Guest Mode Security Panel Automation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security control panel devices do not provide guest users with control over home automation devices and fail to account for their presence, leading to unintended automation actions, such as turning off lights, which can affect guests.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a GUEST mode in security control panel devices, allowing homeowners to enable or disable this mode, configure guest access to automation devices, and execute fallback scenes that exclude guest-affecting actions, with guest users able to register and control devices via their mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a guest user code is configured in known security control panel devices, then the guest user can enter and control security modes (ARM/DISARM), but the guest user cannot control automation devices and the system cannot account for guest presence, leading to unintended automation actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct modes: a standard user mode for homeowners and a specific GUEST mode for guests. This segmentation allows the system to provide tailored functionality for each user type without complicating the overall device architecture. The GUEST mode is implemented as a separate, isolated configuration that enables guest-specific automation controls while maintaining the existing security mode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel device is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating both security control (ARM/DISARM) and automation device control within the GUEST mode. This universal approach allows a single mode configuration to handle multiple guest needs: security access and automation device control, eliminating the need for separate systems or complex workarounds.
2Productivity
If the security control panel device executes scenes at predetermined times, then automation functions are performed, but unintended actions occur that affect guests in the home
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting guest presence before executing predetermined scenes. When a guest is detected to be present in the home, the system proactively modifies or skips scenes that would otherwise execute at scheduled times. This preliminary detection and conditional modification prevents unintended automation actions from affecting guests before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring guest presence status and using this information to dynamically adjust scene execution. The automation system receives feedback about guest location and presence, then adjusts its behavior accordingly - modifying or canceling scenes that would negatively impact guests while maintaining normal automation for areas where guests are not present.
3Ease of operation
If guest users are provided with mobile application access, then they can control automation devices, but the access duration must be limited and authorized by the homeowner
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by requiring the homeowner to pre-configure the GUEST mode and specify authorized access parameters before the guest actually needs access. The homeowner sets up which automation devices the guest can control and for what duration in advance. This preliminary authorization ensures that when the guest uses the mobile application, all access is pre-approved and bounded by homeowner-defined limits, maintaining security while enabling convenience.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for integrating a GUEST mode in a security control panel device are provided. Some methods can include enabling a GUEST mode of a security system in a monitored region, and when in the GUEST mode, providing one or more guest users with control of at least one automation device in the security system, or executing one or more fallback scenes that account for a presence of the one or more guest users in the monitored region.