Rain gutter power generator

A system includes a rain gutter of a property, wherein at least a portion of the rain gutter is positioned on a roof of the property, a rain gutter power generator that is coupled to the rain gutter, and a control unit that controls the device at the property. The rain gutter power generator includes a water turbine that transforms kinetic energy of water collected by the rain gutter of the property into mechanical energy and an electromagnet that transforms the mechanical energy into electricity that powers a device at the property.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to powering devices within a property.

BACKGROUND

Many homes have devices that consume power. For example, homes may have thermostats that monitor temperature, security cameras that capture video from within the home, and light bulbs that emit light.

SUMMARY

Techniques are described for rain gutter based power generation.

Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process implemented at least partially in hardware, or a computer-readable storage medium encoded with executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform operations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a system100for rain gutter based power generation. Power outages to properties frequently happen during bad storms and these storms may be used with rain gutter based power generation to power properties. The system100includes a property102, a rain gutter110, a rain gutter power generator112(also referred to as generator112), a control unit120, a battery130, lights140, a thermostat150, a door lock160, and a weather server170.

The rain gutter110may be a physical structure that collects water that flows down a roof of a building of the property102and directs the water away from the building. For example, the rain gutter110may include a half pipe-shaped portion that is substantially parallel to the ground and collects rain that runs down the roof of the building, and the half pipe-shaped portion may form a hole that leads to a downpipe portion that is substantially perpendicular to the ground. Water may collect in the half pipe-shaped portion on a roof, flow into the downpipe portion, fall to the ground, and be directed away from the building.

The generator112may be a physical structure that generates power from water collected by the rain gutter110. The generator112may be coupled to the rain gutter such that the water that flows through the rain gutter110also flows through the generator112to generate power. For example, the generator112may be coupled to the bottom of the downpipe of the rain gutter110such that water that falls from the roof of the building builds kinetic energy that is then used by the generator112to generate power. In another example, the generator112may be configured to be placed inside the rain gutter110so that water flowing horizontally in the half pipe-shaped portion towards the downpipe generates power.

The generator112may include a water turbine that transforms kinetic energy of the water collected by the rain gutter110into mechanical energy, and may include an electromagnetic that transforms the mechanical energy into electricity. For example, a water turbine in the generator112may be spun by a flow of water from the rain gutter falling through the downpipe portion onto the turbine, an electromagnet may be connected to the turbine and spun when the turbine spins, and electricity may be generated by the electromagnet.

The control unit120may be electrically coupled to the generator112such that the control unit120receives electricity generated by the generator112. For example, the generator112and the control unit120may be physically connected to a conductive wire that is also physically connected to the generator112. The control unit120may be electrically coupled to the battery such that the control unit120receives power stored in the battery. For example, the generator112and the control unit120may be physically connected to a conductive wire that is also physically connected to the generator112. In another example, the generator112may be electrically coupled to the generator112or other devices that are powered from the generator112through wireless charging.

Additionally, the control unit120may be electrically coupled to the lights140, door lock160, and thermostat150such that the control unit120may provide power to the lights140, door lock160, and thermostat150. For example, the control unit120may route power from the generator112and the battery130to the lights140.

The control unit120may also receive a weather report from a weather server170. For example, the control unit120may receive a weather report that indicates that half an inch of rain is forecasted to fall in the next few hours where the property102is located. The control unit120may use the weather report to determine how much power the generator112may generate during a time frame that corresponds to the weather report. For example, the control unit120may determine that the weather report indicates half an inch of rain may fall during the next few hours and, in response, determine that the generator112may generate fifty Joules of power per second during the next few hours. In another example, the control unit120may determine that the weather report indicates a quarter of an inch of rain may fall during the next few hours and, in response, determine that the generator112may generate twenty five Joules of power per second during the next few hours. As discussed above, as the generator112generates power based on the kinetic energy of water collected by the rain gutter110, the more rain that the weather report indicates is forecasted, the more power that the generator112is likely to generate.

In some implementations, the control unit120and devices within the home, e.g., the lights140, thermostat150, door lock160, may be typically powered by electricity from a power station that is remote to the property102. For example, the various devices may be powered from electricity through a power meter that is connected to a power line that is coupled to a power plant. However, in some instances power from the power station may become temporarily unavailable. For example, during inclement weather a tree may fall across a power line and that may prevent the property102from receiving power from the power plant. The control unit120may determine that power is no longer available from the power station and, in response, manage power usage in the property102based on the weather report.

When the control unit120determines that power is no longer available, the control unit120may select a set of devices to power in a property102based on the amount of rain indicated by the weather report and the amount of power available from the battery130. For example, the control unit120may determine that a large amount of rain is forecasted and a large amount of power is available from the battery130and, in response, select to power all devices within the property102as all the devices may be able to be powered for many hours. In another example, the control unit120may determine that there is a small amount of rain forecasted and a small amount of power available from the battery130and, in response, select to power the lights140and the door lock within the property102so that the lights140and the door lock160may be powered as long as possible.

