Low power audio / video recording and communication doorbell

Abstract

An audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell includes a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a power manager, a battery, an AC / DC rectifier, and a DC / DC converter. The doorbell is configured to be connected to an external AC power source through the AC / DC rectifier and the DC / DC converter. The power manager is configured to draw power from the AC power source up to a threshold power and to draw supplemental power from the battery such that the power drawn from the AC power source never exceeds the threshold power. Thus, the A / V recording and communication doorbell herein can be connected to an existing household AC power source and an existing doorbell signaling device without causing inadvertent sounding of the signaling device.

Description

[0001] This is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application 201780028309.3.

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to provisional application serial number 62 / 308,746, filed on March 15, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The embodiments described herein relate to audio / video (A / V) recording and communication devices, including A / V recording and communication doorbell systems. In particular, the embodiments described herein relate to improvements in the functionality of A / V recording and communication devices that enhance the streaming and storage of video recorded by these devices. Background Technology

[0005] Home security is a concern for many homeowners and renters. Those seeking protection or surveillance of their homes often want to communicate with visitors (such as those at the front door or entrance) via video and audio. Audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell systems provide this functionality and can also aid in crime detection and prevention. For example, audio and / or video captured by an A / V recording and communication doorbell can be uploaded to the cloud and recorded on a remote server. Subsequent review of A / V recordings can help law enforcement apprehend suspects in domestic burglaries and other crimes. Furthermore, the presence of an A / V recording and communication doorbell at the entrance to a residence can effectively deter potential burglars. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The various embodiments of the low-power audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbells described herein have multiple features, none of which alone is responsible for their ideal properties. Without limiting the scope of the embodiments herein as set forth by the appended claims, their more prominent features will now be briefly discussed. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled "Detailed Description," it will be understood how the features of the embodiments herein provide the advantages described herein.

[0007] One aspect of the embodiments described herein includes the recognition that in current audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell systems other than those described herein, even if it were possible to connect the A / V recording and communication doorbell to an existing household AC power supply (also referred to as AC power), it is difficult because the A / V recording and communication doorbell draws more power from the AC power supply than the threshold required for the signaling device to emit sound. Therefore, the A / V recording and communication doorbell causes the signaling device to frequently and unintentionally emit sound, which is not only annoying to residents but also undermines the effectiveness of the doorbell. The embodiments described herein solve this problem by limiting the power consumption of the A / V recording and communication doorbell to an amount below the threshold required for the signaling device to emit sound. Therefore, the A / V recording and communication doorbell of this invention can be connected to an existing household AC power supply and an existing signaling device without causing unintentional sound from the signaling device.

[0008] In a first aspect, a method is provided for an audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system, the A / V recording and communication doorbell system including a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a power manager, a battery, an AC / DC rectifier, and a DC / DC converter, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is connected to an external AC power source via the AC / DC rectifier and the DC / DC converter, the method comprising drawing power from the AC power source by the power manager up to a maximum of a threshold power, wherein the threshold power is measured at the output of the DC / DC converter; and when the power drawn from the AC power source reaches the threshold power, the power manager draws supplemental power from the battery such that the power drawn from the AC power source never exceeds the threshold power measured at the output of the DC / DC converter.

[0009] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the threshold power measured at the output of the DC / DC converter is approximately 1.4A.

[0010] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a button and an electronic switch, wherein when the button is pressed, the electronic switch closes, thereby diverting power from the AC power source from the power manager.

[0011] In another embodiment of the first aspect, when the electronic switch is closed, power from the AC power source is diverted and flows through the signaling device to cause the signaling device to emit a sound.

[0012] In another embodiment of the first aspect, power drawn from the AC power source flows through the signaling device and a shunt connected in parallel with the signaling device before the electronic switch is closed.

[0013] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the shunt is in a low-impedance state before the electronic switch is closed.

[0014] In another embodiment of the first aspect, when the electronic switch is closed, the shunt switches to a high-impedance state.

[0015] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the signaling device is electromechanical or electronic.

[0016] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the signaling device is located outside the A / V recorder and communication doorbell.

[0017] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a timer, wherein when the button is pressed, the timer is activated and the electronic switch remains closed until the timer expires, unless the A / V recording and communication doorbell receives notification that a call to a client device has been answered.

[0018] Another implementation of the first aspect also includes an electronic switch being turned off when the A / V recorder and communication doorbell receive notification that a call to the client device has been answered.

[0019] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the timer is a first timer, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a second timer, the method further includes an electronic switch being turned off, the second timer being activated when the electronic switch is turned off, and preventing the electronic switch from being closed again before the second timer expires.

[0020] Another embodiment of the first aspect also includes an A / V recording and communication doorbell that, in response to a button being pressed, sends an alarm signal and a video signal to a network device, the video signal including an image captured by a camera.

[0021] Another implementation of the first aspect also includes that when the power drawn from the AC power source is below a threshold power, the power manager directs a portion of the power drawn from the AC power source to the battery to charge the battery.

[0022] In a second aspect, an audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system is provided, the A / V recording and communication doorbell comprising a camera, speaker, microphone, power manager, battery, AC / DC rectifier, and DC / DC converter, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is connected to an external AC power source via the AC / DC rectifier and DC / DC converter; wherein the power manager is configured to draw power from the AC power source up to a maximum of a threshold power, wherein the threshold power is measured at the output of the DC / DC converter; and when the power drawn from the AC power source reaches the threshold power, the power manager is further configured to draw supplemental power from the battery, such that the power drawn from the AC power source never exceeds the threshold power measured at the output of the DC / DC converter.

[0023] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the threshold power measured at the output of the DC / DC converter is approximately 1.4A.

[0024] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a button and an electronic switch, wherein when the button is pressed, the electronic switch is configured to close, thereby diverting power from the AC power source from the power manager.

[0025] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell is also configured such that when the electronic switch is closed, power from the AC power source is diverted to flow through the signaling device to cause the signaling device to emit a sound.

[0026] Another embodiment of the second aspect also includes a shunt, wherein the A / V recorder and communication doorbell are further configured such that power drawn from the AC power source flows through the signaling device and the shunt connected in parallel with the signaling device before the electronic switch is closed.

[0027] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the shunt is in a low-impedance state before the electronic switch is closed.

[0028] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the shunt switches to a high-impedance state when the electronic switch is closed.

[0029] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the signaling device is electromechanical or electronic.

[0030] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the signaling device is located outside the A / V recorder and communication doorbell.

[0031] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a timer, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is further configured such that when the button is pressed, the timer is activated and the electronic switch remains closed until the timer expires, unless the A / V recording and communication doorbell receives notification that a call to the client device has been answered.

[0032] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the electronic switch is configured to disconnect when the A / V recording and communication doorbell receives a notification that a call to the client device has been answered.

[0033] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the timer is a first timer, and the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a second timer, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is further configured such that the second timer is activated when the electronic switch is turned off, and prevents the electronic switch from closing again before the second timer expires.

[0034] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell is also configured to send an alarm signal and a video signal to a network device in response to a button being pressed, the video signal including an image captured by a camera.

[0035] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell is also configured such that when the power drawn from the AC power source is below a threshold power, the power manager directs a portion of the power drawn from the AC power source to the battery to charge the battery.

[0036] In a third aspect, a method is provided for an audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system, the A / V recording and communication doorbell including a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a button, and an electronic switch, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is connected to an external power source, the method comprising the A / V recording and communication doorbell drawing power from the power source; the power flowing through a signaling device and a shunt connected in parallel with the signaling device, wherein the shunt is in a low-impedance state; and when the button is pressed, the electronic switch closes and the shunt switches to a high-impedance state, thereby diverting the power from the power source to flow through the signaling device to cause the signaling device to emit sound.

[0037] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the signaling device is electromechanical or electronic.

[0038] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the signaling device is located outside the A / V recorder and communication doorbell.

[0039] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a timer, wherein when the button is pressed, the timer is activated and the electronic switch remains closed until the timer expires, unless the A / V recording and communication doorbell receives notification that a call to the client device has been answered.

[0040] Another implementation of the third aspect includes an electronic switch being turned off when the A / V recorder and communication doorbell receive notification that a call to the client device has been answered.

[0041] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the timer is a first timer, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a second timer, the method further includes an electronic switch being turned off, the second timer being activated when the electronic switch is turned off, and preventing the electronic switch from being closed again before the second timer expires.

[0042] Another implementation of the third aspect also includes an A / V recording and communication doorbell that, in response to a button being pressed, sends an alarm signal and a video signal to a network device, the video signal including an image captured by a camera.

[0043] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a rechargeable battery.

[0044] Another implementation of the third aspect includes: in response to the button being pressed, comparing the power level of the rechargeable battery with a threshold.

[0045] Another implementation of the third aspect includes closing the electronic switch only when the power level of the rechargeable battery is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0046] In a fourth aspect, an audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system is provided, including an A / V recording and communication doorbell comprising a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a button, and an electronic switch, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is connected to an external power source; wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is configured to draw power from the power source such that power flows through a signaling device and a shunt connected in parallel with the signaling device, wherein the shunt is in a low-impedance state; and when the button is pressed, the electronic switch is configured to close, thereby switching the shunt to a high-impedance state and diverting the power from the power source to flow through the signaling device to cause the signaling device to emit sound.

[0047] In one implementation of the fourth aspect, the signaling device is electromechanical or electronic.

[0048] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the signaling device is located outside the A / V recorder and communication doorbell.

[0049] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a timer, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is further configured such that when the button is pressed, the timer is activated and the electronic switch remains closed until the timer expires, unless the A / V recording and communication doorbell receives notification that a call to the client device has been answered.

[0050] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the electronic switch is configured to disconnect when the A / V recording and communication doorbell receives a notification that a call to the client device has been answered.

[0051] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the timer is a first timer, and the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a second timer, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is further configured such that the second timer is activated when the electronic switch is turned off, and prevents the electronic switch from closing again before the second timer expires.

[0052] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell is also configured to send an alarm signal and a video signal to a network device in response to a button being pressed, the video signal including an image captured by a camera.

[0053] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell also includes a rechargeable battery.

[0054] In another implementation of the fourth aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell is also configured to compare the power level of the rechargeable battery with a threshold in response to a button being pressed.

