Automated methods and apparatus for facilitating the design and deployment of monitoring systems

Methods and apparatus for automating various aspects relating to the design and/or deployment of monitoring systems, e.g., systems which can monitor for fire, break-ins and/or other conditions are described. In various embodiments a customer provides location and customer premises layout information as well as an indication of what is to be monitored. A rules database is accessed and a plan that is compliant with local rules is automatically generated. A user is walked through deployment of components, e.g., on his cell phone or other handheld communications device, in an easy to follow manner with monitoring device position, wireless communications ability, and function being checked automatically as part of the process as each sensor is deployed. If wireless connectivity is a problem suggestions are presented to the user for moving a sensor, e.g., camera. At the end of the process the system is activated and monitoring of the premises initiated.

FIELD

The present application relates to monitoring systems and more particularly to methods and apparatus for automating various aspects relating to the design and/or deployment of monitoring systems, e.g., systems which can monitor for fire, break-ins and/or other conditions.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous rules, in the forms of codes, standards, manufacturer's specifications, and regulations for authorities having jurisdiction that must be followed when designing and installing a security alarm system. This information, e.g., rule information, changes frequently, like tax law, and varies by jurisdiction which is normally based on location of the premises to be monitored. It is difficult for a person to retain all of this information and requires considerable training and continuous education.

Accordingly, designing a security and/or other type of monitoring system for a premises is difficult and, in many states, often involves a licensed professional to conduct a visual inspection of the premises with the customer in order to create a custom design to detect an intruder in every case, while ignoring normal household behavior. There are numerous codes, and standards that must be followed. Improper installation or failure to meet the codes and standards may result in inconveniences such as false alarms and fines from police departments, up to major compromises in life safety in the case of an improperly installed fire or CO detector.

The security alarm industry has recognized this problem and is addressing it through rigorous training and continuous education; however, the quality of the design and installation of security systems still widely varies. Furthermore, even the best security system design, created by a qualified field sales specialist, is likely to be improperly installed because systems for transferring this information lack sufficient detail for the person performing the installation. This leads to wasted time and customer frustration.

Once designed, there is often a problem with communicating the design and installation requirement of a security or other monitoring system to the person who will perform the installation in a way that is easy to understand and will likely result in proper deployment and/or positioning of various system components during the installation process. Important information is often lost in communication to the installer, premises may differ from what is on a design, the names of the rooms on the plan may be different from what the installer expects, and/or the communicated, e.g., printed, plan may lack the level of detail needed for the installer. As a result the design of the security system has to be repeated/revised by the installer who may lack the knowledge of the rules/applicable codes and/or the monitoring system may be installed improperly increasing the risk of fines due to non-compliance with rules and/or giving a false sense of security. In addition, some components, e.g., wireless cameras and/or sensors, even when installed according to a plan may suffer from unexpected problems due to wireless signal interference or poor WiFi in a particular location.

In view of the above it should be appreciated that there is a need for methods and apparatus which could be used to automate portions of the design of a monitoring system to ensure compliance with rules and requirement for a particular location where the system is to be deployed. There is also a need for improved methods of communicating to an installer component and/or other monitoring system information to ensure that the system components are deployed in a way that increases the chances of the component(s) functioning as intended and being in locations required by applicable rules. In addition there is a need for testing components as they are deployed and/or making suggestions for changes to improve their function if wireless communications or other problems exist even when a monitoring device, e.g., camera, is positioned as originally planned. It should be appreciated that it would be desirable if an automated system could be developed which could address one or more of the above problems and/or reduce the need for skilled system designing to be actively involved with the field deployment of a monitoring system.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed to methods and apparatus for automating various aspects relating to the design and/or deployment of monitoring systems, e.g., systems which can monitor for fire, break-ins and/or other conditions are described. In various embodiments a customer provides location and customer premises layout information as well as an indication of what is to be monitored. A rules database is accessed and a plan that is compliant with local rules is automatically generated. A user is walked through deployment of components, e.g., on his cell phone or other handheld communications device, in an easy to follow manner with monitoring device position, wireless communications ability, and function being checked automatically as part of the process as each sensor is deployed. If wireless connectivity is a problem suggestions are presented to the user for moving a sensor, e.g., camera. At the end of the process the system is activated and monitoring of the premises initiated.

By automating many of the aspects of the design of the monitoring system the need to a skilled designer is reduced or avoided. By walking the installer through the deployment process in an automated interactive manner in which the installer deploys system components, the communications capability of the deployed component is checked and then the function of the deployed monitoring checked, a high degree of reliability can be achieved with regard to the deployment and reliability, e.g., in terms of both wireless communication functionality and sensor operability can be achieved without the need for a skilled installer. Furthermore as problems are detected during the deployment process, automated suggestions for addressing the problems can and are provided, e.g., to the users wireless communications device such as a cell phone used to provide instructions to the installer and to receive installer input. For example, if a communications problem with a wireless camera or smoke detector is detected, the installer may be instructed to try another position which remains compliant with government position regulations but which provides improved communications for the sensor allowing for more reliable communication of information back to a central monitoring system.

By automating many of the aspects of designing a monitoring system and adding automated monitoring device communication and function features to a system installation process, a relatively unskilled installer, e.g., homeowner, can achieve design and installation results of a monitoring system on a level which is as good or better than what would be achieved by a professional installation in many cases without the need to rely on a professional installer or designer for the monitoring system.

An exemplary monitoring system deployment and configuration method, in accordance with some embodiments, comprises: receiving at a control system information about a customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed at the customer premises; accessing, at the control system, a database of government rule information for a location of the customer premises to determine, based on the location, at least one of: a type of monitoring device required by applicable rules, a location at which a required monitoring device is to be placed at the customer premises, or a number of monitoring devices required to be placed at the customer premises location; generating a monitoring system design based on received customer premises layout information and rule information included in the database; and communicating installation information to a portable communications device corresponding to a customer instructing the customer how to install a first monitoring device at the customer premises in accordance with the generated monitoring system design.

Numerous variations and benefits are possible as will be discussed further in the detailed description which follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a drawing of an exemplary home automation and security system100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Home automation and security system100includes a home automation and security service system102, a network104, e.g., the Internet, a plurality of customer premises (customer premises1106, . . . , customer premises N108), and a cellular network105.

Home automation and security service system102includes a monitoring device110, e.g., a monitoring server, and a control system112, e.g., a control server, coupled together via a bus122. Control system112includes an automated controller114, a configuration component116, and a database component118, coupled together via a bus120. Cellular network105includes a cellular base station107. Customer premises1106, e.g., a home or business site, includes a gateway124, e.g., a home gateway, supports wireless communications over local wireless network126, e.g., a local wireless network supporting WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Customer premises1106further includes one or more user devices including user device128, e.g., a smart phone or laptop, or wireless tablet, a plurality of sensors including sensor130, e.g., a window sensor, a door sensor, one or more cameras, e.g., security cameras, including camera132, one or more network connected devices, e.g., controllable light, controllable thermostat, controllable door, controllable appliance, etc., including network connected device134, and additional devices (additional device1135, e.g., a smoke detector, . . . , additional device M139). Each of the user device128, sensor130, camera132, network connected device134, additional device1135, . . . , additional device M139, may be, and sometimes is, coupled to the gateway124, e.g., by a wireless and/or wired connection. In some embodiments, at least one device in the set of devices (128,130,132,134,135, . . . ,139) includes a different set of communications interfaces and/or support a different set of communications protocols than another device in the set of devices (128,130,132,134,135, . . . ,139). For example, in one exemplary embodiment user device128may support cellular communications, BLE and WiFi, while one or more of the sensor130, camera132and network connected device134may only support one of: BLE, ZigBee, Z-Wave, low power WAN, or WiFi. For example, in one such exemplary embodiment, sensor130may support ZigBee and camera132may support WiFi. In other embodiments, the devices may support different sets of communications interfaces and/or communications protocols. In some embodiments, some of the devices (128,130,132,134,135, . . . ,139) support wired communications and gateway124supports wired local network communications.

User device128, e.g., a smart phone, is coupled to gateway124, via wireless link142. User device128may be, and sometimes is, coupled to base station107of cellular network105via wireless link143. Sensor130is coupled to gateway124via wireless link144. Camera132is coupled to gateway124via wireless link146. Network connected device134is coupled to gateway124via wireless link148. Additional device1135, e.g., a smoke detector, is coupled to gateway124via wireless link149. Additional device M139is coupled to gateway124via a wired or wireless link151.

Gateway124is coupled to network104via communications link138. The gateway included in customer premises N108is coupled to network104via communications link140. Network104is coupled to home automation and security service system102via communications link136. Cellular base station107is coupled to network104via communications link137.

In some embodiments, system100further includes an external database160coupled to network104via link162. In some embodiments, control system112accesses external database160. In some embodiments, portions of the external database160are transferred, e.g., copied into database component118.

FIG. 2, comprising the combination ofFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, is a drawing200, comprising the combination of Part A201and Part B203, of an exemplary order entry sequence for ordering a customized home automation and security system for a customer premises including components and services in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In drawing200, exemplary person1101, e.g., the homeowner of a home located at customer premises1106, is shown holding user device128, e.g., person1's smart phone. In drawing100ofFIG. 1automated controller114and database component118of control system112of home automation and security service system102are also shown. In some embodiments, user device1128communicates with the automated controller114during the order entry sequence via gateway124and network104. In some other embodiments, user device1128communicates with the automated controller114during the order entry sequence via cellular base station107of cellular network105and network104.

In step202user device128receives user input, e.g., input indicating that person101has selected an APP for a home automation and security service system. In step204, in response to the received user input, user device128opens the selected APP and starts communicating with the automated controller114. In step206, user device128generates and sends a message208communicating that the automated controller114is to open the configuration tool. In step210, automated controller114opens the configuration tool and starts sending messages to the user device including a request214for the address of the site for site which is to be configured for home automation and security services, e.g., the address of customer premises1. In step216the user device128receives the request for address and displays the request. In step218user device receives the address, e.g., as typed input from the user101, generates response message220including the received address, and sends the generated response message220to automated controller114. In step222, automated controller114receives message220and recovers the communicated address of the site to be monitored.

In some embodiments, the requests from the automated controller114to the user further includes a request to specify a general type of system that the user is interested in, e.g., select one of: (i) full system—internal and external site monitoring and additional smart device control, (ii) internal and external site monitoring, (iii) external site monitoring; and (iv) internal site monitoring. In some embodiments, the requests from the automated system to the user include a request to select on more of: (i) fire, smoke and gas, e.g., CO2, monitoring and (ii) security related monitoring. The user device sends the responses received by the user device of the user101, e.g., customer, to the automated controller114.

