Building control device with peer-to-peer communication for enhanced functionality

Abstract

A health status of each of a plurality of services operating on a building control device of a building control system may be monitored. The health status for each service of the plurality of services may be selected from two or more predetermined health status conditions including a normal health status and a suspended health status, wherein the suspended health status indicates that the respective service is currently off and / or unresponsive. The building control device determines the health status of each of the plurality of services running on the building control device. The building control device wirelessly transmits the health status for at least those services operating on the building control device that are determined to have the suspended health status, if any.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to building control devices such as security devices, lighting devices, heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning (HVAC) devices, and more particularly to building control devices having peer-to-peer communications for enhanced functionality. Background Art

[0002] A building control system includes several building control devices. The building control devices may include several different services running on the building control devices. Some of the services may be operating normally, while other services may not be operating normally. For example, some of the services may be suspended, meaning that the service is currently down and / or unresponsive. When one or more services on a building control device are suspended, the performance of the building control device and the performance of the building control system may be impaired. An improved method for monitoring the health of each of the services running on a building control device is desired. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to building control devices such as security devices, lighting devices, heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning (HVAC) devices, and more specifically to building control devices with peer-to-peer communications for enhanced functionality. For example, a building control device may include peer-to-peer communications for enhancing health monitoring of the building control device by monitoring the health of services running on the building control device. In another example, the building control device may use peer-to-peer communications to reduce power consumption of certain building control devices by maintaining some building control devices in a reduced power state, and when a particular building control device detects an alarm and / or event, one or more of the neighboring building control devices may be awakened to help verify the detected alarm and / or event. In yet another example, the building control device may use peer-to-peer communications to improve the confidence score of an alarm and / or event detected by the building control device by having the neighboring building control devices acknowledge (or not acknowledge) the alarm and / or event.

[0004] One example can be a method for monitoring the health status of each of a plurality of services running on a building control device of a building control system, wherein the health status of each of the plurality of services is selected from two or more predetermined health status conditions including a normal health status and a suspended health status, wherein the suspended health status indicates that the corresponding service is currently down and / or unresponsive. An exemplary method includes: the building control device determines the health status of each of the plurality of services running on the building control device. The building control device wirelessly transmits the health status of at least those services (if any) running on the building control device that are determined to have the suspended health status. In some cases, the health status can be wirelessly transmitted to one or more neighboring building control devices via a peer-to-peer communication path, which can help determine whether one or more of the services running on the building control device are actually in a suspended state.

[0005] Another example may be a method for monitoring services running on a building control device of a building control system. The method includes: repeatedly and actively monitoring a plurality of services running on the building control device to identify under what circumstances one or more of the plurality of services are currently down and / or unresponsive. In response to identifying that one or more of the plurality of services of the building control device are currently down and / or unresponsive, reporting a fault to a central building controller of the building control system via a network.

[0006] Another example may be a building control system including a plurality of building control devices and a central building controller, wherein the plurality of building control devices are operatively coupled to the central building controller via one or more networks. A first building control device of the plurality of building control devices establishes a wireless peer-to-peer communication path with a second adjacent building control device of the plurality of building control devices, wherein the wireless peer-to-peer communication path is separate from the one or more networks. The first building control device of the plurality of building control devices and / or the second building control device of the plurality of building control devices repeatedly and actively monitor a plurality of services running on the first building control device to identify under what circumstances one or more of the plurality of services running on the first building control device are currently down and / or unresponsive. In response to identifying that one or more of the plurality of services of the first building control device of the plurality of building control devices are currently down and / or unresponsive, the second building control device of the plurality of building control devices reports a fault to the central building controller via the one or more networks.

[0007] Another example may be a method for monitoring device health of a building control device. The method includes: establishing a peer-to-peer communication path between the building control device and a neighboring building control device; and establishing a time window to send one or more device health parameters from the building control device to the neighboring building control device via the peer-to-peer communication path, the one or more device health parameters providing an indication of the device health of the building control device. When the neighboring building control device does not receive the one or more device health parameters from the building control device during the time window, the neighboring building control device sends an alarm to the building control system.

