Method and system to improve efficiency of system tests for a system having a plurality of sensors

A method for streamlining testing of a system having a plurality of sensors and a communication path, the method comprising:

• storing an expected behavior of sensor events that is expected during normal system operation of the system;
• collecting sensor event data over a period of time, wherein the period of time occurs during normal system operation of the system and outside of any sensor walk-test of the system, the sensor event data representative of sensor events reported by the plurality of sensors during the period of time;
• comparing the sensor event data to the expected behavior of sensor events;
• determining which of the plurality of sensors need a sensor walk-test to verify proper operation of the sensor and which of the plurality of sensors do not need a sensor walk-test based at least in part on the comparison of the sensor event data collected during the period of time and the expected behavior of sensor events;
• report to a user device which of the plurality of sensors are determined to need a sensor walk-test to verify proper operation of the sensor;
• scheduling execution of a plurality of communication tests in accordance with a test schedule to periodically verify communication of the communication path of the system;
• monitoring operational communication along the communication path during normal system operation of the system between the scheduled communication tests;
• and
• adjusting a timing for a next scheduled communication test when the operational communication prior to the next scheduled communication test meets one or more communication criteria.

A security system comprising:

• a plurality of sensors;
• a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors, the controller configured to:
• store an expected behavior of sensor events that is expected during normal system operation of the security system;
• collect sensor event data received by the controller over a period of time, wherein the period of time occurs during normal system operation of the security system while the security system is up and running in an armed state and/or a disarmed state, and wherein the period of time is outside of any sensor walk-test of the security system, the sensor event data representative of sensor events reported by the plurality of sensors during the period of time;
• compare the sensor event data to the expected behavior of sensor events;
• determine which of the plurality of sensors need a sensor walk-test to verify proper operation of the sensor and which of the plurality of sensors do not need a sensor walk-test based at least in part on the comparison of the sensor event data collected during the period of time and the expected behavior of sensor events;
• and
• report to a user device which of the plurality of sensors are determined to need a sensor walk-test to verify proper operation of the sensor.