Door bell system

Abstract

To provide a door bell system that turns off the chime or reduces the volume while a user sleeps.SOLUTION: A door bell system includes a door bell 202, a door bell chime 302 configured to emit an alarm sound in response to receiving a visitor's presence from the door bell 202, and an electronic monitor 1000 including a sensor 1010 for determining whether a person is asleep or not. The door bell chime 302 and the electronic monitor 1000 are communicatively connected to a transceiver 301, and the door bell chime 302 is configured to adjust the alarm sound emitted by the door bell chime 302.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 260,508, entitled "DOORBELL CHIME SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed November 28, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 15 / 008,366, entitled "DOORBELL CHIME SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed January 27, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 15 / 008,304, entitled "DOORBELL PACKAGE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed January 27, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 15 / 167,831, entitled "DOORBELL PACKAGE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed May 27, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to doorbells. Certain embodiments relate to doorbell systems that detect parcels. [Background technology]

[0003] A doorbell may allow a person outside an entry point, such as a door, to alert a person inside the entry point that someone outside wants to speak to someone inside. A doorbell sometimes comprises a button placed near a door, such as a front door, side door, or back door of a residence, office, residential facility, warehouse, building, or structure. Doorbells are sometimes used near a gate or some other entrance to a partially enclosed area. Pressing the doorbell sometimes produces a chime or other warning sound.

[0004] Although the chime is located remotely relative to the doorbell, the doorbell chime may be communicatively coupled with the doorbell, for example, the doorbell may be coupled to an exterior surface of a building (e.g., near the front door) and the chime may be coupled to an interior surface of the building. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Delivery packages (e.g., parcels, envelopes) are often left at publicly accessible entrances to buildings. These delivery packages are sometimes stolen before the rightful owner can retrieve the delivery package. Thus, there is a need for a system to reduce the likelihood of delivery packages being stolen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In certain embodiments, the doorbell may include a communication system that allows the doorbell to communicate with other devices, such as a floor covering and a remote computing device. The floor covering may include a sensor for detecting whether a delivery package is on the floor covering. When a delivery package is placed on the floor covering, the floor covering may send a first communication to the doorbell. The doorbell may then send a second communication to a remote computing device (e.g., a smartphone) regarding the arrival of the delivery package.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the floor covering can also sense when the delivery package has been removed from the floor covering and can cause the floor covering to send a third communication to a doorbell, which can then send a removal alert to a remote computing device regarding the removal of the delivery package from the floor covering.

[0008] In some embodiments, the doorbell can send a photo of the delivery package arriving and a photo of the delivery package being removed. The doorbell and / or floor covering can also emit a light and / or a sound in response to the delivery package arriving and / or the delivery package being removed. The photos can be still photos and / or videos.

[0009] In certain embodiments, a delivery package detection system may include a doorbell having a first wireless communication system and a floor covering. The floor covering may be configured to be placed on a floor of a front door. The floor covering may include a sensor that may be configured to detect a first indication of a delivery package on the floor covering. The floor covering may be communicatively coupled to the doorbell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the delivery package detection system may further comprise a first communication sent from the floor covering to the doorbell. The first communication may be sent in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package. The system may further comprise a second communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the floor covering of the system may be a rug.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second communication may comprise a first photograph taken by the doorbell. The doorbell may be configured to send the first photograph to the remote computing device in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package. In certain embodiments, the first photograph displays the delivery package.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first instruction may relate to the arrival of a delivery package on a floor covering.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the system may further include a first alert regarding the delivery package. The first alert may be displayed on the remote computing device in response to the remote computing device receiving the second communication from the doorbell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system may further include a graphical user interface displayed on the remote computing device, the graphical user interface may be configured to display information regarding delivery packages and / or weather.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the system may further include a graphical user interface displayed on the remote computing device. The doorbell may include at least one light. The graphical user interface may be configured to enable changing of at least one setting of the doorbell light. In some embodiments, the setting may control a color of the light. In certain embodiments, the setting may control a brightness of the light. In some embodiments, the system may automatically change the setting in response to the floor covering detecting a first indication of a delivery package.

[0017] In certain embodiments of the system, the first communication may be a first wireless communication and the second communication may be a second wireless communication.

[0018] In some embodiments, the doorbell may include a power consumption rate that may be increased in response to the floor covering detecting a first indication of a delivery package.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the doorbell may include a camera that may be configured to take at least one photograph. The at least one photograph may be taken in response to the floor covering detecting a first indication of a delivery package.

[0020] In some embodiments of the system, the sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be configured such that placing the delivery package on the floor covering enables the pressure sensor to detect the first indication.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a camera electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell and the floor covering. The system may further comprise a video captured by the camera in response to the system detecting removal of the delivery package.

[0022] In some embodiments, the system may further include a first communication that may be sent from the floor covering to the doorbell. The first communication may be sent in response to the floor covering detecting the first instruction of the delivery package. The system may further include a second communication that may be sent from the doorbell to a remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a camera. The camera may be electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell and the floor covering. The system may further comprise a video. The video may be captured by the camera in response to the camera detecting an object entering a field of view of the camera during a period during which the system may determine that a delivery package may have been placed on the floor covering.

[0024] In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a motion detector and a camera. The motion detector and the camera may be electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell and the floor covering. The system may further comprise a video captured by the camera in response to the motion detector detecting the motion indication during the period during which the system determines that the delivery package is on the floor covering.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a first communication sent from the floor covering to the doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting the first instruction of the delivery package. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a second communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device. The second communication may be in response to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a second communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device. The second communication may be in response to the motion detector detecting the motion indication. The second communication may comprise a video.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first instruction may relate to removing the delivery package from the floor covering. The system may further comprise a first communication sent from the floor covering to the doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting the first instruction. The system may further comprise a second communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a camera. The camera may be electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell and the floor covering. The second communication may comprise a photograph taken by the camera within 5 seconds of the sensor detecting the first indication.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system may include a camera electrically coupled to a doorbell. The first communication may be sent from the floor covering to the doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting a first indication of the delivery package. The photograph may be taken by the camera of the doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting the removal of the delivery package from the floor covering.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a second communication that may be sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device. The second communication may be responsive to the floor covering detecting the removal of the delivery package from the floor covering. The second communication may comprise a photograph.

[0031] In some embodiments, the system may further include an audible alarm, which may be emitted from a doorbell in response to the system detecting the removal of the delivery package from the floor covering.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the system may further include at least one of a warning light and a warning sound that may be emitted from at least one of the doorbell and the floor covering. The at least one of the warning light and a warning sound may be emitted in response to the system detecting at least one of motion and an object entering a field of view of a camera of the doorbell. The at least one of the warning light and a warning sound may be in response to the system determining that a delivery package has been placed on the floor covering.

[0033] In some embodiments, the system may further include at least one of a warning light and a warning sound emitted from at least one of the doorbell and the floor covering. The at least one of the warning light and the warning sound may be responsive to the system detecting the removal of the delivery package from the floor covering. The warning may be emitted in response to the removal of the delivery package from the floor covering during a period during which the system determines that the remote computing device is not located within a predetermined distance of the doorbell, is not located within detection range of the doorbell, or both.

[0034] In some embodiments, the delivery parcel detection system may include a doorbell, a remote computing device, and a delivery parcel. The doorbell may have a first wireless communication system and a radio frequency identification reader. The remote computing device may be communicatively coupled with the doorbell via the first wireless communication system. The delivery parcel may have a radio frequency identification tag. The doorbell may be configured to detect the delivery parcel by the radio frequency identification reader reading the radio frequency identification tag of the delivery parcel. A first communication may be sent from the doorbell to a remote computer system in response to the doorbell detecting the delivery parcel. The remote computer system may include a database. The database may include information regarding the delivery parcel. A second communication may be sent from the remote computer system to the doorbell in response to the remote computer system receiving the first communication. The second communication may include information regarding the delivery parcel.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a third communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the second communication, the third communication comprising information. The third communication may comprise a time indicating when the doorbell first detected the delivery package. The system may further comprise a fourth communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the second communication. The fourth communication may comprise a first photograph taken by a camera of the doorbell. The first photograph may show the delivery package. The system may further comprise a fourth communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell detecting the delivery package. The fourth communication may comprise a first photograph taken by a camera of the doorbell. The first photograph may show the delivery package.

[0036] In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a first notification sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell detecting the radio frequency identification tag of the delivery package. The first notification may comprise a first photograph taken by the doorbell's camera in response to the doorbell detecting the radio frequency identification tag of the delivery package. The remote computing device may comprise a display screen. The system may further comprise at least a portion of the first photograph displayed on the display screen. The system may be configured to enable a user of the remote computing device to view the delivery package on the display screen in response to the first notification. The system may further comprise a second notification sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell determining that the radio frequency identification tag of the delivery package is no longer detected by the doorbell. The system may be configured to detect removal of the delivery package from a detection range of the doorbell's radio frequency identification reader. The second notification may comprise a second photograph taken by the doorbell's camera in response to the doorbell determining that the radio frequency identification tag of the delivery package is no longer detected by the doorbell. The system may further comprise a second notification sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell detecting the removal of the delivery package. The system may further comprise a second notification sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell detecting the removal of the delivery package by determining that the first signal of the radio frequency identification tag detected by the doorbell a first time, the second signal of the radio frequency identification tag detected by the doorbell a second time, and the second signal is weaker than the first signal. The second notification comprises a second picture taken by the doorbell's camera in response to the doorbell detecting the removal. The radio frequency identification tag may be a passive tag. The radio frequency identification tag may be an active tag. The doorbell may be configured to detect the delivery package by a radio frequency identification reader reading the passive radio frequency identification tag of the delivery package.The doorbell may be configured to detect the delivery package by a radio frequency identification reader reading the active radio frequency identification tag of the delivery package.

