US20210083896A1 - Doorbell communication systems and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/589,830; filed Jan. 5, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/748,054; filed Jun. 23, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNITIES.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/139,497; filed Mar. 27, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/221,489; filed Sep. 21, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/813,479; filed Jul. 30, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/737,411; filed Jun. 11, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL CHIME SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/728,975; filed Jun. 2, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL BATTERY SYSTEMS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/714,577; filed May 18, 2015; and entitled MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/671,677; filed Mar. 27, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL DIAGNOSTICS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/740,199; filed Jun. 15, 2015; and entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION USING A SOCIAL NETWORK.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/743,849; filed Jun. 18, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/726,517; filed May 30, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: International Application No. PCT/US14/53506; filed Aug. 29, 2014 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
• The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: International Application No. PCT/US14/47622; filed Jul. 22, 2014 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
BACKGROUNDField
• Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to doorbells. Certain embodiments relate to communication between a person near a doorbell and a person in another location.
Description of Related Art
• Homes, offices, and other buildings sometimes include communication and surveillance systems to enable friendly visitors to summon occupants of the buildings and to deter unwanted visitors. Communication and surveillance systems can include video cameras and doorbells.
• Doorbells can enable a person located outside of an entry point, such as a door, to alert a person inside of an entry point that someone outside would like to talk to someone inside. Doorbells sometimes include a button located near a door, such as a front door, side door, or back door of a home, office, dwelling, warehouse, building, or structure. Doorbells are sometimes used near a gate or some other entrance to a partially enclosed area. Pushing the doorbell sometimes causes a chime or other alerting sound to be emitted. In some cases, this alerting sound can typically be heard within a short distance from the entry point or sound source. For example, a homeowner located remotely from her home likely would not be able to hear the alerting sound, and thus, would not be aware that someone is ringing her doorbell. Thus, there is a need for devices and methods to alert remotely located individuals that someone seeks the attention of the homeowner, tenant, building guardian, or steward.
SUMMARY
• This disclosure includes a method of using a doorbell system to emit a sound from a chime. Methods can comprise selecting the sound by a remote computing device; sending a data file comprising information to a doorbell that is communicatively coupled to the remote computing device, wherein the information represents the sound; and sending the data file, by the doorbell, to the chime that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell and remotely located with respect to the doorbell.
• Methods can include downloading, by at least one of the doorbell and the chime, the data file from a web server. The method can further include downloading, by the remote computing device, the data file from a web server.
• As well, methods can comprise emitting the sound from a speaker of the chime at least partially in response to the chime receiving the data file and at least partially in response to the doorbell detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor. Even still, methods can include receiving, by the doorbell, a sound emission parameter from the remote computing device; and emitting the sound from a speaker of the chime in response to the doorbell system determining that the sound emission parameter has been met.
• Methods can include emitting an audible message from a speaker of the chime, wherein the audible message is spoken by a user and recorded by the doorbell. As well, methods can include emitting an audible message from a speaker of the chime, wherein the audible message is spoken by a user and recorded by the remote computing device.
• In embodiments, the chime can be located along an inside portion of a building. Accordingly, methods can include detecting a first motion, by a motion detector of the chime, within the inside portion of the building; and initiating a first communication session with the remote computing device in response to the chime detecting the first motion, wherein the first communication session comprises a first notification of the first motion detected by the motion detector of the chime. In embodiments, the remote computing device is a first remote computing device. Methods can further include detecting a second motion, by the motion detector of the chime, within an inside portion of the building, wherein the second motion is different from the first motion; and initiating a second communication session with a second remote computing device in response to the motion detector of the chime detecting the second motion, wherein the second communication session comprises a second notification of the second motion detected by the chime, and wherein the first remote computing device does not receive the second communication session.
• As well, methods can include selecting a second sound by the remote computing device; sending a second data file comprising second information to the doorbell, wherein the second information represents the second sound; and sending the second data file to the chime. The chime can be located along an inside portion of a building and the doorbell can be located along an outside portion of the building. Accordingly, methods can further include detecting a first motion, by a motion detector of the doorbell, along the outside portion of the building; emitting the first sound from a speaker of the chime in response to the doorbell detecting the first motion; detecting a second motion, by the motion detector of the doorbell, along the outside portion of the building, wherein the second motion is different from the first motion; and emitting the second sound from the speaker of the chime in response to the doorbell detecting the second motion.
• The disclosure also includes a method of using a doorbell system to emit a sound from a chime. Methods can include selecting the sound by a remote computing device; sending a data file comprising information to the chime that is communicatively coupled to the remote computing device, wherein the chime is located within an inside portion of a building, and wherein the information represents the sound; detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor with a doorbell that is communicatively coupled to the chime, wherein the doorbell is located along an outside portion of the building, and wherein the doorbell comprises a button configurable to detect a button press to indicate the presence of the visitor; and emitting the sound from a speaker of the chime in response to detecting the indication of the presence of the visitor.
• As well, methods can include detecting a motion, by a motion detector of the chime, within the inside portion of the building; capturing an image, by a camera of the chime, within the inside portion of the building; and sending the image to the remote computing device. Even still, methods can include detecting a motion, by a motion detector of the chime, within the inside portion of the building; and flashing a light of the doorbell in response to the chime detecting the motion within the inside portion of the building.
• Methods can also include recording a noise, by a microphone of the chime, within the inside portion of the building; and emitting the noise from a speaker of the remote computing device. As well, methods can include detecting a motion, by a motion detector of the chime, within the inside portion of the building; and initiating a communication session with the remote computing device in response to the motion detector of the chime detecting the motion, wherein the communication session comprises a notification of the motion detected by motion detector of the chime.
• Even still, methods can include sending the data file comprising the information to the doorbell; and detecting a motion, by a motion detector of the chime, within the inside portion of the building. Methods can also include emitting the sound from a speaker of the doorbell in response to the chime detecting the motion within the inside portion of the building.
• The disclosure also includes a doorbell system, comprising: a doorbell comprising a button configurable to detect a button press to indicate a presence of a visitor; a chime communicatively coupled to the doorbell; a remote computing device communicatively coupled to at least one of the doorbell and the chime; and a sound emitted by a speaker of the chime in response to the doorbell detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor. Embodiments of the chime can comprise a motion detector configurable to detect motion along an inside portion of a building; a camera assembly configurable to capture an image along the inside portion of the building; the speaker configurable to emit the first sound; and a microphone configurable to receive an audible message spoken by a user along the inside portion of the building.
• Embodiments of the chime can comprise a thermometer configurable to determine temperature along the inside portion of the building; and a humidity sensor configurable to determine humidity along the inside portion of the building. As well, embodiments can include a communication system configurable to communicatively couple the chime to the doorbell.
• The sound can be a first sound. The doorbell system can further include a second sound emitted by the speaker of the chime in response to the motion detector detecting the motion along the inside portion of the building. As well, embodiments of the doorbell system can include a third sound emitted by the speaker of the chime in response to the thermometer detecting that a predetermined temperature has been met; and a fourth sound emitted by the speaker of the chime in response to the humidity sensor detecting that a predetermined humidity has been met.
• The disclosure can include a method of using a doorbell system to emit a first sound from a chime. Methods can include recognizing, by a doorbell, a first visitor; emitting the first sound from the chime in response to recognizing the first visitor; and emitting a second sound from the chime in response to not recognizing, by the doorbell, a second visitor, wherein the first sound and the second sound are different.
• Methods can include selecting, by the remote computing device, the first sound and the second sound; and sending the first sound and the second sound to the chime. As well, methods can include selecting, by the remote computing device, the first sound and the second sound; and sending the first sound and the second sound to the doorbell, and then sending the first sound and the second sound from the doorbell to the chime.
• Even still, methods can include sending the first sound and the second sound from the doorbell to the chime via wireless communication. Methods can also include sending the first sound and the second sound from the doorbell to the chime via an electrical wire that electrically couples the doorbell and the chime while the doorbell is located outside a building and the chime is located inside the building.
• As well, methods can include recognizing the first visitor by the doorbell detecting a physical trait of the first visitor. Methods can also include recognizing the first visitor by the doorbell detecting a trait of an electronic device in the possession of the first visitor.
• This disclosure includes a doorbell system configured to be electrically coupled to a doorbell power supply of a building. The doorbell system can comprise a doorbell comprising a button configurable to sound a chime, wherein a first wire electrically couples the doorbell to the power supply; the chime electrically coupled to the doorbell by a second wire; and a third wire that electrically couples the chime to the power supply to form a circuit comprising the first wire, the doorbell, the second wire, the chime, the third wire, and the power supply.
• The doorbell can be communicatively coupled to the chime via the second wire such that the chime is configured to receive a first data file from the doorbell via the second wire. Doorbell systems can further include a sound file communication sent from the doorbell to the chime via the second wire. In embodiments, the sound file communication can comprise at least one thousand bytes.
• In embodiments, the first data file comprises a command configured to place the chime in silent mode. In some embodiments, the first data file comprises a command configured to adjust a volume setting of the chime. As well, in some embodiments, the first data file comprises a command configured to adjust a duration of a notification sound emitted by the chime. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first data file comprises a video recorded by the doorbell. Even still, in embodiments, the first data file comprises a video recorded by the chime. In embodiments, the first data file comprises information regarding an event that occurred outside of the chime. Accordingly, in embodiments, the first data file comprises information regarding a person detected by the chime.
• As well, in embodiments, the doorbell is located outside of the building and the chime is located inside of the building. Even still, in embodiments, the doorbell is communicatively coupled to the chime via the second wire such that the doorbell is configured to receive a first data file from the chime via the second wire.
• Even still, in embodiments, the doorbell system can include a remote computing device communicatively coupled with the doorbell via a wireless communication, wherein the wireless communication comprises a first information regarding a notification sound; a wired communication sent from the doorbell to the chime via the second wire, wherein the wired communication comprises a second information regarding the notification sound; and the notification sound emitted from a speaker of the chime. Yet, in embodiments, the doorbell can include a first camera, a first speaker, and a first microphone. The chime can comprise a second camera, a second speaker, and a second microphone.
• The disclosure also includes a method of using a doorbell system configured to be electrically coupled to a doorbell power supply of a building. Methods can include coupling a doorbell to a remote chime via a first wire; receiving, by the doorbell, a first data file comprising information; and sending a second data file comprising the information from the doorbell to the remote chime via the first wire.
• The information can represent a sound that was unknown to the chime prior to receiving the second data file. Methods can further include emitting the sound from the chime at least partially in response to receiving the second data file.
• As well, methods can include emitting the sound from the chime at least partially in response to the chime receiving a sound emission parameter from the doorbell. Methods can also include the doorbell receiving a sound emission parameter from a remote computing device; and emitting the sound from the chime in response to the doorbell system determining that the sound emission parameter has been met.
• Even still, methods can include the doorbell receiving the first data file from a remote computing device. Furthermore, methods can include the doorbell receiving a video recorded by the chime via the first wire. As well, methods can include the chime receiving a video recorded by the doorbell via the first wire. The second data file can comprise at least one thousand bytes. Methods can include the chime using the second data file to emit a sound.
• This disclosure includes a method for emitting a custom message with a doorbell system, wherein the doorbell system comprises a doorbell having a speaker. The may method comprise: receiving a custom message with the doorbell system; and detecting, by the doorbell, an indication of a presence of a visitor, and then in response to detecting the indication of the presence of the visitor, emitting the custom message with the speaker.
• The visitor may be a predetermined visitor and the method may further comprise assigning, by the doorbell system, the custom message to the predetermined visitor.
• Methods may include determining, by the doorbell system, that the visitor is a predetermined visitor type, and selecting the custom message from a first message and a second message in response to determining that the visitor is the predetermined visitor type. As well, methods may include downloading the custom message from a smart phone that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell system.
• The doorbell system may further comprise a remote computing device, and methods may further comprise recording the custom message with the remote computing device.
• The doorbell may further comprise a microphone and a button, and methods may further comprise receiving an indication of a button press of the button, and then in response to receiving the button press, recording the custom message with the microphone.
• The doorbell system may be operated by a homeowner and the visitor may be included on a contact list of the homeowner, and wherein the custom message may comprise a name of the visitor.
• The doorbell may comprise a microphone, and wherein the custom message may comprise a question. Methods may further comprise receiving, by the microphone, an audible response to the question as spoken by the visitor.
• Methods may further comprise determining, by the doorbell system, whether the audible response spoken by the visitor comprises a first meaning or a second meaning that is different from the first meaning; in response to determining that the audible response spoken by the visitor comprises the first meaning, emitting a first response message with the speaker; and in response to determining that the audible response spoken by the visitor comprises the second meaning, emitting a second response message with the speaker, wherein the second response message is different from the first response message.
• The visitor may comprise a criminal, and the custom message may comprise a warning message. Methods may further comprise initiating, by the doorbell system, a communication session with a law enforcement agency.
• Methods may include initiating, by the doorbell system, a communication session with a remote computing device of the visitor, wherein the communication session comprises a written message that substantially matches a content of the custom message.
• The disclosure also includes a method for emitting a custom message with a doorbell system, wherein the doorbell system comprises a doorbell having a speaker. The method may comprise detecting, by the doorbell, an indication of a presence of a visitor; and determining, by the doorbell system, an occurrence of a predetermined condition and then in response to detecting the indication of the presence of the visitor and determining the occurrence of the predetermined condition, emitting the custom message with the speaker. Methods may also include recording the custom message with the doorbell system.
• The custom message may be a first custom message, and the doorbell may be attached to a building that is occupied by a resident. As well, determining, by the doorbell system, the occurrence of the predetermined condition may comprise determining whether the resident is located within the building or whether the resident is not located within the building. Methods may further comprise recording a second custom message with the doorbell system, wherein the second custom message is different from the first custom message; in response to both detecting the indication of the presence of the visitor and determining the resident is present within the building, emitting the first custom message with the speaker; and in response to both detecting the indication of the presence of the visitor and determining the resident is not present within the building, emitting the second custom message with the speaker.
• The doorbell system may further comprise a remote computing device. Methods may further include recording the custom message with the remote computing device. The doorbell may comprise a microphone, and methods may further comprise recording the custom message with the microphone.
• The doorbell may further comprise a button. As well, methods may further comprise receiving an indication of a first button press of the button, and then in response to receiving the first button press, recording the custom message with the doorbell system and thereby storing the custom message within memory of the doorbell system; and receiving an indication of a second button press of the button, and then in response to receiving the second button press, erasing the custom message from the memory of the doorbell system.
• The predetermined condition may comprise at least one of a predetermined timeframe and a predetermined time of day. The doorbell may be attached to a building occupied by a resident. The predetermined timeframe may comprise a time during which the resident is hosting a party within the building. As well, the custom message may comprise a welcome message to the party.
• The custom message can be a second custom message, and the doorbell can comprise a microphone. Methods can further comprise recording a first custom message with the microphone, wherein the first custom message can be spoken by a first voice, wherein the second custom message emitted by the speaker can be spoken by a second voice, and wherein a content of the first custom message substantially matches a content of the second custom message.
• Methods can further include taking, by the doorbell, a picture of the visitor, wherein determining the occurrence of the predetermined condition can comprise determining, based on the picture, that the visitor is included in a database of suspicious visitors that previously visited other doorbells.
• Methods can further include creating a schedule of a first timeframe to emit a first sound, a second timeframe to emit a second sound, and a third timeframe to emit a third sound, wherein determining the occurrence of the predetermined condition can comprise determining that a visitation time of the visitor is within the first timeframe, and emitting the custom message comprises emitting the first sound in response to determining that the visitation time of the visitor is within the first timeframe.