In step224the automated controller114generates and sends look-up request226including the received site location information, and in some embodiments, other user information, to database component118. In step228, database component118receives request226and recovers the communicated location information. In step230, the database component generates a response232based on the received location information, and in some embodiments based on other received information from the user, and sends the response to the automated controller114. Response232includes standards, regional and/or local codes, information identifying authorities having jurisdiction, crime reports, environment, etc., corresponding to the location. For example, the location may correspond to a high crime area or a low crime area. As another example, the location may correspond to a gated community, e.g., with private security guards, or to a location on an open road, e.g., a road. In different areas different types of crimes may be prevalent, e.g., home burglary, auto theft, attacks, armed robbery, etc. The location may correspond to a open location with street lighting or a location without street lighting. Different locations may correspond to different local, state, and/or federal codes, rules and/or standards which determine the types of equipment which are required, which are acceptable and/or which are allowed. For example, in some areas there may be restrictions on the types of exterior lighting which may be installed and the types of alarms which are acceptable. Different locations may correspond to different codes and/or standards which determine the types of equipment which are required and/or installation requirements, e.g., the acceptable local specification for a smoke detector and where, e.g., which room(s) a smoke detector is required to be located in, and the placement of the smoke detector or fire detector, e.g., installation placement specifications, distance from HVAC vents. Some locations may require CO2 detectors to be installed in residential homes while other locations may not. Different locations may require different lifetimes or requirements for a smoke or fire detector, e.g., before battery replacement is needed. Some locations may require audio alarms with a particular characteristic, e.g., level and/or frequency range or xenon strobe for accessibility requirements. Some locations may have different requirements for multi-unit dwellings as compared to single unit homes. Different locations may also correspond to different protocols and/or interfaces for communicating with the local authorities, e.g., police, fire, etc. Some locations may support an option to tie in of the home owner's external surveillance camera to the local police surveillance system. Some locations may require permits and/or fees for installation and/or connection to a local police and/or fire network or alarm monitoring center. Different types of sensors and/or different sensor sensitivity level setting may be suited to different environments. For example, in some areas animals may be likely to trigger some types of motion sensors. As another example, in different climates some types of sensors and/or surveillance cameras are not suitable due to the operation temperature range of the device and the expected temperature range of the location.

In step234the automated controller114receives response232and recovers the information communicated in the response. In step236the automated controller114generates, e.g., creates, a custom questionnaire240based on the information communicated in response232, e.g., including detailed site specific information. In step238the automated controller sends the generated questionnaire240to user device128. In step242the user device128receives the questionnaire240and recovers the communicated information. In step244the user device128presents the questionnaire to the user101. In step246user device128receives user responses to the questions of the questionnaire. In step248, the user device generates and sends messages250communicating the received questionnaire answers. In step252the automated controller114receives messages250and recovered the questionnaire answers. In some embodiments, the questionnaire answers include customer premises layout information, e.g., room, door, window, and/or other information allowing a floor plan layout to be generated for the customer premises location. In some embodiments, the questionnaire answers include information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed, e.g., break-in, fire, smoke, CO2 level monitoring, at the customer premises site in which the monitoring system is to be installed. In step254, the automated controller114sends the received questionnaire answers in messages256to database component118. In step258database component118receives the questionnaire answers and stores the answers in step260. In some embodiments, the generated questionnaire is also sent to and stored in the database component. In some embodiments, stored previously generated questionnaires and stored previously received answers are used by automated controller114when generating a new questionnaire, e.g., for another site location in the same vicinity, e.g., the previously used questionnaires are refined over time.

In step262, the automated controller114determines a specific offer configuration, e.g., a recommended set of surveillance cameras, a recommended set of sensors, a recommended home gateway, a recommended set of devices, e.g., controllable devices, recommended locations for installing the cameras, sensors and devices, recommended connections to local authorities, etc., based on information from the look-up request response232and the received questionnaire answers250. In step264the automated controller114generates, based on the determined specific offer information, an offer to be presented to user101of user device128. The generated offer includes, e.g., a site map plan illustrating installed recommended surveillance cameras, installed recommended sensors, and installed recommended control devices, detailed data specification sheets on recommended devices, and pricing information. In some embodiments, the offer includes selectable options, e.g., allowing a user to select between different alternative cameras. In step266the automated controller sends the generated offer268to user device128, which in step270receives the offer268and recovers the information communicated in the offer. In step272, the user device128presents the offer to user101. In step274the user device receives responses from the user including security design information, user selected options and/or user additions. For example, the user may select most of the recommendations regarding the security layout, may reject some recommendations, e.g., does not want a camera in a particular room or area, may add one or more additional cameras and/or sensors, and may select which particular devices, from among a plurality of offered differently prices options, the user wishes to purchase. In some embodiments, the user is given an option to rent or lease at least some of the equipment, rather than purchase. In some embodiments, the user may select between new or reconditioned items.

In various embodiments, the offer presentation if step272is performed in conjunction with the received responses of step274, e.g., portions of the offer presentation are modified in response to some detected responses, e.g., focusing additional details on an areas of interest.

In step276, the user device128generates an order, e.g., a purchase order, for a home automation and security system, e.g., including ongoing services after installation, based on the presented offer and the received user responses received in step274. In step278the user device128sends the generated order280to the automated controller114, which is received in step282. In step284the automated controller sends order information286, corresponding to the generated order, to database component118. In step288the database component118receives the order information and in step290, the database component stores the received order information, e.g., to be available for future use during installation.

In step292the automated controller114initiates hardware acquisition, corresponding to the placed order, e.g., sending purchase orders to sub-contractors and/or sending stock retrieval orders to an in company warehouse, to fulfill the hardware acquisition requirements for the placed order. In some embodiments, the hardware acquisition includes additional items, in addition to the set of items required to make a one pass installation, e.g., additional items allowing for anticipated installation errors and/or sensor failures. For example, the additional items may include additional extra screws, additional extra mounting hardware, additional extra low cost sensors, additional extra cabling, etc., e.g., typical items that a professional installer may bring to an installation site as spares. In step294the automated controller114determines if a set of hardware is ready for shipment. In some embodiments, the step of determining if a set of hardware is ready for shipment includes determining that hardware components have been pre-configured and/or firmware loaded in accordance with instruction to satisfy the generated order. In some embodiments, determining if the set of hardware is ready for shipment includes receiving confirmation that each piece of hardware to be acquired has arrived and is ready to ship, e.g., allowing for a coordinated shipment to the customer premises.

In response to a determination, that the set of hardware is ready for shipment, e.g., the full set of hardware is ready for shipment, in step296the automated controller114triggers shipment of the set of hardware to the customer premises site, e.g. home. In some embodiments, step296includes triggering a coordinated shipment from multiple locations, e.g., multiple warehouses, such that the ordered set of system components should arrive at the customer premises site at approximately the same time, e.g., within a time window of a few days.

FIG. 3, comprising the combination ofFIG. 3A,FIG. 3B,FIG. 3C,FIG. 3D,FIG. 3EandFIG. 3Fis a drawing300, comprising the combination of Part A301, Part B303, Part C305, Part D307and Part E309, and Part F311, illustrating an exemplary installation and activation sequence of a home automation and security system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In step302user101inputs a start installation input to user device128, e.g., user101clicks on a start installation box or icon being displayed on user device128. In step304user device128receives the start installation input from user101, and in response in step306, user device128generates and sends a start new installation message308to automated controller114. In step310, automated controller114receives the start new installation message, and in response in step312, automated controller114generates and sends message314to user device128communicating that user101should power the gateway and attach to home network. In step316user device128recovers message314, and in step318user device128notifies user101to power on gateway124and attach to home network. In some embodiments, gateway124is a new gateway being installed at the site as part of the installation, e.g., a new gateway supporting local wireless communications, e.g., WiFi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, low power WAN, and BLE, with the new security cameras, new sensor, and new controllable devices being installed. In some embodiments, gateway124, is an additional gateway being installed at the site in addition to an already installed gateway, e.g., the already installed gateway not supporting the full set of communications protocols utilized by the new devices being installed. In some embodiments, gateway124is an existing gateway already installed at the customer premises which fully supports communications with the new devices being installed. In step320user101powers gateway124, e.g., plugs its in, and attaches gateway124to a network, e.g., a service provider communications network, e.g., a cable service provider communications network, coupled to the Internet.

In step322gateway124powers up, and in step324gateway124sends a heartbeat signal326to monitoring device110, which is received by the monitoring device in step328. In various embodiments, the heartbeat signal is a recurring signal. In step324′ gateway device124sends heartbeat signal236′ to monitoring device110, which is received by the monitoring device110in step328′. In some embodiments, the monitoring device110checks the received heartbeat signal data and characteristics, and/or time spacing between heartbeat signals against stored predetermined information to determine if the gateway124appears to be operating properly. In response to detected satisfactory heartbeat signal(s), in step330, monitoring device110generates and sends a gateway connected signal332to user device128. In step334user device128receives gateway connected signal332and display an indication, e.g., a message or icon, to user101indicating that the gateway is successfully connected to the network.

In step336, gateway generates and sends signal338to monitoring device110communicating the firmware version currently installed on gateway124. In step340monitoring device110receives signal338and recovers the firmware version being communicated. In step342, monitoring device110determines if a gateway firmware update is needed. A gateway firmware update may be needed because gateway124is an old gateway previously installed at the site which needs an update, e.g., to support new protocols being used by at least some of the new devices to be installed or because the old firmware is outdated, e.g., includes some known software deficiencies. In some embodiments, the gateway firmware update is needed to install proprietary firmware, e.g., for supporting secure automation and security features.

If in step342, monitoring device110determines that a firmware update is needed, then in step344monitoring device generates and sends signal346communicating updated firmware to gateway124. In step348, gateway124receives the updated software, and in step350gateway124applies the updated firmware, e.g., installs and activates the updated firmware within gateway124. In step352, gateway124detects that the firmware update has completed and generates and sends a firmware update complete message354to monitoring device110, which is received by the monitoring device110in step356.