[0037] In some embodiments, the delivery parcel detection system may include a doorbell, a remote computing device, and a delivery parcel. The doorbell may have a first wireless communication system and a radio frequency identification reader. The delivery parcel may have a radio frequency identification tag. Certain embodiments may include a method of using the delivery parcel detection system. The method may include detecting the delivery parcel by the doorbell and sending a notification to a user by the doorbell. Detecting the delivery parcel by the doorbell may include reading a radio frequency identification tag of the delivery parcel by the radio frequency identification reader. The method may further include sending a notification to a sender by the doorbell. The method may further include receiving information related to the delivery parcel from the sender by the doorbell system. The notification to the user may include information related to the delivery parcel. The information related to the delivery parcel may include at least a description of the contents. Detecting the delivery parcel by the doorbell may further include the delivery parcel entering RFID reading distance of the doorbell. The method may further include detecting by the doorbell that the delivery parcel has been removed. The method may further include sending a notification to a user by the doorbell in response to the doorbell detecting that the delivery package has been removed.The method may further include taking a picture by the doorbell in response to the doorbell detecting that the delivery package has been removed.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method may include using a doorbell chime system. The doorbell chime system may include an electronic monitor and a transceiver. The method may include detecting by the electronic monitor that the person is sleeping and receiving by the transceiver a first signal in response to the electronic monitor detecting that the person is sleeping. The method may include modifying a notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime in response to the electronic monitor detecting that the person is sleeping.

[0039] Certain embodiments may include detecting, by an electronic monitor, that the person is awake and receiving, by the transceiver, a second signal in response to the electronic monitor detecting that the person is awake. The method may include modifying a notification sound emitted by a doorbell chime in response to detecting by the electronic monitor that the person is awake. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may include increasing a volume of the notification sound. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may comprise enabling the notification sound. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may comprise decreasing a volume of the notification sound. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may comprise blocking the notification sound.

[0040] Certain embodiments may include one or more of the following features: The transceiver may be a doorbell chime, a doorbell, or a communications hub. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may comprise: sending by the doorbell a modification signal to the doorbell chime in response to the doorbell receiving the first signal, and blocking by the doorbell chime the notification sound in response to receiving the modification signal. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may comprise: sending by the communications hub a modification signal to the doorbell chime in response to the communications hub receiving the first signal, and blocking by the doorbell chime the notification sound in response to receiving the modification signal. The electronic monitor may be a camera, an activity tracker, a motion detector, or an under-mattress monitor.

[0041] In some embodiments, the doorbell system may include a doorbell chime configured to emit a notification sound in response to receiving a visitor indication from the doorbell and a sleep detection system having a sensor configured to determine if a person is asleep. The doorbell, the doorbell chime, and the sleep detection system may be communicatively coupled such that the doorbell system may be configured to modify the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime in response to the sleep detection system determining that the person is asleep.

[0042] Certain embodiments may include one or more of the following features: The doorbell chime system may include a communications hub. The doorbell, the doorbell chime, and the sleep detection system may be communicatively coupled to the communications hub. The doorbell system may be configured to modify a notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime in response to the sleep detection system determining that the person is awake.

[0043] Certain embodiments may include a doorbell chime configured to emit a notification sound in response to receiving a visitor instruction from the doorbell, and a sleep detection system. The sleep detection system may have a sensor configured to determine whether a person is asleep. The doorbell chime and the sleep detection system may be communicatively coupled to the transceiver such that the doorbell system is configured to modify the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime in response to the sleep detection system determining that the person is asleep.

[0044] Certain embodiments may include one or more of the following features: The doorbell system may be configured to modify a notification sound emitted by a doorbell chime in response to the sleep detection system determining that the person is awake. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may include enabling the notification sound or increasing a volume of the notification sound. The transceiver may be a communications hub, a doorbell, or a doorbell chime, among others. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may include blocking the notification sound or decreasing a volume of the notification sound.

[0045] A method for using a doorbell chime system may include detecting by an electronic monitor that a person is sleeping, receiving a first signal by the doorbell chime in response to the electronic monitor detecting that the person is sleeping, and preventing the doorbell chime from emitting a first notification sound in response to the electronic monitor detecting that the person is sleeping.

[0046] Certain embodiments include decreasing the volume of the chime in response to detecting an indication by the sleep detection system that the person is asleep. Some embodiments include decreasing the volume of the chime in response to detecting an indication by the sleep detection system that the person is in a sleep area, such as a bed or crib.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the sleep detection system communicates directly with the chime via wireless communications. In some embodiments, the chime receives a signal from another device (e.g., a hub, a doorbell) in response to the other device receiving a signal from the sleep detection system. The sleep detection system can send a signal to the other device in response to detecting an indication that a person is asleep.

[0048] The chime may receive a second signal to allow the chime to emit a notification sound and / or increase the volume of the notification sound in response to the sleep detection system detecting that the person is no longer sleeping (e.g., the person is no longer in the sleep area and / or is no longer showing signs of sleep).

[0049] These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not limit, the invention, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding features consistently throughout like embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a communication system according to certain embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a computing device that executes software in accordance with certain embodiments. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram of a number of computing devices and a doorbell, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the doorbell without the back cover to show various components of the doorbell's electrical system, according to certain embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages using a floor covering, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages using a floor covering, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within a detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within a detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within a detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within a detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within a detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a doorbell chime according to certain embodiments. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the chime without the back cover to show various components of the chime's electrical system, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a doorbell chime according to certain embodiments. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a doorbell chime coupled to a power outlet, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell chime system according to certain embodiments. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell chime system according to certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, the subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the claims appended hereto are not limited by any of the specific embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the activities or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Although various operations may be described in sequence as multiple separate operations in a manner that may aid in understanding a particular embodiment, the order of description should not be construed as implying that these operations are order dependent. In addition, structures, systems, and / or devices described herein may be implemented as integrated or separate components.

[0052] For purposes of comparison of various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of those embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be practiced in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0053] System embodiment A communication system can provide a secure and convenient way for a remotely located person to communicate with a person approaching a sensor, such as a proximity sensor or motion sensor, or with a person ringing a doorbell, which may be located at the doorway, near the entrance, or within 15 feet of the door. Some communication systems allow a person to hear, see, and talk to a visitor who approaches at least a portion of the communication system and / or presses a button, such as a doorbell button. For example, a communication system may allow a remotely located person to see, hear, and / or talk to a visitor using a computing device. Computing devices may include computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, smartphones, mobile phones, and wireless devices (e.g., cars with wireless communications). Exemplary computing devices include the iPhone®, iPad®, iMac®, MacBook Air®, and MacBook Pro® made by Apple Inc. Communication between the remotely located person and the visitor may occur via the Internet, cellular networks, telecommunications networks, and wireless networks.

[0054] 1, the doorbell 202 can record video and audio that can then be sent to the remote computing device 204. The remote computing device 204 displays the video and plays the audio from the doorbell 202, allowing the user of the remote computing device 204 to see and hear the visitor. For example, when the doorbell 202 detects a visitor (e.g., the motion sensor 218 detects the visitor or the visitor presses the button 212), the doorbell 202 can send a push notification to the remote computing device 204. The user of the remote computing device 204 can then see and hear the visitor.

[0055] A user of the remote computing device 204 can select a button in application software executing on the remote computing device 204 to initiate two-way audio and / or video communication with the visitor. In certain embodiments, the user can see and hear the visitor, and the visitor can hear (but not see) the user. In some embodiments, the user can hear (but not see) the visitor. In certain embodiments, the user and visitor can both see and hear each other (e.g., the doorbell 202 may include a display screen for showing live video captured by a camera on the remote computing device 204).

[0056] The doorbell system may be part of a smart residence hub. In certain embodiments, the doorbell system 200 forms the core of the smart residence hub. For example, the various systems described herein enable complete home automation. In certain embodiments, the doorbell 202 controls various appliances in the residence (e.g., lights, air conditioner, heater, motion sensor, garage door opener, locks, television, computer, entertainment system, pool monitor, elderly monitor). In certain embodiments, the computing device 204 controls the doorbell 202 and other appliances in the residence (e.g., lights, air conditioner, heater, motion sensor, garage door opener, locks, television, computer, entertainment system, pool monitor, elderly monitor).

[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a communication system embodiment. The doorbell system 200 may include a doorbell 202 (e.g., a security system) and a computing device 204. While the illustrated doorbell 202 includes multiple components in one housing, some doorbell embodiments include components in separate housings. The doorbell 202 may include a camera component 208 and a doorbell button 212. The camera component 208 may include a video camera, which in certain embodiments is a webcam. The doorbell 202 may include a diagnostic light 216 and a power indicator light 220. In certain embodiments, the diagnostic light 216 is a first color (e.g., blue) when the doorbell 202 and / or doorbell system 200 are connected to a wireless Internet network and is a second color (e.g., red) when the doorbell 202 and / or doorbell system 200 are not connected to a wireless Internet network. In certain embodiments, the power indicator light 220 is a first color when the doorbell 202 is connected to a power source. Power may be provided by the building in which the doorbell 202 is installed. In some embodiments, when the doorbell 202 is not connected to a power source, the powered indicator light 220 is a second color or does not emit light.

[0058] The doorbell 202 may include an exterior housing 224, which may be water resistant and / or waterproof. The exterior housing may be made of metal or plastic, such as molded plastic having a hardness of 60 Shore D. In certain embodiments, the exterior housing 224 is made of brushed nickel or aluminum.

[0059] A rubber gasket may be used to make the exterior housing 224 water resistant or waterproof. The doorbell 202 may be electrically coupled to a power source, such as a wire electrically connected to a building's power system. In certain embodiments, the doorbell 202 includes a battery for backup and / or primary power.