In some implementations, while power is no longer available, the control unit120may re-reselect a set of devices to power in the property102. For example, the control unit120may re-select a set of devices each time the control unit120determines that a most recently received weather report is different than the previous most recently received weather report. In another example, the control unit120may re-select a set of devices every five, ten, thirty, or some other predetermined number of minutes elapses.

In some implementations, selecting the devices to power the control unit120may determine the amount of power consumed by each of the devices, the importance of each of the devices, the amount of power estimated to be generated by the generator112based on the weather report, and the amount of power available from the battery130. For example, the control unit120may target to provide power to the selected devices for as long as rain is forecasted to fall and, in response, determine when the rain is forecasted to end and select the most important devices that can be powered for that amount of time based on the power available from the battery130and the power estimated to be generated by the generator112.

In some implementations, the importance of devices may be predetermined. For example, the control unit120may store data that indicates that powering the door lock160has higher priority than powering the lights140, and powering the lights140has higher priority than powering the thermostat150. In some implementations, the importance may have been previously specified by a user.

In some implementations, the control unit120may consider the current amount of power being generated by the generator112in determining the amount of power estimated to be generated by the generator112. For example, the control unit120may determine that the generator112is currently generating thirty Joules per second and that the amount of rain is forecasted to double during the next hour from the amount of rain forecasted for the current time, and, in response, determine that the generator is likely to generate sixty Joules per second during the next hour. In another example, the control unit120may determine that the generator112is currently generating thirty Joules per second and that the amount of rain is forecasted to half during the next hour, and, in response, determine that the generator is likely to generate thirty Joules per second during the next hour.

In some implementations, the control unit120may additionally or alternatively determine the amount of power estimated to be generated by the generator112based on historical data. For example, the control unit120may determine that the generator112was producing thirty Joules per second and the rate was constantly increasing during sixty seconds until thirty five Joules per second was being produced and, in response, the control unit120may determine that a rain storm is becoming more intense and that even more power is likely to be generated by the generator112. Similarly, the control unit120may determine that the amount of power generated by the generator112has been steadily decreasing during the last minute and, in response, determine that the rain storm is becoming less intense and that less power per second is likely to be generated during the next couple minutes.

While the system100is shown as managing power to the lights140, the thermostat150, and the door lock160, the system100may manage power to additional or fewer devices. For example, the system100may additionally include window sensors and cameras that the control unit120may determine how to power. In another example, the system100may not include a door lock160.

In some implementations, the system100may include multiple generators. For example, the system100may include a first generator at the bottom of the rain gutter, a second generator in the downpipe near a midpoint between the ground and ceiling of the building, and a third generator near a top of the downpipe. Accordingly, the control unit120may similarly estimate the total amount of power to be generated by all of the generators and use the total amount of power to select the devices to power.

In some implementations, the system100may include a reservoir on a roof that collects water that falls and slowly releases the water into the rain gutter110so that the generator112can continuously generate power even after the rain stops. The reservoir may include a water sensor that indicates to the control unit120how much water is remaining in the reservoir, and the control unit120may estimate how much power that the generator112may still generate from water in the reservoir based on the amount of water indicated by the water sensor.

In some implementations, the system100may not include a battery130and the control unit120and selected devices may be entirely powered by the generator112when power from a power station is not available. Additionally, in some implementations, the system100may determine to start using power from the generator112even while power is available from the power station. For example, the system100may determine that a weather report indicates that extremely inclement weather is expected to continue, determine that a power failure is likely, and, in response, select a set of devices to be powered by the generator112while power is still available from the power station so that if power is lost from the power station, power to the set of devices is not interrupted as power would be continued to be provided by the generator112.

Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations the control unit120may determine whether the rain gutter110is likely to be blocked based on the amount of power generated by the generator112and the weather report. For example, rain gutters may become blocked by leaves and other debris so that water no longer properly flows through the rain gutter and then away from the property102, and instead flows down the walls of a building on the property. The control unit120may determine that the rain gutter110is likely blocked based on seeing that the amount of power generated by the generator112is less than an expected amount of power to be generated by the generator112based on the weather report. For example, the control unit120may determine that for the same amount of rain indicated by a weather report, that the generator112is generating only 10% of the power that the generator112was generating a month ago and, in response, provide an indication to a user that the rain gutter is likely to be blocked.

Additionally or alternatively, the control unit120may also use the presence of power generated by the generator112as an indication that rain is falling at the property102. For example, the control unit120may determine that the generator112is not generating power and, in response, determine that rain is not falling at the property. In another example, the control unit120may determine that the generator112is generating power and, in response, determine that rain is falling at the property. In some implementations, the control unit120may perform certain actions based on determining that water is falling at the property. For example, the control unit120may automatically turn on (and potentially power) exterior lights to make it easier to see during a storm. The lights could be turned on/off at random intervals to make it look like someone is home even though the power is out.

In some implementations, the system100may include an image sensor that may capture images of the rain gutter110so that the system100may determine from the images whether there is debris in the rain gutter110that needs to be cleaned. The image sensor may additionally be used to determine whether there is a problem with the roof, e.g., shingles damaged in a storm that need to be replaced. The system100may provide users notifications that correspond to any problem that is identified.

