Doorbell system and method

Abstract

A doorbell system (100) and a method (1000) are provided. The doorbell system comprises a doorbell (110) and at least one doorbell chime (120) arrangeable in an indoor environment (130), wherein the at least one doorbell chime is configured to generate a chime sound (140). The doorbell system further comprises at least one sensor (150) configured to sense a state of at least one openable and closable element (160) in the indoor environment, and a control unit (200) coupled to the doorbell, the at least one doorbell chime, and the at least one sensor. The control unit is configured to, upon operation (210) of the doorbell, control (220) at least one characteristics (230) of the chime sound based on the sensed state of at least one openable and closable element.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80529

[0002] 1

[0003] DOORBELL SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention generally relates to a doorbell system and an associated method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a doorbell system and method for a control of the doorbell chime sound.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Doorbells and doorbell arrangements, typically placed near a door to a building’s entrance, for alerting an occupant to the presence of a visitor, are ubiquitous for many kinds of buildings such as homes, residences, offices, factories, shops, etc. Historically, the first doorbells were mechanical, often activated by pulling a cord connected to a bell. Modern doorbells are electric, e.g. operated by a pushbutton switch, and may furthermore incorporate intercoms and / or miniature video cameras to increase security.

[0008] Doorbells or doorbell arrangements in the prior art often have a preset or predetermined signal or sound for occupant alert. However, this may be a suboptimal setting or concept, as an invariable signal or sound may lead to missed notifications and / or a compromised home security.

[0009] Although some prior art arrangements provide variable doorbell signals or sounds, these arrangements are often inefficient, complex, and / or circumstantial, and may furthermore not alleviate the aforementioned problems related to missed notifications and / or a compromised home security.

[0010] Hence, it is desired to provide a doorbell or doorbell arrangement, in particular for homes or residences, which may use the concept of a variable signal or sound, whilst being efficient and non-complex.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a doorbell system and a method which adopt the concept of a variable doorbell signal or sound, and which are efficient in their operation in order to alert (an) occupant(s) of (a) visitor(s).2024PF80529

[0013] 2

[0014] This and other objects are achieved by providing a doorbell system and a method having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a doorbell system. The doorbell system comprises a doorbell and at least one doorbell chime arrangeable in an indoor environment, wherein the at least one doorbell chime is configured to generate a chime sound. The doorbell system further comprises at least one sensor configured to sense a state of at least one openable and closable element in the indoor environment. The doorbell system further comprises a control unit coupled to the doorbell, the at least one doorbell chime, and the at least one sensor. The control unit is configured to, upon operation of the doorbell, control at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the sensed state of the at least one openable and closable element.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a chime sound of a at least one doorbell chime of a doorbell system, wherein the at least one doorbell chime is arrangeable in an indoor environment. The method comprises the step of obtaining information associated with a state of at least one openable and closable element in the indoor environment. The method further comprises the step of, upon operation of a doorbell of the system, controlling at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the state of at least one openable and closable element.

[0017] Thus, the present invention is based on the idea of providing a doorbell system, wherein the characteristics of the doorbell chime sound is based on a sensed state of one or more openable and closable elements in the indoor environment.

[0018] The present invention is advantageous in that the doorbell system compensates for the influence of the openable and closable element(s) on the doorbell chime sound. The doorbell system hereby ensures that users are effectively notified even in varying environmental conditions. For example, in case one or more elements are closed, they may dampen or muffle the chime sound in the indoor environment, and the doorbell system may hereby conveniently and efficiently control one or more chime sound characteristics to compensate for this dampening or muffling effect. Analogously, in case one or more elements are open, they may allow a (relatively) undamped propagation of the sound in the indoor environment, and the doorbell system may accordingly adapt the one or more chime sound characteristics. It should be noted that (traditional) doorbells in the prior art fail to account for open or closed elements an in indoor environment such as doors or windows, whereby this2024PF80529

[0019] 3

[0020] non-versatile, invariable and non-adaptive concept results in inferior and sub-optimal chime sounds. In sharp contrast, the adaptive and versatile doorbell system of the present invention achieves an optimal doorbell chime sound for alerting (an) occupant(s) in the indoor environment.