In step358, automated controller114sends a message360to database component118communicating a request to retrieve a list of sensors, cameras and network connected devices to be setup at customer premises1as part of the installation. In some embodiments, the request includes a purchase order number, customer number, customer name, and/or location, e.g., address, of the customer premises site where the installation is to occur, to find the list in the database. In step362, database component118receives request360, and in response, in step364, database component generates and sends response366communicating the list of sensors, cameras and devices, to the automated controller114. In some embodiments, the generated response366further includes installation instructions corresponding to the sensors, cameras and devices to be installed and a recommended installation sequence. In step368the automated controller receives response366and recovers the information communicated in response366.

In step370, automated controller114generates and sends a ready to install message372corresponding to one of the sensors on the received list. In various embodiments, the ready to install message includes information identifying the particular sensor to be installed, e.g., a door open/closed sensor manufactured by manufacturer ABC, to be installed on door jam 1 in room #1. In various embodiments, message372further includes installation instructions corresponding to the sensor to be installed, e.g., in accordance with government regulations and/or manufacture's recommendations. In step374user device128receives the ready to install message372and recovers the communicated information.

In step376automated controller114generates and sends power sensor message378to user device128. In step380user device128receives the power sensor message378and notifies user101to power on sensor130. In some embodiments, the notification includes instructions on how to power on the sensor, e.g., pull out a plastic insulation strip which allows the battery within the sensor to supply energy to the sensor's circuits, install a battery, install a plug in a wall socket, remove a cover from a solar collector, and/or turn on a switch. In some embodiments, an indication on the sensor, e.g., a green light, will indicate that the sensor is on and is receiving adequate power. In some embodiments, the power sensor notification message378includes information to be conveyed to the user of the expected result for a successful power on operation. In step382user101powers on sensor130. During the installation of the sensor the sensor will be powered on by either plugging in the power cable or be engaging the battery on the sensor, e.g., prior to the installation being complete. This is because the battery enclosure is typically not accessible after the sensor has been installed, e.g., mounted on the door. InFIG. 3, the exemplary sequence shows the sensor being powered on prior to the installation of the sensor; however, in some embodiments, in which the sensor is powered on via a power plug or by engaging a battery which is accessible after sensor mounting, the sensor may be, and in some embodiments, is installed prior to being powered on. Thus in some embodiments, the power sensor message378is communicated after sensor installation is complete. In some embodiments, the information included in the power sensor message378is communicated in the ready to install sensor message372.

In step384, in response in step374the user device128presents user101with a message and/or indication to install the sensor, e.g., mount the door sensor parts in particular specified locations, e.g., a first part on the door jam and a second part on the door. In step386user101installs the sensor and enters an input to user device128indicating that the sensor has been installed. In step3886, the user device128receives the input indicating that the sensor has been installed and generates and sends a sensor installed signal390to the automated controller114, which is received by the automated controller114, in step392.

In step394, automated controller generates and sends an enable pairing signal396to gateway124, which receives the enable pairing signal in step398. In step400, in response to the received enable pairing signal, the gateway124enters pairing mode.

In step402sensor130generates and sends a pair signal404to gateway124, which is received and detected by gateway124in step406. In some embodiments, the user101is prompted to trigger the sensor, e.g., open and/or close the door the sensor is attached to, or walk in front of a motion detector, to complete the paring process. In step408, in response to a determination that the pairing has been completed, based on the detected pair signal404, and in some embodiments, based on detected expected signal(s) in response to one or more prompted sensor triggers, gateway124generates and sends confirmation signal410, indicating that pairing is complete, to sensor130, which is received by sensor130in step412. In step414gateway124generates and sends sensor added signal416to monitoring device110, which is received by monitoring device110in step418. In step420monitoring device110generates and sends sensor added signal422, which is a forwarded version of signal416, to automated controller114, which is received by automated controller114in step424. In step426automated controller114generates and sends sensor added signal428, which is a forwarded version of signal416, to configuration component116, which is received by configuration component116in step430.

In step432, in response to received sensor added signal428, configuration component116generates and sends get sensor information signal434to gateway124, which receives signal434in step436. In step438gateway124generates and sends get sensor information signal440to sensor130, which is received by sensor130in step442. In step444sensor130collects sensor information and generates and sends sensor information signal446to gateway124, which is received by gateway124in step448. The sensor information communicated in signal446includes, e.g., signal strength, SNR, battery information, temperature, etc. In step450, in response to received signal446, gateway450generates and sends sensor information signal452to configuration component116which is received by configuration component116in step454. The sensor information communicated in signal452includes, e.g., signal strength, SNR, battery information, temperature, etc. In some embodiments, the sensor information communicated in signal452includes the sensor information communicated in signal446plus additional information regarding the uplink wireless communications channel between sensor130and gateway124.

In step455the configuration component checks the sensor installation for a pass or fail condition, e.g., comparing received information from signal452to predetermined acceptable limits.

If the checking criteria of step455indicates that the installation does not meet acceptable criteria, then step456is performed in which the configuration component116determines that the sensor installation was a failure and operation proceeds to step458, in which the configuration component sends message460indications that the sensor installation verification testing indicated a fail. In various embodiments, message460further communicates the tested parameter or parameters which have failed and, in some embodiments, the values of the failed parameter(s). In step462automated controller114receives sensor installation failure notification message and recovers the communicated information. In step463the automated controller generates and sends sensor installation verification result notification message464to user device128. In some embodiments, message464includes an indication that the verification result was a failure and optionally corrective action suggestion(s). In some embodiments, the corrective active suggestions are based on the receive parameter values communicated in message460. Exemplary suggested corrective actions include, e.g., replace a battery in the sensor, remount the sensor at a different location, e.g., to attempt to obtain a better quality wireless communications channel between the sensor130and the gateway124, discard a suspected defective sensor and install another sensor of the same type, discard the sensor and install an alternative sensor, e.g. higher quality sensor or different manufacturer sensor less susceptible to interference from local noise source being encountered at the site.

In step466user device receives message464and communicates the corrective action suggestion(s) to user101. In step468user101performs a corrective action, e.g., following the instructions communicated in message464.

In step470configuration component116initiates a repeat of the sensor checking operations. From step470, operation proceeds to step370and steps through step455are repeated.

If the checking criteria of step455, e.g. either in an initial pass or a repeat pass, indicates that the installation meet the acceptable criteria, then operation proceeds from step455to step472in which the configuration component determines that the sensor installation was successful. Operation proceeds from step472to step473. In step473the configuration component generates and sends message474to automated controller114indicating that the sensor verification result for sensor130installation testing was a pass. In step475automated controller114receives message474, and in step476automated controller114generates and sends message477indicating that the sensor verification result indicated a pass. In step478, user device128receives message477recovers the communication information, e.g., test pass, and communicates to the user101, e.g., installer, that the sensor installation checking test was successful. In step479automated controller114generates and sends message480communication instructions to operate sensor130to check state changes, e.g., open or close a door whose open/close status is being monitored by sensor130. In step482, user device128receives message480and recovers the information being communicated. In step484the user device communicates, e.g., displays, instructions to user101instructing the user101to perform an action or action to test the sensor, e.g., test sensor state changes. For example, the user101may be commanded to open or close the door. In some embodiments, the operator may be commanded to perform a sequence of events, e.g., over a predetermined time interval. For example, the operation may be instructed to open the door, leave the door in the open position for 10 seconds, then close the door, then leave the door in the closed position for 20 second, and then repeat the sequence4additional times. In step486, user101performs an operation to test the sensor, e.g., opening and/or closing a door in accordance with the communicated instructions. In step488sensor130detects sensor state and in step490sensor130generates and sends message492communicating the detected sensor state to gateway124. In step494gateway124receives message492, and in step496gateway124generates and sends message498to monitoring device110communicating the detected sensor state. In step500monitoring device110receives message498, and in step502monitoring device110generates and sends message504to automated controller114communicating the detected sensor state. In step506automated controller114receives message504, and in step508automated controller114generates and sends message510to configuration component116communicating the detected sensor state. In step512configuration component116receives message510, and recovers the communicated sensor state, which is a forwarded version of the information communicated in message492. In step514, the configuration component116checks the sensor signals, e.g., checks the received sensor state signals against expected sensor state signals, to determine if the sensor appears to be operating properly. For example, does the received sensor state signal indicate that the door is closed during the time when the user101has been commanded to have the door in a closed position, and does the sensor state signal indicate that the door is in an open position during the time when the operator has been commanded to have the door in an open position.

Consider that the determination is that the sensor is not operating properly, e.g., detected sensor state signals do not match expected sensor state signals, then operation proceeds from step514to step516, in which the configuration component determines that the sensor operation is a failure. Operation proceeds from step516to step518. In step518the configuration component116generates and sends a message520to the automated controller114indicating that the sensor operation verification test result indicates failure. In step522, the automated controller114receives message520, and in response in step524the automated controller generates and sends message526to the user device128indicating that the verification result for the sensor operational test was a failure and further including corrective actions suggestion(s), e.g., troubleshooting instructions and/or suggestions. For example, the suggestions may include, e.g., a recommendation to check alignment between two portion of a door sensor when the door is closed and to remount a sensor portion to correct a detected misalignment, or to measure an air gap between two portions of a door sensor when the door is in the closed position to determine if the air gap exceeds acceptable tolerances and/or to shim a portion of a door sensor to adjust an out of spec air gap.

In step528user device128receives message526and communicates the information in message526to user101. In step530user101performs troubleshooting and/or performs corrective actions, e.g., in accordance with the communicated instructions.

In step532configuration component116initiates a repeat of the sensor operation check. From step532, operation proceeds to step479, and steps479through step512are repeated in which sensor operation is re-tested, e.g., sensor state and/or sensor state changes are re-tested.

If the checking of step514, e.g. either in an initial pass or in a repeat pass, indicates that the sensor operation meets acceptable criteria, then operation proceeds from step514to step534in which the configuration component116determines that the sensor installation was successful. Operation proceeds from step534to step536. In step536the configuration component116generates and sends message538to automated controller114communicating that the sensor operational verification test(s) have passed. Automated controller114receives message538in step540, and in step542generates and sends message544to user device128communicating that sensor130has passed the sensor operational checks. Message544is received in step546by user device128which communicates in step546to user101that the installation and testing with regard to sensor130is completed and has been successful.

