Doorbell communication systems and methods

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/127,660; filed Mar. 3, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. The entire contents of Patent Application No. 62/127,660 are incorporated by reference herein.

This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of 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 patent application Ser. No. 14/589,830 are incorporated by reference herein.

This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/502,601; filed Sep. 30, 2014; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. The entire contents of patent application Ser. No. 14/502,601 are incorporated by reference herein.

This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/492,809; filed Sep. 22, 2014; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; which claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/275,811; filed May 12, 2014; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,872,915); which claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/142,839; filed Dec. 28, 2013; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,842,180); which claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/099,888; filed Dec. 6, 2013; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,823,795); which claims the benefit of and is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/098,772; filed Dec. 6, 2013; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,780,201); which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/872,439; filed Aug. 30, 2013; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/859,070; filed Jul. 26, 2013; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. The entire contents of patent application Ser. No. 14/492,809; U.S. Pat. No. 8,872,915; U.S. Pat. No. 8,842,180; U.S. Pat. No. 8,823,795; U.S. Pat. No. 8,780,201; Patent Application No. 61/872,439; and Patent Application No. 61/859,070 are incorporated by reference herein.

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated herein by reference: 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 herein by reference: 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.

1. Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to doorbells. Certain embodiments relate to communication between a person near a doorbell and a person in another location.

2. 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.

This disclosure includes methods of operating doorbell systems. The doorbell system can comprise a speaker and a visitor detection system. The visitor detection system can comprise at least one of a button, a camera, and a motion detector. The method can comprise receiving a first indication of a visitor's presence. In response to receiving the first indication of the visitor's presence, the method can further include emitting a first sound with the speaker.

Methods can also comprise receiving a second indication of a visitor's presence. In response to receiving the second indication of the visitor's presence, some methods can also comprise emitting a second sound with the speaker. The doorbell system can be attached to a home of a homeowner.

In embodiments, the visitor detection system can comprise the button, and the first indication can comprise an indication that the button has been pressed. As well, in embodiments, the visitor detection system can comprise at least one of the camera and the motion detector, and the second indication can comprise an indication of motion of the visitor.

This disclosure also includes a method of operating a doorbell system. The doorbell system can comprise a speaker and a visitor detection system. The visitor detection system can comprise at least one of a button, a camera, and a motion detector. The method can comprise receiving an indication of a visitor's presence at a first time of day. In response to receiving the indication of the visitor's presence at the first time of day, the method can include emitting a first sound with the speaker.

Methods can comprise receiving an indication of the visitor's presence at a second time of day. In response to receiving the indication of the visitor's presence at the second time of day, methods can comprise emitting a second sound with the speaker. The first time of day can occur between sunrise and sunset. The second time of day can occur between sunset and sunrise.

The first sound can comprise an audible message spoken by a voice. Methods can include downloading at least one of the first sound and the second sound from a remote computer.

This disclosure also includes a doorbell system, comprising a housing, a visitor detection system coupled to the housing, and a speaker coupled to the housing. The visitor detection system can comprise at least one of a button, a camera, and a motion detector. The speaker can be configurable to emit a first sound in response to the visitor detection system detecting an indication of a visitor's presence.

In some embodiments, the indication can be a first indication, and the speaker can be configurable to emit a second sound in response to the visitor detection system detecting a second indication of the visitor's presence.

The visitor detection system can comprise the button, and the first indication can comprise an indication that the button has been pressed. The visitor detection system can comprise at least one of the camera and the motion detector, and the second indication can comprise an indication of motion of the visitor.

The speaker can be configurable to emit a second sound in response to the visitor detection system detecting the indication of the visitor's presence at a second time of day. The second time of day can occur between sunset and sunrise. The second sound can comprise an audible message spoken by a voice.

The indication of the visitor's presence can occur at a first time of day. The first time of day can occur between sunrise and sunset, and the first sound can comprise an audible message spoken by a voice.

The disclosure includes a method of operating a doorbell comprising a speaker and a visitor detection system having at least one of a button, a camera, and a motion detector. The method can comprise detecting a first indication of a first visitor, and then in response to detecting the first indication, emitting a first sound with the speaker of the doorbell. As well, the method can comprise detecting a second indication of a second visitor, and then in response to detecting the second indication, emitting a second sound with the speaker of the doorbell, wherein the second sound is audibly different than the first sound.

