Image capture doorbell device

Abstract

This document describes an image capture doorbell device. In several aspects, the image capture doorbell device provides a compact, space-efficient, battery-powered doorbell camera. The architecture of the image capture doorbell device is optimized by concentrating sensors on one end of the device and a user input mechanism on the opposite end of the device, with a thin, narrow central section between the two opposing ends. The sensors include an image sensor and a PIR sensor mounted on the same PCB to save space. A camera lens protrudes from the outer surface of an IR window aligned with the IR LEDs to mitigate IR flare. The PIR sensor is aligned with a lens that enhances radial motion detection by implementing two stacked rows of lenslets. The user input mechanism includes a light ring, which is formed with the button via a two-shot molding process to bond the light ring to the button for enhanced waterproofing.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Background With the advancement of electronic doorbells for capturing images and / or videos, many users have begun to rely on the image data of their doorbells to determine whether a package has been delivered or taken away. If a package is detected (e.g., the package is delivered to the stairs in front of the user's entrance), or if the package on the stairs in front of the user's entrance is no longer detected (e.g., the package is collected for delivery or stolen), a package detection algorithm can be applied to the doorbell data to generate and send a notification to the user. Also, the user can use the doorbell image data to view and / or identify a person approaching the stairs in front of the user's entrance.

[0002] Many conventional electronic doorbells can be large and bulky, which can degrade the user experience. Some of the challenges in building an electronic doorbell with a small form factor can include thermal management, antenna insulation, interference between different sensors, and infrared (IR) flare in the camera lens.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Summary This document describes an image capture doorbell device. In multiple aspects, the image capture doorbell device provides a compact and space-efficient battery-powered doorbell camera. The architecture of the image capture doorbell device is optimized by gathering sensors at one end of the device, gathering user input mechanisms at the opposite end of the device, and including a thin and narrow central portion between the two opposing ends. The sensors include an image sensor and a passive infrared (PIR) sensor mounted on the same printed circuit board (PCB) for space savings. The camera lens protrudes from the outer surface of an IR window aligned with an IR light-emitting diode (LED) to mitigate IR flare. The PIR sensor is aligned with a lens that enhances radial motion detection by implementing two stacked rows of small lenses (e.g., Fresnel type lenses). The user input mechanism includes a light ring, which is formed via a two-shot molding technique together with a button such that the light ring is joined to the button for seamless lighting integration.

[0004] According to one aspect, the image capture doorbell device includes a housing and an IR cover that forms an annular shape with a central aperture. The IR cover may be positioned on the front surface of the housing. The image capture doorbell device also includes a camera module that includes a camera lens having an axis center perpendicular to the front surface of the housing. The camera lens extends through the central aperture of the annular shape of the IR cover and protrudes a predefined distance from the outer surface of the IR cover to mitigate IR flare.

[0005] According to one aspect, the image capture doorbell device includes a housing having an elongated shape with opposing first and second ends. Each of the first and second ends generally has a radial curvature and may intersect the longitudinal axis of the housing. The housing includes a generally planar front face having an approximately oval shape. The image capture doorbell device also includes a button positioned on the front face and proximate to the second end of the housing, the button having an oval shape. Further, the image capture doorbell device includes a light ring positioned along the perimeter of the button, the light ring being configured to diffuse light generated by one or more light sources within the housing.

[0006] According to one aspect, the image capture doorbell device includes a housing, an IR lens positioned on the front face of the housing, and a PIR sensor positioned within the housing and aligned with the IR lens. The IR lens includes an array of small lenses each including a set of concentric annular segments that can be used to create a field of view cone for the PIR sensor, the array of small lenses including a first row of small lenses stacked on top of a second row of small lenses. Further, each small lens in the first row pairs with a respective small lens in the second row to form a pair of vertically stacked small lenses, and each pair of vertically stacked small lenses provides a pair of overlapping fields of view cones for increased sensitivity. The small lenses in the second row of small lenses may have a larger size than the small lenses in the first row of small lenses. The PIR sensor may have increased sensitivity to motion detection through the second row of small lenses compared to the first row of small lenses based on the size of the small lenses in the second row being larger than that of the small lenses in the first row. Also, the second row of small lenses may provide a field of view cone for the PIR sensor that is focused at a downward angle with respect to the axis center of the PIR sensor.

[0007] According to one aspect, the image capture doorbell device includes a housing, a button, and a light ring architecture. The button has an elliptical shape, and the light ring architecture has a light ring positioned along the perimeter of the button. The light ring architecture is configured to diffuse light generated by one or more light sources within the housing. The light ring is concentric with the button and may be in the same plane as the outer surface of the button. Also, the light ring may include a diffusive material to allow light generated by one or more light sources within the housing to pass through the light ring. The light ring may be joined to the button via a two-shot molding technique. The light ring architecture may also include an optical waveguide positioned between the one or more LEDs and the button. The optical waveguide is configured to direct light from the one or more LEDs toward the light ring. The light ring architecture may also include a plurality of diffusive flanges. The plurality of diffusive flanges structurally support the button, are distributed around the perimeter of the optical waveguide, and allow light exiting the optical waveguide to travel through the plurality of diffusive flanges toward the light ring.

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a simplified concept related to an image capture doorbell device, which will be further described below in the detailed description and the drawings. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] Brief Description of the Drawings Details of one or more aspects of the image capture doorbell device are described in this document with reference to the following drawings. The use of the same reference number in different instances in the description and the drawings indicates like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW This document describes an image capture doorbell device. The method described in this specification provides an image capture doorbell device including a housing, an IR cover, a button, a light ring, and a camera module. The housing has an elongated shape with opposing first and second ends, each of the first and second ends having a generally radial curvature that intersects the longitudinal axis of the housing. The housing also includes a generally planar front face having a substantially oval shape. The IR cover forms an annular shape with a central aperture. The IR cover is positioned on the front face of the housing, proximate to the first end. The button is positioned on the front face, proximate to the second end of the housing, and the button has an oval shape. The light ring is positioned along the perimeter of the button and is configured to diffuse light generated by a light source within the housing. The camera module is positioned proximate to the first end of the housing. The camera module includes a camera lens having an axis centered substantially perpendicular to the front face of the housing. Also, the camera lens extends through the central aperture of the annular shape of the IR cover and protrudes a predefined distance from the outer surface of the IR cover to mitigate IR flare.

[0012] The IR cover includes a PIR lens having an array of small lenses, each small lens forming at least a portion of a Fresnel lens. The array of small lenses includes two stacked rows of small lenses for enhanced radial motion detection. For example, the two stacked rows of small lenses provide a pair of vertically overlapping field of view cones, and the PIR sensor is biased in the bottom field of view cone of the pair of field of view cones for increased sensitivity. Also, the bottom field of view cone is focused at a downward angle from horizontal (and below the upper field of view cone of the pair of field of view cones).

