WO2019018317A1

WO2019018317A1 - Distance-based door and window state detection

Info

Publication number: WO2019018317A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/042358
Authority: WO
Inventors: Evan Abraham WITTY; John Michael STEFANSKI; Raemond Isamu BERGSTOM-WOOD
Original assignee: Essential Products, Inc.
Priority date: 2017-07-17
Filing date: 2018-07-17
Publication date: 2019-01-24

Abstract

Distance-based door or window state detection is described. A sensor can determine how far a door is from a door jamb. The distance can be used to provide more nuanced determinations regarding the state of the door. For example, the degree of being partially open can be determined.

Description

DISTANCE-BASED DOOR AND WINDOW STATE DETECTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLJCATION(S)

[1] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/650, 143 filed on March 29, 2018. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/533,536 filed on July 17, 2017. The content of the above-identified applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[2] This disclosure relates to monitoring a state of a door or a window.

BACKGROUND

[3] Surveillance is the monitoring of behavior of people, activities, or changing environmental characteristics of an environment for protecting people or items. Surveillance can be provided by sensors including cameras, smoke

detectors, door/window detectors, etc. A person can be alerted to any security issues detected via the surveillance by activating an alarm or providing a notification (e.g., text message) regarding the security issue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of determining a distance between a door and a door jamb.

[5] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a single sensor placed on a door jamb for determining a distance between a door and the door jamb.

[6] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a sensor and a companion piece for determining a distance between a door and a door jamb.

[7] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of block diagram for determining a state of a door based on the distance between a door and a door jamb. [8] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an assistant device using information regarding the distance between a door and a door jamb to provide a security notification.

[9] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram for providing a security notification. [10] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a sensor and a companion piece.

[11] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a single sensor,

[12] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a block diagram for determining a state of the door. [13] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example of an inductive sensor.

[14] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of devices determining information regarding an access point of a building.

[15] FIG. 1 1 illustrates an example of a sensor and a companion piece for determining a state of a window. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[16] This disclosure describes devices and techniques for determining a state of a door or a window. In one example, a sensor can be placed on a door jamb with a companion piece (or companion piece sensor) on a door that fits within the door jamb. When the door is in a closed state, the distance between the sensor and the companion piece can be at a minimum distance. This can occur because a surface of the door jamb with the sensor can be near to and relatively parallel (or substantially parallel) with a surface of the door (e.g., the side or edge of the door that fits within the door frame against the jamb) having the companion piece. As the door is opened, the door rotates via a hinge such that the surface of the door with the companion piece moves away from the surface of the door jamb with the sensor, resulting in the distance between the sensor and the companion piece to increase. This distance can be calculated to represent the distance between the door jamb and the door, and used by the sensor to determine the state of the door, for example, how far it has opened away from the closed state. [17] The small size of the sensor and companion piece, as well as the placements upon the door jamb and door, can allow for the door state detection to be implemented without obtrusive sensors. This provides a more aesthetically pleasing experience for a homeowner. The sensor and companion piece are also less likely to be damaged. Moreover, the sensor and companion piece can be relatively thin and adhered to the door jamb and door, respectively, with adhesive. This can result in an easy installation without the need for modifying (e.g., drilling into) the door jamb (or frame) or door. Some examples of techniques employed to determine the distance can include using ultrasonic waves, capacitance sensing, optical sensing, inductive sensing, and more as discussed herein. In some implementations, the sensor can be placed upon the door and the companion piece upon the door jamb. Some implementations can also use a single sensor without the use of a companion device.

[18] Additionally, an assistant device can determine the state of the door from the calculated distance received from the sensor. In some implementations, the assistant device can determine not only whether the door is in an open state or a closed state, but provide more nuanced determinations regarding how open the door is, for example, whether it is fifty percent opened, seventy-five percent opened, etc. If the door is opened beyond a threshold amount, then the assistant device can determine that the amount that the door is opened is a potential or likely security issue and, therefore, provide an alert notification to the homeowner, activate an alarm to inform anyone within the home of the issue, turn on a camera within the home to begin recording video data to record evidence, etc.

[19] Though many of the examples describe the use of doors, the devices and techniques can also be used for windows or other openings, or access points, into a building.