[0021] The present invention is advantageous in that the doorbell system conveniently achieves a very high notification efficiency for (an) occupant(s) in the indoor environment. Prior art doorbells with invariable signals or sounds often lead to missed notifications, and it should be noted that even prior art doorbells which provide variable signals or sounds suffer from these deficiencies as they do not provide an adequate adaptation. The doorbell system of the present invention, on the other hand, minimizes or even (substantially) avoids missed notifications, and successfully alerts (an) indoor environment occupant(s) by the system’s adaptive concept of a controlled (varied, adapted) chime sound characteristics dependently on the state(s) of the openable and closable element(s).

[0022] The present invention is further advantageous in that the doorbell system achieves an increased security. It should be noted that (traditional) doorbells in the prior art, with their non-versatile, invariable and non-adaptive concepts, may result in inferior security of (for) the indoor environment. In sharp contrast, the adaptive and versatile doorbell system of the present invention achieves an increased security of (for) the indoor environment.

[0023] The present invention is further advantageous in that the doorbell system provides an increased comfort compared to prior art doorbells. It will be appreciated that the latter suffer from the trade-off concerning a high sound volume (for occupant alert) and occupant comfort: for example, a high chime sound volume may, on the one hand, increase occupant alert, but may, on the other hand, be discomforting and irritant for an occupant. In case the chime sound is set too low, in order to provide an increased user comfort, there is, on the other hand, an increased risk of missed notifications. The doorbell system of the present invention, via the control of the one or more characteristics of the chime sound, achieves an optimal doorbell chime sound for alerting (an) occupant(s) in the indoor environment whilst providing comfort for the occupant(s).

[0024] The doorbell system of the present invention comprises a doorbell. By “doorbell”, it is here meant substantially any device or unit which is arranged or configured for alerting an occupant (of an indoor environment) to the presence of a visitor. The doorbell system further comprises at least one doorbell chime arrangeable in an indoor environment. By “doorbell chime”, it is here meant substantially any device, unit, speaker, etc., which is2024PF80529

[0025] 4

[0026] arranged or configured to generate or provide an audio (sound) alert. The at least one doorbell chime is configured to generate a chime sound. By “chime sound”, it is here meant a (doorbell) chime sound, alert, song, tune, or the like. The doorbell system further comprises at least one sensor configured to sense a state of at least one openable and closable element in the indoor environment. Hence, the sensor(s) is (are) arranged or configured to sense, assess, monitor and / or register a state of one or more openable or closeable elements in the indoor environment. The “state of at least one openable and closable element” may encompass a static element state, such as a closed, partially open (or closed) (i.e. ajar element) or open element and / or a dynamic state, such as an opening or a closing of the element. The doorbell system further comprises a control unit coupled to the doorbell, the at least one doorbell chime, and the at least one sensor. By “control unit”, it is here meant substantially any unit, device, arrangement, or the like, which is arranged or configured for control and / or regulation purposes. The control unit is coupled (e.g. connected) to the doorbell, the doorbell chime(s) and / or the sensor(s), e.g. via wire or via a wireless connection. The control unit is configured to, upon operation of the doorbell, control at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the sensed state of the at least one openable and closable element. Hence, the control unit is configured to control one or more characteristics of the chime sound based on (as a function of, dependently on) the sensed state of the openable and closable element(s) in the indoor environment. By the term “characteristics of the chime sound”, it is here meant any property(ies), feature(s), attribute(s), etc., of the chime sound.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one characteristics of the chime sound may comprise at least one of a volume, a melody, a pitch, and a length, of the chime sound. Hence, the one or more characteristics (property(ies), feature(s), attribute(s)) of the chime sound may comprise a chime sound volume, melody, pitch and / or length. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the exemplified chime sound characteristics are particularly suitable to control by the control unit in order to achieve an efficient and convenient doorbell system based on the sensed state(s) of the openable and closeable element(s). For example, in case a majority, or even all elements, are closed in the indoor environment, the control unit may control one or more of the mentioned chime sound characteristics in order to achieve a high (or even maximum) degree of chime sound penetration and / or propagation. More specifically, and according to an example, one or more closed elements such as doors in the indoor environment, may cause the control unit to provide a chime sound with a relatively high volume to call the attention of any occupant(s).2024PF80529