Methods can comprise selecting the first sound and the second sound with a remote computing device that is configured to receive alerts from the doorbell, and wirelessly sending the first sound and the second sound to the doorbell.

Some methods can include electing to emit the first sound or the second sound based on a time at which the doorbell detects the first indication. Methods can comprise detecting an amount of light, and electing to emit the first sound or the second sound based on the amount of light. As well, methods can further comprise electing to emit the first sound or the second sound based on whether the doorbell detected the first indication or the second indication using the button, the camera, or the motion detector.

The first indication can be detected by at least one of the camera and the motion detector, the second indication can be a first press of the button. The doorbell can emit the first sound after detecting the first indication and prior to the first press, and then in response to the first press, the doorbell can emit the second sound, wherein the first visitor is a first person as the first person approaches the button, and the second visitor is the first person upon pressing the button.

Methods can further include emitting the first sound in response to detecting the first indication by at least one of the camera and the motion detector, and emitting the second sound in response to detecting a first press of the button.

As well, methods can further include recording the first sound with a remote computing device, entering an expiration date of the first sound with the remote computing device, sending wirelessly the first sound and the expiration date from the remote computing device to the doorbell, and ceasing to emit the first sound from the doorbell by the expiration date.

Methods can further include recording the first sound with a remote computing device that is configured to receive alerts from the doorbell, entering at least one sound emitting parameter into the remote computing device, sending wirelessly the first sound and the sound emitting parameter from the remote computing device to the doorbell, and emitting the first sound from the doorbell according to the sound emitting parameter.

In embodiments the sound emitting parameter comprises an identity of the first visitor. In embodiments the sound emitting parameter comprises data associated with the first visitor. In embodiments the sound emitting parameter comprises a time. In embodiments the sound emitting parameter comprises a location of a user of the remote computing device.

Methods can further include selecting sound emitting parameters with a remote computing device, sending wirelessly the sound emitting parameters to the doorbell, the doorbell automatically downloading a third sound based on the sound emitting parameters, and the doorbell emitting the third sound from the speaker according to rules associated with the third sound.

The embodiments described above include many optional features and aspects. Features and aspects of the embodiments can be combined.

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.

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.

The following patent is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 7,583,191, entitled SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE OF SAME, and filed Nov. 14, 2006.

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. The communication system 200 can include a security system 202 (e.g., a doorbell) and a computing device 204 . Although the illustrated security system 202 includes many components in one housing, several security system embodiments include components in separate housings. The security system 202 can include a camera assembly 208 and a doorbell button 212 . The camera assembly 208 can be a video camera, which in some embodiments is a webcam.

The security system 202 can include a diagnostic light 216 and a power indicator light 220 . In some embodiments, the diagnostic light 216 is a first color (e.g., blue) if the security system 202 and/or the communication system 200 is connected to a wireless Internet network and is a second color (e.g., red) if the security system 202 and/or the communication system 200 is not connected to a wireless Internet network. In some embodiments, the power indicator 220 is a first color if the security system 202 is connected to a power source. The power source can be power supplied by the building 300 to which the security system 202 is attached. In some embodiments, the power indicator 220 is a second color or does not emit light if the security system 202 is not connected to the power source.

As well, the security system 202 can include at least one speaker 488 . The speaker 488 can be located along any portion of the security system 202 . For example, the speaker 488 can be located within an inner portion of the security system 202 or along an outer portion of the security system 202 . The speaker 488 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 system 202 (e.g., a doorbell) can include an outer housing 224 , 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 housing 224 is made from brushed nickel or aluminum.

Rubber seals can be used to make the outer housing 224 water resistant or waterproof. The security system 202 can be electrically coupled to a power source, such as wires electrically connected to a building's electrical power system. In some embodiments, the security system 202 includes a battery for backup and/or primary power.

Wireless communication 230 can enable the security system 202 (e.g., a doorbell) to communicate with the computing device 204 . Some embodiments enable communication via cellular and/or WiFi networks. Some embodiments enable communication via the Internet. Several embodiments enable wired communication between the security system 202 and the computing device 204 . The wireless communication 230 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, the security system 202 can initiate voice calls or send text messages to a computing device 204 (e.g., a smartphone, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer).

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.

