System for safety and hazard detection using air pressure data

Abstract

A system is provided that includes a controller and a first pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor is configured to detect a first air pressure within the house at a first time and a second air pressure within the house at a second time. The first pressure sensor is in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to receive a first air pressure and a second air pressure within the premises from the first pressure sensor, determine a pressure change within the premises using at least the first air pressure and the second air pressure, and compare the pressure change within the premises to a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold. The controller is configured to determine a first output associated with a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 348,190, filed June 2, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to using pressure data to detect one or more safety and / or hazard conditions at a residence, and in certain specific embodiments, it discloses using pressure data inside and / or outside the residence to determine one or more actions to be taken based on one or more safety and / or hazard conditions detected at the residence. As an example, this disclosure describes using pressure data inside and / or outside the residence to determine one or more control actions to be taken at a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system, and in some cases, one or more control actions are performed at the HVAC system based on the pressure data inside and / or outside the residence. For example, the embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to residential automation, comfort, and / or security systems and networks. Background Technology

[0004] Traditionally, safety and hazard conditions are detected at a building using multiple cameras, motion detectors, and fire detectors. However, the data collected using such conventional cameras, motion detectors, and fire detectors can be limited, thus restricting the actions that can be taken or otherwise notified based on this data. For example, certain types of conditions at a building may potentially go undetected if the sensitivity of the cameras, motion detectors, or fire detectors is not set to the level required to detect certain types of conditions, or more generally, if such conventional safety and hazard detectors lack the appropriate parameters to detect certain types of conditions. On the other hand, certain types of conditions may trigger false alarms if the sensitivity of the cameras, motion detectors, or fire detectors is set to too fine a level. As another example, one or more actions taken due to certain types of conditions detected at a building could benefit from data that allows for the derivation of anticipated future events, such as weather-related events or locations where people at the building are moving, and where the conventional safety and hazard detectors may be insufficient to derive reasonable predictions of these anticipated future events. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to devices, systems, and methods for using, in certain instances, house pressure data in conjunction with other types of data to detect one or more certain types of conditions at a house, and in some further such instances, cause one or more house-based systems to adjust based at least in part on the house pressure data. Embodiments disclosed herein can utilize pressure data to determine one or more characteristics at a house indicative of one or more types of conditions present at or expected to be present at the house, and in certain such embodiments, such pressure data (e.g., and determined one or more characteristics at the house indicative of one or more types of conditions present at or expected to be present at the house based on the pressure data) can be used to determine one or more actions to take at the house. Examples of one or more such actions to take at the house based on such pressure data (e.g., and determined one or more characteristics at the house indicative of one or more types of conditions present at or expected to be present at the house based on the pressure data) can include one or more actions to take by a house HVAC system or other controllable house system (e.g., a door (garage door) or window opening / closing system) due to one or more characteristics determined from the pressure data at the house.

[0006] As one such example, embodiments described in this disclosure can utilize pressure data at a house to manage airflow within the house in a desired manner. In certain such embodiments, based on pressure data detected at the house (e.g., inside the house and / or outside the house), a controller can take one or more actions to cause an adjustment in airflow at the house (e.g., at a particular region of the house). For example, based on pressure data at the house, the controller can actuate one or more dampers at the house (e.g., at an air duct, such as adjacent to an air duct intake and / or an air duct outlet) to cause an adjusted airflow at a particular corresponding region of the house. In the case of an adjusted airflow within the house resulting from the actuation of one or more dampers by the controller, this can, for example, cause an airflow to move from one region to another region, or even possibly substantially stop airflow to a particular region for a limited period of time. This can be useful, for example, to adjust airflow within a house based on a change in pressure detected within the house that matches a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, which can correspond to one or more of: an open door or window, a presence of a person at the house, and a presence of an internal hazard (e.g., a gas and / or a fire). Thus, in certain embodiments, the ability to utilize a detected pressure change to adjust airflow within a house can allow for increased HVAC efficiency, for example, by adjusting airflow to reduce inefficiencies resulting from an open door or window and / or by adjusting airflow in a manner that takes into account a location of a person at the house. Also, in certain embodiments, the ability to utilize a detected pressure change to adjust airflow within a house can allow for a reduction in potential damage caused by a detected internal hazard (e.g., a gas and / or a fire) in a manner that reduces airflow to a location of the internal hazard (e.g., a fire) or directs airflow to a location of the internal hazard to help remedy the internal hazard (e.g., a gas) at that location.

[0007] As another such example, embodiments described in this disclosure can utilize pressure data at a house to determine safety actions to take. In certain such embodiments, based on pressure data detected at a house (e.g., inside the house and / or outside the house), a controller can take one or more actions to cause selection and output of a safety action related to the house. For example, when a pressure change of the house matches a first predetermined interior pressure change threshold, the controller can determine a first safety output associated with the first predetermined interior pressure change threshold. As one example, the first predetermined interior pressure change threshold can be associated with a presence of a trespasser at the house (e.g., because the controller received an input that an occupant has left the house, and the controller determined that the pressure change of the house matches the first predetermined interior pressure change threshold when the occupant is away from the house), and the controller can be configured to determine a first safety output associated with the presence of the trespasser at the house, which can be, for example, a notification to a remote device (e.g., a remote server, a remote user device such as a mobile phone, a remote monitoring station) and / or actuation of a house security device (e.g., recording a video at a camera at the house; turning on an alarm at the house; actuating an alarm condition at a security system at the house; turning on one or more lights at the house).

[0008] As a further such example, embodiments described in this disclosure can utilize pressure data at a house to determine hazard remediation actions to take. In certain such embodiments, based on pressure data detected at a house (e.g., inside the house and / or outside the house), a controller can take one or more actions to cause selection and output of a hazard remediation action related to the house. For example, when a pressure change at a house matches a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, the controller can determine an action to take at a device at the house to remediate a particular detected hazard condition. As one example, the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be associated with presence of a vehicle at an enclosed parking structure at the house (e.g., because the controller receives a pressure measurement input at the enclosed parking structure to determine that a pressure change at the enclosed parking structure matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, which is associated with presence of a vehicle at the enclosed parking structure), and the controller can be configured to determine a first output associated with presence of a vehicle at the enclosed parking structure, which can be, for example, a notification to a remote device (e.g., a remote server, a remote user device such as a mobile phone, a remote monitoring station) and / or actuation of a house device (e.g., output an actuation command to cause a garage door actuator to open or close a garage door at the enclosed parking structure). As another example, the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be associated with opening of a door or window, and the first predetermined external pressure change threshold can be associated with a weather condition outside the house (e.g., a storm, a hurricane, a tornado, a wildfire, etc.), and when a pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined external pressure change threshold, the controller can be configured to generate a door or window alert, for example indicating that a door or window at the house is open, but given the current or expected weather condition outside the house, it is recommended that the door or window at the house be closed.

[0009] One embodiment includes a system. The system embodiment includes a controller and a first pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor is configured to detect a first air pressure within a house at a first time and a second air pressure within the house at a second time, where the first time is different than the second time. The first pressure sensor is in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to receive the first air pressure and the second air pressure within the house from the first pressure sensor, determine a pressure change within the house using at least the first air pressure and the second air pressure, and compare the pressure change within the house to a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold. When the pressure change within the house matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, the controller is configured to determine a first output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold.

[0010] In further embodiments of the system, the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to an opening of a door or window, and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an entry alert to a remote device. In such exemplary embodiments, the controller is further configured to compare the change in pressure within the house to a second predetermined internal pressure change threshold, and when the change in pressure within the house matches the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold, determine a second output associated with the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold, wherein the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold is different than the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold. For example, the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold can correspond to a presence of a person at the house, and the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be a burglar alert to a remote device.

[0011] In further embodiments of the system, the system further comprises a security sensor in communication with the controller. The controller is further configured to receive security data at the house from the security sensor, and when the change in pressure within the house matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the security data matches a first predetermined house security threshold, the controller is configured to determine the first output associated with each of the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the first predetermined house security threshold.

[0012] In further embodiments of the system, the system further comprises a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit located at the premises and in communication with the controller. The first output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an HVAC adjustment command such that when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, the controller is configured to send the HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit. In one such example embodiment, the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to the presence of an internal hazard within the premises, and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit. For example, the internal hazard can be a fire, and the HVAC adjustment command can be a damper adjustment command to limit the supply of air provided within the premises. In such example embodiments where the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to the presence of an internal hazard within the premises and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit, the system can further comprise a gas or fire sensor in communication with the controller, and the controller can be further configured to receive gas or fire data at the premises from the gas or fire sensor, and when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the gas or fire data matches a first predetermined premises gas or fire threshold, the controller can be further configured to determine the first output associated with each of the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the first predetermined premises gas or fire threshold. In another example embodiment where the system comprises an HVAC unit and the first output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an HVAC adjustment command, the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can correspond to the presence of a person within the premises, and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be an HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit to alter a temperature setpoint setting.

[0013] In further embodiments of the system, the system further comprises a second pressure sensor configured to detect a third air pressure outside the house at a third time and a fourth air pressure outside the house at a fourth time, wherein the third time is different than the fourth time. The second pressure sensor is in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to receive the third and fourth air pressures outside the house from the second pressure sensor, determine a pressure change outside the house using at least the third and fourth air pressures, compare the pressure change outside the house to a first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, and when the pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, the controller is configured to determine a second output associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold. In one such example embodiment, the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold corresponds to a weather condition outside the house, and the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold is a weather condition alert to the remote device. In another such example embodiment, the first predetermined inside pressure change threshold corresponds to an opening of a door or window, the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold corresponds to a weather condition outside the house, and when the pressure change inside the house matches the first predetermined inside pressure change threshold and the pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, the controller is configured to generate a door or window alert to the remote device. For example, the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold can correspond to a first weather condition outside the house and the second predetermined outside pressure change threshold can correspond to a second weather condition outside the house, and when the pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, the controller can be configured to generate a door or window alert to the remote device, and when the pressure change outside the house matches the second predetermined outside pressure change threshold, the controller is configured to generate a shelter alert to the remote device. In another such example embodiment, the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold can correspond to a weather condition outside the house, and the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold can be a damper adjustment command to adjust an air damper at the house to alter an amount of air passing through the damper.

[0014] In further embodiments of the system, the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to the presence of a vehicle at the enclosed parking structure at the premises. In one such example embodiment, the system can further include a garage door actuator configured to open and close a garage door at the enclosed parking structure, and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be an actuation command to cause the garage door actuator to open or close the garage door at the enclosed parking structure. For example, the example system embodiment can further include a gas sensor configured to detect a gas concentration at the enclosed parking structure, and the gas sensor can be in communication with the controller. The controller can be configured to receive the gas concentration at the enclosed parking structure from the gas sensor, compare the gas concentration to a first predetermined gas threshold, and when the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the gas concentration matches the first predetermined gas threshold, the controller can be configured to generate the actuation command to cause the garage door actuator to open the garage door. In further such examples, the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can correspond to the presence of a vehicle having a running motor at the enclosed parking structure at the premises, and the controller can determine that the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold before determining that the gas concentration matches the first predetermined gas threshold. In another such example embodiment, the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be a damper adjustment command to adjust an air damper in fluid communication with the enclosed parking structure to alter the amount of air passing through the damper.

[0015] Another embodiment includes a method for detecting one or more security, hazard, and / or weather conditions at a premises using sensor data and determining one or more outputs associated with the detected one or more security, hazard, and / or weather conditions at the premises. The method embodiment includes the steps of receiving sensor data (e.g., from a pressure sensor inside the premises and / or from a pressure sensor outside the premises), determining a change in at least one data parameter of the received sensor data (e.g., a change in pressure inside the premises and / or outside the premises), and comparing the change in the at least one data parameter to a predetermined data change threshold (e.g., a predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or a predetermined external pressure change threshold). Also, when the change in the at least one data parameter matches the predetermined data change threshold, the method embodiment further includes the step of determining at least one output associated with at least one security, hazard, and / or weather condition corresponding to the predetermined data change threshold. One example of the output determining step can include causing a security system alarm condition associated with the presence of a trespasser to be actuated at the premises, the presence of the trespasser corresponding to at least a change in internal pressure matching the predetermined internal pressure change threshold. Another example of the output determining step can include causing an adjustment to a component of an HVAC system at the premises associated with the presence of a fire or gas leak, the presence of the fire or gas leak corresponding to at least a change in internal pressure matching the predetermined internal pressure change threshold. Yet another example of the output determining step can include causing an alarm associated with an open door / window status at the premises when a weather event is occurring or expected to occur, the open door / window status at the premises corresponding to at least a change in external pressure at the premises matching the predetermined external pressure change threshold.

[0016] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The following drawings are illustrative of particular examples of the present application and, as such, are not limiting of the present application's scope. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, as the embodiments can include exaggerated or idealized representations, and are intended for use in explanation of the principles disclosed herein and not in limitation of the application as claimed. Examples of the present application will be described in conjunction with the drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a premises with a pressure sensor in accordance with one or more techniques described herein.