In step548automated controller114generates and sends ready to install camera message550to user device128. In step552user device128receives message550and communicates to user101that camera132should now be powered on and attached to the network. In some embodiments, message550further includes instructions for powering on the camera and/or for attaching to the network. In step554, user101powers on camera132and, in some embodiments, attaches the camera to the network, e.g., by plugging the camera into the network using an Ethernet cable. In some embodiments, powering on the camera includes plugging the camera into a wall socket or installing batteries and turning a power switch on. In some embodiments, powering on the camera includes attaching a solar collector panel to the camera and positioning the solar collector panel in a predetermined direction. In step556the camera is powered on. In step558camera132generates and sends a message560, e.g., including camera132ID information, to gateway124communicating that a new camera is now active and wishes to join the WiFi network. In step562gateway124receives message560and recovers the communicated information. In step564, in response to received message560, gateway124generates and sends WiFi information566to camera132. In step568camera132receives the WiFi information566, and in response in step570, the camera132joins the WiFi network. In step572camera132generates and sends a new camera message574to gateway124communicating to gateway124that camera132has successfully joined the WiFi network. In step576, gateway124receives message574and recovers the communicated information including camera ID information and information indicating the version of firmware currently on camera124. In step578gateway124generates and sends message580to automated controller114communicating that new camera132is now online and communicating the version of firmware currently installed on camera132. In step582, automated controller114receives message580and recovers the communicated information. In step584automated controller114checks if the camera firmware currently on camera132is the latest version firmware. If the determination of step584is that the firmware is not the latest version, then operation proceeds from step584to step586to initiate a camera firmware update; otherwise, operation proceeds from step584to step610.

In step586automated controller114generates and sends signals588communicating updated camera firmware. In step590gateway124receives signals588, and in step592the gateway forwards the received updated camera firmware in generated signals594. In step596camera132receives signals594and recovers the updated camera firmware. In step598camera132applies, e.g., installs, the updated camera firmware. In step600camera132generates and sends signal602communicating that the camera firmware update has completed. In step604gateway124receives signal602and in step606generates and sends signal608, communicating that the camera132firmware update is complete, to automated controller114which receives message608in step610and update status information regarding camera132to indicate that the firmware update has completed and storing the version number of the updated camera firmware which is now associated with camera132.

In step612automated controller114generates and sends message614to user device128which communicates information to notify the user, e.g., person101who is performing the installation, to mount camera132in the intended final location for testing. In some embodiments, message614includes camera mounting instruction including, e.g., instructions regarding: mounting hardware used, tools needed, location to be mounted, camera orientation, and step by step procedures to be followed. In step616user device128receives message614and notifies the user to start mounting camera132and further presents the camera mounting instruction sequence to the user. In step618person101installs the camera in its final location. In step620person101, e.g., the installer, enters an input to user device128indicating that the camera mounting is complete. In step622user device128receives the user input indicating that the camera is mounted and generates and sends camera mounted message624to automated controller114to notify the automated controller114the camera is mounted in its final intended location and further testing can now proceed. In some embodiments, camera132sends an installation complete message and/or camera ready message to automated controller114via gateway124. In step626automated controller114receives camera mounted message624and updates stored information to indicate that camera132has been mounted.

In step628the automated controller114generates and sends camera added message630to configuration component116, which is received in step632by the configuration component116. In step634configuration component116generates and sends get camera information message638to gateway124, which receives message636in step638and generates and sends get camera information message642to camera132in step640.

In step644, camera132receives get camera information message642, and camera132and performs measurements, e.g., communications channel measurements, used to generate a set of camera data. In step646camera132generates message648including a set of camera information, e.g., signal strength, SNR, etc., and sends, e.g., transmits, the generated message648to gateway124, which receives message648in step650and recovers the communicated camera information. In step654gateway124scans the wireless networks, e.g., which may include public and private wireless networks, and obtains scan results for the wireless networks. The networks may correspond to a network currently being used by the camera132and gateway124and other alternative networks which may be used by the camera132and gateway124. In various embodiments, the camera will only use one of the SSIDs provided by the gateway124. In some embodiments, the gateway124will manage the radio resource by moving to a different RF frequency, e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, or moving to a different channel that has better signal strength and less interference. The gateway124will tell the camera132which SSID and frequency to use. Channel changes are seamless to WiFi clients, e.g., camera132.

In step656gateway124generates and sends message658to automated controller114, message658communicating camera and wireless network information, e.g., signal strength, SNR, WiFi channel information, wireless networks information etc. Message658communicates both information collected by camera124and information, e.g., wireless network scan results information, collected by gateway124. In step660automated controller114receives message658and generates and sends message664to the configuration component116, message664including camera and wireless network information communicated in message658. In step666configuration component116receives message654and recovers the communicated camera and wireless network information. In step668the configuration component checks, based on the received camera and wireless network information, the camera132, e.g., determines if the camera operation and camera communications are satisfactory. In some embodiments, in step668the configuration component116checks if camera operation and/or camera communications can be improved, e.g., by making a configuration change. Consider that the check of step668determines that camera operation and/or camera communications are unsatisfactory or are satisfactory but can be improved by making a configuration change. In some such embodiments, operation proceeds from step668to step670in which the configuration component116determines to update the configuration. In step672configuration component116generates and sends message674to automated controller114communicating configuration update information. In step676automated controller114receives message674and generates and in step678sends message680to gateway124, message680forwarding the configuration update information included in message674. The configuration update information includes, e.g., an update, e.g., a change of the WiFi channel(s) being used by camera132and gateway124to communicate with one another or an update, e.g., change of the network being used by the camera132and gateway124to communication with one another. In some embodiments, the network update is a change from a first WiFi network supported by gateway124to a second WiFi network supported by gateway124, the second WiFi network having a lower current level of loading than the first WiFi network. In some embodiments, the network update is a change from a first WiFi network supported by gateway124to a second WiFi network supported by gateway124, the second WiFi network having better quality channels than the first WiFi network. In some embodiments, the network update is a change from a first WiFi network supported by gateway124to a second WiFi network supported by gateway124, the second WiFi network having a higher level of security than the first WiFi network. In step681, gateway124receives message680and recovers the communicated configuration update information. Operation proceeds from step681to step682. In this example, in step682gateway124selects a new channel, e.g., a new WiFi channel, for communications with camera132in response to message680. In another example, the gateway124may switch to another network for communications with the camera132, e.g., a first WiFi network to a second WiFi network or a WiFi network to a BLE network.

In step683, gateway124generates and sends, e.g., transmits, a message684, communicating update information. For example, in one embodiment, the gateway124creates the WiFi and determines the channel, and there is only one channel available at a given time. Consider that the gateway124has decided to change channels. The gateway124communicates information identifying the current channel which is available, which is a new channel, in a broadcast message, e.g., a recurring broadcast message which is transmitted irrespective of whether or not a channel change has occurred. In step685camera132, e.g., which has been monitoring for the broadcast message as part of its typical scan operations, receives message684recovers the communicated information, and implements the change, e.g., starts communicating with gateway124on the new channel that is now being used by the gateway124.

In step686gateway124generates and sends get camera information message688to camera132. In step690, camera132receives get camera information message688, and camera132and performs measurements, e.g., communications channel measurements, used to generate a set of camera data. In step692camera132generates message694including a set of camera information, e.g., signal strength, SNR, etc., and sends, e.g., transmits, the generated message694to gateway124, which receives message694in step696and recovers the communicated camera information. In step698gateway124scans the wireless networks, e.g., which may include public and private wireless networks, and obtains scan results for the wireless networks. The networks may correspond to a network currently being used and other alternative networks which can be used by the camera132and gateway124. In step700gateway124generates and sends message702to automated controller114, message702communicating camera and wireless network information, e.g., signal strength, SNR, WiFi channel information, wireless networks information etc. Message702communicates both information collected by camera124and information, e.g., wireless network scan results information, collected by gateway124. In step704automated controller114receives message702and in step706generates and sends message708to the configuration component116, message708including camera and wireless network information communicated in message702. In step710configuration component116receives message708and recovers the communicated camera and wireless network information. In step712the configuration component116checks, based on the received camera and wireless network information of message708, the camera132, e.g., determines if the camera operation and camera communications are satisfactory. In some embodiments, in step712the configuration component116checks if camera operation and/or camera communications can be improved, e.g., by making a configuration change. Consider that the check of step712determines: (i) that camera operation and/or camera communications are satisfactory and cannot be improved or (ii) that camera operation and/or camera communications are satisfactory and can be improved but it is not considered worthwhile to make a configuration change, e.g., the improvement would only be marginal. In some such embodiments, operation proceeds from step714to step716in which the configuration component116determines that the camera check is ok. In step716configuration component116generates and sends message718to automated controller114communicating that the camera operation verification test result=pass. In step720automated controller114receives message718, and in step722the automated controller114generates and sends message724to user device128, message724forwarding the information that the camera132has passed its verification test. In step726, user device128receives message724and communicates, e.g., displays an indication to user101that camera132has passed its verification test.

Additions sensors, additional cameras and/or additional controllable devices, can be, and in some embodiments, are installed in a similar manner to the installations already described above.

In step728, automated controller114determines that the installation is complete, e.g., each of the devices in the installation order, have been: mounted, initialized, updated, configured, tested for basic functional operation, tested for acceptable communications with the gateway, and/or tested for appropriate state signals in response to different user forced sensor conditions, and the final test results are deemed satisfactory. Operation proceeds from step728to step730. In step730the automated controller114generates and sends message732to monitoring device110, informing the monitoring device110to place the account corresponding to the completed installation in service. In step734monitoring device110receives message732and in step736monitoring device110places the account corresponding to the installation into service, e.g. activates the home automation and monitoring system at the customer premises site and starts providing services.

In step738automated controller114generates and sends installation and verification complete message to user device128, which receives message740in step742and notifies user101that the system is now completely installed and has been activated.

FIG. 4is a drawing of an exemplary control system112, e.g., a control server, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Control system112may be included in the home automation and security service system102ofFIG. 1. Control system112includes a processor802, e.g., a CPU, a memory804, an assembly of hardware modules806, e.g., assembly of circuits, an output device808, e.g., a display, an input device810, e.g., a keyboard and/or mouse, an I/O interface812, an automated controller114, a configuration component116, and a database component118coupled together via a bus120over which the various elements may interchange data and information. In some embodiments, control system112, e.g., a control server, is a rack type device. In some such embodiments, each of automated controller114, configuration component116and database component118are different circuit cards which plug into the rack.

Memory804includes assembly of software components814and data/information816. Assembly of software components, e.g., an assembly of software modules, includes control routines818. I/O interface812includes a receiver820and a transmitter822for coupling the control system112to monitoring device122and to other networks and/or the Internet.

Automated controller114includes an I/O interface831including a receiver and transmitter, a processor832, e.g., a CPU, memory834, and an assembly of hardware components836, e.g., an assembly of circuits, coupled together via a bus842over which the various elements may interchange data and information. Memory834includes an assembly of software components838and data/information840.