The computing device 204 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 a computing device 204 running software. The software includes a user interface 240 displayed on a display screen 242 . The user interface 240 can include a security system indicator 244 , which can indicate the location of the security system that the user interface is displaying. For example, a person can use one computing device 204 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 the security system indicator 244 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 interface 240 can include a connectivity indicator 248 . 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. The connectivity indicator 248 can alert the user if the computing device 204 has lost its connection with the security system 202 ; the security system 202 has been damaged; the security system 202 has been stolen; the security system 202 has been removed from its mounting location; the security system 202 lost electrical power; and/or if the computing device 204 cannot communicate with the security system 202 . In some embodiments, the connectivity indicator 248 alerts the user of the computing device 204 by flashing, emitting a sound, displaying a message, and/or displaying a symbol.

In some embodiments, if the security system 202 loses power, loses connectivity to the computing device 204 , loses connectivity to the Internet, and/or loses connectivity to a remote server, a remote server 206 sends an alert (e.g., phone call, text message, image on the user interface 240 ) regarding the power and/or connectivity issue. In several embodiments, the remote server 206 can manage communication between the security system 202 and the computing device. In some embodiments, information from the security system 202 is stored by the remote server 206 . In several embodiments, information from the security system 202 is stored by the remote server 206 until the information can be sent to the computing device 204 , uploaded to the computing device 204 , and/or displayed to the remotely located person via the computing device 204 . The remote server 206 can be a computing device that stores information from the security system 202 and/or from the computing device 204 . In some embodiments, the remote server 206 is located in a data center.

In some embodiments, the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 attempts to communicate with the security system 202 . If the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 is unable to communicate with the security system 202 , the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 alerts the remotely located person via the software, phone, text, a displayed message, and/or a website. In some embodiments, the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 attempts to communicate with the security system 202 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, the server 206 can initiate communication to the computer device 204 and/or to the security system 202 . In several embodiments, the server 206 can initiate, control, and/or block communication between the computing device 204 and the security system 202 .

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 interface 240 displays an image 252 such as a still image or a video of an area near and/or in front of the security system 202 . The image 252 can be taken by the camera assembly 208 and stored by the security system 202 , server 206 , and/or computing device 204 . The user interface 240 can include a recording button 256 to enable a user to record images, videos, and/or sound from the camera assembly 208 , microphone of the security system 202 , and/or microphone of the computing device 204 .

In several embodiments, the user interface 240 includes a picture button 260 to allow the user to take still pictures and/or videos of the area near and/or in front of the security system 202 . The user interface 240 can also include a sound adjustment button 264 and a mute button 268 . The user interface 240 can include camera manipulation buttons such as zoom, pan, and light adjustment buttons. In some embodiments, the camera assembly 208 automatically adjusts between Day Mode and Night Mode. Some embodiments include an infrared camera and/or infrared lights to illuminate an area near the security system 202 to enable the camera assembly 208 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 interface 240 includes a quality selection button, which can allow a user to select the quality and/or amount of the data transmitted from the security system 202 to the computing device 204 and/or from the computing device 204 to the security system 202 .

In some embodiments, video can be sent to and/or received from the computing device 204 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 the computing device 204 instead of being played by the user interface 240 .

The user interface 240 can include a termination button 276 to end communication between the security system 202 and the computing device 204 . In some embodiments, the termination button 276 ends the ability of the person located near the security system 202 (i.e., the visitor) to hear and/or see the user of the computing device 204 , but does not end the ability of the user of the computing device 204 to hear and/or see the person located near the security system 202 .

In some embodiments, a button 276 is both an answer button (to accept a communication request from a visitor) and is a termination button (to end communication between the security system 202 and the computing device 204 ). The button 276 can include the word “Answer” when the system is attempting to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Selecting the button 276 when the system is attempting to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user can start two-way communication. The button 276 can include the words “End Call” during two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Selecting the button 276 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 the computing device 204 to stop showing video from the security system and to stop emitting sounds recorded by the security system.

In some embodiments, the user interface 240 opens as soon as the security system detects a visitor (e.g., senses indications of a visitor). Once the user interface 240 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 a remote computing device 204 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 the security system 202 . The user can open the software application on the computing device 204 and instruct the application to show live video and/or audio from the security device 202 even if no event near the security system 202 has triggered the communication.