[0019] Figure 2is a block diagram illustrating an example system for determining and causing outputs associated with at least pressure changes, in accordance with one or more techniques described herein. Figure 1

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a house network, in accordance with one or more techniques described herein.

[0021] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example system for determining and causing outputs associated with at least pressure changes, in accordance with one or more techniques described herein.

[0022] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a house with a pressure sensor and an HVAC system, including dampers for controlling flows of conditioned air, outside source air, and return air at a zone of the house, in accordance with one or more techniques described herein.

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a damper at an air duct, configured to incrementally control air flow via one or more damper positions incrementally between fully closed and fully open, in accordance with one or more techniques described herein.

[0024] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for determining and causing outputs associated with at least pressure changes, in accordance with one or more techniques described herein.

[0025] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example system for detecting hazardous conditions at an enclosed parking structure, in accordance with one or more techniques described herein.

[0026] Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method for detecting one or more safety, hazard, and / or weather conditions at a house using sensor data and determining one or more outputs associated with the detected one or more safety, hazard, and / or weather conditions at the house, in accordance with one or more techniques described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the application in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing examples of the application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples described can have suitable alternatives.

[0028] ​The present disclosure describes embodiments that utilize, at least, pressure data to determine one or more characteristics at a premises that can be used to determine one or more actions to be taken at the premises. For example, embodiments disclosed herein can determine one or more actions to be taken related to a premises device (e.g., an HVAC system, a security system, a door, and / or a window at the premises) as a result of one or more characteristics determined from, at least, pressure data at the premises.

[0029] As one such example, embodiments described in the present disclosure can utilize pressure data at a premises to manage airflow within the premises in a desired manner. In certain such embodiments, based on pressure data detected at the premises (e.g., inside the premises and / or outside the premises), a controller can take one or more actions to cause an adjustment in airflow at the premises (e.g., at a particular region of the premises). For example, based on pressure data at the premises, a controller can actuate one or more dampers at the premises (e.g., at an air duct, such as adjacent to an air duct intake and / or an air duct outlet) to cause an adjusted airflow at a particular corresponding region of the premises.

[0030] As another such example, embodiments described in the present disclosure can utilize pressure data at a premises to determine a security action to be taken. In certain such embodiments, based on pressure data detected at the premises (e.g., inside the premises and / or outside the premises), a controller can take one or more actions to cause a selection and output of a security action related to the premises. For example, when a pressure change of the premises matches a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, a controller can determine a first security output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold.

[0031] As a further such example, embodiments described in the present disclosure can utilize pressure data at a premises to determine a hazard remediation action to be taken. In certain such embodiments, based on pressure data detected at the premises (e.g., inside the premises and / or outside the premises), a controller can take one or more actions to cause a selection and output of a hazard remediation action related to the premises. For example, when a pressure change of the premises matches a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, a controller can determine an action to be taken at a device at the premises to remediate a particular detected hazard condition.

[0032] Figure 1is a conceptual block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a house 102 with pressure sensors 120, 122. The pressure sensors 120, 122 can be included in a system 100 for using at least pressure data (e.g., changes in pressure data) to determine one or more characteristics at a house 102 that can be used to determine one or more actions to take at the house 102. Thus, the system 100 can be configured, at least in part, for use at a house 102, which is generally a structure suitable for human habitation, such as a residence or office. An interior pressure sensor 120 can be configured to measure pressure within the house 102. In one or more examples, the interior pressure sensor 120 can be mounted on a wall, ceiling, or other suitable structure within the house 102. In one or more examples, the interior pressure sensor 120 can be configured to integrate with other control units of a residence, such as a smart home or home automation system (e.g., such as the Nest® system shown in the example). For example, as described elsewhere herein, the interior pressure sensor 120 can be in communication with a controller, and the controller can be in communication with one or more other house devices, such as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the house 102, a security system at the house 102, other non-pressure sensors at the house 102 (e.g., gas and / or fire sensors, glass break sensors, motion sensors, cameras, door / window contact sensors), and / or a door actuator (e.g., a garage door actuator) at the house 102. In certain examples, the interior pressure sensor 120 can be incorporated with one or more of these other house devices, such as a thermostat of an HVAC system. An exterior pressure sensor 122 (when included) can be configured to measure pressure outside of the house 102. Figure 3

[0033] In certain examples, the pressure sensors 120, 122 can be relatively highly sensitive pressure sensors (sometimes referred to as "micro-pressure sensors") that are configured to measure height changes as small as 1 cm and detect pressure with a sensitivity of fractions of a Pascal (Pa) (e.g., one-tenth or one-hundredth of a Pa). In certain examples, the pressure sensors 120, 122 can include sensors with a noise floor equal to or less than about 1 Pa, 0.5 Pa, 0.25 Pa, 0.1 Pa, or 0.01 Pa. In certain examples, the pressure sensor noise floor is less than 0.2 Pa, which is the noise in a pressure measurement for a condition in which there is no external pressure change, fluctuation, or pressure-induced noise for the sensor. The pressure sensors 120, 122 can be configured to periodically sample pressure measurements at the interior and / or exterior of the house 102 at preset intervals, such as at one-second or one-minute intervals.

[0034] The system 100 can include other components not shown in Figure 1 ​The processing capabilities explicitly shown and described elsewhere herein. For example, these processing capabilities can be located within devices inside the house 102, or can be accessed remotely, such as cloud accessible.

[0035] By using the internal pressure sensor 120 to periodically take internal pressure measurements within the house 102, the system 100 can identify, over time, internal pressure changes and / or the internal presence of one or more predetermined pressure signatures based on these internal pressure measurements. The system 100 can also use the external pressure sensor 122 to identify, over time, external pressure changes and / or the external presence of one or more predetermined pressure signatures occurring outside of the house 102. The system 100, for example at the controller, can then evaluate the internal pressure changes and / or the external pressure changes, and / or evaluate the internal pressure data for the presence of one or more predetermined pressure signatures and / or evaluate the external pressure data for the presence of one or more predetermined pressure signatures to determine an output associated with the internal pressure changes and / or the external pressure changes.

[0036] It will be apparent from the present disclosure that the detected internal and / or external pressure changes and / or predetermined pressure signatures can be used for a variety of different purposes, including each of the various applications disclosed herein. For example, the use of the measured pressure data can be used to detect events at the house 102, such as security, hazard, and / or weather events at the house 102. For example, the measured pressure data can be used to monitor for a break-in to the house 102, such as an open or broken window or an open door (e.g., the system 100 can be configured to identify one or more predetermined pressure signatures in the pressure data indicative of a door or window being opened; the system 100 can be configured to determine the presence of a person within the house 102 based on the detection of an open window / door and certain circumstances one or more additional data points from one or more other sensors at the house 102, such as air quality from gas and / or fire sensors, glass break sensors, motion sensors, cameras, door / window contact sensors).

[0037] Therefore, an exemplary application may utilize one or more pressure sensors, such as internal pressure sensor 120 (e.g., micro-pressure sensor) and / or external pressure sensor 122 (e.g., micro-pressure sensor), to detect current or anticipated events at house 102, and in some cases, to induce actions associated with the detected current or anticipated events. Examples include: performing (e.g., periodic) internal pressure measurements within house 102 using internal pressure sensor 120; identifying over time internal pressure changes and / or the presence of one or more predetermined pressure features in the internal pressure measurements; identifying over time external pressure changes and / or the presence of one or more predetermined pressure features in the external pressure data (e.g., using external pressure sensor 122, based on one or more external pressure measurements outside house 102); evaluating a dataset for internal and / or external pressure changes and / or evaluating a pressure dataset for the presence of one or more predetermined pressure features; and generating an output in response to the evaluation. In some such examples, the occurrence of an event may be indicated when the evaluation exceeds one or more predetermined statistical limits or coincides with or matches one or more predetermined pressure features.

[0038] In one or more examples, the system 100 at house 102 may include a memory and one or more processors implemented in circuitry and communicating with the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to periodically perform internal pressure measurements inside house 102 using an internal pressure sensor 120, indicating changes in internal pressure over time based on the internal pressure measurements, to periodically perform external pressure measurements outside house using an external pressure sensor 122, indicating changes in external pressure over time, and to use the system 100 at least in part to assess changes in internal and external pressure.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of components of system 200 according to one or more technologies of this disclosure. In some examples, system 200 may be configured to determine the occurrence or anticipated occurrence of an event at house 102, such as a safety, hazard, and / or weather event at house 102. System 200 may be... Figure 1 An example of system 100, used at least partially in Figure 1 The system is used at house 102. System 200 may include telemetry circuitry 258, processing circuitry 250, storage device 252, (multiple) external and internal pressure sensors 254, 256, and one or more other sensors 257 (e.g., such as...). Figure 3 (One or more of those sensors shown) and power supply 260. Processing circuitry 250 may include one or more processors configured to perform various operations of system 200.

[0040] existFigure 2 In the illustrated example, the storage device 252 can store pressure data obtained directly or indirectly from one or more pressure sensors, such as the internal pressure sensor(s) 256 and / or the external pressure sensor(s) 254 and / or the other sensor(s) 257 when so included in the system 200. The storage device 252 can further store pressure data 262 and an internal pressure noise dataset fit 264 that provides a measure of a relationship between external pressure data and internal pressure data. The system 200 can process sensed pressure data by using the processing circuit 250 to compare the internal pressure noise dataset fit 264 to one or more predetermined internal pressure signatures 266, for example, to determine an occurrence or an anticipated occurrence of an internal event at a premises (e.g., the premises 102 of Figure 1

[0041] As noted above, the system 200 can process pressure data from the internal pressure sensor(s) 256 and / or the external pressure sensor(s) 254 by using the processing circuit 250 to compare the internal pressure noise dataset fit 264 to one or more predetermined internal pressure signatures 266, for example, to determine an occurrence or an anticipated occurrence of an internal event at a premises (e.g., the premises 102 of Figure 1

[0042] ​​The system 200 can process the received pressure data by using the processing circuit 250 to compare the received pressure data to one or more stored predetermined pressure signatures 266, such as a plurality of different predetermined pressure signatures each corresponding to a different type of event at the premises. Also, when the processing circuit 250 determines that the received pressure data matches one of the stored predetermined pressure signatures 266, the processing circuit can determine that the received pressure data indicates a particular type of event at the premises corresponding to the matching predetermined pressure signature, e.g., using a stored correspondence table that relates each of the different predetermined pressure signatures to a particular type of security, hazard, and / or weather condition at the premises.

[0043] The predetermined pressure signatures can represent one or more characteristics of the received internal and / or external pressure data, such as one or more characteristics of the received pressure data corresponding to a particular type of security, hazard, and / or weather condition. For example, the predetermined pressure signatures can represent characteristics of the received internal and / or external pressure data, such as a rate of pressure change, a pressure noise, and / or a pressure waveform, where the rate of pressure change, the pressure noise, and / or the pressure waveform is indicative of a particular type of security, hazard, and / or weather condition at the premises.

[0044] Accordingly, in one example, the processing circuit 250 can compare the sensor pressure noise data set fit derived from the received house pressure data 264 to one or more predetermined pressure noise data features to determine whether the received house pressure data matches a particular predetermined pressure noise data feature and, thus, indicates the presence or anticipated presence of a particular safety, hazard, and / or weather condition at the house corresponding to that particular predetermined pressure noise data feature. For example, this can include comparing the sensor pressure noise set fit to a predetermined pressure feature that can be used to classify the data and determine the presence of a particular safety, hazard, and / or weather condition at the house. In certain examples, the predetermined pressure feature can include a degree of coupling according to a threshold to indicate the presence of a particular safety, hazard, and / or weather condition at the house. In certain examples, the processing circuit 250 evaluates noise calculations of internal sensor readings and external sensor readings over time. The noise calculations of internal and external sensor readings can be further evaluated to indicate a degree of coupling. Accordingly, the process can include evaluating the degree to which the pressure noise data set fit compares to one or more pressure features and satisfies a threshold. In certain examples, the threshold can consist of an increased magnitude of the pressure noise data set fit above a nominal condition and a time period of the increase. In another example, the processing circuit 250 can compare a rate of pressure change derived from the received house pressure data to one or more predetermined rate of pressure change features to determine whether the received house pressure data matches a particular predetermined rate of pressure change feature and, thus, indicates the presence or anticipated presence of a particular safety, hazard, and / or weather condition at the house corresponding to that particular predetermined rate of pressure change feature. In yet another example, the processing circuit 250 can compare a pressure waveform derived from the received house pressure data to one or more predetermined pressure waveform features to determine whether the received house pressure data matches a particular predetermined pressure waveform feature and, thus, indicates the presence or anticipated presence of a particular safety, hazard, and / or weather condition at the house corresponding to that particular predetermined pressure waveform feature.