[0055] In another implementation of the fourth aspect, the A / V recording and communication doorbell is also configured to close the electronic switch only when the power level of the rechargeable battery is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0056] In a fifth aspect, an audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell is provided, comprising a housing having an enclosure; a camera at least partially located within the enclosure; a speaker at least partially located within the enclosure; a microphone at least partially located within the enclosure; a button at least partially located within the enclosure and projecting outward from the front of the enclosure; and a protective cover located at the front of the enclosure; wherein the protective cover includes: an upper portion extending along the front of the enclosure above the button; and a lower portion extending along the front of the enclosure below the button; and wherein the camera is located behind the upper portion of the protective cover.

[0057] In one embodiment of the fifth aspect, the upper part and the lower part of the protective cover are separate components.

[0058] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the upper part of the protective shield is transparent or semi-transparent.

[0059] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the lower part of the protective shield is transparent to infrared light, but partially or mostly opaque relative to the visible spectrum.

[0060] Another implementation of the fifth aspect also includes an outer shell covering the enclosure.

[0061] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the housing includes a recess, the size and shape of which are designed to receive the enclosure in a close-fitting manner, such that the outer surface of the enclosure abuts against the inner surface of the housing.

[0062] Another embodiment of the fifth aspect also includes a rear panel fixed to the rear of the enclosure, wherein the size and shape of the rear panel are designed such that the edge of the rear panel extends outward from the edge of the enclosure to form a lip, which the shell abuts against and adjoins with the enclosure when the shell is fitted with the enclosure.

[0063] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the housing includes a central opening in the front surface.

[0064] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the size and shape of the central opening are designed to accommodate the protective shield.

[0065] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the protective shield is located within the central opening of the housing, such that the front surface of the protective shield is substantially flush with the front surface of the housing, and there is little or no gap between the outer edge of the protective shield and the inner edge of the central opening of the housing.

[0066] In a sixth aspect, an audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell is provided, comprising a housing having an enclosure; a camera at least partially located within the enclosure; a speaker at least partially located within the enclosure; a microphone at least partially located within the enclosure; a button at least partially located within the enclosure and projecting outward from the front of the enclosure; and a plurality of housings configured to cover the enclosure; wherein each housing includes a recess, the recess being sized and shaped to receive the enclosure in a close-fitting manner such that the outer surface of the enclosure abuts against the inner surface of each housing; and wherein each housing is a different color.

[0067] Another implementation of the sixth aspect also includes a protective shield located at the front of the enclosure.

[0068] In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, each housing includes a central opening in the front surface.

[0069] In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the size and shape of the central opening are designed to accommodate the protective shield.

[0070] In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the protective shield is configured to be located within the central opening of each housing such that the front surface of the protective shield is substantially flush with the front surface of each housing, and there is little or no gap between the outer edge of the protective shield and the inner edge of the central opening in each housing. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Various embodiments of the low-power audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell of the present invention will now be discussed in detail, with emphasis on highlighting advantageous features. These embodiments depict novel and non-obvious low-power A / V recording and communication doorbells as shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures, wherein the same numerals denote the same parts:

[0072] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an A / V recording and communication doorbell system according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for streaming and storing A / V content from an A / V recording and communication doorbell system according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0074] Figure 3This is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an A / V recording and communication doorbell system according to this disclosure;

[0075] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an A / V record and communication doorbell according to this disclosure;

[0076] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A / V recording and rear perspective view of the communication doorbell;

[0077] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partially exploded front perspective view of the A / V recording and communication doorbell, showing the cover removed;

[0078] Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A front perspective view of the various internal components of the A / V recording and communication doorbell;

[0079] Figure 7A This is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an infrared (IR) light-emitting diode (LED) printed circuit board (PCB) according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0080] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 A / V recording and communication doorbell along Figure 4 Line 9 in the middle 9. Right-side sectional view (cut out);

[0081] Figure 11 13 is Figure 4 Rear perspective view of the various internal components of the A / V recording and communication doorbell;

[0082] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a process according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0083] Figure 15 This is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a shunt according to the present disclosure.

[0084] Figure 16 and Figure 17 They are shown respectively Figure 15 Circuit diagram of the implementation scheme of the first comparator circuit and the second comparator circuit of the shunt;

[0085] Figure 18 and Figure 19 yes Figure 16 Waveform diagram of the first comparator circuit;

[0086] Figure 20 and Figure 21 yes Figure 17 The waveform diagram of the second comparator circuit;

[0087] Figure 22 and Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating a process according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0088] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of techniques for creating an intrusion zone according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0089] Figure 25 This is a functional block diagram of a client device on which various embodiments of this document can be implemented according to various aspects of this disclosure; and

[0090] Figure 26 It is a functional block diagram of a general computing system on which the various embodiments of this document can be implemented according to various aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0091] The embodiments described herein are illustrated in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, reference numerals denote elements of the various embodiments herein. These reference numerals are reproduced below along with a discussion of the corresponding features of the drawings.

[0092] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates various embodiments of this low-power audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell. These drawings and their written description show that certain components of the device are integrally formed, while other components are formed as separate parts. Those skilled in the art will understand that components shown and described herein as integrally formed may be formed as separate parts in alternative embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will further understand that components shown and described herein as separate parts may be integrally formed in alternative embodiments. Moreover, as used herein, the term "integral" describes a single integral part.

[0093] refer to Figure 1The embodiments described herein include an audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell 100. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 is typically located near the entrance of a structure (not shown) such as a residence, commercial building, storage facility, etc. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 includes a camera 102, a microphone 104, and a speaker 106. The camera 102 may include, for example, a high-definition (HD) video camera, such as a video camera capable of capturing video images at an image display resolution of 720p or 1080p, or any other image display resolution (including better than 1080p). Although not shown, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 may also include other hardware and / or components, such as a housing, one or more motion sensors (and / or other types of sensors), buttons, etc. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 may also include components and / or functions similar to those of the wireless communication doorbells described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015 / 0022620 (Application Serial No. 14 / 499,828) and 2015 / 0022618 (Application Serial No. 14 / 334,922), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully described.

[0094] Further reference Figure 1 The A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 communicates with a user's network 110, which can be, for example, a wired and / or wireless network. If the user's network 110 is wireless, or includes wireless components, then the network 110 can be a Wi-Fi network compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard and / or other wireless communication standards. A network 110 connects to another network 112, which may include, for example, the Internet and / or the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). As described below, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 can communicate with the user's client device 114 via the user's network 110 and network 112 (Internet / PSTN). The user's client device 114 may include, for example, a mobile phone (also referred to as a cellular phone), such as a smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other communication device. The user's client device 114 includes a display (not shown) and related components capable of displaying streaming and / or recorded video images. The user's client device 114 may also include a speaker and related components capable of broadcasting streaming and / or recorded audio, and may also include a microphone. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 can also communicate with one or more remote storage devices 116 (which may be interchangeably referred to as "cloud storage devices"), one or more servers 118, and / or a backend API (Application Programming Interface) 120 via the user's network 110 and network 112 (Internet / PSTN). Although Figure 1Storage device 116, server 118, and backend API 120 are shown as components separate from network 112; however, it should be understood that storage device 116, server 118, and / or backend API 120 may be considered as components of network 112.

[0095] Network 112 can be any wireless network or any wired network or a combination thereof, configured to be operatively coupled to, for example... Figure 1 The modules, devices, and systems shown above. For example, network 112 may include one or more of the following networks: PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), Internet, local intranet, PAN (Personal Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), Virtual Private Network (VPN), Storage Area Network (SAN), Frame Relay connection, Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) connection, Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) connection, digital T1, T3, E1, or E3 line, Digital Data Service (DDS) connection, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection, Ethernet connection, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line, dial-up port, such as V.90, V.34, or V.34bis analog modem connection, cable modem, ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) connection, or FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) or CDDI (Copper Distributed Data Interface) connection. Furthermore, communications may include links to any of a variety of wireless networks, including WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access), and / or OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) cellular telephone networks, GPS, CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data), RIM (Dynamic Information Services Inc.) full-duplex paging networks, Bluetooth radio, or IEEE 802.11-based radio frequency networks. The network may also include or interface with any one or more of the following: RS 232 serial connection, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connection, Fibre Channel connection, IrDA (Infrared) port, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) connection, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, or other wired or wireless, digital or analog interfaces or connections, mesh or networking.

[0096] According to one or more aspects of the various embodiments herein, when a person (which may be interchangeably referred to as a “visitor”) arrives at the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 detects the presence of the visitor and begins capturing video images within the field of view of the camera 102. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 may also capture audio via the microphone 104. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 may detect the presence of the visitor by detecting motion using the camera 102 and / or a motion sensor, and / or by detecting the visitor pressing a button on the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100.

[0097] In response to the detection of a visitor, the A / V record and communication doorbell 100 transmits the information to the user's client device 114 via the user's network 110 and network 112. Figure 1 The A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 also sends streaming video to the user's client device 114, and may also send streaming audio to it. If the user answers the alarm, two-way audio communication can occur between the visitor and the user via the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 and the user's client device 114. The user can see the visitor throughout the call, but the visitor cannot see the user (unless the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 includes a display, which may be included in some embodiments).

[0098] Video images captured by the camera 102 of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 (and audio captured by the microphone 104) can be uploaded to the cloud and recorded on a remote storage device 116. Figure 1 In some implementations, video and / or audio can be recorded on a remote storage device 116 even if the user chooses to ignore the alarm sent to his or her client device 114.

[0099] Further reference Figure 1 The system may also include a backend API 120, which comprises one or more components. The backend API (Application Programming Interface) may include, for example, a server (e.g., a physical server, a virtual machine, or a machine running as a service in a cloud infrastructure), or multiple servers networked together that expose at least one API to clients accessing it. These servers may include components such as application servers (e.g., software servers), depending on other components included, such as a caching layer, a database layer, or other components. The backend API may, for example, include many such applications, each communicating with each other using their public API. In some implementations, the API backend may store large amounts of user data and provide user management capabilities, allowing clients to have very limited state.

[0100] Figure 1 The backend API 120 shown may include one or more APIs. An API is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software and applications. APIs represent software components based on their operations, inputs, outputs, and underlying types, defining functionality independent of their individual implementations. This allows definitions and implementations to vary without compromising the interface. Advantageously, APIs can provide programmers with access to the functionality of an application without requiring them to modify the application itself or even understand how it works. APIs can be used with web-based systems, operating systems, or database systems, and they can provide tools for developing applications for that system using a given programming language. In addition to accessing databases or computer hardware (such as hard drives or video cards), APIs can simplify the programming of GUI components. For example, APIs can facilitate the integration of new functionality into existing applications (so-called "plugin APIs"). APIs can also help other different applications share data, which facilitates the integration and enhancement of application functionality.

