Patent ID: 12207171

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates an example smart speakerphone emergency monitoring system100.

The property102may be a home, another residence, a place of business, a public space, or another facility. The property102includes a bathroom112, a kitchen114, and a living room106.

The system100includes smart speakerphones110ato110c,collectively referred to as smart speakerphones110. Smart speakerphone110ais located in the living room106, smart speakerphone110bis located in the bathroom112, and smart speakerphone110cis located in the kitchen114.

A smart speakerphone110can include one or more microphones and one or more speakers. The smart speakerphone110can detect sounds from the property102. The one or more microphones of the smart speakerphone110may be arranged in an array. The microphone array can enable the smart speakerphone110to determine directionality of sounds. The smart speakerphone110can analyze the sounds, e.g., by performing speech recognition, measuring sound volume, and/or determining directionality. The smart speakerphone110can determine if a detected sound is a key sound122.

A key sound122can be a sound that meets preset criteria. The criteria can be based on identifying sounds that indicate a likely emergency. Example criteria for a key sound122can include that the sound volume is above a preset volume, e.g., 80 or 90 decibels. In some examples, criteria for a key sound122can include that the sound matches one or more of a pre-programmed set of words or phrases. Pre-programmed words and phrases can include, for example, “help,” “fire” “call an ambulance,” “hospital,” “I need a doctor,” or “call the police.” In some examples, criteria for a key sound122can include that the sound matches one or more of a pre-programmed set of non-word sounds. Pre-programmed non-word sounds can include, for example glass breaking, gunshots, human screams, and smoke alarms.

In some examples, criteria for a key sound122can include that the sound both matches one or more of a pre-programmed set of words or phrases, and is above a preset volume. For example, the word “fire” spoken within a normal speaking decibel range of 50 to 60 decibels may not meet criteria for a key sound122. However, the word “fire” shouted at a decibel level of 80 decibels may meet criteria for a key sound122.

When the smart speakerphone110detects a key sound122, the key sound122can trigger the smart speakerphone110to perform an action. Example actions can include “waking” the smart speakerphone. When the smart speakerphone110wakes, the smart speakerphone110may begin recording real-time audio and/or sending audio data to a speakerphone hub device, e.g., hub115.

The smart speakerphone110can include a battery that enables the smart speakerphone110to operate without an external power source. The smart speakerphone110can include a digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) transmitter and a DECT receiver for communicating with components of the system100such as the hub115. The DECT transmitter and DECT receiver can enable the smart speakerphone110to communicate with the hub115without a network connection, such as a Wi-Fi connection. Components and operations of the smart speakerphone110are described in greater detail with reference toFIG.3.

Smart speakerphones110can be placed in various locations at a property. For example, a user such as a resident104or installer may install one smart speakerphone110on each level of a property or one smart speakerphone110in each room of a property. The smart speakerphones110can be distributed so that most or all areas of the property102are within hearing range of at least one smart speakerphone110.

In some implementations, the system100may undergo a calibration phase upon installation at the property102. The calibration phase may include installing the smart speakerphones110throughout the property102and monitoring sounds over a period of time. The calibration phase can be used to establish baseline sound levels for routine occurrences at the property102. Sounds detected by the smart speakerphones110can then be compared to the baseline sound levels to determine when anomalous sounds occur.

The calibration phase can also include programming the smart speakerphones110to recognize and identify voices of individual users of the smart speakerphones110. For example, the property102may have two residents. The calibration phase can include programming the smart speakerphones110to differentiate a first resident's voice from a second resident's voice.

The hub115may be a computer system or other electronic device configured to communicate with the smart speakerphones110and a monitoring station120. The hub115may include a processor, a chipset, a memory system, or other computing hardware. In some cases, the hub115may include application-specific hardware, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other embedded or dedicated hardware. The hub115may include software, which configures the unit to perform the functions described in this disclosure. The hub115can be, for example, the control unit510ofFIG.5.

In some implementations, a resident104of the property102, or another user, communicates with the hub115through a physical connection (e.g., touch screen, keypad, etc.) and/or network connection. In some implementations, the resident104or other user communicates with the hub115through a software (“smart home”) application installed on a mobile device or through the smart speakerphones110. The hub115can include a DECT transmitter and DECT receiver for communicating with the smart speakerphones110. The hub115can also include a cellular modem and/or SIM card for communicating with the monitoring station120. The hub115can include a battery to enable operation without an external power source.

The hub115can receive key sounds122from the smart speakerphones110through a DECT transmission signal. In some examples, the hub115can analyze the key sounds122to determine if there is a likely emergency at the property102.

The hub115communicates with the monitoring station120via a long-range data link. The long-range data link can include any combination of wired and wireless data networks. For example, the hub115may exchange information with the monitoring station120through a wide-area-network (WAN), a cellular telephony network, a cable connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a satellite connection, or other electronic means for data transmission. The hub115and the monitoring station120may exchange information using any one or more of various communication synchronous or asynchronous protocols, including the 802.11 family of protocols, GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, CDMA-based data exchange or other techniques.

The monitoring station120can be a remote facility that monitors statuses of multiple properties, including the property102. In some examples, the monitoring station120can be a central station monitored by a provider of the monitoring system100. In some examples, the monitoring station120can be a central station monitored by a third party organization. The monitoring station120can include monitoring servers that can collect and analyze data from hubs of properties. The monitoring servers can be, e.g., the monitoring server560or the central alarm station server570ofFIG.5.

The monitoring station120can also include human operators116. The operators116can receive indications of events at the properties from the monitoring servers. The operators116can view indications of events at the properties on a display of an electronic device, e.g., a tablet computer118. The operators116may be able to view, for example, information including the address of a property, the number of residents of the property, and the names of residents. The operators116may also be able to view indications of alerts from the properties, and details about the cause of the alerts. For example, for an alert generated by a smart speakerphone110, the operator116may be able to view information about the location of the smart speakerphone110that triggered the alert and the nature of the key sound122detected. If the alert was generated by a resident's voice, the operator116may be able to view the identity of the resident, based on voice recognition.

FIG.1includes stages (A) through (E), which represent a flow of data. In stage (A) ofFIG.1, the smart speakerphone110adetects key sounds122. The key sounds122include a sound indicative of falling, e.g., a “thud” sound. The key sounds122also include a sound of the resident104speaking the word “help.”

One or more microphones of the smart speakerphone110adetects the “thud” sound and the word “help.” The smart speakerphone110acan analyze the “thud” sound and the word “help,” e.g., by performing speech recognition, by performing voice recognition, by measuring sound volume, and/or by determining the directionality of the sounds. For example, using voice recognition and speech recognition, the smart speakerphone110acan identify that the word “help” was spoken by the resident104at a volume of 70 decibels.

The smart speakerphone110adetermines that the “thud” sound and the word “help” both meet the criteria for key sounds122. For example, the “thud” sound may meet the criteria for key sounds122based on matching a pre-programmed sound. The word “help” may meet the criteria for key sounds122based on matching a pre-programmed word. The “thud” sound, the word “help,” or both, may meet the criteria for key sounds122based on the volume being above a preset decibel level.

Upon identifying the key sounds122, the smart speakerphone110awakes. The smart speakerphone110acan begin recording sounds from the living room106and may begin sending data to the hub115, e.g., via DECT transmission.

In stage (B) ofFIG.1, the hub115analyzes the key sounds122. The hub115can receive the key sounds122from the smart speakerphone110avia DECT transmission. The hub115may also receive key sounds122from the smart speakerphones110b,110c,e.g., if the key sounds122were detected by more than one smart speakerphone110. For example, an event may occur in the living room106that produces a sound loud enough to be detected by both the smart speakerphones110aand110b.In another example, an event may occur between the living room106and the bathroom112, such that the produced sound is detected by both the smart speakerphones110aand110b.The hub115can analyze the key sounds122from the smart speakerphones110aand110b.Based on the sound volume and/or directionality, the hub115may be able to determine if the event occurred in the living room106, the bathroom112, or somewhere in between the living room106and the bathroom112.