[0045] In one or more examples, the system 200 does not store sensed pressure data and instead transmits or communicates pressure data to a remote device. The telemetry circuit 258 supports wireless communication between the system 200 and a remote device, such as another computing device that can receive data from the system 200. The processing circuit 250 of the system 200 can receive updates to programs stored in program memory 268, pressure signatures 266, and algorithms via the telemetry circuit 258. The telemetry circuit 258 in the system 200, as well as telemetry circuits in other devices and systems described herein, can accomplish communication through radio frequency (RF) communication techniques. The telemetry circuit 258 can transmit information to a remote system on a continuous basis, at periodic intervals, or upon request from the remote system.

[0046] The system 200 can communicate pressure data, pressure noise data set fits, alerts, or other information with an external database 228 (e.g., at an external computing device) via a wired or wireless connection. The external computing device can be, include, or otherwise be used in combination with a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant, a router, a modem, a remote server or cloud computing device, and / or related devices that allow the system 200 to communicate over a communication network, such as, for example, the Internet or other wired or wireless (such as cellular) connection. Communicating via a wired or wireless connection can allow the system 200 to be configured, controlled, or otherwise exchange data with the external computing device. In certain examples, the system 200 communicating via a wired or wireless connection can allow a user to set up the system 200 when first installing the system 200 at the premises 102. In certain examples, the system 200 and the external computing device communicate through a wireless network device, such as a router or switch. In other examples, the system 200 and the external computing device communicate through a wired connection, such as an Ethernet port, a USB connection, or other wired communication network.

[0047] The system 200 can communicate via a wired or wireless connection 226 with the external database 228 through a communication device. In certain examples, the wired or wireless connection 226 enables the system 200 to communicate with the external database 228 via a wireless connection that includes a network device, such as a router, an Ethernet port, or a switch. The system 200 and the external database 228 can also communicate through a wired connection, such as an Ethernet port, a USB connection, or other wired communication network. Communicating via the wired or wireless connection 226 can allow the system 200 to exchange data with the external database 228. Thus, the external database 228 can be located at a location outside of the building 102. In certain examples, the external database 228 can be, include, or otherwise be used in combination with a remote server, a cloud computing device, or a network of controllers configured to communicate with one another. For example, the system 200 can check with other pressure sensor(s) controller(s) in nearby buildings via the internet or a wide area network. The system 200 can include an on-board database because it is not capable of communicating via a communication device.

[0048] In certain examples, the external database 228 can be, or otherwise be included in, or accessed via, an external computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, etc.). For example, the system 200 can communicate via a Wi-Fi network connection with a smartphone device to exchange data with the external database. By communicating via a wired or wireless connection, the system 200 can exchange data with the external database.

[0049] The processing circuit 250 can include one or more processors, such as any one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), discrete logic circuitry, or other processing circuitry configured to provide the functionality ascribed herein to the processing circuit 250, which can be embodied as firmware, hardware, software, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In Figure 2In the illustrated example, processing circuit 250 can be configured to process pressure data information received from one or more pressure sensors, such as internal pressure sensor 256 and / or external pressure sensor 254 (when included) and / or one or more other sensors 257 (when so included). In certain examples, the processing of the pressure data information occurs in a device other than processing circuit 250 of system 200, such as a processor remote from system 200. Processing circuit 250 receives information regarding pressure data, such as information related to sensed pressures associated with internal locations of a house and / or information related to pressures associated with external locations of a house. In certain examples, processing circuit 250 can receive external pressure data from sources other than external pressure sensor 254. For example, processing circuit 250 can receive external data from external sources, such as weather stations, or cloud-shared data from other regional sensors.

[0051] Storage device 252 can be configured to store information within system 200 during operation. Storage device 252 can comprise a computer-readable storage medium or computer-readable storage device. In certain examples, storage device 252 includes one or more of a short-term memory or a long-term memory. Storage device 252 can include one or more of the following, e.g., a random access memory (RAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, or forms of electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable memory (EEPROM). In certain examples, storage device 252 is used to store data indicative of instructions, e.g., for execution by processing circuit 250. As discussed above, storage device 252 can be configured to store pressure data 262 and / or pressure noise data set fitting 264, and in certain embodiments, other non-pressure data related to a house.

[0052] Power supply 260 is configured to deliver operating power to the components of system 200. Power supply 260 can include a battery and power generation circuitry to produce the operating power. In certain examples, the battery is rechargeable to allow prolonged operation. Power supply 260 can include any one or more of a variety of battery types, such as nickel cadmium, and lithium ion.

[0053] In certain examples, the processing circuitry can instruct the sensors 254, 256 to sense pressure at preset times and / or in response to preset events. In one or more examples, the processing circuitry 250 of the system 200 can command the sampling rate of the internal pressure sensor 256 and / or the external pressure sensor 254. For example, the processing circuitry 250 can instruct the internal pressure sensor to take internal pressure measurements periodically. In certain examples, the processing circuitry 250 can instruct the external sensor 254 to take external pressure measurements periodically, e.g., at preset times. In one or more examples, taking internal pressure sensor measurements and / or taking external pressure sensor measurements occur at intervals of tenths of a second, intervals of one second, intervals of five seconds, intervals of ten seconds, intervals of sixty seconds, intervals of two minutes, intervals of fifteen minutes, intervals of thirty minutes, or intervals of one hour.

[0054] The processing circuitry 250 can use the internal pressure measurements to identify internal pressure changes over time. The processing circuitry 250 can further identify external pressure changes outside the house over time. Also, in certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 250 can acquire non-pressure data related to the house over the same time period as the internal and / or external pressure data.

[0055] In certain examples, the processing circuitry 250 is configured to evaluate a difference, such as one or more differences, between the internal pressure changes and the external pressure changes. In one or more examples, the processing circuitry 250 is configured to evaluate the internal pressure changes and the external pressure changes. In certain examples, the processing circuitry 250 is configured to use the pressure changes to determine the occurrence of a safety, hazard, and / or weather event at the house.

[0056] In certain examples, the processing circuitry 250 processes the pressure data. For example, the processing circuitry can calculate a root mean square (RMS) pressure fluctuation noise power (RMS pressure noise) of two or more consecutive samples to obtain a noise power in the internal and external pressure data. In certain examples, the processing circuitry further calculates an average of the RMS pressure noise data over time. In one or more examples, a pressure sensor sampling frequency of one sample per second sets the Nyquist frequency, e.g., at 0.5 Hz. In certain examples, the number of consecutive samples can be controlled for the noise calculation, and in certain examples, a lower frequency for the noise integration can also be controlled.

[0057] In one or more examples, a sampling shift function can occur. In certain examples, an upper Nyquist frequency can be set to capture pressure variations from, for example, wind and breeze fluctuations. In certain examples, the Nyquist frequency can be set at 0.5 Hz. In one or more examples, a lower sampling frequency can be set to reject low frequency weather and / or atmospheric pressure variations. In certain examples, a lower frequency roll-off can be set to reject below 0.05 Hz. In certain examples, the lower frequency can be set to reject below 0.2 Hz. In certain examples, the lower frequency can be set to reject below 0.1 Hz. In certain examples, the lower frequency can be set to reject below 0.05 Hz. In certain examples, the lower frequency can be set to reject below 0.033 Hz. In certain examples, the lower frequency can be set to reject below 0.025 Hz. In certain examples, the lower frequency can be set to reject below 0.02 Hz. In certain examples, the lower frequency can be set to reject below 0.01 Hz.

[0058] In certain examples, the processing circuitry can instruct the sensors 254, 256 to sense pressure at certain times or in response to certain events. In one or more examples, the processing circuitry 250 of the system 200 can instruct the sampling rate of the internal pressure sensor 256 and / or the external pressure sensor 254. For example, the processing circuitry 250 can instruct the internal pressure sensor to take internal pressure measurements periodically at preset intervals, such as any of the aforementioned preset intervals. Also, the processing circuitry 250 can use the internal pressure measurements to identify internal pressure changes over time. In certain examples, the processing circuitry 250 can further identify external pressure changes over time, where the external pressure changes are outside the building structure.

[0059] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a house network 20 in accordance with one or more techniques described herein. In certain embodiments, the system 100 at a house 102 can include a network, such as the house network 20. Various devices, including various types of sensor devices, can be deployed in the network 20. For example, in the network 20, various devices, including various sensor devices, can be in communication with a hub device 12, which can include the processing circuitry 250 described elsewhere herein. Thus, in certain embodiments, the hub device 12 can act as a controller as described elsewhere herein. In certain embodiments, the devices in the network 20 can be in data communication (e.g., bidirectional data communication) with the hub device 12. The network 20 can be installed within a building and surrounding house (collectively, a “house”).

[0060] Central device 12 may include computing devices configured to operate one or more systems within the building, such as HVAC / comfort, security, safety, and / or residential automation systems. For example, see the following reference... Figure 2 Further described, the central device 12 may include processing circuitry 250 configured to receive data (e.g., pressure data from internal and / or external pressure sensors 120, 122), such as data received from one or more sensor devices and / or from user input, and process the data to automate one or more systems within the building. For example, the central device 12 may automate, control, or otherwise manage systems, including heating and cooling, ventilation, lighting, alarms, or authorized access to individual rooms or other areas, as a non-limiting example. For instance, the central device 12 may include Resideo Technologies of Austin, Texas. of Central device 12 may include a wired connection to the power grid, but in some examples, it may include an internal power source, such as a battery, a supercapacitor, or another internal power source.

[0061] Devices on network 20 (including sensor devices) can be configured to collect or generate sensor data and transmit the sensor data to central device 12 for processing. In some examples, sensor devices may include controllable devices. Controllable devices can be configured to perform a specified function when the controllable device receives instructions (e.g., commands or other programming) to perform a function from central device 12. Examples of different types of sensor devices that can be included in network 20 are described below. Sensor devices may include a wired connection to the power grid or an internal power source such as a battery, supercapacitor, or another internal power source. Although Figure 1 The central device 12 is shown as various devices directly connected to the network 20, but in some examples, the network 20 may include one or more repeater nodes, each configured to act as an intermediate or “repeater” device.

[0062] For example, regarding Figure 1As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the network 20, in addition to the hub device 12, the network system 20 can include various devices, including various types of sensor devices. Exemplary types of sensor devices that can be deployed in the network system include thermostats 24A, 24B (collectively, thermostats 24), indoor motion sensors 26A and outdoor motion sensors 26B (collectively, motion sensors 26), door / window contact sensors 28, vent dampers 36A, 36B, 36C (collectively, vent dampers 36), a smart doorbell 37, an outdoor air sensor 38, outdoor infrared sensors 40A, indoor infrared sensors 40B (collectively, infrared sensors 40), an interior pressure sensor 120, and / or an exterior pressure sensor 122. In addition to sensor devices, the network system can include devices such as a router 33 and a mobile device 32.

[0063] The hub device 12 can be in wireless data communication with the thermostats 24, the motion sensors 26, the door / window contact sensors 28, the vent dampers 36, the smart doorbell 37, the outdoor air sensor 38, the infrared sensors 40, and the pressure sensors 120, 122. Each of the thermostats 24, the motion sensors 26, the door / window contact sensors 28, the vent dampers 36, the smart doorbell 37, the outdoor air sensor 38, the infrared sensors 40, and the pressure sensors 120, 122 can include a sensor device (e.g., a device configured to collect and / or generate sensor data), a controllable device, or both, as described herein. For example, the thermostats 24 can include comfort devices having sensors such as temperature sensors configured to measure ambient air temperature, humidity sensors configured to measure ambient moisture levels, and / or air quality sensors configured to measure air quality (e.g., the presence of pollutants in ambient air). In certain examples, the vent dampers 36 can include devices located within a vent or air duct that are configured to adjust the amount of air flow through the air duct in response to receiving instructions from the hub device 12.

[0064] The thermostats 24 can be configured to wirelessly transmit temperature, humidity, and / or air quality (e.g., sensor data) directly to the hub device 12. Additionally, the thermostats 24 can include controllable devices because they can activate or deactivate heating, cooling, or ventilation systems in response to receiving instructions from the hub device 12. For example, the thermostat 24A can collect temperature data and transmit the data to the hub device 12. In response to receiving the temperature data, the hub device 12 can determine that the corresponding room is too hot or too cold based on the temperature data and transmit a command to the thermostat 24A to activate the heating or cooling system at the appropriate time. In this example, each thermostat 24 can include both a sensor device and a controllable device within a single, distinct unit.

[0065] The indoor and outdoor motion sensors 26 can include a safety device configured to detect the presence of a nearby moving object based on detecting a signal, such as an electromagnetic signal, an audible signal, a magnetic signal, a vibration, or other signal. The detected signal can or can not be a reflection of a signal transmitted by the same device. In response to detecting the respective signal, the motion sensor 26 can generate sensor data indicating the presence of the object and wirelessly transmit the sensor data to the hub device 12. The hub device 12 can be configured to perform an action in response to receiving the sensor data, such as outputting an alarm, such as a notification to the mobile device 32, or by outputting a command for the respective motion sensor 26 to output an audible or visual alarm. In this example, each motion sensor 26 can include both a sensor device and a controllable device within a single unit.