[0013] For space savings, the image capture doorbell device also includes an image sensor and a PIR sensor mounted on the same side of the PCB, and the PCB has separate ground planes separated by physical cutouts in the PCB. Additionally, the image capture doorbell device also includes a light ring architecture that enables a relatively large button with waterproof treatment and a bright light ring. In multiple aspects, the light ring architecture includes a diffusing flange that structurally supports the button and allows light to pass through the diffusing flange towards the light ring and out of the housing.

[0014] Although the features and concepts of the described image capture doorbell device can be implemented in any number of different environments, the aspects are described in the context of the following examples.

[0015] Exemplary Device FIG. 1 shows an exemplary electronic device 100 (e.g., a doorbell camera) and an exploded view 102 of some of its components. The electronic device 100 can be connected to a wireless network 104 (e.g., via a wireless router) to support various functions, including capturing audio and / or video data (including images or streaming video), sending the captured data to online storage, storing the captured data in local memory, streaming audio (e.g., music, news, podcasts, sports), and interacting with a virtual assistant to perform tasks (e.g., searching the Internet, scheduling events and alarms, controlling home automation, controlling Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices).

[0016] The electronic device 100 includes a housing formed by one or more housing members including a front housing member 106 (e.g., a front cover) and a rear housing member 108 (e.g., a rear component), and a plurality of PCBs including at least a main logic board (MLB) 110, a sensor PCB 112, and an IR PCB 114. Additional PCBs may also be used. The PCBs may include various IC components including a system-on-chip (SoC) device, a processor, and an integrated circuit (IC) component for an LED, a microphone, or a sensor for detecting inputs such as touch inputs, button presses, motion, light, or voice commands. In one example, the SOC device and the antenna system 116 may be mounted on the MLB 110. Also, both the camera module 118 (e.g., a camera) and the PIR sensor 120 may be mounted on the sensor PCB 112. Also, one or more IR LEDs may be mounted on the IR PCB 114 to provide IR light for motion detection by, for example, the PIR sensor 120. The electronic device 100 also includes a battery 122, a user input mechanism (e.g., a button 124), a speaker module 126, and a wall plate 128. Additionally, the electronic device 100 includes a thermal control system, which may include one or more heat spreaders (e.g., heat spreaders 130, 132, and 134) and one or more thermal interface materials (TIMs) (e.g., TIMs 136, 138, and 140) having high thermal conductivity, such as a thermal gel, a thermal paste, a thermal adhesive, a thermal tape. p and In some aspects, the heat spreader 130 may also serve as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield for the SoC device mounted on the MLB 110.

[0017] The housing members 106 and 108 include a plastic material and can be formed, for example, using a plastic injection molding technique. The housing members 106 and 108 can include any suitable shape dimensions, including the exemplary shape dimensions shown in FIG. 1. For example, the front housing member 106 and the rear housing member 108 can together form complementary portions of a shell (e.g., a hollow, generally oval shell) that fit together (e.g., snap fit together) to form cavities for housing various components of the electronic device 100. In some implementations, the front housing member 106 and / or the rear housing member 108 can include a plurality of parts that are assembled together. The front housing member 106 can also include an aperture. The aperture is aligned with the camera lens 142 of the camera module 118 such that the camera module 118 can view through the aperture and capture an image or video of a scene. As described in more detail herein, the lens 142 can extend through the aperture in the front housing member 106 so as to protrude a predefined distance from the outer surface of the front housing member 106 in order to reduce or prevent IR flare (e.g., leakage of IR light from the IR LEDs on the IR PCB 114 to the camera lens 142).

[0018] The button 124 can include any suitable button that can be used to initiate a function (e.g., a mechanical button for opening and closing a switch, a capacitive sensor for detecting a user touch). For example, actuation of the button 124 can initiate functions including sounding an audible doorbell, sending an electronic notification to the smartphone of the doorbell owner, starting the camera module 118, etc. By activating the button 124, any suitable function can be initiated. The button 124 can be aligned with the MLB 110 so as to reduce space and maintain a small form factor for the electronic device 100. The button 124 can have an outer shape that is any suitable two-dimensional shape, including an oval shape, a rectangular shape, or any other polygonal shape. In a plurality of aspects, the oval shape can have a circular shape with two equal foci.

[0019] As described in further detail herein, button 124 includes a light ring 144 positioned along the perimeter of button 124. In a plurality of aspects, light ring 144 is concentric with button 124 and provides an apparent outer shape to button 124. Light ring 144 is configured to allow light (e.g., light generated by one or more LEDs mounted on MLB 110 and positioned to emit light toward the rear side of button 124) to exit the housing through front housing member 106. When light passes through light ring 144 surrounding button 124, the light can be used to indicate the location of the button and provide visual feedback to the user (e.g., by an increase and / or decrease in brightness, blinking, color change).

[0020] Speaker module 126 can output sound waves toward the front and / or sides of electronic device 100 (e.g., the lateral sides orthogonal to front face 146 of front housing member 106). Speaker module 126 can enable a person (e.g., a user who presses button 124) to hear an audible message including a recorded voice message or a real-time voice transmission from the owner of the doorbell.

[0021] Battery 122 provides power to electronic device 100 and enables electronic device 100 to be wireless. Since electronic device 100 is battery-powered, electronic device 100 can be mounted in any suitable location without the need to make a wired connection to a power source for electronic device 100. For example, electronic device 100 (e.g., a video doorbell) can be mounted on a house near the front door without the need to drill holes in the house to connect wiring to a power source inside the user's house.

[0022] PCBs (e.g., MLB 110, sensor PCB 112, IR PCB 114) can be formed from a glass-reinforced epoxy material such as FR4, for example. In some instances, a PCB can include a single layer of conductive traces and can be a single-sided board. In other instances, a PCB can be a multi-layer board that includes multiple layers of conductive traces separated by layers of dielectric material.

[0023] As described in this specification, the housing of the electronic device 100 includes an elongated shape (e.g., generally oval in a front view) having a longitudinal axis 148 that intersects the opposing first and second ends of the housing, and each end generally has a radial curvature. In one example, each of the opposing first and second ends is curved about at least one axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 148. The camera module 118 is positioned proximate to the first end of the electronic device 100 (e.g., the camera-side end 150). For example, the optical axis of the camera module 118 can be aligned with the radial center of the curvature of the camera-side end 150 of the electronic device 100. The button 124, the antenna system 116, and the speaker module 126 are positioned proximate to the second end of the housing (e.g., the button-side end 152). For example, the central axis of the button 124 can be aligned with the radial center of the curvature of the button-side end 152 of the electronic device 100. In one aspect, the edge of the button 124 can be positioned within a range of 0.5 millimeters (mm) to 2 mm (e.g., including 1.0 mm) from the edge of the second end of the housing. When the electronic device 100 is assembled, the battery 122 is positioned between the camera-side end 150 and the button-side end 152 and within the central portion 154 of the housing.