The hub115may also receive real-time sounds from the smart speakerphones110. For example, once the smart speakerphone110awakes, the smart speakerphone110acan record real-time sounds and transmit the real-time sounds to the hub115. In some examples, the smart speakerphone110amay record real-time sounds for a designated period of time following detection of a key sound122.

In stage (C) ofFIG.1, the hub115sends an alert124to the monitoring station120. The hub115may send the alert124to the monitoring station120directly over the long-range data link, or may communicate with the monitoring station120through one or more intermediate servers. For example, the hub115can send the alert124to a server, e.g., a cloud server, of the monitoring system provider. The cloud server can relay the alert124to the monitoring station120, which may be monitored by the monitoring system provider or by a third party organization.

The alert124can be, for example, a personal emergency response signal (PERS) that generally indicates a possible emergency at the property102. In some examples, the alert124can include additional information related to the emergency. For example, the alert124can include that the emergency occurred in the living room106. The alert124can also include that the smart speakerphone110adetected the voice of the resident104speaking the word “help” at a volume of 70 decibels and/or that the smart speakerphone110adetected a falling “thud” sound.

In stage (D) ofFIG.1, the monitoring station120initiates a two-way call126to the hub115. In some examples, a monitoring server of the monitoring station120can automatically initiate the two-way call126to the hub115in response to receiving the alert124. In some examples, the operator116can initiate the two-way call126to the hub115, e.g., by selecting an option on the tablet computer118. The monitoring station120initiates the two-way call126with the hub115, e.g., by calling the cellular modem or SIM card of the hub115. The hub115receives the two-way call126.

In stage (E) ofFIG.1, the smart speakerphones110broadcast the two-way call126throughout the property102. The hub115receives the two-way call126and sends the digital audio data of the two-way call126to the smart speakerphones110via DECT transmission. The broadcasted audio can include a voice of the operator116. The operator can notify the resident104that an emergency alert was received. The operator116can request if the resident104needs assistance.

The resident104may be able to hear the voice of the operator116through the smart speakerphone110a.The resident104can confirm that emergency help is needed by speaking to the smart speakerphone110a.The voice of the resident104can be conveyed from the smart speakerphone110ato the hub115via DECT, and to the monitoring station120via a cellular data link. In some examples, the operator116can request information from the resident104and can receive a response from the resident104through the two-way call126. In some examples, the operator116can advise the resident104of recommended actions. If the resident104confirms that emergency help is needed, or if the resident104does not respond to the two-way call126, the operator can request emergency response and can notify the resident104when emergency responders are dispatched. If the resident104informs the operator116that emergency help is not needed, the operator can cancel the alert124. An audio recording of the two-way call126can be saved at the monitoring station120.

In some examples, the monitoring station120may initiate a two-way call without first receiving an alert. For example, based on settings and preferences of the resident104, the monitoring station120may initiate a two-way call to the hub115on a regular basis, e.g., once per day or once per week. The smart speakerphones110can broadcast the two-way call throughout the property102, and the operator116can check on the resident104, e.g., by asking how the resident104is doing. The resident104can respond to the two-way call from any location at the property102that is near a smart speakerphone110. In the absence of a response from the resident104, the operator116may contact a caretaker and/or emergency responders. Additionally, if the resident104responds that he or she needs help, the operator116may contact a caretaker and/or emergency responders.

Though described above as being performed by a particular component of system100(e.g., the hub115or the monitoring station120), any of the various control, processing, and analysis operations can be performed by either the hub115, the monitoring station120, or another computer system of the monitoring system100. For example, the hub115, the monitoring station120, or another computer system can analyze the data from the sensors to determine system actions. Similarly, the hub115, the monitoring station120, or another computer system can control the various sensors, and/or property automation controls to collect data or control device operation.

FIG.2illustrates an example monitoring system200including smart speakerphone emergency monitoring and additional sensor data. The property102can be the same property as shown inFIG.1. In addition to the smart speakerphones110, the system200may include additional sensors, such as video cameras, motion sensors, microphones, and temperature sensors, distributed about the property102to monitor conditions at the property102. For example, sensors can be located in the bathroom112, the kitchen114, the living room106, and a yard216of the property102.

The system200includes smart speakerphones110ato110c,collectively referred to as smart speakerphones110. Smart speakerphone110ais located in the living room106, smart speakerphone110bis located in the bathroom112, and smart speakerphone110cis located in the kitchen114.

The smart speakerphones110can send key sounds222to the hub115, to the control unit215, or both. The smart speakerphones110can send the key sounds222to the hub115and/or the control unit215through DECT transmission or through a network. In some examples, the smart speakerphones110send key sounds to the hub115, and the hub115sends the key sounds to the control unit215.

The monitoring system200includes motion sensors206aand206b,referred to as motion sensors206. Motion sensor206ais located in the yard216and motion sensor206bis located in the bathroom112. The motion sensors206can be, for example, passive infrared (PIR) sensors. PIR sensors can detect moving heat signatures, e.g., from people moving at the property102.

The monitoring system200includes camera210. The camera210is positioned to capture images from the yard216. In some examples, the camera210can analyze images of the yard216, e.g., through video analysis, to detect and identify people in the yard216.

The motion sensors206can send motion sensor data to the control unit215. The camera210can send camera data to the control unit215. The control unit215can determine an occupancy of various areas of the property102based on the motion sensor data and the camera data. The occupancy can include a determination of whether or not people are present in individual rooms of the property102, or the property102as a whole. For example, based on motion sensor data that indicates no movement in the bathroom112, the control unit215may determine that no people are present in the bathroom112. Similarly, based on motion sensor data that indicates movement in the yard216, and camera data including images of a person in the yard216, the control unit215may determine that a person is present in the yard216.

The control unit215may receive sensor data through a network. The network may be any communication infrastructure that supports the electronic exchange of data between the hub115and the smart speakerphones110. The network may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or other network topology. The network may be any one or combination of wireless or wired networks and may include any one or more of Ethernet, cellular telephony, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth LE technologies. In some implementations, the network may include optical data links. To support communications through the network, one or more devices of the monitoring system may include communications modules, such as a modem, transceiver, modulator, or other hardware or software configured to enable the device to communicate electronic data through the network.

FIG.2includes stages (A) through (F), which represent a flow of data. In stage (A) ofFIG.2, the smart speakerphone110adetects key sounds. The key sounds222include a sound of glass breaking.

A microphone of the smart speakerphone110adetects the glass breaking sound. The smart speakerphone110acan analyze the glass breaking sound, e.g., by performing sound recognition, by measuring sound volume, and/or by determining the directionality of the sounds.

The smart speakerphone110adetermines that the glass breaking sound meets the criteria for key sounds122. For example, the glass breaking sound may meet the criteria for key sounds122based on matching a pre-programmed sound. The glass breaking sound may also meet the criteria for key sounds122based on the volume being above a preset decibel level.

Upon determining that key sounds122have been detected, the smart speakerphone110awakes. The smart speakerphone110acan begin recording sounds from the living room106and may begin sending audio data to the hub115via DECT transmission.

The hub115can receive the key sounds122from the smart speakerphone110avia DECT transmission. The hub115may also receive key sounds122from the smart speakerphones110b,110c.The hub115may also receive real-time sounds from the smart speakerphones110a,110b,110c.For example, once the smart speakerphone110awakes, the smart speakerphone110acan record real-time sounds and transmit the real-time sounds to the hub115. In some examples, the smart speakerphone110amay record real-time sounds for a designated period of time following detection of a key sound122.

In stage (B) ofFIG.2, the control unit215collects sensor data224from the sensors. For example, control unit215collects camera data from the camera210, and motion sensor data from the motion sensors206a,206b.

The camera data includes images of a person212in the yard216. In some examples, the camera210can analyze the images to determine that the person212is in the yard216. In some examples, the camera can send the camera data to the control unit215and the control unit215can analyze the images to determine that the person212is in the yard216.

