Improved doorbell system and a method for providing such a doorbell system

Abstract

A doorbell unit configured to present image data of a doorbell activity on a first device, wherein the first device is configured to transfer, i.e. extend an invitation (invite) for the handling of the doorbell activity to an assisting device.

Description

[0001] IMPROVED DOORBELL SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR PROVIDING SUCH A

[0002] DOORBELL SYSTEM

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The teachings herein relate to doorbell systems, and in particular to video-equipped doorbell system and a method for providing such doorbell a system.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Many seniors, but also other members of society, especially those with some anxiety or trust issues, appreciate being able to see who is at a door, and for this reason many doorbell systems, or other access systems are arranged with video capabilities so that a user can see who or what is outside a door before giving access.

[0007] However, most such systems are either difficult to install and to operate, or they are inflexible in how they can be used. In both these scenario foremostly seniors suffer in that the doorbell system is found to be inadequate for their use.

[0008] There is thus a need for an improved doorbell system, especially for use by seniors or other persons not always well-versed in technology or with some anxiety or trust issues.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] The teachings herein provide for a solution whereby a doorbell that is very simple to install is provided, while still allows for great flexibility in use as it allows for a doorbell activity to be handed over to a trusted person who can help in determining whether a visitor (or other event) is to be trusted or if other action should be taken.

[0011] The solution is provided through a doorbell system comprising a doorbell unit, a first doorbell application module to be executed by a first user device, a second doorbell application module to be executed by an assisting user device, the doorbell unit comprising a controller, a communication interface and an image sensor, wherein the doorbell unit is arranged to be mounted outside of a door, the first user device comprising a controller, a communication interface and a display, and the assisting user device comprising a controller, a communication interface and a display, wherein the controller of the doorbell unit is configured to receive an activation of the doorbell unit, the activation indicating doorbell activity, and in response thereto receive image data from the image sensor and transmit the image data to the first user device, wherein the controller of the first user device is configured through the first doorbell application module to present an application view on the display, wherein the application view comprises a representation of the image data and a transfer i.e. invitation button, receive an activation of the transfer (i.e. invitation) button and in response thereto cause the doorbell activity to be transferred to (i.e. inviting) the assisting user device by inviting the assisting user to be part of the ongoing communication between the visitor and the user, wherein the controller of the assisting user device is configured through the second doorbell application module to present an application view on the display, wherein the application view comprises a representation of the image data and an open button, receive an activation of the open button and in response thereto cause the door to be opened.

[0012] The transfer i.e. invitation is effected by inviting the assisting user to be part of the ongoing communication between the visitor and the user. The transfer i.e. invitation is thus not a cold transfer but in inclusive transfer i.e. invitation where the inviter (the user) is still part of the communication). Any reference to a transfer i.e. invitation is thus to be understood as an invitation to join.

[0013] This enables the user to be part of or at least be privy to the dealings between the assisting user and the visitor thereby sharing the details of any communication between the assisting user and the visitor with the user.

[0014] The solution is also or alternatively provided through a user device comprising a controller, a communication interface and a display, wherein the controller is configured to receive image data from a doorbell unit, the image data indicating a doorbell activity, present an application view on the display, wherein the application view comprises a representation of the image data and a transfer (i.e. invitation) button, receive an activation of the transfer (i.e. invitation) button and in response thereto cause the doorbell activity to be transferred to i.e. inviting an assisting user device by inviting the assisting user to be part of the ongoing communication between the visitor and the user.

[0015] The solution is also or alternatively provided through an assisting user device comprising a controller, a communication interface and a display, wherein the controller is configured to receive a transfer i.e. invitation of a doorbell activity from a first user device thereby being invited to the assisting user to be part of the ongoing communication between the visitor and the user, receive image data from the first user device, present an application view on the display, wherein the application view comprises a representation of the image data and an open button, receive an activation of the open button and in response thereto causing a door to be opened.

