US 8,427,278 B2 · Automation and security system

Abstract

Methods and systems for an automation and security system including a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first sensor detects a signal from an identification device indicative of a first authorized person in an exterior area near a door. The second sensor is coupled to a handle on the exterior surface of the door to detect a touch to the handle. The controller is configured to operate one or more lighting devices and a lock associated with the door. When the controller receives a signal from the first sensor indicative of the identification device in the exterior area near the door, it initiates a timer and operates one or more lighting devices to indicate a condition detected by the automation and security system. When the controller receives a signal from the second sensor indicative of a touch to the handle after the initiation of the timer and before the timer expires, it unlocks the door and turns on one or more lights in an interior area.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A method of operating an automation and security system comprising:

monitoring a first sensor to detect a signal from an identification device indicative of a first authorized person in an exterior area near a door;
detecting a condition of an interior area defined by the door;
in response to the signal detected by the first sensor,
initiating a timer, and
operating one or more lighting devices to provide at least one of a predetermined lighting sequence and a predetermined colored light to indicate the detected condition;
monitoring a second sensor to detect when the first authorized person is touching a handle on an exterior surface of the door;
and
in response to a touch detected by the second sensor before the timer expires,
unlocking the door, and
turning on one or more lights in the interior area.

7 more elements

An automation and security system comprising:

a first sensor configured to detect a signal from an identification device indicative of a first authorized person in an exterior area near a door;
a second sensor coupled to a handle on an exterior surface of the door to detect a touch to the handle;
and
a controller that detects a condition of an interior area defined by the door, operates one or more lighting devices, operates a lock associated with the door, receives a first signal from the first sensor indicative of the identification device in the exterior area near the door, receives a second signal from the second sensor indicative of the touch to the handle, in response to the first signal from the first sensor, initiates a timer and operates one or more lighting devices to provide at least one of a predetermined lighting sequence and a predetermined colored light to indicate the detected condition, and in response to the second signal from the second sensor after the timer is initiated and before the timer expires, unlocks the door and turns on one or more lights in the interior area.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automation and security system

Life of this patent

Automation and security system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27