Configuration component116includes an I/O interface851including a receiver and transmitter, a processor852, e.g., a CPU, memory854, and an assembly of hardware components856, e.g., an assembly of circuits, coupled together via a bus862over which the various elements may interchange data and information. Memory854includes an assembly of software components858and data/information860.

Database component118includes an I/O interface871including a receiver and transmitter, a processor872, e.g., a CPU, memory874, and an assembly of hardware components876, e.g., an assembly of circuits, coupled together via a bus882over which the various elements may interchange data and information. Memory874includes an assembly of software components878and data/information880. Data/information880includes database881.

FIG. 5is a drawing of an exemplary monitoring device110, e.g., a monitoring server, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Monitoring device110may be included in the home automation and security service system102ofFIG. 1. Monitoring device110includes a processor902, e.g., a CPU, a memory912, an assembly of hardware modules904, e.g., assembly of circuits, an I/O interface906including a receiver908and a transmitter910, an output device914, e.g., a display, and an input device, e.g., a keyboard and/or mouse, coupled together via a bus924over which the various elements may interchange data and information. Memory912includes an assembly of software components918and data/information920. Assembly of software components918, e.g., an assembly of software modules, includes control routines922.

FIG. 6is a drawing of an exemplary gateway1000, e.g., a home gateway, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary gateway1000is, e.g., gateway124of system100ofFIG. 1. Gateway1000includes wired interfaces1002, wireless interfaces1004, a processor1006, e.g., a CPU, an assembly of hardware components1008, e.g., an assembly of circuits, and memory1012coupled together via a bus1009over which the various elements may interchange data and information. Wired interfaces1002includes a first wired interface1018including receiver1038and transmitter1040and a second wired interface1020including receiver1042and transmitter1044. First wired interface1018is coupled to a network and/or the Internet, e.g., coupled to network104inFIG. 1. Second wired interface1020is coupled to an Ethernet, e.g., a local Ethernet being used at a customer premises site in which gateway1000is located. In some embodiments, one or more cameras, sensor and/or network connected devices, e.g., a controllable light, controllable alarm, controllable appliance, etc., at the customer premises site are coupled to gateway1000via the second wireless interface1020.

Wireless interfaces1004includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface1034, a ZigBee interface1060, Z-Wave interface1062, a low power WAN interface1064, and a WiFi interface1036. In some embodiments, the wireless interfaces1004includes a cellular wireless interface1066. BLE interface1034includes a receiver1046coupled to receive antenna1047via which the gateway1000can receive BLE signals, e.g., BLE signals from devices, e.g., user devices, cameras, sensors, and/or network connected devices, supporting BLE. BLE interface1034includes a transmitter1048coupled to transmitter antenna1049via which the gateway1000can transmit BLE signals, e.g., BLE signals to devices, e.g., user devices, cameras, sensors, and/or network connected devices, supporting BLE.

WiFi interface1036includes a receiver1050coupled to receive antenna1051via which the gateway1000can receive WiFi signals, e.g., WiFi signals from devices, e.g., user devices, cameras, sensors, and/or network connected devices, supporting WiFi. WiFi interface1036includes a transmitter1052coupled to transmitter antenna1052via which the gateway1000can transmit WiFi signals, e.g., WiFi signals to devices, e.g., user devices, cameras, sensors, and/or network connected devices, supporting WiFi. In some embodiments, the same antenna is used for one or more transmitters and/or receivers in gateway1000.

Low Power WAN interface1064includes a receiver1078coupled to receive antenna1079via which the gateway1000can receive low power WAN signals, e.g., low power WAN signals from devices, e.g., user devices, cameras, sensors, and/or network connected devices, supporting low power WAN. Low Power WAN interface1064includes a transmitter1080coupled to transmitter antenna1081via which the gateway1000can transmit low power WAN signals, e.g., low power WAN signals to devices, e.g., user devices, cameras, sensors, and/or network connected devices, supporting low power WAN.

Cellular wireless interface1066includes a receiver1082coupled to receive antenna1083via which the gateway1000can receive cellular wireless signals, e.g., LTE, 3GPP, 4GPP, CDMA, GSM, and/or TDMA cellular wireless signals from devices, e.g., user devices, cameras, sensors, and/or network connected devices, supporting cellular wireless signaling. Cellular wireless interface1066includes a transmitter1084coupled to transmitter antenna1085via which the gateway1000can transmit cellular wireless signals, e.g., LTE, 3GPP, 4GPP, CDMA, GSM, and/or TDMA cellular wireless signals to devices, e.g., user devices, cameras, sensors, and/or network connected devices, supporting cellular wireless signaling. In some embodiments, the same antenna is used for one or more transmitters and/or receivers in gateway1000.

In some embodiments, the WiFi interface supports multiple communications bands. In various embodiments, the WiFi interface1036supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and supports multiple SSIDs. In some embodiments, the WiFi interface supports multiple concurrent communications networks. In some embodiments a communications network includes a plurality of alternative channels which may be used, e.g., assigned, to different cameras, sensor, and/or controllable devices in the monitoring system at the customer premises. In some embodiments, the WiFi interface supports different alternative security levels.

In some embodiments, the BLE interface supports multiple communications bands. In some embodiments, the BLE interface supports multiple concurrent communications networks. In some embodiments a communications network includes a plurality of alternative channels which may be used, e.g., assigned, to different cameras, sensor, and/or controllable devices in the monitoring system at the customer premises. In some embodiments, the BLE interface supports different alternative security levels.

FIG. 7is a drawing of an exemplary user device1100, e.g., a cell phone such as a smart phone, a wireless tablet, a wireless notebook, or a portable laptop computer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary user device1100is, e.g., user device128of system100ofFIG. 1. User device1100includes wired interfaces1102, wireless interface1104, a processor1106, e.g., a CPU, an assembly of hardware components1108, e.g., an assembly of circuits, an I/O interface1110and memory1112coupled together via a bus1109over which the various elements may interchange data and information. Wired interfaces1102includes a first wired interface1118including receiver1038and transmitter1140and a second wired interface1120including receiver1142and transmitter1144. First wired interface1118can be, and sometime is, coupled to a network and/or the Internet. Second wired interface1120can be, and sometimes is, coupled to an Ethernet, e.g., a local Ethernet being used at a customer premises site in which gateway1000is located.

Wireless interfaces1104includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface1124, a WiFi interface1126, and a cellular interface1128. BLE interface1124includes a receiver1138coupled to receive antenna1139via which the user device1100can receive BLE signals, e.g., from gateway124. BLE interface1124includes a transmitter1140coupled to transmitter antenna1141via which the user device1100can transmit BLE signals, e.g., to gateway124. WiFi interface1126includes a receiver1142coupled to receive antenna1143via which the user device1100can receive WiFi signals, e.g., to gateway124. WiFi interface1126includes a transmitter1144coupled to transmitter antenna1145via which the user device1100can transmit WiFi signals, e.g., to gateway124. Cellular interface1128includes a receiver1146coupled to receive antenna1147via which the user device1100can receive downlink cellular signals, e.g., from cellular base station125. Cellular interface1128includes a transmitter1148coupled to transmitter antenna1149via which the user device1100can transmit uplink cellular signals, e.g., to cellular base station125. In some embodiments, the same antenna is used for one or more transmitters and/or receivers in user device1100.

In some embodiments, the WiFi interface supports multiple communications bands. In some embodiments, the WiFi interface supports multiple concurrent communications networks. In some embodiments a communications network includes a plurality of alternative channels which may be used, e.g., assigned, to different cameras, sensor, and/or controllable devices in the monitoring system at the customer premises. In some embodiments, the WiFi interface supports different alternative security levels.

In some embodiments, the BLE interface supports multiple communications bands. In some embodiments, the BLE interface supports multiple concurrent communications networks. In some embodiments a communications network includes a plurality of alternative channels which may be used, e.g., assigned, to different cameras, sensor, and/or controllable devices in the monitoring system at the customer premises. In some embodiments, the BLE interface supports different alternative security levels.

I/O interface1110couples microphone1150, speaker1152, display1154, switches1156, keypad1056and mouse1159to bus1109, via which the input and output devices may communicate with other elements in user device1100. The input devices, e.g., microphone1150, camera1151, switchers1156, keypad1156and display1154, e.g., a touch screen display, and mouse1159receive input, e.g., questionably responses, an order, data, information, a selection, a indication a task in the installation is complete, etc., from a user, e.g., user101of system100. The output devices, e.g., speaker1152, switchers1156, keypad1156and display1154output data and information, e.g., a questionnaire, an offer for a system, image of various alternative security systems devices, system layout plans, installation instructions and procedures, verification results, etc., to a user, e.g., user101of system100.

In some embodiments, during at least part of the installation process of a surveillance camera, the surveillance camera video output feed is directed to the display1154of user device1100, e.g., to assist in final mounting alignment.

In some embodiments, an image captured by camera1151is processed by the control system to determine if is a device, e.g., a sensor, e.g., a CO2 sensor, smoke detector sensor, or fire sensor, had been mounted at a correct location, e.g., a correct height and/or correct distance from a potential fire source, e.g., in accordance with regulations or in accordance with the planned system design. In some such embodiments, the dimension of the device, e.g., sensor, are known and used as a reference by the control system in performing the mounting location determination.

Memory1112includes assembly of components1114and data/information1116. Assembly of components1114, e.g., an assembly of software components, includes a monitoring system order entry APP1160, a monitoring system installation and activation APP1162, a monitoring system monitoring APP1164, and control routines1166. Monitoring order system entry APP1160control the user device1100to perform operations included in the ordering of a home automation and security system for a customer premises, e.g., perform steps implemented by user device128shown and/or described with respect toFIG. 2. Monitoring system installation and activation APP1162controls the user device1100to perform operation included in the installation and activation of a home automation and security system, e.g., perform steps implemented by user device128shown and/or described with respect toFIG. 3. Monitoring system monitoring APP1164controls to user device1100to control and/or access monitoring functionality after a home automation and security system has been installed, e.g., check status, view a surveillance camera feed, activate and/or de-activate a security zone, reset an alarm, request an update, request to supplement the system, report a problem, etc.