[20] In more detail, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of determining a distance between a door and a door jamb. In FIG. 1 , a home can include door 105 as an access point through which individuals can exit or enter the building. Door 105 can be installed within a door frame having door jamb 1 10, for example, for attaching hinges 1 15 to be coupled with door jamb 1 10 and door 105 so that door 105 can be positioned in open and closed states. Opposite the hinge on the other door jamb of the door frame can be a deadbolt slot for a deadbolt of door 105 to be positioned into to secure the door to door jamb 1 10 when door 105 is in a closed state.

[21] As depicted in FIG. 1 and the various illustrations of hinge area 120, the position of door 105 with respect to door jamb 1 10 can change as door 105 is opened. This occurs because hinge 1 15 causes door 105 to rotate along a fixed axis of rotation while door jamb 1 10 stays in place. That is, door jamb 1 10 does not rotate because it is a fixed portion or non-movable portion of an access point or entry to the building. By contrast, door 105 moves because it is a movable portion of the access point or entry. For example, at time 125, door 105 can be in a closed state due to the sides of hinge 1 15 (e.g., one side coupled with door jamb 1 10 and another side coupled with door 105) being substantially parallel to one another. This also results in the distance between door 105 and door jamb 1 10 to be at a minimum or close to a minimum because the surface or edge of door 105 that is closest to door jamb 105 is relatively or substantially parallel to door jamb 1 10. This results in a very small gap, or door- jamb gap, between door 105 and door jamb 1 10. For example, the door-jamb gap might be 5 millimeter (mm) or less.

[22] At time 130, door 105 has begun to be opened. Thus, door 105 is out of the closed state, but might not be fully opened. As depicted in FIG. 1 , this results in the distance between door 105 and door jamb 1 10 to be increased to somewhere between the minimum and maximum distance that door 105 can travel (i.e., its travel range from the closed state to the fully open state). This can be a partially open state for door 105. Other positions between the minimum and maximum distances can also be partially open states. Next, at time 135, door 105 is fuily opened such that it is at the end of its travel range (e.g., due to limitations to how much hinge 1 15 can rotate along the fixed axis, a door stopper or other obstruction preventing door 105 to open more, etc.). At time 135, the distance between door 105 and door jamb 1 10 can be at a maximum. This can be a fully open state for door 105. [23] Thus, the distance between door 105 and door jamb 1 10 can be indicative of the position or state of door 105. Devices that can determine the distance can be useful for security or surveillance, for example, alerting an occupant of the building that door 105 has opened. If a sensor can be placed within the door-jamb gap formed between door jamb 1 10 and door 105, then this can allow for unobtrusive monitoring of door 105. Because many front doors are often expensive and selected to fit aesthetics of the building, unobtrusive placement of sensors can be beneficial because the original aesthetics of the door is preserved. Moreover, the placement of sensors within the door-jamb gap can result in increased accuracy and more nuanced monitoring of door 105 by providing not only determinations that door 105 is in a fully open state or closed state, but also the various partially open states that door 105 can be in as it transitions between the closed state and fully open state. That is, the sensors can provide more than a mere binary determination regarding the state of door 105. [24] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a single sensor placed on a door jamb for determining a distance between a door and the door jamb. In FIG. 2A, sensor 205 can be placed upon door jamb 1 10. However, in other implementations, sensor 205 can be placed upon door 105. [25] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a sensor and a companion piece (or companion piece sensor) for determining a distance between a door and a door jamb. In FIG. 2B, sensor 205 can be placed upon door jamb 1 10 and companion piece 215 can be placed upon door 215. Sensor 205 and companion piece 215 can be used together to determine the distance between door 105 and door jamb 1 10 and, therefore, the state of door 105. Companion piece 215 can be used to allow for sensor 205 to more accurately determine the distance between door 105 and door jamb 1 10 and, therefore, provide a more accurate determination regarding the state of door 105. However, in other implementations, sensor 205 can be placed upon door 105 and companion piece 215 can be placed upon door jamb 1 10. [26] In some implementations, sensor 205 can be configured to determine or defect a change in physical force being applied to it. For example, sensor 205 can be a force-sensitive sensor, pressure-sensitive sensor, or contact-sensor. If door 105 is in a closed state, then force can be applied to sensor 205 because it is within the door- jamb gap and positioned upon door jamb 1 10. If door 105 begins to open (e.g., enters a partially open state) then door 105 would rotate and the amount of force applied to sensor 205 can be reduced or even reduce to zero due to door 105 rotating far away from sensor 205. A sensor 205 configured to determine a change in physical force being applied to it can be implemented via the implementations of Figures 2A or 2B. For example, a single sensor 205 can be positioned upon door jamb 1 10 or door 105. In another example, sensor 205 can be placed upon one of door jamb 1 10 or door 105, and companion piece 215 can be placed upon the other (e.g. , sensor 205 placed upon door jamb 1 10, and companion piece 215 positioned upon door 105, or vice versa). In the example of Figure 2B, companion piece 215 can be a material serving as a protrusion from the edge of door 105 such that more force is applied to sensor 205 when door 105 is in the closed state.