• The disclosure also includes a doorbell system, comprising: a doorbell including a button, a speaker and a microphone, wherein the doorbell is configurable to attach to an exterior of a building, and wherein the button is configurable to receive a first button press and a second button press; and a custom audible message received by the microphone in response to the first button press, wherein the custom audible message is then emitted by the speaker in response to the second button press.
• The custom audible message may comprise a name of a select visitor, and the custom audible message may be emitted by the speaker in response to both the second button press and the doorbell detecting an indication of a presence of the select visitor.
• Doorbell systems may further comprise a predetermined audible message emitted by the speaker in response to the first button press. The custom audible message may be received by the microphone in response to the first button press and after the predetermined audible message is emitted by the speaker.
• The first button press may comprise two button presses and the second button press may comprise one button press. The first button press may comprise the button being pressed for a first duration and the second button press may comprise the button being pressed for a second duration. The first duration may be greater than the second duration.
• The doorbell may further comprise a memory communicatively coupled to the microphone and speaker, wherein the memory may be configurable to store the custom audible message and the predetermined audible message.
• The disclosure also include a doorbell system, comprising: a doorbell including a button, a speaker and a microphone, wherein the doorbell is configurable to attach to an exterior of a building; a first custom audible message emitted by the speaker in response to the doorbell detecting an indication of a presence of a first visitor; and a second custom audible message emitted by the speaker in response to the doorbell detecting an indication of a presence of a second visitor.
• The doorbell system may be communicatively coupled to a second doorbell system attached to an exterior of a second building that is remotely located with respect to the first building. As well, detecting the indication of the presence of the first visitor may comprise the doorbell system receiving a first notification from the second doorbell system, and detecting the indication of the presence of the second visitor may comprise the doorbell system receiving a second notification from the second doorbell system.
• The first custom audible message may comprise a first name of the first visitor. The second visitor may be a solicitor and the second custom audible message may comprise an apology and a message that a resident of the building does not patronize solicitors.
• Doorbell systems may comprise a wireless communication system communicatively coupled to the doorbell, wherein the wireless communication system is configurable to retrieve data from a remote computer; a third custom audible message emitted by the speaker in response to the doorbell detecting an indication of a presence of a third visitor, wherein the third custom audible message comprises a first name of the third visitor; and a camera coupled to the doorbell, wherein the camera is configurable to capture a facial image of the third visitor, wherein the first name of the third visitor is thereby determined through the wireless communication system communicating with the remote computer to match facial recognition data from the facial image of the third visitor as captured by the camera with facial recognition data from a facial image of the third visitor from an online social network.
• Detecting the indication of the presence of the first visitor may comprise determining an identity of the first visitor, and wherein detecting the indication of the presence of the second visitor may comprise determining an identity of the second visitor. Doorbell systems may further comprise: a remote computing device communicatively coupled to the doorbell; and a text message received by the remote computing device, wherein the text message comprises at least one of the identity of the first visitor and the identity of the second visitor.
• This disclosure also includes a method of using a doorbell system comprising a doorbell and a chime, wherein the doorbell system is configured to be coupled to a building. Methods can include coupling communicatively the chime to a wireless network of the building, to the doorbell, and to a remote computing device; and detecting, by the doorbell, a trigger of a button of the doorbell.
• Methods can include sending a visitor alert from the doorbell to the chime, and then sending the visitor alert from the chime to the remote computing device such that the chime communicatively couples the doorbell to the remote computing device. In embodiments, the visitor alert comprises a video. Accordingly, methods can further include the doorbell taking the video.
• As well, methods can include sending the visitor alert from the doorbell to the chime while the doorbell is located outside of the building and while the chime is located inside of the building. Methods can also include sending the visitor alert from the chime to the remote computing device via the wireless network of the building.
• Even still, methods can include sending the visitor alert from the chime to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell system detecting that the doorbell comprises inadequate wireless performance to send the visitor alert to the remote computing device via at least one of the wireless network and a cellular network. Methods can also include sending the visitor alert from the chime to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell system detecting that a wireless signal of the doorbell is below a threshold.
• In embodiments, a wire communicatively couples the doorbell to the chime. Methods can also include taking a video, by the doorbell, and then sending the video to the chime via the wire. As well, methods can include sending the video from the chime to the remote computing device via the wireless network of the building. Even still, methods may include sending the video from the chime to the remote computing device while the doorbell is located outside of the building and while the chime is located inside of the building.
• Methods can include coupling communicatively the chime to a doorlock via the wireless network of the building. As well, methods can include coupling communicatively the chime to a remote sensor via the wireless network of the building. The remote sensor can thereby comprise at least one of a fire alarm, a smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide detector, and a burglar alarm.
• Even still, methods can include detecting an adverse event with the chime, wherein the adverse event comprises at least one of a motion, breaking glass, fire, a fire alarm sound, and smoke. As well, methods can include sending an adverse event alert to the remote computing device in response to detecting the adverse event, wherein the adverse event alert comprises a notification of the adverse event.
• The disclosure includes a doorbell system including a chime; a remote computing device communicatively coupled to the chime; and a doorbell communicatively coupled with the remote computing device via the chime. In embodiments, the chime can be plugged into a power outlet of a building.
• Doorbell systems can include a first communication from the doorbell to the chime. The first communication can comprise a video taken by a camera of the doorbell. As well, doorbell systems can include a second communication from the chime to the remote computing device. The second communication can comprise the video. As well, in embodiments, the remote computing device can comprise a display configurable to display the video.
• The doorbell system can also include a sound emitted by a speaker of the chime in response to the doorbell detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor. The chime can also comprise a speaker configurable to play a sound file from the remote computing device. As well, the chime can comprise a light configurable to illuminate.
• In embodiments, the chime can include a motion detector; a camera assembly; and a microphone configurable to receive an audible message spoken by a user. Even still, in embodiments, the chime can include a thermometer; a humidity sensor; and a communication system configurable to communicatively couple the chime to at least one of the doorbell and the remote computing device.
• The embodiments described above include many optional features and aspects. Features and aspects of the embodiments can be combined.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a communication system, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a computing device running software, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a security system is connected to a building, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a communication system that includes a security system, a doorbell button, a wireless router, a server, and users, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram showing a method of operating a security system, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram showing another method of operating a security system, according to some embodiments.
• FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 illustrate visitors being detected by security systems, according to various embodiments.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a security system that is communicatively coupled to a communication system, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of various event detection devices that are communicatively coupled to a communication system, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method of monitoring for an event through a communication system, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 14 illustrates an example of various alarm types that may be used based on the certainty and severity of the event, according to some embodiments.
• FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 illustrate flow diagrams showing methods of operating a security system, according to various embodiments.
• FIG. 29 illustrates a back view of the doorbell fromFIG. 1 without a mounting bracket, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 30 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a doorbell and a doorbell control software application running on a computing device, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 31 illustrates a front view of a doorbell chime, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 32 illustrates a side perspective view of a doorbell chime, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 33 illustrates a front view of a doorbell chime coupled to a power outlet, according to some embodiments.
• FIGS. 34, 35, and 36 illustrate diagrammatic views of doorbell systems, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 37 illustrates a back view of a chime without a back cover to show various components of the chime's electrical system, according to some embodiments.
• FIGS. 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43 illustrate method flowcharts, according to some embodiments.
• FIGS. 44 and 45 illustrate diagrammatic views of doorbell systems, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 46 illustrates a front view of a doorbell, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.
• For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.
INTRODUCTION
• Communication systems can provide a secure and convenient way for a remotely located individual to communicate with a person who is approaching a sensor, such as a proximity sensor or motion sensor, or with a person who rings a doorbell, which can be located in a doorway, near an entrance, or within 15 feet of a door. Some communication systems allow an individual to hear, see, and talk with visitors who approach at least a portion of the communication system and/or press a button, such as a doorbell's button. For example, communication systems can use a computing device to enable a remotely located person to see, hear, and/or talk with visitors. Computing devices can include computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, smartphones, cellular phones, and wireless devices (e.g., cars with wireless communication). Example computing devices include the iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro made by Apple Inc. Communication between a remotely located person and a visitor can occur via the Internet, cellular networks, telecommunication networks, and wireless networks.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a communication system embodiment. Thecommunication system200 can include a security system202 (e.g., a doorbell) and acomputing device204. Although the illustratedsecurity system202 includes many components in one housing, several security system embodiments include components in separate housings. Thesecurity system202 can include acamera assembly208 and adoorbell button212. Thecamera assembly208 can be a video camera, which in some embodiments is a webcam.
• Thesecurity system202 can include adiagnostic light216 and apower indicator light220. In some embodiments, thediagnostic light216 is a first color (e.g., blue) if thesecurity system202 and/or thecommunication system200 is connected to a wireless Internet network and is a second color (e.g., red) if thesecurity system202 and/or thecommunication system200 is not connected to a wireless Internet network. In some embodiments, thepower indicator220 is a first color if thesecurity system202 is connected to a power source. The power source can be power supplied by thebuilding300 to which thesecurity system202 is attached. In some embodiments, thepower indicator220 is a second color or does not emit light if thesecurity system202 is not connected to the power source.
• The security system202 (e.g., a doorbell) can receive power and/or information from anEthernet cable221 that can be electrically coupled to the doorbell. TheEthernet cable221 can exit a hole in an exterior of a building near an entryway to enable electrically coupling the doorbell to theEthernet cable221.
• As well, thesecurity system202 can include at least onespeaker488. Thespeaker488 can be located along any portion of thesecurity system202. For example, thespeaker488 can be located within an inner portion of thesecurity system202 or along an outer portion of thesecurity system202. Thespeaker488 can be any type of sound output device configured to emit sound, such as a digital speaker, an analog speaker, and the like.
• Furthermore, the security system202 (e.g., a doorbell) can include an outer housing224, which can be water resistant and/or waterproof. The outer housing can be made from metal or plastic, such as molded plastic with a hardness of 60 Shore D. In some embodiments, the outer housing224 is made from brushed nickel or aluminum.
• Rubber seals can be used to make the outer housing224 water resistant or waterproof. Thesecurity system202 can be electrically coupled to a power source, such as wires electrically connected to a building's electrical power system. In some embodiments, thesecurity system202 includes a battery for backup and/or primary power.
• Wireless communication230 can enable the security system202 (e.g., a doorbell) to communicate with thecomputing device204. Some embodiments enable communication via cellular and/or WiFi networks. Some embodiments enable communication via the Internet. Several embodiments enable wired communication between thesecurity system202 and thecomputing device204. Thewireless communication230 can include the following communication means: radio, WiFi (e.g., wireless local area network), cellular, Internet, Bluetooth, telecommunication, electromagnetic, infrared, light, sonic, and microwave. Other communication means are used by some embodiments. In some embodiments, such as embodiments that include telecommunication or cellular communication means, thesecurity system202 can initiate voice calls or send text messages to a computing device204 (e.g., a smartphone, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer).
• Several embodiments use near field communication (NFC) to communicate between thecomputing device204 and thedoorbell202. Thedoorbell202 and/or thecomputing device204 can include a NFC tag. Some NFC technologies include Bluetooth, radio-frequency identification, and QR codes.
• Some embodiments include computer software (e.g., application software), which can be a mobile application designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers, and other mobile devices. Software of this nature is sometimes referred to as “app” software. Some embodiments include software designed to run on desktop computers and laptop computers.
• Thecomputing device204 can run software with a graphical user interface. The user interface can include icons or buttons. In some embodiments, the software is configured for use with a touch-screen computing device such as a smartphone or tablet.
• FIG. 2 illustrates acomputing device204 running software. The software includes a user interface240 displayed on adisplay screen242. The user interface240 can include asecurity system indicator244, which can indicate the location of the security system that the user interface is displaying. For example, a person can use onecomputing device204 to control and/or interact with multiple security systems, such as one security system located at a front door and another security system located at a back door. Selecting thesecurity system indicator244 can allow the user to choose another security system (e.g., the back door security system rather than the front door security system).
• The user interface240 can include aconnectivity indicator248. In some embodiments, the connectivity indicator can indicate whether the computing device is in communication with a security system, the Internet, and/or a cellular network. Theconnectivity indicator248 can alert the user if thecomputing device204 has lost its connection with thesecurity system202; thesecurity system202 has been damaged; thesecurity system202 has been stolen; thesecurity system202 has been removed from its mounting location; thesecurity system202 lost electrical power; and/or if thecomputing device204 cannot communicate with thesecurity system202. In some embodiments, theconnectivity indicator248 alerts the user of thecomputing device204 by flashing, emitting a sound, displaying a message, and/or displaying a symbol.
• In some embodiments, if thesecurity system202 loses power, loses connectivity to thecomputing device204, loses connectivity to the Internet, and/or loses connectivity to a remote server, aremote server206 sends an alert (e.g., phone call, text message, image on the user interface240) regarding the power and/or connectivity issue. In several embodiments, theremote server206 can manage communication between thesecurity system202 and the computing device. In some embodiments, information from thesecurity system202 is stored by theremote server206. In several embodiments, information from thesecurity system202 is stored by theremote server206 until the information can be sent to thecomputing device204, uploaded to thecomputing device204, and/or displayed to the remotely located person via thecomputing device204. Theremote server206 can be a computing device that stores information from thesecurity system202 and/or from thecomputing device204. In some embodiments, theremote server206 is located in a data center.
• In some embodiments, thecomputing device204 and/or theremote server206 attempts to communicate with thesecurity system202. If thecomputing device204 and/or theremote server206 is unable to communicate with thesecurity system202, thecomputing device204 and/or theremote server206 alerts the remotely located person via the software, phone, text, a displayed message, and/or a website. In some embodiments, thecomputing device204 and/or theremote server206 attempts to communicate with thesecurity system202 periodically; at least every five hours and/or less than every 10 minutes; at least every 24 hours and/or less than every 60 minutes; or at least every hour and/or less than every second.
• In some embodiments, theserver206 can initiate communication to thecomputer device204 and/or to thesecurity system202. In several embodiments, theserver206 can initiate, control, and/or block communication between thecomputing device204 and thesecurity system202.
• In several embodiments, a user can log into an “app,” website, and/or software on a computing device (e.g., mobile computing device, smartphone, tablet, desktop computer) to adjust the security system settings discussed herein.
• In some embodiments, a computing device can enable a user to watch live video and/or hear live audio from a security system due to the user's request rather than due to actions of a visitor. Some embodiments include a computing device initiating a live video feed (or a video feed that is less than five minutes old).
• In some embodiments, the user interface240 displays animage252 such as a still image or a video of an area near and/or in front of thesecurity system202. Theimage252 can be taken by thecamera assembly208 and stored by thesecurity system202,server206, and/orcomputing device204. The user interface240 can include arecording button256 to enable a user to record images, videos, and/or sound from thecamera assembly208, microphone of thesecurity system202, and/or microphone of thecomputing device204.
• In several embodiments, the user interface240 includes apicture button260 to allow the user to take still pictures and/or videos of the area near and/or in front of thesecurity system202. The user interface240 can also include a sound adjustment button264 and amute button268. The user interface240 can include camera manipulation buttons such as zoom, pan, and light adjustment buttons. In some embodiments, thecamera assembly208 automatically adjusts between Day Mode and Night Mode. Some embodiments include an infrared camera and/or infrared lights to illuminate an area near thesecurity system202 to enable thecamera assembly208 to provide sufficient visibility (even at night).
• In some embodiments, buttons include diverse means of selecting various options, features, and functions. Buttons can be selected by mouse clicks, keyboard commands, and touching a touch screen. Many embodiments include buttons that can be selected without touch screens.
• In some embodiments, the user interface240 includes a quality selection button, which can allow a user to select the quality and/or amount of the data transmitted from thesecurity system202 to thecomputing device204 and/or from thecomputing device204 to thesecurity system202.
• In some embodiments, video can be sent to and/or received from thecomputing device204 using video chat protocols such as FaceTime (by Apple Inc.) or Skype (by Microsoft Corporation). In some embodiments, these videos are played by videoconferencing apps on thecomputing device204 instead of being played by the user interface240.
• The user interface240 can include atermination button276 to end communication between thesecurity system202 and thecomputing device204. In some embodiments, thetermination button276 ends the ability of the person located near the security system202 (i.e., the visitor) to hear and/or see the user of thecomputing device204, but does not end the ability of the user of thecomputing device204 to hear and/or see the person located near thesecurity system202.