[0024] Antenna system 116 can be any suitable antenna system mounted on a PCB (e.g., MLB 110). For example, antenna system 116 can include conductive traces (e.g., copper) that form one or more antennas (e.g., a dual antenna system). Thus, the antennas of antenna system 116 can be printed on MLB 110. In multiple aspects, the antennas of antenna system 116 face button 124 and can be printed on the side of MLB 110 where one or more IC components (e.g., SoC) are mounted. Antenna system 116 can be positioned proximate to button-side end 152 of electronic device 100. Positioning antenna system 116 at button-side end 152 reduces the adverse effect on antenna efficiency caused by camera module 118. To reduce the adverse effect of wall plate 128 on antenna performance and efficiency, MLB 110 on which antenna system 116 is mounted is positioned proximate to front housing member 106 such that antenna system 116 is positioned between battery 122 and front housing member 106. Thus, battery 122 is positioned between MLB 110 and rear housing member 108, and rear housing member 108 is positioned between battery 122 and wall plate 128. Thus, wall plate 128 can be mounted on rear outer surface 156 of rear housing member 108. When rear housing member 108 is assembled with front housing member 106, rear outer surface 156 is on the side opposite front surface 146 of front housing member 106.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view 200 of some components of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1, including camera module 118 and PIR sensor 120. The exploded view 200 shows sensor PCB 112 having a first face 202 and an opposing second face 204. PIR sensor 120 and camera module 118 are mounted on the first face 202 of sensor PCB 112. In particular, an image sensor (not shown in FIG. 2) of camera module 118 is mounted on sensor PCB 112. The image sensor is positioned behind camera lens 142 to capture image data of a scene within the field of view of camera lens 142.

[0026] Exploded view 200 also shows a TIM 140 positioned between the heat spreader 134 and the second side 204 of the sensor PCB 112. In the assembled state, the TIM 140 is in thermal contact with the sensor PCB 112 and the heat spreader 134. In particular, the TIM 140 is positioned proximate to the second side 204 of the sensor PCB 112 and directly opposite the camera module 118. This arrangement configures the TIM to transfer heat from the camera module 118 to the heat spreader 134, which transfers that heat to the heat sink and / or to the housing of the doorbell camera.

[0027] In some cases, the heat spreader 134 may include one or more flanges 206 and / or one or more alignment pins 208. The flanges 206 and alignment pins 208 may position the heat spreader 134 relative to the sensor PCB 112 such that the thermal contact between the shapes of the sensor PCB 112 and the heat spreader 134 is optimized (e.g., for heat conduction) in some cases. In some cases, the flange 206 may also function as a mechanical ridge that contributes to the desired thickness and / or compression of the TIM 140.

[0028] In some aspects, the TIM 140 may include a thermal pad. Examples of thermal pads include pre-formed solid materials based on silicone or paraffin wax. The TIM 140 may provide a path for conducting heat generated by the PIR sensor 120 and the image sensor of the camera module 118 to the heat spreader 134. The heat spreader 134 may transfer the generated heat to other elements (e.g., the first housing component 106 and / or the second housing component 108 shown in FIG. 1) through convection and / or radiation. In some cases, a hybrid graphite sheet (not shown in FIG. 2) may also be attached to one or more surfaces of the heat spreader 134.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view 300 of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration. The camera-side end 150 of the electronic device 100 includes an IR cover protruding from the first surface 146 of the electronic device 100. For example, the IR cover includes a PIR lens 302 and an IR window 304. The PIR lens 302 and the IR window 304 together form an annular shape (e.g., a ring shape having an outer diameter and an inner diameter) that defines a central aperture 306. The PIR lens 302 and the IR window 304 may be separate components that are assembled together or positioned adjacent to each other. In another example, the PIR lens 302 and the IR window 304 may be different portions of a single component, or may be joined together to form a single component. When the electronic device 100 is assembled, the camera lens 142 of the camera module 118 (of FIG. 2) extends through the central aperture 306 and protrudes from the outer surfaces of the PIR lens 302 and the IR window 304. In a plurality of aspects, the camera lens 142 is positioned relative to the surrounding components such that the axis center of the camera lens 142 is substantially perpendicular to the front surface 146 of the housing 106.

[0030] The IR window 304 may include an IR transmissive material that allows IR light from the IR LED on the IR PCB 114 (of FIG. 1) to pass through the IR window 304. In another example, the IR window 304 includes (i) an IR opaque material to prevent IR light from passing through the material itself, and (ii) may define one or more apertures 308 through which the IR LED may provide IR light. The IR opaque material may prevent IR light from leaking to the camera lens 142 of the camera module 118.

[0031] The PIR lens 302 may include an IR transmissive material that allows IR light reflected from one or more objects to pass through the PIR lens 302. The PIR sensor 120 (of FIG. 2) is positioned behind the PIR lens 302 and can receive the IR light passing through the PIR lens 302 to detect the movement of an object. The PIR lens 302 may include any suitable lens that can be used by the PIR sensor 120 to receive IR reflection, examples of which include Fresnel lenses.