FIG. 2illustrates an example process200for rain gutter based power generation. Process200can be implemented using system100described above. Thus, descriptions of process200may reference one or more of the above-mentioned components, modules, or computational devices of system100. In some implementations, described actions of process200are enabled by computing logic or software instructions executable by a processor and memory of an example electronic device. For example, the process200may be performed by the control unit120.

The process200includes determining an amount of rain forecasted at a property (210). For example, the control unit120may determine that five inches of rain is forecasted at the property102. In some implementations, determining an amount of rain forecasted at a property includes receiving a weather report from a weather server and determining the amount of rain forecasted at the property from the weather report. For example, the control unit120may receive a weather report from the weather server170and determine the amount of rain forecasted at the property based on the amount of rain that the weather report indicates will fall at a zip code that the property is located within.

The process200includes determining that power at the property is no longer available from a power station (220). For example, the control unit120may determine that a power meter is longer providing power to the property. In another example, the control unit120may determine that power from an electrical wire attached to the control unit120is no longer providing power.

The process200includes determining an amount of power available from a battery at the property (230). For example, the control unit120may receive a status from the battery130that indicates that ten kilowatt-hours of power are available from the battery130.

The process200includes selecting a set of devices at the property to power based on the amount of rain forecasted at the property and the amount of power available from the battery (240). For example, the control unit120may determine to power the door lock160and the lights140based on the determination that five inches of rain are forecasted at the property102and ten kilowatt-hours of power are available from the battery. In some implementations, selecting a set of devices at the property to power based on the amount of rain forecasted at the property and the amount of power available from the battery includes determining an amount of power the rain gutter power generator is likely to generate based on the amount of rain forecasted at the property and selecting the set of devices at the property to power based on the amount of power the rain gutter power generator is likely to generate and the amount of power available from the battery. For example, the control unit120may determine that the rain gutter power generator is likely to generate one hundred Joules per second during the next hour and the ten kilowatt-hours of power are available from the battery and, in response, determine to power the door lock160, the lights140, and also the thermostat150.

In some implementations, determining an amount of power the rain gutter power generator is likely to generate based on the amount of rain forecasted at the property includes determining an amount of power the rain gutter power generator is likely to generate based on historical data regarding power generated by the rain gutter power generator. For example, the control unit120may determine that the generator112was producing thirty Joules per second and the rate was constantly increasing during the past two minutes until thirty five Joules per second was being produced and, in response, the control unit120may determine that a rain storm is becoming more intense and that even more power is likely to be generated by the generator112. Similarly, the control unit120may determine that the amount of power generated by the generator112has been steadily decreasing during the last five minutes and, in response, determine that the rain storm is becoming less intense and that less power per second is likely to be generated during the next couple minutes.

In some implementations, selecting a set of devices at the property to power based on the amount of rain forecasted at the property and the amount of power available from the battery includes selecting the set of devices at the property to power based on the amount of rain forecasted at the property, the amount of power available from the battery, and an amount of water in a water reservoir on the roof of the property that collects the water and controls a flow of the water into the rain gutter. For example, a reservoir on a roof may collect rain and slowly release water from the rain into the rain gutter110so that the generator112can continuously generate power even after the rain stops. The reservoir may include a water sensor that indicates to the control unit120how much water is remaining in the reservoir, and the control unit120may estimate how much power that the generator112may still generate from water in the reservoir based on the amount of water indicated by the water sensor.

The process200includes powering the set of devices that was selected with power from both a rain gutter power generator and the battery (250). For example, the control unit120may route power from the generator112and the battery130to the door lock160and the lights140, and not to the thermostat150.

In some implementations, the process200includes receiving a second weather report from the weather server and selecting a second set of devices at the property to power based on an amount of rain indicated in the second weather report and the amount of power available from the battery. For example, the control unit120may later receive another weather report that indicates that the rainfall will increase, in response, determine the generator112will likely generate more power, and, in response, select more devices to power.

In some implementations, the process200includes determining that the rain gutter is likely blocked based on the amount of rain forecasted at the property and an amount of power generated by the rain gutter power generator and providing an indication to a user that the rain gutter is likely to be blocked. For example, the control unit120may determine that for the same amount of rain indicated by a weather report, that the generator112is generating only 10% of the power that the generator112was generating a month ago and, in response, show, in a graphical user interface, an alert that states the rain gutter is likely to be blocked.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of a home monitoring system300. The monitoring system300includes a network305, a control unit310, one or more user devices340and350, a monitoring server360, and a central alarm station server370. In some examples, the network305facilitates communications between the control unit310, the one or more user devices340and350, the monitoring server360, and the central alarm station server370.