[0016] The solution is also or alternatively provided through a method for use in a doorbell system comprising a doorbell unit, the method comprising receiving an activation of the doorbell unit, the activation indicating doorbell activity, and in response thereto receiving image data from the image sensor and transmitting the image data to a first user device, wherein the method further comprises the first user device presenting an application view on the display, wherein the application view comprises a representation of the image data and a transfer (i.e. invitation) button, receiving an activation of the transfer (i.e. invitation) button and in response thereto causing the doorbell activity to be transferred to i.e. inviting an assisting user device by inviting the assisting user to be part of the ongoing communication between the visitor and the user, wherein the method further comprises the assisting user device presenting an application view on the display, wherein the application view comprises a representation of the image data and an open button, receiving an activation of the open button and in response thereto causing the door to be opened.

[0017] Further embodiments and benefits of the present teachings will be apparent from the following description.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The solution will be disclosed with simultaneous reference to Figures 1 A - IE, each showing a schematic view of various embodiments of a doorbell system 100 according to herein,

[0020] Figure 2 showing a flow chart for a general method for various embodiments of the teachings herein, and

[0021] Figure 3 showing a schematic view of a computer-readable medium.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The teachings herein will be disclosed with simultaneous reference to figures 1 A-1E each showing examples of embodiments of a doorbell system and figure 2 showing a flowchart for a general method according to the teachings herein. As will be discussed, a doorbell system 100 may be a general access system, where a visitor requests access to an area, whereby a user grants access, such as by opening a door or other gate.

[0024] Figure 1A shows a schematic view of a doorbell system 100 according to the teachings herein. The doorbell system 100 comprises a doorbell unit 110 arranged on a first side (outside) of a door 105 or other separator (such as wall, gate or other structure separating two areas from one another). It should be noted that the doorbell nit need not be mounted on the door 105, but can be mounted next to the door or even anywhere else, even not related to a door, but on an outside of the area to which the door 105 leads. The doorbell unit 110 is thus to be mounted outside the door 105. It should be noted that outside the door need not be outdoors, as the door 105 can be inside a structure such as in a corridor in an apartment complex.

[0025] The doorbell unit 110 comprises a controller 111, such as one or more processors and / or Programmable Logic Circuits (or other circuitry) for controlling the operation of the doorbell unit 110, and a memory 112 for storing computer-readable instructions that when loaded into and executed by the controller 111 enables the controller 111 to control the operation of the doorbell unit 110 according to the teachings herein. In some embodiments the memory 112 may also be arranged to store image (or video) data and / or audio data.

[0026] The doorbell unit 110 also comprises one or more than one image sensor 115, such as a camera, the image sensor(s) 115 being arranged to capture or record image data, which image data may be still images or video images. In embodiments where multiple image sensors 115 are used, they can be arranged to provide different angles of what is outside the door 105, or in other areas on the outside. The doorbell unit 110 also comprises one or more than one audio sensor 118, such as a microphone, being arranged to capture or record audio data. The audio data recorded by the image sensor (s) 115 may be stored in the memory 112. In some embodiments the doorbell unit 110 comprises two microphones 118 as indicated in the examples of the figures. In some embodiments the two microphones 118 are arranged to operate as stereo microphones for capturing a high-quality audio recording. The audio data recorded by the microphone(s) 118 may be stored in the memory 112. The doorbell unit 110 also comprises one or more than one audio output device 117, such as a speaker, arranged to output audio data received by the doorbell unit 110 or recorded and stored in the memory 112. In some embodiments the speaker 117 is part of a same housing as the doorbell unit 110. In some embodiments the speaker 117 is comprised in the doorbell unit 110 by being connected to the doorbell unit 110 - but being in a separate housing.

[0027] The doorbell unit 110 also comprises one or more than one push or activation buttons 116. In embodiments where there is more than one push button 116, they can be placed at different locations or levels, allowing access at different positions outside, or at different levels for example by visitors in wheelchairs as well as visitors standing.