[0028] 5

[0029] Analogously, the present embodiment is further advantageous in that one or more open elements in the indoor environment may cause the control unit to accordingly control or regulate the chime sound to provide a (sufficiently clear) alert to any occupant(s) whilst providing occupant comfort and avoiding irritation / disturbance.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensor may comprise at least one of a handle of the element, a monitoring device configured to monitor the at least one element, an accelerometer coupled to the at least one element, and a vibrometer coupled to the at least one element. Hence, the sensor(s) may comprise one or more of these mentioned devices, units or arrangements for sensing, determining, assessing or estimating the (static or dynamic) state of the element being open(ed) or closed. Concerning the handle of the element as an example of a sensor, it should be noted that an open handle may be associated with an open state of the element, whereas a closed handle may be associated with a closed state of the element, whereby the control unit may control the chime sound characteristics accordingly. By “monitoring device”, it is here meant substantially any device which, from a distance (i.e. separately arranged from the element(s)), may monitor the element(s), and preferably, assess and / or estimate the state of the element(s). An example of a monitoring device may be an image-capturing device, which may constitute any device configured to capture (take) one or more images, such as a camera, a video camera, or the like, having the element(s) in its field of view. Another example of a monitoring device may be a thermal imaging device. Furthermore, an accelerometer and / or vibrometer coupled to the element may conveniently indicate or assess an opening and / or closing of the element. The present embodiment is advantageous in that these examples of units or arrangements are particularly convenient and efficient for sensing, monitoring and / or assessing the state(s) of the openable and closable element(s). The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the units or arrangements may (already) be integrated in the indoor environment, thereby leading to a cost-efficient and / or aesthetically desired doorbell system. For example, in case the element(s) constitute(s) or comprise(s) one or more windows or doors, the handle thereof may constitute or form part of the sensor for conveniently sensing if the window or door is opening, open, closing, or being closed.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the doorbell system may further comprise a sensor arrangement configured to detect at least one of presence and identification of at least one object in the indoor environment. The control unit is coupled to the sensor arrangement and is configured to control the at least one characteristics of the2024PF80529

[0032] 6

[0033] chime sound based on the detected at least one of presence and identification of the at least one object. By “presence of at least one object”, it is meant presence and / or motion of object(s). By “identification of at least one object”, it is meant the identification of the type / species of the object(s) (e.g. person(s), pet(s), etc.) and / or the identity of the object(s) (e.g. identity(ies) of the person(s) in a household). The present embodiment is advantageous in that the control unit may conveniently and efficiently control the chime sound characteristics based on the presence, motion and / or identification of object(s) within the indoor environment. For example, the control unit may control / regulate the chime sound characteristics dependently on the object(s) being in a (relative) vicinity of the doorbell chime(s), or being (relatively) distant from the doorbell chime(s). According to another example, the control unit may control / regulate the chime sound characteristics dependently on the identification of the object(s), e.g. dependently on who (e.g. member of the household) is identified. The present embodiment is particularly advantageous in that the control unit may control the chime sound characteristics based on the state(s) of the openable and closable element(s) as well as on the presence (position) of object(s), motion of object(s) and / or the type / kind / identification of the object(s) within the indoor environment. For example, in case the object(s) is (are) relatively distant from the doorbell chime(s) and if the openable and closable element(s) is (are) closed, leading to a (substantial) dampening or muffling of the chime sound, the control unit may control / regulate the chime sound characteristics in order to increase the propagation or amplitude of the chime sound in the indoor environment. In contrast, in case the object(s) is (are) in a (relative) vicinity of the doorbell chime(s) and if the openable and closable element(s) is (are) open, leading to no (or to only a minor) dampening or muffling of the chime sound, the control unit may control / regulate the chime sound characteristics accordingly. Furthermore, in case the sensor arrangement identifies the object(s) in the indoor environment as (an) animal(s) (e.g. pet(s)), household member(s) of which the doorbell system possesses information of an impaired hearing of the person(s), etc.), the control unit may control / regulate the chime sound characteristics accordingly.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor arrangement may be configured to detect presence of the at least one object in at least one area of the indoor environment, wherein the control unit is configured to control the at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the detected presence of the at least one object in the at least one area of the indoor environment. Hence, the control unit is configured to control the chime sound characteristics based on the position of the object(s) in the indoor2024PF80529