[0008] Another example may be a method for monitoring the health status of each of a plurality of services running on a building control device of a building control system, wherein the health status of each of the plurality of services is selected from two or more predetermined health status conditions including a normal health status and a suspended health status, wherein the suspended health status indicates that the corresponding service is currently down and / or unresponsive. The method includes: establishing a peer-to-peer communication path between the building control device of the building control system and an adjacent building control device. The building control device determines the health status of each of the plurality of services running on the building control device. The method includes: sending the health status of each of the plurality of services of the building control device to the adjacent building control device via the peer-to-peer communication path. When the health status of one or more of the plurality of services of the building control device is in the suspended health status, the adjacent building control device reports an alarm to the building control system.

[0009] Another example may be a security system including a plurality of cameras, each camera being operatively coupled to a central controller via one or more networks. A first camera of the plurality of cameras includes an I / O port for transmitting a video stream captured by the corresponding camera to the central controller via the one or more networks; a wireless peer-to-peer communication port for establishing wireless peer-to-peer communication with one or more adjacent cameras of the plurality of cameras; and a camera controller operatively coupled to the I / O port and the wireless peer-to-peer communication port. The camera controller includes a lower functionality mode, wherein in the lower functionality mode, the corresponding camera generates a lower quality video stream, which causes the corresponding camera to consume less power and / or causes the corresponding camera to consume less bandwidth when the lower quality video stream is transmitted to the central controller via the one or more networks. The camera controller also includes a higher functionality mode, wherein in the higher functionality mode, the corresponding camera generates a higher quality video stream, which causes the corresponding camera to consume more power and / or causes the corresponding camera to consume more bandwidth when the higher quality video stream is transmitted to the central controller via the one or more networks. The camera controller is configured to detect the occurrence of a security event adjacent to the first camera among the multiple cameras when the first camera among the multiple cameras is in the lower functional mode, and in response, the controller is configured to switch to the higher functional mode and send a message to one or more adjacent cameras among the multiple cameras via the wireless peer communication port to switch the one or more adjacent cameras among the multiple cameras from their lower functional mode to their higher functional mode.

[0010] Another example may be a method for operating a security camera, the security camera comprising: an I / O port for transmitting a video stream captured by the corresponding camera to a central controller via one or more networks; and a wireless peer-to-peer communication port for establishing wireless peer-to-peer communication with one or more adjacent security cameras. The method includes: placing the camera controller in a lower functionality mode, wherein in the lower functionality mode, the security camera generates a lower quality video stream, and when the lower quality video stream is transmitted to the central controller via the one or more networks, the lower quality video stream causes the security camera to consume less power and / or causes the security camera to consume less bandwidth. When the security camera is in the lower functionality mode, detecting the occurrence of a security event adjacent to the security camera. In response, the security camera is switched to a higher functionality mode, wherein in the higher functionality mode, the security camera generates a higher quality video stream, which, when transmitted to the central controller via the one or more networks, causes the security camera to consume more power and / or causes the security camera to consume more bandwidth, and a message is sent to one or more of the neighboring security cameras via the wireless peer to peer communication port to switch the one or more neighboring security cameras from their lower functionality mode to their higher functionality mode.

[0011] Another example may be a method for operating a security system including a plurality of sensors, each sensor being used to detect a respective security event. The method includes: detecting a security event via a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, and sending a message from the first sensor among the plurality of sensors to a first adjacent sensor among the plurality of sensors via a wireless peer-to-peer communication path, the message indicating that the first sensor among the plurality of sensors detected the security event. The first adjacent sensor among the plurality of sensors receives the message and determines whether the first adjacent sensor among the plurality of sensors also detects the security event. When the first adjacent sensor among the plurality of sensors does not detect the security event, the first adjacent sensor among the plurality of sensors reports the security event to a central security controller with a lower confidence score, and when the first adjacent sensor among the plurality of sensors also detects the security event, the security event is reported to the central security controller with a confidence score higher than the lower confidence score.

[0012] Another example can be a security system. The security system includes a first security sensor for detecting a security event. In response to the first security sensor detecting the security event, the first security sensor sends a message to a first neighboring security sensor via a wireless peer-to-peer communication path, the message indicating that the first security sensor detected the security event. The first neighboring security sensor either verifies the security event by detecting the security event or does not verify the security event by not detecting the security event. The first security sensor and / or the first neighboring security sensor reports the security event to a central security controller of the security system via a network separate from the wireless peer-to-peer communication path, and the reported security event is assigned a confidence score, the confidence score depending on whether the first neighboring security sensor was able to verify the security event.