[0032] At the button-side end 152 of the electronic device 100, the button 124 and the light ring 144 may be in substantially the same plane as the front surface 146 of the electronic device 100. The button 124 and / or the light ring 144 may have a shape and / or size that substantially matches the outer shape and / or size of the IR cover (e.g., the PIR lens 302 and the IR window 304). In one example, the button 124 may have a diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the IR cover at the camera-side end 150. In another example, the light ring 144 may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the IR cover.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view 400 of the electronic device 100 along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. A first portion 402 (e.g., the camera-side end 150) of the cross-sectional view 400 of the electronic device 100 in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 5. A second portion 404 (e.g., the button-side end 152) of the cross-sectional view 400 of the electronic device 100 in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 7.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the speaker module 126 is aligned with a portion (e.g., lower portion 406) of the button 124 with the MLB 110 positioned between the speaker module 126 and the button 124. Another portion (e.g., upper portion 408) of the button 124 is aligned with or overlaps the battery 122 in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) orthogonal to the plane defined by the front surface 146 with the MLB 110 positioned between the button 124 and the battery 122. The battery 122 is positioned in the central portion 154 of the housing and extends partially towards the camera-side end 150 and the button-side end 152. Further, the battery 122 is longitudinally positioned between the speaker module 126 at the button-side end 152 and the camera module 118 at the camera-side end 150. Further details of the camera-side end 150 are described with respect to FIG. 5.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view 500 of a first portion 402 (e.g., the camera-side end 150) of the cross-sectional view 400 of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 4. As shown, the camera lens (e.g., camera lens 142) is positioned between the IR window 304 and the PIR lens 302. Thus, the camera lens 142 is positioned between an IR LED 502 configured to provide IR light for passing through the IR window 304 and a PIR sensor 120 configured to receive IR light reflected from an object and passing through the PIR lens 302. The camera lens 142 protrudes by a first distance 504 from the outer surface of the IR cover (e.g., the PIR lens 302 and the IR window 304). Thus, the camera lens 142 is not positioned behind the cover material (e.g., cover glass), resulting in fewer components and reduced manufacturing costs. The first distance 504 is predefined based on the characteristics of the camera lens 142 (e.g., FOV) and the proximity and relationship of the camera lens 142 to the IR window 304. For example, the first distance 504 is sufficient to mitigate IR flare (e.g., IR light traveling through the IR window 304 and leaking to the camera lens 142). In one aspect, the first distance 504 is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. In this way, the IR light traveling through the IR window 304 cannot enter the camera lens. The first distance 504 can be greater for a 160° lens than, for example, for a 140° lens.

[0036] The central portion 154 (shown in FIG. 4) is narrower in the front-to-back dimension than the camera-side end 150. For example, the IR cover (e.g., the PIR lens 302 and the IR window 304) protrudes by a second distance 506 from the front surface 146 of the front housing member 106. The second distance 506 can be any suitable distance sufficient to provide sufficient internal space for the camera module 118 and the PIR sensor 120 at the camera-side end 150 while allowing the central portion 154 and the button-side end 152 (shown in FIG. 4) to be as thin as possible.

[0037] The camera module 118 includes an image sensor 508 mounted on the sensor PCB 112. As further described herein, the PIR sensor 120 and the image sensor 508 are mounted on the same PCB (e.g., the sensor PCB 112). Also, both the PIR sensor 120 and the image sensor 508 are mounted on the same surface (e.g., the first surface 202) of the sensor PCB 112. In a plurality of aspects, the image sensor 508 may be mounted on a substrate 510 directly mounted on the sensor PCB 112.

[0038] Generally, an image sensor (for image capture) and a PIR sensor (for motion detection) each use a lens to perform their respective functions well. The combination of the sensor and the lens each has a different focal length. Mounting the PIR sensor 120 and the image sensor 508 on the same PCB improves space efficiency and cost efficiency compared to conventional devices that use different PCBs and planes for the image sensor and the PIR sensor. However, when both sensors are mounted on the same PCB, the focal lengths of the combinations of both sensors and lenses may need to cooperate with each other, which is not a trivial matter. This is because although the two sensors are independent, they are located on the same plane, and their respective lenses are also on the same plane as each other.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary implementation 600 of the sensor PCB 112 of FIG. 1. The PIR sensor 120 (of FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5) is sensitive to heat not only from the absolute steady-state temperature but also from a thermal load from a transient perspective to such an extent that a rapid transient thermal load can cause significant damage to the PIR sensor 120. As an example, for instance, a transient thermal load greater than a temperature rise of 1 Kelvin per second can cause significant damage to the PIR sensor 120. When an object is detected and the image sensor 508 is activated (e.g., turned on), the image sensor 508 dissipates power (e.g., power of approximately 290 milliwatts), which generates heat. To provide a buffer to prevent the heat from reaching the PIR sensor 120, the sensor PCB 112 includes a recessed ground plane and a physical notch (e.g., an aperture). The plane separation and the physical notch in the sensor PCB 112 isolate the heat from the PIR sensor 120.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the sensor PCB 112 includes a first ground plane 602 and a second ground plane 604 thermally isolated from the first ground plane 602. In one example, the metal layer-shaped configurations forming the first ground plane 602 and the second ground plane 604 are independent of each other without having a shared metal path for conducting electrical energy and / or thermal energy. Additionally, the sensor PCB 112 defines a notch (e.g., a slot 606) that thermally separates the first ground plane 602 from the second ground plane 604. As shown, the slot 606 is oriented longitudinally in a direction substantially parallel direction, longitudinally oriented.

[0041] The first ground plane 602 and the second ground plane 604 are ground planes for different sensors. For example, the first ground plane 602 may be a ground plane for a PIR sensor (e.g., the PIR sensor 120 of FIGS. 1 and 2), and the second ground plane 604 may be a ground plane for an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor 508 of FIG. 5). Heat transfer between the sensors is significantly reduced or prevented due to the thermal isolation of the first ground plane 602 from the second ground plane 604. In some cases, the first ground plane 602 and the second ground plane 604 may be formed from a material (e.g., a copper material) having a thermal conductivity and / or a thermal capacitance.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view 700 of a second portion 404 (e.g., the button-side end 152) of the cross-sectional view 400 of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 4. Here, the button 124 includes an optical ring architecture having an optical ring (e.g., the optical ring 144) integrated with the button 124. Both the button 124 and the optical ring architecture have a relatively large outer diameter although they have a small z-stack. The optical ring architecture may include an array of LEDs 702 and an optical waveguide 704. The optical path (e.g., the path for the light generated by the array of LEDs 702 to travel) is shared with a button movement region (e.g., the region within the housing for the button 124 to move when it is subjected to an external compressive force). The LED 702 may be an upper-emitting LED that emits light toward the optical waveguide 704 positioned behind the button 124. Any suitable number of LEDs including 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. may be realized. In one example, 8 LEDs are realized and they may have an intensity substantially in the range of 500 to 3000 millicandelas (mcd).

[0043] The optical waveguide 704 is positioned directly above the array of LEDs 702 (e.g., in the z-direction). In multiple aspects, the optical waveguide 704 has total internal reflection (TIR) for light at the 45° surface 706 and also has TIR on the inside (e.g., inside 708) of the outer surface of the optical waveguide 704. Additionally, a reflective material (e.g., reflective tape 710) can be positioned between the optical waveguide 704 and the button 124 to reduce light leakage and increase optical efficiency. In the illustrated example, the reflective tape 710 is positioned on the side of the optical waveguide 704 opposite the array of LEDs 702.