[27] Sensor 205 can also include a capacitive sensor that is configured to detect or determine changes in capacitance between free air (i.e., within the door-jamb gap) and natural capacitances of door 105 and door jamb 1 10. Sensor 205 can also include active or passive optical or reflectance sensors. For example, sensor 205 can provide light (e.g., a laser) and determine the intensity of that light upon door 105 (or door jamb 1 10 if sensor 205 is positioned on door 105), or determine how much light is reflected to sensor 205. The distance between door 105 and door jamb 1 10 and, therefore, the state of door 105 can be determined based on the intensity or reflection of the light. In some implementations, companion piece 215 can be placed and positioned to cause light to reflect to sensor 205. For example, companion piece 215 can be positioned such that it is directly opposite sensor 205. Companion piece 215 can also be made of reflective material. The light provided by sensor 205 can include light within the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., 400 nanometers (nm) to 700 nm), or light within another portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example, infrared light portion (e.g., 700 nm to 1 millimeter (mm)). Any of the sensor techniques described can be implemented via the use of a single sensor as in the example of FIG. 2A or via the use of a sensor and companion piece as in the example of FIG. 2B. For example, in FIG. 2A, an optical infrared sensor can be implemented with sensor 205. The lack of a companion piece can be beneficial if the amount of space is too small. In another example, in FIG. 2B, sensor 205 can be an infrared sensor and companion piece 215 can be a reflective component to reflect transmitted light from sensor 205 back to sensor 205. As discussed later herein, the time between the transmitting of light (e.g., infrared signals) and receiving reflected light can be used to determine the distances between the door or window parts that sensor 205 and companion piece 215 are placed upon. Additionally, as discussed later herein, the intensity of reflected light can also be measured and used to determine the distances. [28] Sensor 205 can also include an ultrasonic sensor. For example, sensor

205 can generate or emit ultrasonic waves (e.g., sound waves with frequencies ranging from 20 kilohertz (kHz) up to several gigahertz (GHz). The reflections of the ultrasonic waves off of door 105 (if sensor 205 is positioned upon door jamb 1 10) can be determined and used to determine the distance between door jamb 1 10 and door 105. Sensor 205 can also provide other types of signals or waves to determine the distance, for example, using Bluetooth, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), or other wireless technologies. [29] In some implementations, sensor 205 and companion piece 215 can be positioned upon door 105 or door jamb 1 10 by using adhesive. Using adhesive can allow for easy installation of sensor 205 or companion piece 215. Moreover, using adhesive also allows for easy removal of sensor 205 and companion piece 215. Being able to easily remove sensor 205 or companion piece 215 can be useful because sensor 205 or companion piece might use batteries to provide the functionalities disclosed herein, for example, to generate and emit ultrasonic waves, generate light, etc.

[30] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of block diagram for determining a state of a door based on the distance between a door and a door jamb, !n F!G. 3, a sensor can transmit a signal (305). For example, sensor 205 in FIG. 2B can include a transceiver (and other related circuitry, antennas, radios, etc.) having a transmitter that can be used to generate and transmit an ultrasonic wave as a signal or a pattern as a signal (e.g., a repeating signal). However, in other implementations, signals in other frequencies other than ultrasonic can be used.