In stage (C) ofFIG.2, the control unit215and the hub115analyze the key sounds222and the sensor data224. In some examples, the hub115analyzes the key sounds222, and the control unit215analyzes the sensor data. In some examples, the hub115sends the key sounds222to the control unit215, and the control unit215analyzes the key sounds222and the sensor data224.

The control unit215can analyze the sensor data224to determine occupancy of the property102. The control unit215can analyze the camera data from the camera210and the motion sensor data from the motion sensor206ato determine that there is a person212in the yard216. The control unit215can analyze the motion sensor data from the motion sensor206bto determine that there is a person in the bathroom112. The control unit215can analyze the key sounds222to determine that glass has broken in the living room106.

Based on analyzing the sensor data224and the key sounds222, the control unit215may determine that there is likely an emergency at the property102. Specifically, based on determining that glass has broken in the living room106, and that a person212is in the yard216, the control unit215can determine that there is likely a burglary in progress at the property102. Based on determining that there is a person in the bathroom112, the control unit215can determine that the resident104may be in danger.

In some examples, the control unit215may determine that the key sounds222likely do not indicate an emergency. For example, a resident104may be in the living room106watching television. The smart speakerphone110amay detect the sound of a gunshot. The smart speakerphone110amay determine that the gunshot meets the criteria for a key sound222, e.g., based on the volume being above a preset volume and/or based on matching a pre-programmed sound. The smart speakerphone110acan then wake, begin recording sound from the living room106, and send audio data to the hub115. The hub115can then send the audio data to the control unit215.

The control unit215can analyze the audio data from the hub115and sensor data from the living room106. Motion sensor data, microphone data, and/or camera data from the living room106may indicate the resident104watching television in the living room106. The sounds recorded by the smart speakerphone110aafter the key sound222may indicate no unusual or distressing sounds. The sounds recorded by the smart speakerphone110amay remain within a consistent decibel range, indicating that the sounds likely are produced by the television. Thus, the control unit215may determine that the key sound222of the gunshot likely does not indicate an emergency at the property102.

In stage (D) ofFIG.2, the hub115and the control unit215send sensor data and an alert226to the monitoring station120.

The alert can be, for example, a personal emergency response signal (PERS) that generally indicates a possible emergency at the property102. In some examples, the alert can include additional information related to the emergency. For example, the alert can include that the emergency occurred in the living room106. The alert can also include that the smart speakerphone110adetected a key sound222of glass breaking.

The sensor data can include the camera data, the motion sensor data, and/or a determination of occupancy of the property102. The sensor data can include a monitoring system status. For example, the monitoring system status may be “unarmed, stay” or “armed, away.” The monitoring system status can provide an additional indication of whether the resident104is at the property102.

In stage (E) ofFIG.2, the monitoring station120initiates a two-way call228to the hub115. In some examples, a monitoring server of the monitoring station120can automatically initiate the two-way call126to the hub115in response to receiving the alert124. In some examples, the operator116can initiate the two-way call126to the hub115, e.g., by selecting an option on the tablet computer118. The monitoring station120initiates the two-way call126with the hub115, e.g., by calling the cellular modem or SIM card of the hub115. The hub115receives the two-way call126. In some examples, the monitoring station120can initiate the two-way call228to the control unit215instead of, or in addition to, the hub115.

In stage (F) ofFIG.2, the smart speakerphones110broadcast the two-way call throughout the property102. The hub115receives the two-way call126and sends the audio of the two-way call126to the smart speakerphones110via DECT transmission. The audio can include a voice of the operator116. The operator can notify the resident104that an emergency alert was received. The operator116can request if the resident104needs assistance.

The resident104may be able to hear the voice of the operator116through the smart speakerphone110b.The resident104can confirm that emergency help is needed by speaking to the smart speakerphone110b.The voice of the resident104can be conveyed from the smart speakerphone110bto the hub115via DECT, and to the monitoring station120via a cellular data link. In some examples, the operator116can request information from the resident104and can receive a response from the resident104through the two-way call126. In some examples, the operator116can advise the resident104of recommended actions. If the resident104confirms that emergency help is needed, or if the resident104does not respond to the two-way call126, the operator can request emergency response and can notify the resident when emergency responders are dispatched.

In some examples, the smart speakerphones110can broadcast alerts throughout the property102. The monitoring system200may generate alerts when sensors at the property102detect events such as a break-in or fire. Typically in response to detecting events, the monitoring system200may sound an audible alarm such as a siren from the control unit215. The smart speakerphones110can receive the alert from the control unit215over the network, and can also broadcast the alarm. In this way, residents who are at the property102but who are not near the control unit215can hear the alarm.

In some examples, in response to a detected event, the smart speakerphones110may broadcast a different audible sound than the control unit215. For example, the control unit215may produce a siren sound in response to detecting a break-in in the living room106. The smart speakerphones110may receive the break-in alert from the control unit215through the network, and may produce a different audible sound, such as the spoken words “break-in detected in the living room.”

In some examples, the smart speakerphones110can broadcast alerts throughout the property102that are received from a source outside the property102. For example, government authorities may generate and broadcast wireless messages related to emergencies such as severe weather and national emergencies. The control unit215, the hub115, or both, can receive a wireless emergency message from a government authority through a cellular connection. The control unit215and/or the hub115can broadcast the emergency message over the smart speakerphones110throughout the property102. The control unit215and/or the hub115may include text-to-speech translation capability to convert the emergency message to speech for broadcasting at the property102.

Though described above as being performed by a particular component of system200(e.g., the control unit215or the monitoring station120), any of the various control, processing, and analysis operations can be performed by either the control unit215, the monitoring station120, or another computer system of the monitoring system200. For example, the control unit215, the monitoring station120, or another computer system can analyze the data from the sensors to determine system actions. Similarly, the control unit215, the monitoring station120, or another computer system can control the various sensors, and/or property automation controls to collect data or control device operation.

FIG.3is a block diagram showing components of an example smart speakerphone110. To receive and process audio input, the smart speakerphone110includes one or more microphones304, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)306, an audio processor308, and a key sound engine310. To communicate with a hub, the smart speakerphone110includes a DECT transmitter314and a DECT receiver316. In some implementations, the smart speakerphone110can include a DECT transceiver instead of the DECT transmitter314and the DECT receiver316. To produce audio output, the smart speakerphone110includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)318and one or more speakers320. To power the smart speakerphone110, the smart speakerphone110includes a battery324. The smart speakerphone110can optionally include an external power source326. The smart speakerphone110includes a controller312to control and coordinate operations of the various components of the smart speakerphone110.

In operation, the smart speakerphone110detects sounds302with the one or more microphones304. The microphones304can be far field microphones that are capable of detecting sounds from across a room, through a wall, and/or down a hallway of a property. The microphones304can be arranged in an array that can enable the smart speakerphone110to determine directionality of detected sounds302.

The ADC306converts the analog audio to digital audio data. The audio processor308processes the digital audio data. For example, the audio processor308can measure sound volume and directionality of the detected sound302. The audio processor308can also perform speech recognition and voice recognition on the detected sound302.

The key sound engine310determines whether the detected sound302meets criteria for a key sound. For example, the key sound engine310can compare the detected sound302to pre-programmed non-word sounds, e.g., breaking glass and human screams. The key sound engine310can also compare the detected sound302to pre-programmed words or phrases, e.g., “help,” and “I need an ambulance.” The key sound engine310can also compare the volume of the detected sound302to a preset volume level. Based on determining that the detected sound302matches pre-programmed words, phrases, or non-word sounds, and/or is above a preset volume level, the key sound engine310can determine that the detected sound302meets criteria for a key sound.

In response to the key sound engine310identifying a key sound, the controller312can cause the smart speakerphone110to wake. When the smart speakerphone wakes, the smart speakerphone110may collect and record real-time sounds with the microphone304. The smart speakerphone110may also transmit signals to the hub through the DECT transmitter314. For example, the DECT transmitter314can transmit the key sounds and real-time sounds to the hub.