[0044] The optical ring architecture also includes a plurality of diffusing flanges 712 that diffuse and transmit light. In multiple aspects, the diffusing flanges 712 are transparent to allow light to pass through. The diffusing flanges 712 do not prevent light from exiting through the optical ring 144. Any suitable number of diffusing flanges 712, including two, three, four, etc., can be implemented around the optical waveguide 704. The diffusing flanges 712 can mitigate hot spots based on the diffusive resin used to form the diffusing flanges 712 and their shape dimensions. Also, the diffusing flanges 712 structurally support the button 124 (e.g., "snap" fit onto the optical waveguide 704 to support the button 124 in place). While the flexible button component 714 applies a biasing force in the opposite direction (e.g., an outward direction towards the back side of the button 124) with respect to the central region of the optical waveguide 704, the diffusing flanges 712 provide a resistance force in the direction towards the inside of the electronic device 100 with respect to the optical waveguide 704. When the button 124 is pressed, the flexible button component 714 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the MLB 110 and can directly connect to a switch on the MLB 110 to open and close the switch. Connecting the button 124 and its components directly to the MLB 110 enhances space savings in the architecture of the electronic device 100.

[0045] The optical ring 144 is formed via a two-shot molding technique together with the button 124. In particular, the button 124 is the first shot of a plastic material, and the optical ring 144 is the second shot of a plastic material that is diffusive and formed in a ring shape around the button 124 (when viewed from the front). In multiple aspects, the optical ring 144 is in the same plane as the outer surface of the button 124. The button 124 and the optical ring 144 can be in the same plane as the front surface 146 of the front housing member 106. Using the two-shot molding technique, the optical ring 144 and the button 124 are chemically joined together without a gap or seam therebetween, which reduces the number of parts involved and also enhances waterproofing. The optical ring 144 can have any suitable width (e.g., the distance between the inner diameter and the outer diameter). Exemplary widths of the optical ring 144 include widths within a range of substantially 0.25 mm to 1.0 mm (including a width of 0.5 mm). The light generated by the array of LEDs 702 exits through the optical ring 144.

[0046] Arrow 716 represents the general path of the light generated by the array of LEDs 702. For example, the light is directly emitted from the LED 702 to the optical waveguide 704 (e.g., in the z direction), reflects from the 45° surface 706 within the optical waveguide 704, and proceeds in a direction towards the periphery of the optical waveguide 704 (and towards the periphery of the button 124). The light continues to travel through the optical waveguide 704 and reflects from the inner side 708 of the optical waveguide 704. The light can travel towards the optical ring 144, through and / or around the diffusing flange 712. The optical ring 144 diffuses the light, and the diffused light exits the optical waveguide 704 towards the outside of the housing.

[0047] In addition, a reflective material 718 (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) can be positioned between the diffusing flange 712 and the structural support 720 of the housing (and between the structural support 720 and the optical ring 144). The reflective material 718 reduces light leakage by reflecting light towards the optical ring 144.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows a rear view 800 of an exemplary implementation of the PIR lens 302 of FIG. 3. A typical motion sensor has high detection ability for an object moving laterally (e.g., from left to right or from right to left as viewed from the perspective of the sensor) across the FOV of the sensor. This lateral motion can be referred to as tangential motion. In contrast, a conventional motion sensor has lower detection ability for an object moving directly towards (or away from) the sensor, which is referred to herein as radial motion.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the PIR lens 302 includes features of a Fresnel lens that enhance the FOV of the PIR sensor 120 (of FIG. 1). In particular, the PIR lens 302 described herein enables (i) enhanced radial motion detection for an adult, assuming flat approach to the electronic device 100, (ii) enhanced radial motion detection for an adult in the presence of stairs leading to the electronic device 100, and (iii) (tangential and radial) motion detection for a child.

[0050] Continuing, the PIR lens 302 includes an array of small lenses 802 (e.g., small lenses 802-1 to 802-8). Each small lens 802 includes a set of concentric annular segments that form at least a portion of a Fresnel lens. As viewed from the perspective of the PIR sensor 120, the small lenses 802 provide a FOV that is narrower than the sensor FOV. Using a plurality of small lenses 802 creates a plurality of separate small FOVs for the PIR sensor 120, which are referred to as field-of-view cones. Depending on the arrangement of the small lenses 802, adjacent field-of-view cones may overlap or may have a gap therebetween. Further details of the field-of-view cones are described below with respect to FIG. 9.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the PIR lens 302 includes a plurality of columns of the small lenses 802, including a first column 804 (e.g., small lenses 802-1, 802-2, 802-3, and 802-4) stacked on top of a second column 806 (e.g., small lenses 802-5, 802-6, 802-7, and 802-8). A single column of the small lenses 802 enhances the horizontal FOV for the PIR sensor 120 and is effective in detecting tangential motion, but not very efficient in detecting radial motion. This is because the PIR sensor 120 is for detecting changes in incident heat. Generally, a person approaching radially (e.g., directly towards the PIR sensor 120) provides a slow change in incident heat, and the PIR sensor 120 responds by providing a low signal corresponding to the slow change in incident heat. By implementing the first column 804 of the small lenses 802 together with the second column 806 of the small lenses 802, the detection of radial motion is significantly enhanced. In multiple scenarios, the PIR sensor 120 detects a more rapid change in incident heat corresponding to a person approaching radially through the second column 806 of the small lenses 802 rather than through the first column 804 of the small lenses 802. This is due to the fact that the second column 806 of the small lenses is focused at an angle from horizontal downward, and as a person approaches the electronic device 100, more parts of the person's body are detected (e.g., the feet are detected first, then the legs, and then the torso). As described in more detail herein, the second column 806 of the small lenses 802 also enhances motion detection for shorter people (e.g., children), or for people approaching from below while ascending a front door staircase.

[0052] The PIR sensor 120 can be aligned with the PIR lens 302 at location 808 to provide an optimal FOV for the PIR sensor 120 when the electronic device 100 is mounted at a suitable height for the doorbell. Note that the location 808 for sensor alignment is offset from the dividing line 810 between the small lenses 802-2 and 802-6 (and between the small lenses 802-3 and 802-7). This offset, combined with the distance (e.g., focal length) between the PIR lens 302 and the PIR sensor 120, defines the direction of the field-of-view cone created by each small lens 802. Also, the PIR sensor 120 can have a plurality (e.g., two) of sensor elements arranged horizontally side by side with respect to the PIR lens 302. Using two sensor elements doubles the number of field-of-view cones with respect to the number of small lenses 802. In the illustrated example, the PIR lens 302 includes eight small lenses 802, and the PIR sensor 120 has two sensor elements, which results in 16 field-of-view cones.