[0060] Wireless communications 230 may enable the doorbell 202 to communicate with the computing device 204. Certain embodiments enable communications over a cellular network and / or a wireless local area network ("WiFi"). Certain embodiments enable communications over the Internet. Certain embodiments enable wired communications between the doorbell 202 and the computing device 204. Wireless communications 230 may comprise the following communications means: radio, WiFi, cellular, Internet, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, telecommunications, electromagnetic, infrared, optical, sonic, and microwave. Other communications means are used by certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, such as those including telecommunications or cellular communications means, the doorbell 202 may initiate a voice call or send a text message to the computing device 204 (e.g., a smartphone, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer).

[0061] Certain embodiments use near field communication ("NFC") to communicate between the computing device 204 and the doorbell 202. The doorbell 202 and / or the computing device 204 may include an NFC tag. Some NFC technologies include Bluetooth®, Radio Frequency Identification, and Quick Response Code ("QR Code®").

[0062] Certain embodiments include computer software (e.g., application software), which may be a mobile application designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers, and other mobile devices. This type of software is sometimes referred to as "app" software. Certain embodiments include software designed to run on desktop and laptop computers.

[0063] The computing device 204 can execute software with a graphical user interface. The user interface may include icons or buttons. In certain embodiments, the software is configured for use with a touchscreen computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0064] 2 illustrates a computing device 204 executing software. The software includes a user interface 240 displayed on a display screen 242. The user interface 240 may include a doorbell indicator 244 that may indicate the location of the doorbell that the user interface is displaying. For example, a person may use one computing device 204 to control and / or interact with multiple doorbells, such as one doorbell at the front door and another at the back door. Selection of the doorbell indicator 244 may allow the user to select a different doorbell (e.g., the doorbell at the back door rather than the one at the front door).

[0065] The user interface 240 may include a connectivity indicator 248. In certain embodiments, the connectivity indicator 248 may indicate whether the computing device is in communication with the doorbell, the Internet, and / or a cellular network. The connectivity indicator 248 may alert a user if the computing device 204 loses connection with the doorbell 202, if the doorbell 202 is damaged, if the doorbell 202 is stolen, if the doorbell 202 is removed from its mounting location, if the doorbell 202 loses power, and / or if the computing device 204 is unable to communicate with the doorbell 202. In certain embodiments, the connectivity indicator 248 notifies the user of the computing device 204 by flashing, emitting a sound, displaying a message, and / or displaying a symbol.

[0066] 1, in certain embodiments, if the doorbell 202 loses power, loses connection to the computing device 204, loses connection to the Internet, and / or loses connection to the remote server, the remote server 206 sends an alert 232 (e.g., a call, a text message, an image on the user interface 240) regarding the power and / or connectivity problem. In some embodiments, the remote server 206 can manage the communication between the doorbell 202 and the computing device 204. In some embodiments, information from the doorbell 202 is stored by the remote server 206. In some embodiments, information from the doorbell 202 is stored by the remote server 206 until the information can be sent to the computing device 204, uploaded to the computing device 204, and / or displayed to a remotely located person via the computing device 204. The remote server 206 may be a computing device that stores information from the doorbell 202 and / or from the computing device 204. In some embodiments, the remote server 206 is in a data center.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the computing device 204 and / or remote server 206 attempt to communicate with the doorbell 202. If the computing device 204 and / or remote server 206 is unable to communicate with the doorbell 202, the computing device 204 and / or remote server 206 alerts a remotely located person via software, phone call, text, displayed message, and / or website. In certain embodiments, the computing device 204 and / or remote server 206 attempt to communicate with the doorbell 202 periodically, at least every 5 hours and / or less than every 10 minutes, at least every 24 hours and / or less than every 60 minutes, or at least every hour and / or less than every second.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the server 206 may initiate communications with the computing device 204 and / or with the doorbell 202. In some embodiments, the server 206 may initiate, control, and / or prevent communications between the computing device 204 and the doorbell 202.

[0069] In some embodiments, a user can log into an “app,” website, and / or software on a computing device (e.g., a mobile computing device, a smartphone, a tablet, a desktop computer) to adjust the doorbell settings discussed herein.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the computing device may enable a user to view live video and / or listen to live audio from the doorbell upon user request rather than by visitor activity. Certain embodiments include the computing device initiating a live video feed (or a video feed that is less than five minutes old).

[0071] 1 and 2 , in certain embodiments, user interface 240 displays images 252, such as still images or videos, of the area near and / or in front of doorbell 202. Images 252 may be taken by camera component 208 and stored by doorbell 202, server 206, and / or computing device 204. User interface 240 may include a record button 256 to enable a user to record images, video, and / or sound from camera component 208, a microphone of doorbell 202, and / or a microphone of computing device 204.

[0072] In some embodiments, the user interface 240 includes a photo button 260 to allow a user to take still photos and / or videos of the area near and / or in front of the doorbell 202. The user interface 240 may also include a sound adjustment button 264 and a mute button 268. The user interface 240 may include camera control buttons such as zoom, pan, and light adjustment buttons. In certain embodiments, the camera component 208 automatically adjusts between day and night modes. Certain embodiments include an infrared camera and / or infrared lights to illuminate the area near the doorbell 202 to allow the camera component 208 to provide sufficient visibility (even at night).

[0073] In certain embodiments, the buttons include a variety of means for selecting different options, features, and functions. Buttons can be selected by mouse clicks, keyboard commands, and by touching a touch screen. Many embodiments include buttons that can be selected without a touch screen.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the user interface 240 includes a quality selection button 272 that may allow a user to select the quality and / or amount of data transmitted from the doorbell 202 to the computing device 204 and / or from the computing device 204 to the doorbell 202.

[0075] In certain embodiments, videos may be sent to and / or received from computing device 204 using video chat protocols such as FaceTime® (by Apple Inc.) or Skype® (by Microsoft Inc.). In certain embodiments, these videos are played by a video conferencing app on computing device 204 instead of being played by user interface 240.

[0076] The user interface 240 may include an end button 276 for terminating communication between the doorbell 202 and the computing device 204. In certain embodiments, the end button 276 terminates the ability of a person (i.e., a visitor) in the vicinity of the doorbell 202 to hear and / or see the user of the computing device 204, but does not terminate the ability of the user of the computing device 204 to hear and / or see a person in the vicinity of the doorbell 202.

[0077] In some embodiments, the button 276 is both an answer button (to accept a communication request from a visitor) and an end button (to end communication between the doorbell 202 and the computing device 204). The button 276 may include the word "answer" when the system is attempting to establish two-way communication between the visitor and a user. Pressing the button 276 when the system is attempting to establish two-way communication between the visitor and a user may begin two-way communication. The button 276 may include the word "end call" during two-way communication between the visitor and a user. Pressing the button 276 during two-way communication between the visitor and a user may end two-way communication. In some embodiments, the end of two-way communication still allows the user to see and hear the visitor. In some embodiments, the end of two-way communication causes the computing device 204 to stop displaying video from the doorbell and to stop playing sounds recorded by the doorbell.

[0078] In certain embodiments, as soon as the doorbell detects a visitor (e.g., senses a visitor's instruction), the user interface 240 opens. In some embodiments, after the user interface 240 opens, the user can see and / or hear the visitor even before "answering" or otherwise accepting two-way communication.

[0079] Some method embodiments include detecting a visitor at a doorbell. The method may include causing a user interface to be displayed on the remote computing device 204 upon detection of the visitor (e.g., with or without user interaction). The method may include showing video from the doorbell and / or audio from the doorbell before the user accepts two-way communication with the visitor. The method may include showing video from the doorbell and / or audio from the doorbell before the user accepts the visitor's communication request. The method may include the computing device simultaneously asking the user if the user wants to accept (e.g., respond to) the communication request and displaying audio and / or video of the visitor. For example, in certain embodiments, the user may see and hear the visitor via the doorbell before opening a means of two-way communication with the visitor.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the software includes means for initiating a video feed on demand. For example, a user of a computing device may want to know what is happening near the doorbell 202. The user can open a software application on the computing device 204 and instruct the application to show live video and / or audio from the security device 202, even if an event near the doorbell 202 does not trigger a communication.

[0081] In some embodiments, the security device 202 may be configured to record when the security device 202 detects the movement and / or presence of a person. A user of the computing device 204 can later review all video and / or audio recordings from the time the security device 202 detected the movement and / or presence of a person.

[0082] 1, in certain embodiments, the server 206 controls communications between the computing device 204 and the doorbell 202, which may be a doorbell with a camera, microphone, and speaker. In some embodiments, the server 206 does not control communications between the computing device 204 and the doorbell 202.

[0083] In certain embodiments, data captured by the doorbell and / or computing device 204 (such as video, photos, and audio) is stored by another remote device, such as server 206. Cloud storage, enterprise storage, and / or networked enterprise storage may be used to store video, photos, and / or audio from the doorbell system 200 or from any part of the doorbell system 200. A user may download and / or stream the stored data and / or stored video, photos, and / or audio. For example, a user may record visitors for a year and then later review conversations with visitors from the past year. In certain embodiments, the remote storage, server 206, computing device 204, and / or doorbell 202 may store information and statistics about visitors and usage.

[0084] 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a doorbell 202 is connected to a building 300 that may include a front door 310 having a door 254. A visitor 388 may approach the doorbell 202 and then be detected by the doorbell 202. The visitor 388 may press the doorbell button 212. A user of the doorbell 202 may configure the doorbell 202 such that when the visitor 388 presses the doorbell button 212, the user receives a notification about the visitor 388.

[0085] The electrical wire 304 may electrically couple the doorbell 202 to an electrical system 312 of the building 300 such that the doorbell 202 can receive power from the building 300. The building may include a door lock 250 for locking the door 254.