In several embodiments, the security device 202 can be configured to record when the security device 202 detects movement and/or the presence of a person. The user of the computing device 204 can later review all video and/or audio records when the security device 202 detected movement and/or the presence of a person.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the server 206 controls communication between the computing device 204 and the security system 202 , which can be a doorbell with a camera, a microphone, and a speaker. In several embodiments, the server 206 does not control communication between the computing device 204 and the security system 202 .

In some embodiments, data captured by the security system and/or the computing device 204 (such as videos, pictures, and audio) is stored by another remote device such as the server 206 . Cloud storage, enterprise storage, and/or networked enterprise storage can be used to store video, pictures, and/or audio from the communication system 200 or from any part of the communication system 200 . 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, the server 206 , the computing device 204 , and/or the security system 202 can store information and statistics regarding visitors and usage.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a security system 202 is connected to a building 300 , which can include an entryway 310 that has a door 254 . A door lock 250 can be configured to lock and unlock the door 254 . Electrical wires 304 can electrically couple the security system 202 to the electrical system of the building 300 such that the security system 202 can receive electrical power from the building 300 .

A wireless network 308 can allow devices to wirelessly access the Internet. The security system 202 can access the Internet via the wireless network 308 . The wireless network 308 can transmit data from the security system 202 to the Internet, which can transmit the data to remotely located computing devices 204 . The Internet and wireless networks can transmit data from remotely located computing devices 204 to the security system 202 . In some embodiments, a security system 202 connects to a home's WiFi.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , one computing device 204 (e.g., a laptop, a smartphone, a mobile computing device, a television) can communicate with multiple security systems 202 . In some embodiments, multiple computing devices 204 can communicate with one security system 202 .

In some embodiments, the security system 202 can communicate (e.g., wirelessly 230 ) with a television 306 , which can be a smart television. Users can view the television 306 to see a visitor and/or talk with the visitor.

FIG. 4 illustrates a communication system 310 that includes a security system 320 , a doorbell button 212 , a WiFi router 328 , a server 332 , and users 336 . In step 340 , a visitor initiates a communication request by pressing the doorbell button 212 or triggering a motion or proximity sensor. The visitor can trigger the motion or proximity sensor by approaching the security system 320 . In step 350 , the security system 320 connects or otherwise communicates with a home WiFi router 328 . In step 360 , the server 332 receives a signal from the WiFi router 328 and sends video and/or audio to the users 336 via a wireless network 364 . In step 370 , the users see the visitor, hear the visitor, and talk with the visitor. Step 370 can include using a software application to see, hear, and/or talk with the visitor. The visitor and users 336 can engage in two-way communication 374 via the internet or other wireless communication system even when the visitor and the users 336 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 users 336 utilize the communication system 310 to communicate with visitors who are in close proximity to the users 336 . For example, a user 336 located inside her home can communicate with a visitor located just outside the home via the communication system 310 .

Situational Sound Embodiments

The security system 202 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 the security system 202 . As well, the security system 202 may be configured to play any of the sounds according to specific situations. For example, the security system 202 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.

The security system 202 may include a speaker 488 configured to emit any type of sound. The security system 202 may also include a visitor detection system that may include at least one of a button 212 , a camera 208 , and a motion detector 218 . Accordingly, the visitor detection system may be configurable to receive various indications of a visitor's presence. As well, the speaker 488 and the visitor detection system may be directly or indirectly coupled to the security system 202 . Even still, the speaker 488 and the visitor detection system may be mechanically, electrically, and/or communicatively coupled to the security system 202 .

The security system 202 may detect different indications of a visitor's presence. As shown in FIG. 5 , the security system 202 can be configured to receive a first indication of a visitor's presence (at step 560 ). In response to receiving the first indication of the visitor's presence, the security system 202 can emit a first sound with the speaker 488 (at step 562 ). The security system 202 can be configured to receive a second indication of a visitor's presence (at step 564 ). In response to receiving the second indication of the visitor's presence, the security system 202 can emit a second sound with the speaker 488 (at step 566 ). 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, the security system 202 , by the speaker 488 , can emit different sounds.

With reference to FIG. 7 , when the security system 202 receives an indication that a visitor 580 has pressed the button 212 (at step 582 ), this can be interpreted as an indication of a friendly, or welcome visitor. In response to receiving the indication that the button 212 has been pressed, the speaker 488 can emit a first sound (at step 584 ), such as a friendly sound (e.g. “Welcome to our humble abode.”).