[0053] In addition, each of the vertical pairs of the small lenses 802 (e.g., small lenses 802-1 and 802-5, small lenses 802-2 and 802-6, small lenses 802-3 and 802-7, and small lenses 802-4 and 802-8) provides vertically overlapping field-of-view cones, and further details thereof are shown in FIG. 10. The small lenses 802 in the second column 806 are larger than the small lenses in the first column 804. In particular, the small lenses 802 in the second column have a larger area and / or height than the small lenses 802 in the first column 804. The larger area and / or larger height of the small lens increases the sensitivity to the PIR sensor 120 within the field-of-view cone created by that small lens as compared to another small lens having a smaller area or a smaller height. In this way, the sensitivity of the PIR sensor 120 is biased (e.g., increased) through the second column 806 of the small lenses 802 and is relatively dull through the first column 804 of the small lenses 802. Also, as described in connection with FIG. 10, the vertical displacement of the PIR sensor 120 with respect to the vertical center of the second column 806 of the small lenses 802 creates a field-of-view cone directed downward from the horizontal, which is useful in detecting motion at a shorter distance. In addition, the small lenses 802 are shaped, sized, and configured to have substantially uniform sensitivity across the field-of-view cone created by the first column 804 of the small lenses 802 and to have substantially uniform sensitivity across the field-of-view cone created by the second column 806 of the small lenses 802.

[0054] Continuing, FIG. 9 shows a top view 900 of the FOV of the PIR sensor 120 using the PIR lens 302 of FIG. 8. The example shown depicts eight field-of-view cones 902, which correspond to the first column 804 of the small lenses of FIG. 8. The PIR sensor 120 has an overall horizontal FOV (hFOV) 904 within any suitable range, and each field-of-view cone 902 can have an hFOV 906 within any suitable range that is smaller than the overall hFOV 904. In one example, the overall hFOV 904 of the PIR sensor 120 is substantially in the range of 90° to 180° (e.g., 110°). In yet another example, the hFOV 906 of each field-of-view cone 902 is substantially in the range of 5° to 12° (e.g., 8°). In some aspects, there are gaps 908 between the field-of-view cones 902, and the PIR sensor 120 cannot detect motion in the gaps 908. The gaps 908 can have a gap size 910 that is substantially in the range of 1° to 10° (e.g., 7°). Including the gaps 908 between the field-of-view cones 902 results in distinct field-of-view cones that are independent in the horizontal direction and enhances the efficiency of tangential motion detection by the PIR sensor 120. For example, a person traversing multiple field-of-view cones 902 can be easily detected based on changes in radiation (e.g., heat) generated by the user and detected by the PIR sensor 120.

[0055] Generally, a PIR sensor becomes more sensitive towards the center of the overall hFOV 904 and less sensitive towards the sides of the overall hFOV 904. Using the PIR lens 302, for example, the inner field-of-view cone 902-1 in the center can have a radius 912 of approximately 25 feet (ft) (7.62 meters (m)), and the outer field-of-view cone 902-2 can have a radius 914 of approximately 20 ft. Since users typically mount the electronic device 100 in close proximity to the standard location of a doorbell (next to the front door of a house), visitors typically approach the house (and the electronic device 100) within the inner field-of-view cone and rarely approach within the outer field-of-view cone.

[0056] Here, consider FIGS. 10A and 10B which show examples of side views 1000 and 1050 of the FOV of the PIR sensor 120 using the PIR lens 302 of FIG. 8 according to the radial movement of an adult (FIG. 10A) and a child (FIG. 10B). In the illustrated example, a pair of vertically stacked field-of-view cones 902 (e.g., upper field-of-view cone 902-3 and bottom field-of-view cone 902-4) are shown with respect to the electronic device 100. The upper field-of-view cone 902-3 corresponds to the field-of-view cone 902 in the first row 804 of the small lens 802 in the PIR lens 302 of FIG. 8, which includes field-of-view cones 902-1, 902-2, 902-3, and 902-4. The bottom field-of-view cone 902-4 corresponds to the field-of-view cone 902 in the second row 806 of the small lens 802 in the PIR lens 302 of FIG. 8, which includes 902-5, 902-6, 902-7, and 902-8. In the illustrated example, the ground has a downward slope 1008 of approximately 2° from the horizontal axis 1010 perpendicular to the wall on which the electronic device 100 is mounted, and the axis center (e.g., axis 1004) of the PIR sensor 120 is at a distance 1006 of 25 ft and a height of approximately 5 feet (1.524 m) from the ground, so that the electronic device 100 is mounted on the wall at a height 1002 of approximately 4 ft 2.8 inches (in) (1.29 m). However, the electronic device 100 may be mounted on the wall at any suitable height. Generally, a doorbell can be mounted at a height within the range of 3.5 ft (1.067 m) to 4.5 ft (1.372 m).

[0057] The upper field-of-view cone 902 is directed to include a volume above the axis 1004 of the PIR sensor 120. In one example, the upper boundary (e.g., upper boundary 1012) of the upper field-of-view cone 902 can be within a range substantially 1° to 10° above the axis 1004 (including 3°). In addition, the bottom field-of-view cone 902 is directed downward at any suitable angle below the upper field-of-view cone 902 and below the axis 1004. For example, the bottom field-of-view cone 902 is from 10° to 30 ° indeedIt can be directed at a downward angle within the lower range (including 13°). In one example, the lower boundary (e.g., lower boundary 1014) of the bottom field of view cone 902 can be within a range (including 27°) that is substantially 20° to 45° below the axis 1004. Example 1000 also shows a person 1016 (e.g., an adult) who is approximately 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall approaching the electronic device 100.

[0058] There is an overlap 1018 between the upper field of view cone 902-3 and the bottom field of view cone 902-4, which enhances the detection of radial motion. The upper limit of the bottom field of view cone 902 can reach a distance 1006 of approximately 25 ft (assuming a downward slope 1008 of the ground). Thus, when the person 1016 approaches within the distance 1006, the person 1016 enters the bottom field of view cone 902-4, and the amount of radiation (e.g., heat) detected by the PIR sensor 120 increases rapidly. The detected increase is due to the overlap 1018 and the bottom field of view cone 902. This is because the PIR lens 302 is adjusted to enable the PIR sensor 120 to have a higher sensitivity in the bottom field of view cone 902-4 than in the upper field of view cone 902-3. When there is a rapid change in the incident radiation, the PIR sensor 120 can output a signal. The increase in the detected radiation caused by the bottom field of view cone 902-4 enables the person 1016 to be detected earlier. Also, as the person 1016 approaches the PIR sensor 120 radially, more parts of the person's body enter the bottom field of view cone 902-4, which causes a rapid change in the incident radiation detectable by the PIR sensor 120.