[0101] Figure 1 The backend API 120 shown may also include one or more services (also known as network services). Network services are applications that provide data storage, manipulation, presentation, communication, and / or other capabilities. Network services typically use clients based on application-layer network protocols. This is achieved using a server architecture. Each service can be provided by a server component running on one or more computers (e.g., a dedicated server computer providing multiple services) and accessed via a network by a client component running on other devices. However, both the client and server components can run on the same computer. The client and server may have a user interface, and sometimes other associated hardware.

[0102] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for streaming and storing A / V content from an A / V recording and communication doorbell system according to various aspects of this disclosure. At block B200, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 detects the presence of a visitor and begins capturing video images within the field of view of camera 102. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 may also capture audio via microphone 104. As described above, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 may detect the presence of a visitor by detecting motion using camera 102 and / or a motion sensor, and / or by detecting a visitor pressing a button on the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100.

[0103] At frame B202, the communication module of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 sends requests to devices in network 112 via user networks 110 and 112. For example, the network device sending the request could be a server such as server 118. Server 118 may include computer programs and / or machines that wait for and respond to requests from other machines or software (clients). Servers typically process data. One purpose of a server is to share data and / or hardware and / or software resources between clients. This architecture is referred to as the client. Server mode. Clients can run on the same computer or connect to the server over a network. Examples of computing servers include database servers, file servers, mail servers, print servers, web servers, game servers, and application servers. The term "server" can be broadly interpreted to include any computerized process that shares resources with one or more client processes.

[0104] In response to a request, at box B204, the network device can connect the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 to the user's client device 114 via the user's network 110 and network 112. At box B206, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 can record audio and / or video data using a camera 102, a microphone 104, and / or any other available sensors. At box B208, the audio and / or video data is transmitted (streamed) from the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 to the user's client device 114 via the user's network 110 and network 112. At box B210, the user can receive a notification on his or her client device 114 with a prompt to accept or reject the call.

[0105] At box B212, the process determines whether the user has accepted or rejected the call. If the user rejects the notification, the process proceeds to box B214, where audio and / or video data is recorded and stored on a cloud server. The session then ends at box B216, terminating the connection between the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100 and the user's client device 114. However, if the user accepts the notification, at box B218, the user communicates with the visitor through their client device 114 while simultaneously streaming audio and / or video data captured by the camera 102, microphone 104, and / or other sensors to the user's client device 114. At the end of the call, the user can terminate the connection between their client device 114 and the A / V recording and communication doorbell 100, and the session ends at box B216. In some implementations, audio and / or video data may be recorded and stored on a cloud server (box B214) even if the user accepts the notification and communicates with the visitor through their client device 114.

[0106] Many modern homes include wired doorbell systems without A / V communication capabilities. Instead, standard wired doorbell systems include a button outside the home, next to the front door. This button activates a signaling device (such as a bell or buzzer) within the building. Pressing the doorbell button temporarily closes the doorbell circuit, which can be, for example, a single-pole single-throw (SPST) push-button switch. One terminal of the button connects to a terminal on a transformer. The transformer steps down the 120-volt or 240-volt household AC power supply to a lower voltage, typically 16 to 24 volts. Another terminal on the transformer connects to a terminal on the signaling device. Another terminal on the signaling device connects to another terminal on the button. A common signaling device consists of two flat metal bar resonators struck by plungers operated by two solenoids. The bars are tuned to different notes. When the doorbell button is pressed, the plunger of the first solenoid strikes one of the metal bars; when the button is released, a spring on the plunger pushes it upward, causing it to strike the other metal bar, producing a two-tone sound (“ding-dong”).

[0107] Many current A / V recording and communication doorbell systems (other than those described in this paper) are incompatible with the type of existing wired doorbell system described in the preceding paragraph. One reason for this incompatibility is that A / V recording and communication doorbells draw more power from household AC power than is required for the signaling device to sound. Consequently, A / V recording and communication doorbells can cause the signaling device to frequently and unintentionally emit sounds, which is not only annoying to residents but also undermines the effectiveness of the doorbell. The embodiments described in this paper address this problem by limiting the power consumption of the A / V recording and communication doorbell to below the threshold required for the signaling device to sound. Therefore, the embodiments of the A / V recording and communication doorbells described in this paper can be connected to existing household AC power and existing signaling devices without causing unintentional sounding from the signaling device.

[0108] The embodiments described herein offer several advantages in connecting to existing household AC power supplies. For example, the camera in this A / V recording and communication doorbell can be continuously powered. In typical battery-powered A / V recording and communication doorbells, the camera is powered only for a portion of the time, so the battery doesn't run out too quickly. In contrast, the embodiments described herein do not rely on a battery as the primary (or sole) power source, thus enabling the camera to be continuously powered. Because the camera can be continuously powered, recording can continue indefinitely, and the recorded video can be continuously stored in a scrolling buffer or sliding window manner. In some embodiments, approximately 10 [units of data] can be continuously stored in a scrolling buffer or sliding window manner. The video recording lasts for 15 seconds. Furthermore, because the camera can be continuously powered, it can be used for motion detection, eliminating the need for a separate motion detection device such as a passive infrared sensor (PIR). Eliminating the PIR simplifies the design of A / V recording and communication doorbells, making the doorbell more compact. Additionally, since the camera can be continuously powered, it can be used as a light detector to control the current state of the infrared cutoff filter and toggle the infrared LEDs on and off. By using the camera as a light detector, the elimination of a separate light detector further simplifies the design of A / V recording and communication doorbells, making the doorbell more compact.

[0109] Figure 3 13 illustrates one embodiment of a low-power A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the various components of an A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 and their relationships to each other. For example, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 includes a pair of terminals 131, 132 configured to connect to an external AC power source, such as a household external power supply 134 (also referred to as an AC power source). For example, the external power supply 134 may have 16... The voltage range is 24VAC. The external power supply 134 can be converted to DC (direct current) via AC / DC rectifier 136. The output of AC / DC rectifier 136 can be connected to the input of DC / DC converter 138, which can then convert the voltage from the output of AC / DC rectifier 136 to DC (direct current). The 24VDC is reduced to a lower voltage of approximately, for example, 5VDC. In various implementations, the output of the DC / DC converter 138 can be in the range of, for example, approximately 2.5V to approximately 7.5V.

[0110] Further reference Figure 3The output of DC / DC converter 138 is connected to power manager 140, which may include an integrated circuit including a processor core, memory, and / or programmable input / output peripherals. In a non-limiting example, power manager 140 may be an off-the-shelf component, such as the BQ24773 chip manufactured by Texas Instruments. As described in detail below, power manager 140, among other things, controls the amount of power drawn from external power source 134 to power A / V recording and communication doorbell 130, as well as supplemental power drawn from battery 142. Power manager 140 may, for example, limit the amount of power drawn from external power source 134 so that it does not exceed a threshold power draw. In a non-limiting example, the threshold power measured at the output of DC / DC converter 138 may be equal to 1.4A. Power manager 140 may also control the amount of power drawn from external power source 134 and flowing to battery 142 to charge battery 142. The output of power manager 140 is connected to power sequencer 144, which controls the order in which power is supplied to other components of A / V recording and communication doorbell 130, including communication module 146, front button 148, microphone 150, speaker driver 151, speaker 152, audio CODEC (codec) 153, camera 154, infrared (IR) light source 156, IR cutoff filter 158, processor 160 (also referred to as controller 160), multiple light indicators 162, and controller 164 for the light indicators 162. Each of these components is described in more detail below. Power sequencer 144 may include an integrated circuit including a processor core, memory, and / or programmable input / output peripherals. In a non-limiting example, power sequencer 144 may be an off-the-shelf component, such as the RT5024 chip manufactured by Richtek.

[0111] Further reference Figure 3 The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes an electronic switch 166 that closes when the current button 148 is pressed. When the electronic switch 166 is closed, power from the external power supply 134 is diverted and flows through a signaling device 168 external to the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 to cause the signaling device 168 to emit an audible sound, as further described below. In a non-limiting example, the electronic switch 166 may be a three-terminal bidirectional thyristor switch. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes a reset button 170 configured to initiate a hard reset of the processor 160, as further described below.

[0112] Further reference Figure 3Processor 160 can perform data processing and various other functions, as described below. Processor 160 may include an integrated circuit, which includes a processor core, memory 172, non-volatile memory 174, and / or programmable input / output peripherals (not shown). Memory 172 may include, for example, DDR3 (Double Data Rate Type Triple Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). Non-volatile memory 174 may include, for example, NAND flash memory. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, memory 172 and non-volatile memory 174 are shown within the box representing processor 160. It should be understood that... Figure 3 The embodiments shown are merely examples, and in some embodiments, memory 172 and / or non-volatile memory 174 need not be physically integrated with processor 160. Memory 172 and / or non-volatile memory 174, regardless of their physical location, may be shared by one or more other components of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 described herein (in addition to processor 160).

[0113] Audio CODEC 153, operatively coupled to processor 160, can be used to compress and decompress the transmission of digital audio between users and visitors. When a visitor speaks, the audio from the visitor is compressed by audio CODEC 153, and the digital audio data is transmitted via communication module 146 through user network 110 to network 112, where it is routed by server 118 and transmitted to user client device 114. When a user speaks, after transmission through network 112, user network 110, and communication module 146, the digital audio data is decompressed by audio CODEC 153 and transmitted to the visitor via speaker 152, which is driven by speaker driver 151.

[0114] Further reference Figure 3Some embodiments described herein may include a shunt 176 connected in parallel with the signaling device 168. The shunt 176 facilitates the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 drawing power from an external power source 134 without unintentionally triggering the signaling device 168. During normal standby operation, the shunt 176 presents a relatively low impedance, such as a few ohms, at the terminals of the signaling device 168. Therefore, most of the current drawn by the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 flows through the shunt 176, rather than through the signaling device 168. However, the shunt 176 includes electronic circuitry (described below) that switches the shunt 176 between a low impedance state (e.g., a few ohms) and a high impedance state (e.g., >1K ohms). When the front button 148 of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 is pressed, the electronic switch 166 closes, causing the voltage from the external power supply 134 to be primarily applied to the parallel shunt 176 and signaling device 168, while a small voltage, such as approximately 1V, is applied to the electronic switch 166. The circuitry in the shunt 176 senses this voltage and switches the shunt 176 to a high-impedance state, causing the power from the external power supply 134 to be diverted and flow through the signaling device 168. The diverted external power supply 134 is above the threshold required for the signaling device 168 to sound. Therefore, pressing the front button 148 of the doorbell 130 causes the signaling device 168 to "ring," alerting anyone in the structure where the doorbell 130 is located that there is a visitor at the front door (or in another location corresponding to the doorbell 130). In a non-limiting example, the electronic switch 166 may be a triac switch.