[0035] 7

[0036] environment’s area(s). The present embodiment is advantageous in that the control unit may conveniently adapt the chime sound characteristics dependently on the position(s) of the object(s) with respect to the sensed state(s) of the openable and closable element(s) and / or the position(s) of the doorbell chime(s). For example, if it is detected that the object(s) is (are) close to (or distant from) the doorbell chime and the element(s) between the doorbell chime and the area(s) is (are) open or closed, the chime sound characteristics are conveniently and efficiently adapted by the control unit. The present embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with the possibility of the sensor arrangement to identify the object(s), thereby adapting and customizing the chime sound characteristics based on the position as well as the identification of the object(s) in the indoor environment.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the detected presence of the at least one object may comprise at least one of information of a current presence of the at least one object, and information of an historical presence of the at least one object. Hence, the detected presence of the object(s) comprises information of current (real time) and / or historical (previous) presence of the object(s). The present embodiment is advantageous in that the doorbell system may provide an even higher degree of customization and adaptability concerning the chime sound characteristics based on current and / or historical object presence. For example, if a relatively high (or low) object presence (current and / or historical) is detected close to (or far from) the doorbell chime(s) and / or relatively few (or many) openable and closable elements are provided between the object(s) and the doorbell chime(s), the control unit may efficiently and conveniently adapt the chime sound characteristics.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to control the at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the indoor environment being set in a security-enabled mode. By “security-enabled mode”, it is here meant an alarmed (armed) mode or state of the indoor environment. It should be noted that the control unit may, in particular, lower the chime sound volume, shorten the chime, etc., in case of the indoor environment being set in a security-enabled mode and in case of no motion (presence) being detected in the indoor environment. The present embodiment is hereby advantageous in that the chime sound characteristics may be conveniently adapted due to nonpresence in the indoor environment. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the doorbell system may even further strengthen the security of e.g. the home, residence, office, factory, shop, etc., in which the doorbell system is arranged to be installed in. For example, the control unit of the doorbell system may be configured to provide a particular2024PF80529

[0039] 8

[0040] chime sound in case the indoor environment is set in a security-enabled mode, whereby persons of malicious intent (intruder(s), burglar(s), etc.) may be deterred by the generated chime sound. According to an example, the control unit may be configured to generate an alarm-like chime sound in case the indoor environment is set in a security-enabled mode for a particular intruder and / or burglar deterrence.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to control the at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on a light setting in at least one of the indoor environment, and an outdoor environment. Hence, the control unit is configured to control the chime sound characteristics based on (as a function of) a light setting (mode) in the indoor and / or outdoor environment. It will be appreciated that a relatively intense and / or extensive light setting may indicate a relatively high object presence and / or activity in the indoor environment, and vice versa, and the present embodiment is advantageous in that a customized and adapted doorbell chime sound may be provided by the doorbell system.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to control audio beamforming of the at least one doorbell chime based on the sensed state of the at least one element. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the audio beamforming feature of the doorbell chimes is particularly efficient based on the information or assessment of open and / or closed element(s) in the indoor environment. For example, in case one or more elements are sensed to be closed and / or the position(s) of the object(s) is (are) relatively far from the doorbell(s), the control unit may control the audio beamforming accordingly to intensify and / or augment the chime sound characteristics. In contrast, in case one or more elements are sensed to be open and / or the position(s) of the object(s) is (are) relatively close to the doorbell(s), the control unit may control the audio beamforming accordingly, or even deactivate (turn off) the audio beamforming. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the beamforming even further augments the adaptability and customization of the doorbell chime sound of the doorbell system.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one doorbell chime comprises a plurality of doorbell chimes arrangeable in the indoor environment, wherein the control unit is configured to control the at least one characteristics of the chime sound of each doorbell chime of the plurality of doorbell chimes based on a respective position of each doorbell chime of the plurality of doorbell chimes arrangeable in the indoor environment. It should be noted that the control unit may be configured to individually2024PF80529