[0086] The wireless network 308 may enable devices to wirelessly access the Internet. The doorbell 202 may access the Internet via the wireless network 308. The wireless network 308 may transmit data from the doorbell 202 to the Internet. The Internet may transmit data to the remotely located computing device 204. The Internet and the wireless network may transmit data from the remotely located computing device 204 to the doorbell 202. In some embodiments, the doorbell 202 connects to the residence's WiFi.

[0087] 3, multiple computing devices 204 may communicate with one doorbell 202. In some embodiments, one computing device 204 (e.g., a laptop, a smartphone, a mobile computing device, a television) may communicate with multiple doorbells 202.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the doorbell 202 can communicate (e.g., wireless communication 230) with a television 306, which may be a smart television. A user can watch the television 306 to see and / or talk to the visitor.

[0089] 4 shows an interior view of the doorbell 202. The doorbell 202 may include a chip 480 (e.g., integrated circuit, microprocessor, computer) and memory 492. The doorbell 202 may also include a microphone 484 and a speaker 488. The speaker 488 may comprise a planar speaker and an acoustic chamber 460 configured to amplify the emitted sound. The planar speaker may be placed within the acoustic chamber. Some doorbell embodiments include a proximity sensor 500. In some embodiments, the doorbell 202 includes a wireless communication module 504, such as a WiFi module. The communication module 504 may have an integrated antenna. In certain embodiments, the antenna is included within the exterior housing 224.

[0090] The doorbell 202 may include one or more heating elements 508 configured to regulate the temperature of the doorbell 202. For example, the doorbell 202 may be used in very cold environments, such as in Alaska. The heating elements 508 may be used in a variety of ways to protect temperature sensitive parts of the doorbell 202 from the cold weather.

[0091] While protecting the doorbell 202 from cold weather can be important in certain embodiments, protecting visitors from excessive heat can also be important in certain embodiments. Because visitors "ring" the doorbell (e.g., by pressing the doorbell button 212 shown in FIG. 1), excessive heat could burn the visitor. The doorbell 202 can include a thermometer 512 to enable the system to determine the temperature inside a portion of the doorbell 202 and / or outside the doorbell 202.

[0092] Some embodiments may be configured for 9 to 40 volts alternating current ("VAC") and / or 9 to 40 volts direct current ("VDC"). Certain embodiments convert the input electricity to direct current ("DC"), such as 12 VDC. Some embodiments include a converter 494 for power conversion (e.g., converting electrical energy from one thing to another). The converter 494 can convert the input power (e.g., from wiring in a building) to an appropriate power format for the doorbell 202. The power conversion can convert between AC and DC, change the voltage, and / or change the frequency. The converter 494 can include a transformer and / or a voltage regulator. In some embodiments, the converter 494 can include a voltage stabilizer, a linear regulator, a surge protector, a rectifier, a power supply unit, a switch, an inverter, and / or a voltage converter. In certain embodiments, the converter 494 converts 50 Hertz ("Hz") power to 60 Hz power.

[0093] The electrical components of the doorbell 202 (e.g., camera component 208, memory 492, chip 480, speaker 488, converter 494, microphone 484, light 458, rectifier, proximity sensor 500, communications module 504, heating element 508, electrical connector 510, thermometer 512, image analysis system 520, and battery 462) may be electrically coupled to a printed circuit board ("PCB") 516 and may receive power from the PCB 516.

[0094] The PCB 516 and the electrical components of the doorbell 202 may be the electrical system 456 of the doorbell 202. Further details regarding the PCB 516 and the electrical components of the doorbell 202 are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 612,376, entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed Feb. 3, 2015. The entire contents of patent application Ser. No. 14 / 612,376 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] The doorbell 202 may include a detection system 528. The doorbell 202 may be configured to alert a user to the presence of a visitor 388, for example, by ringing the chime 302.

[0096] Certain embodiments are described in relation to devices and systems, however, the device and system embodiments may also be produced as methods. The devices and systems described herein may be applied to the methods, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0097] Although certain embodiments are described in the context of methods, method embodiments may also be produced as devices and systems. The methods described herein may be applied to the devices and systems, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] Doorbell Parcel Detection Embodiment Millions of packages are delivered every week. Often, these packages are delivered during working hours when the homeowner is at work. When a package is too large to fit through a mailbox, mail carriers and other delivery personnel often leave the package on the doorstep of the residence or even in the common areas of an apartment building.

[0099] These packages can be left unattended for long periods of time. Thieves see abandoned packages as an easy target and often drive around neighborhoods looking for abandoned packages. The thief will jump out of the car, steal the package, and then drive away within seconds. With more shopping done online and the resulting increase in package deliveries, package theft has become a growing problem. To date, little has been done to combat package theft.

[0100] The embodiments described herein include a high-tech floor covering (e.g., a rug) that can wirelessly communicate with a smart doorbell. The floor covering may include sensors, such as pressure sensors and optical sensors, to detect when a package (e.g., a parcel, an envelope) is placed on the floor covering.

[0101] The floor covering can "wake up" the smart doorbell by sending a wireless communication (e.g., via Bluetooth Low Energy) to the doorbell. The doorbell can then send an alert to a remote computing device (e.g., a smartphone) to alert the user regarding the arrival or removal of a delivery package.

[0102] If the doorbell's motion sensors and / or cameras detect a visitor when the delivery package is placed on the floor covering, the doorbell can begin recording video. If the visitor takes the delivery package, then the video will record footage of who took the delivery package. If the system senses that the visitor has removed the delivery package from the floor covering, the system can send an alert (e.g., a push notification) to a remote computing device. This alert can include the video.

[0103] The system can recognize when a delivery package has arrived via image recognition. The system can create a security zone around the delivery package. When a visitor enters the security zone, the system can send an alert to a remote computing device and / or emit lights and sounds (e.g., from a doorbell, from a floor covering). This security zone can be part of the camera's field of view.

[0104] 5 shows a diagram of a delivery package detection system 200. A doorbell 202 is mounted on the outside of a building 300 (e.g., at the front door 310 near the door 254). The doorbell 202 may include a camera component 208 and a motion detector 218. The camera component 208 and the motion detector 218 can detect when a visitor 388 approaches the doorbell 202. This configuration allows the doorbell 202 to monitor delivery packages 241 that may be placed at the front door 310.

[0105] The floor covering 235 can communicate with (e.g., send information to) the doorbell 202. In certain embodiments, the floor covering 235 is communicatively coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to a wireless network 308 (e.g., of the building 300). The doorbell 202 can be communicatively coupled to the same wireless network 308 as the floor covering 235.

[0106] In some embodiments, the floor covering 235 communicates directly (via wires or wirelessly) with the doorbell 202. For example, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, radio waves, and / or any suitable short-range communication system or protocol may be used by the communication system 504b of the floor covering 235 to enable the floor covering 235 to communicate with the doorbell 202.

[0107] The doorbell 202 can communicate with a remote computing device 204, which can be located inside the building 300, outside the building 300, or miles away from the building 300. The doorbell 202 can be communicatively coupled to the remote computing device 204 via a wireless network 308, the Internet, a cellular network, a telecommunications network, a server 206, and / or any other suitable system.

[0108] The delivery package 241 is placed on the floor covering 235, which may be a rug. As used herein, the term "delivery package" is used broadly and may mean a box or envelope that is typically given, sent, or delivered to a person. For example, a postal carrier, a FedEx delivery person, and any suitable delivery service may place a delivery package 241 near the building 300. In some cases, a friend or neighbor places a delivery package 241 near the building 300 (e.g., on the floor covering 235). The delivery package 241 may be a large box, a small box, a specially shaped parcel, a large envelope, a small envelope, and / or any object placed on the floor covering 235.

[0109] In this specification, the term "floor covering" is used broadly. A floor covering is configured to be placed on the ground. A floor covering may be a rug. A rug may have a length and width that is more than 10 times its thickness measured vertically upward when the rug is placed on the ground. In some embodiments, the rug may be used to wipe dirty shoe soles, but not all rugs are used for wiping shoe soles. For example, a rug may be specially designed so that a delivery person can place a package on the rug. The rug may be made of fabric or may be formed of plastic.

[0110] In FIG. 5, the floor covering 235 is placed directly in front of the door 254, however, in some embodiments, the floor covering 235 is placed on the ground next to the door 254 to discourage visitors 388 from stepping on the floor covering 235.

[0111] The floor covering 235 may include sensors 239 to detect whether a delivery package 241 is on the floor covering 235. In certain embodiments, these sensors 239 are pressure sensors.

[0112] The pressure sensor can be thin and flexible. Tekscan, Inc., with offices in South Boston, Massachusetts, makes high resolution pressure sensors that can be incorporated into the floor covering 235. The nature of Tekscan's pressure sensors allows the system 200 to detect the footprint and weight of the delivery package 241. This information can be compared to a database of packages expected to be delivered to the address where the floor covering 235 is placed. This comparison allows the system 200 to determine which expected packages have a footprint and / or weight indicative of a package 239 being placed on the floor covering 235. The communication 230b to the remote computing device 204 can then include information regarding the contents of the package 241.

[0113] Digi-Key Corporation, with offices in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, sells numerous types of pressure sensors that can be incorporated into floor covering 235. Digi-Key sells Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. pressure sensors that can be attached to the PCB of floor covering 235. Digi-Key also sells STMicroelectronics NV pressure sensors that can be attached to the surface of floor covering 235.

[0114] In some embodiments, the floor covering 235 includes a sensor 239 that is an optical sensor. For example, the optical sensor may include a light-emitting diode ("LED") that emits light upward (away from the ground). The optical sensor may also include a light sensor configured to detect light from the LED. The optical sensor may face upward. If an object is not placed on the floor covering 235, the light from the LED simply continues upward and is not sensed by the light sensor. If an object is placed on the floor covering 235, the light from the LED may reflect off the object, causing the light to be redirected back toward the light sensor. As a result, the light sensor can detect the object (e.g., a delivery package).