[0013] The above summary is provided to facilitate understanding of some innovative features unique to the present disclosure, but is not intended to be a complete description. A comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure can be obtained by viewing the entire specification, claims, drawings and abstract as a whole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present disclosure may be more fully understood by considering the following description of various examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary building control system;

[0016] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an illustrative method for monitoring the health status of each of a plurality of services running on a building control device of a building control system;

[0017] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an illustrative method for monitoring the health status of each of a plurality of services running on a building control device of a building control system;

[0018] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an illustrative method for monitoring services running on a building control device of a building control system;

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary security system;

[0020] Figure 6 It is composed Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of a camera that is part of an exemplary security system;

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary security system;

[0022] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an illustrative method for monitoring device health of building control devices;

[0023] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an illustrative method for monitoring the health status of each of a plurality of services running on a building control device of a building control system;

[0024] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for operating a security camera; and

[0025] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B are flow charts that collectively illustrate illustrative methods for operating a security system.

[0026] Although the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, the details thereof have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific examples described. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the essence and scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered in the same manner. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and they depict examples that are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Although examples of various elements are illustrated, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.

[0028] It is assumed herein that all numbers are modified by the term "about" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (eg, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0029] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] It should be noted that references to "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "other embodiments", etc. in the specification indicate that the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with one embodiment, it is contemplated that the feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with one embodiment, and it is contemplated that the feature, structure, or characteristic may be applied to other embodiments regardless of whether explicitly described, unless otherwise clearly stated.

[0031] Figure 1 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary building control system 10. The exemplary building control system 10 includes several building control devices 12, respectively labeled 12a, 12b, and 12c. Although a total of three building control devices 12 are shown, it should be understood that this is merely exemplary, as the building control system 10 may include any number of building control devices 12, and in some instances may include far more than three building control devices 12. The building control devices 12 may each represent a variety of security devices. In some instances, the building control devices 12 may each represent a variety of cameras. The building control system 10 includes a central building controller 14 that may communicate with the building control devices 12 via a network 16. The network 16 may be a wired network. In some instances, the network 16 may be a wireless network. For example, the network 16 may be a single network, or may represent two or more networks coupled together.

[0032] In some examples, building control system 10 may represent a video surveillance system. Building control devices 12 may each be a camera, an intrusion sensor, or an access control device. In some examples, building control system 10 may represent a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. For example, building control devices 12 may each be an HVAC device.

[0033] In some instances, each of the building control devices 12 may include wireless communication capabilities. In some instances, the building control devices 12 may establish a wireless peer-to-peer (P2P) communication path 18 between individual building control devices 12. As an example, the P2P communication path 18 may include a branch 18a formed between the building control device 12a and the building control device 12c. The P2P communication path 18 may include a branch 18b formed between the building control device 12c and the building control device 12b. The P2P communication path 18 may include a branch 18c formed between the building control device 12b and the building control device 12a. In some instances, the P2P communication path 18 is dynamically established because the building control devices 12 find themselves within communication range with one or more other building control devices 12. Each of the building control devices 12 may dynamically form a P2P communication path 18 with one, two, three, or more different building control devices 12, limited only by wireless communication range and signal strength.

[0034] In some examples, a first building control device among the plurality of building control devices 12, such as, for example, the building control device 12a, can establish a wireless peer-to-peer communication path with a second adjacent building control device among the plurality of building control devices 12, such as the building control device 12b. The first building control device among the plurality of building control devices 12 (building control device 12a) and / or the second building control device among the plurality of building control devices 12 (building control device 12b) can repeatedly and actively monitor a plurality of services running on the first building control device 12a to identify under what circumstances one or more of the plurality of services running on the first building control device 12a are currently down and / or unresponsive. In response to identifying that one or more of the plurality of services of the first building control device 12a are currently down and / or unresponsive, the second building control device 12b can report a fault to the central building controller 14 via the network 16.

[0035] Exemplary services running on a building control device such as a security camera may include, for example, one or more of the following:

[0036]

[0037] Table 1

[0038] The services shown in Table 1 are merely illustrative, and it is contemplated that different and / or other services may be running on the security camera. Each of these services may be individually tracked and reported when determined to be down and / or unresponsive (e.g., suspended state). It is contemplated that these services may be application-initiated services and / or operating system-initiated services.