[0044] 9

[0045] control each doorbell chime of the plurality of doorbell chimes, i.e. with different chime sound characteristics. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the chime sound characteristics is based both on the sensed state(s) of the openable and closable element(s) as well as the deployment of the plurality of doorbell chimes in the indoor environment, thereby even further improving the adaptability and customization of the doorbell chime sound of the doorbell system.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one element comprises at least one of a window, a door, a sliding door, and a vent. It will be appreciated that the mentioned elements may significantly attenuate a doorbell chime sound if closed (and, analogously, allow the chime sound to propagate if open(ed)), and the present embodiment is hereby particularly advantageous in taking one or more of the element’s open or closed state(s) into account upon providing an adapted and customized doorbell chime sound characteristics.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the doorbell comprises at least one of a button for operation by a user, and a detector for detection of a user. The (mechanical) button(s) of the doorbell efficiently provide(s) a trigger to the system for activation of the doorbell chime sound and the characteristics thereof. In case the doorbell comprises a detector for detection, recognition and / or identification of a user, the doorbell system may advantageously adapt the doorbell chime sound characteristics accordingly.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a doorbell arrangement. The doorbell arrangement comprises at least one openable and closable element, and the doorbell arrangement further comprises the doorbell system according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system. The system comprises the doorbell arrangement according to the previous embodiment and at least one light source arranged in at least one of the indoor environment and an outdoor environment. The at least one light source is arranged to provide a light setting, wherein the control unit is configured to, at least one of control the at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the provided light setting, and control the light setting based on the controlled at least one characteristics of the chime sound. Hence, the light source(s) of the system is (are) arranged in the indoor and / or outdoor environment, and the control unit is configured to control the chime sound characteristics based on (as a function of) the provided light setting and / or to control the light setting based on (as a function of) the2024PF80529

[0050] 10

[0051] chime sound characteristics. The doorbell system’s possibility to control the chime sound characteristics based on the provided light setting is advantageous in that the chime sound may be efficiently adapted and customized dependent on the feature(s) of the light setting. For example, in case of a relatively extensive light setting (e.g. in the indoor environment), this may indicate a relatively large occupancy of object(s) (person(s)), a time of day (night), etc., being factors influencing the chime sound characteristics. The ability of the doorbell system to control the light setting is advantageous concerning security, as the light setting may be dimmed for hiding the interior from strangers if one or more elements (doors) are open.

[0052] Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to increase an outdoor light level to impair the possibility for strangers to look inside the indoor environment.

[0053] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0056] Figs. 1-3 schematically show doorbell systems according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention, and

[0057] Fig. 4 schematically shows a method according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Fig. 1 schematically shows a doorbell system 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The doorbell system 100 comprises a doorbell 110. Here, the doorbell 110 is exemplified as a doorbell 110 which comprises a button 800 operable by a user / person, but it should be noted that the doorbell 110 alternatively may constitute or compromise substantially any (other) device or unit which is arranged or configured for alerting an occupant (of an indoor environment) to the presence of a visitor. For example, the doorbell 110 may comprise a detector for detection of a user / visitor, wherein the detector may comprise or constitute substantially any device for user / visitor detection, such as one or more camera(s), PIR sensor(s), trip wire(s) (e.g. laser +mirror for detection of2024PF80529

[0060] 11

[0061] user / visitor entrance, etc.). The detector may further, or alternatively, be configured for recognition and / or identification of a user / visitor. The doorbell system 100 further comprises at least one doorbell chime 120, schematically indicated as a bell in Fig. 1. The doorbell chime(s) 120 is (are) arrangeable in an indoor environment 130 (of e.g. a home, residence, office, factory, shop, etc.) which is schematically indicated by a dashed oval. The doorbell chime 120 is arranged or configured to generate or provide a chime sound 140, such as a (doorbell) chime sound, alert, song, tune, or the like. The doorbell system 100 further comprises at least one sensor 150. The sensor(s) 150 is (are) configured to sense a state of at least one openable and closable element 160 in the indoor environment 130. The sensor 150 is exemplified as being attached (fastened) to the element 160, but the sensor 150 may alternatively be arranged at a distance from the element 160. The sensor 150 may, for example, constitute a handle of the element 160, a monitoring device configured to monitor the element 160, an accelerometer coupled to the element 160, a vibrometer coupled to the element 160, etc. In Fig. 1, the element 160 is exemplified as a (single) door, but it should be noted that there the element(s) 160 may encompass one or more doors, windows, vents, etc.