[0115] The light sensor may be placed in the same upward facing hole as the LED such that the light sensor is configured to detect light emitted from the LED when a delivery package covers the hole and refracts the light emitted from the LED towards the light sensor. The light sensor may be configured to detect only the particular type of light emitted by the LED so that the sensor system does not confuse the presence or absence of sunlight with the presence or removal of a delivery package.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 5, the delivery package detection system 200 may include a doorbell 202 (shown in FIG. 4) having a first wireless communication system 504 and a floor covering 235 configured to be placed on the ground (e.g., a floor at a front door). The floor covering 235 may include a sensor 239 configured to detect a first indication of a delivery package 124 on the floor covering 235. The floor covering 235 is communicatively coupled (e.g., via a wire or wirelessly) to the doorbell 202. The doorbell 202 may be mounted on a wall of the building 300, while the floor covering is placed on the ground. The floor covering 235 may be a rug that includes a battery for providing power to electrical components of the floor covering 235.

[0117] The system 200 may include a first communication 230a (e.g., a Bluetooth® wireless communication) sent from the floor covering 235 to the doorbell 202 in response to the floor covering 235 detecting the first indication of the delivery package 241. The system 200 may also include a second communication 230b (e.g., a wireless communication) sent from the doorbell 202 to the remote computing device 204 in response to the doorbell 202 receiving the first communication 230a.

[0118] The doorbell 202 may include a camera 208. The second communication 230b may comprise a first photograph 243 taken by the doorbell 202 such that the doorbell 202 is configured to send the first photograph 243 to the remote computing device 204 in response to the floor covering 235 detecting the first indication of the delivery package 241. As shown in FIG. 5, the first photograph 243 may show the delivery package 241 to allow a user of the remote computing device 204 to view the delivery package 241. While the first photograph 243 may be sent directly from the doorbell 202 to the computing device 204, in many embodiments the first photograph 243 is sent indirectly (e.g., via the server 206) from the doorbell 202 to the remote computing device 204.

[0119] The first indication of the delivery parcel 241 may be the weight of the delivery parcel 241 sensed by the floor covering 235 (e.g., via a pressure sensor). The first indication of the delivery parcel 241 may also be light sensed by a light sensor (e.g., as described above). The first indication may be due to the arrival of the delivery parcel (e.g., increased pressure, increased light) or due to the removal of the delivery parcel from the floor covering 235 (e.g., decreased pressure, decreased light).

[0120] The first instruction may be related to the arrival of the delivery package 241 at the floor covering 235. The first instruction may be related to the removal of the delivery package 241 from the floor covering 235. The communication 230b sent to the remote computing device 204 may indicate whether the delivery package 241 has arrived or been removed.

[0121] The system 200 may also include a first alert 232 regarding the delivery package 241. In certain embodiments, the first alert is a push notification sent to the remote computing device 204 (e.g., sent wirelessly over various communication networks, sent via WiFi). The first alert 232 may be a text message on the remote computing device. The first alert 232 may be a graphic displayed on a screen of the remote computing device 204. The graphic may be configured to allow a user of the remote computing device 204 to view information regarding the delivery package (e.g., a photo of the package, time of package arrival, time of package removal, ID of the person who delivered the package, ID of the person who removed the package).

[0122] The first alert 232 may be displayed on the remote computing device 204 in response to the remote computing device 204 receiving the second communication 230b from the doorbell 202. The system 200 may include a graphical user interface 240 displayed on the remote computing device 204. The graphical user interface 240 may be configured to display information regarding the delivery package 241.

[0123] This information regarding the delivery package 241 may be displayed simultaneously with weather information (e.g., as detected by the system 200) as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 813,479, entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed July 30, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the display may show information such as "Your package is outside in the rain" or "25 mph winds are about to blow your mail away."

[0124] 5, the graphical user interface shows a picture 243 of the delivery package 241. The graphical user interface 240 may display the following information about the delivery package 241, as well as any other relevant information: delivery time, who the delivery package is addressed to, sender information, contents, and status. The status may indicate whether the delivery package 241 is currently on the floor covering 235. The status may also indicate whether the delivery package 241 is still within detection range of the doorbell 202 (e.g., the field of view of the camera 208).

[0125] The graphical user interface 240 is configured to allow for changing the settings of at least one of the lights 216b of the doorbell 202. The user interface 240 may include buttons 237 (e.g., touch screen icons, not necessarily physical buttons). At least one of these buttons 237 may be a light adjustment button configured to allow for changing the settings of the lights 216b (e.g., LEDs) of the doorbell 202.

[0126] The setting changed by the button 237 may be the color of the light 216b. For example, the color may vary from red to green to blue to white. Millions of color combinations are possible with LEDs. The colors may correspond to the colors of holidays or special occasions.

[0127] The setting changed by button 237 may be the brightness of light 216b. For example, button 237 may act as a dimmer.

[0128] In certain embodiments, the system 200 automatically changes settings in response to the floor covering 235 detecting a first indication of a delivery package 241. For example, removal of the package 241 may cause a red light to flash from the doorbell 202 and / or from the floor covering 235. Arrival of the package 241 may cause a green light to flash.

[0129] In some embodiments, the system 200 (e.g., a doorbell) emits a sound or an audible word in response to detecting the arrival or removal of a package 241. The sound and / or word may be a thank you for the delivery and / or a warning to the person taking it away.

[0130] Numerous types of warning sounds may be emitted from the doorbell 202 (e.g., from speaker 488 shown in FIG. 4) in response to the system 200 detecting the removal of the delivery package 241 from the floor covering 235. The floor covering 235 may also emit a warning sound from speaker 488b. The warning sound may be a voice stating a predetermined message, such as "Stop, stealing packages is illegal." A drop in pressure, as sensed by the floor covering 235, may enable the system 200 to detect the removal of the package 241.

[0131] In addition to having a speaker 488b, the floor covering 235 may also include a number of warning lights 216c, which may be LEDs. In some embodiments, the warning lights and sounds are emitted from at least one of the doorbell 202 and the floor covering 235 in response to the system 200 detecting motion (e.g., via the motion detector 218).

[0132] In certain embodiments, warning lights and sounds are emitted from at least one of the doorbell 202 and the floor covering 235 in response to the system 200 detecting that an object (e.g., a visitor 388) has entered the field of view of the camera 208 of the doorbell 202. For example, if a visitor 388 approaches the doorbell 202 and / or the floor covering 235 while a package 241 is on the floor covering 235 and / or is detected by the doorbell 202, the doorbell 202 and / or the floor covering 235 can emit warning lights from the lights 216b, 216c and warning sounds from the speakers 488b, 488 (shown in FIG. 4). Thus, the system 200 can emit warnings in response to motion and / or object detection, as well as in response to the system 200 determining that a delivery package 241 has been placed on the floor covering 235.

[0133] In certain embodiments, the system 200 is configured not to issue an alert if the person carrying the remote computing device 204 is the person removing the package 241. On the other hand, if the person removes the package 241 when the remote computing device 204 is far from the doorbell 202 (e.g., away from the residence), then the person removing the package 241 may be a thief. Accordingly, certain embodiments include a warning light and / or a warning sound emitted from at least one of the doorbell 202 and the floor covering 235 in response to the system 200 detecting the removal of the delivery package 241 from the floor covering 235 during a period in which the system determines that the remote computing device 204 is at least one of not within a predetermined distance and not within a detection range of the doorbell 202. The predetermined distance may be within 30 meters of the doorbell 202.

[0134] The system 200 can determine if the computing device 204 is within a predetermined distance based on Global Positioning System ("GPS") information from the doorbell 202 and the remote computing device 204. The system 200 can determine if the remote computing device 204 is within detection range of the doorbell 202 via the doorbell 202 attempting to communicate directly with the remote computing device 204 via a short-range communication protocol such as Bluetooth. If the remote computing device 204 does not respond to a Bluetooth signal from the doorbell 202, then the system 200 determines that the remote computing device 204 is outside detection range of the doorbell 202.

[0135] Minimizing power consumption of the doorbell 202 can be important, especially in embodiments where the doorbell 202 is powered exclusively via battery power (rather than via electrical wires 304 from the building 300 as shown in FIG. 3). In certain embodiments, the doorbell 202 is in a sleep mode that prevents the camera 208 from recording without exiting the sleep mode. The floor covering 235 detecting the delivery, movement, or removal of a package 241 can cause the doorbell 202 to exit the sleep mode, take a picture, and / or begin recording a video. The pictures and videos can be sent to the server 206 and / or to the remote computing device 204. In certain embodiments, the doorbell 202 is provided with a power consumption rate that increases in response to the floor covering 235 detecting a first indication of a delivered package 241 (e.g., due to activity of the camera 208).

[0136] In some embodiments, the doorbell 202 includes a camera 208 configured to take at least one picture in response to the floor covering 235 detecting the first indication of the delivery package 241. The sensor 239 may include a pressure sensor configured to enable the pressure sensor to detect the first indication upon placing the delivery package 241 on the floor covering 235.

[0137] The camera 208 may be electrically coupled to the doorbell 202. The camera 208 may also be electrically coupled to the floor covering 235. The system 200 may include video taken by the camera 208 in response to the system detecting the removal of the delivery package 241. The video may be taken by the camera 208 in response to the camera 208 detecting an object (e.g., a visitor 388) that comes into the field of view of the camera 208 during a period during which the system 200 determines that the delivery package 241 is on the floor covering 235.