[0039] In some instances, in response to the reported service failure, the central building controller 14 may take action to correct one or more of the multiple services of the first building control device 12a that are currently down and / or unresponsive. In some instances, the first building control device 12 may include a camera. In some instances, and as shown in Table 1, the services running on the first building control device 12 may include a video analytics service that applies one or more video analytics to a video stream captured by the camera. In some instances, the services running on the first building control device 12 may include a camera control service that controls the pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and / or aperture of the camera. In some instances, the services running on the first building control device 12 may include a streaming service that controls the streaming of the video stream captured by the camera. These are just examples.

[0040] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method 20 for monitoring the health status of each of a plurality of services running on a building control device (such as the building control device 12) of a building control system (such as the building control system 10), wherein the health status of each of the plurality of services is selected from two or more predetermined health status conditions including a normal health status and a suspended health status, wherein the suspended health status indicates that the corresponding service is currently down and / or unresponsive. The exemplary method 20 includes: the building control device determining the health status of each of the plurality of services running on the building control device, as shown at block 22. The building control device wirelessly transmits the health status of at least those services (if any) running on the building control device that are determined to have the suspended health status, as shown at block 24. In some examples, the building control system includes a video surveillance system and the building control device includes a camera.

[0041] In some instances, the plurality of services may include a video analytics service that applies one or more video analytics to a video stream captured by the camera. In some instances, the plurality of services may include a camera control service that controls pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and / or iris of the camera. In some instances, the plurality of services may include a streaming service that controls streaming of the video stream captured by the camera. In some instances, the plurality of services may include a network service that controls network communications between the building control device and one or more other devices of the building control system. In some instances, at least some of the plurality of services correspond to one or more applications running on the building control device, wherein the one or more applications are separate from and supported by an operating system of the building control device. In some instances, the building control system may include a video surveillance system, and the building control device may include one of a camera, an intrusion sensor, and an access control device. In some instances, the building control system may include a heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system, and the building control device may include an HVAC device.

[0042] In some instances, the building control system includes a central controller, and the building control device is operatively coupled to the central controller via a first network. The method 20 may also include establishing a peer-to-peer communication path between the building control device and a neighboring building control device of the building control system, wherein the peer-to-peer communication path is separate from the first network, as shown at block 26. In this example, the building control device sends the health status of at least those services running on the building control device that are determined to have the pending health status to the neighboring building control device via the peer-to-peer communication path, as shown at block 28. In response to receiving the health status of at least those services running on the building control device that are determined to have the pending health status from the building control device, the neighboring building control device reports an alarm to the central controller via the first network, the alarm indicating that at least one service of the building control device has the pending health status, as shown at block 30. In some instances, the first network is a wired network. In some instances, the peer-to-peer communication path is a wireless communication path. In some cases, the building control device reports an alarm to the central controller via the first network, the alarm indicating that at least one service of the building control device has the suspended health state.

[0043] Figure 33 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method 32 for monitoring the health status of each of a plurality of services running on a building control device (such as the building control device 12) of a building control system (such as the building control system 10), wherein the health status of each of the plurality of services is selected from two or more predetermined health status conditions including a normal health status and a suspended health status, wherein the suspended health status indicates that the corresponding service is currently down and / or unresponsive. The exemplary method 32 includes: the building control device determining the health status of each of the plurality of services running on the building control device, as shown at block 34. The building control device wirelessly transmits the health status of at least those services (if any) running on the building control device that are determined to have the suspended health status, as shown at block 36.

[0044] In some examples, the building control system includes a central controller, and the building control device and the neighboring building control device of the building control system are operatively coupled to the central controller via a first network. The method 32 may also include: the building control device is configured to wirelessly transmit a health status message to the neighboring building control device via a peer-to-peer communication path during a predetermined time window, as shown at block 38. When the building control device fails to wirelessly transmit the health status message via the peer-to-peer communication path during the predetermined time window, the neighboring building control device reports an alarm to the central controller via the first network, as shown at block 40. As an example, the health status message may include the health status of at least those services running on the building control device that are determined to have the pending health status (if any).