• In some embodiments, abutton276 is both an answer button (to accept a communication request from a visitor) and is a termination button (to end communication between thesecurity system202 and the computing device204). Thebutton276 can include the word “Answer” when the system is attempting to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Selecting thebutton276 when the system is attempting to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user can start two-way communication. Thebutton276 can include the words “End Call” during two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Selecting thebutton276 during two-way communication between the visitor and the user can terminate two-way communication. In some embodiments, terminating two-way communication still enables the user to see and hear the visitor. In some embodiments, terminating two-way communication causes thecomputing device204 to stop showing video from the security system and to stop emitting sounds recorded by the security system.
• In some embodiments, the user interface240 opens as soon as the security system detects a visitor (e.g., senses indications of a visitor). Once the user interface240 opens, the user can see and/or hear the visitor even before “answering” or otherwise accepting two-way communication, in several embodiments.
• Some method embodiments include detecting a visitor with a security system. The methods can include causing the user interface to display on aremote computing device204 due to the detection of the visitor (e.g., with or without user interaction). The methods can include displaying video from the security system and/or audio from the security system before the user accepts two-way communication with the visitor. The methods can include displaying video from the security system and/or audio from the security system before the user accepts the visitor's communication request. The methods can include the computing device simultaneously asking the user if the user wants to accept (e.g., answer) the communication request and displaying audio and/or video of the visitor. For example, in some embodiments, the user can see and hear the visitor via the security system before opening a means of two-way communication with the visitor.
• In some embodiments, the software includes means to start the video feed on demand. For example, a user of the computing device might wonder what is happening near thesecurity system202. The user can open the software application on thecomputing device204 and instruct the application to show live video and/or audio from thesecurity device202 even if no event near thesecurity system202 has triggered the communication.
• In several embodiments, thesecurity device202 can be configured to record when thesecurity device202 detects movement and/or the presence of a person. The user of thecomputing device204 can later review all video and/or audio records when thesecurity device202 detected movement and/or the presence of a person.
• Referring now toFIG. 1, in some embodiments, theserver206 controls communication between thecomputing device204 and thesecurity system202, which can be a doorbell with a camera, a microphone, and a speaker. In several embodiments, theserver206 does not control communication between thecomputing device204 and thesecurity system202.
• In some embodiments, data captured by the security system and/or the computing device204 (such as videos, pictures, and audio) is stored by another remote device such as theserver206. Cloud storage, enterprise storage, and/or networked enterprise storage can be used to store video, pictures, and/or audio from thecommunication system200 or from any part of thecommunication system200. The user can download and/or stream stored data and/or storage video, pictures, and/or audio. For example, a user can record visitors for a year and then later can review conversations with visitors from the last year. In some embodiments, remote storage, theserver206, thecomputing device204, and/or thesecurity system202 can store information and statistics regarding visitors and usage.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which adoorbell202 is connected to abuilding300, which can include anentryway310 that has adoor254. Avisitor388 can approach thedoorbell202 and then can be detected by thedoorbell202. Thevisitor388 can press thedoorbell button212. The user of the doorbell202 can configure the doorbell202 such that when thevisitor388 presses thedoorbell button212, the user receives a notification regarding thevisitor388.
• Electrical wires304 can electrically couple the doorbell202 to the electrical system of thebuilding300 such that the doorbell202 can receive electrical power from thebuilding300. The building can include adoor lock250 to lock thedoor254.
• Awireless network308 can allow devices to wirelessly access the Internet. Thesecurity system202 can access the Internet via thewireless network308. Thewireless network308 can transmit data from thesecurity system202 to the Internet, which can transmit the data to remotely located computingdevices204. The Internet and wireless networks can transmit data from remotely located computingdevices204 to thesecurity system202. In some embodiments, asecurity system202 connects to a home's WiFi.
• As illustrated inFIG. 3, one computing device204 (e.g., a laptop, a smartphone, a mobile computing device, a television) can communicate withmultiple security systems202. In some embodiments,multiple computing devices204 can communicate with onesecurity system202.
• In some embodiments, thesecurity system202 can communicate (e.g., wirelessly230) with atelevision306, which can be a smart television. Users can view thetelevision306 to see a visitor and/or talk with the visitor.
• FIG. 4 illustrates acommunication system310 that includes asecurity system320, adoorbell button212, aWiFi router328, aserver332, and users336. Instep340, a visitor initiates a communication request by pressing thedoorbell button212 or triggering a motion or proximity sensor. The visitor can trigger the motion or proximity sensor by approaching thesecurity system320. Instep350, thesecurity system320 connects or otherwise communicates with ahome WiFi router328. Instep360, theserver332 receives a signal from theWiFi router328 and sends video and/or audio to the users336 via awireless network364. Instep370, the users see the visitor, hear the visitor, and talk with the visitor. Step370 can include using a software application to see, hear, and/or talk with the visitor. The visitor and users336 can engage in two-way communication374 via the internet or other wireless communication system even when the visitor and the users336 are located far away from each other. Some embodiments enable users to receive communication requests and communicate with visitors via diverse mobile communication standards including third generation (“3G”), fourth generation (“4G”), long term evolution (“LTE”), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (“WiMAX”), and WiFi.
• In some cases, the users336 utilize thecommunication system310 to communicate with visitors who are in close proximity to the users336. For example, a user336 located inside her home can communicate with a visitor located just outside the home via thecommunication system310.
• FIG. 29 illustrates an internal view of thedoorbell202.Doorbells202 can include a chip480 (e.g., integrated circuits, microprocessor, computer) and amemory492.Doorbells202 can also include amicrophone484 and aspeaker488. Thespeaker488 can comprise a flat speaker and asound chamber460 configured to amplify an emitted sound. The flat speaker can be located in the sound chamber. Some doorbell embodiments include aproximity sensor500. In several embodiments,doorbells202 include awireless communication module504, such as a WiFi module. Thecommunication module504 can have an integrated antenna. In some embodiments, an antenna is contained within the outer housing224.
• Thedoorbell202 can include one ormore heating elements508 configured to regulate the temperature of thedoorbell202. For example,doorbells202 can be used in very cold environments, such as in Alaska. Theheating element508 can be used in various methods to protect temperature sensitive portions of the doorbell202 from cold weather.
• While protecting the doorbell202 from cold weather can be important in some embodiments, protecting visitors from excessive heat can also be important in some embodiments. Excessive heat could burn visitors as they “ring” the doorbell (e.g., press thedoorbell button212 shown inFIG. 35). Thedoorbell202 can include athermometer512 to enable the system to determine the temperature inside a portion of thedoorbell202 and/or outside thedoorbell202.
• Several embodiments can be configured for 9 to 40 volts alternating current (“VAC”) and/or 9 to 40 volts direct current (“VDC”). Some embodiments convert input electricity into direct current (DC), such as 12 VDC. Several embodiments include aconverter494 for power conversion (e.g., converting electrical energy from one form to another). Theconverter494 can convert input power (e.g., from wiring in a building) to a suitable power form for thedoorbell202. The power conversion can convert between AC and DC, change the voltage, and/or change the frequency. Theconverter494 can include a transformer and/or a voltage regulator. In several embodiments, theconverter494 can include a DC to DC converter, a voltage stabilizer, a linear regulator, a surge protector, a rectifier, a power supply unit, a switch, an inverter, and/or a voltage converter. In some embodiments, theconverter494 converts 50 Hertz (“Hz”) power into 60 Hz power.
• The electrical components of the doorbell202 (e.g., thecamera assembly208, thememory492, thechip480, thespeaker488, theconverter494, themicrophone484, thelights458, the rectifier524, theproximity sensor500, thecommunication module504, theheating element508, theelectrical connectors510, thethermometer512, theimage analysis system520, and the battery642) can be electrically coupled to a printed circuit board (“PCB”)516 and can receive electrical power from thePCB516.
• ThePCB516 and the electrical components of the doorbell202 can be theelectrical system456 of thedoorbell202. Additional details regarding thePCB516 and the electrical components of the doorbell202 are described in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376; filed Feb. 3, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. The entire contents of patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376 are incorporated by reference herein.
• Although some embodiments are described in the context of methods, the method embodiments can also be formulated as devices and systems. Methods described herein can be applied to the devices and systems incorporated by references herein.
Video Embodiments
• Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, software can start the video feed on demand. For example, a user of the computing device might wonder what is happening near thesecurity system202. The user can open the software application (e.g., an “app”) on thecomputing device204 and instruct the application to show live video and/or audio from thesecurity device202 even if no event near thesecurity system202 has triggered the communication.
• Several embodiments include “on-demand” service. For example, a user can initiate communicate via a doorbell and/or can initiate live video from the doorbell by pressing abutton260 on a user interface (shown inFIG. 2). Pressing the on-demand button260 again can terminate the communication and/or the live video.
Situational Sound Embodiments
• Thesecurity system202 may be configured to play unique sounds in response to detecting specific situations and/or during certain times of day. The sounds may be preprogrammed sounds or completely customizable by a user of thesecurity system202. As well, thesecurity system202 may be configured to play any of the sounds according to specific situations. For example, thesecurity system202 may be configured to play a specific message for a specific visiting individual, and/or may be configured to play a specific message when a potential visitor is identified as a specific person or is included in a list of specific people.
• Thesecurity system202 may include aspeaker488 configured to emit any type of sound. Thesecurity system202 may also include a visitor detection system that may include at least one of abutton212, acamera208, and amotion detector218. Accordingly, the visitor detection system may be configurable to receive various indications of a visitor's presence. As well, thespeaker488 and the visitor detection system may be directly or indirectly coupled to thesecurity system202. Even still, thespeaker488 and the visitor detection system may be mechanically, electrically, and/or communicatively coupled to thesecurity system202.
• Thesecurity system202 may detect different indications of a visitor's presence. As shown inFIG. 5, thesecurity system202 can be configured to receive a first indication of a visitor's presence (at step560). In response to receiving the first indication of the visitor's presence, thesecurity system202 can emit a first sound with the speaker488 (at step562). Thesecurity system202 can be configured to receive a second indication of a visitor's presence (at step564). In response to receiving the second indication of the visitor's presence, thesecurity system202 can emit a second sound with the speaker488 (at step566). The first sound can be audibly different than the second sound.
• Some of the indications can be interpreted as being associated with a friendly or welcome visitor, while other indications can be interpreted as being associated with an unfriendly or unwelcome visitor. According to these different indications, thesecurity system202, by thespeaker488, can emit different sounds.
• With reference toFIG. 7, when thesecurity system202 receives an indication that avisitor580 has pressed the button212 (at step582), this can be interpreted as an indication of a friendly, or welcome visitor. In response to receiving the indication that thebutton212 has been pressed, thespeaker488 can emit a first sound (at step584), such as a friendly sound (e.g. “Welcome to our humble abode.”).
• As illustrated inFIG. 8, when thesecurity system202 receives an indication that avisitor586 has been moving in front of thesecurity system202 for a prolonged or predetermined time (e.g. 15 seconds or any time that indicates that the visitor is loitering) without pressing the button212 (at step588), this can be interpreted as an unfriendly or unwelcome visitor. In response to receiving the indication that the visitor has been moving in front of thesecurity system202 without pressing thebutton212, thespeaker488 can emit a second sound (at step590). The second sound can be an alert sound (e.g. a warning to move away from thebuilding300—“Step away from the house!”). It should be appreciated that thesecurity system202 can be configured to emit any number of sounds, such as a third sound, a fourth sound, a fifth sound, and any number of additional sounds.
• Thesecurity system202 can be configured to receive any number of indications. For example, in addition to a button press and a motion of a visitor, the indications can include indications of aremote computing device204, a noise, a thermal signature (such as a thermal gradient indicating the presence of a person or animal), a retina scan, a fingerprint scan, a ground vibration, and the like. It should be appreciated that the indication can include any indication of a presence of any visitor, such as a person or animal.
• In some embodiments, thesecurity system202 can emit different sounds for a first visitor. For example, as the first visitor approaches thebuilding300, thesecurity system202 can emit a first sound based upon the motion of the first visitor. As well, thesecurity system202 can emit a second sound once the first visitor pushes thebutton212 of thesecurity system202.
• Furthermore, any of the indications described in this disclosure can be associated with a visitor that is either welcome or unwelcome at the building. Accordingly, thesecurity system202 can be configured to any environment in which thebuilding300 is situated. For example, somebuildings300 can be located in high traffic areas where it is common for people to walk by the front of thesecurity system202 without pressing thebutton212. In this regard, thesecurity system202 can be configured to ignore indications of motion and only emit sounds in response to affirmative indications that the visitor is visiting thebuilding300, such as an indication that thebutton212 has been pressed. In some embodiments, thesecurity system202 can be configured to only respond to motion in certain zones. For example, if thesecurity system202 is located 20 feet from a busy sidewalk, then thesecurity system202 can be configured to ignore all motion that occurs more than 15 feet from thesecurity system202. In this manner, thesecurity system202 can only respond to movements occurring on the building property.
• As well, combinations of indications can be interpreted in various manners. For example, a combination of an indication of motion (i.e. movement) of a visitor in front of thesecurity system202 and an indication that the visitor has pressed thebutton212 can indicate that the visitor is welcome at thebuilding300. As previously described, thespeaker488 of thesecurity system202 can emit a friendly message in response to the combination of indications.
• Even still, thesecurity system202 can be configured to emit different sounds in response to a positive detection of one indication and a negative detection of another indication. For example, if thesecurity system202 detects motion of a visitor but does not detect sound, this can be interpreted as an unwelcome visitor, such as a prowler sneaking around the outside of thebuilding300. In response, thespeaker488 of thesecurity system202 can emit an alert sound (e.g. a warning to exit the premise before the authorities are notified).
• Furthermore, the time of day and/or day when a visitor approaches thebuilding300 can also indicate whether the visitor is welcome or not. As shown inFIG. 6, thesecurity system202 can be configured to receive an indication of a visitor's presence at a first time of day (at step570). The first time of day can occur between sunrise and sunset, or any other time of day. In response to receiving the indication of the visitor's presence at the first time of day, thesecurity system202 can emit a first sound with the speaker488 (at step572). In some embodiments, the first sound comprises an audible message spoken by a female voice, while some embodiments may comprise an audible message spoken by a male voice.
• Furthermore, thesecurity system202 can be configured to receive an indication of the visitor's presence at a second time of day (at step574). It should be appreciated that the second time of day can occur between sunset and sunrise, or any other time of day. In response to receiving the indication of the visitor's presence at the second time of day, thesecurity system202 can emit a second sound with the speaker488 (at step576). In some embodiments, the second sound comprises an audible message spoken by a male voice, while some embodiments may comprise an audible message spoken by a female voice.
• To illustrate a more specific example, such as the one shown inFIG. 9, if avisitor592 presses thebutton212 at noon on a weekend day (at step594), thespeaker488 can emit a welcome message (e.g. “Welcome. We'll be right there.) (at step596). In another example, as illustrated inFIG. 10, if avisitor597 presses thebutton212 at midnight on a workday (at step598), thespeaker488 can emit a do not disturb message or a message instructing the visitor to come back another time (e.g. “Please come back tomorrow!”).
• Combinations of indications can be interpreted differently depending on the time of day. For example, in response to an indication of a motion and a noise during the day, thespeaker488 of thesecurity system202 can emit a friendly message. However, in response to an indication of a motion and a noise during the night, thespeaker488 can emit a warning message.
• Even still, thesecurity system202 can be configured to respond differently based on the unique circumstances of the indication. For example, if themotion detector218 of thesecurity system202 detects a slow movement versus a faster movement, then thespeaker488 can emit different sounds based upon these various circumstances. A slow movement can be interpreted as a prowler approaching the building, while a faster movement, such as a movement of a person walking at 3.5 miles per hour, can be interpreted as a friendly visitor approaching thebuilding300.
• The time of day can be any selected time of day and any number of time ranges can be used. For example, thesecurity system202 can emit a welcome message during sunrise to sunset and an alert or warning message during sunset to sunrise. Accordingly, because sunrise and sunset change on a daily basis, thesecurity system202 can be communicatively coupled to an outside database(s) to allow thesecurity system202 to thereby automatically respond to these ever-changing conditions.
• The security system202 (e.g. doorbell) can elect to emit a particular sound, such as a first sound or a second sound, based on a time at which thesecurity system202 detects an indication of a presence of a visitor. In some embodiments, thesecurity system202 is configured to detect an amount of light, which may indicate a time of day. In response to detecting the amount of light, thesecurity system202 can elect to emit the first sound or the second sound based on the amount of light.
• As well, thesecurity system202 can be configured to provide unique responses during different time ranges on specific days. For example, the user may have a bowling league every third Monday of the month. Accordingly, during that time, (e.g. from 6 pm-8:30 pm) on the third Monday of the month, in response to detecting an indication of a presence of a friendly visitor, thespeaker488 of thesecurity system202 can emit a friendly message telling the visitor that their presence is appreciated but the visitor should come back another time. In another example, the user may be on vacation from the 1^stto the 10^thand the user may wish to emit more intimidating warnings to secure thebuilding300. Generally speaking, thesecurity system202 can be configured to emit any type of sound in response to any time of day and/or day.
• Thesecurity system202 can be configured to detect specific visitors and emit certain sounds in response to detecting the specific visitors. For example, if thesecurity system202 detects a first visitor, such as a relative of the homeowner, thesecurity system202 can always emit a friendly sound, no matter how the first visitor approaches the home, or during what time of day. As well, if thesecurity system202 detects a second visitor, such as an unknown party (e.g. a solicitor), thesecurity system202 can emit an unfriendly sound, no matter how the second visitor approaches the home, or during what time of day.
• To determine the identity of a visitor, thesecurity system202 can use any type of identity recognition technology, such as facial recognition, to determine an indication of an identity of a visitor. Some of these types of identity recognition technologies are disclosed in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376; filed Feb. 3, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. The entire contents of patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376 are incorporated by reference herein.