[0028] The doorbell unit 110 also comprises a power source 114. The power source 114 may be a power network adapter, a connection to a power outlet or other connection to the mains of the structure of the door 105. In some embodiments the power source 114 comprises a battery which enables for easy installation on the outside of the door 105, especially where power outlets may not be available. In some embodiments the battery 114 is replaceable. In some embodiments the battery 114 is chargeable.

[0029] The doorbell unit 110 also comprises one or more than one communication interface 113. The communication interface 113 may be wired or wireless, operating for example according to a short-range wireless interface, such as according to a Bluetooth standard or a WiFi- standard. As would be understood by a skilled person the teachings herein are not directed at a specific WiFi standard or Bluetooth standard, but merely aims to differentiate these two communication standards from other wireless standards and relies on the common understanding of these two standards. The WiFi™ standard is thus any IEEE802.11 standard, especially any IEEE802.11 standard preceding or succeeding the IEEE802.1 lax standard. As the WiFi standard is backwards-compatible, later standards may also be utilized for the communication interface 113. The Bluetooth™ standard is thus any Bluetooth™ standard, especially any Bluetooth™ 5.2 standard preceding or succeeding the Bluetooth™ 5.2 standard. As the Bluetooth™ standard is backwards-compatible, later standards may also be utilized for the communication interface 113. In some embodiments the communication interface 113 is arranged to communicate according to a proprietary protocol.

[0030] The communication interface 113 is arranged to enable communication between the doorbell unit 110 and a relay device 120, such as a router 120. The router 120 may be arranged on a second side (inside) of the door 105. In some embodiments the router 120 is comprised in the communication interface 113.

[0031] The router 120 comprises a controller 121 and a memory 122, having similar features to those of the doorbell unit 110. The router 120 also comprises a communication interface 123, having similar features to that of the doorbell unit 110. However, the communication interface 123 of the router 120 is configured to establish a first connection to the doorbell unit 110 and a second connection to a user device 130. The second connection may be direct, or indirect via a network or other cloud server / service 140. As a skilled person would understand such first and / or second connection(s) can be established in many ways by a router including a wired interface connection to an internet service provider, a land-based telecommunications network (such as PSTN) or a cellular (mobile communications) network, or a short-range wireless interface, such as WiFi or Bluetooth. Examples of cellular network capabilities include but are not limited to being configured to operate according to a Radio Access Technology according to the standards of 3G, LTE, 5G or 6G. As these standards are also back-wards compatible, at least as it comes to enabling different devices to establish communication links between them, no further details will be given, as a skilled person would understand that it is the communication link that is of interest, not exactly how or through which medium this link is achieved. In figure 1 A there are two user devices 130-1, 130-2, a first user device 130-1 for the user of the doorbell unit 110, commonly the person living behind the door 105, and a second user device 130-2 for an assisting user, being a user assisting the person living behind the door, such as a relative, an assistant, nursing staff or other trusted person. It should be noted that even if only one assisting device 130-2 is shown and discussed herein, the teachings herein also cover having more than one assisting device 130-2. In some such embodiments the (further) assisting devices may be prioritized so that the assisting device are contacted or connected to in turn, where a lower prioritized assisting device is communicated with if a higher prioritized assisting device is unable to connect with (such as no response, unable to connect, or marked as busy / do not disturb).

[0032] The user device 130, also referred to herein as a User Equipment for embodiments where the user device is a cellular device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer 130, comprises a controller 131 and a memory 132 having similar features as those of the doorbell unit 110. The user device 130 also comprises a communication interface 133 similar to that of the router 120, the communication interface 133 being able to establish a connection with the router for receiving data from and transmitting data to the router 120, directly or indirectly through the cloud service 140. The user device 130 also comprises a user interface comprising at least one input key (virtual and / or physical) 134 a display 135 and a microphone A and a speaker B. As user devices such as smartphones and / or computer tablets are well-known, no further details will be given herein.