The network305is configured to enable exchange of electronic communications between devices connected to the network305. For example, the network305may be configured to enable exchange of electronic communications between the control unit310, the one or more user devices340and350, the monitoring server360, and the central alarm station server370. The network305may include, for example, one or more of the Internet, Wide Area Networks (WANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a cellular network, and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), radio, television, cable, satellite, or any other delivery or tunneling mechanism for carrying data. Network305may include multiple networks or subnetworks, each of which may include, for example, a wired or wireless data pathway. The network305may include a circuit-switched network, a packet-switched data network, or any other network able to carry electronic communications (e.g., data or voice communications). For example, the network305may include networks based on the Internet protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), the PSTN, packet-switched networks based on IP, X.25, or Frame Relay, or other comparable technologies and may support voice using, for example, VoIP, or other comparable protocols used for voice communications. The network305may include one or more networks that include wireless data channels and wireless voice channels. The network305may be a wireless network, a broadband network, or a combination of networks including a wireless network and a broadband network.

The control unit310includes a controller312and a network module314. The controller312is configured to control a control unit monitoring system (e.g., a control unit system) that includes the control unit310. In some examples, the controller312may include a processor or other control circuitry configured to execute instructions of a program that controls operation of a control unit system. In these examples, the controller312may be configured to receive input from sensors, flow meters, or other devices included in the control unit system and control operations of devices included in the household (e.g., speakers, lights, doors, etc.). For example, the controller312may be configured to control operation of the network module314included in the control unit310.

The network module314is a communication device configured to exchange communications over the network305. The network module314may be a wireless communication module configured to exchange wireless communications over the network305. For example, the network module314may be a wireless communication device configured to exchange communications over a wireless data channel and a wireless voice channel. In this example, the network module314may transmit alarm data over a wireless data channel and establish a two-way voice communication session over a wireless voice channel. The wireless communication device may include one or more of a LTE module, a GSM module, a radio modem, cellular transmission module, or any type of module configured to exchange communications in one of the following formats: LTE, GSM or GPRS, CDMA, EDGE or EGPRS, EV-DO or EVDO, UMTS, or IP.

The network module314also may be a wired communication module configured to exchange communications over the network305using a wired connection. For instance, the network module314may be a modem, a network interface card, or another type of network interface device. The network module314may be an Ethernet network card configured to enable the control unit310to communicate over a local area network and/or the Internet. The network module314also may be a voice band modem configured to enable the alarm panel to communicate over the telephone lines of Plain Old Telephone Systems (POTS).

The control unit system that includes the control unit310includes one or more sensors. For example, the monitoring system may include multiple sensors320. The sensors320may include a lock sensor, a contact sensor, a motion sensor, or any other type of sensor included in a control unit system. The sensors320also may include an environmental sensor, such as a temperature sensor, a water sensor, a rain sensor, a wind sensor, a light sensor, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, an air quality sensor, etc. The sensors320further may include a health monitoring sensor, such as a prescription bottle sensor that monitors taking of prescriptions, a blood pressure sensor, a blood sugar sensor, a bed mat configured to sense presence of liquid (e.g., bodily fluids) on the bed mat, etc. In some examples, the health-monitoring sensor can be a wearable sensor that attaches to a user in the home. The health-monitoring sensor can collect various health data, including pulse, heart rate, respiration rate, sugar or glucose level, bodily temperature, or motion data.

The sensors320can also include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor that identifies a particular article that includes a pre-assigned RFID tag.

The control unit310communicates with the home automation controls322and a camera330to perform monitoring. The home automation controls322are connected to one or more devices that enable automation of actions in the home. For instance, the home automation controls322may be connected to one or more lighting systems and may be configured to control operation of the one or more lighting systems. In addition, the home automation controls322may be connected to one or more electronic locks at the home and may be configured to control operation of the one or more electronic locks (e.g., control Z-Wave locks using wireless communications in the Z-Wave protocol). Further, the home automation controls322may be connected to one or more appliances at the home and may be configured to control operation of the one or more appliances. The home automation controls322may include multiple modules that are each specific to the type of device being controlled in an automated manner. The home automation controls322may control the one or more devices based on commands received from the control unit310. For instance, the home automation controls322may cause a lighting system to illuminate an area to provide a better image of the area when captured by a camera330.

The camera330may be a video/photographic camera or other type of optical sensing device configured to capture images. For instance, the camera330may be configured to capture images of an area within a building or home monitored by the control unit310. The camera330may be configured to capture single, static images of the area and also video images of the area in which multiple images of the area are captured at a relatively high frequency (e.g., thirty images per second). The camera330may be controlled based on commands received from the control unit310.

The camera330may be triggered by several different types of techniques. For instance, a Passive Infra-Red (PIR) motion sensor may be built into the camera330and used to trigger the camera330to capture one or more images when motion is detected. The camera330also may include a microwave motion sensor built into the camera and used to trigger the camera330to capture one or more images when motion is detected. The camera330may have a “normally open” or “normally closed” digital input that can trigger capture of one or more images when external sensors (e.g., the sensors320, PIR, door/window, etc.) detect motion or other events. In some implementations, the camera330receives a command to capture an image when external devices detect motion or another potential alarm event. The camera330may receive the command from the controller312or directly from one of the sensors320.

In some examples, the camera330triggers integrated or external illuminators (e.g., Infra-Red, Z-wave controlled “white” lights, lights controlled by the home automation controls322, etc.) to improve image quality when the scene is dark. An integrated or separate light sensor may be used to determine if illumination is desired and may result in increased image quality.