[0059] Similarly, a short person (e.g., child 1020) approaching the electronic device 100 radially can be detected as soon as they enter the bottom field-of-view cone 902-4. In the case of radial approach, the PIR sensor 120 of a conventional camera doorbell having only a single row of small lenses may have difficulty detecting the child 1020. This is because much of the child's body is below the corresponding field-of-view cone. However, by implementing the second row 806 of small lenses 802 to create the bottom field-of-view cone 902-4, the PIR sensor 120 can detect a rapid change in the incident heat corresponding to the child 1020 when the child 1020 enters one or more of the bottom field-of-view cones 902-4 and moves further radially closer to the PIR sensor 120, causing more parts of the child's body to enter the bottom field-of-view cone 902-4.

[0060] In some cases, there may be a staircase leading to the electronic device 100 that allows a person to be substantially below the upper field-of-view cone 902. The bottom field-of-view cone 902 enables enhanced motion detection of the person 1016 or child 1020 as they climb the staircase. This is because they are approaching the electronic device 100 radially substantially from within the bottom field-of-view cone 902.

[0061] Exemplary computing system FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an exemplary system 1100 that includes an exemplary device 1102 that can be implemented as any electronic device (e.g., the electronic device of FIG. 1) that implements aspects of an image capture doorbell device as described with reference to FIGS. 1-10B. The exemplary device 1102 can be any type of computing device, client device, mobile phone, tablet, communication, entertainment, gaming, media playback, and / or other type of device. Also, the exemplary device 1102 can be implemented as any other type of electronic device configured for communication on a network, such as a thermostat, doorbell, hazard detector, camera, optical unit, proxy device, router, border router, joiner router, bonding device, terminal device, reader, access point, hub, and / or other electronic devices. The exemplary device 1102 can be integrated with electronic circuits, microprocessors, memory, input output (I / O) logic control, communication interfaces and components, and other hardware, firmware, and / or software for communicating over a network. Also, the device 1102 can be implemented using various components, e.g., any number and combination of different components as further described below.

[0062] Device 1102 includes a communication device 1104 that enables wired and / or wireless communication of device data 1106 such as data communicated between devices in a network, data being received, data scheduled for broadcast, data packets of data, data synchronized between devices, etc. The device data may include any type of communication data, as well as audio, video, and / or image data generated by applications running on the device. The communication device 1104 may also include a transceiver for cellular phone communication and / or for network data communication. The communication device 1104 may include wireless systems for a plurality of different wireless communication systems. The wireless systems may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Mobile Broadband, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and / or Point-to-Point IEEE802.15.4. Each of the different wireless systems may include wireless devices, antennas, and chipsets implemented for a particular wireless communication technology.

[0063] Device 1102 also includes an input / output (I / O) interface 1108, such as a data network interface that provides a connection and / or communication link between the device and a data network (e.g., an internal network, an external network, etc.) and other devices. The I / O interface may be used to couple the device to any type of component, peripheral device, and / or accessory device. The I / O interface also includes data input ports through which any type of data, media content, and / or input, such as user input to the device, as well as any type of communication data such as audio, video, and / or image data received from any content and / or data source, may be received.

[0064] Device 1102 includes a processing system 1110 that can be at least partially implemented in hardware such as any type of microprocessor, controller, etc. that processes executable instructions. The processing system can include integrated circuits, programmable logic devices, logic devices formed using one or more semiconductors, and other realizations in silicon and / or hardware, such as components of a processor and memory system implemented as a system-on-chip (SoC). Alternatively, or in addition, the device can be implemented using any one of software, hardware, firmware, or fixed logic circuitry that can be implemented using processing and control circuitry, or combinations thereof. Device 1102 can further include any type of system bus or other data and command transfer system that couples the various components within the device. The system bus can include any one of different bus structures and architectures, as well as control lines and data lines, or combinations thereof.

[0065] Device 1102 also includes a computer-readable storage memory 1112 that is accessible by a computing device and provides persistent storage of data and executable instructions (e.g., software applications, modules, programs, functions, etc.). The computer-readable storage memory described herein excludes propagated signals. Examples of computer-readable storage memory include volatile and non-volatile memory, fixed and removable media devices, and any suitable memory device or electronic data storage that maintains data for access by a computing device. The computer-readable storage memory can include various realizations of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, and other types of storage memory in various memory device configurations.

[0066] The computer-readable memory 1112 provides storage of device data 1106 and various device applications 1114, such as an operating system maintained as a software application using the computer-readable memory and executed by the processing system 1110. The device applications may also include a device manager, such as any form of control application, software application, signal processing and control module, code specific to a particular device, a hardware abstraction layer for a particular device, etc. In this example, the device applications also include a smart home application 1116 that realizes aspects of an image capture doorbell device, for example, when the exemplary device 1102 is realized as any of the electronic devices described herein. The device 1102 also includes a power source 1118, such as a battery 122. An alternating current (AC) power source may also be used to charge the battery of the device.

[0067] In a plurality of aspects, at least a portion of the techniques described for the electronic device 100 may be implemented in a distributed system on a platform 1122 through a "cloud" 1120 or the like. The cloud 1120 includes and / or represents a platform 1122 for services 1124 and / or resources 1126.

[0068] Platform 1122 abstracts the underlying functionality of hardware, such as server devices (e.g., included in Service 1124) and / or software resources (e.g., included as Resource 1126), and communicatively connects exemplary device 1102 to other devices, servers, etc. Resource 1126 can also include applications and / or data that can be utilized while computer processing is being executed on a server remote from exemplary device 1102. Additionally, Service 1124 and / or Resource 1126 can facilitate subscriber network services over, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, or a Wi-Fi network. Platform 1122 can also function to abstract and scale resources to serve the demand for Resource 1126 realized via the platform, such as in an implementation example of an interconnected device that uses functionality distributed throughout System 1100. For example, the functionality can be realized partially at exemplary device 1102 and via Platform 1122 that abstracts the functionality of Cloud 1120.

[0069] Some examples are provided below. The image capture doorbell device includes a housing having an elongated shape with opposing first and second ends, each of the first and second ends having a generally radial curvature that intersects the longitudinal axis of the housing. The housing includes a generally planar front face having a substantially oval shape. The image capture doorbell device further includes an IR cover forming an annular shape with a central aperture, the IR cover being positioned on the front face of the housing proximate to the first end. The image capture doorbell device further includes a button positioned on the front face proximate to the second end of the housing, the button having an oval shape. The image capture doorbell device further includes a light ring positioned along the perimeter of the button, the light ring being configured to diffuse light generated by a light source within the housing. The image capture doorbell device further includes a camera module positioned proximate to the first end of the housing, the camera module including a camera lens having an axis centered substantially perpendicular to the front face of the housing, the camera lens extending through the central aperture of the annular shape of the IR cover and protruding a predefined distance from the outer surface of the IR cover to mitigate IR flare.

[0070] The IR cover may protrude from the front face of the housing. The IR cover may include a PIR lens and an IR window. The PIR lens and the IR window may each include an IR transmissive material.