[0033] The memory 132 is arranged with a stored module 132 A comprising computer readable instructions that when loaded into and executed by the controller 131 enables the user device 130 to operate according to the teachings herein. The stored module thus represents a doorbell application 132 A. The doorbell application may be retrieved or downloaded from the cloud server 140.

[0034] Returning to the door 105, in some embodiments the door 105 comprises a lock 106 that is electronically controlled. The lock 106 may be connected to the router 120. Alternatively or additionally the lock 106 may be connected to the user device 130. As such electronic remote-controlled locks are commonly known, no further details will be given. Figure IB shows a schematic view of the same doorbell system 100 as in Figure 1A. In figure IB a visitor V is outside the door 105 and is activating the doorbell unit 110, such as by pressing the push button 116. As the controller 111 receives an activation signal from the push button 116, the controller 111 causes a link to be established with the first user device 130, i.e. the user device 130-1 of the user. The link may be established directly or indirectly, through the router 120 and possibly through the cloud server 140 utilizing the communication interface 113, the communication interface 123 of the router 120 and the communication interface 133 of the user device 130-1. In figure IB both the direct link and the indirect link from the router 120 to the user device 130-1 are shown.

[0035] As the link is established, the doorbell unit 110 provides image data and possibly audio data to the user device 130-1, which data are presented to the user on the display 135 through an application view 135V.

[0036] In some embodiments, and as the example of figure IB shows, the application view 135 V comprises a view 136 of the image data captured by the camera 115, and provided to the user device 130-1 by the doorbell unit 110 through the communication link. This enables the user to see the visitor and thus decide if the visitor is a trusted person or not. In order to help the user to make this decision, the user device 130-1 (through the doorbell application 132A) is, in some embodiments, configured to enable and establish a (one- or) two-way communication between the user and the visitor, whereby the user and the visitor can communicate through the use of the microphone A and speaker B of the user device 130 and the microphone(s) 117 and speaker 117 of the doorbell unit 110.

[0037] In some embodiments the application view 135V also comprises a (virtual) open button 139 that allows the user to open the door 105. This can be achieved by the controller 131 of the user device receiving an opening instruction from the doorbell application 132A as a result of the user activating the open button 139, and transmits an open command to either the doorbell unit 110 or directly to the lock 106 - depending on the setup used - thereby causing the door 105 to open or unlock. In some embodiments the open button 139 simply accepts the visitor and cancels the application view whereby the user walks over to the door and manually unlocks it.

[0038] In some embodiments the application view 135V also comprises a (virtual) alarm or siren button 137 that allows the user to sound an alarm through the speaker 117 of the doorbell unit 110. Alternatively or additionally, an activation of the siren button 137 issues an alarm through the communication interface to a second user (such as the assisting user) or to an alarm service.

[0039] The application view 135V also comprises a (virtual) transfer (i.e. invitation) button 138 that allows the user to transfer i.e. invite the doorbell activity to a second user, such as the assisting person discussed in the above, whereby the doorbell activity is transferred to i.e. inviting the second user device 130-2. The transfer i.e. invitation is effected by inviting the assisting user to be part of the ongoing communication between the visitor and the user. The transfer i.e. invitation is thus not a cold transfer but in inclusive transfer i.e. invitation where the inviter (the user) is still part of the communication). Any reference to a transfer i.e. invitation is thus to be understood as an invitation to join. The transfer i.e. invitation can be made directly from the first user device 130-1 to the second user device 130-2 or indirectly via the cloud server 140.