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , when the security system 202 receives an indication that a visitor 586 has been moving in front of the security system 202 for a prolonged or predetermined time (e.g. 15 seconds or any time that indicates that the visitor is loitering) without pressing the button 212 (at step 588 ), 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 the security system 202 without pressing the button 212 , the speaker 488 can emit a second sound (at step 590 ). The second sound can be an alert sound (e.g. a warning to move away from the building 300 —“Step away from the house!”). It should be appreciated that the security system 202 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.

The security system 202 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 a remote computing device 204 , 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, the security system 202 can emit different sounds for a first visitor. For example, as the first visitor approaches the building 300 , the security system 202 can emit a first sound based upon the motion of the first visitor. As well, the security system 202 can emit a second sound once the first visitor pushes the button 212 of the security system 202 .

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, the security system 202 can be configured to any environment in which the building 300 is situated. For example, some buildings 300 can be located in high traffic areas where it is common for people to walk by the front of the security system 202 without pressing the button 212 . In this regard, the security system 202 can be configured to ignore indications of motion and only emit sounds in response to affirmative indications that the visitor is visiting the building 300 , such as an indication that the button 212 has been pressed. In some embodiments, the security system 202 can be configured to only respond to motion in certain zones. For example, if the security system 202 is located 20 feet from a busy sidewalk, then the security system 202 can be configured to ignore all motion that occurs more than 15 feet from the security system 202 . In this manner, the security system 202 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 the security system 202 and an indication that the visitor has pressed the button 212 can indicate that the visitor is welcome at the building 300 . As previously described, the speaker 488 of the security system 202 can emit a friendly message in response to the combination of indications.

Even still, the security system 202 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 the security system 202 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 the building 300 . In response, the speaker 488 of the security system 202 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 the building 300 can also indicate whether the visitor is welcome or not. As shown in FIG. 6 , the security system 202 can be configured to receive an indication of a visitor's presence at a first time of day (at step 570 ). 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, the security system 202 can emit a first sound with the speaker 488 (at step 572 ). 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, the security system 202 can be configured to receive an indication of the visitor's presence at a second time of day (at step 574 ). 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, the security system 202 can emit a second sound with the speaker 488 (at step 576 ). 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 in FIG. 9 , if a visitor 592 presses the button 212 at noon on a weekend day (at step 594 ), the speaker 488 can emit a welcome message (e.g. “Welcome. We'll be right there.) (at step 596 ). In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 10 , if a visitor 597 presses the button 212 at midnight on a workday (at step 598 ), the speaker 488 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, the speaker 488 of the security system 202 can emit a friendly message. However, in response to an indication of a motion and a noise during the night, the speaker 488 can emit a warning message.

Even still, the security system 202 can be configured to respond differently based on the unique circumstances of the indication. For example, if the motion detector 218 of the security system 202 detects a slow movement versus a faster movement, then the speaker 488 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 the building 300 .

The time of day can be any selected time of day and any number of time ranges can be used. For example, the security system 202 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, the security system 202 can be communicatively coupled to an outside database(s) to allow the security system 202 to thereby automatically respond to these ever-changing conditions.

The security system 202 (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 the security system 202 detects an indication of a presence of a visitor. In some embodiments, the security system 202 is configured to detect an amount of light, which may indicate a time of day. In response to detecting the amount of light, the security system 202 can elect to emit the first sound or the second sound based on the amount of light.

As well, the security system 202 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, the speaker 488 of the security system 202 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 st to the 10 th and the user may wish to emit more intimidating warnings to secure the building 300 . Generally speaking, the security system 202 can be configured to emit any type of sound in response to any time of day and/or day.

The security system 202 can be configured to detect specific visitors and emit certain sounds in response to detecting the specific visitors. For example, if the security system 202 detects a first visitor, such as a relative of the homeowner, the security system 202 can always emit a friendly sound, no matter how the first visitor approaches the home, or during what time of day. As well, if the security system 202 detects a second visitor, such as an unknown party (e.g. a solicitor), the security system 202 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, the security system 202 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 the speaker 488 can be configured to match the appropriate indication as detected by the security system 202 . For example, if the security system 202 detects an unfriendly visitor, the speaker 488 can emit a message spoken by a male voice to thereby intimidate the unfriendly visitor. Contra, if the security system 202 detects a friendly visitor, the speaker 488 can emit a message spoken by a female voice to thereby welcome the visitor. As well, the security system 202 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 the security system 202 to emit a message spoken by a person with a southern accent. Generally, it should be appreciated that the speaker 488 of the security system 202 can be configured to emit any type of sound for any type of specific situation.