[0066] The door and / or window contact sensors 28 can include a safety device configured to detect the opening of a door or window on which the door and / or window contact sensor 28 is installed. For example, the contact sensor 28 can include a first component mounted on a door or window and a second component mounted on a frame of the respective door or window. When the first component moves toward, across, or away from the second component, the contact sensor 28 can be configured to generate sensor data indicating the movement of the door or window and wirelessly transmit the sensor data to the hub device 12. In response to receiving the sensor data, the hub device can be configured to perform an action, such as outputting an alarm, such as a notification to a remote user device (e.g., the mobile device 32), or by outputting a command for the respective contact sensor 28 to output an audible or visual alarm. In this example, the contact sensor 28 can include both a sensor device and a controllable device within a single unit.

[0067] The vent damper 36 can be configured to regulate the flow of air within a duct. For example, the thermostat 24 can generate a control signal to adjust the positioning of the damper 36A relative to the airway in which it is located (e.g., when the room is unoccupied). In this example, in response to the control signal, the damper 36A can close to prevent air from flowing from the vent damper 36A. In certain examples, the vent damper 36 can transmit sensor data indicating the status of the respective vent damper (e.g., open or closed). For example, the vent damper 36 can output an indication to the thermostat 24 that the vent damper 36 is in an open state.

[0068] The smart doorbell 37 can be configured to provide notifications to the hub device 12. For example, the smart doorbell 37 can be configured to provide a notification (e.g., a message) when a button (e.g., a doorbell) of the smart doorbell 37 is activated. In certain examples, the smart doorbell 37 can include a motion sensor circuit configured to generate a notification in response to motion detected proximate the smart doorbell 37. In certain examples, the smart doorbell 37 can be configured to generate video content in response to motion detected proximate the smart doorbell 37. In certain examples, the smart doorbell 37 can be configured to generate audio content in response to motion detected proximate the smart doorbell 37. For example, in response to motion detected proximate the smart doorbell 37, the smart doorbell 37 can generate video content using a camera and / or generate audio content using a microphone. In this case, the smart doorbell 37 can output the video content and the audio content to the hub device 12, which can forward the video content and / or the audio content to the mobile device 32.

[0069] The outdoor air sensor 38 can be configured to generate sensor data indicative of, for example, a temperature, a humidity, a pressure, and / or an air quality (e.g., carbon monoxide, particulate matter, or other hazards) of the surrounding air. In certain examples, the outdoor air sensor 38 can wirelessly transmit the sensor data to the hub device 12. For example, the outdoor air sensor 38 can periodically output a current or average temperature to the thermostat 24 via the hub device 12.

[0070] The outdoor passive infrared sensor 40 can include a security device configured to detect the presence of a proximate object (such as a person) based on detecting infrared wavelength electromagnetic waves emitted by the object. In response to detecting the infrared waves, the passive infrared sensor 40 can generate sensor data indicative of the presence of the object and wirelessly transmit the sensor data to the hub device 12. The hub device 12 can be configured to perform an action in response to receiving the sensor data, such as outputting an alarm, such as a notification to the mobile device 32, or by outputting a command for the corresponding passive infrared sensor 40 to output an audible or visual alarm.

[0071] The network 20 can include various devices, including, for example, security devices, water heaters, water flow controllers, garage door actuators, or other devices. For example, the network 20 can include one or more of the following: a door contact sensor, a motion passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a mini contact sensor, a key fob, a smoke detector, a glass break detector, an alarm, a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, an indoor alarm, a flood sensor, a vibration sensor, an outdoor alarm, a CO detector, a wearable medical pendant, a wearable panic device, an occupancy sensor, a keypad, and / or other devices.

[0072] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating an example system 1700 for determining pressure changes and causing at least an output associated with the pressure change, according to one or more techniques described herein. For example, system 1700 can be used to perform one or more processes and techniques described elsewhere herein. In a particular application, system 1700 can be configured to provide detection and notification of safety, hazard, or weather events or anticipated events in a house (e.g., in a designated area within the house). For example, system 1700 can detect an internal area of ​​a house experiencing a safety, hazard, or weather event based on internal and / or external house pressure data and determine an output associated with the internal and / or external house pressure data corresponding to a specific event. As an example, system 1700 can determine adjustments (e.g., in an automated manner) to at least one HVAC system setting to reduce or eliminate the effects of a safety, hazard, or weather event and / or output notifications related to the safety, hazard, or weather event. Similarly, in some additional instances, system 1700 can use internal and / or external house pressure data to determine one or more airflow patterns within a house and cause adjustments to such one or more airflow patterns based on a safety, hazard, or weather event determined based on a pressure change.

[0073] System 1700 may include one or more non-pressure sensors 1703 (e.g., Figure 3 The exemplary network shown includes one or more non-pressure sensors, one or more pressure sensors 1704 at the location of the house (e.g., at least one internal pressure sensor, at least one internal pressure sensor, and at least one external pressure sensor), programmable processing circuitry 1706, input / output capabilities 1708, a communication network (wired or wireless) 1712, an HVAC system 1714, a base module 1726, a remote server (“cloud”) 1734, and a remote user equipment (e.g., a mobile computing device) 1736. The HVAC system 1714 may include one or more components described elsewhere herein with respect to an HVAC system, such as a heating assembly 1716, a ventilation assembly 1718, an air conditioning assembly 1720, a controller 1722, and one or more dampers 1724 (e.g., located in ducts, such as duct inlets and / or outlets). The base module 1726 may include a data collection module 1728, an identification module 1730, and a sensor database 1732. System 1700 can be configured to utilize communication network 1712 to facilitate communication between any two or more components of system 1700 (e.g., data communication, command signals, etc.), for example, to transmit sensed pressure data from one or more pressure sensors 1704 to controller 1722, base module 1726, cloud 1724 and / or remote user equipment 1736.

[0074] In one example application, the system 1700 can be configured to detect a security, hazard, or weather event or anticipated event. To this end, for example, the data collection module 1728 can receive house pressure data from one or more pressure sensors 1704 (e.g., pressure data from at least one interior pressure sensor and pressure data from at least one exterior pressure sensor). The sensor database 1732 can store such received house pressure data, and the identification module 1730 can use the stored house pressure data to determine the occurrence of a security, hazard, or weather event at the house (e.g., using a comparison to one or more previously determined pressure changes, such as an air flow pattern obtained from such previously determined pressure changes; using any one or more of the techniques described above). Further, in some cases, the identification module 1730 can identify a region or zone within the house that is subject to or anticipated to be affected by a security, hazard, or weather event (e.g., using a previously populated and stored database identifying pressure sensors and corresponding house locations). The system 1700 can determine an output based at least on the determined pressure change indicative of a security, hazard, or weather event (e.g., to a remote user device 1736 through a cloud 1734 that connects the base module 1726 to the remote user device 1736 through the communication network 1712). The system 1700 (e.g., the identification module 1730) can use the stored house pressure data to provide an input command to a house device, such as the HVAC system 1714, to take one or more HVAC system related actions (e.g., adjust one or more dampers to reduce or increase air flow through the damper; actuate a ventilation assembly to draw in air from outside the house; etc.), thereby reducing or eliminating the effects of the security, hazard, or weather event.

[0075] As described above, the system 1700 can collect pressure sensor data through the data collection module 1728 from pressure sensors 1704 located outside of the house and inside the house. In some further examples, the system 1700 can additionally collect other data, such as humidity, temperature, and / or air quality (e.g., within and / or outside the house), and in some embodiments, collect other data, such as from one or more devices in the network shown. The collected sensor data, including at least house pressure data, can be stored in the sensor database 1732. Then, as described previously, the identification module 1730 can determine the occurrence or anticipated occurrence of a security, hazard, or weather event using at least the stored pressure sensor data in the sensor database 1732 (e.g., including determining one or more air flow patterns within the house). Figure 3

[0076] ​In operation, to detect the occurrence or anticipated occurrence of a security, hazard, or weather event, the system 1700 can begin with the data collection module 1728 collecting sensor data, such as humidity, pressure, temperature, and / or air quality, from pressure sensors 1704 located both outside and inside the house, and storing the sensor data for each sensor and the location of each sensor at the house in a sensor database 1732. The identification module 1730 can then determine pressure changes and / or airflow patterns at the house or areas of the house using the stored sensor data in the sensor database 1732. As one specific illustrative example of operation of the system 1700, the system 1700 can include a security database 1733 that stores various predetermined pressure signatures and / or predetermined pressure thresholds, such as various predetermined pressure change thresholds (e.g., each of various predetermined interior pressure change thresholds and various predetermined exterior pressure change thresholds), each corresponding to one or more security outputs. The data collection module 1728 can receive pressure data from the pressure sensors (e.g., interior and / or exterior pressure sensors), and in some cases, additional data from temperature, humidity, air quality, security, and / or gas and / or fire sensors. This collected data can be compared to various signatures and / or thresholds for the respective types of data, and if the received data matches a respective signature and / or threshold or thresholds, the security database 1733 determines and extracts the respective security output.

[0077] As an example of the operation of system 1700 for detecting the occurrence or anticipated occurrence of safety, hazard, or weather events and determining the corresponding output, if a previously closed door or window is opened, a pressure change will be detected in the pressure data, indicating that someone has entered the house or that a window has been opened. For example, if at 2 a.m. an internal pressure sensor in the kitchen area of ​​a house detects pressure data matching a pressure change that is consistent with a specific pressure characteristic and / or exceeds a predetermined pressure change threshold (e.g., exceeding 8 Pa, exceeding 1 Pa, exceeding 0.5 Pa, exceeding 0.1 Pa), it can determine that a window has been opened late at night, indicating a possible intrusion into the house, and the corresponding safety output can be determined. As another example of the operation of system 1700 for detecting the occurrence or anticipated occurrence of safety, hazard, or weather events and determining the corresponding output, if a person enters the house and moves around inside, a pressure change will be detected in the pressure data (e.g., relative to the sensed pressure data when the person is not present and not moving around), indicating that someone has entered the house and is moving around inside (e.g., within a specific area of ​​the house). Similarly, if an internal pressure sensor is located in a housing area without a direct point of entry (e.g., without doors or windows, such as a hallway or stairs), and if pressure data from that internal pressure sensor indicates a match with a specific pressure characteristic and / or a pressure change that matches a predetermined pressure change threshold, it can be determined that an intruder has moved inside the house, entered this area lacking a direct point of entry, and experienced a pressure change. The corresponding security output can be determined by identifying which outputs(s) in the security database 1733 correspond to the predetermined pressure characteristic and / or predetermined pressure change threshold matched by the internal pressure sensor in the kitchen area. The security outputs determined in the security database 1733 may depend on the type of event that has occurred or is expected to occur, as indicated by the pressure data, and may include, for example, notifications to remote devices, entry alarms to remote devices, activation of alarm conditions at the house (e.g., notifications to third-party monitoring stations). In some embodiments, one or more security sensors, such as Figure 3 One or more safety sensors in the network shown can be actuated by determining that a pressure change matches a specific pressure characteristic and / or a predetermined pressure change threshold, as a way to collect additional data about a safety event (e.g., to verify the occurrence of a safety event, thereby reducing instances of false alarms).

[0078] Accordingly, system embodiments can include a controller and at least a first pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor can be configured to detect a first air pressure within the house at a first time and a second air pressure within the house at a second, different time, and the first pressure sensor can be in communication with the controller. The controller can be configured to receive the first and second air pressures within the house from the first pressure sensor, determine a pressure change within the house using at least the first and second air pressures, compare the pressure change within the house to a first pressure signature and / or a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, and determine a first output associated with the first predetermined pressure signature and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold when the pressure change within the house matches the first pressure signature and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold. As one example of the above, the first predetermined pressure signature and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can correspond to an opening of a door or window, and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined pressure signature and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be an entry alert to a remote device (e.g., a remote user device, such as a user’s mobile device).

[0079] In further such examples of the system 1700, the controller can use a plurality of different predetermined internal pressure signatures and / or pressure change thresholds, each of which corresponds to a different type of security, hazard, or weather event or anticipated event. Accordingly, the controller can also be configured to compare the pressure change within the house to a second predetermined pressure signature and / or a second predetermined internal pressure change threshold that is different from the respective first predetermined pressure signature and / or first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, and determine a second output associated with the second predetermined pressure signature and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold when the pressure change within the house matches the second predetermined pressure signature and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold. For example, the second predetermined pressure signature and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold can correspond to a presence of a person at the house, and the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the second predetermined pressure signature and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be an intruder alert to a remote device.