[0040] Figure 1C shows a schematic view of the same doorbell system 100 as in Figure 1A and Figure IB. As is shown in Figure 1C, as the doorbell activity is transferred to i.e. inviting the assisting user, the second user device 130-2 presents the application view 135V enabling the assisting user to see and / or communicate with the visitor, whereby the user is enabled to handover the decision whether the visitor is to be trusted or not to the assisting user. It should be noted that the application view 135V of the second user device 130-2 may or may not comprise a transfer (i.e. invitation) button 138. In embodiments where the application view 135V comprises a transfer (i.e. invitation) button, the doorbell activity may be transferred to i.e. inviting a second assisting user (not explicitly shown), but being similar to the first assisting user of the second user device 130-2. As is shown the connection with the first user device 130-1 is maintained. This enables the user to be part of or at least be privy to the dealings between the assisting user and the visitor thereby sharing the details of any communication between the assisting user and the visitor with the user.

[0041] As the assisting user accepts to allow access to the visitor, the user device 130-1 may operate in any or a combination of different manners detailed below.

[0042] In one option, the open button 139 of the second user device 130-2 - when activated - enables the assisting user to communicate with the user, by providing a visual (and / or audio) cue on the application view 135V of the first user device 130-1 that the visitor can be trusted.

[0043] In another or additional option, the open button 139 of the second user device 130-2 - when activated - enables the assisting user to communicate with the user, by establishing a communication link between the two user devices 130-1, 130-2, such as through the application view 135V of the respective user devices 130-1, 130-2, whereby the assisting user can inform the user that the visitor can be trusted.

[0044] In another or additional option, the open button 139 of the second user device 130-2 - when activated - enables the assisting user to open the door 105 by (de-)activating the lock 106.

[0045] In some embodiments there is a separate open button 139 for each, and any of the options implemented being comprised in the application view 135V.

[0046] In some embodiments the application view 135V is presented automatically on the first user device 130-1 irrespective of a current (other) application being presented on the display 135 (including an idle mode). In some embodiments the application view 135V is preceded by a prompt to the user that the doorbell unit 110 has been activated prompting the user whether to display the view or not. Such a prompt may include an option to directly transfer i.e. invite the doorbell activity, giving the user the option to either present the application view 135V or to directly transfer i.e. invite the doorbell activity. Similarly, in some embodiments the application view 135V is presented automatically on the second user device 130-2 irrespective of a current (other) application being presented on the display 135 (including an idle mode) as the doorbell activity is transferred or the invitation is extended. In some embodiments the application view 135V is preceded by a prompt to the assisting user that the doorbell unit 110 has been activated and transferred or the invitation is extended prompting the assisting user whether to display the view or not.

[0047] In some embodiments, and as is shown in Figure 1C, the application view 135 V of the first device 130-1 is removed, or changed, as the doorbell activity is transferred or the invitation is extended. This enables the user to be unaware of the dealings between the assisting user and the visitor thereby sparing the user the details of any communication between the two.

[0048] Figure ID shows a schematic view of the same doorbell system 100 as in Figure 1A, Figure IB and Figure 1C. In some embodiments, and as is shown in Figure ID, the application view 135V of the first device 130-1 is maintained as the doorbell activity is transferred or the invitation is extended. This enables the user to be part of or at least be privy to the dealings between the assisting user and the visitor thereby sharing the details of any communication between the assisting user and the visitor with the user.

[0049] Figure IE shows a schematic view of the same doorbell system 100 as in Figure 1 A, Figure IB, Figure 1C and Figure ID. In some embodiments, and as is shown in Figure IE, the doorbell application 132 A further comprises computer-readable instructions that enable a user to activate the doorbell unit 110 even when the push button 116 of the doorbell unit 110 has not been activated. This allows the user to (proactively) check what is outside the door 105, possibly as a sound outside is heard and the user wants to know what caused the sound without opening the door. Also in such a case, can the doorbell activity be transferred to i.e. inviting the assisting user, so that the assisting user can check what is going on outside. In cases where the user has initiated the doorbell activity, the application view 135R being displayed to the assisting user may comprise a prompt 141 stating that the doorbell activity was user-initiated. As is shown the connection with the first user device 130-1 is maintained.