[0062] The doorbell system 100 further comprises a control unit 200. The configuration, design, position, etc., of the control unit 200 is arbitrary, and is merely provided as an example in Fig. 1. The control unit 200 is coupled to the doorbell 110, the at least one doorbell chime 120, and the at least one sensor 150 (either by a wired connection or a wireless connection). More specifically, the connection between the doorbell 110 and the control unit 200, and the connection between the sensor(s) 150 and the control unit 200, constitute inputs to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 is configured to, upon operation 210 of the doorbell 110, control 220 at least one characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 of the doorbell chime 120 based on the sensed state of the at least one openable and closable element 160. Hence, the control unit 200 is configured to control one or more characteristics (e.g., property(ies), feature(s), attribute(s), etc.) of the chime sound 140 based on (as a function of, dependently on) the sensed state of the openable and closable element(s) 160 in the indoor environment 130. For example, the characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 may be one or more of a volume, melody, pitch and / or a length of the chime sound 140. More specifically, the characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 may encompass substantially any kind of sound characteristics, such as a boost or attenuation of specific frequency ranges of a melody spectrum, a number of repetitions of a melody, a melody divided in parts wherein (only) the most audible parts are repeated, etc. The control 220 of the control unit 200 hereby2024PF80529

[0063] 12

[0064] constitutes an output of the control unit 200 from the input via the doorbell 110 and the openable and closable element(s) 160.

[0065] Fig. 2 schematically shows a doorbell system 100 according to Fig. 1 and the associated text. Hence, it is also referred to Fig. 1 and the associated text for an increased understanding of the features and / or functions of the doorbell system 100 of the present invention. In Fig. 2, the doorbell system 100 is applied to (in) an indoor environment 130 which is represented by a plan of a house or apartment. The doorbell 110 is arranged on the outside wall of the house or apartment and in a vicinity of the entrance door of the house / apartment. The doorbell chime 120 and the control unit 200 of the doorbell system 100 are exemplified as being arranged in the indoor environment 130, more specifically in a hall of the house / apartment (i.e. in a vicinity of the entrance door). The indoor environment 130 further comprises openable and closable elements 160a-c, exemplified as doors. Analogously with the doorbell system 100 of Fig. 1, the control unit 200 of the doorbell system 100 in Fig.

[0066] 2 is configured to, upon operation 210 of the doorbell 110, control at least one characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 of the doorbell chime 120 based on the sensed state of the openable and closeable elements 160a-c. For example, if one of the openable and closeable elements 160a-c, (e.g. a door) is in a dynamic state such as an opening or a closing of the door, the characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 may be adapted accordingly. If the chime sound 140 is activated while the door is closed, a relatively loud chime sound 140 may be generated, however, once the door is being opened, the chime sound 140 may be reduced in volume. When the object 410b is a person, this allows alerting the person with the loud chime sound when the door is closed and reducing the sound, to avoid disturbance, once the door is being opened.

[0067] The doorbell system 100 in Fig. 2 further comprises a sensor arrangement 400 which is configured to detect presence of at least one object 410a, 410b in the indoor environment 130. It will be appreciated that the position(s) and / or number of units of the sensor arrangement 400 in the indoor environment is merely provided as an example, whereby the doorbell system 100 as exemplified in Fig. 2 comprises a (first) sensor arrangement (unit) 400a in the bottom left portion of the plan of the indoor environment 130 and a (second) sensor arrangement (unit) 400b in the top right portion of the plan of the indoor environment 130. The sensor arrangement 400 in Fig. 2 is configured to detect presence and / or identification of the one or more objects 410a, 410b in the indoor environment 130. The control unit 200 of the doorbell system 100 is coupled to the sensor2024PF80529

