A recent IBM patent points what might the next big thing in home automation and security-- systems turning floors into "smart" multitouch surfaces.

Titled "securing premises using surface-based computing technology," patent no. 8138882 describes a system able to determine who is in the house and what they are doing via database of registered identities (recording weight, shape and number of feet).

Should an unauthorised person stand on the floor, the system sounds off alarms or call the authorities-- just like traditional security systems. It can also let the home owner know where family members are, issuing alerts in case children or pets go in off-limit areas or switching on lights when registered residents are home.

The IBM system also has great potential for home health applications-- sensing accidents (such as falls) and sending out appropriate alerts.

An other use the patent suggests is keeping tabs on what teens are doing when parents are away, by sensing "unregistered objects" like banned boyfriends...

One question, however, remains-- is IBM planning to do anything with the patent? According to MSNBC, the company says "The newly-patented invention is not part of a product or solution and we can't speculate about if or how it will be implemented."

Go Multitouch Floor May Someday Detect Your Heart Attack (MSNBC)

HAI announces the MicroControl, a stand-alone remote control for ZigBee wireless door locks-- providing homeowners or building managers a status for each lock and the ability to remotely lock or unlock specific doors.

The company says ZigBee integration is specifically verified with Black & Decker Kwikset SmartCode locks, but the remote should work with other locks supporting the standard ZigBee Home Automation profile lock cluster.

The ZigBee door lock integrations are compatible with all Ethernet-enabled Omni and Lumina controllers, including Omni Pro II, Omni IIe, Lumina Pro, and Lumina, using firmware version 3.10 or later. The integrations require use of the HAI MicroControl (HAI part number 81A00-2WHZB) or the HAI Zigbee Interface Module (part number 81A00-3ZB) running firmware 14.08 or later.

Go HAI Releases Stand-Alone Remote Functionality with Kwikset ZigBee Door Locks

JVC launches a number of analog and IP-based cameras-- including x8 Super LoLux HD IP-based cameras, x2 TK-T series analog cameras and x3 additions to the V.Networks camera line.

The cameras support H.262 High Profile, a format the company claims uses less bandwidth than either H.264 Baseline or Main Profile, the standard over 90% of the IP security market currently uses.

The Super LoLux HD cameras carry a 1/3-inch CMOS imager, recording 1080p images at up to 30fps. Other features include auto back focus, on-board recording to SD card, motion detection, privacy mask and a variety of built-in video analytics. The cameras support ONVIF and PSIA standards for network cameras, as well as a wide variety of leading video management software (VMS) platforms, including Milestone Xprotect.

In the IP Security Pavilion, EET Group’s Safevision showed the new IQeye Sentinel 6 Series…

Ease of installation is the big sales point and EET (who distributes and sells this in 16 countries) claims installers can have it up and working in “less 5 minutes.” And it comes with one touch focus, a special Remote Back Focus (IQ86x Models).

With support for up to 5 MP resolutions, these advanced cameras provide multiple, individually configured H.264 and simultaneous MJPEG streams.

It can handle temperatures up to -22 degrees.

Watch SafeVision's Sentinel Security Camera with Back Focus Feature