[0138] The doorbell 202 may include a motion detector 218. The floor covering may also include a motion detector 218, which may have all of the same features and functionality of the motion detector 218 of the doorbell 202. In some embodiments, the motion detector 218 and the camera 208 are electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell 202 and the floor covering 235. The system 200 may comprise a video taken by the camera 208 in response to the motion detector 218 detecting the motion indication during a period when the system 200 determines that the delivery package 241 is on the floor covering 235. The second communication 230b may be sent from the doorbell 202 to the remote computing device 204 in response to the motion detector 218 detecting the motion indication. The second communication 230b may comprise a video.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first instruction may relate to the removal of the delivery package 241 from the floor covering 235. The system may further comprise a first communication 230a sent from the floor covering 235 to the doorbell 202 in response to the floor covering 235 detecting the first instruction. The system may also comprise a second communication 230b sent from the doorbell 202 to the remote computing device 204 in response to the doorbell 202 receiving the first communication 230a. As previously mentioned, the camera 208 may be electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell 202 and the floor covering 235. The second communication 230b may comprise a photograph taken by the camera 208 within 5 seconds of the sensor 239 detecting the first instruction. Taking the photograph within 5 seconds may ensure that the photograph (which may be a video) shows the thief removing the package 241 (via the system 200 taking the photograph before the thief can escape).

[0140] When the system 200 detects the arrival of the package 241, the movement of the visitor 388 (e.g., toward the doorbell 202), the movement of the package 241, and / or the removal of the package 241, the system 200 can take a photograph 245. The communication 230b between the doorbell 202 and the remote computing device 204 can include these photographs 245. Thus, the system 200 can send multiple photographs to the remote computing device 204 depending on the preferences of the user of the remote computing device 204. As used herein, sending a video includes sending a photograph (because a photograph is part of a video). Thus, a photograph can be a still photograph or a moment in a video (e.g., a frame of a video).

[0141] The doorbell communication 230d regarding the package 241 may be sent to the remote computing device 204 via a wireless network 308 (e.g., of the building 300), via Bluetooth, via a cellular network, via a telecommunications network, via the Internet, and / or via the server 206. In certain embodiments, another remote computing device 204n also receives the doorbell communication 230d regarding the package 241. The doorbell communication 230d may include a photo 243 of the package 241 and / or a photo 243 taken by the cameras 208, 208b of the system 200 within 5 seconds of the doorbell 202 and / or the covering 235 detecting an indication of the package 241 (e.g., the arrival of the package 241, the movement of the package 241, and / or the removal of the package 241 from the floor covering 235 and / or from the field of view of the doorbell 202).

[0142] In some embodiments, the second remote computing device 204n is a neighbor's remote computing device. The doorbell communication 230d may include a request for the neighbor to pick up and move the package 241. In response to the request, the neighbor may take the package 241 to the neighbor's residence to prevent the package 241 from being stolen until the owner of the package can receive it from the neighbor.

[0143] Certain embodiments of the system 200 detect the package 241 using the floor covering 235. However, certain embodiments of the system 200 do not detect the package 241 using the floor covering 235. For example, the doorbell 202 can detect the package 241 using the camera 208.

[0144] When the doorbell 202 detects motion (via the camera 208 and / or via the motion detector 218), the doorbell 202 can take a photograph 243 using the camera 208. The system 200 can then analyze the photograph 243 to determine if the photograph 243 shows a package 241. This photograph analysis can use an image recognition procedure to look for indications of the package 241 in the photograph 243. For example, the image recognition procedure can include looking for a color (e.g., brown) that is characteristic of a cardboard delivery box. The image recognition procedure can include looking for planes connected at approximately a 90 degree angle (indicative of the shape of the box). The image recognition procedure can include looking for planes in different positions in images taken at different times (indicative of a box being carried towards the doorbell 202 such that the box is in a first position in a first photograph and in a second position in a second photograph taken within 10 seconds of the first photograph).

[0145] The package 241 detection procedure may also include using the microphone 484 (shown in FIG. 4) of the doorbell 202 to listen for sounds indicative of a delivery vehicle (e.g., the sounds of large engines and large trucks typical of delivery services such as FedEx and United Parcel Service). The system 200 may also use the microphone 484 to listen for sounds indicative of the package 241 being dropped on the floor (e.g., at the front door 310). The system 200 may then analyze the sounds to identify that the package 241 has been delivered to the building 300 (e.g., the package 241 has been placed outside the building 300 within detection range of the doorbell 202).

[0146] The system 200 may hear a delivery vehicle stop within detection range of the doorbell 202 (e.g., within range where the microphone 484 can hear the delivery vehicle). However, the system 200 may not know whether the delivery vehicle left the package 241 in the building 300 or at a neighbor's residence. The system 200 may distinguish between a delivery to a neighbor's residence and a delivery to the building 300 by identifying the delivery package in response to detecting motion (via the camera 208 and / or via the motion detector 218) within 30 seconds of detecting a sound indicative of a delivery vehicle.

[0147] In Fig. 5, a perspective view of floor covering 235 is shown. The view in Fig. 5 shows a front view of door 254. Fig. 5 is the view that a visitor 388 would normally see as he or she walks up to the door 254 of the residence.

[0148] 6 shows a line diagram of the floor covering 235. FIG. 6 shows a top view of the floor covering 235 and a front view of the doorbell 202. The electrical wires 304 electrically couple the doorbell 202 to the floor covering 235, allowing the doorbell 202 to provide power to the floor covering 235 (or vice versa). The doorbell 202 can receive power from the building 300 (as shown in FIG. 5) and then provide at least a portion of the power to the floor covering 235 via the electrical wires 304 (e.g., while the doorbell 202 is attached to a wall of the building 300 and while the floor covering 235 is placed on the ground). The electrical wires 304 can also be used for one-way and / or two-way communication between the doorbell 202 and the floor covering 235.

[0149] Some embodiments do not include an electrical wire 304 between the doorbell 202 and the floor covering. The doorbell 202 can wirelessly send the communication 230c to the floor covering 235. The floor covering 235 can wirelessly send the communication 230a to the doorbell 202.

[0150] The floor covering 235 may include a PCB, a speaker 488b, a light 216c, a battery 462b, a camera 208b, and a motion detector 218b. The floor covering 235 may also include a communication system 504b configured to enable communication between the floor covering 235 and the doorbell 202. The communication system 504b may include a transceiver. The communication system 504b may be a Bluetooth® communication system that may use Bluetooth Low Energy®.

[0151] The sensors 239 may be configured to detect packages on at least 60 percent of a top surface of the floor covering 235. This configuration may help minimize the occurrence of missed detection of packages on the floor covering 235. The sensors 239 may be made up of multiple individual pressure sensors, light sensors, package sensors, and / or any sensors configured to detect packages.

[0152] Although certain embodiments are described in the context of devices and systems, device and system embodiments may also be generated as methods. Certain embodiments include a method of package detection. The method may include obtaining a delivery package detection system including a doorbell having a first wireless communication system and a floor covering configured to be placed on a floor of the entryway. The floor covering may include a sensor. The method may include detecting a first indication of the delivery package on the floor covering by the sensor of the floor covering. The method may include communicatively coupling the doorbell to the floor covering, mounting the doorbell to the building, and / or placing the floor covering on the floor of the entryway.

[0153] Some embodiments include sending a first communication from the floor covering to the doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package. Some methods include sending a second communication from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

[0154] The second communication may comprise a first photograph taken by the doorbell. Certain methods comprise sending, by the doorbell, the first photograph to a remote computing device in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package.

[0155] 7 and 8, in some embodiments, a delivery package detection system 700 includes a doorbell 702, a remote computing device 704, and a delivery package 706. The doorbell 702 may have a first wireless communication system 708 and a radio frequency identification reader 710. The doorbell 702 may be mounted on an exterior wall of a building 711, e.g., near a door 713. The remote computing device 704 may be communicatively coupled to the doorbell 702 via the first wireless communication system 708. The first wireless communication system 708 may be configured to interface with or include a wireless network 709. The delivery package 706 may have a radio frequency identification tag 712. When the package 706 having the radio frequency identification tag 712 is left near the door 713, e.g., by a mail carrier, the doorbell 702 may detect the package 706. The doorbell 702 detects the package 706 by means of a radio frequency identification reader 710 that reads a radio frequency identification tag 712 on the delivery package 706 .

[0156] When the doorbell 702 detects the radio frequency identification tag 712, a first communication 714 may be sent from the doorbell 702 to a remote computer system 716. The remote computer system 716 may include a database 718. The remote computer system 716 may be associated with the sender. The database 718 may have information 715 regarding the delivery package 706. A second communication 720 may be sent from the remote computer system 716 to the doorbell 702 in response to the remote computer system 716 receiving the first communication 714. The second communication 720 may include information 715 regarding the delivery package 706.

[0157] In certain embodiments, the system 700 may further comprise a third communication 722 sent from the doorbell 702 to the remote computing device 704 in response to the doorbell 702 receiving the second communication 720. The third communication 722 may include the information 715 received by the doorbell 702 from the sender. The third communication 722 may also include a time 724 indicating when the doorbell 702 first detected the delivery package 706.

[0158] For example, a user may order a product online from a sender. The sender ships the product and when it arrives at the doorstep (delivery package 706), the doorbell 702 detects the package 706 and sends a communication 714 to the sender that the package 706 has arrived at its destination. The sender can then send information 715 related to the delivery package 706 back to the doorbell 702. Once the doorbell 702 has this information 715, it can send it in another communication to the user, thereby allowing the user to be notified that they have the package 706 and of the information 715 about the package 706. The communication can also notify the user of the time of delivery of the package 706. The information 715 related to the delivery package 706 may be a description of the contents of the package 706, the name of the sender of the package 706, the value of the package 706, etc. The remote computer system 716 may be, for example, a server, a website, a computer, or a workstation.

