The disclosure herein concerns a method including receiving at a computer at least one target value of a scent parameter for an environment that is remote from the computer, receiving at the computer a sensed parameter of the environment, and controlling, via the computer, diffusion of a liquid from a source of the liquid in fluid communication with at least one scent diffusion device to achieve the target value of the scent parameter, wherein controlling includes setting or adjusting an operation parameter of the at least one scent diffusion device in response to the sensed parameter.

The disclosure herein concerns a method including receiving at a computer at least one target value of a scent parameter for an environment that is remote from the computer, receiving at the computer a sensed parameter of the environment, and controlling, via the computer, diffusion of a liquid from a source of the liquid in fluid communication with at least one scent diffusion device to achieve the target value of the scent parameter, wherein controlling includes setting or adjusting an operation parameter of the at least one scent diffusion device in response to the sensed parameter.

Methods and systems that manage building code compliance are provided. A smart or interconnected home may be populated with multiple smart or other devices that are in wired or wireless communication with a central controller. The smart devices may be covered by an insurance policy, such as a homeowners, renters, or personal articles insurance policy. The controller may receive building code compliance information associated with the smart devices, and may update an inventory list to include the building code compliance information. The controller may detect that one or more devices do not comply with building code requirements. The controller may transmit a notification to a customer about possible corrective actions to remedy non-compliant conditions and to facilitate building code compliance. The smart devices may be associated with appliances, electronics, wiring, pipes, ducts, or other equipment or personal belongings. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon the building code compliance functionality.

Methods and systems that manage building code compliance are provided. A smart or interconnected home may be populated with multiple smart or other devices that are in wired or wireless communication with a central controller. The smart devices may be covered by an insurance policy, such as a homeowners, renters, or personal articles insurance policy. The controller may receive building code compliance information associated with the smart devices, and may update an inventory list to include the building code compliance information. The controller may detect that one or more devices do not comply with building code requirements. The controller may transmit a notification to a customer about possible corrective actions to remedy non-compliant conditions and to facilitate building code compliance. The smart devices may be associated with appliances, electronics, wiring, pipes, ducts, or other equipment or personal belongings. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon the building code compliance functionality.

A method of triggering a security alert using a tracking device, including detecting motion using a motion sensor of the tracking device, determining that the detected motion meets a motion threshold, detecting one or more wireless access points in proximity to the tracking device, determining that the one or more wireless access points do not correspond to a recognized wireless access point, and in accordance with the determination that the one or more detected wireless access points do not correspond to a recognized wireless access point, triggering a security alert.

A method of triggering a security alert using a tracking device, including detecting motion using a motion sensor of the tracking device, determining that the detected motion meets a motion threshold, detecting one or more wireless access points in proximity to the tracking device, determining that the one or more wireless access points do not correspond to a recognized wireless access point, and in accordance with the determination that the one or more detected wireless access points do not correspond to a recognized wireless access point, triggering a security alert.

This disclosure includes techniques for controlling smart home devices upon entering a home with a fingerprint sensor in a doorbell device. After capturing a fingerprint of a digit of a guest and sending the fingerprint to a server device, the server device matches the fingerprint of the digit to an entry in a guest fingerprint database for a first user. The server device sends an operational command to a smart home device separate from the doorbell device and located at a same premises as the doorbell device. In response to receiving the operational command from the server device, the smart home device performs an action corresponding to the operational command.

This disclosure includes techniques for controlling smart home devices upon entering a home with a fingerprint sensor in a doorbell device. After capturing a fingerprint of a digit of a guest and sending the fingerprint to a server device, the server device matches the fingerprint of the digit to an entry in a guest fingerprint database for a first user. The server device sends an operational command to a smart home device separate from the doorbell device and located at a same premises as the doorbell device. In response to receiving the operational command from the server device, the smart home device performs an action corresponding to the operational command.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise, wherein the sensor includes an electrical connector. The security system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the base includes an electronics module having a connector. The connector of the sensor and the connector of the electronics module are configured to electrically connect with one another when the sensor is supported on the base, and the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the item of merchandise from the sensor.

In accordance with an embodiment, a detection device includes: an infrared temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature signal associated with an heat emission of at least one individual within a monitored area; an electrostatic-charge-variation sensor configured to provide a charge-variation signal indicative of a variation of electrostatic charge associated with the at least one individual; and a processing unit, coupled to the infrared temperature sensor and to the electrostatic-charge-variation sensor, the processing unit configured to detect a presence of the at least one individual within the monitored area by receiving the temperature signal and the charge-variation signal, and jointly processing the temperature signal and charge.