. Information received from such non-system devices can be combined with information from system detectors to initiate activity on other networks, to energize actuators, or to activate system detectors that normally reside in a low energy inactive state.

Abstract: Systems and methods of a portable communications device and a product exchanging direct commands or requests via bar codes to address a condition of the product are provided. Some methods can include the portable communications device scanning a bar code displayed on the product and generating and displaying a bar code to be scanned by the product, wherein the bar codes represent direct commands or requests to be executed by the portable communications device or the product to address the condition of the product. Additionally or alternatively, some methods can include the product scanning a bar code displayed on the portable communications device and generating and displaying a bar code to be scanned by the portable communications device, wherein the bar codes represent direct commands or requests to be executed by the product or the portable communications device to address the condition of the product.

Abstract: A system and method to use bar codes to facilitate obtaining information as to a product or service are provided. A smart phone, with a downloaded scanning application, can scan a bar code associated with a product or service. Information can be extracted from the code by the phone and the scanning application and forwarded automatically to a web server, via one or more computer networks. The server can analyze the information and extract other, responsive data from its data base. The responsive data can be downloaded to the scanning device for use with the product or service.

Abstract: A communications network available to implement at least M2M communications between a transmitting and a receiving unit. The units can communicate via the Internet, as a primary network. They can also communicate via a cellular-type network. At least some of the units include respective subscriber information to provide access and services via the network. Groups of units can share a common data plan with other related units. Subscriber information can be included in respective SIM cards. At least one of the SIM cards can provide voice and/or data service via the common data plan.

Abstract: An authentication and authorization apparatus combines a unique identifier for a communications device with pre-stored voice recognition information. Incoming audio, associated with the unique identifier, is processed to authenticate the speaker. In response to successful authentication, a requested function or action embedded in the audio can be recognized and, if authorized, implemented by a displaced system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a building automation system with an FMC cellular device are provided. The FMC cellular device can locally interface with a building automation system via a femtocell base station or a wireless access point, remotely interface with a building automation system over a wide area network via a macrocell base station, or remotely interface with a building automation system via a GAN enabled wireless access point.