FIG. 8, comprising the combination ofFIG. 8A,FIG. 8BandFIG. 8C, is a flowchart1200of an exemplary method of performing a monitoring system deployment and configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Operation starts in step1202and proceeds to step1204. In step1204, a control system, e.g., control system112ofFIG. 1, receives information about a customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indication one or more types of monitoring to be performed. Step1204includes steps1206,1208and1210. In step1206the control system receives location information indication the location at which the monitoring system is to be installed. In step1208the control system receives information indicating one or more types of monitoring, e.g., break-in monitoring, fire monitoring, smoke monitoring, CO2 level monitoring, to be performed. In step1210the control system receives customer premises layout information for the customer premises location. In some embodiments, the customer premises layout information includes rooms, doors, windows and other information allowing a floor plan layout to be generated for the customer premises location. In some embodiments, the customer premises layout information corresponds to multiple floors. In some embodiments, the customer premises layout information includes outside information, e.g., trees, shrubs, driveway, paths, fences, sidewalks, etc. In some embodiments, the customer premises layout information includes at least some property adjacent to the customer premises, e.g., portion of neighbor yard, streetlights, fire hydrant location, etc. Operation proceeds from step1204to step1212.

In step1212the control system accesses a database of government rule information for a location of the customer premises to determine, based on the location at least one of: a type of monitoring device required by applicable rules, a location at which a required monitoring device is to be placed at the customer premises, or a number of monitoring devices required to be placed at the customer premises location.

In some embodiments, the accessed database is a database internal to the control system, e.g. database118. In some embodiments, the accessed database is a database external to the control system, e.g. database160. In some embodiments, the government rule information are local, state, and/or federal rules and/or codes. In some such embodiments, the applicable rules are applicable local, state, and/or federal rules and/or codes.

In some embodiments, in step the automated controller114in control system112consults the database118and the government rule information, e.g., building, fire and/or other safety code information, stored therein, to determine the types, numbers and installation locations of required monitoring devices for the customer premises, given the customer premises location and room/floor plan, to satisfy applicable government requirements and to generate a recommended list of monitoring devices along with recommended monitoring device placement information which will satisfy government requirements.

Operation proceeds from step1212to step1214.

In step1214the control system generates a monitoring system design based on received customer premises layout information and rule information included in the database. In some embodiments, the generated monitoring system design is further based on user input, e.g. a customer interest for break-in monitoring, and the generated monitoring system design may suggest additional monitoring devices, e.g., surveillance cameras, door and/or window sensors, motion detectors, etc., which while not required by government regulation may be desirable to provide the user with a monitoring system satisfying the customer's monitoring objectives. In various embodiments, the monitoring system design includes a list of monitoring devices to be installed at the customer premises location and information indicating the locations at the customer premises where individual mounting devices are to be installed. Operation proceeds from step1214to step1216.

In step1216the control system communicates installation information to a portable communications device corresponding to a customer instructing the customer how to install a first monitoring device at the customer premises in accordance with the generated monitoring system design. Operation proceeds from step1216to step1218.

In step1218the control system sends an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to place a first wireless monitoring device, e.g., a wireless video camera, in the location at which the first wireless monitoring device is to be mounted.

In some embodiments, the first monitoring device of step1216is a first wireless monitoring device and step1218is included as part of step1216.

Operation proceeds from step1218to step1220, in which the control system determines if the first wireless monitoring device is capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless device. For example, check if first monitoring device is capable of communicating at the data rate needed to support video if the first wireless monitoring device is a video camera, e.g., is the quality of the current wireless communications channel between the video camera and the gateway good enough to support video.

Operation proceeds from step1220, via connecting node A1222, to step1224. In step1224, if the determination is that the first wireless monitoring device is capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless device, then operation proceeds from step1224to step1226, in which the control system sends an instruction to the portable communications device instructing the customer to secure the first wireless monitoring device in place. Operation proceeds from step1226to step1230.

Returning to step1224, in step1224, if the determination is that the first wireless monitoring device is not capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless device, then operation proceeds from step1224to step1228, in which the control system sends an instruction to the portable communications device instructing the customer to reposition the first wireless monitoring device, e.g., tell the customer to move the first wireless monitoring device to a new location until wireless connectivity is adequate to support the required data rate. Operation proceeds from step1228, via connecting node B1229, to step1220for another determination if the first wireless monitoring device at its repositioned location is now capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless device.

Returning to step1230, in step1230the control system tests and output received from the first wireless monitoring device to make sure the first wireless monitoring device is operating properly. Operation proceeds from step1230to step1232.

In step1232the control system sends an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to install a smoke detector, e.g., with instructions for proper installation according to governing regulations and manufacture's guidelines. Operation proceeds from step1232to step1234. In step1234the control system receives a signal from the portable communications device indicating that the smoke detector has been installed. Operation proceeds from step1234to step1236.

In step1236the control system sends an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to push a test button on the smoke detector. Operation proceeds from step1234to step1236.

In step1236the control system sends an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to push a test button on the smoke detector. Operation proceeds from step1236to step1238.

In step1238the control system checks the output of the smoke detector to determine proper operation of the smoke detector during the test state. In some embodiments, the control system check includes receiving a signal from the portable communications device of the customer indicating that the customer is reporting that the smoke detector is outputting an audio and/or visual alarm. In some embodiments, the control system check includes receiving a signal or message sent from the smoke detector indicating the smoke detector is reporting proper operation. Operation proceeds from step1238, via connecting node C1240, to step1242.

In step1242the control system sends an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to install a door sensor, e.g., with instructions for proper installation according to governing regulations and manufacturer's guidelines. Operation proceeds from step1242to step1244.

In step1244the control system receives a signal from the portable communications device indicating that the door sensor has been installed. Operation proceeds from the1244to step1246. In step1246the control system sends an instruction to the portable communication device of the customer instructing the customer to open the door on which the door sensor has been installed. Operation proceeds from step1246to step1248. In step1248the control system checks the output of the door sensor to determine proper operation of the door sensor when the door in the open state. Operation proceeds from step1248to step1250. In step1250the control device sends an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to close the door on which the door sensor has been installed. Operation proceeds from step1250to step1252. In step1252the control system checks the output of the door sensor to determine proper operation of the door sensor when the door is in the closed position. Operation proceeds from step1252to step1254.

In step1254the control system determines if there are additional devices, e.g., additional monitoring devices and/or additional controllable devices, to install. If the determination is that there are additional devices to install, then operation proceeds from step1254to step1256; otherwise, operation proceeds from step1254to step1264.

In step1256the control system sends an instruction to the portable device instructing the customer to install another device. Operation proceeds from step1256to step1258in which the control system receives a signal from the portable communications device indicating that said another device has been installed. Operation proceeds from step1258to step1260. In step1260the control system sends a signal to test operation of the another device. Operation proceeds from step1260to step1262. In step1262the control system receives a signal indicating that the another device is operating properly. Operation proceeds from step1262to the input of step1254, in which the control system checks again if there are any additional devices left to install.

In one embodiment, the another device is a motion detector which controls power to a spotlight; the signal sent in step1260is an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to move through the detection field of the motion detector; and the received signal of step1262is a signal from the portable communications device of the customer indicating that the motion detector has detected motion and has activated the spotlight.

In another embodiment, the another device is a light beam security fence device; the signal sent in step1260is an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to traverse the light beam to trip the alarm; and the received signal of step1262is one of: i) a signal from the portable communications device of the customer indicating that the customer has detected an alarm has been set-off indicating proper operation or ii) a signal sent from the light beam security fence device indicating that the light beam path has been broken, indicating proper operation.

In another embodiment, the another device is a network connected controllable light; the signal sent in step1260is an instruction to the network connected controllable light to turn on the light; and the received signal of step1262is a signal from the portable communications device of the customer indicating that the light has been turned on.

In yet another embodiment, the another device is a network connected controllable thermostat; the signal sent in step1260is an instruction to change the current thermostat setting value; and the received signal of step1262is a signal from the portable communications device of the customer indicating that the customer has observed the thermostat setting value on the display change properly and/or observed a heating system and/or cooling system activation in response to the setting change as expected.

Returning to step1264, in step1264the control system confirms based on the output of installed monitoring devices that the monitoring devices installed at the customer premises are functioning properly. Operation proceeds from step1264to step1266.

In step1266the home automation and security service system automatically switches from an installation mode of operation with regards to the customer premises location to a monitoring mode of operation in which a monitoring device, e.g., monitoring device110, monitors the outputs of the monitoring devices for one or more conditions which if detected are to trigger an automatic alert.

FIG. 9is a drawing of an exemplary assembly of components1300which may be included in exemplary control system, e.g., control system112, e.g., a control server, ofFIG. 1orFIG. 4, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The components in the assembly of components1300can, and in some embodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within the processor802, e.g., as individual circuits. The components in the assembly of components1300can, and in some embodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within the assembly of hardware components806, e.g., as individual circuits corresponding to the different components. In other embodiments some of the components are implemented, e.g., as circuits, within the processor802with other components being implemented, e.g., as circuits within assembly of components806, external to and coupled to the processor802. As should be appreciated the level of integration of components on the processor and/or with some components being external to the processor may be one of design choice. Alternatively, rather than being implemented as circuits, all or some of the components may be implemented in software and stored in the memory804of the control system112, with the components controlling operation of system112to implement the functions corresponding to the components when the components are executed by a processor, e.g., processor802. In some such embodiments, the assembly of components1300is included in the memory804as assembly of software components814. In still other embodiments, various components in assembly of components1300are implemented as a combination of hardware and software, e.g., with another circuit external to the processor providing input to the processor802which then under software control operates to perform a portion of a component's function. While processor802is shown in theFIG. 4embodiment as a single processor, e.g., computer, it should be appreciated that the processor802may be implemented as one or more processors, e.g., computers.

When implemented in software the components include code, which when executed by the processor802, configure the processor802to implement the function corresponding to the component. In embodiments where the assembly of components1300is stored in the memory804, the memory804is a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium comprising code, e.g., individual code for each component, for causing at least one computer, e.g., processor802, to implement the functions to which the components correspond.

Completely hardware based or completely software based components may be used. However, it should be appreciated that any combination of software and hardware, e.g., circuit implemented components may be used to implement the functions. As should be appreciated, the components illustrated inFIG. 4control and/or configure the control system112or elements therein such as the processor802, to perform the functions of corresponding steps illustrated and/or described in the method of one or more of the flowcharts, signaling diagrams and/or described with respect to any of the Figures. Thus the assembly of components1300includes various components that perform functions of corresponding one or more described and/or illustrated steps of an exemplary method, e.g., one or more steps of the method ofFIG. 2,FIG. 3, and/orFIG. 8.