[0159] 9, the doorbell 702 may also include a camera 730 to allow a user to view the delivered package 706. When the doorbell 702 detects the package 706, the doorbell 702 may take a picture of the package 706 and send it to the remote computing device 704 in a fourth communication 726. The fourth communication 726 may also be sent from the doorbell 702 to the remote computing device 704 in response to the doorbell 702 receiving the second communication 720. The fourth communication 726 may comprise a first photograph 728 taken by the camera 730. The first photograph 728 may show the delivered package 706.

[0160] 10, in some embodiments, the system 800 may comprise a first notification 814 sent from the doorbell 802 to the remote computing device 804 in response to the doorbell 802 detecting the radio frequency identification tag 812 of the delivery package 806. The first notification 814 may comprise a first photograph 828 taken by the camera 830 of the doorbell 802 in response to the doorbell 802 detecting the radio frequency identification tag 812 of the delivery package 806. The remote computing device 804 may have a display screen 832 to allow a user to view, for example, at least a portion of the first photograph 828 displayed on the display screen 832. The system 800 may be configured to allow a user of the remote computing device 804 to view the delivery package 806 on the display screen 832 in response to the first notification 814.

[0161] 11 and 12, a doorbell 802 may be mounted in a building 811, for example, near a door 813. The doorbell has a radio frequency identification reader 810 with a certain detection range 834. When a parcel is brought into this detection range 834, the radio frequency identification reader 810 can read a radio frequency identification tag 812 of a package 806. When a package 806 with a radio frequency identification tag 812 enters the detection range 834, the system 800 can send a notification 814 to a remote computing device. Similarly, if a package 806 with a radio frequency identification tag 812 is removed from the detection range 834 (i.e., is no longer detected by the doorbell 802), the doorbell 802 can send a notification 820 to the remote computing device 804. The removal of the package 806 can trigger a camera 830 to take a picture 836. The photo 836 may allow the user to determine if the package 806 was stolen, blown away, etc. The package 806 removed notification 820 may also alert the user when the package 806 is picked up, for example by the mail carrier. The package 806 removed notification 820 may include a photo 836 taken by the camera 830 of the doorbell 802 as well as other information (i.e., time, date, etc.).

[0162] 13 and 14, the doorbell 802 can also detect when the package 806 moves. The doorbell 802 can detect the movement of the package by comparing the strength of two different signals 838, 842 from the radio frequency identification tag 812 of the package 806. For example, the system 800 can further include a first signal 838 of the radio frequency identification tag 812 detected by the doorbell 802 a first time, a second signal 842 of the radio frequency identification tag 812 detected by the doorbell 802 a second time 844, and a second notification 820 sent from the doorbell 802 to the remote computing device 804. The system can determine that the package is moving away from or has been removed from the doorbell 802 when the second signal 842 is weaker than the first signal 838. In response to the doorbell 802 detecting the package moving away from the doorbell or removal of the delivery package 806, the doorbell 802 can send a second notification 820 to the remote computing device 804. The doorbell 802 can also take a picture 836 with the camera 8303 in response to the doorbell 802 detecting that the package 806 has been moved or removed. The second notification 820 can comprise a second picture 836 taken by the camera 830 of the doorbell 802. The radio frequency identification tag 812 can be an active tag. The doorbell 802 can be configured to detect the delivery package 806 by the radio frequency identification reader 810 reading the passive radio frequency identification tag 812 of the delivery package 806. The doorbell 802 can be configured to detect the delivery package 806 by the radio frequency identification reader 810 reading the active radio frequency identification tag 812 of the delivery package 806.

[0163] Chime silencing embodiment The entire contents of the following application are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 724,723, entitled DOORBELL CHIME SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed May 28, 2015. Figures 15-21 herein are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 724,723 as Figures 31-37, including chime embodiments.

[0164] Doorbell chimes are often loud and can disrupt a person's sleep. This disruption of sleep is especially unbearable for babies and small children who may be napping during the day when visitors are most likely to ring the doorbell. A doorbell system that allows a person (baby, child, or adult) to turn off the chime or reduce its volume while they are asleep can help the person get better quality sleep.

[0165] The chime 302 may include all of the features, parts, portions, systems, and components of any doorbell 202 described herein or incorporated by reference. The chime 302 may include all of the items shown in FIGS.

[0166] 15-21, a user can use a remote computing device 204 to select a sound to be emitted from or mute a chime 302 located inside a building. Some embodiments include a number of different sounds that the chime 302 can emit when someone "rings" or is detected by the doorbell 202.

[0167] 15, the chime 302 may receive backup or primary power from a power source in the building 300 and / or a power source in the battery 462b located within the chime. Similarly, the chime 302 may include various components for detecting different events in the vicinity of the chime 302. For example, an embodiment may include a motion detector 218 configured to detect motion along an interior portion of the building 300. The chime 302 may also include a camera component 208b that may be configured to capture images along an interior portion of the building 300. Similarly, the chime 302 may include a speaker 488b that may be configured to emit sound and a microphone 484b that may be configured to receive an audible message spoken by a user.

[0168] Further, in an embodiment, the chime 302 may include additional components including, but not limited to, a thermometer 512b configurable to determine a temperature along an interior portion of the building 300 and a moisture sensor 305 configurable to determine moisture along an interior portion of the building 300. The chime 302 may include a detection system 528b that may include a variety of detection components for monitoring and detecting various other events. Similarly, the chime 302 may include a communication system 504b configurable to communicatively couple the chime to the doorbell 202, the remote computing device 204, and / or any other communication device. The communication system 504b may communicate via WiFi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, ZigBee, etc. It should be understood that the chime 302 may use none, some, or all of the same components used by the doorbell 202.

[0169] A user can select a sound to be emitted by the chime 302 on the user's remote computing device 204 by using the control application 600. The remote computing device 204 can then send the sound to the chime 302 via the doorbell 202 (and / or via the server 206 and wireless network 308). The sound may be a song, a greeting recorded by the user, or any other type of sound. Certain embodiments include downloading a sound from the Internet using the remote computing device 204, sending the sound (or data related to the sound) to the doorbell 202 (e.g., in response to a selection of the sound using the remote computing device 204), sending the sound (or data related to the sound) from the doorbell 202 to the chime 302, and / or emitting the sound from the chime 302.

[0170] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the chime 302 may include an electrical plug 307. The plug 307 may be mechanically and electrically coupled to a power outlet 309 (as shown in Figure 18). Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of a chime 302 that includes at least one plug 307 that may be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the power outlet 309. One plug 307 may thereby electrically and / or communicatively couple the doorbell 202 to the wires of the power outlet 309.

[0171] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the doorbell 202 may act as a communication bridge between the remote computing device 204 and the chime 302. The doorbell 202 may be used to allow the remote computing device 204 to control the chime 302. A user may select an option (e.g., a song or chime setting) on ​​the remote computing device 204, and the system may then send information about that option to and / or from the computing device 204. The system may then send information about the option from the doorbell 202 to the chime 302 in response to the user selecting the option via the remote computing device 204. The communication 230 between the computing device 204 and the doorbell 202 may be wireless. The communication 230 between the doorbell 202 and the chime 302 may be wireless.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 21 , the chime 302 may act as a communication bridge between the remote computing device 204 and the doorbell 202. This may be particularly useful when the doorbell 2020 is unable to access the wireless network 308 of the building 300 to which the doorbell is mechanically and / or electrically coupled. The chime 302 may be located inside the building 300, which may increase the likelihood of accessing the wireless network 308 of the building 300 (due to the superior signal strength of the wireless network 308 at the chime 302 compared to the signal strength at the doorbell 202, which may be located much farther away from the router of the wireless network 308). Certain embodiments include configuring the chime 302 to act as a communication bridge between the remote computing device 204 and the doorbell 202 in response to a first wireless signal strength of the wireless network 308 at a first location of the chime 302 being greater than a second wireless signal strength of the wireless network 308 at a second location of the doorbell 202.

[0173] The system 200 may be configured to communicate in a variety of manners. In certain embodiments, the remote computing device 204 communicates directly with the doorbell 202, while the doorbell 202 communicates directly with the chime 302. In certain embodiments, the remote computing device 204 communicates directly with the chime 302, while the doorbell 202 communicates directly with the chime. In general, it should be understood that a user may configure the system 200 in any manner.

[0174] 22, the doorbell chime system may include, among other things, an electronic monitor 1000, a doorbell 202, and a transceiver 301. The electronic monitor 1000 (e.g., a baby monitor) may detect whether a person 1012 (e.g., a baby) is sleeping. The electronic monitor 1000 may include a microphone 1002 (e.g., for listening for breathing indicative of sleep), a video camera 1004 (e.g., for monitoring lack of movement, sleep posture, or other behavior indicative of sleep), an under-mattress motion monitor 1006 (e.g., for detecting whether the person is in bed and / or for detecting motion behavior indicative of sleep), a breath monitor 1008 (e.g., for detecting breathing indicative of sleep), and / or other sensors 1010 configured to determine whether the person 1012 is in bed.

[0175] The electronic monitor 1000 may be an activity tracker such as the Jawbone UP2® made by Jawbone Inc. with offices in San Francisco, Calif. The electronic monitor 1000 may also be an Apple Watch® made by Apple Inc. with offices in Cupertino, Calif. The Jawbone UP2® and Apple Watch® can determine if the person to whom they are attached is asleep.

[0176] The electronic monitor 1000 may also be a motion detector configured to determine if a person is asleep. A lack of motion for more than 15 minutes may indicate that a person is asleep.

[0177] The electronic monitor 1000 may also be an under-mattress monitor. The Angelcare AC1100 is an example of an embodiment of an electronic monitor. The AC1100 includes a video camera, a sound monitor, and an under-mattress monitor that may be configured to detect if a person is asleep. The AC1100 is made by Angelcare Monitor Inc., with offices in Candiac, Quebec, Canada.