[0115] refer to Figure 4 6. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes enclosure 180 ( Figure 6 The enclosure 178, the rear panel 182 fixed to the rear of the enclosure 180, and the outer shell 184 covering the enclosure 180. (See reference) Figure 6 The housing 184 includes a recess 186, the size and shape of which are designed to receive the enclosure 180 in a close-fitting manner, such that the outer surface of the enclosure 180 abuts against the inner surface of the housing 184. The external dimensions of the enclosure 180 may closely match the internal dimensions of the housing 184, such that frictional forces retain the housing 184 around the enclosure 180. Alternatively or additionally, the enclosure 180 and / or the housing 184 may include mating features 188, such as one or more tabs, recesses, slots, posts, etc., to help retain the housing 184 around the enclosure 180. The rear plate 182 is sized and shaped such that the edge of the rear plate 182 extends outward from the edge of the enclosure 180, forming a lip 190 against which the housing 184 abuts when it mates with the enclosure 180. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown. In some embodiments, multiple housings 184 of different colors may be provided, allowing the end user to customize the appearance of his or her A / V recording and communication doorbell 130. For example, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 may be packaged and sold in the same package with multiple housings 184 of different colors.

[0116] refer to Figure 4 The front surface of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 includes a button 148 (also referred to as front button 148). Figure 3 ), which is operatively connected to processor 160. Similar to the above reference... Figure 2 During the description, when a visitor presses the front button 148, an alarm can be sent to the user's client device to notify the user that someone is at his or her front door (or at another location corresponding to the location of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130). Further references Figure 4 The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes a camera 154, operably connected to the processor 160 and located behind a protective housing 192. As described in detail below, the camera 154 is configured to capture video images from its field of view. These video images can be streamed to a user's client device and / or uploaded to a remote network device for later use, according to references similar to those above. Figure 2 Please review the process described above.

[0117] refer to Figure 5 A pair of terminal screws 194 pass through the rear plate 182. The terminal screws 194 are connected at their inner ends to terminals 131 and 132 within the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130. Figure 3 Terminal screw 194 is configured to receive wires for connection via terminals 131, 132 to the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130, and to a household external power supply 134 of the structure in which the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, terminal screw 194 is located within a recess 196 of the rear surface 198 of the rear plate 182, such that terminal screw 194 does not protrude from the housing of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130. Therefore, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can be mounted to a mounting surface, with the rear surface 198 of the rear plate 182 abutting the mounting surface. The rear plate 182 includes holes 200 adjacent to its upper and lower edges to receive mounting hardware, such as screws (not shown), for securing the rear plate 182 (and thus the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130) to the mounting surface. Reference Figure 6 The enclosure 180 includes corresponding holes 202 adjacent to its upper and lower edges, which are aligned with holes 200 in the rear panel 182 to receive mounting hardware. In some embodiments, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 may include a mounting plate or bracket (not shown) to facilitate securing the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 to a mounting surface.

[0118] Further reference Figure 6 The housing 184 includes a central opening 204 in its front surface. The central opening 204 is sized and shaped to accommodate a protective shield 192. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective shield 192 is substantially rectangular and includes a central opening 206 through which a front button 148 protrudes. The protective shield 192 defines a plane parallel to and located in front of the front surface 208 of the enclosure 180. When the housing 184 mates with the enclosure 180, as... Figure 4 and 10 As shown, the protective cover 192 is located within the central opening 204 of the housing 184, such that the front surface 210 of the protective cover 192 is substantially flush with the front surface 212 of the housing 184, and there is almost no gap or no gap between the outer edge of the protective cover 192 and the inner edge of the central opening 204 in the housing 184. Figure 4 ).

[0119] Further reference Figure 6 The housing 192 includes an upper portion 214 (located above and to the side of the front button 148) and a lower portion 216 (located below and to the side of the front button 148). The upper portion 214 and the lower portion 216 of the housing 192 may be separate components and may comprise different materials. The upper portion 214 of the housing 192 may be transparent or translucent so that it does not interfere with the field of view of the camera 154. For example, in some embodiments, the upper portion 214 of the housing 192 may comprise glass or plastic. As described in detail below, a microphone 150 operatively connected to the processor 160 is located behind the upper portion 214 of the housing 192. Therefore, the upper portion 214 may include an opening 218 that facilitates sound transmission through the housing 192, allowing the microphone 150 to better pick up sound from the area surrounding the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130.

[0120] The lower portion 216 of the protective cover 192 may comprise a material that is substantially transparent to infrared (IR) light but partially or mostly opaque relative to the visible spectrum. For example, in some embodiments, the lower portion 216 of the protective cover 192 may comprise a plastic, such as polycarbonate. Therefore, the lower portion 216 of the protective cover 192 will not interfere with the transmission of IR light from the IR light source 156 located behind the lower portion 216. As described in detail below, both the IR light source 156 and the IR cutoff filter 158 are operatively connected to the processor 160, contributing to the "night vision" capability of the camera 154.

[0121] The upper part 214 and / or the lower part 216 of the protective cover 192 may be adjacent to the lower cover 220. Figure 10The lower cover can be integrated with the enclosure 180 or can be a separate component. The cover 220 can be opaque and may include a first opening 222 corresponding to the location of the camera 154, a second opening (not shown) corresponding to the location of the microphone 150, an opening 218 in the upper part 214 of the protective cover 192, and a third opening (not shown) corresponding to the location of the IR light source 156.

[0122] Figure 7 10 shows the various internal components of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130. Figure 7 9 is a front perspective view of the doorbell 130, in which the housing 184 and enclosure 180 have been removed, while Figure 10 It is along Figure 4 Line 10 in the middle 10. Cross-sectional view of the right side of doorbell 130, taken from section 10. (Reference) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes a main printed circuit board (PCB) 224 and a front PCB 226. (Reference) Figure 8 The front PCB 226 includes a button actuator 228. (See reference...) Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 The front button 148 is located in front of the button actuator 228. The front button 148 includes a lever 230 ( Figure 10 The lever extends into housing 178 to contact button actuator 228. When button 148 is pressed, lever 230 presses button actuator 228, thereby closing electronic switch 166. Figure 8 As described below.

[0123] refer to Figure 8 The front PCB 226 also includes a light indicator 162 that can illuminate when the front button 148 of the doorbell 130 is pressed. In the illustrated embodiment, the light indicator 162 includes a light-emitting diode (LED 162) surface-mounted to the front surface of the front PCB 226 and arranged in a circular shape around the button actuator 228. The embodiments described herein are not limited to the light indicator 162 being an LED; in alternative embodiments, the light indicator 162 may include any other type of light-emitting device. The embodiments described herein are also not limited to... Figure 8 The number of light indicators 162 shown is not limited, nor is the pattern in which they are arranged.

[0124] refer to Figure 7 The doorbell 130 also includes a light tube 232. The light tube 232 is a transparent or semi-transparent ring surrounding the front button 148. (Reference) Figure 4The light tube 232 is located in the annular space between the front button 148 and the central opening 206 in the protective cover 192, and the front surface 234 of the light tube 232 is substantially flush with the front surface 210 of the protective cover 192. (Reference) Figure 7 and Figure 10 The rear portion of the light tube 232 includes a plurality of posts 236 positioned corresponding to the positions of the LED 162. When the LED 162 is illuminated, light passes through the posts 236 and the body of the light tube 232, making the light visible at the front surface 234 of the light tube 232. Therefore, the LED 162 and the light tube 232 provide an illumination ring around the front button 148. The light tube 232 may comprise, for example, plastic or any other suitable material capable of transmitting light.

[0125] LED 162 and light tube 232 can be used as visual indicators for visitors and / or users. For example, LED 162 can be illuminated when activated or provide continuous illumination. In one aspect, LED 162 can change color to indicate that front button 148 has been pressed. LED 162 can also indicate that battery 142 needs recharging, or that battery 142 is currently charging, or that charging of battery 142 is complete. LED 162 can indicate whether the network connection to the user is good, limited, poor, or not connected. LED 162 can be used to guide the user through setup or installation steps using visual cues (which can be combined with audio cues emitted from speaker 152).

[0126] Further reference Figure 7 The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes a rechargeable battery 142. As described in further detail below, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 is connected to an external power supply 134. Figure 3 For example, AC power. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 is primarily powered by an external power supply 134, but can also draw power from a rechargeable battery 142, ensuring that the power level does not exceed the threshold of the external power supply 134, thereby preventing the signaling device 168 from unintentionally emitting a sound. Reference Figure 3 Battery 142 is operatively connected to power manager 140. As described below, when additional power is required, power manager 140 controls the amount of electricity drawn from battery 142 to supplement the power drawn from external power source 134 to power A / V recording and communication doorbell 130. Power manager 140 also controls the use of power drawn from external power source 134 to recharge battery 142. Battery 142 may include, for example, a lithium-ion battery or any other type of rechargeable battery.

[0127] Further reference Figure 7 The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes a camera 154. The camera 154 is coupled to the front surface of the front PCB 226 and includes a lens 238 and an image processor 240. Figure 9Camera lens 238 may be a lens capable of focusing light onto camera 154, thereby capturing a clear image. Camera 154 may include, for example, a high-definition (HD) video camera, such as a camera capable of capturing video images at an image display resolution of 720p or better. In some embodiments of the various embodiments herein, camera 154 may be used to detect motion within its field of view, as described below.

[0128] Further reference Figure 7 The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes an infrared (IR) light source 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the IR light source 242 includes an IR light-emitting diode (LED) 242 coupled to an IR LED printed circuit board (PCB) 244. In an alternative embodiment, the IR LED 242 may not include a separate PCB 244 and may, for example, be coupled to a front PCB 226.

[0129] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 10 The IR LED PCB 244 is located on the front button 148. Figure 7 Below and protective shield 192 ( Figure 10 Behind the lower part 216 of the shield 192. As described above, the lower part 216 of the shield 192 is transparent to IR light, but may be opaque to light in the visible spectrum. Figure 7A An alternative implementation of an IR LED PCB 244' including three IR LEDs 242 is shown. Figure 7A In embodiments of the IR LED PCB 244' or including any IR LED PCB having more than one IR LED 242, the size of the third opening in the cover can be increased to accommodate a larger IR LED PCB 244'.