[0071] The image capture doorbell device may further include one or more IR LEDs aligned with the IR window, a PIR sensor aligned with the PIR lens, and an image sensor aligned with the camera lens.

[0072] The camera lens may protrude from the outer surface of the IR cover in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front face of the housing.

[0073] The PIR lens may be aligned with the PIR sensor. The PIR lens may include an array of small lenses each including a set of concentric annular segments that can be used to create a field of view cone for the PIR sensor. The array of small lenses may include a first row of small lenses stacked on top of a second row of small lenses.

[0074] Each small lens in the first column can form a pair of vertically stacked small lenses with each corresponding small lens in the second column. Each pair of vertically stacked small lenses can provide a pair of overlapping field-of-view cones for increased sensitivity.

[0075] The small lenses in the second column of small lenses can have a larger size than the small lenses in the first column of small lenses. The PIR sensor can have increased sensitivity to motion detection through the second column of small lenses compared to the first column of small lenses, based on the fact that the size of the small lenses in the second column is larger compared to the small lenses in the first column.

[0076] The second column of small lenses can provide a field-of-view cone for the PIR sensor that is focused at a downward angle with respect to the axis center of the PIR sensor.

[0077] The PIR lens can be formed as part of a ring having a curved outer edge and a curved inner edge. The array of small lenses can be located between the curved outer edge and the curved inner edge.

[0078] The image capture doorbell device can further include a sensor printed circuit board (PCB). The PIR sensor and the image sensor are mounted on the same surface of the sensor PCB.

[0079] The sensor PCB can include separate ground planes for each of the PIR sensor and the image sensor. The sensor PCB can define slots that separate the ground planes.

[0080] The light ring is concentric with the button and can be in the same plane as the outer surface of the button 。

[0081] The light ring can include a diffusive material to allow light generated by one or more light sources within the housing to pass through the light ring.

[0082] The image capture doorbell device may further include one or more LEDs mounted on the main logic board and oriented to emit light toward the rear side of the button, and an optical waveguide positioned between the one or more LEDs and the button. The optical waveguide is configured to guide light from the one or more LEDs toward the optical ring.

[0083] The image capture doorbell device may further include a plurality of diffusing flanges. The plurality of diffusing flanges structurally support the button, are distributed around the perimeter of the optical waveguide, and enable light exiting the optical waveguide to proceed through the plurality of diffusing flanges toward the optical ring.

[0084] Conclusion Although aspects of the image capture doorbell device have been described in language specific to features and / or methods, the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as illustrative implementations of the claimed image capture doorbell device, and other equivalent features and methods are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Also, various different aspects have been described, and it should be understood that each described aspect may be implemented independently or in relation to one or more of the other described aspects.

Claims

1. An image capture doorbell device, comprising a housing having an elongated shape with opposing first and second ends, each of the first and second ends having a generally radial curvature, intersecting the longitudinal axis of the housing, the housing including a generally planar front face having a substantially oval shape, the image capture doorbell device further comprising an infrared (IR) cover forming an annular shape with a central aperture, the IR cover being located on the front face of the housing, proximate to the first end, the image capture doorbell device further comprising a button positioned on the front face, proximate to the second end of the housing, the button having an oval shape, the image capture doorbell device further comprising a light ring positioned along the perimeter of the button, the light ring being configured to diffuse light generated by one or more light sources within the housing, the image capture doorbell device further comprising a camera module positioned proximate to the first end of the housing, the camera module including a camera lens having an axis centered substantially perpendicular to the front face of the housing, the camera lens extending through the central aperture of the annular shape of the IR cover and protruding a predefined distance from the outer surface of the IR cover, the IR cover including a PIR lens and an IR window, the image capture doorbell device, wherein the PIR lens and the IR window each comprise an IR transmissive material.

2. The image capture doorbell device according to claim 1, wherein the IR cover protrudes from the front face of the housing.

3. one or more IR light emitting diodes (LEDs) aligned with the IR window, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor aligned with the PIR lens, and an image sensor aligned with the camera lens, the image capture doorbell device according to claim 2.

4. The image capture doorbell device according to claim 3, wherein the camera lens protrudes from the outer surface of the IR cover in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front face of the housing.

5. The PIR lens includes an array of small lenses, each including a set of concentric annular segments that can be used to create a field of view cone for the PIR sensor. The array of the small lenses includes the first row of the small lenses stacked on the second row of the small lenses, and the image capturing doorbell device according to any one of claims 3 or 4.

6. Each of the small lenses in the first row forms a pair with each of the small lenses in the second row to form a pair of the small lenses stacked vertically. Each pair of the small lenses stacked vertically provides a pair of overlapping field of view cones for increasing sensitivity, and the image capturing doorbell device according to claim 5.

7. The small lenses in the second row of the small lenses have a larger size than the small lenses in the first row of the small lenses. Based on the fact that the size of the small lenses in the second row is larger than that of the small lenses in the first row, the PIR sensor has an increased sensitivity to motion detection through the second row of the small lenses compared to the first row of the small lenses, and the image capturing doorbell device according to claim 6.

8. The second row of the small lenses provides a field of view cone for the PIR sensor that is focused at a downward angle with respect to the axis center of the PIR sensor, and the image capturing doorbell device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The PIR lens is formed as part of a ring having a curved outer edge and a curved inner edge. The array of the small lenses is located between the curved outer edge and the curved inner edge, and the image capturing doorbell device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. Further including a sensor printed circuit board (PCB), and the PIR sensor and the image sensor are mounted on the same surface of the sensor printed circuit board (PCB), and the image capturing doorbell device according to any one of claims 3 to 9.

11. The sensor printed circuit board (PCB) includes a separate ground plane for each of the PIR sensor and the image sensor. The sensor printed circuit board (PCB) defines a slot for separating the ground plane, and the image capturing doorbell device according to claim 10.

12. The optical ring is concentric with the button and is on the same plane as the outer surface of the button. The image capture doorbell device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the optical ring includes a diffusive material that allows light generated by the one or more light sources in the housing to pass through the optical ring.

13. The image capture doorbell device according to claim 12, wherein the optical ring is joined to the button via a two-shot molding technique.

14. One or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the main logic board and oriented to emit light toward the rear side of the button; And an optical waveguide positioned between the one or more LEDs and the button, the optical waveguide configured to direct the light from the one or more LEDs toward the optical ring. The image capture doorbell device according to claim 12 or claim 13.

15. Further including a plurality of diffusive flanges, the plurality of diffusive flanges structurally supporting the button, distributed around the optical waveguide, and allowing light exiting the optical waveguide to travel through the plurality of diffusive flanges toward the optical ring. The image capture doorbell device according to claim 14.

Images