[31] As the signal propagates through the door-jamb gap, the signal can be received by a companion piece (310). For example, in FIG. 2B, companion piece 215 can include a transceiver having a receiver to receive the signal generated by sensor 205, Upon receiving the signal, the companion piece can transmit a response signal (315). For example, the transceiver of the companion piece can include a transmitter for generating and transmitting an ultrasonic response signal. The response signal can be an indication provided by companion piece 215 that the signal generated by sensor 205 was received. In some implementations, the response signal can be at the same or different frequency or pattern as the signal generated by sensor 205. [32] The sensor can then receive the response signal (320) and determine the time between when the initial signal was transmitted by the sensor and when the response signal transmitted by the companion piece was received by the sensor (325). For example, the transceiver of the sensor can include a receiver for receiving the response signal. Based on the timing, the sensor can determine the distance between the sensor and the companion piece (330). For example, the time can be higher the longer the distance because the signals would take more time to propagate. Based on the determined distance, the state of the door can be determined by the sensor (335). For example, if the time is within a first time period and determined to be a low

- I - distance, then this can mean that door 105 is in a closed state because door jamb 1 10 and door 105 are close to each other. If the time is within a second time period that is longer than the first time period, then this can be determined to be a distance when the door is in between the closed state and fully open state. That is, door 105 can be in a partially open state. The longer the time period, then the more partially open door 105 can be determined. If the time is within a third time period that is longer than the second time period, then this can be determined to be a distance where the door is in a fully open state.

[33] Though ultrasonic signals are described in the above example, as previously discussed, other types of signals can be used. For example, sensor 205 can transmit optical light and companion piece 215 in FIG. 2B can be a reflective tape (or other reflective component) that provides the response signal as reflections of the optical light. In another example, sensor 205 and companion piece 215 can implement magnets and the magnetic field between the two can be used to determine the distance.

[34] Some of the above example describe the use of the sensors with a door.

However, similar sensors can be positioned upon parts of windows to provide information regarding the state of the windows (e.g., how open the windows are, whether windows are closed, etc.). 1 1 illustrates an example of a sensor and a companion piece for determining a state of a window, !n FIG. 1 1 , window frame 1 120 includes a single hung window including two sashes, or window planes or window surfaces, 1 1 10 and 1 1 15. Sensor 205 can be placed upon one of the sashes and companion piece 215 can be placed upon the other sash. As one of the sashes is opened or closed, the distance between sensor 205 and companion piece 215 can change, and, therefore, ultrasonic signals can take a different amount of time to propagate. Similar to the previous examples including FIG. 3, this results in a different time between the transmitting of the signal and receiving the response signal for the different distances between sensor 205 and companion piece 215. Thus, the state of the window (e.g., how open the window is, or whether the window is closed) can be determined based on the time for the signals to be propagated.

[35] For example, in FIG, 1 1 , sensor 205 is placed upon bottom sash 1 1 15 and companion piece 215 is placed upon top sash 1 1 10. However, in another example, companion piece 215 can be affixed to a different portion of window frame 1 120 or elsewhere within the environment (e.g., on the wall above the frame). In a single hung window, only the bottom sash 1 1 15 moves up and down while top sash 1 1 10 is in a fixed position. For example, bottom sash 1 1 15 moves up and, therefore, the distance between sensor 205 and companion piece 215 is reduced as the window is opened. This results in the time between sending the signal and receiving the response signal to be shorter than when bottom sash 1 1 15 was at the bottom end of the travel range for bottom sash 1 1 15 because the distance between sensor 205 and companion piece 215 is the longest. When bottom sash 1 1 15 is at the other end of the travel range, then bottom sash 1 1 15 is at a position corresponding to the window being fully open. This results in the time between sending the signal and receiving the response signal to be shorter due to very close distance between sensor 205 and companion piece 215.

[36] Though the aforementioned example describes single hung windows, other types of windows can be used similarly. For example, double hung windows, casement windows, awning windows, horizontal windows, sliding doors, and double sliding doors can also include sensor 205 and companion piece 215 on different parts in which the distance between the different parts changes as the window is opened and dosed. In some implementations, sensor 205 can be placed upon the part that is moving and companion piece 215 can be placed upon a stationary part. [37] The use of ultrasonic signals as the signal transmitted by sensor 205 used in the examples described herein including FIG. 1 1 can be beneficial because the signals can be used to travel longer distances. Thus, in the example of FIG. 1 1 , the transmitted and received signals between sensor 205 and companion piece 215 can be ultrasonic signals. [38] An assistant device in the home can perform different operations based on the state of the door. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an assistant device using information regarding the distance between a door and a door jamb to provide a security notification. In FIG. 4, a sensor (e.g., sensor 205 in FIG. 2) can calculate and provide distance information 405 to assistant device 450, which can be an artificial intelligence-enabled home assistant device with the capability to display information on a display screen, play back audio information (e.g., generate audio representative of human speech), and control other devices within the environment. Assistant device 450 can receive distance information 405, determine the state of door 105, and then perform a variety of actions based on the state of door 105, By having assistant device 450 to determine the state of door 105, the battery life of sensor 205 can be extended because computational tasks can be performed by assistant device 450. However, in some implementations, sensor 205 can provide the state of door 105 to assistant device 450. In some implementations, the functionality provided by assistant device 450 and be provided by sensor 205,