• The different types of sounds emitted by thespeaker488 can be configured to match the appropriate indication as detected by thesecurity system202. For example, if thesecurity system202 detects an unfriendly visitor, thespeaker488 can emit a message spoken by a male voice to thereby intimidate the unfriendly visitor. Contra, if thesecurity system202 detects a friendly visitor, thespeaker488 can emit a message spoken by a female voice to thereby welcome the visitor. As well, thesecurity system202 can be configured to emit any other type of sound. For example, a welcome visitor can be greeted by a pleasant melody or a ding-dong, while an unwelcome visitor can be greeted by an alarm sound or a warning message.
• As well, messages can be spoken in any language, volume, pitch, accent, and the like. Users may find that various combinations of vocal characteristics to be useful in different situations. For example, if a user is hosting a Mardi gras party, the user can configure thesecurity system202 to emit a message spoken by a person with a southern accent. Generally, it should be appreciated that thespeaker488 of thesecurity system202 can be configured to emit any type of sound for any type of specific situation.
• Likewise, thesecurity system202 can be configured to play a specific message if the potential visitor is not included in a list. For example, where a potential visitor is not included in a list of the resident's contacts, thesecurity system202 can be configured to indicate that the resident does not accept solicitors and/or request the visitor to provide identifying information or describe the purpose of the visit.
• In some embodiments, thesecurity system202 can be configured to play a specific message if the potential visitor has a criminal background. For example, a user can configure thesecurity system202 to play a specific message where a potential visitor is a registered sex offender.
• The sounds emitted by thesecurity system202 can be recorded by the user him/herself. As well, the sounds can be downloaded from another source, such as a remote computer (e.g. a remote server), a remote computing device (e.g. a smart phone), a website, a database (e.g. iTunes®), and the like. Also, methods can include selecting the first sound and the second sound with a remote computing device that is configured to receive alerts from the doorbell. The selected sounds can be wirelessly transmitted to the doorbell.
• As well, the sounds can be recorded with aremote computing device204 and the sounds can be set up for temporary use whereby the sounds can expire upon a predetermined time. For example, a user can enter an expiration date of the recorded sound with theremote computing device204. Furthermore, the user can wirelessly send the first sound and the expiration date from the remote computing device to the doorbell. Once the expiration date passes, thesecurity system202 can then cease to emit the recorded sound from thesecurity system202.
• As well, thesecurity system202 can be configured to receive sound emitting parameters from aremote computing device204. Thesecurity system202 can emit a predetermined sound based upon the sound emitting parameter. In some embodiments, the sound emitting parameter includes at least one of an identity of the first visitor, data associated with the first visitor, a time, a location of a user of the remote computing device. In some embodiments, thesecurity system202 can automatically download a third sound based on the sound emitting parameters. Thesecurity system202 can emit the third sound from the speaker according to rules associated with the third sound.
Alert Communication Embodiments
• Embodiments of thesecurity system202 can be configured to alert individuals located outside of a building (e.g. a home). For example, thesecurity system202 can be configured to flash a light, emit a sound (e.g. alternating high pitch and low pitch sounds), initiate a communication session with aremote computing device204, and the like. These various alerts can be useful to individuals, such as first responders, seeking to identify the location of an event, such as an emergency event(s) occurring within or outside the home. Home, as used herein, may refer to a building whereby one or more occupants sleep in the building on a permanent basis. Home may distinguishable from an office building by the lack of permanent occupants that sleep in the office building. Home may refer to an apartment building due to the permanent nature of an occupant for the duration of a lease. Home may be distinguishable from a hotel due to the lack of permanent occupants.
• FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment in which asecurity system202 is communicatively coupled to acommunication device416. Thesecurity system202 may be part of acommunication system400. Thecommunication system400 can be similar to that of thecommunication system200 except, thecommunication system400 may also be configured to allow communication between thesecurity system202 and thecommunication device416.
• In various embodiments, thesecurity system202 can be communicatively coupled, directly and/or via the cloud, to acommunication device416, such as a hub device, a communication system, and/or anevent detection device418, such as a sensor, (e.g., a peripheral device, such as a Nest Protect® (registered by Google Inc.), Nest Learning Thermostat® (registered by Google Inc.), DropCam® (registered by Google Inc.), and the like. Thecommunication device416,event detection device418 and/or thesecurity system202 can be used to monitor various events within the building300 (e.g., home). Specifically, thecommunication device416 and/orevent detection device418 can detect emergency events and then notify thesecurity system202. In some embodiments, thecommunication device416 is communicatively coupled to theevent detection device418 that detects the emergency event or adverse event (which is discussed further herein). In this manner, thesecurity system202 may directly or indirectly receive a notification of the emergency event from theevent detection device418 and/or thecommunication device416.
• Thesecurity system202 can communicate with thecommunication device416 via acommunication network414. Thecommunication network414 can be similar to thewireless communication230, however, thecommunication network414 can be wired or wireless. In embodiments, thecommunication network414 can utilize the existing electrical wires in the doorbell wires to communicate with the security system202 (e.g., powerline networking). Thecommunication network414 can also utilize a wired Local Area Network. In embodiments, thecommunication network414 can include a Wide Area Network (WAN) that connects thecommunication device416 to thesecurity system202 over the Internet.
• In embodiments, thecommunication device416 is a type of device that is configured to connect multiple devices and facilitate communication between the multiple devices. Thesecurity system202 may be a device that also is communicatively coupled to thecommunication device416. Thecommunication device416 may receive a transmission from one device (i.e., an event detection device418), make a determination on what type of communication to perform (e.g., an alert), and transmit the communication to a second device (e.g., the security system202) to take further action.
• Thesecurity system202 can be configured to communicate with remote computing devices (i.e., the computing device204). Thecomputing device204 may refer to a remote computing device in embodiments. Thesecurity system202 can initiate a communication session through thecommunication network414 by sending a request to thecomputing device204 to establish a secure connection (e.g., a virtual private network) to enhance security. In embodiments, the communication session may also include an indication that an event (as discussed further herein) has been initiated.
• Thesecurity system202 can have an outer housing224. The outer housing224 may be configurable to attach to abuilding300. The outer housing224 of thesecurity system202 can attach to thebuilding300 using a variety of permanent or temporary mounting mechanisms. In embodiments, the permanent mounting mechanism may prevent the removal of thesecurity system202. Thebuilding300 may include a variety of structures. For example, thebuilding300 includes a home, which is a type ofbuilding300. The home can include various types of structures in various square footages. For example, a home can be a wooden framed building with an exterior of stucco, brick, or siding. In embodiments, a home can be distinguished from other types of buildings based on the livable area (e.g., 500 square feet to 5000 square feet). In embodiments, a home can also be defined as being a freestanding structure without shared walls. A home may also be defined by zoning constraints. For example, the home may be zoned residential instead of commercial or industrial.
• The outer housing224 can also include avisitor detection system412 coupled to the outer housing224. Thevisitor detection system412 can be an assembly of components that are collectively configured to detect visitors in the immediate vicinity (e.g., within 0.5 to 50 feet) of thesecurity system202. Thevisitor detection system412 can include thedoorbell button212, thecamera assembly208, and anaudio input device410. In addition, thevisitor detection system412 can also include themotion detector218 and fingerprint sensor210. Theaudio input device410 can be a device that captures audio (e.g., a microphone). Theaudio input device410 can have various sensitivity ranges depending on the application. In embodiments, theaudio input device410 can include multiple microphones to extend the coverage area of audio capture. For example, the audio input device can have one microphone on board the outer housing224 and receive input from another microphone located within the house (e.g., through the communication network414).
• The outer housing224 may also include adeactivation unit411. Thedeactivation unit411 can be a component that is communicatively coupled to thesecurity system202. Thedeactivation unit411 may be responsible for disabling thealert communication system402. In embodiments, thedeactivation unit411 is part of thealert communication system402. Thealert communication system402 may work passively or actively. In an active configuration, thesecurity system202 can actively monitor for a command to deactivate. For example, thesecurity system202 can send “activation status requested” signal to adeactivation unit411 in regular intervals along with a unique randomized code and receive an “activation=True” signal from thedeactivation unit411 along with the unique randomized code. When communication is interrupted, then a non-response of the activation status may indicate “activation=True”. When deactivated, thedeactivation unit411 transmits an “activation=False” signal along with the unique randomized code. The actively monitoring for the command can be advantageous where communication is lost with the deactivation unit411 (i.e., the communication is modified or the deactivation is spoofed by an intruder).
• Thedeactivation unit411 may also passively monitor for the command. For example, an occupant may input a command through thedeactivation unit411 that is transmitted to thesecurity system202. Thesecurity system202 can receive the command passively. In embodiments, thedeactivation unit411 may also be communicatively coupled with aremote computing device204. The deactivation command may originate from theremote computing device204 to deactivate thealert communication system402 in either actively or passively.
• The outer housing224 can also include analert communication system402 coupled to the outer housing224. Thealert communication system402 can be configurable to activate in response to an initiation of an event. For example, an alert from thecommunication device416 that is transmitted to thesecurity system202 can activate various components on thesecurity system202 through thealert communication system402. Thealert communication system402 can include components to communicate alerts to a user (e.g., an occupant of the home). In embodiments, thealert communication system402 is thesecurity system202 or part of thesecurity system202. In embodiments, thealert communication system402 includes a light406 and aspeaker404. The light406 can comprise thediagnostic light216 and/or thepower indicator light220, as shown inFIG. 1, and/or any other light coupled to thesecurity system202. As well, thespeaker404 may comprise thespeaker488, as illustrated inFIG. 1, and/or any other speaker coupled to thesecurity system202.
• In embodiments, thealert communication system402 refers to a collection of components for the purpose of alerting an occupant of thebuilding300. Thealert communication system402 can also refer to a control unit for the components that alert an occupant of thebuilding300. The control of thealert communication system402 can be separate from the control for thesecurity system202. In embodiments, thealert communication system402 is attached to an exterior surface of the home (i.e., a building300). The outer housing224 may be attached to an interior surface of the home (i.e., a building300). Theremote computing device204 can be operated by the homeowner (i.e., a type of occupant).
• Thespeaker404 of thealert communication system404 can be configured to emit a sound in response to the initiation of the event. For example, if thecommunication device416 transmits an alert that indicates an emergency, then thesecurity device202 can emit a sound in thespeaker404 that indicates danger. Thespeaker404 can be configured to emit a wide-range of sounds and various decibel levels depending on the application. For example, a more severe alert can be louder than a less severe alert. Thesecurity system202 can alert an occupant of suspicious smoke by saying the location of the smoke and the time the smoke was detected.
• Thespeaker404 can simply emit a voice that says “Danger, Danger, Danger” to alert an occupant of thebuilding300. The sound emitted by thesecurity device202 can be unique to the type of alert. For example, if a fire alert is transmitted by thecommunication device416, then thesecurity device202 can emit a voice that says “Fire, Fire, Fire” and repeats at a set interval. Various sounds can also be used to selectively alert other occupants. For example, a high frequency sound of 24 kHz to 45 kHz can selectively alert canine occupants of thebuilding300 without alerting a human. In another example, a sound from 17 kHz to 23 kHz may selectively alert children but not adults. Various patterns of sounds can also be produced. For example, the “SOS” Morse code pattern may be used to indicate distress.
• The light406 of thesecurity system202 may be configurable to illuminate in response to the initiation of the event. The light406 can emit a variety of colors in a variety of patterns. For example, the light406 can emit both a green light, a white light, and a red light. A green light can be lit during normal operation. A white light color can be used for ordinary alerts, such as a power outage. A red light color can be used to indicate an imminent emergency that alerts the occupant to leave thebuilding300 immediately. For example, the red light color can be used to alert the occupant of a gas leakage or a fire or armed intruders.
• In embodiments, the light406 can flash at various frequencies to indicate a pattern. For example, three short flashes, followed by three long flashes, followed by three short flashes, can indicate distress. While rapid flashes can indicate a higher priority than slower flashes of light. The light406 can be coordinated with thespeaker404. For example, the light406 can flash at the same time that thespeaker404 makes a sound. The light406 can also flash before or after the emission of sound from thespeaker404.
• Thealert communication system402 can also include emission of an odor. The odor can be discernable by an occupant to know that something is wrong or can ward away an intruder. For example, if thecommunication device416 alerts thesecurity system202 of an intruder, then a strong smell (such as that of a skunk) can trigger a silent alarm. Various smells can be used. For example, flowery odors can be used for non-urgent alerts (such as a water leak) while mercaptan-based odors can be used for urgent alerts.
• Thealert communication system402 can includeremote communication407. Theremote communication407 can be responsible for communicating with aremote computing device204 the status of the alarm. In embodiments, theremote communication407 can be a module that communicates with a security monitoring service, which can also have a dedicated communication channel that is different than thecommunication network414 in order to alert authorities in the event of a power outage.
• In embodiments, thesecurity system202 is powered by anelectrical power input408. Theelectrical power input408 can be a battery. Theelectrical power input408 can also be from an electrical source such as from a household Alternating Current. Theelectrical power input408 can also be configured to receive a step-down voltage (e.g., around 8V to 24V) fromdoorbell wires304. Thealert communication system402 may be electrically coupled to electrical wires409 (through the electrical power input408). Theelectrical wires409 can be configurable to be coupled to thedoorbell wires304 of a home (e.g., the building300). Thealert communication system402 can be configurable to activate in response to a determination that an event has been initiated through theelectrical wires409. In embodiments, the communication can happen over powerline networking. Various spikes in electrical signals from theelectrical wires409 can also signal thealert communication system402. In embodiments, a lack of electrical signal from theelectrical wires409 can also activate thealert communication system402. For example, the lack ofelectrical power input408 from theelectrical wires409 can activate thealert communication system402. Thealert communication system402 can further utilize a backup battery system through theelectrical power input408 and cause the light406 to emit white colored light so that an occupant can see.
• Thesecurity system202 may be configured as a passive or active device. As a passive device, thesecurity system202 may receive notifications of emergency events from the communication device and/or theevent detection device418. For example, a smoke detectorevent detection device418 can transmit a smoke event to the communication device, which may communicate to thesecurity system202 an indication that the smoke event is occurring. Thesecurity system202 can be monitoring for notifications from the communication device whenever a communication channel is established.
• As an active device, thesecurity system202 may be configured to actively monitor whether the communication device and/orevent detection device418 has detected the occurrence or initiation of an emergency event (or adverse event). For example, thesecurity system202 can periodically request from the communication device a status of events. If there is no status, then thesecurity system202 can wait until another request is filled.
• FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an enhanced view of variousevent detection devices418, according to some embodiments. Theevent detection devices418 can be communicatively coupled to the communication device. Types ofevent detection device418 can include asmoke alarm420 or aburglar alarm422. Theevent detection device418 can be configured to communicate with a communication device or to theremote device204 through thecommunication network414. In embodiments, theevent detection device418 can be “smart” and communicate with a variety of devices. Theevent detection device418 can connect via the Internet of Things (IoT) and may each have a unique network identifier. The IoT may encompass various standards. For example, standards may include ALLJOYN® (Registered by Qualcomm Innovation Center Inc.), Thread Group, IEEE® (Registered by the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers, Inc.) P2413 working group, IoTivity® (Registered by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.), or Representational State Transfer.
• Thesecurity system202 may comprise analert communication system402 that may include a light406, aspeaker404, and awireless communication system230 that may be configured to initiate a transmission with aremote computing device204. For example, the communication device may comprise a smart smoke detector420 (e.g. Nest Protect®, registered by Google Inc.), and in response to the smart smoke detector detecting elevated levels ofsmoke434, or elevated levels of other toxic gases, thesecurity system202 may activate its alert communication system402 (e.g. flashing a light and/or emit a sound). This may thereby alert individuals outside the home as to the location of the home where the emergency event is occurring.
• As well, it should be appreciated that the emergency event can comprise any type ofevent424 that may require the attention of another party. As used, event can refer to an emergency event or an adverse event, which indicates harm to an occupant or requires the attention of a party other than the occupant. For example, the emergency event may comprise at least one of afire426, agas leak428, a break-in436, elevated levels ofsmoke434, elevated levels ofradon432, elevated levels ofcarbon monoxide430, and the like.
• Thealert communication system402 can be configured to alert individuals located outside the home in any variety of ways. For example, thealert communication system402 can flash a bright light emitting diode and/or a light located behind thedoorbell button212, such as thediagnostic light216, on thesecurity system202. In some examples, thealert communication system402 can emit a loud sound from thespeaker404. For example, the loud sound can be alternating high and low pitch sounds that may be heard by individuals located within 300 feet of the home. The high and low pitch sounds can be of high and low frequencies that may be heard by individuals located within a neighboring home and/or a vehicle passing by. The loud sound can be a unique sound easily detectable by individuals. As well, the sound can comprise a noise that indicates danger or help is required.
• Furthermore, thealert communication system402 can be configured to initiate a transmission to aremote computing device204. For example, if thesecurity system202 determines that a break-in has occurred, thesecurity system202 may initiate a computing session and/or a notification with theremote computing device204 to alert an individual that is operating theremote computing device204 of the break-in436 at the home. As well, it should be appreciated that thesecurity system202 can initiate a transmission to any other party, such as an emergency dispatcher (e.g.911).
• Thesecurity system202 may be configured to activate itsalert communication system402 after a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount of time may be 0 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 1 minute, and the like. Generally, it should be appreciated that thealert communication system402 may activate nearly at the same time as thecommunication device416 detecting theemergency event424 or any time thereafter.FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of amethod500 of monitoring for an event through acommunication device416, according to some embodiments. Themethod500 can generally involve connecting to acommunication device416 and receiving a notification of an event from thecommunication device416. Thesecurity system202 can react based on the event from the communication system. Themethod500 begins atblock510.