[0178] The Mimo Smart Baby Movement Monitor is an example of an electronic monitor 1000. Mimo is made by Rest Device, Inc., with offices in Boston, Massachusetts.

[0179] Spoutling is an example of an electronic monitor 1000. Spoutling, Inc. is a company with offices in San Francisco, California.

[0180] The Owlet is an example of an electronic monitor 1000. The Owlet is made by Owlet Baby Care, Inc., with offices in Provo, Utah.

[0181] There are many different ways to detect if a person is sleeping. For example, a motion detection system may determine that a person is asleep if they are not moving. A radar system can sense breathing patterns that indicate sleeping. An activity tracker can detect sleep by acceleration that indicates sleeping or simply through detecting a lack of motion. A camera can observe a person to see if they are asleep (e.g., through a lack of motion or being in bed). A motion detection system may be part of a baby monitoring device (i.e., a device worn by the baby). Alternatively, a doorbell system may include a button for the user to indicate that the person is asleep.

[0182] The electronic monitor 1000 may be located inside a building (e.g., inside a bedroom, near a baby's play bed). The chime 302 may be located inside the same building. The doorbell 202 may be coupled to the exterior of the building (e.g., near the front door). The electronic monitor 1000, the doorbell 202, and / or the chime 302 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., via wireless communication 230).

[0183] The electronic monitor 1000, the doorbell 202, and / or the chime 302 may be connected to the same wireless network 308. In certain embodiments, the electronic monitor 1000, the doorbell 202, and / or the chime 302 are communicatively coupled (to enable communication therebetween) but are not connected to the same wireless network 308.

[0184] When the doorbell 202 detects a visitor (e.g., the visitor presses a button on the doorbell 202), the doorbell 202 can send a signal (which may be data or simply electrical) to the transceiver 301 (e.g., the chime 302). In response to receiving the signal from the doorbell 202, the chime 302 can emit a notification sound.

[0185] If the person 1012 is asleep inside the building 300 (shown in FIG. 3 ) in which the doorbell 202 and / or transceiver 301 are mounted, then the system can automatically modify the notification sound emitted by the chime 302 or turn off the chime 302. Modifying the notification sound may include, among other things, preventing the chime 302 from emitting the notification sound or lowering the volume of the notification sound. After the system detects that the person 1012 is no longer asleep, then the system may be configured to automatically modify the notification sound emitted by the chime 302 or turn on the chime 302. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the chime 302 may include enabling the chime 302 to emit the notification sound or increasing the volume of the notification sound. In certain embodiments, after the system detects that the person 1012 is no longer asleep, the system may be configured to cause the chime 302 to emit a second notification sound.

[0186] In certain embodiments, the system disables emission of the notification sound in response to the electronic monitor 1000 detecting that a baby is sleeping. In some embodiments, the system prevents emission of the notification sound in response to the electronic monitor 1000 detecting that an adult is sleeping.

[0187] The electronic monitor 1000 (e.g., a sleep detection system) can detect if a person 1012 (e.g., a baby) is sleeping. The sleep detection system 1000 can directly communicate with the doorbell chime 302 via wireless communication 230 to configure the chime 302 not to emit a notification sound (and thus the chime not to emit a notification sound from the speaker 488b). In some embodiments, the sleep detection system 1000 in communication with the doorbell chime 302 comprises the sleep detection system 1000 sending a correction signal to the doorbell chime 302.

[0188] In some embodiments, the sleep detection system 1000 may not communicate directly with the chime 302. In some embodiments, the sleep detection system 1000 communicates with the doorbell 202 (including the camera) and / or with the communication hub 314 via wireless communication 230. The doorbell 202 or communication hub 314 may then send a wireless communication 230 (i.e., a modification signal) to the chime 302 to configure the chime 302 to not emit a notification sound or to reduce the volume of the notification sound. The communication hub 314 may be configured to receive a signal (e.g., wireless communication 230) from another component of the doorbell system (i.e., the doorbell 202, the chime 302, or the electronic monitor 1000).

[0189] 23, in certain embodiments, the transceiver 301 may be a communication hub 314. The communication hub 314 may be communicatively coupled to other components of the doorbell system (i.e., the doorbell 202, the doorbell chime 302, and the electronic monitor 1000). The communication hub 314 may enable communication between different parts of the doorbell chime system. For example, in certain embodiments, the doorbell 202, the doorbell chime 302, and the electronic monitor may be communicatively coupled to the communication hub 314, but not to each other. In certain embodiments, the doorbell 202, the doorbell chime 302, and the electronic monitor 1000 may communicate only with the communication hub 314. For example, the doorbell 202 may send a signal to the communication hub 314 in response to detecting a visitor. The communication hub may then send a signal to the doorbell chime 302 to cause the doorbell chime 302 to emit a notification sound. The communications hub 314 may also receive a signal from the electronic monitor 1000 in response to the electronic monitor 1000 detecting that the person 1012 is asleep. In response to the communications hub 314 receiving a signal from the electronic monitor 1000 that a person is asleep, the communications hub may send a signal to the doorbell chime 302 to modify the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime 302. In certain embodiments, the transceiver 301 may be the doorbell 202.

[0190] To modify the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime 302, a modification signal may be sent to the doorbell chime in response to the doorbell 202 receiving the first signal.

[0191] In certain embodiments, the sensor 1010 may be a radar detector configured to sense the person's breathing. In response to detecting that the person 1012 is not breathing, the system may notify a third party (e.g., police, emergency services, ambulance dispatch, next of kin). Since not breathing may be an indication of cardiac arrest, the system may be a cardiac arrest detection system.

[0192] [interpretation] None of the steps described herein are required or essential. Any step may be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps may be used. Any portion of any step, process, structure, and / or device disclosed or shown in one embodiment, flowchart, or example herein may be combined with or used in place of any other portion of any step, process, structure, and / or device disclosed or shown in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from one another.

[0193] The section headings and subheadings provided herein are non-limiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the entire scope of the embodiments described in the section to which the heading or subheading pertains. For example, a section entitled "Topic 1" may include embodiments that are not related to Topic 1, and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described in the "Topic 1" section.

[0194] Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each routine, process, method, and algorithm described in the preceding sections may be implemented in code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions, and may be fully or partially automated. The code modules may be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device, such as a hard drive, solid-state memory, flash memory, optical disk, and / or the like. The processes and algorithms may be partially or fully implemented in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage, such as, for example, volatile or non-volatile storage.

[0195] The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, certain methods, events, states, or process blocks may be omitted in certain implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states associated therewith may be performed in other sequences as appropriate. For example, the tasks or events described may be performed in orders other than those specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. Example tasks or events may be performed sequentially, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than as described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

[0196] For example, hypothetical language used herein, particularly "can," "could," "could," "could," "for example," and the like, is intended to generally convey that a particular embodiment includes, but other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps, unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise within the context as used. Thus, such hypothetical language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining, with or without author input or prompting, whether those features, elements, and / or steps are included in or will be performed in any particular embodiment. "Comprises," "includes," "having," and similar terms are synonymous and are used in an inclusive, open-ended manner and do not exclude additional elements, features, activities, operations, etc. Additionally, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense), and thus, for example, when used to join lists of elements, the term "or" may mean one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language, such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood in the context as it is otherwise commonly used to convey that an item, term, etc. can be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language does not generally imply that a particular embodiment requires that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z, each be present.

[0197] The term "and / or" means that "and" applies to certain embodiments and "or" applies to certain embodiments. Thus, A, B, and / or C can be replaced with A, B, and C in one sentence and A, B, or C in another sentence. A, B, and / or C means that some embodiments may include A and B, some embodiments may include A and C, some embodiments may include B and C, some embodiments may include only A, some embodiments may include only B, some embodiments may include only C, and some embodiments may include A, B, and C. The term "and / or" is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

[0198] Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description should be construed as implying that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is required or essential. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made in the form of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In doorbell systems, a doorbell configured to receive the presence of a visitor; a doorbell chime communicatively coupled to the doorbell and configured to emit an alarm in response to receiving the presence of the visitor from the doorbell; A sleep detection system including a sensor configured to determine whether a person is asleep; Equipped with The doorbell system, wherein the sleep detection system is communicatively connected to the doorbell, and in response to the sleep detection system determining that the person is asleep, the sleep detection system is configured to send a first signal to the doorbell, whereby the doorbell chime receives a second signal from the doorbell and adjusts the alarm sound based on the first signal.

2. The doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the doorbell system is configured to transmit a third signal to the doorbell in response to the sleep detection system detecting that the person has woken up, whereby the doorbell chime is configured to receive a fourth signal from the doorbell and adjust the alarm sound emitted by the doorbell chime based on the third signal.

3. The adjustment of the alarm sound emitted by the doorbell chime is The notification sound can be emitted; Increasing the volume of the notification sound; Blocking the notification sound; Decreasing the volume of the notification sound; Turning off the doorbell chime; powering on the doorbell chime; The doorbell system of claim 2 , comprising at least one of:

4. The alarm sound includes a first alarm sound, The doorbell system of claim 1 , further configured to emit a second alarm sound from the doorbell chime in response to the sleep detection system detecting that the person has woken up.

5. The doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the sleep detection system comprises an electronic monitor selected from the group consisting of a microphone, a video camera, a motion monitor, a respiration detector, and combinations thereof.

6. The doorbell system of claim 5, wherein the sleep detection system further comprises a radar detector configured to sense whether the person is breathing.

7. The doorbell system of claim 6, further configured to notify a third party when the person is detected as not breathing.

8. The doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the doorbell is configured as a communications bridge between the doorbell chime and a remote computing device.

9. The doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the presence of a visitor is detected by a motion sensor or a button being pressed to detect the visitor.

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