The camera330may be programmed with any combination of time/day schedules, system “arming state”, or other variables to determine whether images should be captured or not when triggers occur. The camera330may enter a low-power mode when not capturing images. In this case, the camera330may wake periodically to check for inbound messages from the controller312. The camera330may be powered by internal, replaceable batteries if located remotely from the control unit310. The camera330may employ a small solar cell to recharge the battery when light is available. Alternatively, the camera330may be powered by the controller's312power supply if the camera330is co-located with the controller312.

In some implementations, the camera330communicates directly with the monitoring server360over the Internet. In these implementations, image data captured by the camera330does not pass through the control unit310and the camera330receives commands related to operation from the monitoring server360.

The system300also includes thermostat334to perform dynamic environmental control at the home. The thermostat334is configured to monitor temperature and/or energy consumption of an HVAC system associated with the thermostat334, and is further configured to provide control of environmental (e.g., temperature) settings. In some implementations, the thermostat334can additionally or alternatively receive data relating to activity at a home and/or environmental data at a home, e.g., at various locations indoors and outdoors at the home. The thermostat334can directly measure energy consumption of the HVAC system associated with the thermostat, or can estimate energy consumption of the HVAC system associated with the thermostat334, for example, based on detected usage of one or more components of the HVAC system associated with the thermostat334. The thermostat334can communicate temperature and/or energy monitoring information to or from the control unit310and can control the environmental (e.g., temperature) settings based on commands received from the control unit310.

In some implementations, the thermostat334is a dynamically programmable thermostat and can be integrated with the control unit310. For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat334can include the control unit310, e.g., as an internal component to the dynamically programmable thermostat334. In addition, the control unit310can be a gateway device that communicates with the dynamically programmable thermostat334. In some implementations, the thermostat334is controlled via one or more home automation controls322.

A module337is connected to one or more components of an HVAC system associated with a home, and is configured to control operation of the one or more components of the HVAC system. In some implementations, the module337is also configured to monitor energy consumption of the HVAC system components, for example, by directly measuring the energy consumption of the HVAC system components or by estimating the energy usage of the one or more HVAC system components based on detecting usage of components of the HVAC system. The module337can communicate energy monitoring information and the state of the HVAC system components to the thermostat334and can control the one or more components of the HVAC system based on commands received from the thermostat334.

In some examples, the system300further includes one or more robotic devices390. The robotic devices390may be any type of robots that are capable of moving and taking actions that assist in home monitoring. For example, the robotic devices390may include drones that are capable of moving throughout a home based on automated control technology and/or user input control provided by a user. In this example, the drones may be able to fly, roll, walk, or otherwise move about the home. The drones may include helicopter type devices (e.g., quad copters), rolling helicopter type devices (e.g., roller copter devices that can fly and roll along the ground, walls, or ceiling) and land vehicle type devices (e.g., automated cars that drive around a home). In some cases, the robotic devices390may be devices that are intended for other purposes and merely associated with the system300for use in appropriate circumstances. For instance, a robotic vacuum cleaner device may be associated with the monitoring system300as one of the robotic devices390and may be controlled to take action responsive to monitoring system events.

In some examples, the robotic devices390automatically navigate within a home. In these examples, the robotic devices390include sensors and control processors that guide movement of the robotic devices390within the home. For instance, the robotic devices390may navigate within the home using one or more cameras, one or more proximity sensors, one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more magnetometers, a global positioning system (GPS) unit, an altimeter, one or more sonar or laser sensors, and/or any other types of sensors that aid in navigation about a space. The robotic devices390may include control processors that process output from the various sensors and control the robotic devices390to move along a path that reaches the desired destination and avoids obstacles. In this regard, the control processors detect walls or other obstacles in the home and guide movement of the robotic devices390in a manner that avoids the walls and other obstacles.

In addition, the robotic devices390may store data that describes attributes of the home. For instance, the robotic devices390may store a floorplan and/or a three-dimensional model of the home that enables the robotic devices390to navigate the home. During initial configuration, the robotic devices390may receive the data describing attributes of the home, determine a frame of reference to the data (e.g., a home or reference location in the home), and navigate the home based on the frame of reference and the data describing attributes of the home. Further, initial configuration of the robotic devices390also may include learning of one or more navigation patterns in which a user provides input to control the robotic devices390to perform a specific navigation action (e.g., fly to an upstairs bedroom and spin around while capturing video and then return to a home charging base). In this regard, the robotic devices390may learn and store the navigation patterns such that the robotic devices390may automatically repeat the specific navigation actions upon a later request.

In some examples, the robotic devices390may include data capture and recording devices. In these examples, the robotic devices390may include one or more cameras, one or more motion sensors, one or more microphones, one or more biometric data collection tools, one or more temperature sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one or more air flow sensors, and/or any other types of sensors that may be useful in capturing monitoring data related to the home and users in the home. The one or more biometric data collection tools may be configured to collect biometric samples of a person in the home with or without contact of the person. For instance, the biometric data collection tools may include a fingerprint scanner, a hair sample collection tool, a skin cell collection tool, and/or any other tool that allows the robotic devices390to take and store a biometric sample that can be used to identify the person (e.g., a biometric sample with DNA that can be used for DNA testing).