As described with reference toFIGS.1and2, the hub may send an alert to a monitoring station. In response to receiving the alert, the monitoring station may initiate a two-way call to the hub. The hub can then send digital audio data of the two-way call to the DECT receiver316. The DECT transmitter314and DECT receiver316require low amounts of energy compared to other types of transmitters and receivers. Thus, the DECT transmitter314and DECT receiver316can operate for long periods of time, sending and receiving high quality, lower power signals. The DECT transmitter314and DECT receiver316can each have a range of hundreds of feet.

When the smart speakerphone110receives the digital audio data from the hub, the DAC318converts the digital audio data to an analog signal. The speaker320outputs the sound322from the two-way call. For example, the speaker320may output the voice of an operator at the monitoring station.

The battery324enables the smart speakerphone110to operate without an external power source. However, the optional external power source326can be connected to the smart speakerphone110as a backup source of power and/or to charge the battery324.

FIG.4is a flowchart of an example process for speakerphone emergency monitoring. The process400can be performed by one or more computer systems, for example, the smart speakerphones110, the hub115, or the control unit215. In some implementations, some or all of the process400can be performed by a monitoring server at the monitoring station120, or by a computer system located at the monitored property.

Briefly, the process400includes detecting a sound at one or more of multiple locations of a property (402), determining that the sound represents an emergency at the property (404), sending, to a monitoring station, an indication of the emergency (406), receiving, from the monitoring station, a two-way voice telephone call (408), and broadcasting the two-way voice call to the multiple locations of the property (410).

In greater detail, the process400includes detecting a sound at one or more of multiple locations of a property (402). In some implementations, detecting the sound at one or more of multiple locations of a property includes receiving audio data generated by one or more of a plurality of speakerphones. Each speakerphone is located at one of the multiple locations of the property. For example, the sound can be detected by one or more smart speakerphones, e.g., smart speakerphones110a,110b,110c.The one or more multiple locations of the property can be, for example, the bathroom112, kitchen114, and living room106of the property102. The smart speakerphones can be distributed such that most or all areas of the property are within hearing distance of at least one of the smart speakerphones.

In some implementations, each speakerphone includes an audio microphone and an audio speaker. Each speakerphone is configured to communicate with a speakerphone hub device using digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) signals. For example, the speakerphone110includes the microphone304, for detecting sounds302. The speakerphone110includes the speaker320for outputting sounds322. The speakerphone110includes the DECT receiver316and the DECT transmitter314for communicating with a speakerphone hub device using DECT signals.

In some implementations, each of the plurality of speakerphone includes an array of microphones. For example, the array can include multiple microphones that are closely spaced. The microphones of the array can operate in tandem in order to localize sources of sound by determining directionality of detected sound.

In some implementations, receiving the audio data generated by one or more of the plurality of speakerphones includes receiving first audio data at a first volume from a first speakerphone at a first location of the property, and receiving second audio data at a second volume from a second speakerphone at second location of the property. For example, an occupant of the property may fall on the floor of the bathroom112. A sound of the person falling in the bathroom112may be detected by a first speakerphone110b,located in the bathroom112, and by a second speakerphone110c,located in the kitchen114. The hub115may receive audio data at a first volume generated by the first speakerphone110b,and audio data at a second volume generated by the second speakerphone110c.The first volume will likely be greater than the second volume due to a closer proximity between the speakerphone110band the source of the sound.

The process400includes determining that the sound represents an emergency at the property (404). In some examples, the smart speakerphone determines that the sound represents an emergency. In some examples, a hub that receives audio data from multiple smart speakerphones can determine that the sound represents an emergency. In some examples, a control unit of a monitoring system can determine that the sound represents an emergency. For example, the control unit can correlate the detected sounds with sensor data from other sensors at the property. Based on analyzing the detected sounds and the sensor data, the control unit may determine that the sound represents an emergency.

In some implementations, determining that the sound indicates an emergency at the property includes analyzing audio characteristics of the sound and determining that the audio characteristics meet criteria for indicating an emergency at the property. For example, a key sound engine310of a smart speakerphone can determine that the sound represents an emergency at the property by comparing the detected sound to key sound criteria.

In some implementations, determining that the audio characteristics meet criteria for indicating an emergency at the property can include determining that the volume of the sound is greater than a threshold volume. For example, a threshold volume may be, for example, 100 decibels. A firearm may discharge in the living room106. The speakerphone110agenerates audio data representing the firearm discharge at a volume of 140 decibels. The hub115receives the audio data from the speakerphone110a.The hub115can determine that the audio data representing the firearm data at 140 decibels exceeds a threshold volume of 100 decibels. Based on determining that the volume of the sound at 140 decibels is greater than the threshold volume of 100 decibels, the hub115can determine that the audio characteristics meet criteria for indicating an emergency at the property102.

In some implementations, determining that the audio characteristics meet criteria for indicating an emergency at the property includes comparing the audio characteristics of the sound to audio characteristics of stored sounds indicating an emergency at the property. The system may determine that the audio characteristics of the sound match the audio characteristics of one or more of the stored sounds indicating an emergency at the property. For example, the hub may perform acoustic signature recognition in order to determine a degree of matching between detected sounds and stored sounds.

In some implementations, the stored sounds include one or more of words, phrases, non-word human utterances, breaking sounds, falling sounds, audible alarms, or firearm sounds. For example, stored words and phrases can include “help,” and “I need a doctor.” Stored non-word human utterances can include, for example, sounds of human shouts and screams. Stored non-human sounds can include, for example, sounds of glass shattering, heavy objects falling, smoke alarms activating, carbon monoxide alarms activating, and firearms discharging.

In some implementations, determining that the sound indicates an emergency at the property includes receiving sensor data generated by one or more sensors at the property. The sensor data can include one or more of camera image data, motion sensor data, glass break sensor data, or temperature sensor data. The system can determine that the emergency is occurring based on the detected sound and the received sensor data.

In an example scenario, determining that the sound indicates an emergency at the property includes determining that the sound is indicative of falling. For example, a sound indicative of falling may be a “thud” or a “crash” sound. The hub115may receive audio data from the speakerphone110aindicating detection of the sound indicative of falling in the living room106. The system can also receive motion sensor data generated by a motion sensor data at the property. For example, the motion sensor data may be generated by a motion sensor located near the speakerphone that detected the sound, e.g., in the same room as the speakerphone. The motion sensor data may indicate no movement near the one or more locations of the property where the sound was detected. In some examples, the motion sensor may indicate rapid movement that was detected when a fall occurred, followed by no movement after the fall occurred. For example, a motion sensor in the living room may detect rapid movement while the occupant104falls, followed by no movement after the occupant104has fallen. Based on the sound indicative of falling and the motion sensor data, the system can determine that an occupant has fallen at the property. For example, based on the sound indicative of falling and based on no motion detected in the living room106, the hub115can determine that the occupant104has fallen in the living room106. Based on determining that an occupant of the property has fallen, the system can determine that the sound indicates an emergency at the property.

In another example scenario, determining that the sound indicates an emergency at the property includes determining that the sound is indicative of an object breaking. For example, a sound indicative of an object breaking can be a glass shattering sound, a crunch sound, a cracking sound, etc. The hub115may receive audio data from the speakerphone110aindicating detection of the sound indicative of glass breaking in the living room106. The system can also receive camera image data generated by a camera at the property. For example, the camera image data may be generated by a camera located near the speakerphone that detected the sound, e.g., in the same room as the speakerphone or positioned outside of the room where the speakerphone is located. The camera image data may indicate an unfamiliar person at the property. For example, the camera image data may indicate the presence of the person212outside of the property102near the window204of the living room106. Based on the sound indicative of an object breaking and the camera image data, the system can determine that a break-in is occurring at the property. For example, based on the sound indicative of an object breaking and based on camera image data showing the person212outside of the window204, the hub115can determine that the person212is breaking into the property102. Based on determining that a break-in is occurring at the property, the system can determine that the sound indicates an emergency at the property.