• Inblock510, thesecurity system202 can establish a connection with the communication system. As mentioned herein, thecommunication device416 may utilize either a wired orwireless connection230 to communicate with thesecurity system202. For example, a wireless home network that utilizes Wi-Fi may be used or local Bluetooth™ pairing may be used. Once connection is established, then thecommunication device416 may be configured to only communicate withsecurity system202 at the ID provided by thesecurity system202. For example, thesecurity system202 may have a unique IPv6 address that thecommunication device416 transmits to. Thecommunication device416 may also have a unique IPv6 address that thesecurity system202 transmits to. Thesecurity system202 may also be configured to receive alerts from only the IPv6 address that belongs to thecommunication device416, thus preventing spoofing type alarms. Various permissions may be set up using an Application Programming Interface (API) of thecommunication device416. For example, thesecurity system202 can be set up as a client with read/write permissions which identifies thesecurity system202 that has permission to share data with thecommunication device416.
• Inblock512, thesecurity system202 may monitor for an event. In embodiments, thesecurity system202 monitors for an event from thecommunication device416. For example, thecommunication device416 may receive a notification of an event from anevent detection device418. In embodiments, thesecurity system202 can monitor for an event using localized components. For example, thesecurity system202 may have a camera that is used to monitor for suspicious activity. The event may be communicated with thecommunication device416 and thecommunication device416 may take appropriate action (e.g., notify emergency services). As mentioned herein, the types of events may be selected from at least one of a fire, a gas leak, a break-in, elevated levels of smoke, elevated levels of radon, elevated levels of carbon monoxide, and the like.
• Theevent detection device418 may detect an event using a variety of methods. For example, various thresholds may be employed to detect anevent424. For example, the elevated levels ofsmoke event434 can be based off of optical obscuration or electrostatic precipitation. The smoke can be based off of a threshold of parts per million or percentage of optical transmittance. Theradon event432 can be based off of PicoCuries per Liter reading from a radon detection unit. Thegas leak event428 can be based off of an 80% Lower Explosive Limit. Various gas detectors can be used (e.g., electrochemical, infrared point, infrared imaging, semiconductor, ultrasonic, holographic, etc.). Afire event426 may be detected using temperature or a combination of readings from asmoke event434 and acarbon monoxide event430. The break-inevent436 may utilize various sensors present in thesecurity system202 or external sensors to the security system202 (e.g., motion sensors). Theevent424 is associated with a home (i.e., building300), and the doorbell (i.e., security system202) is attached to the home of a homeowner.
• Inblock514, thesecurity system202 can determine whether an event has been initiated. The event may be initiated whenever thesecurity system202 receives a transmission from acommunication device416 communicatively coupled to the security system. The transmission may be over various forms of communication and provide an indication that the event has been initiated. Thesecurity system202 may monitor the communication system to detect whether the event has been initiated. In embodiments, the security system202 (e.g., the doorbell) can interface with aremote computing device204 to further communicate to an occupant that there is an alert at the home. Communicating via theremote computing device204 may have the benefit of keeping occupants informed while away from the home. Thesecurity device202 can establish a communication session with aremote computing device204 in a similar manner as to thecommunication device416. The communication session may include an indication that the event that has been initiated. For example, an occupant can receive a communication of a fire alert on a local application on theirremote computing device204 from thesecurity system202.
• Inblock516, thesecurity system202 can determine the alarm type. In embodiments, block516 may be optional. Despite a variety of devices available to thesecurity system202, not all devices or tools may be appropriate in certain settings. For example, a non-urgent alert (such as elevated radon levels) may not warrant a high-pitched, high-volume noise in the middle of the night. Thesecurity system202 can balance the severity of the alert with the certainty for the alert. For example, significant amounts of dust can trigger a smoke detector but the certainty of a fire can be determined using a carbon monoxide detector in conjunction with the smoke detector. The severity of a fire may be high but if the certainty that a fire is occurring is low, then thesecurity system202 can determine that another alarm type is more appropriate. Examples of determining an alarm type are described further herein.
• Inblock518, thesecurity system202 can activate thealert communication system402 in response to determining that the event has been initiated inblock514. In embodiments, activating thealert communication system402 can include activating selected components of the alert communication system402 (e.g., thespeaker404 or the light406). As mentioned herein, thealert communication system402 can include a light406 which, when thealert communication system402 is activated, can cause the light406 to illuminate in a variety of patterns and colors. Thealert communication system402 can also include aspeaker404 that emits a sound in a variety of intensities, frequencies, and patterns. The activating can also include activating a control element for thealert communication system402. The control element for thealert communication system402 can instigate a variety of patterns and alerts for multiple components (e.g., a flashing light followed by emission of selected sound frequencies).
• Inblock520, once thealert communication system402 is activated, thesecurity system202 can monitor for a command to deactivate thealert communication system402. In embodiments, block520 may be optional. For example, a user of thesecurity system202 may not desire thesecurity system202 to alert occupants (e.g., a false positive). The command can be a sequence of instructions that is understood by thesecurity system202 to deactivate thealert communication system402. In embodiments, the command can be a button press and an audible predetermined message. For example, an occupant can push a button (e.g., the door bell button220) and speak an audible predetermined message such as “Alarm Deactivate” to deactivate thealert communication system402. In various embodiments, thedeactivation unit411 can be configured to perform vocal recognition in order to distinguish between the voice of the occupant with the voice of a non-occupant, such as a prowler. Once the command is received, then themethod500 can continue tooperation522.
• Inblock522, thesecurity system202 can deactivate thealert communication system402 in response to receiving the command to deactivate the alert communication system. Thealert communication system402 may be deactivated in a variety of ways. For example, thealert communication system402 may deactivate (e.g. turn off the current alert) in response to thesecurity system202 receiving an indication that thedoorbell button212 has been pressed. In some embodiments, thesecurity system202 may be configured to turn off thealert communication system402 in response to receiving an audible predetermined message, such as a spoken safety message or a spoken password that indicates that the event is being attended to or has ended. In some embodiments, thesecurity system202 can receive a deactivation command from theremote computing device204. In this manner, the individual operating theremote computing device204 may send a command through theremote computing device204 to terminate the ongoing alert. The deactivation of thealert communication system402 can include selectively deactivating less than all of the components of thealert communication system402. For example, the deactivating of thealert communication system402 can include deactivating only the localized communication (i.e., thespeaker404 and the light406) but not theremote communication407 with law enforcement (e.g., a silent alarm).
• FIG. 14 illustrates an example table600 of various alarm types that are used based on the certainty and severity of the event, according to some embodiments. The table600 can correspond to block516 inFIG. 13 where asecurity system202 can determine the alarm type. In embodiments, the alarm type may be pre-assigned depending on the certainty and the severity of the event. For example, an occupant may desire that a gas leak is always associated with an audible alarm and a red light, despite a low certainty.
• The alarm type can also be based on threshold values. For example, if the certainty of a fire is 20% but the severity is high, thesecurity system202 can create a score that is based on the severity and the certainty. Thesecurity system202, based on the score, can determine the type of alarm. For example, a high severity event with a low certainty may (such as the fire) may be associated with a sound to invite an occupant to investigate further. A high severity event such as a gas leak but with a higher certainty may trigger a red flash along with the sound. A low severity event such as a baby crying can trigger a different set of alarm types such as playing comforting music.
Customized Sound Embodiments
• Thesecurity system202, ordoorbell202, may be configured to receive a custom sound(s) from a user and thereby emit the custom sound in response to a particular situation(s). For example, as illustrated inFIG. 15, adoorbell system200 may receive a custom message (at step1500). A user of the system may then optionally assign the custom message to a select visitor (at step1502). Thereby when an indication of a presence of the select visitor is detected by the doorbell202 (at step1504), thedoorbell202 may then respond by emitting the custom message with aspeaker404,488 of the doorbell202 (at step1506). It should be appreciated that the term “detecting” may be defined as discovering or identifying the presence or existence of a visitor. As such, the term “detecting” may be used interchangeably with the term “determining.”
• The custom sound, or custom message, may be received by thedoorbell system200 in a variety of ways. As shown inFIG. 16, thedoorbell system200 may download the custom message from a remote computer, such as a remote computing device (e.g. a smart phone) (at step1600). As well, thedoorbell system200 may record the custom message (at step1602). For example, a user of thedoorbell system200 may record the custom message on his or her remote computing device, such as a smart phone, (at step1602) and then download the custom message from the smart phone onto thedoorbell system200. In some embodiments, the custom message may be directly recorded by the doorbell202 (at step1602), such as recorded by a microphone of thedoorbell202. Generally, it should be appreciated that the custom message may be recorded by any type of recording device that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell system200 (at step1602). In this manner, thedoorbell system200 may download the custom message from the recording device.
• As further illustrated inFIG. 16, any number of custom messages may be recorded and/or downloaded by thedoorbell system200. For example, the doorbell system may record and/or download a second custom message (at step1604), a third custom message, a fourth custom message, and any number of additional custom messages.
• Thedoorbell system200 may also be configured to interact with a visitor whereby thedoorbell system200 gives and receives audible information. In this manner, thedoorbell system200 may interpret information from the visitor. With reference toFIG. 17, the doorbell system200 (e.g. aspeaker404,488 of the the doorbell202) may be configured to emit an audible question(s) (at step1700). The doorbell system200 (e.g. via a microphone of the doorbell202) may then receive an audible response from the visitor (at step1702). Thedoorbell system200 may thereby determine the meaning of the audible response given by the visitor. For example, thedoorbell system200 may determine whether the audible response comprises a first meaning or a second meaning (at step1704). For example, if thedoorbell system200 determines that the audible response comprises the first meaning, thedoorbell202 may then emit a first audible response, via thespeaker404,488, (at step1706). As well, if thedoorbell system200 determines that the audible response comprises the second meaning, thedoorbell202 may then emit a second audible response, via thespeaker404,488, (at step1708). In this manner, thedoorbell system200 may be a smart system that is able to interpret and respond to different responses given by the visitor.
• Thedoorbell system200 may also be configured to initiate a communication session with aremote computing device204, such as aremote computing device204 associated with the visitor and/or a user of the doorbell system200 (e.g. a resident of the building300). For example, thedoorbell system200 may detect an indication of a presence of a visitor (at step1800). Thedoorbell system200 may then initiate a communication session with the remote computing device of the visitor and/or the resident (at step1802). The communication session may comprise any type of communication and/or transmission to the remote computing device, such as a text message, phone call, voicemail, email, and the like. For example, the communication session may comprise a written message that substantially matches a content of the custom message as emitted by thespeaker404,488. In this manner, hearing impaired visitors may be able to receive the message.
• Furthermore, in some embodiments, thedoorbell system200 may be configured to determine an identity of a first visitor and/or a second visitor. Accordingly, thedoorbell system200 may initiate a communication session, such as transmit a text message, to aremote computing device204 that includes at least one of the identity of the first visitor and/or the identity of the second visitor. Generally, it should be appreciated that the communication session may include any type of information relating to the visitor and/or the visitor's presence at thedoorbell200.
• Thedoorbell system200 may also be configured to detect various types of visitors. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 19, thedoorbell system200 may be referred to as afirst doorbell system200a, which may be configured to detect an indication of a presence of a criminal (at step1900). Thefirst doorbell system200amay detect the indication of the presence of a visitor, such as a criminal, by receiving a notification from asecond doorbell system200bthat is communicatively coupled to thefirst doorbell system200aand remotely located with respect to thefirst doorbell system200a. For example, thesecond doorbell system200bmay determine that a criminal is in the area and then alert all otherdoorbell systems200 located within the vicinity, including thefirst doorbell system200a.
• With reference toFIG. 19, in response to thedoorbell202 and/ordoorbell system200 detecting the indication of the presence of the criminal, thedoorbell202 may emit a warning message with aspeaker404,488 of the doorbell202 (at step1902). Thedoorbell system200 may then initiate a communication session with a law enforcement agency to notify the agency of the presence of the criminal (at step1904). It should be appreciated that the warning message may include a message to scare away the criminal and/or inform the criminal that the law enforcement agency has been contacted.
• As shown inFIG. 20, thedoorbell system200 may also be configured to identify a visitor, such as a criminal or suspicious person, by taking a picture of the visitor (at step2000). Thedoorbell system200 may then determine, based on the picture, that the visitor is included in a database of suspicious visitors, such as a database of criminals, that previously visited other doorbells202 (at step2002). Thedoorbell system200, and/or a remote computer, may use facial recognition software to match the facial data of the criminal with facial data from a law enforcement database. As well, thedoorbell system200 may detect the indication of the presence of the criminal by detecting body language of the criminal, such as detecting evasive or suspicious moves, detecting a fingerprint of the criminal, detecting a retina of the criminal, and the like.
• As well, thedoorbell system200 may be configured to determine various types of visitors. As shown inFIG. 21, for example, thedoorbell system200 may determine that a visitor is a predetermined visitor type (at step2100). The predetermined visitor type may comprise any type of visitor, such as a known visitor (e.g. a friend, a family member, and/or anyone included on a smart phone contact list of a user), a known visitor, a suspicious visitor, a criminal, and the like. In response to determining that the visitor is the predetermined visitor type, thedoorbell system200, via thedoorbell202, can select a custom message from a first message and a second message (at step2102). In response to determining that the visitor is a known person, thedoorbell system200 may emit the first message (at step2104). In some embodiments, the first message optionally includes a name of the known person. For example, thedoorbell system200 may determine that a known person named Tim, who is a friend of the resident, is present. Accordingly, thedoorbell202 may audibly announce, “Welcome, Tim.”
• Likewise, in response to determining that the visitor is a stranger, thedoorbell202 may emit the second message (at step2106). For example, if thedoorbell system200 determines that the stranger is a solicitor, thedoorbell202 may emit an audible message informing the solicitor that the resident does not purchase items from solicitors, an apology, and an invitation to exit the premise. Generally, it should be appreciated that thedoorbell system200 may be configured to determine any type of visitor and emit any type of custom message in response to the type of visitor.
• Thedoorbell system200 may also be configured to emit custom messages in response to the occurrence of predetermined conditions. As illustrated inFIG. 22, thedoorbell system200 may detect an indication of a presence of a visitor (at step2200). Thedoorbell system200 may thereby determine that a predetermined condition has occurred (at step2202). For example, the predetermined condition may be a time of day, a period of days, such as a time when the resident(s) is on vacation, an event (e.g. a birthday party, during a football game, etc.), and the like. Accordingly, in response to the indication of the presence of the visitor and the occurrence of the predetermined condition, thedoorbell202 may thereby emit a custom message (at step2204). It should be appreciated that the custom message may correspond with the occurrence of the predetermined condition. For example, if the predetermined condition is the occurrence of a game in which the resident's favorite football team is competing, then the custom message may be the fight song for the football team.
• The predetermined condition may also be an occurrence when the resident(s) is away from thebuilding300 or when the resident(s) is located within thebuilding300. With specific reference toFIG. 23, thedoorbell system200 may be configured to record and/or download more than one custom message, such as a first custom message and/or a second custom message, and then emit the respective custom message in particular situations (at step2300). Accordingly, the method may thereby include determining whether a resident is located within thebuilding300 or whether the resident is not located within the building300 (at step2302). In response to determining that the resident is present within thebuilding300, thedoorbell202 may thereby emit the first custom message (at step2304). For example, the first custom message may be a message informing the visitor that the resident will be right there, such as, “Please wait a moment. Mr. Banks will be right there” (whereby Mr. Banks is the resident). In response to determining that the resident is not present within the building, thedoorbell202 may thereby emit the second custom message (at step2306). The second custom message may include a message informing the visitor that the resident is busy (if the visitor is a suspicious person—to avoid a robbery) or away from the building300 (if the visitor is a known person). For example, the second custom message may state, “I'm sorry. Mr. Banks is currently occupied. Please come back another time.”
• Thedoorbell system200, via thedoorbell202, may be configured to receive the custom message in response to a variety of inputs as received by thedoorbell system200. For example, as shown byFIG. 24, thedoorbell202 may receive an indication of a first button press from abutton212 of the doorbell202 (at step2400). In response to receiving the first button press, thedoorbell202 may thereby record the custom message and store the custom message within a memory of the doorbell system200 (at step2402). As well, thedoorbell system200 may be configured to receive an input, such as receive an indication of a second button press from the doorbell202 (at step2404). In response to receiving the second button press, thedoorbell system200 can thereby erase the custom message from the memory of the doorbell system200 (at step2406).
• It should be appreciated that any reference to first button press, second button press, and the like, can refer to any number of button presses or duration of respective button presses. For example, the first button press can comprise two button presses and the second button press can comprise one button press. As well, the first button press can comprise one button press and the second button press can comprise two button presses. In some embodiments, the first button press can comprise thebutton212 being pressed for a first duration and the second button press can comprise thebutton212 being pressed for a second duration. It should be appreciated that the first duration can be greater than, equal to, or less than the second duration.
• However, it should be appreciated that the inputs may be any type of inputs into thedoorbell system200. For example, in conjunction or instead of a first and second button press, thedoorbell system200 may be configured to receive various motions from the user. In some embodiments, thecamera208 of the doorbell202 may detect a first motion from the user, such as the user waving a hand once. In response to detecting the first motion, thedoorbell202 may thereby record the custom message and store the custom message within a memory of thedoorbell system200. As well, thecamera208 may detect a second motion from the user, such as the user waving a hand twice. In response to detecting the second motion, thedoorbell202 may thereby erase the custom message from the memory of thedoorbell system200. Generally, it should be appreciated that any type of input, such as a bodily motion, may be received by thedoorbell system200.