[0080] In still further such examples, the system 1700 can include other sensor(s) 1703, such as one or more types of security sensors (e.g., gas and / or fire sensors, glass break sensors, motion sensors, cameras, door / window contact sensors, etc.), environmental sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc.), and / or other sensors (e.g., smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc.). The other sensor(s) 1703 can be in communication with the controller 1701, and the controller 1701 can be configured to receive data from the other sensor(s) 1703 and use the data to determine the pressure change within the house. For example, the controller 1701 can be configured to receive data from the other sensor(s) 1703 and use the data to determine a pressure change within the house. The controller 1701 can be configured to compare the pressure change within the house to a predetermined pressure signature and / or a predetermined internal pressure change threshold, and determine an output associated with the predetermined pressure signature and / or the predetermined internal pressure change threshold when the pressure change within the house matches the predetermined pressure signature and / or the predetermined internal pressure change threshold. Figure 3one or more other security type sensors (e.g., in the network shown). The one or more security sensors can be in communication with the controller. Also, the controller can be further configured to receive security data at the premises from the security sensors, and determine a first output associated with each of a first predetermined pressure characteristic and / or a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and a first predetermined premises security threshold when a pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the security data matches the first predetermined premises security threshold. Additional non-pressure data from one or more other security type sensors can be helpful in cases where additional data (e.g., for further event validation) is needed.

[0081] In addition to or as an alternative to the security examples disclosed herein, the devices, systems, and techniques disclosed herein can utilize pressure data at a premises to manage airflow within the premises, or cause other action(s) at the premises in a manner related to a determined hazard or weather event, as described below.

[0082] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a premises 100 including a system 2000. The system 2000 includes one or more pressure sensors P0, PI, P2, Pn and an HVAC system 2001. In certain examples, the system 2000 can further include other sensor(s) 1703, such as one or more types of security sensors (e.g., gas and / or fire sensors, glass break sensors, motion sensors, cameras, door / window contact sensors, Figure 3 other sensors in the network shown).

[0083] The system 2000 can utilize pressure data from one or more pressure sensors P0, PI, P2, Pn to determine one or more outputs, which in certain examples can include control actions to be taken in the HVAC system 2001. In the example shown, the pressure sensors PI, P2, Pn are internal pressure sensors located within the premises 100 and configured to sense pressure within the premises 100, and the pressure sensor P0 is an external pressure sensor located outside the premises 100 and configured to sense pressure outside the premises 100. The HVAC system 2001 can include an HVAC unit 2002 and one or more dampers, such as any one or more of the dampers 6100, 6200, 6300, 7005, 7100, 7200, 7500. The HVAC unit 2002 can include a fan / blower, a heating component, a ventilation component, an air conditioning component to provide selectively conditioned air to the premises 100.

[0084] Source air or return air 3000 reaches the HVAC unit 2002 through a filter 3100 located upstream of the air intake. The source air or return air 3000 passes through the filter 3100 and into the HVAC unit 2002. In the illustrated embodiment, the house 100 includes a plurality of different zones that are spaced apart within the house 100. These zones are shown here as Zl, Z2, and Zn, and each zone Zl, Z2, Zn receives air from the HVAC unit 2002 through an air duct 4000. Specifically, the zone Zl receives air from the HVAC unit 2002 through the air duct 4000 at an air duct outlet 5100, the zone Z2 receives air from the HVAC unit 2002 through the air duct 4000 at an air duct outlet 5200, and the zone Zn receives air from the HVAC unit 2002 through the air duct 4000 at an air duct outlet 5300. These zones can be separate rooms or defined spaces within the house 100, and while the example illustration uses boxes to define these zones, these zones can be rooms that abut an exterior wall, or can be interior spaces, or even arbitrary defined areas without walls or with a few walls. The conditioned air from the HVAC unit 2002 is delivered through the air duct 4000 to the zones Zl through Zn. A temperature sensor Tl can be located in the zone Zl, and / or a temperature sensor T2 can be located in the zone Z2, and / or a temperature sensor Tn can be located in the zone Zn, and / or a temperature sensor T0 can be located outside the house 100 to provide temperature data signals to the controller 2100, and the controller 2100 can use the data to cause one or more control actions to be taken in the HVAC system 2001 (e.g., in the HVAC unit 2002, at a damper, etc.). The controller 2100 can use this temperature data to inform whether heated or cooled air is to be introduced into any of the zones Zl through Zn. The temperature sensors T0 through Tn can be connected to the controller 2100 and / or can communicate wirelessly with the controller 2100. The same can apply to other sensors of the HVAC system 2001, such as the humidity sensors H0, Hl, H2, and Hn, and the pressure sensors P0, Pl, P2, Pn. Air within the house 100 can be recycled as return air through the return air duct 3000, through the filter 3100, then conditioned at the HVAC unit 2002, then provided through the supply duct 4000 to any one or more of the zones Zl, Z2, Zn.

[0085] HVAC system 2001 is shown to include dampers 6100, 6200, 6300 located at supply air ducts 4000 that are configured to control the flow of conditioned air from HVAC unit 2002 to zones Z1, Z2, Zn of house 100. As shown here, damper 6100 corresponds to zone Z1 and is illustrated as being located at supply air duct 4000a that supplies air to zone Z1, damper 6200 corresponds to zone Z2 and is illustrated as being located at supply air duct 4000b that supplies air to zone Z2, and damper 6300 corresponds to zone Zn and is illustrated as being located at supply air duct 4000n that supplies air to zone Zn. Dampers 6100, 6200, 6300 can be actuated, for example, by an applied voltage to control a mechanical actuator integrated with dampers 6100, 6200, 6300.

[0086] In operation, temperature sensors T1, T2, Tn located at zones Z1, Z2, Zn, respectively, can provide respective zone temperature data to controller 2100. Controller 2100 can send actuation commands to one or more of dampers 6100, 6200, 6300, either directly or through damper interface module controller 9000. For example, if zone Z1 has a temperature below a setpoint threshold (e.g., previously entered at controller 2100), but zones Z2 and Zn are at or above the setpoint threshold, HVAC unit 2002 can respond by providing heat, with a command to open damper 6100 for zone Z1 while commanding dampers 6200 and 6300 for respective zones Z2, Zn to close. In this way, heat can be concentrated on a zone (here, Z1). Since HVAC unit 2002 can also provide cooling, zone dampers 6100, 6200, 6300 can be actuated to direct cooling to zones above a temperature setpoint threshold. Similar operations can be performed on conditioned, humidified air or dehumidified air in response to humidity sensors H1-Hn located in zones Z1-Zn.

[0087] As noted above, system 2000 can include external sensors 1500 located outside of house 100. External sensors 1500 can include an external temperature sensor T0, an external humidity sensor H0, an external pressure sensor P0, and / or an external air quality sensor Q0. One or more additional external sensors 1500 can also be included, such as one or more of the safety-type sensors described. Since return air 3000 is taken from within house 100 and conditioned air is provided within house 100, there can be a pressure offset or difference between the internal pressures measured by one or more of pressure sensors P1-Pn and the external pressure measured by pressure sensor P0. This can be caused by environmental factors, such as the internal versus external temperature, the presence of any wind, and / or the number of structural air leak areas present at house 100.

[0088] In one example, the system 2000 can be configured to cause an increase in air pressure within the house 100 (e.g., to reduce infiltration of outside air into the house, such as in the case of a hazardous condition outside the house, such as a fire or poor air quality). As further described, the dampers 6100, 6200, 6300, 7005, 7100, 7200, 7500 can be dampers configured to actuate not only to fully open and fully closed positions, but also to incremental positions between fully open and fully closed to facilitate more precise air volume delivery capabilities (e.g., this can be useful in the case that a pressure sensor is used with the system 2000 described herein). In particular, with respect to the dampers 7005, 7100, 7200, 7500, the configuration of the dampers to actuate to incremental positions between fully open and fully closed can allow for incremental adjustment of the amount of internal air through the dampers 7005, 7100, 7200, and the amount of outside air through the damper 7500, which is combined with the return air input to the HVAC unit 2002. For example, the less restriction on the flow of outside air 3300 through the damper 7500 compared to the flow of internal air through the dampers 7005, 7100, and / or 7200, the more outside air included in the return air input to the HVAC unit 2002, and vice versa. The more outside air 3300 introduced into the house 100 (e.g., by actuating the damper 7500), the greater the increase in pressure within the house 100 compared to outside the house 100. Thus, coordinating the amount of flow restriction at the dampers can allow for control of the mixing of internal and external return air, and thus the amount of pressure change within the house 100 relative to outside the house 100.

[0089] In a more specific such example, the pressures can be controlled and adjusted in the individual interior zones Z1, Z2, Zn using dampers 6100, 6200, 6300, respectively. As described for dampers 7005, 7100, 7200, 7500, dampers 6100, 6200, 6300 can be configured to adjust to various incremental positions between fully open and fully closed conditions. Opening one of the interior zone related dampers (e.g., damper 6100), while restricting air flow through the other interior zone dampers (e.g., dampers 6200 and 6300), can create additional pressure in the example zone Z1 in the area corresponding to the open damper 6100 in that example zone, resulting in an increase in pressure in that area. While control of the return air source dampers 7005, 7100, 7200, 7500 affects the relative pressure between the interior of the house 100 to the exterior of the house 100, control of the zone related dampers 6100, 6200, 6300 affects the relative pressures P1, P2, Pn between the associated interior zones Z1, Z2, Zn. If the interior pressure at the house 100 is greater than the exterior pressure, infiltration of outside air into the house 100 will be minimized. Thus, this more precise zone control can be useful, for example, when a hazard event (e.g., a fire) occurs outside the house, the house can cause incoming outside air to come from the filtered air source 3300 due to the controllable increase in interior pressure at the house 100, while displacing unfiltered infiltration air. Selective provision of this filtered air source 3300 to one or more of the zones Z1, Z2, Zn allows the controller 2100 to adjust the interior pressure to a target intra- and extra- pressure differential, and also to adjust the interior zone related pressures to a target intra-zone to zone pressure differential. Moreover, this target intra-zone to zone pressure differential can be used to cause the HVAC system 2001 when a determination is made that the pressure data variation matches a corresponding predetermined pressure signature and / or predetermined pressure variation threshold (e.g., indicating a hazard event or weather event occurring inside or outside the house).

[0090] As described above, dampers 7005, 7100, 7200 are included within the interior return air source ducts 3000. In particular, damper 7005 is included in return air source duct 3000a associated with zone Zl return air, damper 7100 is included in return air source duct 3000b associated with zone Z2 return air, and damper 7200 is included in return air source duct 3000c associated with zone Zn return air. Controlling the state of one or more of dampers 7005, 7100, 7200, including a particular degree of air restriction positioning, can facilitate enhanced control of relative pressures between zones Zl, Z2, Zn. For example, having each supply damper 6200, 6300 in an open position and each return air damper 7100, 7200 in a closed position, while having supply damper 6100 in a closed position and return air damper 7005 in an open position, can result in an increase in relative pressure in each zone Z2, Zn, while resulting in a decrease in relative pressure in zone Zl. This can allow for more precise control of relative pressures between the interior and exterior of the house 100 by allowing for pressure regulating control of one or more specific zone pressures within the house 100 relative to the pressure outside the house 100. Additionally, this can provide the ability to control relative pressures between interior zones Zl, Z2, Zn to facilitate environmental balancing between such interior zones. For example, if an interior house hazard event (e.g., fire) is determined due to interior pressure change data matching a predetermined pressure profile and / or a predetermined interior pressure change threshold, controller 2100 can cause HVAC system 2001 to reduce the amount of air supplied to the zone in which the interior house hazard event (e.g., fire) is determined due to interior pressure change data matching a predetermined pressure profile and / or a predetermined interior pressure change threshold through relative, regulated damper air amount adjustments.

[0091] The techniques described herein can be performed to achieve a variety of intended results. An exemplary intended result can include increasing relative interior air pressure at a house to minimize infiltration of unfiltered air into the house, and / or creating a pressure differential between interior zones to cause air flow in an intended direction, such as a reduction in air supply, and air flow T0, a particular zone in which pressure change data indicates a presence of a hazard event. Control functions to achieve such intended results (e.g., regulated damper positioning control using pressure data, followed by HVAC unit blower control) can be dynamic, and can be responsive to exterior and / or interior pressure sensor readings.

[0092] In certain embodiments, returning reference to Figure 4In some embodiments, system 1700 can include a hazard database 1735. Data collection module 1728 can collect data from sensors in system 1700 (e.g., from pressure sensor(s) 1704, from other sensor(s) 1703), such as pressure data, humidity data, temperature data, gas data, etc., and this data can be stored in hazard database 1735 for use in determining that a hazardous condition exists at the premises. Such received data can be compared to a hazard database, which can include one or more predetermined pressure signatures and / or predetermined pressure change thresholds corresponding to different types of hazardous conditions. If the collected sensor data matches one of the predetermined pressure signatures and / or predetermined pressure change thresholds corresponding to a particular type of hazardous condition, hazard database 1735 can be used to determine and extract a corresponding output for that particular type of hazardous condition.