[0130] When dark ambient light is detected, the IR LED 242 can be triggered to activate. When activated, the IR light emitted from the IR LED 242 illuminates the field of view of the camera 154. The camera 154, which can then be configured to detect IR light, can capture the IR light emitted by the IR LED 242 because it is reflected from objects within the field of view of the camera 154, enabling the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 to clearly capture images at night (which may be referred to as "night vision").

[0131] refer to Figure 9The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes an IR cut-off filter 158. The IR cut-off filter 158 is a mechanical shutter that is selectively positioned between the lens 238 and the image sensor of the camera 154. During the day, or when ambient light is sufficiently bright, the IR cut-off filter 158 is positioned between the lens 238 and the image sensor to filter out IR light, preventing color distortion of the image when viewed by the human eye. At night, or in the absence of much ambient light, the IR cut-off filter 158 is withdrawn from the space between the lens 238 and the image sensor, making the camera 154 sensitive to IR light (“night vision”). In some embodiments, the camera 154 functions as a light detector to control the current state of the IR cut-off filter 158 and to turn the IR LED 242 on and off. In some embodiments, the camera 154 is always powered because the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 is powered by a connection to an AC power source, thus facilitating its use as a light detector. However, in other embodiments, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 may include a light sensor separate from the camera 154 for controlling the IR cutoff filter 158 and the IR LED 242.

[0132] Return to reference Figure 6 The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 also includes a reset button 170. The reset button 170 is contact-coupled to the reset button actuator 246 on the front PCB 226. Figure 8 When the reset button 170 is pressed, it can contact the reset button actuator 246, which can trigger the erasure of the memory stored in the non-volatile memory 174 and / or memory 172. Figure 3 Any data in ) and / or could trigger a restart of processor 160.

[0133] Figure 11 13 further illustrates the internal components of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130. Figure 11 Image 13 is a rear perspective view of doorbell 130, with the back panel 182 and additional components removed. For example, in Figure 11 In the middle, the rear plate 182 was removed, while Figure 12 In the middle, the rear board 182 and the main PCB 224 were removed. Figure 13 In the middle section, the rear board 182, main PCB 224, and front PCB 226 were removed. (Reference) Figure 11 Multiple components, including a communication module 146, a processor 160, a memory 172, and a non-volatile memory 174, are coupled to the rear surface of the main PCB 224. The function of each of these components is described below. (See reference...) Figure 12Multiple components, including a power manager 140, a power sequencer 144, an AC / DC rectifier 136, a DC / DC converter 138, and a controller 164 for a light indicator 162, are coupled to the rear surface of the front PCB 226. The function of each of these components is also described below. (See reference...) Figure 13 Several components can be seen within the enclosure 180, including a microphone 150, a speaker chamber 248 (in which a speaker 152 is located), and an antenna 250 for the communication module 146. The function of each of these components is also described below.

[0134] refer to Figure 7 Antenna 250 is coupled to the front surface of main PCB 224 and operably connected to communication module 146, which is coupled to the rear surface of main PCB 224. Figure 11 The microphone 150 can also be coupled to the front surface of the main PCB 224, located in the opening 218 in the upper part 214 of the protective cover 192. Figure 4 The location is such that sound emanating from the area surrounding the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can pass through the opening 218 and be detected by the microphone 150. (Reference) Figure 13 The speaker chamber 248 is located near the bottom of the enclosure 180. The speaker chamber 248 includes a hollow enclosure, within which the speaker 152 is located. The hollow speaker chamber 248 amplifies the sound produced by the speaker 152, allowing visitors in the vicinity of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 to hear them more effectively. (Reference) Figure 5 and Figure 13 The lower surface 252 of the housing 184 and the lower surface (not shown) of the enclosure 180 may include an acoustic opening 254 through which sound emitted by the speaker 152 can pass, allowing visitors in the vicinity of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 to hear it more effectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the acoustic opening 254 is typically rectangular, its length extending substantially across the lower surface 252 of the housing 184 (and the enclosure 180). However, the shape shown is merely an example. Reference Figure 5 The lower surface 252 of the housing 184 may also include an opening 256 for receiving a retaining screw (not shown). The retaining screw may pass through the opening 256 and into an opening in a similar location within the enclosure 180 to secure the housing 184 to the enclosure 180. If the doorbell 130 is mounted to a mounting bracket (not shown), the retaining screw may also hold the doorbell 130 on the mounting bracket.

[0135] refer to Figure 13The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 may also include a battery heater 258. The A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 described herein is configured for outdoor use, including in cold weather conditions. However, low temperatures can cause negative performance problems for rechargeable batteries, such as reduced energy capacity, increased internal resistance, reduced charging power without damage, and reduced load current supply capability. The battery heater 258 helps to keep the rechargeable battery 142 warm to reduce or eliminate the aforementioned negative performance problems. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery heater 258 includes a substantially flat sheet adjacent to the side surface of the rechargeable battery 142. The battery heater 258 may include, for example, a resistance heating element that generates heat when current flows through it. Therefore, the battery heater 258 may be operatively coupled to the power manager 140 and / or the power sequencer 144. Figure 12 In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery 142 may include a thermistor (“thermometer”, not shown) operatively connected to the processor 160, such that the temperature of the battery 142 can be monitored and the amount of power supplied to the battery heater 258 can be adaptively controlled to keep the rechargeable battery 142 within a desired temperature range.

[0136] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process for drawing supplemental power from the battery 142 of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 of this document to prevent the connected signaling device 168 from unintentionally emitting sound. At block B280, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 draws power below a threshold from an external power source. The external power source can be, for example, external power source 134, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The threshold power can be, for example, signaling device 168 ( Figure 3 The power level required to produce sound. In a non-limiting example, this can be achieved in a DC / DC converter 138 ( Figure 3 The threshold power is measured at the output of the power manager 140. For example, the threshold power can be measured by the power manager 140. Figure 3 Measurement. In a non-limiting example, the threshold power measured at the output of DC / DC converter 138 may be equal to 1.4A.

[0137] At box B282, the process determines whether the power drawn from external power source 134 has reached a threshold power. In some implementations, for example, power manager 140 ( Figure 3It can be determined whether the power drawn from external power source 134 has reached a threshold power. If the power drawn from external power source 134 has not yet reached the threshold power, the process loops back to box B280. However, if the power drawn from external power source 134 has reached the threshold power, the process proceeds to box B284. At box B284, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 draws supplemental power from battery 142 as needed, ensuring that the power drawn from external power source 134 does not exceed the threshold power. In this way, Figure 14 The process avoids unintentional sounding from the connected signaling device 168. Examples of situations where the power drawn from the external power source 134 may reach the threshold power include, but are not limited to, when the IR cutoff filter 158 is switched from day mode to night mode (or vice versa), or when a call is in progress between a visitor at the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 and a user using a client device and the IR light source 156 is emitting light. In some embodiments, when the power drawn from the external power source 134 is below the threshold power, the power manager 140 may direct a portion of the power drawn from the external power source 134 to the battery 142 to charge the battery 142.

[0138] As mentioned above, and referring back to the reference. Figure 3 Some of the embodiments described herein may include a shunt 176 connected in parallel across the terminals of signaling device 168. The shunt 176 facilitates the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 drawing power from an external power source 134 without unintentionally triggering the signaling device 168. Figure 15 An example implementation of the splitter 176 is shown. (Reference) Figure 15 The shunt 176 includes a full-wave bridge rectifier 300, a capacitor 302, a diode 304, a shunt switch 306, a first resistor Rshunt 308, and a second resistor Rbias 310. In some embodiments, the shunt switch 306 may be, for example, an optocoupler switch. The first resistor Rshunt 308 represents a relatively low impedance, such as a few ohms, while the second resistor Rbias 310 represents a higher impedance, such as >1K ohms.

[0139] During normal standby operation, shunt switch 306 is closed. Therefore, shunt 176 presents a relatively low impedance at terminals AC1, AC2 of signaling device 168 because the impedance of the first resistor R shunt 308 is relatively low, and the impedance of the switch is even lower, for example, about 1 ohm or less in one example. Thus, most of the current drawn by the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 flows through shunt 176, rather than through signaling device 168. However, when the front button 148 of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 is pressed, electronic switch 166 closes, so that the voltage from external power supply 134 is primarily applied to the parallel shunt 176 and signaling device 168, whereas if electronic switch 166 is implemented, for example, as a three-terminal bidirectional thyristor switching element, a small voltage, for example, about 1V, is applied to the electronic switch. The circuitry in shunt 176 senses the voltage across its terminals AC1 and AC2, causing shunt switch 306 to open, which puts shunt 176 into a high-impedance state. When shunt 176 receives sufficient AC voltage, full-wave bridge rectifier 300 provides and outputs sufficient DC voltage such that diode 304, biased by resistor 310R, conducts sufficient current to make switch 306 open-circuit or very high-impedance. Therefore, when needed, the switching action of shunt 176 makes almost all available power from external power supply 134 available for signaling device 168 to use. The amount of diverted AC power from external power supply 134 is higher than the threshold required for signaling device 168 to sound. Therefore, pressing the front button 148 of doorbell 130 will cause signaling device 168 to "sound," alerting anyone in the structure where doorbell 130 is located that there is a visitor at the front door (or in another location corresponding to the location of doorbell 130).

[0140] Continue to refer to Figure 15 The shunt 176 also includes a first comparator circuit 312 and a second comparator circuit 314. Figure 16

[0141] and Figure 17 They are shown separately. Figure 15 The first comparator 324 circuit 312 and the second comparator 324 circuit 314 of the shunt 176

[0142] Circuit diagram of an example implementation scheme. Figure 16 and Figure 17 Comparators 312 and 314 are both open-collector or open-drain types. These types of comparators are advantageous because they allow the outputs to be connected together without conflict, commonly referred to as a "wired-OR" connection. As further described below, when in electronic switch 166 ( Figure 3When a disconnection event is detected at point 306, the first comparator circuit 312 returns the state of the shunt switch 306 to the normally closed low-impedance state. The second comparator circuit 314 acts as a timeout safety trigger, returning the state of the shunt switch 306 to the normally closed low-impedance state if the first comparator circuit 312 fails to perform its intended function.

[0143] refer to Figure 16 The first comparator circuit 312 includes a first comparator 316 and an RC network at each of its two input terminals 318, 320. The first (positive) input terminal 318 of the first comparator 316 has an RC network with a time constant.