• Thedoorbell system200 may also be configured to provide security and anonymity to a user of thedoorbell system200. For example, as shown inFIG. 25, thedoorbell system200 may record and/or download a first custom message (at step2500). The first custom message may be spoken by a first voice. Thedoorbell system200 may be configured to effectively convert the first message into a second message, whereby the second message is spoken by a second voice that is different from the first voice. The content of the first custom message can substantially match the content of the second custom message. As such, thedoorbell system200 may emit the second custom message (at step2502) that is spoken by the second voice. In this manner, thedoorbell system200 may effectively protect the identity of the user (e.g. resident) of thedoorbell system200.
• With respect to the various predetermined conditions, as shown inFIG. 26, thedoorbell system200 may create a schedule of a first timeframe to emit a first sound, a second timeframe to emit a second sound, and a third timeframe to emit a third sound (at step2600). Thedoorbell system200 may thereby determine that a visitation time of the visitor is within the first timeframe (at step2602), and in response to determining that the visitation time of the visitor is within the first timeframe, thedoorbell202 may emit the first sound (at step2604). Accordingly, if thedoorbell system200 determines that the visitation time of the visitor is within the second timeframe, thedoorbell202 may emit the second sound. Likewise, if thedoorbell system200 determines that the visitation time of the visitor is within the third timeframe, thedoorbell202 may emit the third sound.
• For example, the first timeframe might include overnight and morning hours when the resident is either sleeping or getting ready for work. The first sound may thereby inform a visitor that the resident is busy and that the visitor should come back another time. As well, the second timeframe might include daytime hours, when the resident is away at work. The second sound might include a message that the resident is not available and that the visitor can reach the resident at work or on the resident's smart phone, if the visitor is a known or trusted visitor. Finally, the third timeframe might include a time during evening hours when the resident is home from work. The third sound may thereby inform the visitor that the resident will answer the door shortly. Generally, it should be appreciated that thedoorbell system200 may be configured to accommodate any timeframe or number of timeframes. As well, thedoorbell system200 may be configured to receive and thereby emit any sound in response to any of the respective timeframes.
• With reference toFIG. 27, thedoorbell system200 may be configured to receive any number of custom messages and then emit respective messages in response to the doorbell system200 (e.g. the doorbell202) detecting an indication of a presence of any number of respective visitors. Thedoorbell202 may emit a first custom audible message with aspeaker404,488 in response to thedoorbell system200 detecting an indication of a presence of a first visitor (at step2700). As well, thedoorbell202 may emit a second custom audible message with thespeaker404,488 in response to thedoorbell system200 detecting an indication of a presence of a second visitor (at step2702). Likewise, thedoorbell202 may emit a third custom audible message with thespeaker404,488 in response to thedoorbell system200 detecting an indication of a presence of a third visitor (at step2704).
• The first, second and third custom audible messages can be assigned to specific visitors or groups of visitors. For example, the first custom audible message may be assigned to a specific first visitor. As well, the first custom audible message may be assigned to a specific group or type of visitor, such as any known visitor.
• As shown inFIG. 28, thedoorbell system200 may be referred to as afirst doorbell system200athat is attached to afirst building300a. Thefirst doorbell system200amay be communicatively coupled to asecond doorbell system200bthat is attached to an exterior of asecond building300bthat is remotely located with respect to thefirst building300a. Accordingly, thefirst doorbell202amay also be communicatively coupled to thesecond doorbell202b. Thereby, thefirst doorbell system202amay detect an indication of a presence of a first visitor by receiving a first notification from thesecond doorbell system202b(at step2800). As well, thefirst doorbell system202amay detect an indication of a presence of a second visitor by receiving a second notification from thesecond doorbell system202b(at step2802). In this manner, thefirst doorbell system202aand thesecond doorbell system202bmay be networked. This may allowdoorbell systems200 that are located within a specific area, such as a neighborhood, to communicate and transmit data to each other. The network of doorbell systems may exchange information and/or data to thereby monitor the entire neighborhood.
Chime Embodiments
• Chimes302 (shown inFIGS. 3 and 31-37) can include all of the features, assemblies, parts, systems, and components of any doorbell202 described herein or incorporated by reference.Chimes302 can include all the items shown inFIG. 12.
• Thechime302 is a remote communication device that can be configured to communicate with any doorbell202 described herein or incorporated by reference.
• Referring now toFIGS. 31-37, a user can use theremote computing device204 to select a sound emitted by the chime302 (e.g., a remote communication device) located inside the building or silence thechime302 located inside the building. Several embodiments include many different sounds that thechime302 can emit when someone “rings” thedoorbell202 or is detected by thedoorbell202.
• As illustrated inFIG. 31, thechime302 may receive backup or primary power from a power source of abuilding300 and/or abattery462blocated within the chime. As well, thechime302 may include various components to detect different events within the vicinity of thechime302. For example, embodiments may include amotion detector218 configurable to detect motion along an inside portion of thebuilding300. Thechime302 may also include acamera assembly208bconfigurable to capture an image along the inside portion of thebuilding300. As well, thechime302 may include aspeaker488bconfigurable to emit sounds and amicrophone484bconfigurable to receive an audible message spoken by a user.
• Even still, in embodiments, the chime302 (e.g., a remote communication device) may include additional components including, but not limited to, a thermometer512bconfigurable to determine temperature along the inside portion of thebuilding300 and a humidity sensor305 configurable to determine humidity along the inside portion of thebuilding300. Thechime302 may include a detection system528bthat may include miscellaneous detection components to monitor and detect various other events. As well, thechime302 may include a communication system504bconfigurable to communicatively couple the chime to thedoorbell202, theremote computing device204, and/or any other communication device. The communication system504bmay communicate via WiFi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, ZigBee, and the like. It should be appreciated that thechime302 may utilize none, some, or all the same components as utilized by thedoorbell202.
• A user can select a sound to be emitted by thechime302 on herremote computing device204 by using acontrol application600. Theremote computing device204 can then send the sound to thechime302 via the doorbell202 (and/or via aserver206 and a wireless network308). The sound can be a song, a greeting recorded by the user, or any other type of sound. Some embodiments include using aremote computing device204 to download a sound from the Internet, sending the sound (or data associated with the sound) to the doorbell202 (e.g., in response to using theremote computing device204 to select the sound), sending the sound (or data associated with the sound) from the doorbell202 to thechime302, and/or emitting the sound from thechime302.
• As shown inFIGS. 32 and 33, thechime302 can include anelectrical plug307. Theplug307 can be mechanically and electrically coupled to a power outlet309 (as shown inFIG. 33).
• As illustrated inFIG. 34, the doorbell202 can serve as a communication bridge between theremote computing device204 and thechime302. Thedoorbell202 can be used to enable theremote computing device204 to control thechime302. A user can select an option (e.g., a song or a chime setting) on theremote computing device204, then the system can send information regarding the option to and/or from thecomputing device204. Then, the system can send information regarding the option from the doorbell202 to thechime302 in response to the user selecting the option via theremote computing device204. Thecommunication230 between thecomputing device204 and the doorbell202 can be wireless. Thecommunication230 between the doorbell202 and thechime302 can be wireless.
• As illustrated inFIG. 36, the chime302 (e.g., a remote communication device) can serve as a communication bridge between theremote computing device204 and thedoorbell202. This can be especially helpful when thedoorbell202 cannot access thewireless network308 of thebuilding300 to which the doorbell is mechanically and/or electrically coupled. Thechime302 can be located inside thebuilding300, and thus, is more likely to access thewireless network308 of the building300 (due to a superior signal strength of thewireless network308 at thechime302 compared to the signal strength at thedoorbell202, which can be located much farther from a router of the wireless network308). Some embodiments include configuring thechime302 to serve as a communication bridge between theremote computing device204 and the doorbell202 in response to a first wireless signal strength of thewireless network308 at a first location of thechime302 being greater than a second wireless signal strength of thewireless network308 at a second location of thedoorbell202.
• As illustrated inFIG. 3, the chime302 (e.g., a remote communication device) can serve as a communication bridge between the doorbell202 and awireless network308 of abuilding300.
• FIG. 32 illustrates embodiments of the chime302 (e.g., a remote communication device) that include at least oneplug307 that may be electrically, mechanically and/or communicatively coupled to apower outlet309. The oneplug307 can thereby electrically and/or communicatively couple the doorbell202 to the wires of thepower outlet309.
• Thesystem200 can be configured to communicate in various manners. In some embodiments, theremote computing device204 communicates directly with thedoorbell202, while thedoorbell202 communicates directly with thechime302. In some embodiments, theremote computing device204 communicates directly with thechime302, while thedoorbell202 communicates directly with the chime. Generally, it should be understood that thesystem200 can be configured in any manner by the user.
Methods of Using a Chime
• According to various embodiments, thedoorbell system200 can emit sounds from achime302. As illustrated inFIG. 38, the method can include selecting the sound by a remote computing device204 (at step1300). For example, theremote computing device204 can allow a user to select the sound by toggling a radio button (not shown) as displayed on a screen of theremote computing device204. In some examples, the user can select the sound by selecting a song or any type of audio file from a database, such as a music database (e.g. iTunes®), that is accessible through theremote computing device204. In some embodiments, theremote computing device204 can be aserver206, a communication device with a user interface (e.g. smart phone, tablet, etc.), and the like.
• With continued reference toFIG. 38, methods can also include sending a data file, which can include afirst data file213 and/or asecond data file211, to adoorbell202 that is communicatively coupled to the remote computing device204 (at step1302). The data file211,213 can include information that can represent the sound. The data file211,213 can be sent by theremote computing device204 to theserver206 to thedoorbell202. However, in some embodiments the data file211,213 can be sent by theremote computing device204 to thedoorbell202. As shown inFIG. 30, theremote computing device204 can instruct theserver206, via awireless communication230 including asignal604, to send the data file211,213 to thedoorbell202.
• As well, methods can include the doorbell202 sending the data file211,213 to thechime302 that is communicatively coupled to thedoorbell202 and remotely located with respect to the doorbell202 (at step1304). In embodiments, the data file211,213 is transmitted wirelessly to thechime302. As well, in embodiments, the data file211,213 is transmitted via a wire, such aswire304b, as shown inFIG. 38. In this manner, the data file211,213 is transmitted via asound file communication209.
• There are various ways that thechime302 can receive the data file211,213. In some methods, the data file can be downloaded from a web server, by at least one of the doorbell and the chime. Even still, in some embodiments, theremote computing device204 can download the data file from the web server.
• Methods can also include emitting the sound from aspeaker488bof thechime302 at least partially in response to thechime302 receiving the data file211,213 and at least partially in response to the doorbell202 detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor. In this manner, when a visitor visits thebuilding300, thedoorbell system200 can alert the user by playing any type of customized or prerecorded sound through thespeaker488bof thechime302.
• As well, users of thedoorbell system200 may configure thesystem200 to emit the sound in accordance with certain parameters, such as sound emission parameters. Accordingly, methods may include receiving, by thedoorbell202, a sound emission parameter from theremote computing device204. Methods may also include emitting the sound from aspeaker488bof thechime302 in response to thedoorbell system202 determining that the sound emission parameter has been met. In some embodiments, the sound emission parameters may comprise predetermined timeframes. For example, the user may elect a sound emission parameter, such as a “do not disturb” parameter, so that thechime302 does not emit the sound during predetermined hours of the day. As well, in embodiments, thesound emission parameters302 may comprise specific visitors. For example, if an unknown visitor or unwelcome visitor (e.g. a door-to-door salesperson) visits thebuilding300, the sound emission parameters can instruct thechime302 not to emit the sound when thedoorbell system200 detects the presence of the unknown or unwelcome visitor.
• Thechime302 may also be configured to emit an audible message from aspeaker488bof thechime302. The audible message may be a message that is spoken by a user and recorded by thedoorbell202, theremote computing device204, and/or thechime302 itself. In embodiments, a user of thesystem200 may wish to transmit an audible message through thechime302. For example, a first resident may speak an audible message such as, “Honey, I'll be home in 30 minutes,” into his/herremote computing device204. Accordingly, thesystem200 may emit the audible message from thechime302. Furthermore, in embodiments, the first resident my type a message into his/herremote computing device204, and thesystem200 may thereby announce an audible message that comprises the contents of the typed message.
• Thechime302 may also be used to detect motion and capture audio and video recordings along an inside portion of abuilding300. Specifically, the method may include themotion detector218bof thechime302 detecting a first motion within the inside portion of thebuilding300. Methods may also include initiating a first communication session with theremote computing device204 in response to themotion detector218bof thechime302 detecting the first motion. The first communication session may include a first notification of the first motion detected by the motion detector of the chime. For example, thechime302 may detect a prowler within the inside portion of thebuilding300 and thesystem200 may thereby send an alert to theremote computing device204 of the user.
• In embodiments, the method may also include themotion detector218bof thechime302 detecting a second motion within an inside portion of thebuilding300. It should be appreciated that the second motion may be different from the first motion, or the same. Thesystem200 may thereby initiate a second communication session with a second remote computing device204bin response to themotion detector218bof thechime302 detecting the second motion. The second communication session can comprise a second notification of the second motion detected by thechime302. In this regard, the first remote computing device204amay not receive the second communication session. Accordingly, thesystem200 can be configured to alert different users based on different motions within thebuilding300. For example, thechime302 may detect suspicious motions and thereby alert the police. In some examples, thechime302 may detect non-suspicious motions within thebuilding300, such as the dog walking around, whereupon an alert is sent to theremote computing device204 of the resident.
• As well, methods may include selecting more than one sound and sending the more than one sound to thechime302. For example, methods may include selecting a second sound by theremote computing device204 and thereby sending a second data file comprising second information to thedoorbell202. The second information may represent the second sound. As well, methods may include sending the second data file to thechime302.
• In embodiments, thechime302 may be configured to emit different sounds in response to different motions detected by themotion detector218 of the doorbell along an outside portion of thebuilding300. For example, methods may include detecting a first motion, by amotion detector218 of thedoorbell202, along the outside portion of thebuilding300. In response to the doorbell202 detecting the first motion, the chime may thereby emit the first sound from aspeaker488bof thechime302. As well, themotion detector218 of the doorbell202 may detect a second motion along the outside portion of thebuilding300. It should be appreciated that the second motion may be different from the first motion, or the same. Accordingly, methods may include emitting the second sound from thespeaker488 of thechime302 in response to the doorbell202 detecting the second motion. In this manner, thechime302 may be configured to audibly alert people within thebuilding300 as to whether various motions have been detected by thedoorbell202. In embodiments, thechime302 may emit an audible alarm if thedoorbell202 detects a suspicious motion. In embodiments, thechime302 may emit a more friendly sound (e.g. “ding-dong”) if thedoorbell202 detects a non-suspicious motion.
• As illustrated inFIG. 39, this disclosure also includes a method of using adoorbell system200 to emit a sound from achime302. The method may include selecting a sound by a remote computing device204 (at step1400) and sending adata file211,213 comprising information to the chime302 (at step1402). It should be appreciated that the information may represent the sound. As well, the data file211,213 may be sent to thechime302 by theremote computing device204 and/or theserver206. Furthermore, methods may include detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor with a doorbell202 (at step1404) and emitting the sound from aspeaker488bof thechime302 in response to detecting the indication of the presence of the visitor (at step1406).
• In addition to detecting motion, thechime302 and/or thedoorbell202 may also capture audio, images and/or video. For example, as shown inFIGS. 35 and 36, in response to detecting a motion with themotion detector218bof thechime302, methods may include using thecamera208bof thechime302 to capture an image and/or video within the inside portion of thebuilding300. It should be appreciated that the image and/or video may correspond to the motion detected by thechime302. The image and/or video may thereby be sent to thedoorbell202 and/or theremote computing device204 where the image and/or video can be viewed via acontrol application600 viewed on adisplay603 of thecomputing device204.
• As well, the method may use amicrophone484bof the chime to detect and record audio within the inside portion of thebuilding300. The audio recording may thereby be transmitted to thedoorbell202 and/or theremote computing device204, where it can be played back.
• As well, thesystem200 may be configured to respond in other various ways in response to detecting a motion. For instance, in embodiments, in response to detecting a motion with themotion detector218bof thechime302, thedoorbell202 may flash a light216,220 to thereby indicate to people passing by thebuilding300 that there is an event underway at thebuilding300. This may serve useful to personnel (e.g. law enforcement) to thereby determine the exact location of thebuilding300.
• Thechime302 may be configured to emit any various type of sound in response to any of the previously mentioned components detecting various events. In embodiments, thechime302 may emit a first sound in response to the doorbell detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor. As well, thechime302 may emit a second sound in response to themotion detector218bdetecting motion along the inside portion of thebuilding300. Furthermore, if thermometer512bdetects that the temperature has exceeded a predetermined threshold, thechime302 may emit a third sound, such as an announcement of the temperature as detected by the thermometer528b. Even still, thechime302 may be configured to emit a fourth sound in response to the humidity sensor305 detecting that a predetermined humidity has been met.
• As illustrated inFIG. 40, the disclosure also includes methods of identifying visitors and emitting different sounds according to the visitor detected. For example, methods may include recognizing, by adoorbell202, a first visitor (at step1500). The method may include emitting the first sound from thechime302 in response to recognizing the first visitor (at step1502). As well, the method may include emitting a second sound from the chime in response to not recognizing, by thedoorbell202, a second visitor (at step1506). It should be appreciated that the first sound and the second sounds can be different, or the same.
• In order to detect the visitor, methods may include recognizing the first visitor and/or the second visitor by detecting various traits, such as a physical trait of the respective visitor. Physical traits can include traits such as a fingerprint, gait, body type, height, silhouette traits, silhouette volume, silhouette dimensions, other physical characteristics, and the like. As well, thesystem200 may be configured to recognize the first visitor and/or the second visitor by thedoorbell202 detecting a trait of an electronic device in the possession of the first visitor and/or the second visitor. For example, thesystem200 may be configured to detect a first remote computing device204dassociated with the first visitor and/or a second remote computing device204eassociated with the second visitor. In response to detecting a visitor by physical traits and/or electronic traits, thechime302 may emit a sound associated with the particular visitor.