In some implementations, the process includes determining a location of the emergency at the property. The system may determine the location of the emergency at the property by identifying the one or more of the plurality of speakerphones that detected the sound. For example, the sound of an occupant falling in the bathroom112may be detected by both the speakerphone110band the speakerphone110c.The system can identify an installation location of each of the identified one or more of the plurality of speakerphones that detected the sound. The installation location of the speakerphone may be identified, e.g., based on input previously input by a user. In some examples, the installation location of the speakerphone may be identified based on a stored floorplan indicating the installation locations of each speakerphone.

As an example, the system can determine that the speakerphone110bdetected the sound, and is located in the bathroom112. The system can determine that the speakerphone110cdetected the sound, and is located in the kitchen. In some examples, the system may identify a specific installation position of a speakerphone within a room of a property. For example, the system may determine that the speakerphone110cis positioned atop the refrigerator in the kitchen114, and that the refrigerator is located adjacent to an outer wall of the property102. In another example, the system may determine that the speakerphone110bis mounted to an interior wall of the bathroom112at an elevation of 4 feet off of the floor. The system can determine the location of the emergency at the property based on the installation location of each of the identified one or more of the plurality of speakerphones that detected the sound. Based on the installation location of the speakerphone110band110c,the system can determine that the fall occurred on the upper level of the property102.

In some implementations, determining the location of the emergency at the property based on the identified installation location of each of the one or more of the plurality of speakerphones that detected the sound includes accessing data indicating an audio detection range of each of the identified speakerphones that detected the sound. For example, the sound of an occupant falling in the kitchen114may be detected only by the speakerphone110c.The system can access data indicating an audio detection range of the speakerphone110c.The audio detection range of the speakerphone110cmay be, for example, ten feet. The system can also access data indicating a floorplan of the property. For example, the system can access data indicating a floorplan that specifies the size of the kitchen is thirty feet by thirty feet. The floorplan may also indicate a specific location of the speakerphone110cwithin the kitchen, e.g., that the speakerphone110cis located atop a table in the center of the kitchen. Based on the installation location of the identified one or more of the plurality of speakerphones that detected the sound, the audio detection range of each of the identified speakerphones that detected the sound, and the floorplan of the property, the system can determine a location of the emergency at the property. For example, based on the installation location of the speakerphone110cin the kitchen, the audio detection range of ten feet, and the floorplan indicating the size of the kitchen as thirty feet by thirty feet, the system can determine that the emergency at the property is located in the kitchen.

In some implementations, the process includes determining, based on audio data generated by each microphone of the array of microphones, a directionality of the sound. Based on determining the directionality of the sound, the system can determine the location of the emergency at the property. For example, sounds of a person shouting in the bathroom112may be detected by the speakerphone110b,which may include an array of microphones. The hub115can receive audio data generated by the speakerphone110brepresenting the shouting sounds. Based on the audio data generated by each microphone of the array, the hub115can determine the directionality of the sounds. The directionality of the sounds may be from the direction of the bathtub in the bathroom112. Based on the directionality of the sounds, the hub115can determine that the emergency is occurring in or near the bathtub in the bathroom112.

In some implementations, the process includes comparing a volume of the first audio data from the first speakerphone to a volume of the second audio data from the second speakerphone. Based on comparing the volume of the first audio data to the volume of the second audio data, the system can determine the location of the emergency at the property. For example, an occupant of the property may fall on the floor of the bathroom112and the sound may be detected by a first speakerphone110b,and by a second speakerphone110c.The hub115may receive audio data at a first volume generated by the first speakerphone110b,and audio data at a second volume generated by the second speakerphone110c.The system can compare the volume of the first audio data from the first speakerphone110bto the volume of the second audio data from the second speakerphone110c,and determine that the first volume is greater than the second volume. Based on determining that the first volume is greater than the second volume, the system can determine that the location of the emergency is nearer to the first speakerphone110bthan to the second speakerphone110c.

The process400includes sending, to a monitoring station, an indication of the emergency (406). The hub or a control unit may send the indication of the emergency to the monitoring station. The indication can include an alert, and may include additional sensor data from the smart speakerphones and/or other sensors at the property. The indication of the emergency may include a monitoring system status, e.g., “armed, stay,” or “armed, away.”

In some implementations, sending, to a monitoring station, an indication of the emergency includes sending, to the monitoring station, data indicating a type of emergency. For example, the indication of the emergency can include data indicating that the type of emergency is, e.g., an occupant falling, a break-in, a firearm discharge, a fire alarm activation, etc.

In some implementations, sending, to a monitoring station, an indication of the emergency includes sending, to the monitoring station, data indicating a location of the emergency at the property. For example, the indication of the emergency can include data indicating that the location of the emergency is, e.g., in the bathroom, in the bathtub, on the top floor, between the bathroom and the kitchen, etc.

The process400includes receiving, from the monitoring station, a two-way voice telephone call (408). In some examples, a monitoring server at the monitoring station may automatically initiate a two-way call to the property in response to receiving the indication of the emergency. In some examples, a human operator at the monitoring station may initiate the two-way call in response to receiving the indication of the emergency. The two-way call can be received by the hub at the property.

The process400includes broadcasting the two-way voice call to the multiple locations of the property (410). For example, upon receiving the two-way call, the hub can send the call audio to any or all of the smart speakerphones throughout the property. The smart speakerphones can broadcast the call audio, e.g., the voice of the operator. A user can then respond to the call by speaking near any of the smart speakerphones. The operator and the user can communicate through the two-way call, and the operator can confirm if emergency assistance is needed at the property.

In some implementations, broadcasting the two-way voice call to the multiple locations of the property includes broadcasting the two-way voice call through the plurality of speakerphones. For example, the system may broadcast the two-way voice call through all of the speakerphone110a-110c.

In some implementations, broadcasting the two-way voice call to the multiple locations of the property includes identifying the one or more of the plurality of speakerphones that detected the sound, and broadcasting the two-way voice call through each of the identified one or more of the plurality of speakerphones that detected the sound. For example, the system may determine that the sound was detected by the speakerphones110band110cand not by the speaker phone110a.Based on determining that the sound was detected by the speakerphones110band110cand not by the speaker phone110a,the system can broadcast the two-way voice call through both the speakerphones110band110cand not the speaker phone110a.

In some examples, upon receiving a response from an occupant through a particular speakerphone, the system may deactivate one or more of the other speakerphones. For example, the system may initially broadcast the two-way voice call through both the speakerphones110band110c.The occupant may respond by speaking near the speakerphone110b.The system can detect the occupant's voice through the speakerphone110b.Based on detecting the occupant's voice through the speakerphone110b,the system can deactivate the speakerphone110c.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating an example of a home monitoring system500. The monitoring system500includes a network505, a control unit510, one or more user devices540and550, a monitoring server560, and a central alarm station server570. In some examples, the network505facilitates communications between the control unit510, the one or more user devices540and550, the monitoring server560, and the central alarm station server570.

The network505is configured to enable exchange of electronic communications between devices connected to the network505. For example, the network505may be configured to enable exchange of electronic communications between the control unit510, the one or more user devices540and550, the monitoring server560, and the central alarm station server570. The network505may include, for example, one or more of the Internet, Wide Area Networks (WANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a cellular network, and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), radio, television, cable, satellite, or any other delivery or tunneling mechanism for carrying data. Network505may include multiple networks or subnetworks, each of which may include, for example, a wired or wireless data pathway. The network505may include a circuit-switched network, a packet-switched data network, or any other network able to carry electronic communications (e.g., data or voice communications). For example, the network505may include networks based on the Internet protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), the PSTN, packet-switched networks based on IP, X.25, or Frame Relay, or other comparable technologies and may support voice using, for example, VoIP, or other comparable protocols used for voice communications. The network505may include one or more networks that include wireless data channels and wireless voice channels. The network505may be a wireless network, a broadband network, or a combination of networks including a wireless network and a broadband network.