[0144] Tau1, where Tau1 = C1 * R1. The second (negative) input 320 of the first comparator 316 has a voltage divider R2 / (R2+R3) and a time constant Tau2, where Tau2 = C2 * ((R2*R3) / (R2+R3)). (See reference) Figure 18 and Figure 19 They are Figure 16 The waveform diagram of the first comparator circuit 312 is shown below. The behavior of the first comparator circuit 312 is as follows. At time t1, when capacitor 302 ( Figure 15 VDC at point (due to electronic switch) Figure 3 When the electronic switch 166 closes and rises, both inputs 318 and 320 of the first comparator 316 rise, with V2 rising more slowly, asymptotically approaching Vmax*(R2 / (R2+R3)), while V1 rises more quickly and approaches Vmax. The ratio R2 / (R2+R3) can be selected based on noise level considerations, particularly to ensure a positive drive margin for the first comparator 316 throughout the time the electronic switch 166 is closed. This ensures that the output Voutput 322 of the first comparator 316 will be high impedance, as it is an open-collector or open-drain output. When the electronic switch 166 opens at time t2, the voltage VDC at capacitor 302 drops, and voltage V1 drops below V2. The first comparator 316 responds by driving its output Voutput 322 ON, which pulls down the voltage and begins to disconnect diode 304 in shunt switch 306. Shunt switch 306 responds by returning to its normally closed state.

[0145] refer to Figure 17 The second comparator circuit 314 includes a second comparator 324, and at its two input terminals 326 and 328.

[0146] The RC network is used at each point, but a diode 330 is added in one series branch. The first...

[0147] The positive input 326 receives a decayed version of VDC. More precisely, it receives the voltage given by VDC * (R6 / (R6+R5)). In some embodiments, a capacitor (not shown) may be provided across R6, as some filtering may be advantageous. The second negative input 328 of the second comparator 324 receives voltage V4, which rises slowly after VDC has risen. (See reference...) Figure 20 and Figure 21 They are Figure 17 The waveform diagram of the second comparator circuit 314 is shown below. The behavior of the second comparator circuit 314 is as follows. The rising waveform is formed by V4(t) = VDC maximum * (1 exp( The value of t / Tau3 is given, where Tau3 = C4 * R4. V4 asymptotically approaches the maximum VDC, hitting the maximum VDC * (R6 / (R6+R5)) at time t3 (given by t3 = Tau3 * ln(1 + R6 / R5)). Due to the delay of the feedback mechanism, voltage V4 will actually be higher than V3, causing the output V of the second comparator 324, output 332, to be pulled low. This causes diode 304 in shunt switch 306 to discharge and open, which in turn causes shunt switch 306 in SW1 to return to its normally closed state. The feedback mechanism is positive because the opening of diode 304 puts shunt 176 in a low-impedance state, causing diode 304 to open faster, since the low-impedance state of shunt 176 would damage the AC1 and AC2 terminals if electronic switch 166 is not closed. Reducing the voltage across AC1 and AC2 will decrease the output VDC of the full-wave bridge rectifier 300.

[0148] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process for activating a signaling device 168 connected to an A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 according to various aspects of this disclosure. At block B380, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130...

[0149] It draws power from an external power source. The external power source could be, for example, external power source 134, such as... Figure 3As shown. At box B382, power flows through the parallel-connected signaling device 168 and shunt 176, with shunt 176 in a low-impedance state. At box B384, the process determines whether the front button 148 has been pressed. If the front button 148 has not been pressed, the process returns to box B382. However, if the front button 148 has been pressed, the process proceeds to box B386. At box B386, electronic switch 166 closes, causing shunt 176 to switch to a high-impedance state, which in turn redirects power drawn from an external power source to flow through signaling device 168, causing signaling device 168 to emit an audible signal. Furthermore, when the front button 148 is pressed, the speaker 152 of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can emit an audible signal to warn anyone within the sound range of speaker 152 that a visitor has pressed the front button 148.

[0150] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the process for activating a signaling device 168 connected to an A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 according to various aspects of this disclosure. At block B350, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 draws power from an external power source. The external power source may be, for example, external power supply 134, such as... Figure 3 As shown. At box B352, power flows through the parallel signaling device 168 and shunt 176, with shunt 176 in a low-impedance state. At box B354, the process determines whether the front button 148 has been pressed. If the front button 148 has not been pressed, the process returns to box B352. However, if the front button 148 has been pressed, the process proceeds to box B356. Furthermore, when the front button 148 is pressed, the speaker 152 of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can emit an audible sound to warn anyone within the sound propagation range of the speaker 152 that a visitor has pressed the front button 148.

[0151] At box B356, the process determines whether the power in battery 142 is above a threshold. This determination helps ensure that the battery...

[0152] When the source manager 140 draws additional power from the battery 142, the battery 142 will not be completely depleted. This is because the power level in the battery 142 is low.

[0153] If the threshold is reached, the process returns to box B352. However, if the power in battery 142 is higher than the threshold, the process proceeds to box B352.

[0154] B358. At frame B358, electronic switch 166 is closed, thereby switching shunt 176 to a high-impedance state, which in turn redirects the power drawn from the external power source to flow through signaling device 168, which in turn causes signaling device 168 to emit a sound.

[0155] Also at box B358, the first timer is activated. For example, the first timer implementation can be carried out by processor 160.

[0156] Several advantages have been demonstrated. For example, the first timer enhances the A / V recording and communication capabilities of the doorbell 130 compared to existing doorbells of different types.

[0157] Compatibility of Signaling Device 168. Many existing signaling devices fall into two categories: electromechanical and electronic. Electromechanical signaling devices typically consist of a pair of metal tubes (or plates) tuned to different notes and acting as resonators when struck. A plunger strikes the tubes or plates rapidly and continuously, producing the "ding-dong" sound characteristic of many traditional doorbells. Conversely, electronic signaling devices typically include an audio speaker that functions as an electroacoustic transducer. In many cases, the speaker can play custom ringtones with varying durations.

[0158] During the initial setup of some embodiments of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 described herein, the duration of a first timer can be set according to the type of signaling device 168 it is paired with. The duration of the first timer is customizable. For example, if the doorbell 130 is paired with the mobile signaling device 168, the first timer can be set to a relatively short duration, such as 250 ms. The short duration of the first timer enables the mobile signaling device 168 to emit a distinctive "ding" sound.

[0159] The "thump" sound occurs because when electronic switch 166 is closed, the plunger of signaling device 168 strikes the first one in the metal tube (or plate).

[0160] When electronic switch 166 is turned off, it strikes the second metal tube (or plate). This is in response to the doorbell 130 and the telecommunications signaling device 168.

[0161] When paired, the duration of the first timer can be preset (it cannot be customized by the user). However, if the doorbell 130 is paired with the electronic signaling device 168, the first timer can be set to a relatively long duration, such as from 1 second to 10 seconds, and the duration of the first timer can be selected by the user. For example, if the user's electronic signaling device 168 plays a ringtone for approximately 3 seconds, the user can set the duration of the first timer to approximately 3 seconds.

[0162] During the initial setup of some embodiments of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 described herein, the user may be prompted to indicate which type of signaling device 168 the doorbell 130 will be paired with. If the user indicates that the signaling device 168 is electromechanical, the process may automatically set the duration of the first timer to a relatively short duration. However, if the user indicates that the signaling device 168 is electronic, the process may prompt the user to enter the desired duration of the first timer. In some embodiments, the process may prompt the user that the duration must be within a preset range.

[0163] At box B360, the procedure determines whether the first timer has expired. If the first timer has expired, then...

[0164] The process proceeds to box B364, which will be described below. However, if the first timer has not yet expired, the process proceeds to box B362. At box B362, the process determines whether a notification that a call to the user's client device has been answered has been received. If no notification that a call to the user's client device has been answered has been received, the process returns to box B360. However, if a notification that a call to the user's client device has been answered has been received, the process proceeds to box B364. At box B364, electronic switch 166 is deactivated, and a second timer is activated. The second timer, for example, which can be implemented by processor 160, prevents subsequent pressing of the front button 148 from closing electronic switch 166, thereby preventing visitors from repeatedly audibly emitting a sound from signaling device 168 (by rapidly pressing and repeatedly pressing the front button 148). The second timer also reserves time for recharging battery 142. The process then proceeds to box B366. At box B366, the process determines whether the front button 148 has been pressed. If the front button 148 is not pressed, the process returns to box B366. However, if the front button 148 has been pressed, the process proceeds to box B368. At box B368, the process determines whether the second timer has expired. If the second timer has not expired, the process returns to box B366. However, if the second timer has expired, the process returns to box B356.

[0165] In some implementations, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 of this document can detect a visitor (by detecting movement) before the visitor presses the front button 148. In this case, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can be similar to the one described above. Figure 2 box B202 The method described in B210 initiates a call to the user's client device. If the user answers the call on his or her client device before the visitor presses the front button 148 of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130, then as long as the visitor and

[0166] While a call between users is still in progress, the front button 148 can be blocked. That is, if a visitor presses the front button 148 while a call between the visitor and a user is in progress, the electronic switch 166 can be prevented from closing. However, if the visitor presses the front button 148 of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 before the user answers the call on his or her client device, the process can proceed according to the above regarding... Figure 23 The process described is as follows (starting from box B354).

[0167] Some of the embodiments described herein provide advantageous motion detection algorithms and techniques. For example, during the initial setup process, or at any time after the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 has been set up, the user can place the camera 154...

[0168] One or more regions within the field of view of 400 are designated as the region of interest for motion, also known as the "intrusion zone". (See reference) Figure 24 When configuring motion detection for camera 154, the configuration process can present a visual representation of the field of view 400 of camera 154 to the user. For example, an application running on the user's client device 800 (e.g., a smartphone) can display a live view of camera 154 from the user's A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 on the display 806 of the user's client device 800. Figure 25 The configuration process may prompt the user to specify one or more intrusion areas 402 by selecting an area on the display 806 of the user client device 800. For example, the user can draw one or more polygons 404, 406, 408 on the display 806 to specify the intrusion area 402. If the display 806 of the user client device 800 is a touchscreen, the user can specify the intrusion area 402 by drawing polygons 404, 406, 408 on the display 806 with his or her finger. The configuration process allows the user to specify an intrusion area 402 with any shape and / or number of sides. For example, the intrusion area 402 can be a regular polygon, such as... Figure 24 The square 404, rectangle 406, and hexagon 408 shown can be any other type of regular polygon, such as a circle, pentagon, octagon, decagon, etc., or any type of irregular polygon. The configuration process allows the user to specify any number of intrusion zones 402, such as one intrusion zone 402, two intrusion zones 402, three intrusion zones 402, etc. Once all desired intrusion zones 402 have been created, the configuration process can prompt the user to save the intrusion zones 402, which can then be accessed via the user's network 110 (…). Figure 1 The created intrusion zone 402 is sent from the user's client device 800 to a device on the network, such as server 900C. Figure 26), as well as the user's A / V records and communication doorbell 130.