[0045] Figure 4 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 42 for monitoring services running on a building control device, such as the building control device 12, of a building control system, such as the building control system 10. The exemplary method 42 includes repeatedly and actively monitoring a plurality of services running on the building control device to identify under what circumstances one or more of the plurality of services are currently down and / or unresponsive, as shown at block 44. In response to identifying that one or more of the plurality of services of the building control device are currently down and / or unresponsive, reporting a fault to a central building controller of the building control system via a network, as shown at block 46.

[0046] In some examples, method 42 may include, in response to the reporting of the fault, taking action to correct the one or more services of the plurality of services of the building control device that are currently down and / or unresponsive, as shown at block 48. As an example, taking action may include restarting the building control device. As another example, taking action may include restarting the one or more services of the plurality of services of the building control device that are currently down and / or unresponsive. These are just examples.

[0047] In some examples, the method 42 may include establishing a peer-to-peer communication path between the building control device and a neighboring building control device of the building control system, as shown at block 50. The neighboring building control device may identify the fault via one or more communications between the building control device and the neighboring building control device across the peer-to-peer communication path, as shown at block 52. The neighboring building control device may report the fault to the central building controller of the building control system via a network separate from the peer-to-peer communication path, as shown at block 54.

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary security system 56. For example, the exemplary security system 56 can be considered an example of a building control system 10. The security system 56 includes several cameras 58, which are respectively labeled as 58a, 58b, and 58c. Although a total of three cameras 58 are shown, it should be understood that this is merely exemplary, as the security system 56 can include any number of cameras 58, and in some instances can include far more than three cameras 58. The security system 56 includes a central controller 60, which can communicate with the cameras via a network 62. The network 62 can be a wired network. In some instances, the network 62 can be a wireless network. For example, the network 62 can be a single network, or can represent two or more networks coupled together.

[0049] In some instances, each of the cameras 58 may include wireless communication capabilities. In some instances, the cameras 58 may establish a wireless peer-to-peer (P2P) communication path 64 between separate cameras 58. As an example, the P2P communication path 64 may include a branch 64a formed between camera 58a and camera 58c. The P2P communication path 64 may include a branch 64b formed between camera 58c and camera 58b. The P2P communication path 64 may include a branch 64c formed between camera 58b and camera 58a. In some instances, the P2P communication path 64 is dynamically established because the cameras 58 find themselves within communication range with one or more other cameras 58. Each of the cameras 58 may dynamically form a P2P communication path 64 with one, two, three or more different cameras 58, which is limited only by the wireless communication range and signal strength.

[0050] Figure 6 6 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary camera 58. For example, the details shown in the camera 58 may be included in any or all of the cameras 58. The camera 58 includes an I / O port 66 for transmitting a video stream captured by the corresponding camera 58 to the central controller 60 via one or more networks 62. For example, the camera 58 includes a wireless peer-to-peer communication port 68 for establishing wireless peer-to-peer communication with one or more adjacent cameras in the plurality of cameras 58 via a P2P communication path 64. The camera 58 includes a camera controller 70 that is operatively coupled to the I / O port 66 and the wireless peer-to-peer communication port 68.

[0051] In some cases, the camera controller 70 includes a lower functionality mode, wherein in the lower functionality mode, the corresponding camera generates a lower quality video stream, which causes the corresponding camera to consume less power and / or causes the corresponding camera to consume less bandwidth when the lower quality video stream is transmitted to the central controller via the one or more networks. The camera controller 70 also includes a higher functionality mode, wherein in the higher functionality mode, the corresponding camera generates a higher quality video stream, which causes the corresponding camera to consume more power and / or causes the corresponding camera to consume more bandwidth when the higher quality video stream is transmitted to the central controller via the one or more networks. When so provided, the camera controller 70 is configured to detect the occurrence of a security event adjacent to a first camera in the plurality of cameras 58 when the first camera in the plurality of cameras 58 is in the lower functionality mode, and in response, the camera controller 70 is configured to switch to the higher functionality mode and send a message to one or more adjacent cameras in the plurality of cameras 58 via the wireless peer-to-peer communication port 68 to switch the one or more adjacent cameras in the plurality of cameras 58 from their lower functionality mode to their higher functionality mode.

[0052] In some examples, the camera controller 70 can be configured to detect the occurrence of a security event adjacent to the first camera in the plurality of cameras 58 by detecting motion in the lower quality video stream. In some examples, the camera controller 70 can be configured to detect the occurrence of a security event adjacent to the first camera in the plurality of cameras 58 by detecting motion from a motion sensor (e.g., a PIR sensor) operatively coupled to the camera controller 70.