One or more of the components in assembly of components1300may be implemented in its entirety or in part any of processors (802,832,852,872), in any of assembly of hardware components (806,836,856,876), or in any assembly of software components (814,838,858,878).

FIG. 9, comprising the combination ofFIG. 9A,FIG. 9B, andFIG. 9C, is a drawing of an exemplary assembly of components1300, comprising the combination of Part A1301, Part B1303, and Part C1305, which may be included in an exemplary control system, e.g., control system112ofFIG. 1andFIG. 4, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Assembly of components1300includes a component1304configured to received at a control system information about a customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed at the customer premises. Component1304includes a component1306configured to receive at the control system location information indicating the location at which the monitoring system is to be installed, a component1308configured to receive at the control system information indicating one or more types of monitoring, e.g., break-in, fire, smoke, and/or CO2 level, to be performed, a component1310configured to receive at the control system customer premises layout information for said customer premises location. Assembly of components1300further includes a component1312configured to access at the control system a database of government rule information for a location of the customer premises to determine, based on the location, at least one of: a type of monitoring device required by applicable rules, a location at which a required monitoring device is to be placed at the customer premises, or a number of monitoring devices required to be placed at the customer premises location, a component1314configured to generate a monitoring system design based on received customer premises layout information and rule information included in the database.

Assembly of components1300further includes a component1316configured to communicate installation information to a portable communications device corresponding to a customer installation premises in accordance with the generated monitoring system design, a component1318configured to send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to place a first wireless monitoring device, e.g., a wireless video camera, in the location to which the device is to be mounted, a component1320configured to determine if the first wireless monitoring device is capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless device, a component1324configured to control operation as a function of the determination if first wireless monitoring device is capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless device, a component1326configured to send an instruction to the portable communications device instructing the customer to secure the first wireless monitoring device in place, when the determination is that the first wireless monitoring device is capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless device, and a component1328configured to sends an instruction to the portable communications device instructing the customer to reposition the first wireless monitoring device, when the determination is that the first wireless monitoring device is not capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless device. Assembly of components1300further includes a component1330configured to test an output received from the first wireless monitoring device to make sure that the first monitoring device is operating properly.

Assembly of components1300further includes a component1332configured to send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to install a smoke detector, a component1334configured to receive a signal from the portable communications device indicating that the smoke detector has been installed, a component1336configured to send an instruction to the portable communications device instructing the customer to push a test button on the smoke detector, and a component1338configured to check the output of the smoke detector to determine proper operation of the smoke detector during the test state.

Assembly of components1300further includes a component1342configured to send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to install a door sensor, e.g., with instructions for proper installation according to governing regulations and manufacture's guidelines, a component1344configured to receive a signal from the portable communications device indicating that the door sensor has been installed, a component1346configured to send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to open the door on which the door sensor has been installed, a component1348configured to check the output of the door sensor to determine proper output of the door sensor when the door is in the open state, a component1350configured to send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to close the door on which the door sensor has been installed, a component1350configured to send and instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to close the door on which the door sensor has been installed, a component1352configured to check the output of the door sensor to determine proper operation of the door sensor when the door is in a closed state, and a component1353configured to send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to perform a corrective action in response to a determination of improper operation of the door sensor, e.g., instruct the customer performing the installation to realign the door sensor, adjust the gap between components of the door sensor, replace the door sensor with another door sensor of the same type, or replace the door sensor with another door sensor having a different design. In some embodiments, in response to a determined unacceptable or failed component being installed, and in which there are no spare replacements at the customer premises, the control system automatically places an order for a replacement part to be sent to the customer premises, and/or adjusts the installation plan accordingly, e.g., allowing the installation to complete without the missing component, if it is not critical, and/or scheduling an installation update when the replacement component arrives at the customer premises.

Assembly of components1300further includes a component configured to determine if there are additional devices to install, e.g., based on the monitoring system design, and to control operation as a function of the determination, a component1356configured to send an instruction to the portable device of the customer instructing the customer to install another device, e.g., another door sensor, another security camera, a widow switch, a proximity sensor, a security light, an alarm, a light beam security fence, a CO2 sensor, a fire detector, etc., when the determination is that there is at least on one device to install, a component1358configured to receive a signal from the portable communications device indicating that said another device has been installed, a component1360configured to send a test signal to test operation of the another device, e.g., a test signal, e.g., a control signal to the another device, and/or a test instruction message to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer how to perform an operational test on the another device, and a component1362configured to receive a signal indicating whether or not the another device is operating properly, and a component1363configured to send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to perform a corrective action in response to a determination of improper operation of the another device. Assembly of components1300further includes a component1364configured to confirm based on the output of installed monitoring devices that the monitoring devices installed at the customer premises are functioning properly, e.g., when the determination of component1354is that there are not any additional devices to install, and a component1366configured to automatically switch from an installation mode of operation with regards to the customer premises location to a monitoring mode of operation in which a monitoring device monitors the output of the monitoring devices for one or more conditions which, if detected, are to trigger an automatic alert.

The invention relates a system and method for guided security system design and installation. The system operates as artificially intelligent expert system that helps consumers design a high quality security system specific to their premises. The system provides a user interface and prompts the consumer to answer questions about their premises, such as the number of floors, doors, windows, home occupants, pets, desired level of protection, etc. The system combines crime data of the consumer's neighborhood, the consumer's answers to the questions, and the codes, standards, and regulations for authorities having jurisdiction, into an expert security system design. The system design data is stored for further retrieval during installation. The system presents the design to the consumer allowing them to place the online order. The order is fulfilled and the security system equipment is delivered to the premises.

When the user seeks to proceed with installation of the monitoring system, components system retrieves the stored data and presents on the user interface detailed steps to guide the consumer through self-installation and verification of their security system. Using the installation codes, standards, and regulations for authorities having jurisdiction, the system presents the appropriate information to the consumer in an easy to follow format. Upon installation of a security device, the system performs automated verification through the back end systems and central monitoring station and guides the consumer on performing a walk through to test each device. With a visual representation of the installation progress and remaining steps, the consumer is guided through the installation as an experienced installer with all of the codes, standards, and manufacturer's specifications at their fingertips.

The methods and apparatus described herein differ from a simple security system visual floor plan layout tool because it adds a level of automation and interaction to the design, deployment of system components and testing of monitoring system components as part of the deployment process which is not available from a simple floor plan alarm system layout tool. Unlike a floor plan, the automated system of the invention can walk a consumer through a self-install process of a security system in an interactive manner with results often comparable or better than what they can expect if the system were installed by a professional installer.

In one exemplary embodiment, a monitoring system deployment and configuration method, includes: receiving at a control system (112) information about a customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed at the customer premises; accessing, at the control system (112), a database (118) (which is either internal to the control system or external thereto) of government rule (local code) information for a location of the customer premises to determine, based on the location, at least one of: a type of monitoring device required by applicable rules (local, state or federal rules/codes), a location at which a required monitoring device is to be placed at the customer premises, or a number of monitoring devices required to be placed at the customer premises location (the automated controller114in the control system112consults the database118and the government rule information, e.g., building, fire and other safety code information, stored therein to determine the types, number and locations of monitoring devices at the customer premises, given the customer premises location and room/floor plan, which are required to satisfy applicable government requirements and generates a recommend list of monitoring devices along with recommended placement information which will satisfy government requirements. and may suggest additional monitoring devices based on user input such as break-in monitoring which, while not required by government regulation may be desirable to provide the user with a monitoring system satisfying the customer's monitoring objectives); generating a monitoring system design based on received customer premises layout information and rule information included in the database (In some embodiments, the generated monitoring system design is further based on user input, e.g. a customer interest for break-in monitoring, and the generated monitoring system design may suggest additional monitoring devices, e.g., surveillance cameras, door and/or window sensors, motion detectors, etc., which while not required by government regulation may be desirable to provide the user with a monitoring system satisfying the customer's monitoring objectives); and communicating installation information to a portable communications device corresponding to a customer instructing the customer how to install a first monitoring device at the customer premises in accordance with the generated monitoring system design.

Set forth below are various exemplary numbered embodiments. Each set of numbered exemplary embodiments is numbered by itself with embodiments in a set referring to previous numbered embodiments in the same set.

LIST OF SET OF EXEMPLARY NUMBERED METHOD EMBODIMENTS

A monitoring system deployment and configuration method, the method comprising: receiving at a control system (112) information about a customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed at the customer premises; accessing, at the control system (112), a database (118) (which is either internal to the control system or external thereto) of government rule (local code) information for a location of the customer premises to determine, based on the location, at least one of: a type of monitoring device required by applicable rules (local, state or federal rules/codes), a location at which a required monitoring device is to be placed at the customer premises, or a number of monitoring devices required to be placed at the customer premises location (the automated controller114in the control system112consults the database118and the government rule information, e.g., building, fire and other safety code information, stored therein to determine the types, number and locations of monitoring devices at the customer premises, given the customer premises location and room/floor plan, which are required to satisfy applicable government requirements and generates a recommend list of monitoring devices along with recommended placement information which will satisfy government requirements. and may suggest additional monitoring devices based on user input such as break-in monitoring which, while not required by government regulation may be desirable to provide the user with a monitoring system satisfying the customer's monitoring objectives); generating a monitoring system design based on received customer premises layout information and rule information included in the database (In some embodiments, the generated monitoring system design is further based on user input, e.g. a customer interest for break-in monitoring, and the generated monitoring system design may suggest additional monitoring devices, e.g., surveillance cameras, door and/or window sensors, motion detectors, etc., which while not required by government regulation may be desirable to provide the user with a monitoring system satisfying the customer's monitoring objectives); and communicating installation information to a portable communications device (128) corresponding to a customer instructing the customer how to install a first monitoring device at the customer premises in accordance with the generated monitoring system design.

The method of method embodiment 1 wherein said step of receiving at the control system (112) information about the customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed at the customer premises includes: receiving, at a control system (112), location information indicating the location of the customer premises at which the monitoring system is to be installed; and receiving, at the control system (112), information indicating one or more types of monitoring (e.g., break-in, fire, smoke, CO2 level) to be performed.

The method of method embodiment 2, wherein said step of receiving at the control system (112) information about the customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed at the customer premises further includes: receiving, at the control system (112), customer premises layout information (e.g., rooms, doors, windows and other information allowing a floor plan layout to be generated for the customer premises location) for said customer premises location.

The method of method embodiment 3, wherein said monitoring system design includes a list of monitoring devices to be installed at the customer premises location and information indicating locations at the customer premises where individual monitoring devices are to be installed.