[0093] As one example, if pressure data at the air duct changes (e.g., increases) to match a predetermined air duct pressure signature and / or predetermined air duct pressure change threshold, this can indicate that a blockage exists in the air duct, and hazard database 1735 can be used to determine and extract a corresponding output for an air duct blockage, such as sending a notification to a designated remote device. As another example, if pressure data received from an interior pressure sensor indicates that pressure data in zone Zl changes (e.g., increases) to match a predetermined pressure signature and / or predetermined interior pressure change threshold stored in hazard database 1735, and if temperature, humidity, and / or gas data received from a corresponding interior sensor indicates that temperature, humidity, and / or gas data in zone Zl changes (e.g., increases) to match a predetermined interior temperature, humidity, or gas change threshold stored in hazard database 1735, this can indicate that a fire or gas leak exists in zone Zl. Hazard database 1735 can be used to determine and extract a corresponding output, such as a notification to a designated remote device and / or an adjustment to HVAC system 1714 (e.g., an adjustment to one or more dampers 1724) to adjust the amount of air supplied to zone Zl to help reduce the hazard posed by the determined hazardous condition in zone Zl (e.g., reduce the amount of air supplied to zone Zl in the case that received sensor data indicates a fire event in zone Zl to reduce flammable materials in zone Zl; increase the amount of air supplied to zone Zl in the case that received sensor data indicates a gas leak event in zone Zl to dilute the gas in zone Zl or push the gas from Zl towards the outside air output).

[0094] Figure 6is a schematic diagram illustrating a damper 800 positioned at an air duct, configured to incrementally control airflow by incrementally positioning one or more damper blades between a fully closed and a fully open position. Damper 800 can be one example of a damper for system 2000 described previously herein (e.g., can be used as an example of a type of damper for one or more of dampers 6100, 6200, 6300, 7000, 7005, 7100, 7200, 7500).

[0095] Damper 800 can include a damper blade 805 that is movable relative to a body 901 of damper 800. Damper blade 805 can be movable about an axis 802, and in the illustrated embodiment, axis 802 is generally parallel to TO, and can coincide with a central longitudinal axis of body 801. Damper blade 805 can be pivoted about axis 802, causing a position of damper blade 805 to become various incremental positions, including a fully closed, a fully open, and a number of discrete positions between the fully closed and the fully open.

[0096] At damper blade position 810, damper blade 805 is in a fully closed position. The example fully closed position 820 shown here places damper blade 805 in a generally 90 degree position relative to a direction 803 of airflow through damper body 801. Upon receiving an actuation command (such as from a controller), damper 800 can be configured to adjust a damper blade position from the fully closed position 810 to a different position corresponding to the actuation command received by damper 800. For example, upon receiving an actuation command (e.g., a partially open command), damper blade 805 can be moved (e.g., rotated about axis 802) relative to damper body 801 from the fully closed position 810 to a partially open position 820. The example partially open position 820 shown here places damper blade 805 in a generally 45 degree position relative to the direction 803 of airflow through damper body 801. As another example, upon receiving an actuation command (e.g., a fully open command), damper blade 805 can be moved (e.g., rotated about axis 802) relative to damper body 801 from the partially open position 820 to a fully open position 830. The example fully open position 830 shown here places damper blade 805 in a generally parallel position relative to the direction 803 of airflow through damper body 801 (e.g., generally on axis 802 of rotation of damper blade 805). As will be appreciated, damper blade 805 can be positioned in various other positions between the fully closed position 810, the partially open position 820, and the fully open position 830 shown.

[0097] As the damper blade 805 moves to adjust its position within the damper body 801, this can change the area of obstruction to the airflow, thereby changing the degree to which the airflow into the damper body 801 is obstructed by it, which can act to adjust the amount of air passing through the damper 800.

[0098] The damper 800 can include a receiver and associated programmable control circuitry 850 at the damper body 801. The receiver and associated programmable control circuitry 850 can receive (either by hardwire or wirelessly) actuation commands from the controller 2100, thus causing the position of the damper blade 805 to become the degree corresponding to the actuation commands. Thus, the damper 800 can obstruct the airflow through the damper 800 to different degrees depending on the actuation commands and data (e.g., pressure data) received at the controller 210.

[0099] In certain examples, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or an air quality sensor can be installed at the damper inlet 840 and / or the damper outlet 860. In one such example, a perforation can be included in the damper wall to allow air within the damper body 801 to be in fluid communication with any one or more such sensors at the damper body 801. Any such sensor so included can be in communication with the controller 2100, e.g., by including a transmitter as well as the receiver and associated programmable control circuitry 850. Including such one or more additional sensors at the damper 800 can allow for monitoring of inlet and outlet pressure, temperature, humidity, and / or air quality in the air flowing through the damper 800.

[0100] In certain cases, including a pressure sensor at the input side of a damper 800 (e.g., the dampers 6100, 6200, 6300, 7000, 7005, 7100, 7200, and / or 7500) can further provide certain useful advantages. Having a pressure sensor at one or more dampers can allow for managing the proportion of return air based on the pressure sensed by the damper house. Damper-sensed pressure can be used to balance the return air distribution of a damper (e.g., the dampers 7000, 7005, 7100, 7200, and / or 7500) with the goal of redistributing the zone air between zones Z1, Z2, Zn. Damper-sensed pressure can also be used to balance the proportion of internal and external return air sources by monitoring the dampers 7000, 7005, 7100, 7200, and / or 7500. This can allow for more precise control of regulating the HVAC return air pressure while adjusting the mixing proportion of internal and external, as previously described.

[0101] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a controller 2100 for determining and causing an output associated with at least a pressure change, in accordance with one or more techniques described herein.

[0102] As shown in the illustrated example, the controller 2100 can include programmable processing circuitry 950 configured to execute computer-executable instructions included in a non-transitory computer-readable storage product 9300. Telemetry circuitry 970 (e.g., a wireless transceiver) can receive (e.g., over communication link(s) 990), the non-transitory computer-readable storage product 9300 can store, and the programmable processing circuitry 950 can process sensor data from one or more sensors, such as other sensor(s) 1703 (e.g., gas and / or fire sensors, glass break sensors, motion sensors, cameras, door / window contact sensors, etc.), external sensors 1500 (e.g., air quality sensor Q0, temperature sensor T0, humidity sensor H0, and / or pressure sensor P0), and / or internal sensors, such as zone Z1 sensors (e.g., air quality sensor Q1, temperature sensor T1, humidity sensor H1, and / or pressure sensor P1), zone 2 sensors (e.g., air quality sensor Q2, temperature sensor T2, humidity sensor H2, and / or pressure sensor P2), and zone Zn sensors (e.g., air quality sensor Qn, temperature sensor Tn, humidity sensor Hn, and / or pressure sensor Pn). Power 980 can power the controller 210, and can be a replaceable or rechargeable battery or line power.

[0103] Program memory 9300 can store one or more control programs in the form of computer executable instructions for execution by programmable processing circuit 950 to perform one or more actions described elsewhere herein. Such control programs can include commands to manage air flow at the premises for an HVAC system at the premises, commands to take one or more security actions for a security system at the premises, and / or other actions described elsewhere herein. As one example, programmable processing circuit 950 can read received sensor data (e.g., pressure data), determine a state of an HVAC system (e.g., determine a state or position of one or more dampers described above), and transmit one or more control commands to one or more components of the HVAC system (e.g., through damper controller 9000) to actuate the one or more components of the HVAC system (e.g., one or more dampers) to a component state based on the received sensor data (e.g., pressure data). Telemetry circuit 970 can transmit control information to and / or receive control information from one or more HVAC system components, such as one or more dampers. Likewise, telemetry circuit 970 can transmit data (e.g., remote control commands) to and / or receive data from a remote server (e.g., “cloud” computing and analytics) 9400. In some cases, remote server 9400 can be utilized to process remote data from the premises, for example by executing one or more machine learning algorithms that use past premises data, such as from internal and / or external sensors at the premises and / or one or more components of the premises HVAC system, to determine one or more patterns associated with HVAC system control actions and resulting changes to data sensed by internal and / or external sensors at the premises. In some embodiments, controller 2100 can include a user interface, such as display key entry 960, configured to receive user input, such as to set one or more operating parameters for operation of system 2000, and output one or more indicators for setting parameters for operation of system 2000 and / or alerts regarding one or more preset conditions in system 2000.

[0104] Accordingly, one example controller 2100 embodiment can include: a non-transitory computer-readable storage product 9300 comprising computer-executable instructions (e.g., a control program); and programmable processing circuitry 950 configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to cause the programmable processing circuitry 950 to: receive, at a first time and a second, different time, from a first pressure sensor (e.g., PI), data of an air pressure detected within a house, determine, using at least the first air pressure and the second air pressure, a pressure change within the house, compare the pressure change within the house to a first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, and determine, when the pressure change within the house matches the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, a first output associated with the first predetermined pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold. As one example, the first predetermined pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can correspond to an opening of a door or window, and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be an entry alert to a remote device. In this example embodiment of the controller 2100, the programmable processing circuitry 950 can be configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to further cause the programmable processing circuitry 950 to: compare the pressure change within the house to a second predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or a second predetermined internal pressure change threshold, and determine, when the pressure change within the house matches the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold, a second output associated with the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold, wherein the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold is different from the respective first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold. For example, the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold can correspond to a presence of a person at the house, and the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be a trespasser alert to a remote device.

[0105] In a further example embodiment of this controller 2100, the programmable processing circuitry 950 can be configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to further cause the programmable processing circuitry 950 to: receive, from a security sensor in communication with the controller 2100 at the house, security data at the house, and determine, when the pressure change within the house matches the first predetermined pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the security data matches a first predetermined house security threshold, the first output associated with each of the first predetermined pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the first predetermined house security threshold.

[0106] In further exemplary embodiments of the controller 2100, the programmable processing circuit 950 can be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to further cause the programmable processing circuit 950 to communicate with an HVAC unit (e.g., the HVAC unit 2002) located at the premises, and the first output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an HVAC adjustment command, such that when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, the controller is configured to send the HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit. For example, the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can correspond to the presence of a person within the premises, and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be an HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit to alter a temperature setpoint setting. This can help to adjust the temperature of the area of the premises where the pressure data indicates the presence of a person, thereby helping to improve HVAC system efficiency. In another example, the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can correspond to the presence of an internal hazard (e.g., a fire or a gas) within the premises, and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be an HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit. In particular, where the internal hazard is a fire, the HVAC adjustment command can be a damper adjustment command to limit the supply of air provided within the premises (e.g., to reduce the amount of air supplied to an area where the received pressure data indicates the presence of a fire). The programmable processing circuit 950 of the controller can be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to further cause the programmable processing circuit 950 to communicate with a gas or fire sensor to receive gas or fire data at the premises from the gas or fire sensor, and to determine the first output associated with each of the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the first predetermined premises gas or fire threshold when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the gas or fire data matches the first predetermined premises gas or fire threshold.

[0107] In certain embodiments, the controller 2100 can receive and use pressure data from more than one pressure sensor. For example, the controller 2100 can receive pressure data from a second pressure sensor configured to detect a third air pressure outside the house at a third time and a fourth air pressure outside the house at a fourth, different time. The programmable processing circuit 950 of the controller 2100 can be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to further cause the programmable processing circuit 950 to receive the third and fourth air pressures outside the house from the second pressure sensor, determine a pressure change outside the house using at least the third and fourth air pressures, compare the pressure change outside the house to a first predetermined outside pressure characteristic and / or a first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, and determine a second output associated with the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold when the pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold.

[0108] For example, the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold can correspond to a weather condition outside the house, and the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold can be a weather condition alert to a remote device. Additionally, the first predetermined inside pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined inside pressure change threshold can correspond to an opening of a door or window, and the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold can correspond to a weather condition outside the house, and the programmable processing circuit 950 of the controller 2100 can be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to further cause the programmable processing circuit 950 to generate a door or window alert to a remote device when the pressure change inside the house matches the first predetermined inside pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined inside pressure change threshold and the pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold. In one such specific example, the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold can correspond to a first weather condition outside the house, and a second predetermined outside pressure change threshold corresponds to a second, different weather condition outside the house, and the programmable processing circuit 950 of the controller 2100 can be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to further cause the programmable processing circuit 950 to generate a door or window alert to a remote device when the pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, and the programmable processing circuit 950 of the controller 2100 can be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to further cause the programmable processing circuit 950 to generate a shelter alert to a remote device when the pressure change outside the house matches the second predetermined outside pressure change threshold.

[0109] In another example, the first predetermined external pressure change threshold can correspond to weather conditions outside the premises, and the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined external pressure change threshold can be a damper adjustment command to adjust an air damper of the premises to alter the amount of air passing through the damper. This is useful to selectively supply and direct air within the premises according to the presence of weather conditions outside the premises.