[0169] After designating one or more intrusion zones 402, various embodiments of the motion detection algorithms and techniques described herein may include those intrusion zones 402. For example, a continuously powered camera 154 may continuously monitor motion within the field of view 400. However, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 may not begin recording video and / or streaming video to the user's client device 800 unless and until a moving target enters one of the intrusion zones 402. Recording and / or streaming may continue until the moving target exits the intrusion zone 402 it previously entered. Furthermore, if the moving target stops moving but remains within the intrusion zone 402, recording and / or streaming may continue while the target remains stationary within the intrusion zone 402. This aspect of the embodiments described herein provides an advantage over systems that rely on other types of motion sensors (e.g., passive IR sensors), which typically only detect moving targets and therefore typically do not record and / or stream stationary targets. Of course, the target can be a person.

[0170] Some embodiments of the present invention may incorporate motion detection algorithms and techniques that vary according to ambient light levels. Typically, video recorded during the day is of sufficient quality to detect moving targets of interest while correctly filtering out other unwanted and unnecessary moving targets (e.g., tree branches or flags swaying in the wind, sun glare, etc.). However, at night, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 activates the IR light source 156 to enhance the intensity of the incident light. However, the light intensity level may be affected by other light sources (e.g., porch lights, outdoor security lights, streetlights, and headlights of passing vehicles). These light sources are preferably filtered out to reduce false positives (also known as false alarms). Therefore, in order to accurately detect moving targets of interest while correctly filtering out other unwanted and unnecessary moving targets, the embodiments of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 of the present invention may use different motion detection algorithms for daytime and nighttime.

[0171] For example, as described above, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 may not start recording video and / or stream video.

[0172] The video is transmitted to the user's client device 800 unless and until a moving target enters one of the intrusion zones 402. However, during periods of low ambient light, such as after nightfall, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 may not begin recording video and / or streaming video to the user's client device 800 unless and until the moving target entering one of the intrusion zones 402 is a person. In some embodiments of this paper, the process for determining whether a moving target is a person compares the motion features of the moving target with a dataset. For example, in each frame, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 may detect target areas, extract features from those target areas, and then compare these features with trained features in the dataset. If the comparison score and confidence level are above a predetermined threshold, the algorithm returns a positive output regarding the detected target area (e.g., a person). Therefore, for example, during the day, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can begin recording video and / or streaming video to the user's client device 800 whenever any moving target enters one of the intrusion zones 402, but at night the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can only begin recording video and / or streaming video to the user's client device 800 when the moving target entering one of the intrusion zones 402 is a person.

[0173] Distinguishing between moving people and moving non-human targets at night can help reduce false positives, as motion detection at night can be affected by uneven lighting conditions. For example, at night, A / V recording and communication doorbells may interpret sudden changes in ambient light (such as a porch light being turned on) as motion. In the various embodiments described herein, these types of false positives are reduced by limiting recording and / or streaming video to the user's client device 800 to those cases where the detected target in the intrusion zone 402 is a person.

[0174] An example implementation of a technique for determining whether a detected target in intrusion zone 402 is a human is to track a moving target by tracking the centroid of each target and predicting the target's trajectory based on the observed motion of the centroids. In some implementations, the centroid of the detected region of arbitrary shape can be calculated as the average of multiple small centroid regions. For a finite number of small centroids, the total centroid can be calculated as:

[0175] The centroid of the finite set of k points x1, x2, ..., xk in Rn is

[0176] C = (x1 + x2 + ... + x k ) / k

[0177] By tracking the centroid of each moving target and predicting the target's trajectory based on the observed motion of the centroid, false alarms can be advantageously reduced. For example, a person moving within the field of view 400 of camera 154 typically follows a predictable trajectory. If this person moves in a first direction at a given moment, they are likely to move in the same direction at the next moment. In contrast, many targets moving within the field of view 400 of camera 154 follow trajectories that are very difficult to predict. For example, a tree branch swaying in a breeze follows a somewhat random trajectory, depending on the wind direction at any given moment. Therefore, by attempting to predict the trajectory of the centroid of a target moving within the field of view 400 of camera 154 and then determining whether the target actually follows the predicted trajectory, embodiments of this invention can make an educated guess about whether the tracked target is the target of interest (e.g., a person) or another target (e.g., a tree branch). Through this trajectory analysis, embodiments of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 of this invention can successfully distinguish between targets of interest and false alarms by combining trajectory analysis with the detection of other changes in each frame.

[0178] Some embodiments described herein provide advantageous night vision algorithms and techniques for determining when to activate and deactivate night vision mode. When night vision mode is activated, the IR light source 156 can be turned on (opened), the IR cutoff filter 158 can be turned off, and the camera 154 can switch from color mode to grayscale mode. Conversely, when night vision mode is deactivated, the IR light source 156 can be turned off, the IR cutoff filter 158 can be turned on, and the camera 154 can switch from grayscale mode to color mode.

[0179] In one example technique, some implementations of the night vision algorithm of this paper can measure the average brightness of pixels and the average standard deviation of pixels in each frame of video captured by camera 154. The average brightness and average standard deviation can then be tracked across frames by tracking the moving average of each value. If the moving average of both values ​​is below a first pair of thresholds, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can activate night vision mode. Conversely, if the moving average of both values ​​exceeds a second pair of thresholds, the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can deactivate night vision mode. For example, if the moving average of average brightness (AL) is below a first threshold (AL1) and the moving average of average standard deviation (ASD) is below a first threshold (ASD1), the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can activate night vision mode. Conversely, if the moving average of average brightness (AL) rises above a second threshold (AL2) and the moving average of average standard deviation (ASD) rises above a second threshold (ASD2), the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 can deactivate night vision mode. Using separate thresholds to activate and deactivate night vision mode helps prevent the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 from oscillating between night vision and non-night vision modes during periods of dimming light (e.g., dusk) and periods of brightening light (e.g., dawn).

[0180] In some implementations, when tracking moving averages of mean luminance (AL) and mean standard deviation (ASD),

[0181] Sudden changes in light conditions can be ignored. For example, when night vision mode is active (e.g., after nightfall), if a porch light is turned on near the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130, the average brightness and average standard deviation in the pixels will suddenly spike. However, since it is still after nightfall and the porch light may soon be turned off, it may be advantageous to keep night vision mode active. Therefore, some embodiments described herein may not account for these sudden changes in the values ​​AL and ASD in the moving averages of these values.

[0182] In some implementations, the proximity of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 to a large target or structure may affect whether night vision mode is activated or deactivated. For example, if the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 is located directly opposite a wall of a structure, most of the IR light generated by the IR light source 156 may be reflected back to the camera 154. Even under low ambient light conditions, this reflected IR light may deactivate the night vision mode of the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 because the IR light reflected into the camera 154 increases the average light intensity value. Conventional night vision algorithms based on frame intensity levels would result in the night vision mode being deactivated even when the current ambient light level is low. Therefore, some of the implementations herein can compensate for this situation by measuring how many pixels in the field of view 400 of the camera 154 are saturated. This process can then determine whether to keep the A / V recording and communication doorbell 130 in night vision mode by comparing the number of saturated pixels to a threshold. For example, if night vision mode is active and the number of saturated pixels is above a threshold, night vision mode may remain active even if the values ​​of AL and ASD exceed the second pair of thresholds (AL2, ASD2).

[0183] As described above, the various embodiments of this invention advantageously limit the power consumption of the A / V recording and communication doorbell to an amount below the threshold required for the signaling device to sound (except when the front button of the doorbell is pressed). Therefore, the A / V recording and communication doorbell of this invention can be connected to existing household AC power and existing signaling devices without causing unintentional sound from the signaling device.

[0184] The various embodiments described in this paper have several advantages in that they can be connected to existing household AC power supplies. For example, the A / V records described in this paper...

[0185] The camera in the communication doorbell can be continuously powered. In typical battery-powered A / V recording and communication doorbells, the camera is powered only for a portion of the time, so the battery doesn't run out too quickly. In contrast, the embodiments described herein do not rely on a battery as the primary (or sole) power source, thus enabling the camera to be continuously powered. Because the camera can be continuously powered, recording can continue indefinitely, and the recorded video can be continuously stored in a scrolling buffer or sliding window manner. In some embodiments, approximately 10 [unclear] videos can be continuously stored in a scrolling buffer or sliding window manner. The video recording lasts for 15 seconds. Furthermore, because the camera can be continuously powered, it can be used for motion detection, eliminating the need for a separate motion detection device such as a passive infrared sensor (PIR). Eliminating the PIR simplifies the design of A / V recording and communication doorbells, making the doorbell more compact. Additionally, since the camera can be continuously powered, it can be used as a light detector to control the current state of the infrared cutoff filter and toggle the infrared LEDs on and off. By using the camera as a light detector, the elimination of a separate light detector further simplifies the design of A / V recording and communication doorbells, making the doorbell more compact.

[0186] Figure 25 This is a functional block diagram of a client device 800 on which various embodiments of this document can be implemented according to various aspects of this disclosure. Reference Figure 1 The user's client device 114 described may include some or all of the components and / or functions of the client device 800. The client device 800 may include, for example, a smartphone.

[0187] refer to Figure 25 The client device 800 includes a processor 802, a memory 804, a user interface 806, and a communication module 808.

[0188] And data port 810. These components are communicatively coupled together via interconnect bus 812. Processor 802 may include any processor used in smartphones and / or portable computing devices, such as an ARM processor (a processor based on the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture, developed by Advanced RISC Machines (ARM)). In some embodiments, processor 802 may include one or more other processors, such as one or more conventional microprocessors, and / or one or more auxiliary coprocessors, such as a math coprocessor.

[0189] The memory 804 may include operational memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and data memory, for example...