The control unit510includes a controller512and a network module514. The controller512is configured to control a control unit monitoring system (e.g., a control unit system) that includes the control unit510. In some examples, the controller512may include a processor or other control circuitry configured to execute instructions of a program that controls operation of a control unit system. In these examples, the controller512may be configured to receive input from sensors, flow meters, or other devices included in the control unit system and control operations of devices included in the household (e.g., speakers, lights, doors, etc.). For example, the controller512may be configured to control operation of the network module514included in the control unit510.

The network module514is a communication device configured to exchange communications over the network505. The network module514may be a wireless communication module configured to exchange wireless communications over the network505. For example, the network module514may be a wireless communication device configured to exchange communications over a wireless data channel and a wireless voice channel. In this example, the network module514may transmit alarm data over a wireless data channel and establish a two-way voice communication session over a wireless voice channel. The wireless communication device may include one or more of a LTE module, a GSM module, a radio modem, cellular transmission module, or any type of module configured to exchange communications in one of the following formats: LTE, GSM or GPRS, CDMA, EDGE or EGPRS, EV-DO or EVDO, UMTS, or IP.

The network module514also may be a wired communication module configured to exchange communications over the network505using a wired connection. For instance, the network module514may be a modem, a network interface card, or another type of network interface device. The network module514may be an Ethernet network card configured to enable the control unit510to communicate over a local area network and/or the Internet. The network module514also may be a voice band modem configured to enable the alarm panel to communicate over the telephone lines of Plain Old Telephone Systems (POTS).

The control unit system that includes the control unit510includes one or more sensors. For example, the monitoring system may include multiple sensors520. The sensors520may include a lock sensor, a contact sensor, a motion sensor, or any other type of sensor included in a control unit system. The sensors520also may include an environmental sensor, such as an indoor smart speakerphone, an outdoor smart speakerphone, a temperature sensor, a water sensor, a rain sensor, a wind sensor, a light sensor, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, an air quality sensor, etc. The sensors520further may include a health monitoring sensor, such as a prescription bottle sensor that monitors taking of prescriptions, a blood pressure sensor, a blood sugar sensor, a bed mat configured to sense presence of liquid (e.g., bodily fluids) on the bed mat, etc. In some examples, the health-monitoring sensor can be a wearable sensor that attaches to a user in the home. The health-monitoring sensor can collect various health data, including pulse, heart rate, respiration rate, sugar or glucose level, bodily temperature, or motion data.

The sensors520can also include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor that identifies a particular article that includes a pre-assigned RFID tag.

The control unit510communicates with the home automation controls522and a camera530to perform monitoring. The home automation controls522are connected to one or more devices that enable automation of actions in the home. For instance, the home automation controls522may be connected to one or more lighting systems and may be configured to control operation of the one or more lighting systems. In addition, the home automation controls522may be connected to one or more electronic locks at the home and may be configured to control operation of the one or more electronic locks (e.g., control Z-Wave locks using wireless communications in the Z-Wave protocol). Further, the home automation controls522may be connected to one or more appliances at the home and may be configured to control operation of the one or more appliances. The home automation controls522may include multiple modules that are each specific to the type of device being controlled in an automated manner. The home automation controls522may control the one or more devices based on commands received from the control unit510. For instance, the home automation controls522may cause a lighting system to illuminate an area to provide a better image of the area when captured by a camera530.

The camera530may be a video/photographic camera or other type of optical sensing device configured to capture images. For instance, the camera530may be configured to capture images of an area within a building or home monitored by the control unit510. The camera530may be configured to capture single, static images of the area and also video images of the area in which multiple images of the area are captured at a relatively high frequency (e.g., thirty images per second). The camera530may be controlled based on commands received from the control unit510.

The camera530may be triggered by several different types of techniques. For instance, a Passive Infra-Red (PIR) motion sensor may be built into the camera530and used to trigger the camera530to capture one or more images when motion is detected. The camera530also may include a microwave motion sensor built into the camera and used to trigger the camera530to capture one or more images when motion is detected. The camera530may have a “normally open” or “normally closed” digital input that can trigger capture of one or more images when external sensors (e.g., the sensors520, PIR, door/window, etc.) detect motion or other events. In some implementations, the camera530receives a command to capture an image when external devices detect motion or another potential alarm event. The camera530may receive the command from the controller512or directly from one of the sensors520.

In some examples, the camera530triggers integrated or external illuminators (e.g., Infra-Red, Z-wave controlled “white” lights, lights controlled by the home automation controls522, etc.) to improve image quality when the scene is dark. An integrated or separate light sensor may be used to determine if illumination is desired and may result in increased image quality.

The camera530may be programmed with any combination of time/day schedules, system “arming state”, or other variables to determine whether images should be captured or not when triggers occur. The camera530may enter a low-power mode when not capturing images. In this case, the camera530may wake periodically to check for inbound messages from the controller512. The camera530may be powered by internal, replaceable batteries if located remotely from the control unit510. The camera530may employ a small solar cell to recharge the battery when light is available. Alternatively, the camera530may be powered by the controller's512power supply if the camera530is co-located with the controller512.

In some implementations, the camera530communicates directly with the monitoring server560over the Internet. In these implementations, image data captured by the camera530does not pass through the control unit510and the camera530receives commands related to operation from the monitoring server560.

The system500also includes thermostat534to perform dynamic environmental control at the home. The thermostat534is configured to monitor temperature and/or energy consumption of an HVAC system associated with the thermostat534, and is further configured to provide control of environmental (e.g., temperature) settings. In some implementations, the thermostat534can additionally or alternatively receive data relating to activity at a home and/or environmental data at a home, e.g., at various locations indoors and outdoors at the home. The thermostat534can directly measure energy consumption of the HVAC system associated with the thermostat, or can estimate energy consumption of the HVAC system associated with the thermostat534, for example, based on detected usage of one or more components of the HVAC system associated with the thermostat534. The thermostat534can communicate temperature and/or energy monitoring information to or from the control unit510and can control the environmental (e.g., temperature) settings based on commands received from the control unit510.

In some implementations, the thermostat534is a dynamically programmable thermostat and can be integrated with the control unit510. For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat534can include the control unit510, e.g., as an internal component to the dynamically programmable thermostat534. In addition, the control unit510can be a gateway device that communicates with the dynamically programmable thermostat534. In some implementations, the thermostat534is controlled via one or more home automation controls522.

A module537is connected to one or more components of an HVAC system associated with a home, and is configured to control operation of the one or more components of the HVAC system. In some implementations, the module537is also configured to monitor energy consumption of the HVAC system components, for example, by directly measuring the energy consumption of the HVAC system components or by estimating the energy usage of the one or more HVAC system components based on detecting usage of components of the HVAC system. The module537can communicate energy monitoring information and the state of the HVAC system components to the thermostat534and can control the one or more components of the HVAC system based on commands received from the thermostat534.

In some examples, the system500further includes one or more robotic devices590. The robotic devices590may be any type of robots that are capable of moving and taking actions that assist in home monitoring. For example, the robotic devices590may include drones that are capable of moving throughout a home based on automated control technology and/or user input control provided by a user. In this example, the drones may be able to fly, roll, walk, or otherwise move about the home. The drones may include helicopter type devices (e.g., quad copters), rolling helicopter type devices (e.g., roller copter devices that can fly and roll along the ground, walls, or ceiling) and land vehicle type devices (e.g., automated cars that drive around a home). In some cases, the robotic devices590may be devices that are intended for other purposes and merely associated with the system500for use in appropriate circumstances. For instance, a robotic vacuum cleaner device may be associated with the monitoring system500as one of the robotic devices590and may be controlled to take action responsive to monitoring system events.

In some examples, the robotic devices590automatically navigate within a home. In these examples, the robotic devices590include sensors and control processors that guide movement of the robotic devices590within the home. For instance, the robotic devices590may navigate within the home using one or more cameras, one or more proximity sensors, one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more magnetometers, a global positioning system (GPS) unit, an altimeter, one or more sonar or laser sensors, and/or any other types of sensors that aid in navigation about a space. The robotic devices590may include control processors that process output from the various sensors and control the robotic devices590to move along a path that reaches the desired destination and avoids obstacles. In this regard, the control processors detect walls or other obstacles in the home and guide movement of the robotic devices590in a manner that avoids the walls and other obstacles.