[0110] Thus, with regard to Figure 4In exemplary embodiments shown in system 1700, system 1700 can include a weather database 1737. Data collection module 1728 can collect data from sensors in system 1700 (e.g., from external pressure sensor 1704, from other sensor(s) 1703), such as external pressure data, external humidity data, external temperature data, etc., and this data can be stored in weather database 1737 for use in determining the presence of weather conditions at the house. Such received data can be compared to a weather database, which can include one or more predetermined pressure change thresholds corresponding to different types of weather conditions. If the collected sensor data matches one of the predetermined pressure change thresholds corresponding to a particular type of weather condition, weather database 1737 can be used to determine and extract a corresponding output for that particular type of weather condition. For example, this can include processing circuit 1706 determining and extracting an output from weather database 1737 corresponding to a first predetermined external pressure change threshold, when data from window contact sensor 1703 indicates that a window is open, and processing circuit 1706 determines that external pressure data from one or more external pressure sensors matches the first predetermined external pressure change threshold stored in weather database 1737, thereby corresponding to a detected external weather event. Weather database 1737 can store various different predetermined external pressure change thresholds, each corresponding to a different type of weather event, such as a rainstorm, a hurricane, a tornado, etc. For example, collected external house pressure data can be 965 to 979 millibars, which indicates conditions of a category 2 hurricane. In this case, the output stored in weather database 1737 and matching the collected external house pressure data can be a notification to a remote user device to close a window of the house. In another example, collected external house pressure data can be less than 920 millibars, which indicates conditions of a category 5 hurricane. In this case, the output stored in weather database 1737 and matching the collected external house pressure data can be a notification to a remote user device to immediately seek shelter. As an additional example, collected external house pressure data can drop below 29.80 inHg, which indicates conditions of an anticipated rainstorm. In this case, the output stored in weather database 1737 and matching the collected external house pressure data can be a notification to a remote user device that a rainstorm is anticipated at the house.

[0111] Embodiments disclosed herein can additionally sense and use pressure data at an enclosed parking structure to help notify, and in some cases, cause remedial action(s) to occur.

[0112] Figure 8is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system 1100 for detecting a hazardous condition at an enclosed parking structure 1102. The enclosed parking structure 1102 can be a substantially enclosed space in which one or more vehicles are intended to be parked. One example of an enclosed parking structure can be a garage door that is attached to a house, such as a residence. The enclosed parking structure 1102 can include a garage door 1103 that is configured to move between a closed position and an open position, where the garage door 1103 is typically in the closed position when no vehicles are entering or exiting the enclosed parking structure 1102 and is typically in the open position when a vehicle is entering or exiting the enclosed parking structure 1102. When the garage door 1103 is in the closed position, natural occurring air circulation, such as the introduction of outside air into the enclosed parking structure 1102, can be reduced, thereby creating a potential hazardous condition when a vehicle is still operating in the enclosed parking structure 1102 while the garage door 1103 is closed. The system 1100 can be configured to detect the presence of an operating vehicle at the enclosed parking structure 1102, and as a result, cause one or more actions to be taken to remedy the potential hazard (e.g., accumulated carbon monoxide) presented by the operating vehicle at the enclosed parking structure 1102.

[0113] The system 1100 can include a controller 2100, a pressure sensor 1104, and a garage door actuator 1106. The pressure sensor 1104 can be configured to detect a first air pressure within the enclosed parking structure 1102 at a first time and a second air pressure within the enclosed parking structure 1102 at a second, different time. The controller 2100 can be in communication with the pressure sensor 1104 to receive pressure data sensed by the pressure sensor 1104, including pressure data sensed by the pressure sensor 1104 at the first time and the second, different time. The controller 2100 can determine a pressure change within the enclosed parking structure 1102 using at least the first air pressure within the enclosed parking structure 1102 and the second air pressure within the enclosed parking structure 1102. The controller can be further configured to compare the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure 1102 to a first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, and determine a first output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold when the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure 1102 matches the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold.

[0114] For example, the predetermined interior pressure characteristic and / or the predetermined interior pressure change threshold can correspond to the presence of a vehicle at the enclosed parking structure 1102 of the premises 100. More specifically, the predetermined interior pressure characteristic and / or the predetermined interior pressure change threshold can correspond to the presence of a vehicle with a running engine at the enclosed parking structure 1102 of the premises 100. For example, one exemplary process for using the predetermined interior pressure characteristic and / or the predetermined interior pressure change threshold corresponding to the presence of a vehicle with a running engine at the enclosed parking structure 1102 of the premises 100 can be as follows.

[0115] When the garage door 1103 opens, the controller 2100 can determine, based on pressure data from the pressure sensor 1104 at a first time before the garage door opens and a second, different time when the garage door opens, that a first pressure change within the enclosed parking structure 1102 matches a first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponding to the garage door 1103 transitioning from a closed position to an open position. Then, after the garage door 1103 opens, the controller 2100 can determine, based on pressure data from the pressure sensor 1104 at a third time when the garage door opens and a fourth time when a vehicle enters the enclosed parking structure 1102, that a second, different pressure change within the enclosed parking structure 1102 matches a second predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or a second predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponding to the vehicle entering the enclosed parking structure 1102. Also, once the controller 2100 determines that the vehicle entered the enclosed parking structure 1102, the controller 2100 can monitor subsequently received pressure data from the pressure sensor 1104 to detect a preset pressure change at the enclosed parking structure 1102 corresponding to the engine of the vehicle that entered the enclosed parking structure 1102 transitioning from running to off. If, after determining that the second pressure change within the enclosed parking structure 1102 matches the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponding to the vehicle entering the enclosed parking structure 1102, the controller 2100 does not detect the preset pressure change at the enclosed parking structure 1102 corresponding to the engine of the vehicle that entered the enclosed parking structure 1102 transitioning from running to off within a predetermined period of time after determining that the second pressure change within the enclosed parking structure 1102 matches the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponding to the vehicle entering the enclosed parking structure 1102, the controller 2100 can determine that the engine of the vehicle within the enclosed parking structure continues to run, and the controller 2100 can generate a corresponding output, such as generating a signal to alert a user’s remote device of a running vehicle at the enclosed parking structure 1102 and / or generating an actuation command to cause the garage door actuator 1106 to open the garage door 1103.

[0116] As described above, the garage door actuator 1106 can be configured to open and close the garage door 1103 at the enclosed parking structure 1102. Thus, the first output determined by the controller 2100 to be associated with the first predetermined interior pressure signature and / or the first predetermined interior pressure change threshold can be an actuation command to cause the garage door actuator 1106 to open or close the garage door 1103 at the enclosed parking structure 1102. When the controller 2100 determines that the predetermined pressure signature and / or the predetermined pressure change threshold corresponds to a vehicle entering the enclosed parking structure 1102 and keeping its engine in an operating state for a predetermined period of time, upon the controller 2100 determining that a different predetermined interior pressure signature and / or predetermined interior pressure change threshold corresponding to a vehicle entering the enclosed parking structure 1102 is consistent with the received pressure data, the controller 2100 can generate an actuation command to cause the garage door actuator 1106 to open the garage door 1103. Thus, the controller 2100 can be in communication with the garage door actuator 1106, and the garage door actuator 1106 can be in communication with the garage door 1103 (e.g., through an electric drive for moving the garage door 1103 between an open position and a closed position) to execute the actuation command from the controller 2100 to open / close the garage door 1103.

[0117] In a further embodiment, the system 110 can further include a gas sensor 1108. The gas sensor 1108 can be configured to detect a gas (e.g., carbon monoxide) concentration at the enclosed parking structure 1102, and the gas sensor 1108 can be in communication with the controller 2100 so that the controller 2100 can receive gas data sensed by the gas sensor 1108. In certain embodiments, the controller 2100 can use gas data from the gas sensor 1108 and pressure data from the pressure sensor 1104 to determine when and what type of output is to be generated at the controller 2100. For example, the controller 2100 can be configured to receive data related to a gas concentration at the enclosed parking structure 1102 from the gas sensor 1108, compare the data related to the gas concentration to a first predetermined gas threshold, and generate an actuation command to cause the garage door actuator 1106 to open the garage door 1103 when the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure 1102 matches the first predetermined internal pressure signature and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold (e.g., corresponding to a vehicle entering the enclosed parking structure 1102 and keeping its engine running for a predetermined period of time) and the gas concentration matches the first predetermined gas threshold. In some such cases, the gas data from the gas sensor 1108 can provide one or more data points in addition to the pressure data at the enclosed parking structure 1102, and can help improve the accuracy of the controller 2100’s determination of a potential hazard at the enclosed parking structure 1102. In one such case, where the first predetermined internal pressure signature and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to the presence of a vehicle with a running motor at the enclosed parking structure 1102, the controller 2100 can determine that the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure 1102 matches the first predetermined internal pressure signature and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold before determining that the gas concentration matches the first predetermined gas threshold.

[0118] In certain further embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the system 1100 can further include an HVAC system 2001, and the controller 2100 can be in communication with the HVAC system 2001. In such embodiments, when the controller 2100 determines that a potential hazard exists at the enclosed parking structure 1102 (e.g., using the pressure data and / or gas data described above), one or more resulting outputs determined by the controller 2100 can be commands to the HVAC system 2001 to adjust one or more components of the HVAC system 2001, for example, to help remedy the potential hazard at the enclosed parking structure 1102. Accordingly, one or more commands generated by the controller 2100 for the HVAC system 2001 can involve adjustments to one or more components of the HVAC system 2001 that are in fluid communication with the enclosed parking structure 1102. As one example, the HVAC system 2001 can include an air duct 1109 that is in fluid communication with the HVAC unit 2002 and the enclosed parking structure 1102, and the air duct 1109 can include the air damper 7600 described elsewhere herein. In this example, a first output determined by the controller 2100 to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold can be a damper adjustment command to adjust the air damper 7600 that is in fluid communication with the enclosed parking structure 1102, altering the amount of air that passes through the damper 7600, and thereby altering the amount of air that passes through the enclosed parking structure 1102. For example, when the controller 2100 determines that the pressure data from at least the pressure sensor 1104 matches the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and / or the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, the controller 2100 can generate a damper adjustment command to cause the air damper 7600 to increase the amount of air that flows from the HVAC unit 2002 to the enclosed parking structure 1102. This increase in the amount of air introduced into the enclosed parking structure 1102 by the HVAC system 2001 can result in an increase in air pressure at the enclosed parking structure 1102, and help flush out any potentially harmful gases at the enclosed parking structure 1102, and reduce any harmful gases that can be communicated from the enclosed parking structure 1102 to the premises 100. At the same time that the damper adjustment command is generated, the controller 2100 can also generate an actuation command to cause the garage door actuator 1106 to open the garage door 1103.

[0119] Accordingly, in operation, the system 1100 can use various data of one or more types collected at the enclosed parking structure 1102 and, based on the data, cause one or more actions to be taken in relation to the enclosed parking structure 1102. In some cases, the controller 2100 can include or access a safety module that compares collected sensor data to a safety database that can include one or more different sensor data safety thresholds, such as a carbon monoxide level, a pressure noise data threshold indicative of a vehicle being in the enclosed structure and / or running, a time threshold of how long a vehicle has been running, etc. If such a safety module determines that the collected sensor data matches data stored in the safety database, a corresponding safety action can be executed by the controller 2100 and occur to the HVAC unit 2002, the damper 7600, and / or the garage door actuator 1106. As one specific example, if pressure data and / or gas data indicates that a vehicle is located within the enclosed parking structure 1102 and has been running for a preset time (e.g., three minutes), a safety action extracted by the controller 2100 can be signaled to the garage door opener to open the garage door, to ventilate the enclosed structure, and / or to adjust the position of the damper 7600 to adjust air flow between the HVAC unit 2002 and the enclosed parking structure 1102.

[0120] Figure 9 is an example flowchart illustrating a method 1200 for detecting one or more safety, hazard, and / or weather conditions at a premises using sensor data and determining one or more outputs associated with the detected one or more safety, hazard, and / or weather conditions at the premises. In some examples, the method 1200 can be performed at a controller (e.g., at a system embodiment disclosed elsewhere herein).

[0121] At step 1205, the method 1200 includes receiving sensor data. For example, the sensor data can be received at a controller and the received sensor data can be one or more types of sensor data described elsewhere herein, such as interior premises pressure data received from an interior pressure sensor of a premises and / or exterior premises pressure data received from an exterior pressure sensor of a premises. In further such examples, non-pressure data (e.g., from a safety sensor) can also be received at the controller.

[0122] At step 1210, the method 1200 includes determining a change in at least one data parameter of the received sensor data. For example, the change in at least one data parameter can be a change in pressure of an interior of a premises and / or an exterior of a premises. In further such examples, the change in at least one data parameter can additionally be a change in non-pressure data (e.g., from a safety sensor).

[0123] At step 1215, the method 1200 includes comparing the change in the at least one data parameter to a predetermined pressure signature and / or a predetermined data change threshold. For example, a change in pressure inside the house and / or outside the house can be compared to a predetermined inside pressure change threshold or signature and / or a predetermined outside pressure change threshold or signature, respectively. In a further such example, a change in non-pressure data (e.g., from a security sensor) can be compared to a predetermined non-pressure change threshold (e.g., a security threshold).

