The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for monitoring activity in a home environment. In one aspect, a method performed at a voice-assistant device includes: while operating in an assistant mode, receiving an occupant command to operate in a monitoring mode; in response to the command, transitioning to operating in the monitoring mode; while operating in the monitoring mode, detecting a sound; obtaining a determination as to whether the sound meets one or more monitoring criteria; and in accordance with a determination that the sound meets the one or more monitoring criteria, generating an alert or notification.

An automated alert system, device and method designed to deliver crisis notifications within seconds to law enforcement personnel. The alert system and method is designed to enhance the response time to an active shooter scenario, thereby minimizing the number of causalities or victims associated with such dangerous scenarios. The system and method uses combination of various hardware components, cellular automation and partnership with first responders to provide an advanced alert system which ensures quick responses.

A system for restricting access to an area includes a security barrier with a security hood. The security hood includes a body having a plurality of openings, a plurality of lights positioned within the plurality of openings, a control module and a communications system. The lights may be recessed into the body. The control module changes the security hood between an inactive state and an active state. The control module controls the plurality of lights. The communications system receives data from a remote command location and provides the data to the control module. The data includes instructions for altering operation of the security hood. The communications system may include a satellite link.

The presently disclosed method and system includes a network of computer devices, sensors, and actuators operating in concert with application software to actively detect, identify, and localize threats and generate real-time countermeasures designed to delay and/or mitigate damage that may be caused by the threats. Application software, in the form of automated reasoning and logic control, initiates preparatory and countermeasure sequences automatically, which may be used by users or automatically executed by the system to at least delay an attack to a physical asset/area by adversaries with use of non-lethal actuators. Learned scenarios are generated and continuously adapted via feedback loops and decision rules to provide preparatory and countermeasure sequences that maximize results with minimal expenditure of assets.

The presently disclosed method and system includes a network of computer devices, sensors, and actuators operating in concert with application software to actively detect, identify, and localize threats and generate real-time countermeasures designed to delay and/or mitigate damage that may be caused by the threats. Application software, in the form of automated reasoning and logic control, initiates preparatory and countermeasure sequences automatically, which may be used by users or automatically executed by the system to at least delay an attack to a physical asset/area by adversaries with use of non-lethal actuators. Learned scenarios are generated and continuously adapted via feedback loops and decision rules to provide preparatory and countermeasure sequences that maximize results with minimal expenditure of assets.

The disclosure includes a method for using a doorbell system to detect a presence of a visitor. The doorbell system can comprise a doorbell having a speaker, a microphone, a camera, and a button. The method can include detecting, by the doorbell system, the presence of the visitor while the visitor is located outside a building to which the doorbell is attached. The building can include a door having a lock that is configured to fasten the door to inhibit unauthorized entry into the building. In response to detecting the presence of the visitor, the method can include the step of actuating, by the doorbell system, a first appliance associated with the building.

The disclosure includes a method for using a doorbell system to detect a presence of a visitor. The doorbell system can comprise a doorbell having a speaker, a microphone, a camera, and a button. The method can include detecting, by the doorbell system, the presence of the visitor while the visitor is located outside a building to which the doorbell is attached. The building can include a door having a lock that is configured to fasten the door to inhibit unauthorized entry into the building. In response to detecting the presence of the visitor, the method can include the step of actuating, by the doorbell system, a first appliance associated with the building.

The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for monitoring activity in a home environment. In one aspect, a method performed at a voice-assistant device includes: transitioning to operating in a second mode from a first mode; while operating in the second mode, detecting a sound; obtaining a determination as to whether the sound meets one or more monitoring criteria; and in accordance with a determination that the sound meets the one or more monitoring criteria, generating an alert or notification.

Doorbell systems can include a doorbell and a chime. In some embodiments, the chime can be communicatively coupled to a wireless network of a building, to the doorbell, and to a remote computing device. In several embodiments, the chime facilitates communication with at least one of the doorbell, the remote computing device, and a remote sensor.

A system for alerting a victim of a presence of an offender, the system includes a first bracelet configured to be worn by the victim, the first bracelet including a first GPS receiver, a first wireless network transceiver, a speaker or a vibration motor, and a display element, wherein the first wireless network transceiver comprises a wireless cellular network transceiver or a WiFi transceiver. The system also includes a second bracelet configured to be worn by the offender. A cloud-based monitor system including a computing device and a memory configured to receive data from the first bracelet and the second bracelet and perform appropriate actions as necessary. Each bracelet may include a mechanical lock having at least a first fastener, a second fastener, and/or a third fastener, to provide, respectively, one, two or three levels of security for the device.