The method of method embodiment 4, wherein the monitoring system devices includes at least a first wireless monitoring device (e.g., a wireless video camera (132)) the method further comprising: sending an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to place the first wireless monitoring device in the location at which the first wireless monitoring device is to be mounted; determining if the first wireless monitoring device is capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless monitoring device; (e.g., check if the first wireless monitoring device is capable of communicating at the data rate needed to support video if the first wireless monitoring device is a video camera); when it is determined that the first wireless monitoring device is capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless monitoring device sending an instruction to the portable communication device instructing the customer secure the first wireless monitoring device in place; and when it is determined that the first wireless monitoring device is not capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless monitoring device sending an instruction to the portable communication device instructing the customer to reposition the first wireless monitoring device (e.g., tell the customer to move device to a new location until wireless connectivity is adequate to support the required data rate).

The method of method embodiment 5, further comprising: after the first wireless monitoring device is secured in place, testing an output received from the first wireless monitoring device to make sure the first wireless monitoring device is operating properly.

The method of method embodiment 5, wherein the monitoring system devices include at least a smoke detector (135) the method further comprising: sending an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to install the smoke detector; receiving a signal form the portable communications device indicating the smoke detector has been installed; sending an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to push a test button on the smoke detector; and checking the output of the smoke detector (135) to determine proper operation of the smoke detector when the smoke detector is in a test state.

The method of method embodiment 5, wherein the monitoring system devices includes at least a door sensor (130) the method further comprising: sending an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to install the door sensor; receiving a signal from the portable communications device indicating the door sensor has been installed; sending an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to open the door on which the door sensor has been installed; and checking the output of the door sensor to determine proper operation of the door sensor when the door is in the open state.

The method of method embodiment 8, further comprising sending an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to close the door on which the door sensor has been installed; and checking the output of the door sensor to determine proper operation of the door sensor when the door is in the closed state.

The method of method embodiment, further comprising: confirming based on the output of installed monitoring devices that the monitoring devices installed at the customer premises are functioning properly; and automatically switching from an installation system mode of control system operation with regard to the customer premises location to a monitoring mode of operation where a monitoring device monitors the output of the monitoring devices for one or more conditions which, if detected, are to trigger an automatic alert.

LIST OF SET OF EXEMPLARY NUMBERED SYSTEM EMBODIMENTS

System Embodiment 1

A control system (112) for use in deployment of monitoring devices (130,132,134,135, . . . ,139) at a customer premises location (106), the control system (112) comprising: memory (804,834,854,874) including a database (881of118) of government rule information including rule information for a location of the customer premises, said rule information including information on a required location of a monitoring device or number of monitoring devices located at the customer premises; an interface (812) including a receiver (820) and a transmitter (822); and a processor (802) configured to control the control system (112) to perform the steps of: determining, based on the location of the customer premises, at least one of: a type of monitoring device required by applicable rules, a location at which a required monitoring device is to be placed at the customer premises, or a number of monitoring devices required to be placed at the customer premises location; receiving information about a customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed at the customer premises; generating a monitoring system design based on received customer premises layout information and rule information included in the database; and communicating installation information to a portable communications device (128) corresponding to a customer instructing the customer how to install a first monitoring device at the customer premises in accordance with the generated monitoring system design.

System Embodiment 2

The control system (112) of system embodiment 1, wherein receiving at the control system (112) information about the customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed at the customer premises includes:

receiving location information indicating the location of the customer premises at which the monitoring system is to be installed; and receiving information indicating one or more types of monitoring (e.g., break-in, fire, smoke, CO2 level) to be performed.

System Embodiment 3

The control system (112) of system embodiment 2, wherein the processor is configured to control the control system to receive at the control system (112), customer premises layout information (e.g., rooms, doors, windows and other information allowing a floor plan layout to be generated for the customer premises location) for said customer premises location as part of receiving information about the customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed.

System Embodiment 4

The control system (112) of system embodiment 3, wherein said monitoring system design includes a list of monitoring devices to be installed at the customer premises location and information indicating locations at the customer premises where individual monitoring devices are to be installed.

System Embodiment 5

The control system (112) of system embodiment 4, wherein the monitoring system devices includes at least a first wireless monitoring device (e.g., a wireless video camera (132)) and wherein the processor is further configured to control the control system to: send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to place the first wireless monitoring device in the location at which the first wireless monitoring device is to be mounted; determine if the first wireless monitoring device is capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless monitoring device; (e.g., check if the first wireless monitoring device is capable of communicating at the data rate needed to support video if the first wireless monitoring device is a video camera); and send, when it is determined that the first wireless monitoring device is capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless monitoring device, an instruction to the portable communication device instructing the customer secure the first wireless monitoring device in place; and send, when it is determined that the first wireless monitoring device is not capable of supporting wireless communications at a data rate sufficient to support operation of the first wireless monitoring device, an instruction to the portable communication device instructing the customer to reposition the first wireless monitoring device (e.g., tell the customer to move device to a new location until wireless connectivity is adequate to support the required data rate).

System Embodiment 6

The control system (112) of system embodiment 5, wherein the processor is further configured to control the control system to: test an output received from the first wireless monitoring device to make sure the first wireless monitoring device is operating properly after the first wireless monitoring device is secured in place.

System Embodiment 7

The control system (112) of system embodiment 5, wherein the monitoring system devices include at least a smoke detector (135) and wherein the processor is further configured to control the control system to: send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to install the smoke detector; receive a signal from the portable communications device indicating the smoke detector has been installed; send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to push a test button on the smoke detector; and check the output of the smoke detector (135) to determine proper operation of the smoke detector when the smoke detector is in a test state.

System Embodiment 8

The control system (112) of system embodiment 5, wherein the monitoring system devices includes at least a door sensor (130) the processor of the control system being further configured to control the control system to: send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to install the door sensor; receive a signal from the portable communications device indicating the door sensor has been installed; send an instruction to the portable communications device of the customer instructing the customer to open the door on which the door sensor has been installed; and check the output of the door switch to determine proper operation of the door switch when the door is in the open state.

LIST OF SET OF EXEMPLARY NUMBERED COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM EMBODIMENTS

Computer Readable Medium Embodiment 1

A non-transitory computer readable medium (804) including computer executable instructions which when executed by a processor (802) of a control system (112) cause the control system (112) to perform the steps of: receiving at a control system (112) information about a customer premises at which a monitoring system is to be installed and information indicating one or more types of monitoring to be performed at the customer premises; accessing, at the control system (112), a database (118) of government rule information for a location of the customer premises to determine, based on the location, at least one of: a type of monitoring device required by applicable rules, a location at which a required monitoring device is to be placed at the customer premises, or a number of monitoring devices required to be placed at the customer premises location; generating a monitoring system design based on received customer premises layout information and rule information included in the database; and communicating installation information to a portable communications device (128) corresponding to a customer instructing the customer how to install a first monitoring device at the customer premises in accordance with the generated monitoring system design.

Computer Readable Medium Embodiment 2

The non-transitory computer readable medium of computer readable medium embodiment 1 wherein computer readable medium includes computer executable instructions which when executed control the control system to perform, as part of receiving information about the customer premises, the steps of: receiving location information indicating the location of the customer premises at which the monitoring system is to be installed; and receiving information indicating one or more types of monitoring (e.g., break-in, fire, smoke, CO2 level) to be performed.

The techniques of various embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware and/or a combination of software and hardware. Various embodiments are directed to apparatus, e.g., user devices, servers, customer premises equipment devices, cable systems, network nodes, gateways, cable headend/hubsites, network monitoring node/servers, cluster controllers, cloud nodes, production nodes, cloud services servers and/or network equipment devices. Various embodiments are also directed to methods, e.g., method of controlling and/or operating user devices, gateways, servers, cable networks, cloud networks, nodes, servers, cloud service servers, customer premises equipment devices, controllers, network monitoring nodes/servers and/or cable or network equipment devices. Various embodiments are also directed to machine, e.g., computer, readable medium, e.g., ROM, RAM, CDs, hard discs, etc., which include machine readable instructions for controlling a machine to implement one or more steps of a method. The computer readable medium is, e.g., non-transitory computer readable medium.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes and methods disclosed is an example of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes and methods may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. In some embodiments, one or more processors are used to carry out one or more steps of the each of the described methods.

In various embodiments each of the steps or elements of a method are implemented using one or more processors. In some embodiments, each of elements are steps are implemented using hardware circuitry.

In some embodiments, the processor or processors, e.g., CPUs, of one or more devices, e.g., communications nodes such as controllers are configured to perform the steps of the methods described as being performed by the communications nodes, e.g., controllers. The configuration of the processor may be achieved by using one or more components, e.g., software components, to control processor configuration and/or by including hardware in the processor, e.g., hardware components, to perform the recited steps and/or control processor configuration. Accordingly, some but not all embodiments are directed to a device, e.g., communications node such as a cluster controller including, with a processor which includes a component corresponding to each of the steps of the various described methods performed by the device in which the processor is included. In some but not all embodiments a device, e.g., communications node such as a controller, includes a controller corresponding to each of the steps of the various described methods performed by the device in which the processor is included. The components may be implemented using software and/or hardware.

Some embodiments are directed to a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising code for causing a computer, or multiple computers, to implement various functions, steps, acts and/or operations, e.g. one or more steps described above. Depending on the embodiment, the computer program product can, and sometimes does, include different code for each step to be performed. Thus, the computer program product may, and sometimes does, include code for each individual step of a method, e.g., a method of controlling a controller or node. The code may be in the form of machine, e.g., computer, executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory) or other type of storage device. In addition to being directed to a computer program product, some embodiments are directed to a processor configured to implement one or more of the various functions, steps, acts and/or operations of one or more methods described above. Accordingly, some embodiments are directed to a processor, e.g., CPU, configured to implement some or all of the steps of the methods described herein. The processor may be for use in, e.g., a communications device such as a controller or other device described in the present application. In some embodiments components are implemented as hardware devices in such embodiments the components are hardware components. In other embodiments components may be implemented as software, e.g., a set of processor or computer executable instructions. Depending on the embodiment the components may be all hardware components, all software components, a combination of hardware and/or software or in some embodiments some components are hardware components while other components are software components.

Numerous additional variations on the methods and apparatus of the various embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description. Such variations are to be considered within the scope. Numerous additional embodiments, within the scope of the present invention, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above description and the claims which follow. Such variations are to be considered within the scope of the invention.