In some implementations, the robotic devices390may include output devices. In these implementations, the robotic devices390may include one or more displays, one or more speakers, and/or any type of output devices that allow the robotic devices390to communicate information to a nearby user.

The robotic devices390also may include a communication module that enables the robotic devices390to communicate with the control unit310, each other, and/or other devices. The communication module may be a wireless communication module that allows the robotic devices390to communicate wirelessly. For instance, the communication module may be a Wi-Fi module that enables the robotic devices390to communicate over a local wireless network at the home. The communication module further may be a 900 MHz wireless communication module that enables the robotic devices390to communicate directly with the control unit310. Other types of short-range wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, Z-wave, Zigbee, etc., may be used to allow the robotic devices390to communicate with other devices in the home. In some implementations, the robotic devices390may communicate with each other or with other devices of the system300through the network305.

The robotic devices390further may include processor and storage capabilities. The robotic devices390may include any suitable processing devices that enable the robotic devices390to operate applications and perform the actions described throughout this disclosure. In addition, the robotic devices390may include solid-state electronic storage that enables the robotic devices390to store applications, configuration data, collected sensor data, and/or any other type of information available to the robotic devices390.

The robotic devices390are associated with one or more charging stations. The charging stations may be located at predefined home base or reference locations in the home. The robotic devices390may be configured to navigate to the charging stations after completion of tasks needed to be performed for the monitoring system300. For instance, after completion of a monitoring operation or upon instruction by the control unit310, the robotic devices390may be configured to automatically fly to and land on one of the charging stations. In this regard, the robotic devices390may automatically maintain a fully charged battery in a state in which the robotic devices390are ready for use by the monitoring system300.

The charging stations may be contact based charging stations and/or wireless charging stations. For contact based charging stations, the robotic devices390may have readily accessible points of contact that the robotic devices390are capable of positioning and mating with a corresponding contact on the charging station. For instance, a helicopter type robotic device may have an electronic contact on a portion of its landing gear that rests on and mates with an electronic pad of a charging station when the helicopter type robotic device lands on the charging station. The electronic contact on the robotic device may include a cover that opens to expose the electronic contact when the robotic device is charging and closes to cover and insulate the electronic contact when the robotic device is in operation.

For wireless charging stations, the robotic devices390may charge through a wireless exchange of power. In these cases, the robotic devices390need only locate themselves closely enough to the wireless charging stations for the wireless exchange of power to occur. In this regard, the positioning needed to land at a predefined home base or reference location in the home may be less precise than with a contact based charging station. Based on the robotic devices390landing at a wireless charging station, the wireless charging station outputs a wireless signal that the robotic devices390receive and convert to a power signal that charges a battery maintained on the robotic devices390.

In some implementations, each of the robotic devices390has a corresponding and assigned charging station such that the number of robotic devices390equals the number of charging stations. In these implementations, the robotic devices390always navigate to the specific charging station assigned to that robotic device. For instance, a first robotic device may always use a first charging station and a second robotic device may always use a second charging station.

In some examples, the robotic devices390may share charging stations. For instance, the robotic devices390may use one or more community charging stations that are capable of charging multiple robotic devices390. The community charging station may be configured to charge multiple robotic devices390in parallel. The community charging station may be configured to charge multiple robotic devices390in serial such that the multiple robotic devices390take turns charging and, when fully charged, return to a predefined home base or reference location in the home that is not associated with a charger. The number of community charging stations may be less than the number of robotic devices390.

In addition, the charging stations may not be assigned to specific robotic devices390and may be capable of charging any of the robotic devices390. In this regard, the robotic devices390may use any suitable, unoccupied charging station when not in use. For instance, when one of the robotic devices390has completed an operation or is in need of battery charge, the control unit310references a stored table of the occupancy status of each charging station and instructs the robotic device to navigate to the nearest charging station that is unoccupied.

The system300further includes one or more integrated security devices380. The one or more integrated security devices may include any type of device used to provide alerts based on received sensor data. For instance, the one or more control units310may provide one or more alerts to the one or more integrated security input/output devices380. Additionally, the one or more control units310may receive one or more sensor data from the sensors320and determine whether to provide an alert to the one or more integrated security input/output devices380.

The sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the integrated security devices380may communicate with the controller312over communication links324,326,328,332,338, and384. The communication links324,326,328,332,338, and384may be a wired or wireless data pathway configured to transmit signals from the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the integrated security devices380to the controller312. The sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the integrated security devices380may continuously transmit sensed values to the controller312, periodically transmit sensed values to the controller312, or transmit sensed values to the controller312in response to a change in a sensed value.

The communication links324,326,328,332,338, and384may include a local network. The sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the integrated security devices380, and the controller312may exchange data and commands over the local network. The local network may include 802.11 “Wi-Fi” wireless Ethernet (e.g., using low-power Wi-Fi chipsets), Z-Wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, “Homeplug” or other “Powerline” networks that operate over AC wiring, and a Category 5 (CAT5) or Category 6 (CAT6) wired Ethernet network. The local network may be a mesh network constructed based on the devices connected to the mesh network.