[0050] In some embodiments the application view is only presented on the first device 130-1 if the first user device is connected to the router 120. In some embodiments the application view is presented to the assisting user if the first user device is not connected to the router 120. In some embodiments the application view is presented to the assisting user if the first user device has not received any input from the user within a time period after having displayed the application view (or the prompt thereto). This enables doorbell activity to be transferred to i.e. inviting the assisting person, even when the user is not able to. In some such embodiments, the time period is 30 second, 45 second, 60 seconds, or more or in any interval there-in-between.

[0051] In some embodiments the doorbell unit 110 is configured for detecting motion outside the door 105. In some such embodiments the motion detection is achieved through utilizing the image sensor, such as the camera 115, whereby image data captured by the camera 115 is processed by the controller 111 in order to detect motion. In some alternative or additional such embodiments, the motion detection is achieved through utilizing an InfraRed sensor, such as a passive infrared sensor, PIR, 119 whereby data captured by the PIR 119 is processed by the controller 111 in order to detect motion. In some embodiments the InfraRed sensor 119 is comprised in the camera 115.

[0052] As motion is detected the image(s) captured are stored in the memory 112. In some such embodiments a view similar to the application view 135V discussed above is presented to the user on the first user device 130-1. This enables the user to transfer i.e. invite also a motion- triggered doorbell activity to the assisting person. The view can be displayed directly or after a prompt has been accepted. The doorbell activity may thus be motion-triggered in addition to being activated through the push-button (or the user).

[0053] In some embodiments the application view is only presented on the first device 130-1 if the first user device is connected to the router 120. In some embodiments the application view is presented to the assisting user if the first user device is not connected to the router 120. This enables motion-triggered doorbell activity to be transferred to i.e. inviting the assisting person, even when the user is not able to.

[0054] In some embodiments the user can retrieve the stored image(s) at a later time, for example as the user returns home. Figure 2 shows a flowchart for a general method according to the teachings herein. The method is for use in a doorbell system 100 as discussed herein and the method comprises receiving 210 an activation of the doorbell unit 110, the activation indicating doorbell activity, and in response thereto capture image data 220, i.e. receiving image data from the image sensor 115, and transmitting 230 the image data to a first user device 130-1. The method further comprises the first user device 130-1 presenting 240 an application view 135V on the display 135. The application view 135V comprises a representation 136 of the image data and a transfer (i.e. invitation) button 138. The method further comprises receiving 250 an activation of the transfer (i.e. invitation) button 138 and in response thereto causing the doorbell activity to be transferred or the invitation is extended 260 to an assisting user device 130-2, wherein the method further comprises the assisting user device 130-2 presenting 270 an application view 135V on the display 135. The application view 135V comprises a representation 136 of the image data and an open button 139. The method further comprises receiving an activation 280 of the open button 139 and in response thereto causing 290 the door 105 to be opened. It should be noted that opening the door is only one example of an action to be taken, and other actions may be taken. In some embodiments, there may be more than one action button (of which the open button is one example), each button associated with one or more actions. In some embodiments the action button is for opening a menu of available actions to be cased to happen.

[0055] As would be understood, the method may comprise any or some operations as discussed herein with reference to the doorbell system 100 even though not shown explicitly in figure 2, wherein such additional operations are included in the operations shown.