[39] For example, if door 105 is determined to be in a fully open state, then assistant device 450 might determine this to be a potential security issue. Thus, assistant device 450 can generate notification information 420 which can be provided to smartphone 425 (or another electronic device such as a tablet computer, smart watch, desktop computer, laptop computer, a cloud server monitoring for security issues, etc.). As depicted in FIG. 4, a GUI on smartphone 425 can then provide GUI 430, providing an indication that the door to the building is open. Additionally, assistant device 450 can determine devices within the home that might be useful to prevent the security issue from becoming more dangerous or to provide more surveillance capabilities. For example, assistant device 450 can generate activity information 410 that can be provided to camera 415 such that camera 415 can begin recording visual image data within a field of view having door 105, This can result in a video being generated and viewable for the user depicting the activity around door 105 when it is in a fully open state. Thus, assistant device 450 can adjust or modify the behavior of other devices within the environment to respond to the potential security issue.

[40] If door 105 is determined to be in a closed state, then assistant device

450 can determine that there are no security issues and, therefore, the user does not need to be informed of any security issues. However, because the placement of the sensors within the door-jamb gap can provide a more nuanced determination of the state of door 105 rather than a binary open state or closed state determination, other capabilities can be provided. For example, in some partially open states, assistant device 450 might generate notification information 420 to alert a user, or generate activity information 410 to instruct camera 415 to begin recording video data. For example, some users might open the door such that it is only twenty-five percent open (i.e., door 105 is only twenty-five percent through its travel range as it swings open). In this example, the user might not want to be alerted that door 105 is open because the user purposefully cracked door 105 open to let in a small breeze for air circulation. However, if door 105 is in a partially open state beyond that twenty-five percent, for example, door 105 is fifty percent open, then assistant device 450 might alert the user or manipulate other devices within the environment to take some action. This might be done because door 105 has swung open beyond the user's original intention of only having door 105 cracked open a small amount. Similarly, in an example with windows, a user might want to crack open a window a small amount and not be alerted regarding a potential security issue.

[41] In FIG. 4, assistant device 450 is depicted as providing activity information

410 to camera 415. Other devices that can be provided activity information 410 can include an alarm (e.g., to visually or audibly alert a person within the building that door 105 is in a state that might be problematic), or even a device coupled with door 105 that can receive activity information 410 and position door 105 such that it is in the closed state or in a partially open state that is within an acceptable threshold range (e.g., twenty-five percent partially open or less). [42] In some implementations, notification information 420 or activity information 410 can be provided also based on time. For example, if the time is in the evening (e.g., after 7 p.m.), then notification information 420 can be provided if a door or window is open. In some implementations, if the time is during the day, then the threshold amount that the window or door can be open without triggering notification information 420 or activity information 410 can be higher than if the time is at night. Thus, the doors and windows of the building can be open different amounts at different times and lead to different assessments of the security situation.

[43] F!G. 5 illustrates a block diagram for providing a security notification, !n

FIG, 5, a sensor can provide distance information indicating the distance between a door jamb and a door. For example, the distance between sensor 205 and companion piece 210 can be provided as being indicative of the distance between the door jamb and the door. The distance information can be received by an assistant device and used to determine the state of the door (510). Based on the state of the door, a device within the environment can be activated or instructed to perform some action (515). For example, in FIG. 4, assistant device 450 can instruct camera 415 to begin recording. Additionally, a notification regarding the state of the door can be provided to an electronic device (520). For example, in F!G. 4, notification information 420 can be provided to smartphone 425 such that a user can be alerted regarding the state of the door being a potential security issue.

[44] In some implementations, the sensor and companion piece can be placed in other locations rather than on the sides of the door jamb and door such that the sensor and companion piece are within the door-jamb gap when the door is closed. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a sensor and a companion piece. In FIG. 6, sensor 605 can be placed on a portion of door 105 other than the edge or surface that faces door jamb 1 10 when door 105 is in the closed state. Companion piece 610 can be placed off the door, for example, on a wall or a piece of furniture. Sensor 605 and companion piece 610 can communicate with each other like previous examples, including FIG. 3, to determine the state of door 105.