[0053] In some instances, the camera controller 70 may place the first of the plurality of cameras 58 in the lower functionality mode according to a programmable schedule. In some instances, the camera controller 70 may maintain the higher functionality mode for a predetermined time after no security event is detected in the higher functionality mode. In some instances, the camera controller 70 may be configured to detect the occurrence of a security event in a predetermined area adjacent to the first of the plurality of cameras 58 while the first of the plurality of cameras 58 is in the lower functionality mode, and in response, the camera controller 70 may be configured to switch to the higher functionality mode and send a message to one or more adjacent cameras of the plurality of cameras 58 via the wireless peer to peer communication port 68 to switch the one or more adjacent cameras of the plurality of cameras 58 from their lower functionality mode to their higher functionality mode. In some cases, the predefined area may represent only a portion of the field of view of the first of the plurality of cameras 58 (e.g., an area corresponding to a window or door).

[0054] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary security system 72. For example, the exemplary security system 72 can be considered an example of a building control system 10. The security system 72 includes several security sensors 74, which are respectively labeled as 74a, 74b, and 74c. Although a total of three security sensors 74 are shown, it should be understood that this is merely illustrative, as the security system 72 can include any number of security sensors 74, and in some instances can include far more than three security sensors 74. The security system 72 includes a central security controller 76, which can communicate with the security sensors 74 via a network 78. The network 78 can be a wired network. In some instances, the network 78 can be a wireless network. For example, the network 78 can be a single network, or can represent two or more networks coupled together.

[0055] In some instances, each of the security sensors 74 may include wireless communication capabilities. In some instances, the security sensors 74 may establish a wireless peer-to-peer (P2P) communication path 80 between separate security sensors 74. As an example, the P2P communication path 80 may include a branch 80a formed between the security sensor 74a and the security sensor 74c. The P2P communication path 80 may include a branch 80b formed between the security sensor 74c and the security sensor 74b. The P2P communication path 80 may include a branch 80c formed between the security sensor 74b and the security sensor 74a. In some instances, the P2P communication path 80 is dynamically established because the security sensors 74 find themselves within the communication range of one or more other security sensors 74. Each of the security sensors 74 may dynamically form a P2P communication path 80 with one, two, three or more different security sensors 74, which is limited only by the wireless communication range and signal strength.

[0056] The security sensor 74 may be considered to include a first security sensor, such as a security sensor 74a, which is configured to detect a security event. In response to the first security sensor 74a detecting the security event, the first security sensor 74a may send a message to a first adjacent security sensor (such as a security sensor 74b) via a wireless peer-to-peer communication path 80, indicating that the first security sensor 74a detected the security event. The first adjacent security sensor 74b either verifies the security event by detecting the security event or does not verify the security event by not detecting the security event. The first security sensor 74a and / or the first adjacent security sensor 74b reports the security event to the central security controller 76 of the security system 72 via a network 78 separate from the wireless peer-to-peer communication path 80, and the reported security event is assigned a confidence score, which depends on whether the first adjacent security sensor 74a can verify the security event. In some instances, the first security sensor 74a may be a different sensor type than the first adjacent security sensor 74b. As an example, the first security sensor 74a may include a camera, and the first adjacent security sensor 74b may include a motion sensor.

[0057] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 82 for monitoring device health of a building control device. The exemplary method 82 includes establishing a peer-to-peer communication path between the building control device and a neighboring building control device, as shown at block 84. Establishing a time window to send one or more device health parameters from the building control device to the neighboring building control device via the peer-to-peer communication path, the one or more device health parameters providing an indication of the device health of the building control device, as shown at block 86. When the neighboring building control device does not receive the one or more device health parameters from the building control device during the time window, the neighboring building control device sends an alert to the building control system, as shown at block 88. In some examples, the neighboring building control device sends the alert to the building control system via a communication network separate from the peer-to-peer communication path.