• The following patent applications, which are incorporated by reference herein, describe additional embodiments of recognizing visitors: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/135,133; filed Mar. 18, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,050; filed Jun. 23, 2014; and entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION USING A SOCIAL NETWORK; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,053; filed Jun. 23, 2014; and entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION USING A SOCIAL NETWORK AND A NAME OF A VISITOR; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,057; filed Jun. 23, 2014; and entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF FREQUENT AND NON-FREQUENT VISITORS.
Wired Communication Embodiments
• In addition to thedoorbell system200 being configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled via any wireless communication standard, thedoorbell system200 may also be electrically and communicatively coupled via any type of wired communication standard (e.g. wires). In embodiments, the wires may be the copper wires of thebuilding300.
• As shown inFIG. 36, thedoorbell system200 may be coupled to adoorbell power supply312 of abuilding300. Accordingly, thedoorbell system200 may include afirst wire304cthat may electrically couple the doorbell202 to thepower supply312 of thebuilding300. As well, thedoorbell system200 may include asecond wire304bthat may electrically and/or communicatively couple thechime302 to thedoorbell202. As well, thedoorbell system200 may include athird wire304athat may electrically couple thechime302 to thepower supply312 to form a circuit comprising thefirst wire304c, thedoorbell202, thesecond wire304b, thechime302, thethird wire304a, and thepower supply312.
• Because thedoorbell202 may be communicatively coupled to thechime302 via thesecond wire304b, thechime302 may be configured to receive a first data file from the doorbell202 via thesecond wire304b. As well, thedoorbell system200 may include asound file communication209 that may be sent from the doorbell202 to thechime302 via thesecond wire304b. In some embodiments, thesound file communication209 may comprise at least one thousand bytes. As well, in embodiments, thesound file communication209 may comprise less than one thousand bytes. It should also be appreciated that thesecond wire304bmay enable two-way communication from the doorbell202 to thechime302 and/or from thechime302 to thedoorbell202.
• In embodiments, the first data file may comprise commands to perform various operations or put thedoorbell system200 into various settings. For example, the first data file may comprise a command configured to place thechime302 into silent mode, such that thechime302 does not emit a sound. Likewise, the first data file may comprise a command configured to adjust a volume setting of thechime302. Even still, the first data file may comprise a command configured to adjust a duration of a notification sound emitted by thechime302. Generally, it should be appreciated that the first data file may command thechime302 to perform any such operation.
• Even still, the data file may comprise data gathered by thedoorbell system200, such as a video recorded by thedoorbell202. Accordingly, the data file may include information regarding an event that occurred outside thechime302, such as the presence of a prowler or an image of an object associated with a motion detected by thesystem200. In this regard, the data file may comprise identifying information regarding the person and/or object detected by thechime302. For example, thedoorbell202 and/or chime302 may detect a person located outside or inside thebuilding300. The chime may then receive the data file that comprises the identity of the person as detected by thedoorbell202 and/orchime302. As well, thedoorbell202 may wirelessly receive the first data file from theremote computing device204. In this manner, thedoorbell202 may receive various files, such as audio, and an image and/or video as recorded by the chime via the first wire. It should also be appreciated that thechime302 may receive the various files from thedoorbell202 and/or theremote computing device204.
• As illustrated inFIG. 41, the disclosure also includes a method of electrically coupling adoorbell system200 to adoorbell power supply312 of abuilding300. The method may include coupling adoorbell202 to aremote chime302 via afirst wire304c(at step1600). As well, the method may include receiving, by thedoorbell202, a first data file comprising information (at step1602). As further shown inFIG. 41, the method may include sending a second data file comprising the information from the doorbell to the remote chime via the first wire (at step1604).
• The information may represent a sound that was unknown to thechime302 prior to receiving the second data file. In this regard, the method may include emitting the sound from thechime302 at least partially in response to receiving the second data file. In this regard, the method may include the chime using the second data file to emit a sound. In some embodiments, the second data file may comprise at least one thousand bytes. As well, in embodiments, the second data file may comprise less than one thousand bytes.
• As well, the method may include emitting the sound from thechime302 at least partially in response to thechime302 receiving a sound emission parameter from thedoorbell202 and/or theremote computing device204. For example, thechime302 may receive a sound emission parameter to only emit the sound between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm. Accordingly, if thesystem200 detects a presence of a visitor between 9 am and 9 pm, and in response to thechime302 having received the data file, thechime302 may emit a sound in response to thedoorbell system200 having determined that the sound emission parameter has been met.
Chime-Hub Communication Embodiments
• In embodiments, thechime302 can serve as the communication hub that links the doorbell202 to theremote computing device204, and vice versa. Thechime302 can be configured as the communication hub for a variety of reasons. For example, in certain situations, the doorbell system can be configured to detect whether the doorbell202 comprises inadequate wireless performance to communicate with aremote computing device204 via at least one of the wireless network and a cellular network. Accordingly, when thedoorbell202 receives inadequate wireless performance, the doorbell202 can thereby communicate with thechime302, which in turn communicates with theremote computing device204 to thereby communicatively couple the doorbell202 to theremote computing device204.
• Accordingly, and as illustrated inFIG. 42, methods of using the doorbell system can include coupling communicatively thechime302 to a wireless network of the building300 (at step1700). Thechime302 can thereby be communicatively coupled to thedoorbell202 and to a remote computing device204 (at step1700).
• In embodiments, the doorbell system can be used to detect an indication of a presence of a visitor and thereby transmit the indication from the doorbell202 to theremote computing device204 via thechime302. The presence of the visitor can be detected via a variety of indications. For example, methods can include detecting, by thedoorbell202, a trigger of abutton212 of the doorbell202 (at step1702).
• As further illustrated inFIG. 42, methods can also include sending an alert232a, such as avisitor alert232a, from the doorbell202 to thechime302 and thereby sending thevisitor alert232afrom thechime302 to the remote computing device204 (at step1706). In this manner, thechime302 can communicatively couple the doorbell202 to theremote computing device204. As such, thechime302 can serve as the hub that communicatively couples thedoorbell202 to theremote computing device204. In some embodiments, thevisitor alert232a,232bcan be transmitted via the data file213, first data file213b, second data file213a, and/or the data file211.
• Accordingly, thevisitor alert232acan be sent from the doorbell202 to thechime302 and/or theremote computing device204 by a variety of methods. For example, in some embodiments, the doorbell202 can be communicatively coupled to thechime302 via a wire, a wireless network of thebuilding300, and/or a cellular network. As well, thechime302 can be communicatively coupled to theremote computing device204 via the wireless network of thebuilding300 and/or a cellular network. Methods can thereby include sending thevisitor alert232afrom the doorbell202 to thechime302 via any combination of transmission systems including the wire, wireless network of thebuilding300, and/or cellular network (at step1708). As well, methods can include sending thevisitor alert232afrom thechime302 to theremote computing device204 via any combination including the wireless network of thebuilding300 and/or cellular network (at step1708).
• In some situations, thedoorbell202 may receive a wireless signal, but the wireless signal may be inadequate to transmit specific communications from the doorbell202 to theremote computing device204. In these situations, thechime302 may serve as the communication hub between the doorbell202 and theremote computing device204. Accordingly, methods may include sending thevisitor alert232afrom thechime302 to theremote computing device204 in response to the doorbell system detecting that thedoorbell202 comprises inadequate wireless performance to send thevisitor alert232ato theremote computing device204 via at least one of the wireless network and a cellular network (at step1710). Described differently, some methods can include sending thevisitor alert232afrom thechime302 to theremote computing device204 in response to the doorbell system detecting that a wireless signal of thedoorbell202 is below a threshold (at step1712).
• Thedoorbell202,remote computing device204, and thechime302 may be located in different locations with respect to each other. For example, thedoorbell202 may be located outside of thebuilding300, thechime302 may be located inside thebuilding300, and theremote computing device204 can be remotely located with respect to thebuilding300. As illustrated inFIG. 43, methods may include sending thevisitor alert232afrom the doorbell202 to thechime302 while thedoorbell202 is located outside thebuilding300 and while thechime302 is located inside the building300 (at step1800). As well, methods may include sending thevisitor alert232afrom thechime302 to theremote computing device204 that may be located inside or outside of thebuilding300.
• The visitor alert232acan take various forms that alert a user that a visitor is present at the doorbell202 or that a visitor has left a message for the user via thedoorbell202. In this regard, thevisitor alert232acan comprise a video, an image, a sound, a text message, an email, a phone call, and the like. With reference toFIG. 42, methods can include capturing the video and/or image via acamera assembly208 of the doorbell202 (at step1704). As well, in embodiments where thevisitor alert232acomprises a sound, methods can include recording the sound with amicrophone484 of thedoorbell202. Methods can even include the visitor making a phone call through the doorbell202 to theremote computing device204, whereby thechime302 communicatively couples thedoorbell202 to theremote computing device204 to enable the phone call.
• Upon the doorbell202 capturing video, images, sounds, and the like, the doorbell system can thereby include various communications between the doorbell202 and thechime302, and between thechime302 and theremote computing device204. For example, the doorbell system can include a first communication from the doorbell202 to thechime302. The first communication can include a video and/or image taken by acamera208 of thedoorbell202. Accordingly, the doorbell system can include a second communication from thechime302 to theremote computing device204. The second communication can also comprise the video.
• Even still, thechime302 can be communicatively coupled via the wireless network and/or cellular network to other peripheral devices, such as a door lock (e.g. a smart door lock) (at step1802), a remote sensor (e.g. a fire alarm, a smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide detector, and a burglar alarm) (at step1804), and the like. In this regard, thechime302 can serve as the communication hub, not only between the doorbell202 and theremote computing device204, but also between the doorbell202, theremote computing device204, the door lock, the remote sensor, and any other peripheral device.
• By configuring thechime302 as the communication hub between such devices, thechime302 may be used to transmit and communicate messages and instructions between devices. For example, a user may enter an instruction on aremote computing device204 to lock a front door lock. The instruction may then be sent from theremote computing device204 to thechime302 whereby thechime302 sends the instruction to the front door lock to move to a locked position. In response, the front door lock may lock the front door.
• In another example, thechime302 may detect an indication of an adverse event and/or receive the indication of the adverse event from the remote sensor. The adverse event can comprise various events, such as a motion, breaking glass, fire, a fire alarm sound, smoke, and the like. Accordingly, methods can include directly detecting an adverse event with the chime302 (at step1806), such as detecting the sound of glass breaking via a microphone of thechime302. As well, methods can include thechime302 receiving an indication of the adverse event from the remote sensor that is communicatively coupled to thechime302, whereby the remote sensor is configured to detect adverse events. As illustrated inFIG. 43, methods can include sending an alert232bof the adverse event (e.g. anadverse event alert232b) to theremote computing device204 in response to detecting the adverse event (at step1808). As should be appreciated, theadverse event alert232bcan comprise a notification of the adverse event to thereby put the user on notice of the adverse event.
• Thechime302 can be configured to communicate with other devices, such as theremote computing device204, remote sensors, and the like, via any wireless personal area network. For example, thechime302 can be configured to communicate via Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, and the like. In this manner thechime302 can communicate with Bluetooth low energy tags.
• In various embodiments, thechime302 may include a light configurable to illuminate an area or provide ambient lighting for comfort, such as a nightlight. The light may comprise thediagnostic light216, thepower indicator light220, and/or any other light electrically coupled to thechime302. As well, the light may be activated by various means, such as in response to an audible message from a user (e.g. “Max, turn on the light”). Even still, the light may be configurable to activate in response to external conditions, such as darkness of an adjacent area, much like a nightlight.
• Referring now toFIG. 36, a system can include aremote sensor418 that is located outside of thedoorbell202, outside of thechime302, and outside of theremote computing device204. Theremote sensor418 can be located inside or outside of thebuilding300. Theremote sensor418 can include aspeaker488cthat can emit sounds236 (e.g., alarm sounds). Amicrophone484b(shown inFIG. 31) of thechime302 can detect (e.g., “hear”) the sounds236. Then, thechime302 can send a notification to theremote computing device204 in response to detecting thesounds236 and/or in response to receiving awireless communication230 from theremote sensor418.
• Remote sensors418 can include a fire alarm, a smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide detector, a motion sensor, a glass-break sensor, and a burglar alarm. For example, thechime302 can listen for a smoke alarm. Then, thechime302 can send a notification to theremote computing device204 in response to hearing the alarm sound of the smoke alarm.
• Some embodiments include sending a second alert from thechime302 to theremote computing device204 in response to receiving, by thechime302, a communication from theremote sensor418. Several embodiments include coupling communicatively thechime302 to aremote sensor418. Theremote sensor418 can comprise at least one of a fire detector, a smoke detector, and a carbon monoxide detector. Embodiments can also include sending a second alert from thechime302 to theremote computing device204 in response to receiving, by thechime302, a communication from theremote sensor418.
• Several embodiments comprise detecting, by amicrophone484b(shown inFIG. 31) of thechime302, an alarm sound emitted by aremote sensor418, and then sending a second alert from thechime302 to theremote computing device204 in response to detecting the alarm sound. Some embodiments include detecting, by amicrophone484bof thechime302, an alarm sound emitted by a remote smoke detector (e.g.,418), and then sending a second alert from thechime302 to theremote computing device204 in response to detecting the alarm sound. Several embodiments include detecting, by amicrophone484bof thechime302, an alarm sound emitted by a remote motion sensor device (e.g.,418), and then sending a second alert from thechime302 to theremote computing device204 in response to detecting the alarm sound.
• Burglars often break glass windows and glass doors to enter homes and other buildings. Some embodiments include detecting, by amicrophone484bof thechime302, glass breaking, and then sending a second alert from thechime302 to theremote computing device204 in response to detecting the glass breaking.
• Some systems include aremote sensor418 having at least one of a fire detector, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a motion detector, and a glass-break detector. Theremote sensor418 can be communicatively coupled to the chime302 (e.g., via wireless communication230). Systems can include a third communication from theremote sensor418 to thechime302.
• Several systems include achime302 that has amicrophone484b(shown inFIG. 31). Systems can also include aremote sensor418, analarm sound236 emitted by theremote sensor418, and a third communication sent from thechime302 to theremote computing device204 in response to themicrophone484bof thechime302 detecting thealarm sound236.
• FIG. 36 illustrates a doorbell system configured to be coupled to abuilding300 having awireless network308. The doorbell system can include adoorbell202 having abutton212 configured to be pressed by a visitor to notify occupants of thebuilding300. Thedoorbell202 can comprises a firstwireless communication system503 and a second wireless communication system507 (as shown inFIG. 44). The firstwireless communication system503 can consume less energy per unit of operating time than the secondwireless communication system507.
• The doorbell system also includes a remote communication device (e.g., the chime302) coupled to a power outlet309 (as shown inFIG. 33) of thebuilding300 and located remotely relative to thedoorbell202. Theremote communication device302 comprises aspeaker488bconfigured to emit a sound in response to the visitor pressing thebutton212. Theremote communication device302 comprises a thirdwireless communication system509 and a fourth wireless communication system511 (as shown inFIG. 44). The thirdwireless communication system509 can consume less energy per unit of operating time than the fourthwireless communication system511.
• In some embodiments, the second507 and fourth511 wireless communication systems can be Wi-Fi systems. The first503 and third509 wireless communication systems can be Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, ZigBee, and or any other suitable system. An advantage of some embodiments is that more power-hungry communication systems are used less often than more energy efficient systems. This can be especially helpful when the doorbell202 runs on battery power.
• As shown inFIG. 44, theremote communication system302 is communicatively coupled with thewireless network308 via the fourthwireless communication system511, and is communicatively coupled with the firstwireless communication system503 of the doorbell202 via the thirdwireless communication system509. Thedoorbell202 is communicatively coupled with thewireless network308 via the secondwireless communication system507 in response to receiving a communication from theremote communication device302 via the firstwireless communication system503.
• FIG. 45 illustrates how aremote computing device204 can send a communication to awireless network308 of a building, which can then send a wireless communication to the fourthwireless communication system511. Theremote communication device302 can then use its thirdwireless communication system509 to send a communication to the firstwireless communication system503 of the doorbell. Thedoorbell202 can then use its secondwireless communication system507 to send a communication to thewireless network308 and/or to theremote computing device204.
• The communication can be a doorbell setting parameter that a user “sets” by selecting an option on an “app” run by theremote computing device204. Thedoorbell202 can update a doorbell setting (e.g., power management settings, camera settings, notification preferences, doorbell light settings) in response to receiving the doorbell setting parameter.
• In some embodiments, the doorbell202 “wakes up” in response to receiving a communication from theremote communication device302. Theremote communication device302 can send the doorbell202 a wake up command in response to receiving a wake up command from theremote computing device204. Thedoorbell202 can “wake up” by turning on the camera, starting to record a video, and/or beginning wireless communication with thewireless network308.
• FIG. 46 illustrates a front view of anotherdoorbell202m. This doorbell202mincludes abattery462. Thebattery462 can provide electrical power such that the doorbell202mdoes not need to be connected to a building's electrical system to receive electricity. This doorbell202mcan include any of the items described in the context ofother doorbells202 illustrated herein or incorporated by reference.
Interpretation
• None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.
• The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic1” may include embodiments that do not pertain toTopic1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the “Topic1” section.
• Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each of the routines, processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disc, and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage.
• The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.
• Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.
• The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or” applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments include A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.
• While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.