[45] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a single sensor. In FIG. 7, sensor 605 is placed without the use of a companion piece, similar to the example of F!G. 2A. Having a single sensor 605 without a companion piece can reduce the number of components needing to be installed, and potentially reduce costs due to having fewer components. In some implementations, sensor 605 can be installed upon door jamb 1 10 similar to sensor 205 in FIG. 2A.

[46] F!G. 8 illustrates an example of a block diagram for determining a state of the door. In FIG. 8, a signal can be emitted by a sensor when a door is in a dosed state (610). For example, sensor 605 in FIG. 7 can be configured to emit a signal (e.g., ultrasonic, light, etc.). The signal can reflect off objects within the environment and the reflections of the signal can be received by the sensor (615). The signal can then associate characteristics of the reflections, for example, how much time it takes for the signals to be emitted and reflected back to sensor 605, as being representative of door 105 being in a closed state. Other characteristics such as intensity of the reflected signals, amplitude, phase, etc. can also be considered. In some implementations, an assistant device can associate the characteristics of the reflections with the closed state. For example, sensor 605 can provide information regarding how long in time it took for the signal to be emitted and the reflections to be received.

[47] Later, sensor 605 can emit a signal again (625). For example, sensor 605 in FIG. 7 can emit a signal periodically (e.g., every five minutes). In another example, sensor 605 can include an accelerometer thai detects that door 105 is swinging open. Upon the detection that door 105 is swinging open, the signal can be emitted for a time period (e.g., thirty seconds). The reflections off the surroundings of door 105 within the environment can then be received (630). Sensor 605 can then compare the characteristics of the newly reflected signals with the characteristics of the reflections associated with the closed state (635) and determine the state of the door based on a comparison of the characteristics (640). If there are differences in the characteristics (e.g., the reflections came back in a faster time period than when the reflections came back when associated with the closed state), then sensor 605 can determine that door 105 is no longer in the closed state. Based upon the time period or other characteristics, the state of door 105 can be determined.

[48] A sensor can also be integrated within a hinge. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example of an inductive sensor. In FIG. 9A, hinge 1 15 can include having two metal plates, one plate coupled with door jamb 1 10 and another plate coupled with door 105. The metal plate coupled with door 105 can rotate along the fixed axis provided by hinge 1 15. As depicted in FIG. 9B, inductive sensor 910 can be placed between the two plates of hinge 1 15. Inductive sensor 910 can determine if metal objects are present on both of its sides, for example, whether metal objects are touching inductive sensor 910. Because inductive sensor 910 is coupled with one plate of hinge 1 15, there can always be one side as being detected as being in contact with metal. However, if door 105 rotates along the fixed axis provided by hinge 1 15, then the other metal plate of hinge 1 15 rotates away from inductive sensor 910. Because the metal plate of hinge 1 15 positioned upon door 105 is no longer touching inductive sensor 910, a sensor can determine that door 105 is in an open state or not in the closed state.

[49] Many of the examples used herein describe doors, but the devices and techniques can also be employed with windows. For example, a sensor can be placed upon a window sill and a companion piece can be placed upon a part of the window that slides up to open the window, or vice versa. Other types of doors, for example sliding doors, can also use the techniques and devices described herein by having a sensor and companion piece on the different parts of the sliding door.

[50] In some implementations, the sensors described herein can generate an audio response based on the distance between the door and door jamb, or based on the state of the door. For example, the sensor can include a speaker that can be actuated to provide a beeping noise or other alarming noise to indicate to someone within the building that the door might be opened. In some implementations, the sensors described herein can generate a visual indicator. For example, based on the distance between the door and door jamb, or based on the state of the door, light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other types of lighting can be activated, blinking, turned on, etc. to indicate to someone that the door might be in a potentially troublesome state.

[51] In some implementations, sensor 205 can be temporarily disabled to allow for an expected visitor to enter the premises without causing an alarm or other security situation to be triggered. For example, a homeowner might expect for a visitor to be coming by within thirty minutes via the front door of the house. Thus, the homeowner might want security measures for the front door to be disabled for the next thirty minutes while the security measures (e.g., sensors and the corresponding functionalities) to be maintained at other entries or access points (e.g., other windows and doors). In one implementation, a capacitive button can be positioned outside of the gap between the door and the door jamb. The capacitive button can be selected (e.g., touched) to disable sensor 205 for a thirty minute period. In another example, the homeowner can waive a hand in front of the door jamb gap to disable sensor 205. In one example, the homeowner can increase the time duration to disable sensor 205 by waving a hand multiple times. Each wave can provide an extra thirty minutes (or other time duration as desired) of disabling for sensor 205.