[0058] In some cases, a plurality of building control devices may be configured and arranged such that each of the plurality of building control devices communicates with a neighboring building control device of the plurality of building control devices via a peer-to-peer communication path in a round-robin manner. In such an arrangement, each building control device communicates with the neighboring building control device of the plurality of building control devices during an assigned time window. When no communication is received during the respective time window, the building control device that should have transmitted during the respective time window has been unresponsive, and in some cases, an alert may be provided to the central security controller. When a communication is received during the respective time window, the status of one or more device health parameters received from the building control device may be analyzed by the neighboring building control device, and an alert may be provided to the central security controller when appropriate.

[0059] Fig. 9 1 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method 90 for monitoring the health status of each of a plurality of services running on a building control device of a building control system, wherein the health status of each of the plurality of services is selected from two or more predetermined health status conditions including a normal health status and a suspended health status, wherein the suspended health status indicates that the corresponding service is currently down and / or unresponsive. The exemplary method 90 includes: establishing a peer-to-peer communication path between the building control device of the building control system and a neighboring building control device, as shown at block 92. The building control device determines the health status of each of the plurality of services running on the building control device, as shown at block 94. The method 00 includes: sending the health status of each of the plurality of services of the building control device to the neighboring building control device via the peer-to-peer communication path, as shown at block 96. When the health status of one or more of the plurality of services of the building control device is in the suspended health status, the neighboring building control device reports an alarm to the building control system, as shown at block 98. In some examples, the neighboring building control device may report the alarm to the building control system via a communication network separate from the peer-to-peer communication path.

[0060] Fig.101 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method 100 for operating a security camera, the security camera comprising: an I / O port for transmitting a video stream captured by a corresponding camera to a central controller via one or more networks; and a wireless peer-to-peer communication port for establishing wireless peer-to-peer communication with one or more adjacent security cameras. The exemplary method 100 includes placing the camera controller in a lower functionality mode, wherein in the lower functionality mode, the security camera generates a lower quality video stream, which when transmitted to the central controller via the one or more networks, causes the security camera to consume less power and / or causes the security camera to consume less bandwidth, as shown at block 102. While the security camera is in the lower functionality mode, detecting an occurrence of a security event adjacent to the security camera, as shown at block 104. In response, the security camera is switched to a higher functionality mode, wherein in the higher functionality mode, the security camera generates a higher quality video stream that, when transmitted to the central controller via the one or more networks, causes the security camera to consume more power and / or causes the security camera to consume more bandwidth, as shown at block 104a. Also, in response, a message is sent to one or more of the neighboring security cameras via the wireless peer to peer communication port to switch the one or more neighboring security cameras from their lower functionality mode to their higher functionality mode, as shown at block 104b.

[0061] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B1 is a flowchart collectively illustrating an exemplary method 106 for operating a security system, the security system including a plurality of sensors, each sensor for detecting a respective security event. The method 106 includes: detecting a security event via a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, as shown at block 108. Sending a message indicating that the first sensor of the plurality of sensors detected the security event to a first adjacent sensor of the plurality of sensors via a wireless peer-to-peer communication path, the message indicating that the first sensor of the plurality of sensors detected the security event, as shown at block 110. The first adjacent sensor of the plurality of sensors performs a number of actions, as shown at block 112. The number of actions include: receiving the message, as shown at block 112a. The number of actions include: determining whether the first adjacent sensor of the plurality of sensors also detected the security event, as shown at block 112b. The number of actions include: when the first adjacent sensor of the plurality of sensors did not detect the security event, reporting the security event to a central security controller with a lower confidence score, as shown at lock 112c. The number of actions include: when the first adjacent sensor in the plurality of sensors also detects the security event, reporting the security event to the central security controller with a confidence score higher than the lower confidence score, as shown in box 112d. In some instances, the first sensor in the plurality of sensors can be a different sensor type than the first adjacent sensor in the plurality of sensors. As an example, the first sensor in the plurality of sensors can include a camera, and the first adjacent sensor in the plurality of sensors can include a motion sensor. In some instances, method 106 can also include: automatically pairing the first sensor in the plurality of sensors with the first adjacent sensor in the plurality of sensors.