Claims (20)

The following is claimed:

1. A method of using a doorbell system comprising a doorbell and a remote communication device, wherein the doorbell comprises a camera, a button, a first speaker, a microphone, and a motion detector coupled to an outer housing, and wherein the doorbell system is configured to be coupled to a building, the method comprising:

coupling communicatively the remote communication device to a wireless network of the building, to the doorbell, and to a remote computing device; and

detecting, by the doorbell, a trigger of the button of the doorbell.

2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising electrically coupling the remote communication device to a power outlet of the building.

3. The method ofclaim 2, further comprising mechanically coupling the remote communication device to a power outlet of the building such that the remote communication device is held by the power outlet.

4. The method ofclaim 3, further comprising coupling the doorbell to an exterior of the building and coupling the remote communication device to an interior of the building.

5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising receiving a first communication, by the remote communication device, from the wireless network, and then in response to receiving the first communication, sending a second communication from the remote communication device to the doorbell, and then in response to the doorbell receiving the second communication, entering, by the doorbell, a higher power state.

6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein entering the higher power state comprises taking, by the doorbell, a video.

7. The method ofclaim 5, wherein entering the higher power state comprises sending, by the doorbell, a third communication from the doorbell to the wireless network of the building.

8. The method ofclaim 5, wherein entering the higher power state comprises sending, by the doorbell, a third communication from the doorbell to the remote computing device.

9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising communicatively coupling the remote communication device to the doorbell via a first wireless communication system, and communicatively coupling the doorbell to the wireless network of the building via a second wireless communication system that consumes more energy per unit of operating time than the first wireless communication system.

10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising activating the second wireless communication system, by the doorbell, in response to the doorbell receiving a first communication from the remote communication device.

11. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising sending, by the remote communication device, the first communication to the doorbell in response to receiving, by the remote communication device, a second communication from the remote computing device.

12. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising entering, by the remote computing device, a doorbell setting parameter, receiving, by the remote communication device, the doorbell setting parameter, sending the doorbell setting parameter from the remote communication device to the doorbell, and then updating a doorbell setting in response to the doorbell receiving the doorbell setting parameter.

13. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising sending a video from the doorbell to the remote communication device, and then sending the video from the remote communication device to the remote computing device such that the remote communication device communicatively couples the doorbell to the remote computing device.

14. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising sending the video from the doorbell to the remote communication device while the doorbell is located outside of the building and while the remote communication device is located inside of the building.

15. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the remote communication device comprises a second speaker, the method further comprising emitting a notification sound from the second speaker in response to the doorbell detecting the trigger of the button.

16. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising sending a visitor alert from the remote communication device to the remote computing device via the wireless network of the building.

17. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising electrically coupling the doorbell to an Ethernet cable such that the Ethernet cable electrically powers the doorbell.

18. A doorbell system configured to be coupled to a building having a wireless network, the doorbell system comprising:

a doorbell having a button configured to be pressed by a visitor to notify occupants of the building, a camera configured to capture at least one image, a first speaker configured to emit at least one sound, a microphone configured to capture at least one sound, and a motion detector configured to detect at least one motion, at least one of the button, the camera, the first speaker, the microphone, and the motion detector coupled to an outer housing of the doorbell, wherein the doorbell comprises a first wireless communication system and a second wireless communication system, wherein the first wireless communication system consumes less energy per unit of operating time than the second wireless communication system; and

a remote communication device coupled to a power outlet of the building and located remotely relative to the doorbell, wherein the remote communication device comprises a second speaker configured to emit a sound in response to the visitor pressing the button, wherein the remote communication device comprises a third wireless communication system and a fourth wireless communication system, wherein the third wireless communication system consumes less energy per unit of operating time than the fourth wireless communication system.

19. The doorbell system ofclaim 18, wherein the remote communication device is communicatively coupled with the wireless network via the fourth wireless communication system, and is communicatively coupled with the first wireless communication system of the doorbell via the third wireless communication system.

20. The doorbell system ofclaim 19, wherein the doorbell is communicatively coupled with the wireless network via the second wireless communication system in response to receiving a communication from the remote communication device via the first wireless communication system.

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