[0124] Also, at step 1220, the method 1200 includes determining at least one output associated with at least one security, hazard, and / or weather condition corresponding to the predetermined data change threshold and / or the predetermined data change signature when the change in the at least one data parameter matches the predetermined data change threshold and / or the predetermined data change signature. One example of the output determining step can include causing a security system alarm condition associated with a presence of a trespasser to be actuated at the house, the presence of the trespasser corresponding to at least a change in internal pressure matching the predetermined inside pressure change threshold and / or the predetermined inside pressure signature. Another example of the output determining step can include causing an adjustment to a component of an HVAC system at the house associated with a presence of a fire or gas leak, the presence of the fire or gas leak corresponding to at least a change in internal pressure matching the predetermined inside pressure change threshold and / or the predetermined inside pressure signature. Yet another example of the output determining step can include causing an alarm associated with an open door / window condition at the house when a weather event is occurring or expected to occur, the open door / window condition at the house corresponding to at least a change in external pressure at the house matching the predetermined outside pressure change threshold and / or the predetermined outside pressure signature.

[0125] It is recognized that, in light of the examples, certain acts or events of any of the embodiments described herein (including the method embodiments) can be performed in a different order, can be performed concurrently, can be omitted, or can be combined (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the technology). Moreover, in certain examples, acts or events can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially.

[0126] In one or more examples, the functions described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. Computer-readable media can include computer-readable storage media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storage media, or communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another, e.g., according to a communication protocol. In this manner, computer- readable media generally can correspond to (1) tangible computer-readable storage media which is non-transitory or (2) a communication medium such as a signal or carrier wave. Data storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processors to retrieve instructions, code and / or data structures for implementation of the techniques described in this disclosure. A computer program product can include a computer-readable medium.

[0127] By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other storage medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any

[0128] Instructions can be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Accordingly, as used herein the term "processor" can refer to any of the foregoing structure or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described herein can be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules configured for encoding and decoding, or incorporated in a combined codec. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

[0129] The techniques of this disclosure can be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses, including a wireless phone, an integrated circuit (IC) or IC package (e.g., a chip set). Various components, modules, or units are described herein as being provided by a processor, such as one or more hardware processors, in combination with appropriate software, or by specific hardware components. In some embodiments, the various components, modules, or units are provided by one or more hardware units configured to provide the described functionality, such as the one or more processors described above in conjunction with appropriate software.

[0130] An exemplary numbered list of certain embodiments within the scope of the disclosure is provided below.

[0131] 1. A system comprising: a controller; a first pressure sensor configured to detect a first air pressure within a house at a first time and a second air pressure within the house at a second time, the first pressure sensor in communication with the controller, the first time being different than the second time; wherein the controller is configured to receive the first air pressure and the second air pressure within the house from the first pressure sensor, determine a pressure change within the house using at least the first air pressure and the second air pressure, compare the pressure change within the house to a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or a predetermined internal pressure signature, and determine a first output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure signature when the pressure change within the house matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure signature.

[0132] 2. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure signature corresponds to an opening of a door or window, and wherein the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure signature is an entry alert to a remote device.

[0133] 3. The system of any of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the controller is further configured to compare the pressure change within the house to a second predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or a second predetermined internal pressure characteristic, and when the pressure change within the house matches the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic, determine a second output associated with the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic, wherein the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic is different from the respective first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic.

[0134] 4. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, or 3, wherein the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic corresponds to a presence of a person at the house, and wherein the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the second predetermined internal pressure characteristic is a burglar alarm to a remote device.

[0135] 5. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, or 4, further comprising a security sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is further configured to receive security data at the house from the security sensor, and when the pressure change within the house matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and the security data matches a first predetermined house security threshold, determine a first output associated with each of the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and the first predetermined house security threshold.

[0136] 6. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, further comprising a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit located at the house and in communication with the controller, wherein the first output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic is an HVAC adjustment command, such that when the pressure change within the house matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic, the controller is configured to send the HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit.

[0137] 7. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic corresponds to a presence of an internal hazard within the house, and wherein the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic is an HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit.

[0138] 8. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the internal hazard is a fire, and wherein the HVAC adjustment command is a damper adjustment command to limit the supply of air provided within the house.

[0139] 9. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, further comprising a gas or fire sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is further configured to receive gas or fire data at the house from the gas or fire sensor, and determine the first output associated with each of the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and the first predetermined house gas or fire threshold when the pressure change within the house matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and the gas or fire data matches the first predetermined house gas or fire threshold.

[0140] 10. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic corresponds to the presence of a person at the house, and wherein the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic is an HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit to alter a temperature setpoint setting.

[0141] 11. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, further comprising a second pressure sensor configured to detect a third air pressure outside the house at a third time and a fourth air pressure outside the house at a fourth time, the second pressure sensor in communication with the controller, the third time being different than the fourth time; wherein the controller is configured to receive the third air pressure and the fourth air pressure outside the house from the second pressure sensor, determine a pressure change outside the house using at least the third air pressure and the fourth air pressure, compare the pressure change outside the house to a first predetermined outside pressure change threshold and / or a first predetermined outside pressure characteristic, and determine a second output associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic when the pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic.

[0142] 12. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic corresponds to a weather condition outside the house, and wherein the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined outside pressure characteristic is a weather condition alert to a remote device.

[0143] 13. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic corresponds to an opening of a door or window, wherein the first predetermined external pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined external pressure characteristic corresponds to a weather condition outside the house, and wherein the controller is configured to generate a door or window alert to the remote device when the pressure change inside the house matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic and the pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined external pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined external pressure characteristic.

[0144] 14. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein the first predetermined external pressure change threshold corresponds to a first weather condition outside the house and the second predetermined external pressure change threshold corresponds to a second weather condition outside the house, wherein the controller is configured to generate a door or window alert to the remote device when the pressure change outside the house matches the first predetermined external pressure change threshold, and wherein the controller is configured to generate a shelter alert to the remote device when the pressure change outside the house matches the second predetermined external pressure change threshold.

[0145] 15. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein the first predetermined external pressure change threshold corresponds to a weather condition outside the house, and wherein the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined external pressure change threshold is a damper adjustment command to adjust an air damper at the house to alter an amount of air passing through the damper.

[0146] 16. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic corresponds to a presence of a vehicle at an enclosed parking structure at the house.

[0147] 17. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16, further comprising a garage door actuator configured to open and close a garage door at the enclosed parking structure, wherein the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure characteristic is an actuation command to cause the garage door actuator to open or close the garage door at the enclosed parking structure.

[0148] 18. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 17, further comprising a gas sensor configured to detect a gas concentration at the enclosed parking structure, the gas sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive the gas concentration at the enclosed parking structure from the gas sensor, compare the gas concentration to a first predetermined gas threshold, generate an actuation command to cause the garage door actuator to open the garage door when the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure signature and the gas concentration matches the first predetermined gas threshold.

[0149] 19. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, or 18, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure signature corresponds to the presence of a vehicle having a running motor at the enclosed parking structure at the premises, and wherein the controller determines that the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure signature prior to determining that the gas concentration matches the first predetermined gas threshold.

[0150] 20. The system of any of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, or 19, wherein the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and / or the first predetermined internal pressure signature is a damper adjustment command to adjust an air damper in fluid communication with the enclosed parking structure to alter an amount of air passing through the damper.

[0151] Various examples of the present disclosure have been described. Any combination of the described systems, operations, or functions are considered. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for security and hazard detection using air pressure data, characterized in that, The system comprises: a controller; a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit located at the premises and in communication with the controller; a first pressure sensor configured to detect a first air pressure within the premises at a first time and a second air pressure within the premises at a second time, the first pressure sensor in communication with the controller, the first time being different than the second time; wherein the controller is configured to receive the first air pressure and the second air pressure within the premises from the first pressure sensor, determine a pressure change within the premises using at least the first air pressure and the second air pressure, compare the pressure change within the premises to a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, and determine a first output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold wherein the first output associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an HVAC adjustment command such that when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold, the controller is configured to send the HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to an opening of a door or window, and the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an entry alert to a remote device.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to compare the pressure change within the premises to a second predetermined internal pressure change threshold, and determine a second output associated with the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold when the pressure change within the premises matches the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold, wherein the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold is different than the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to a presence of a person at the premises, and the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the second predetermined internal pressure change threshold is a trespasser alert to a remote device.

5. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising: a security sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is further configured to receive security data at the premises from the security sensor, and determine the first output associated with each of the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the first predetermined premises security threshold when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the security data matches the first predetermined premises security threshold.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to a presence of an internal hazard within the premises, and wherein the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the internal hazard is a fire, and wherein the HVAC adjustment command is a damper adjustment command to limit a supply of air provided within the premises.

8. The system of claim 6, the system further comprising: a gas or fire sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is further configured to receive gas or fire data at the premises from the gas or fire sensor and determine a first output associated with each of a first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and a first predetermined premises gas or fire threshold when a pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the gas or fire data matches the first predetermined premises gas or fire threshold.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to a presence of a person within the premises, and wherein the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an HVAC adjustment command to the HVAC unit to alter a temperature setpoint setting.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a second pressure sensor configured to detect a third air pressure outside the premises at a third time and a fourth air pressure outside the premises at a fourth time, the second pressure sensor in communication with the controller, the third time being different than the fourth time; wherein the controller is configured to receive the third air pressure and the fourth air pressure outside the premises from the second pressure sensor, determine a pressure change outside the premises using at least the third air pressure and the fourth air pressure, compare the pressure change outside the premises to a first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, and determine a second output associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold when the pressure change outside the premises matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold corresponds to a weather condition outside the premises, and wherein the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold is a weather condition alert to a remote device.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to an opening of a door or window, wherein the first predetermined external pressure change threshold corresponds to a weather condition outside of the house, and wherein, the controller is configured to generate a door or window alert to a remote device when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the pressure change outside the premises matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first predetermined exterior pressure change threshold corresponds to a first weather condition outside the premises and the second predetermined exterior pressure change threshold corresponds to a second weather condition outside the premises, wherein, the controller is configured to generate a door or window alert to a remote device when the pressure change outside the premises matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, and wherein the controller is configured to generate a shelter alert to a remote device when the pressure change outside the premises matches a second predetermined outside pressure change threshold.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold corresponds to a weather condition outside the premises, and wherein the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold is a damper adjustment command to adjust an air damper at the premises to alter an amount of air passing through the damper.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to a presence of a vehicle at an enclosed parking structure at the premises.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a garage door actuator configured to open and close a garage door at the enclosed parking structure, the controller is configured to receive the third air pressure and the fourth air pressure outside the premises from the second pressure sensor, determine a pressure change outside the premises using at least the third air pressure and the fourth air pressure, compare the pressure change outside the premises to a first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, and determine a second output associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold when the pressure change outside the premises matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold corresponds to a weather condition outside the premises, and wherein the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold is a weather condition alert to a remote device. the controller is configured to generate a door or window alert to a remote device when the pressure change within the premises matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the pressure change outside the premises matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold. the controller is configured to generate a door or window alert to a remote device when the pressure change outside the premises matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, and wherein the controller is configured to generate a shelter alert to a remote device when the pressure change outside the premises matches a second predetermined outside pressure change threshold.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold corresponds to a weather condition outside the premises, and wherein the second output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold is a damper adjustment command to adjust an air damper at the premises to alter an amount of air passing through the damper.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to a presence of a vehicle at an enclosed parking structure at the premises.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a garage door actuator configured to open and close a garage door at the enclosed parking structure, the controller is configured to receive the third air pressure and the fourth air pressure outside the premises from the second pressure sensor, determine a pressure change outside the premises using at least the third air pressure and the fourth air pressure, compare the pressure change outside the premises to a first predetermined outside pressure change threshold, and determine a second output associated with the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold when the pressure change outside the premises matches the first predetermined outside pressure change threshold. wherein the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is an actuation command to cause the garage door actuator to open or close a garage door at the enclosed parking structure.

17. The system of claim 16, the system further comprising: a gas sensor configured to detect a gas concentration at the enclosed parking structure, the gas sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive the gas concentration at the enclosed parking structure from the gas sensor, compare the gas concentration to a first predetermined gas threshold, and generate the actuation command to cause the garage door actuator to open the garage door when the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold and the gas concentration matches the first predetermined gas threshold.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold corresponds to the presence of a vehicle with a running motor at the enclosed parking structure at the premises, and wherein the controller determines that the pressure change within the enclosed parking structure matches the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold prior to determining that the gas concentration matches the first predetermined gas threshold.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the first output determined by the controller to be associated with the first predetermined internal pressure change threshold is a damper adjustment command to adjust an air damper in fluid communication with the enclosed parking structure to alter an amount of air passing through the damper.

Images