[52] F!G. 10 illustrates an example of devices determining information regarding an access point of a building. For example, FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing system 1 1500 in which at least some operations described herein can be implemented. For example, some components of the processing system 1 1500 may be used to implement sensor 205, companion piece 215, or assistant device 450 and perform the functionality and technology described herein.

[53] The processing system 1 1500 may include one or more central processing units ("processors") 1 1502, main memory 1 1506, non-volatile memory 1 1510, network adapter 1512 (e.g., network interface), video display 1518, input/output devices 1 1520, control device 1 1522 (e.g., keyboard and pointing devices), drive unit 1 1524 including a storage medium 1 1526, and signal generation device 1 1530 that are communicatively connected to a bus 1 1516. The bus 1 1516 is illustrated as an abstraction that represents one or more physical buses and/or point- to-point connections that are connected by appropriate bridges, adapters, or controllers. The bus 1 1516, therefore, can include a system bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or PCI~Express bus, a HyperTransport or industry standard architecture (ISA) bus, a small computer system interface (SCSI) bus, a universal serial bus (USB), IIC (I2C) bus, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1394 bus (also referred to as "Firewire"). [54] The processing system 1 1500 may share a similar computer processor architecture as that of a desktop computer, tablet computer, persona! digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, game console, music player, wearable electronic device (e.g., a watch or fitness tracker), network-connected ("smart") device (e.g., a television or home assistant device), virtual/augmented reality systems (e.g., a head-mounted display), or another electronic device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify action(s) to be taken by the processing system 1 1500.

[55] While the main memory 1 1506, non-vo!ati!e memory 1 1510, and storage medium 1 1526 (also called a "machine-readable medium") are shown to be a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" and "storage medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized/distributed database and/or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of instructions 1 1528. The term "machine-readable medium" and "storage medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the processing system 1 1500.

[56] In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module, or sequence of instructions (collectively referred to as "computer programs"). The computer programs typically comprise one or more instructions (e.g., instructions 1 1504, 1 1508, 1 1528) set at various times in various memory and storage devices in a computing device. When read and executed by the one or more processors 1502, the instruction(s) cause the processing system 1 1500 to perform operations to execute elements involving the various aspects of the disclosure.

[57] Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fully functioning computing devices, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms. The disclosure applies regardless of the particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

[58] Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or computer-readable media include recordable-type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices 1 1510, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Oniy Memory (CD-ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs)), and transmission-type media such as digital and analog communication links.

[59] The network adapter 1 1512 enables the processing system 1 1500 to mediate data in a network 1 1514 with an entity that is external to the processing system 1 1500 through any communication protocol supported by the processing system 1 1500 and the external entity. The network adapter 1 1512 can include a network adaptor card, a wireless network interface card, a router, an access point, a wireless router, a switch, a multilayer switch, a protocol converter, a gateway, a bridge, bridge router, a hub, a digital media receiver, and/or a repeater.

[60] The network adapter 1 1512 may include a firewall that governs and/or manages permission to access/proxy data in a computer network, and tracks varying levels of trust between different machines and/or applications. The firewall can be any number of modules having any combination of hardware and/or software components able to enforce a predetermined set of access rights between a particular set of machines and applications, machines and machines, and/or applications and applications (e.g., to regulate the flow of traffic and resource sharing between these entities). The firewall may additionally manage and/or have access to an access control list that details permissions including the access and operation rights of an object by an individual, a machine, and/or an application, and the circumstances under which the permission rights stand. [61] The techniques introduced here can be implemented by programmable circuitry (e.g., one or more microprocessors), software and/or firmware, special- purpose hardwired (i.e., non-programmable) circuitry, or a combination of such forms. Special-purpose circuitry can be in the form of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

Claims

I/We claim:

1 . A method, comprising:

transmitting, by a sensor, an ultrasonic signal located upon a first window sash of a window;

receiving, by the sensor, an ultrasonic response signal from a companion piece sensor associated with the sensor and positioned upon a second window sash of the window, the ultrasonic response signal indicative of when the companion piece received the ultrasonic signal transmitted by the sensor;

determining, by the sensor, a time between the transmission of the ultrasonic signal and receipt of the ultrasonic response signal;

determining, by the sensor, a distance between the first window sash and the second window sash based on the time between the transmission of the ultrasonic signal and the receipt of the ultrasonic response signal; and

determining, by the sensor, a state of the window based on the distance between the first window sash and the second window sash.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

displaying, by the sensor, a visual indication regarding the state of the window.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

generating, by the sensor, an audio indication regarding the state of the window.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

determining that the state of the window is indicative of the first window sash being within a threshold travel range; and

generating a notification indicating a security concern regarding the state of the window based on the first window sash being within the threshold travel range;

5. The method of claim 1 , determining that the state of the window is indicative of the first window sash being within a threshold travel range; and

adjusting operation of a device within the environment to respond to a security concern regarding the state of the window based on the first window sash being within the threshold travel range.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the state of the window is indicative of the window being partially open due to the first window sash not being at an endpoinf of a travel range of the first window sash.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein adjusting operation of the device includes activating an alarm.

8. A door frame comprising:

a door jamb having a sensor configured to emit a signal; and

a door having a companion piece associated with the sensor, wherein the companion piece is configured to receive the signal and provide a response signal based on receiving the signal, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the response signal and determine a time between emitting the signal and receiving the response signal, and wherein the sensor is configured to determine a distance between the door jamb and the door based on the time.

9. The door frame of claim 8, wherein the sensor is further configured to determ ine a state of the door based on the distance between the door jamb and the door.

10. The door frame of claim 8, wherein the sensor and the companion piece are positioned within a door-jamb gap when the door is positioned in a closed state.

1 1 . The doorframe of claim 8, wherein the sensor is configured to emit an ultrasonic wave as the signal.

12. The door frame of claim 8, wherein the sensor is configured to emit light as the signal. 13, The door frame of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes a visual indicator that is configured to provide an indication regarding a state of the door based on the distance between the door jamb and the door. 14. The door frame of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes an audio indicator that is configured to provide indication regarding a state of the door based on the distance between the door jamb and the door.

15. The door frame of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes an adhesive securing the sensor to the door jamb.

16. The doorframe of claim 8, wherein the sensor is configured to determine a state of the door based on the distance, and configured to generate an alert notification indicating a security concern regarding the state of the door.

17. The door frame of claim 16, wherein the alert notification is generated based on the state of the door being representative of the door being within a threshold trave! range that is associated with the door being partially open. 18, An electronic device, comprising:

one or more processors;

a transceiver; and

memory storing instructions, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions such that the processor and memory are configured to:

transmit, using the transceiver, a signal from a position located upon a fixed portion of an access point of a building;

receive, using the transceiver, a response signal from a companion piece associated with the electronic device, the companion piece positioned upon a movable portion of the access point; and

determine a distance between the fixed portion of the access point and the movable portion of the access point based on the response signal.

The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the access point is a window. 20, The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the access point is a door.

21 . A system, comprising:

a sensor configured to be positioned upon a first portion of an entry to a building; a companion piece sensor configured to be positioned upon a second portion of the entry to the building, wherein the sensor is configured to determine a position of the first portion of the entry with respect to the second portion of the entry based on an interaction between the sensor and the companion piece sensor. 22. The system of claim 21 , wherein the entry is a door.

23. The system of claim 21 , wherein the entry is a window.

24. The system of claim 21 , wherein the sensor is configured to transmit a signal, the companion piece is configured to transmit a response signal upon receiving the signal, and the sensor is configured to determine the position of the first portion of the entry with respect to the second portion of the entry based on receiving the response signal. 25, The system of claim 24, wherein the sensor is configured to determine a state of the entry based on the position, the state being one of: a closed state, a partially open state, or a fully open state.

26, The system of claim 21 , wherein the first portion is a movable portion, and the second portion is a non-movable portion.

27. The system of claim 21 , wherein the first portion is a non-movable portion, and the second portion is a movable portion. 28. An electronic device, comprising:

one or more processors;

transmit a signal from a position located upon a window of a building; receive a response signa! based on the signal; and

determine a state of the window based on the signal and the response signal.

29. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein the response signal is a reflection of the signal.

30. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein determining the state of the window includes determining how open or closed the window is based on the signal and the response signal.