In addition, the robotic devices590may store data that describes attributes of the home. For instance, the robotic devices590may store a floorplan and/or a three-dimensional model of the home that enables the robotic devices590to navigate the home. During initial configuration, the robotic devices590may receive the data describing attributes of the home, determine a frame of reference to the data (e.g., a home or reference location in the home), and navigate the home based on the frame of reference and the data describing attributes of the home. Further, initial configuration of the robotic devices590also may include learning of one or more navigation patterns in which a user provides input to control the robotic devices590to perform a specific navigation action (e.g., fly to an upstairs bedroom and spin around while capturing video and then return to a home charging base). In this regard, the robotic devices590may learn and store the navigation patterns such that the robotic devices590may automatically repeat the specific navigation actions upon a later request.

In some examples, the robotic devices590may include data capture and recording devices. In these examples, the robotic devices590may include one or more cameras, one or more motion sensors, one or more microphones, one or more biometric data collection tools, one or more temperature sensors, one or more smart speakerphones, one or more air flow sensors, and/or any other types of sensors that may be useful in capturing monitoring data related to the home and users in the home. The one or more biometric data collection tools may be configured to collect biometric samples of a person in the home with or without contact of the person. For instance, the biometric data collection tools may include a fingerprint scanner, a hair sample collection tool, a skin cell collection tool, and/or any other tool that allows the robotic devices590to take and store a biometric sample that can be used to identify the person (e.g., a biometric sample with DNA that can be used for DNA testing).

In some implementations, the robotic devices590may include output devices. In these implementations, the robotic devices590may include one or more displays, one or more speakers, and/or any type of output devices that allow the robotic devices590to communicate information to a nearby user.

The robotic devices590also may include a communication module that enables the robotic devices590to communicate with the control unit510, each other, and/or other devices. The communication module may be a wireless communication module that allows the robotic devices590to communicate wirelessly. For instance, the communication module may be a Wi-Fi module that enables the robotic devices590to communicate over a local wireless network at the home. The communication module further may be a 900 MHz wireless communication module that enables the robotic devices590to communicate directly with the control unit510. Other types of short-range wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, Z-wave, Zigbee, etc., may be used to allow the robotic devices590to communicate with other devices in the home. In some implementations, the robotic devices590may communicate with each other or with other devices of the system500through the network505.

The robotic devices590further may include processor and storage capabilities. The robotic devices590may include any suitable processing devices that enable the robotic devices590to operate applications and perform the actions described throughout this disclosure. In addition, the robotic devices590may include solid-state electronic storage that enables the robotic devices590to store applications, configuration data, collected sensor data, and/or any other type of information available to the robotic devices590.

The robotic devices590are associated with one or more charging stations. The charging stations may be located at predefined home base or reference locations in the home. The robotic devices590may be configured to navigate to the charging stations after completion of tasks needed to be performed for the monitoring system500. For instance, after completion of a monitoring operation or upon instruction by the control unit510, the robotic devices590may be configured to automatically fly to and land on one of the charging stations. In this regard, the robotic devices590may automatically maintain a fully charged battery in a state in which the robotic devices590are ready for use by the monitoring system500.

The charging stations may be contact based charging stations and/or wireless charging stations. For contact based charging stations, the robotic devices590may have readily accessible points of contact that the robotic devices590are capable of positioning and mating with a corresponding contact on the charging station. For instance, a helicopter type robotic device may have an electronic contact on a portion of its landing gear that rests on and mates with an electronic pad of a charging station when the helicopter type robotic device lands on the charging station. The electronic contact on the robotic device may include a cover that opens to expose the electronic contact when the robotic device is charging and closes to cover and insulate the electronic contact when the robotic device is in operation.

For wireless charging stations, the robotic devices590may charge through a wireless exchange of power. In these cases, the robotic devices590need only locate themselves closely enough to the wireless charging stations for the wireless exchange of power to occur. In this regard, the positioning needed to land at a predefined home base or reference location in the home may be less precise than with a contact based charging station. Based on the robotic devices590landing at a wireless charging station, the wireless charging station outputs a wireless signal that the robotic devices590receive and convert to a power signal that charges a battery maintained on the robotic devices590.

In some implementations, each of the robotic devices590has a corresponding and assigned charging station such that the number of robotic devices590equals the number of charging stations. In these implementations, the robotic devices590always navigate to the specific charging station assigned to that robotic device. For instance, a first robotic device may always use a first charging station and a second robotic device may always use a second charging station.

In some examples, the robotic devices590may share charging stations. For instance, the robotic devices590may use one or more community charging stations that are capable of charging multiple robotic devices590. The community charging station may be configured to charge multiple robotic devices590in parallel. The community charging station may be configured to charge multiple robotic devices590in serial such that the multiple robotic devices590take turns charging and, when fully charged, return to a predefined home base or reference location in the home that is not associated with a charger. The number of community charging stations may be less than the number of robotic devices590.

In addition, the charging stations may not be assigned to specific robotic devices590and may be capable of charging any of the robotic devices590. In this regard, the robotic devices590may use any suitable, unoccupied charging station when not in use. For instance, when one of the robotic devices590has completed an operation or is in need of battery charge, the control unit510references a stored table of the occupancy status of each charging station and instructs the robotic device to navigate to the nearest charging station that is unoccupied.

The system500further includes one or more integrated security devices580. The one or more integrated security devices may include any type of device used to provide alerts based on received sensor data. For instance, the one or more control units510may provide one or more alerts to the one or more integrated security input/output devices580. Additionally, the one or more control units510may receive one or more sensor data from the sensors520and determine whether to provide an alert to the one or more integrated security input/output devices580.

The sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the integrated security devices580may communicate with the controller512over communication links524,526,528,532,538, and584. The communication links524,526,528,532,538, and584may be a wired or wireless data pathway configured to transmit signals from the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the integrated security devices580to the controller512. The sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the integrated security devices580may continuously transmit sensed values to the controller512, periodically transmit sensed values to the controller512, or transmit sensed values to the controller512in response to a change in a sensed value.

The communication links524,526,528,532,538, and584may include a local network. The sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the integrated security devices580, and the controller512may exchange data and commands over the local network. The local network may include 802.11 “Wi-Fi” wireless Ethernet (e.g., using low-power Wi-Fi chipsets), Z-Wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, “Homeplug” or other “Powerline” networks that operate over AC wiring, and a Category 5 (CATS) or Category 6 (CAT6) wired Ethernet network. The local network may be a mesh network constructed based on the devices connected to the mesh network.

The monitoring server560is an electronic device configured to provide monitoring services by exchanging electronic communications with the control unit510, the one or more user devices540and550, and the central alarm station server570over the network505. For example, the monitoring server560may be configured to monitor events generated by the control unit510. In this example, the monitoring server560may exchange electronic communications with the network module514included in the control unit510to receive information regarding events detected by the control unit510. The monitoring server560also may receive information regarding events from the one or more user devices540and550.

In some examples, the monitoring server560may route alert data received from the network module514or the one or more user devices540and550to the central alarm station server570. For example, the monitoring server560may transmit the alert data to the central alarm station server570over the network505.

The monitoring server560may store sensor and image data received from the monitoring system and perform analysis of sensor and image data received from the monitoring system. Based on the analysis, the monitoring server560may communicate with and control aspects of the control unit510or the one or more user devices540and550.

The monitoring server560may provide various monitoring services to the system500. For example, the monitoring server560may analyze the sensor, image, and other data to determine an activity pattern of a resident of the home monitored by the system500. In some implementations, the monitoring server560may analyze the data for alarm conditions or may determine and perform actions at the home by issuing commands to one or more of the controls522, possibly through the control unit510.

The monitoring server560can be configured to provide information (e.g., activity patterns) related to one or more residents of the home monitored by the system500(e.g., the resident104). For example, one or more of the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the integrated security devices580can collect data related to a resident including location information (e.g., if the resident is home or is not home) and provide location information to the thermostat534.