The monitoring server360is an electronic device configured to provide monitoring services by exchanging electronic communications with the control unit310, the one or more user devices340and350, and the central alarm station server370over the network305. For example, the monitoring server360may be configured to monitor events generated by the control unit310. In this example, the monitoring server360may exchange electronic communications with the network module314included in the control unit310to receive information regarding events detected by the control unit310. The monitoring server360also may receive information regarding events from the one or more user devices340and350.

In some examples, the monitoring server360may route alert data received from the network module314or the one or more user devices340and350to the central alarm station server370. For example, the monitoring server360may transmit the alert data to the central alarm station server370over the network305.

The monitoring server360may store sensor and image data received from the monitoring system and perform analysis of sensor and image data received from the monitoring system. Based on the analysis, the monitoring server360may communicate with and control aspects of the control unit310or the one or more user devices340and350.

The monitoring server360may provide various monitoring services to the system300. For example, the monitoring server360may analyze the sensor, image, and other data to determine an activity pattern of a resident of the home monitored by the system300. In some implementations, the monitoring server360may analyze the data for alarm conditions or may determine and perform actions at the home by issuing commands to one or more of the controls322, possibly through the control unit310.

The monitoring server360can be configured to provide information (e.g., activity patterns) related to one or more residents of the home monitored by the system300(e.g., user108). For example, one or more of the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the integrated security devices380can collect data related to a resident including location information (e.g., if the resident is home or is not home) and provide location information to the thermostat334.

The central alarm station server370is an electronic device configured to provide alarm monitoring service by exchanging communications with the control unit310, the one or more user devices340and350, and the monitoring server360over the network305. For example, the central alarm station server370may be configured to monitor alerting events generated by the control unit310. In this example, the central alarm station server370may exchange communications with the network module314included in the control unit310to receive information regarding alerting events detected by the control unit310. The central alarm station server370also may receive information regarding alerting events from the one or more user devices340and350and/or the monitoring server360.

The central alarm station server370is connected to multiple terminals372and374. The terminals372and374may be used by operators to process alerting events. For example, the central alarm station server370may route alerting data to the terminals372and374to enable an operator to process the alerting data. The terminals372and374may include general-purpose computers (e.g., desktop personal computers, workstations, or laptop computers) that are configured to receive alerting data from a server in the central alarm station server370and render a display of information based on the alerting data. For instance, the controller312may control the network module314to transmit, to the central alarm station server370, alerting data indicating that a sensor320detected motion from a motion sensor via the sensors320. The central alarm station server370may receive the alerting data and route the alerting data to the terminal372for processing by an operator associated with the terminal372. The terminal372may render a display to the operator that includes information associated with the alerting event (e.g., the lock sensor data, the motion sensor data, the contact sensor data, etc.) and the operator may handle the alerting event based on the displayed information.

In some implementations, the terminals372and374may be mobile devices or devices designed for a specific function. AlthoughFIG. 3illustrates two terminals for brevity, actual implementations may include more (and, perhaps, many more) terminals.

The one or more authorized user devices340and350are devices that host and display user interfaces. For instance, the user device340is a mobile device that hosts or runs one or more native applications (e.g., the home monitoring application342). The user device340may be a cellular phone or a non-cellular locally networked device with a display. The user device340may include a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), or any other portable device configured to communicate over a network and display information. For example, implementations may also include Blackberry-type devices (e.g., as provided by Research in Motion), electronic organizers, iPhone-type devices (e.g., as provided by Apple), iPod devices (e.g., as provided by Apple) or other portable music players, other communication devices, and handheld or portable electronic devices for gaming, communications, and/or data organization. The user device340may perform functions unrelated to the monitoring system, such as placing personal telephone calls, playing music, playing video, displaying pictures, browsing the Internet, maintaining an electronic calendar, etc.

The user device340includes a home monitoring application352. The home monitoring application342refers to a software/firmware program running on the corresponding mobile device that enables the user interface and features described throughout. The user device340may load or install the home monitoring application342based on data received over a network or data received from local media. The home monitoring application342runs on mobile devices platforms, such as iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry, Google Android, Windows Mobile, etc. The home monitoring application342enables the user device340to receive and process image and sensor data from the monitoring system.

The user device340may be a general-purpose computer (e.g., a desktop personal computer, a workstation, or a laptop computer) that is configured to communicate with the monitoring server360and/or the control unit310over the network305. The user device340may be configured to display a smart home user interface352that is generated by the user device340or generated by the monitoring server360. For example, the user device340may be configured to display a user interface (e.g., a web page) provided by the monitoring server360that enables a user to perceive images captured by the camera330and/or reports related to the monitoring system. AlthoughFIG. 3illustrates two user devices for brevity, actual implementations may include more (and, perhaps, many more) or fewer user devices.