[0190] Such as read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drive, flash memory, or any other suitable memory / storage element. Memory 804 may include removable storage elements such as CompactFlash cards, MultiMediaCard (MMC), and / or Secure Digital (SD) cards. In some embodiments, memory 804 may include a combination of magnetic, optical, and / or semiconductor memories, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory drives, and / or hard disk drives. Processor 802 and memory 804 may each reside, for example, entirely within a single device, or may be connected to each other via a communication medium (e.g., a USB port, serial port cable, coaxial cable, Ethernet cable, telephone line, RF transceiver, or other similar wireless or wired media, or combinations thereof). For example, processor 802 may be connected to memory 804 via data port 810.

[0191] User interface 806 may include any user interface or presentation element suitable for smartphones and / or portable computing devices, such as a keypad, display screen, touchscreen, microphone, and speaker. Communication module 808 is configured to handle communication links between client device 800 and other external devices or receivers, and to appropriately route input / output data. For example, inbound data from data port 810 may be routed through communication module 808 before being directed to processor 802, and outbound data from processor 802 may be routed through communication module 808 before being directed to data port 810. Communication module 808 may include one or more transceiver modules capable of sending and receiving data, and uses, for example, one or more protocols and / or technologies, such as GSM, UMTS (3GSM), IS... 95 (CDMA one), IS 2000 (CDMA2000), LTE, FDMA, TDMA, W CDMA, OFDMA, Wi Fi, WiMAX, or any other protocol and / or technology.

[0192] Data port 810 can be any type of connector for physical connection to a smartphone and / or portable computing device, such as a mini-USB port, an iPhone® / IPOD® 30-pin connector, or a Lightning® connector. In other embodiments, data port 810 may include multiple communication channels for simultaneous communication with, for example, other processors, servers, and / or client terminals.

[0193] Memory 804 may store instructions for communicating with other systems, such as a computer. Memory 804 may store programs (e.g., computer program code) suitable for directing processor 802 according to various embodiments herein. Instructions may also include program elements, such as an operating system. When the execution of a sequence of instructions in a program causes processor 802 to perform the processing steps described herein, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software / firmware instructions to implement the processes of the various embodiments herein. Therefore, the various embodiments herein are not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0194] Figure 26 This is a functional block diagram of a general computing system on which various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented according to various aspects of this disclosure. Computer system 900 can perform at least some of the above operations. Computer system 900 can embody...

[0195] In personal computers (also known as desktop computers) 900A, portable computers (also known as laptop computers or notebook computers)

[0196] At least one of a 900B computer and / or a 900C server. The server is waiting for requests from other machines or software (clients).

[0197] A server is a computer program and / or machine that receives and responds to requests from clients. Servers typically process data. The purpose of a server is to share data and / or hardware and / or software resources between clients. This architecture is called the client-server model. Clients can run on the same computer or connect to the server over a network. Examples of computing servers include database servers, file servers, mail servers, print servers, web servers, game servers, and application servers. The term "server" can be broadly interpreted to include any computerized process that shares resources with one or more client processes.

[0198] Computer system 900 may include at least one processor 910, memory 920, and at least one storage device 930.

[0199] Input / output (I / O) devices 940. Some or all of components 910, 920, 930, and 940 may be interconnected via system bus 950. Processor 910 may be single-threaded or multi-threaded and may have one or more cores. Processor 910 may execute instructions, such as those stored in memory 920 and / or storage device 930. One or more I / O devices 940 may be used to receive and output information.

[0200] Memory 920 can store information and can be a computer-readable medium, such as volatile or non-volatile memory.

[0201] Storage device 930 can provide storage for system 900 and can be a computer-readable medium. In various aspects, storage device 930 can be a flash memory device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a magnetic tape device, or any other type of storage device.

[0202] I / O device 940 can provide input / output operations for system 900. I / O device 940 may include a keyboard, pointing device, and / or microphone. I / O device 940 may also include a display unit for displaying a graphical user interface, speakers, and / or a printer. External data may be stored in one or more accessible external databases 960.

[0203] The features of the embodiments described herein can be implemented using digital electronic circuits, and / or computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. The features of the embodiments described herein can be tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., a machine).

[0204] The computer program product contained in a readable storage device and / or in a propagating signal is implemented to be executed by a programmable processor.

[0205] Each implementation of the method steps can be executed by a programmable processor that executes instructions to process the input data.

[0206] Operate and generate output to perform the functions described in the implementation.

[0207] The features of the embodiments described herein can be implemented by one or more computer programs executable on a programmable system, which includes at least one programmable processor coupled to receive and send data and / or instructions from and to a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The computer program may include a set of instructions that can be used directly or indirectly in the computer to perform a specific activity or produce a result. The computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

[0208] A suitable processor for executing instructions may include, for example, general-purpose and special-purpose processors of any type of computer, and / or a single processor or one of multiple processors. Typically, the processor may receive instructions and / or data from read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM) or both. Such a computer may include a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and / or data.

[0209] Typically, a computer may also include one or more mass storage devices for storing data files, or operatively coupled to communicate with such devices. Such devices include disks, such as internal hard disks and / or removable disks, magneto-optical disks and / or optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly representing computer program instructions and / or data may include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices, disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CDs. ROM and DVD ROM disk. The processor and memory may be supplemented or incorporated into one or more ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0210] To provide user interaction, the features of the various embodiments described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user. The computer may also include a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse or trackball, and / or a touchscreen through which the user can provide input to the computer.

[0211] The features of the various embodiments described herein can be implemented in computer systems that include back-end components (e.g., data servers) and / or middleware components (e.g., application servers or internet servers) and / or front-end components (e.g., client computers with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and / or internet browsers), or any combination of these components.

[0212] Currently, the components of the system can be interconnected via any form of medium or digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks may include, for example, LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), and / or computers and networks that form the Internet.

[0213] Computer systems may include clients and servers. Clients and servers can be geographically separated and interact over a network, as described herein. The client-server relationship is established by computer programs running on their respective computers that establish a client-server relationship between them.

[0214] The above description presents, in sufficient, clear, concise, and precise terminology, the best mode of practice intended for carrying out the various embodiments herein, as well as the manner and process of carrying out these embodiments, so that any person skilled in the art can implement them. However, the various embodiments herein allow for completely equivalent modifications and alternative constructions discussed above. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, the invention covers all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, steps in the processes described herein need not be performed in the same order as they are presented, but can be performed in any order. Furthermore, steps presented as being performed individually may be performed simultaneously in alternative embodiments. Similarly, steps presented as being performed simultaneously may be performed individually in alternative embodiments.

Claims

1. An audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system, comprising: A / V recording and communication doorbell, which includes a camera, speaker, microphone and button; as well as A shunt connected in parallel with a signaling device, wherein the shunt has a low impedance state and a high impedance state; An electronic switch, a power manager, and a rechargeable battery, wherein the power manager is configured to draw power from an external power source up to a threshold power level; in, The electronic switch is used to switch from an open state to a closed state when the button is pressed. When closed, power drawn from an external power source is applied to the shunt and the signaling device; The A / V recording and communication doorbell, when the shunt is in a low-impedance state, draw power from the external power source via the shunt. Drawing electricity; The shunt includes a bridge rectifier electrically coupled to a resistor electrically coupled to the shunt switch. The shunt operates in a high-impedance state when the shunt switch is in the open state, and when the shunt switch is in the closed state... The shunt operates in a low-impedance state during the specified state; and The shunt is configured to switch from a low-impedance state to an open state by closing the electronic switch. When switched to a high impedance state, the shunt diverts the power drawn from the external power source to flow through the signaling device, causing the signaling device to emit a sound. When the power manager determines that the power drawn from the external power source has reached the threshold power, the power manager causes the A / V recorder and communication doorbell to draw supplemental power from the rechargeable battery so that the power drawn from the external power source does not exceed the threshold power.

2. The audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system according to claim 1, wherein the signaling device is electromechanical or electronic.

3. The audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system according to claim 1, wherein the signaling device is external to the A / V recording and communication doorbell.

4. The audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell further includes a timer, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is further configured such that the timer is activated in response to the button being pressed and the electronic switch remains closed until the timer expires.

5. The audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the electronic switch is configured to disconnect when the A / V recording and communication doorbell receives a notification that a call to a user device has been answered.

6. The audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell further comprises a timer, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is further configured such that the timer is activated when the electronic switch is turned off, and prevents the electronic switch from being closed again before the timer expires.

7. The audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is further configured to send an alarm signal and a video signal to a network device in response to the button being pressed, the video signal representing an image captured by the camera.

8. The audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is further configured to compare the power level of the rechargeable battery with a threshold in response to the button being pressed.

9. The audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system of claim 8, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is further configured to close the electronic switch only when the power level of the rechargeable battery is equal to or greater than the threshold.

10. A method for an audio / video (A / V) recording and communication doorbell system, the A / V recording and communication doorbell including a camera, speaker, microphone, splitter, electronic switch, signaling device, power manager, rechargeable battery, and button, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell is connected to an external power source, the method comprising: The power manager of the A / V recording and communication doorbell receives power from the external power source up to a maximum of a threshold power. By closing the shunt switch of the shunt, which is connected in series with the resistor of the shunt, the shunt... In a low-impedance state, the shunt switch and the resistor are connected in parallel with the signaling device; as well as When the button is pressed, the electronic switch is closed to disconnect the shunt switch and switch the shunt to [the desired mode]. In a high-impedance state, when the shunt is in a high-impedance state, it redirects the power from the external power source to flow through the signaling device, causing the signaling device to emit a sound. When the power manager determines that the power drawn from the external power source has reached the threshold power, the power manager causes the A / V recorder and communication doorbell to draw supplemental power from the rechargeable battery so that the power drawn from the external power source does not exceed the threshold power.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the signaling device is electromechanical or electronic.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the signaling device is located outside the A / V record and communication doorbell. department.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell further comprises a timer, wherein... The method also includes: When the button is pressed, the timer is activated; as well as This keeps the electronic switch closed until the timer expires.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising at least in part based on the A / V record and the communication doorbell received. The electronic switch has been disconnected after a notification that a call to the user device has been answered.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the A / V recording and communication doorbell further comprises a timer, the method The law also includes: When the electronic switch is turned off, the timer is activated, preventing the electronic switch from expiring before the timer expires. The switch closed again.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising, in response to the button being pressed, sending an alarm signal and a video signal to a network device, the video signal representing an image captured by the camera.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising comparing the power level of the rechargeable battery with a threshold in response to the button being pressed.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising only when the power level of the rechargeable battery is equal to or The electronic switch is closed only when the value exceeds the threshold.

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