The central alarm station server570is an electronic device configured to provide alarm monitoring service by exchanging communications with the control unit510, the one or more user devices540and550, and the monitoring server560over the network505. For example, the central alarm station server570may be configured to monitor alerting events generated by the control unit510. In this example, the central alarm station server570may exchange communications with the network module514included in the control unit510to receive information regarding alerting events detected by the control unit510. The central alarm station server570also may receive information regarding alerting events from the one or more user devices540and550and/or the monitoring server560.

The central alarm station server570is connected to multiple terminals572and574. The terminals572and574may be used by operators to process alerting events. For example, the central alarm station server570may route alerting data to the terminals572and574to enable an operator to process the alerting data. The terminals572and574may include general-purpose computers (e.g., desktop personal computers, workstations, or laptop computers) that are configured to receive alerting data from a server in the central alarm station server570and render a display of information based on the alerting data. For instance, the controller512may control the network module514to transmit, to the central alarm station server570, alerting data indicating that a sensor520detected motion from a motion sensor via the sensors520. The central alarm station server570may receive the alerting data and route the alerting data to the terminal572for processing by an operator associated with the terminal572. The terminal572may render a display to the operator that includes information associated with the alerting event (e.g., the lock sensor data, the motion sensor data, the contact sensor data, etc.) and the operator may handle the alerting event based on the displayed information.

In some implementations, the terminals572and574may be mobile devices or devices designed for a specific function. AlthoughFIG.5illustrates two terminals for brevity, actual implementations may include more (and, perhaps, many more) terminals.

The one or more authorized user devices540and550are devices that host and display user interfaces. For instance, the user device540is a mobile device that hosts or runs one or more native applications (e.g., the home monitoring application542). The user device540may be a cellular phone or a non-cellular locally networked device with a display. The user device540may include a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), or any other portable device configured to communicate over a network and display information. For example, implementations may also include Blackberry-type devices (e.g., as provided by Research in Motion), electronic organizers, iPhone-type devices (e.g., as provided by Apple), iPod devices (e.g., as provided by Apple) or other portable music players, other communication devices, and handheld or portable electronic devices for gaming, communications, and/or data organization. The user device540may perform functions unrelated to the monitoring system, such as placing personal telephone calls, playing music, playing video, displaying pictures, browsing the Internet, maintaining an electronic calendar, etc.

The user device540includes a home monitoring application542. The home monitoring application542refers to a software/firmware program running on the corresponding mobile device that enables the user interface and features described throughout. The user device540may load or install the home monitoring application542based on data received over a network or data received from local media. The home monitoring application542runs on mobile devices platforms, such as iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry, Google Android, Windows Mobile, etc. The home monitoring application542enables the user device540to receive and process image and sensor data from the monitoring system.

The user device540may be a general-purpose computer (e.g., a desktop personal computer, a workstation, or a laptop computer) that is configured to communicate with the monitoring server560and/or the control unit510over the network505. The user device540may be configured to display a smart home user interface552that is generated by the user device540or generated by the monitoring server560. For example, the user device540may be configured to display a user interface (e.g., a web page) provided by the monitoring server560that enables a user to perceive images captured by the camera530and/or reports related to the monitoring system. AlthoughFIG.5illustrates two user devices for brevity, actual implementations may include more (and, perhaps, many more) or fewer user devices.

In some implementations, the one or more user devices540and550communicate with and receive monitoring system data from the control unit510using the communication link538. For instance, the one or more user devices540and550may communicate with the control unit510using various local wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-wave, Zigbee, HomePlug (ethernet over power line), or wired protocols such as Ethernet and USB, to connect the one or more user devices540and550to local security and automation equipment. The one or more user devices540and550may connect locally to the monitoring system and its sensors and other devices. The local connection may improve the speed of status and control communications because communicating through the network505with a remote server (e.g., the monitoring server560) may be significantly slower.

Although the one or more user devices540and550are shown as communicating with the control unit510, the one or more user devices540and550may communicate directly with the sensors and other devices controlled by the control unit510. In some implementations, the one or more user devices540and550replace the control unit510and perform the functions of the control unit510for local monitoring and long range/offsite communication.

In other implementations, the one or more user devices540and550receive monitoring system data captured by the control unit510through the network505. The one or more user devices540,550may receive the data from the control unit510through the network505or the monitoring server560may relay data received from the control unit510to the one or more user devices540and550through the network505. In this regard, the monitoring server560may facilitate communication between the one or more user devices540and550and the monitoring system.

In some implementations, the one or more user devices540and550may be configured to switch whether the one or more user devices540and550communicate with the control unit510directly (e.g., through link538) or through the monitoring server560(e.g., through network505) based on a location of the one or more user devices540and550. For instance, when the one or more user devices540and550are located close to the control unit510and in range to communicate directly with the control unit510, the one or more user devices540and550use direct communication. When the one or more user devices540and550are located far from the control unit510and not in range to communicate directly with the control unit510, the one or more user devices540and550use communication through the monitoring server560.

Although the one or more user devices540and550are shown as being connected to the network505, in some implementations, the one or more user devices540and550are not connected to the network505. In these implementations, the one or more user devices540and550communicate directly with one or more of the monitoring system components and no network (e.g., Internet) connection or reliance on remote servers is needed.

In some implementations, the one or more user devices540and550are used in conjunction with only local sensors and/or local devices in a house. In these implementations, the system500includes the one or more user devices540and550, the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, and the robotic devices590. The one or more user devices540and550receive data directly from the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, and the robotic devices590, and sends data directly to the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, and the robotic devices590. The one or more user devices540,550provide the appropriate interfaces/processing to provide visual surveillance and reporting.

In other implementations, the system500further includes network505and the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the robotic devices590, and are configured to communicate sensor and image data to the one or more user devices540and550over network505(e.g., the Internet, cellular network, etc.). In yet another implementation, the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the robotic devices590(or a component, such as a bridge/router) are intelligent enough to change the communication pathway from a direct local pathway when the one or more user devices540and550are in close physical proximity to the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the robotic devices590to a pathway over network505when the one or more user devices540and550are farther from the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the robotic devices590.

In some examples, the system leverages GPS information from the one or more user devices540and550to determine whether the one or more user devices540and550are close enough to the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the robotic devices590to use the direct local pathway or whether the one or more user devices540and550are far enough from the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the robotic devices590that the pathway over network505is required.

In other examples, the system leverages status communications (e.g., pinging) between the one or more user devices540and550and the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the robotic devices590to determine whether communication using the direct local pathway is possible. If communication using the direct local pathway is possible, the one or more user devices540and550communicate with the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the robotic devices590using the direct local pathway. If communication using the direct local pathway is not possible, the one or more user devices540and550communicate with the sensors520, the home automation controls522, the camera530, the thermostat534, and the robotic devices590using the pathway over network505.

In some implementations, the system500provides end users with access to images captured by the camera530to aid in decision making. The system500may transmit the images captured by the camera530over a wireless WAN network to the user devices540and550. Because transmission over a wireless WAN network may be relatively expensive, the system500can use several techniques to reduce costs while providing access to significant levels of useful visual information (e.g., compressing data, down-sampling data, sending data only over inexpensive LAN connections, or other techniques).

In some implementations, a state of the monitoring system and other events sensed by the monitoring system may be used to enable/disable video/image recording devices (e.g., the camera530). In these implementations, the camera530may be set to capture images on a periodic basis when the alarm system is armed in an “away” state, but set not to capture images when the alarm system is armed in a “home” state or disarmed. In addition, the camera530may be triggered to begin capturing images when the alarm system detects an event, such as an alarm event, a door-opening event for a door that leads to an area within a field of view of the camera530, or motion in the area within the field of view of the camera530. In other implementations, the camera530may capture images continuously, but the captured images may be stored or transmitted over a network when needed.

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

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

It will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, other useful implementations could be achieved if steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different order and/or if components in the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner and/or replaced or supplemented by other components. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the disclosure.