In some implementations, the one or more user devices340and350communicate with and receive monitoring system data from the control unit310using the communication link338. For instance, the one or more user devices340and350may communicate with the control unit310using various local wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-wave, Zigbee, HomePlug (ethernet over power line), or wired protocols such as Ethernet and USB, to connect the one or more user devices340and350to local security and automation equipment. The one or more user devices340and350may connect locally to the monitoring system and its sensors and other devices. The local connection may improve the speed of status and control communications because communicating through the network305with a remote server (e.g., the monitoring server360) may be significantly slower.

Although the one or more user devices340and350are shown as communicating with the control unit310, the one or more user devices340and350may communicate directly with the sensors and other devices controlled by the control unit310. In some implementations, the one or more user devices340and350replace the control unit310and perform the functions of the control unit310for local monitoring and long range/offsite communication.

In other implementations, the one or more user devices340and350receive monitoring system data captured by the control unit310through the network305. The one or more user devices340,350may receive the data from the control unit310through the network305or the monitoring server360may relay data received from the control unit310to the one or more user devices340and350through the network305. In this regard, the monitoring server360may facilitate communication between the one or more user devices340and350and the monitoring system.

In some implementations, the one or more user devices340and350may be configured to switch whether the one or more user devices340and350communicate with the control unit310directly (e.g., through link338) or through the monitoring server360(e.g., through network305) based on a location of the one or more user devices340and350. For instance, when the one or more user devices340and350are located close to the control unit310and in range to communicate directly with the control unit310, the one or more user devices340and350use direct communication. When the one or more user devices340and350are located far from the control unit310and not in range to communicate directly with the control unit310, the one or more user devices340and350use communication through the monitoring server360.

Although the one or more user devices340and350are shown as being connected to the network305, in some implementations, the one or more user devices340and350are not connected to the network305. In these implementations, the one or more user devices340and350communicate directly with one or more of the monitoring system components and no network (e.g., Internet) connection or reliance on remote servers is needed.

In some implementations, the one or more user devices340and350are used in conjunction with only local sensors and/or local devices in a house. In these implementations, the system300includes the one or more user devices340and350, the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, and the robotic devices390. The one or more user devices340and350receive data directly from the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, and the robotic devices390, and sends data directly to the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, and the robotic devices390. The one or more user devices340,350provide the appropriate interfaces/processing to provide visual surveillance and reporting.

In other implementations, the system300further includes network305and the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the robotic devices390, and are configured to communicate sensor and image data to the one or more user devices340and350over network305(e.g., the Internet, cellular network, etc.). In yet another implementation, the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the robotic devices390(or a component, such as a bridge/router) are intelligent enough to change the communication pathway from a direct local pathway when the one or more user devices340and350are in close physical proximity to the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the robotic devices390to a pathway over network305when the one or more user devices340and350are farther from the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the robotic devices390.

In some examples, the system leverages GPS information from the one or more user devices340and350to determine whether the one or more user devices340and350are close enough to the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the robotic devices390to use the direct local pathway or whether the one or more user devices340and350are far enough from the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the robotic devices390that the pathway over network305is required.

In other examples, the system leverages status communications (e.g., pinging) between the one or more user devices340and350and the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the robotic devices390to determine whether communication using the direct local pathway is possible. If communication using the direct local pathway is possible, the one or more user devices340and350communicate with the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the robotic devices390using the direct local pathway. If communication using the direct local pathway is not possible, the one or more user devices340and350communicate with the sensors320, the home automation controls322, the camera330, the thermostat334, and the robotic devices390using the pathway over network305.

In some implementations, the system300provides end users with access to images captured by the camera330to aid in decision making. The system300may transmit the images captured by the camera330over a wireless WAN network to the user devices340and350. Because transmission over a wireless WAN network may be relatively expensive, the system300can use several techniques to reduce costs while providing access to significant levels of useful visual information (e.g., compressing data, down-sampling data, sending data only over inexpensive LAN connections, or other techniques).

In some implementations, a state of the monitoring system and other events sensed by the monitoring system may be used to enable/disable video/image recording devices (e.g., the camera330). In these implementations, the camera330may be set to capture images on a periodic basis when the alarm system is armed in an “away” state, but set not to capture images when the alarm system is armed in a “home” state or disarmed. In addition, the camera330may be triggered to begin capturing images when the alarm system detects an event, such as an alarm event, a door-opening event for a door that leads to an area within a field of view of the camera330, or motion in the area within the field of view of the camera330. In other implementations, the camera330may capture images continuously, but the captured images may be stored or transmitted over a network when needed.

The system300further includes a rain gutter power generator395in communication with the control unit310through a communication link397, which similarly to as described above in regards to communication links324,326,328,332,338, and384, may be wired or wireless and include a local network. The rain gutter power generator395may be the generator112, the control unit310may be the control unit120, the thermostat334may be the thermostat150, the sensors320and automation controls322may be the lights140and door lock160, and the monitoring server360may be the weather server170.

The described systems, methods, and techniques may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of these elements. Apparatus implementing these techniques may include appropriate input and output devices, a computer processor, and a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor. A process implementing these techniques may be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform desired functions by operating on input data and generating appropriate output. The techniques may be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

Each computer program may be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM). Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).