[0056] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a computer-readable medium 300 carrying computer instructions 310, such as a doorbell application 132A, that when loaded into and executed by a controller of a user device 130 enables the user device the teachings herein. The computer- readable medium 300 may be tangible such as a hard drive or a flash memory, for example a USB memory stick or a cloud server. Alternatively, the computer-readable medium 300 may be intangible such as a signal carrying the computer instructions enabling the computer instructions to be downloaded through a network connection, such as an internet connection. In the example of figure 3, a computer-readable medium 300 is shown as being a computer disc 300 carrying computer-readable computer instructions 310, being inserted in a computer disc reader 320. The computer disc reader 320 may be part of a cloud server 140 - or other server - or the computer disc reader may be connected to a cloud server 140 - or other server. The cloud server 140 may be part of the internet or at least connected to the internet. The cloud server 140 may alternatively be connected through a proprietary or dedicated connection. In one example embodiment, the computer instructions are stored at a remote server 140 and be downloaded to the memory 300 of the user device 130 for being executed by the controller 131. The computer disc reader 320 may also or alternatively be connected to (or possibly inserted into) a user device 130 for transferring the computer-readable computer instructions 310 to a controller of the user device via a memory of the user device. Figure 3 shows both the situation when a user device 130 receives the computer-readable computer instructions 310 via a server connection and the situation when another user device 130 receives the computer-readable computer instructions 310 through a wired interface. This enables for computer-readable computer instructions 310 being downloaded into a user device 130 thereby enabling the user device 130 to operate according to and implement the invention as disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A doorbell system (100) comprising a doorbell unit (110), a first doorbell application module (132 A) to be executed by a first user device (130-1), a second doorbell application module (132A) to be executed by an assisting user device (130-2), the doorbell unit (110) comprising a controller (111), a communication interface (113) and an image sensor (115), wherein the doorbell unit (110) is arranged to be mounted outside of a door (105), the first user device (130-1) comprising a controller (131), a communication interface (133) and a display (135), and the assisting user device (130-2) comprising a controller (131), a communication interface (133) and a display (135), wherein the controller (111) of the doorbell unit (110) is configured to receive an activation of the doorbell unit (110), the activation indicating doorbell activity, and in response thereto receive image data from the image sensor (115) and transmit the image data to the first user device (130-1), wherein the controller (131) of the first user device (130-1) is configured through the first doorbell application module (132A) to present an application view (135 V) on the display (135), wherein the application view (135V) comprises a representation (136) of the image data and a transfer button (138), receive an activation of the transfer button (138) and in response thereto invite the assisting user device (130-2) to be part of handling the doorbell activity by causing the doorbell activity to be transferred to the assisting user device (130-2), wherein the controller (131) of the assisting user device (130-2) is configured through the second doorbell application module (132A) to present an application view (135V) on the display (135), wherein the application view (135 V) comprises a representation ( 136) of the image data and an open button (139),receive an activation of the open button (139) and in response thereto cause the door (105) to be opened, wherein the controller (131) of the first user device (130-1) is further configured through the first doorbell application module (132A) to maintain the application view (135V) of the first device (130-1).

2. The doorbell system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (111) of the doorbell unit (110) is configured to establish a communication link to the first user device (130-1) via a router (120).

3. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (111) of the doorbell unit (110) is configured to establish the communication link to the assisting user device (130-2) via a router (120) and a cloud server (140).

3. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (111) of the doorbell unit (110) is configured to establish a communication link to the first user device (130-1) via the router (120).

4. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (111) of the doorbell unit (110) is configured to establish the communication link to the first user device (130-1) via the router (120) and the cloud server (140).

5. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the door (105) is caused to be opened by the controller (131) of the assisting user device (130-2) being configured to enable the assisting user device (130-2) to communicate that the visitor can be trusted to a user of the first user device (130-1).

6. The doorbell system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the controller (131) of the assisting user device (130-2) is configured to enable the assisting user device (130-2) to communicate to the user of the first user device (130-1) by providing a cue on the application view (135V) of the first user device (130-1).

7. The doorbell system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller (131) of the assisting user device (130-2) is configured to enable the assisting user device (130-2) to communicate with a user of the first user device (130-1) by establishing a communication link between the two user devices (130-1, 130-2).

8. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the door comprises a remote-controlled lock (106), and wherein the door (105) is caused to be opened by the controller (131) of the assisting user device (130-2) by the controller (131) being configured to establish a link to the lock (106) in order to open the door 105 by deactivating the lock (106).

9. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the door comprises a remote-controlled lock (106), and wherein the application view (135 V) of the first user device (130-1) also comprises an open button (139) that allows the user to open the door (105), wherein the controller (131) of the first user device (130-1) receiving an opening instruction as a result of the user activating the open button (139) and transmits an open command to unlock the lock (106).

10. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the doorbell unit (110) further comprises a push button (116), and wherein the controller (111) of the doorbell unit (110) is further configured to receive the activation of the doorbell unit (110) by detecting a push on the push button (116).

11. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (111) of the doorbell unit (110) is further configured to receive the activation of the doorbell unit (110) by receiving an activation from the first user device (130-1).

12. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (111) of the doorbell unit (110) is further configured to receive image data from the image sensor (115), detect motion by analyzing the image data, and in response thereto receive the activation.

13. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the doorbell unit(110) comprises one or more microphones (118) and a speaker (117) and the first user device comprises a microphone (A) and a speaker (B), and wherein the controller (111) of the first user device (130-1) is further configured to enable and establish a two-way communication between the user and the visitor, whereby the user and the visitor can communicate through the use of the microphone (A) and speaker (B) of the user device (130-1) and the microphone(s) (118) and speaker (117) of the doorbell unit (110).

14. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (111) of the assisting user device (130-2) is further configured to enable and establish a two-way communication between the assisting user and the visitor, whereby the assisting user and the visitor can communicate through the use of the microphone (A) and speaker (B) of the assisting user device (130-2) and the microphone(s) (118) and speaker (117) of the doorbell unit (110).

15. The doorbell system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the application view (135V) also comprises a siren button (137) that allows the user - through the controller(111) - to sound an alarm through the doorbell unit (110).

16. The doorbell system (100) according to claim 15, wherein the siren button (137) also allows the user - through the controller (111) - to issue an alarm through the communication interface (133) to the assisting device (130-2) or to an alarm service.

17. A user device (130-1) comprising a controller (131), a communication interface (133) and a display (135), wherein the controller (131) is configured to receive image data from a doorbell unit (110), the image data indicating a doorbell activity, present an application view (135V) on the display (135), wherein the application view (135V) comprises a representation (136) of the image data and a transfer button (138),receive an activation of the transfer button (138) and in response thereto cause the doorbell activity to be transferred to an assisting user device (130-2) and maintaining the application view (135V).

18. An assisting user device (130-2) comprising a controller (131), a communication interface (133) and a display (135), wherein the controller (131) is configured to receive a transfer of a doorbell activity from a first user device (130-1), receive image data from the first user device (130-1), present an application view (135V) on the display (135), wherein the application view (135V) comprises a representation (136) of the image data and an open button (139), receive an activation of the open button (139) and in response thereto causing a door (105) to be opened wherein the controller (131) is further configured to enable the assisting user device (130-2) to communicate to the user of the first user device (130-1).

19. A method for use in a doorbell system (100) comprising a doorbell unit (110), the method comprising receiving an activation of the doorbell unit (110), the activation indicating doorbell activity, and in response thereto receiving image data from the image sensor (115) and transmitting the image data to a first user device (130-1), wherein the method further comprises the first user device (130-1) presenting an application view (135V) on the display (135), wherein the application view (135V) comprises a representation (136) of the image data and a transfer button (138), receiving an activation of the transfer button (138) and in response thereto inviting the assisting user device (130-2) to be part of handling the doorbell activity by causing thedoorbell activity to be transferred to an assisting user device (130-2), wherein the method further comprises the assisting user device (130-2) presenting an application view (135V) on the display (135), wherein the application view (135V) comprises a representation (136) of the image data and an open button (139), receiving an activation of the open button (139) and in response thereto causing the door (105) to be opened, the method further comprises the first user device (130-1) maintaining the application view (135V) of the first device (130-1).

Images