[0062] In some instances, and as in Fig. 11BContinuing from above, method 106 may include sending a message from the first sensor of the plurality of sensors to a second neighboring sensor of the plurality of sensors via a wireless peer-to-peer communication path, the message indicating that the first sensor of the plurality of sensors detected the security event, as shown at block 116. The second neighboring sensor of the plurality of sensors takes a number of actions, as shown at block 118. The actions include receiving the message, as shown at block 118a. The actions include determining whether the second neighboring sensor of the plurality of sensors also detects the security event, as shown at block 118b. The actions include reporting the security event to the central security controller with a lower confidence score when the first neighboring sensor of the plurality of sensors does not detect the security event, as shown at block 118c. The actions include reporting the security event to the central security controller with a medium confidence score when the first neighboring sensor of the plurality of sensors detects the security event but the second neighboring sensor of the plurality of sensors does not detect the security event, as shown at block 118d. The actions include reporting the security event to the central security controller with a high confidence score when the first adjacent sensor of the plurality of sensors detects the security event and the second adjacent sensor of the plurality of sensors detects the security event, as shown at block 118e.

[0063] Although several exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in this manner, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that other embodiments may be made and used within the scope of the claims appended hereto. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is in many respects merely illustrative. Details (especially details related to shape, size, arrangement of parts, and exclusion and order of steps) may be changed without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure. Of course, the scope of the present disclosure is defined in the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the health status of each of a plurality of services running on a building control device of a building control system, wherein the health status of each of the plurality of services is selected from two or more predetermined health status conditions including a normal health status and a suspended health status, wherein the suspended health status indicates that the corresponding service is currently down and / or unresponsive, the method comprising: determining, by the building control device, the health status of each of the plurality of services running on the building control device; and The building control device wirelessly transmits the health status of at least those services, if any, running on the building control device that are determined to have the pending health status. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the building control system comprises a video surveillance system and the building control device comprises a camera.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the building control system includes a central controller, and wherein the building control device is operatively coupled to the central controller via a first network, the method further comprising: establishing a peer-to-peer communication path between the building control device and an adjacent building control device of the building control system, wherein the peer-to-peer communication path is separate from the first network; the building control device sending, via the peer-to-peer communication path, to the neighboring building control device the health status of at least those services running on the building control device that are determined to have the pending health status; as well as In response to receiving from the building control device the health status of at least those services running on the building control device that are determined to have the suspended health status, the neighboring building control device reports an alarm to the central controller via the first network, the alarm indicating that at least one service of the building control device has the suspended health status.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the building control system includes a central controller, and wherein the building control devices and neighboring building control devices of the building control system are operatively coupled to the central controller via a first network, the method further comprising: The building control device is configured to wirelessly transmit a health status message to the neighboring building control device via a peer-to-peer communication path during a predetermined time window; as well as When the building control device fails to wirelessly transmit the health status message via the peer-to-peer communication path during the predetermined time window, the neighboring building control device reports an alarm to the central controller via the first network.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the health status message includes the health status of at least those services (if any) running on the building control device that are determined to have the pending health status.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of services comprises one or more of the following: a video analytics service that applies one or more video analytics to a video stream captured by the camera; a camera control service that controls the pan, tilt, zoom, focus and / or iris of the camera; a streaming service that controls streaming of a video stream captured by the camera; and A network service controls network communications between the building control device and one or more other devices of the building control system.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of services correspond to one or more applications running on the building control device, wherein the one or more applications are separate from and supported by an operating system of the building control device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the building control system further comprises: a video surveillance system, and the building control device includes one of a camera, an intrusion sensor, and an access control device; and / or A heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system, and the building control equipment includes HVAC equipment.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: automatically taking action to correct the one or more of the plurality of services of the building control device that are determined to be currently down and / or unresponsive, wherein taking action comprises one or more of the following: re-starting the building control equipment; and Restarting the one or more services of the plurality of services of the building control device that are currently shut down and / or unresponsive.

10. A building control system, comprising: multiple building control devices; a central building controller, wherein the plurality of building control devices are operatively coupled to the central building controller via one or more networks; a first building control device of the plurality of building control devices establishing a wireless peer-to-peer communication path with a second adjacent building control device of the plurality of building control devices, wherein the wireless peer-to-peer communication path is separate from the one or more networks; the first of the plurality of building control devices and / or the second of the plurality of building control devices repeatedly and actively monitoring a plurality of services running on the first building control device to identify under what circumstances one or more of the plurality of services running on the first building control device are currently down and / or unresponsive; as well as In response to identifying that one or more of the multiple services of the first building control device of the multiple building control devices are currently down and / or unresponsive, the second building control device of the multiple building control devices reports a fault to the central building controller via the one or more networks.

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