Likewise, the security system 202 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, the security system 202 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, the security system 202 can be configured to play a specific message if the potential visitor has a criminal background. For example, a user can configure the security system 202 to play a specific message where a potential visitor is a registered sex offender.

The sounds emitted by the security system 202 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 a remote computing device 204 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 the remote computing device 204 . 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, the security system 202 can then cease to emit the recorded sound from the security system 202 .

As well, the security system 202 can be configured to receive sound emitting parameters from a remote computing device 204 . The security system 202 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, the security system 202 can automatically download a third sound based on the sound emitting parameters. The security system 202 can emit the third sound from the speaker according to rules associated with the third sound.

Alert Communication Embodiments

Embodiments of the security system 202 can be configured to alert individuals located outside of a building (e.g. a home). For example, the security system 202 can be configured to flash a light, emit a sound (e.g. alternating high pitch and low pitch sounds), initiate a communication session with a remote computing device 204 , 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 adverse event(s) occurring within or outside the home.

In various embodiments, the security system 202 can be communicatively coupled, directly and/or via the cloud, to a hub device and/or a peripheral device (e.g. event detection device), such as a Nest Protect, Nest Learning Thermostat®, DropCam®, and the like. The hub device, peripheral device and/or the security system 202 can be used to monitor various events within the home. Specifically, the hub device (may be referred to as “device”) and/or peripheral device (may also be referred to as “device”) can detect adverse events and then notify the security system 202 . In some embodiments, the hub device is communicatively coupled to the peripheral device that detects the adverse event. In this manner, the security system 202 may directly or indirectly receive a notification of the adverse event from the peripheral device and/or the hub device.

The security system 202 may be configured as a passive or active device. As a passive device, the security system 202 may receive notifications of adverse events from the hub device and/or the peripheral device. As an active device, the security system 202 may be configured to actively monitor whether the hub device and/or peripheral device has detected the occurrence or initiation of an adverse event.

The security system 202 may comprise an alert communication system that may include a light, a speaker, and a wireless communication system that may be configured to initiate a transmission with a remote computing device 204 . For example, the hub device may comprise a smart smoke detector (e.g. Nest Protect), and in response to the smart smoke detector detecting elevated levels of smoke, or elevated levels of other toxic gases, the security system 202 may activate its alert communication system (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 adverse event is occurring. As well, it should be appreciated that the adverse event can comprise any type of event that may require the attention of another party. For example, the adverse event may comprise 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.

The alert communication system can be configured to alert individuals located outside the home in any variety of ways. For example, the alert communication system can flash a bright light emitting diode and/or a light located behind the doorbell button 212 , such as the diagnostic light 216 , on the security system 202 . In some examples, the alert communication system can emit a loud sound from the speaker. 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 that is easily detectable by individuals and something that indicates danger or help is required.

Furthermore, the alert communication system can be configured to initiate a transmission to a remote computing device 204 . For example, if the security system 202 determines that a break-in has occurred, the security system 202 may initiate a computing session and/or a notification with the remote computing device 204 to alert an individual that is operating the remote computing device 204 of the break-in at the home. As well, it should be appreciated that the security system 202 can initiate a transmission to any other party, such as an emergency dispatcher (e.g. 911).

The security system 202 may be configured to activate its alert communication system 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 the alert communication system may activate nearly at the same time as the hub device detecting the adverse event or any time thereafter.

The alert communication system may be deactivated in a variety of ways. For example, the alert communication system may deactivate (e.g. turn off the current alert) in response to the security system 202 receiving an indication that the doorbell button 212 has been pressed. In some embodiments, the security system 202 may be configured to turn off the alert communication system 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, the security system 202 can receive a deactivation command from the remote computing device 204 . In this manner, the individual operating the remote computing device 204 may send a command through the remote computing device 204 to terminate the ongoing alert.

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 “Topic 1” may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the “Topic 1” 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.