[0068] 13

[0069] arrangement 400 and is configured to control the at least one characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 based on the detected presence and / or identification of the object(s) 410a, 410b. The sensor arrangement 400 may hereby be configured to detect presence and / or motion of the object(s) 410a, 410b, and / or identity of the type / species of the object(s) 410a, 410b (e.g. person(s), pet(s), etc.) and / or the identity of the object(s) 410a, 410b (e.g. identity(ies) of the person(s) in a household). As exemplified in Fig. 2, in case the sensor arrangement 400 (e.g. via the (first) sensor arrangement (unit) 400a) detects that the object (person) 410a is in a (relative) vicinity of the doorbell chime 120 and that e.g. the element 160a is open, the control unit 200 may conveniently and efficiently control the chime sound 140 accordingly, e.g. via a relatively low volume. In contrast, in case the sensor arrangement 400 (e.g. via the (second) sensor arrangement (unit) 400b) detects that the object (person) 410b is (relatively) distant from the doorbell chime 120 and e.g. that the elements 160b and / or 160c is (are) closed, the control unit 200 may control the chime sound 140 accordingly, e.g. via a relatively high volume. Furthermore, the control unit 200 may control / regulate the chime sound 140 dependently on the identification of the object(s) 410a, 410b, e.g. dependently on who (e.g. member of the household) is identified, such as a person of impaired hearing. The control unit 200 may hereby control the chime sound 140 based on the state(s) of the openable and closable element(s) 160a-c as well as on the presence (position), motion of object(s) 410a, 410b, and / or the type / kind / identification of the object(s) 410a, 410b within the indoor environment 130. For example, the object 410b is relatively distant from the doorbell chime 120 as exemplified in Fig. 2, and if the openable and closable element(s) 160b, 160c is (are) closed, leading to a (substantial) dampening or muffling of the chime sound, the control unit 200 may control / regulate the chime sound characteristics 230 in order to increase the propagation or amplitude of the chime sound 140 in the indoor environment 130. In contrast, and as exemplified in Fig. 2, the object 410a is in a (relative) vicinity of the doorbell chime 120, and if the openable and closable element 160a is open, leading to no (or to only a minor) dampening or muffling of the chime sound 140, the control unit 200 may control / regulate the chime sound characteristics 230 accordingly.

[0070] In Fig. 2, the sensor arrangement 400 may furthermore be configured to detect presence of the object(s) 410a, 410b in the area(s) 500a, 500b (e.g. room(s)) of the indoor environment 130. The control unit 200 may hereby control the at least one characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 based on the detected presence of the object(s) 410a, 410b in the area(s) 500a, 500b of the indoor environment 130. The control unit 200 may hereby2024PF80529

[0071] 14

[0072] conveniently adapt the chime sound characteristics 230 dependently on the position(s) of the object(s) 410a, 410b with respect to the sensed state(s) of the openable and closable element(s) 160a-c. For example, if it is detected that the object(s) 410a, 410b is (are) present in an area 500a, 500b which is close to, or distant from, the doorbell chime 120 and the element(s) 160a-c between the doorbell chime 120 and the area(s) 500a, 500b is (are) open or closed, the chime sound characteristics 230 is conveniently and efficiently adapted. More specifically, and exemplified in Fig. 2, the object 410a is detected by the sensor arrangement (unit) 400a to be present in the area (room) 500a which is relatively close to the doorbell chime 120, and the control unit 200 hereby adapts the chime sound characteristics 230 accordingly and dependently on the open / closed state of the element (door) 160a as sensed by the sensor (unit) 150a. Alternatively, if the object 410b is detected by the sensor arrangement (unit) 400b to be present in the area (room) 500b which is relatively far from the doorbell chime 120, the control unit 200 may hereby adapt the chime sound characteristics 230 accordingly and dependently on the open / closed states of the elements (door) 160b, 160c as sensed by the respective sensor (units) 150a, 150b. It should be noted that the detected presence of the object(s) 410a, 410b may comprise information of a current presence of the object(s) 410a, 410b and / or information of an historical presence of the object(s) 410a, 410b.

[0073] Fig. 3 schematically shows a doorbell system 100 according to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 and the associated text(s). Hence, it is also referred to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 and the associated text(s) for an increased understanding of the features and / or functions of the doorbell system 100 of the present invention. The indoor environment 130 as exemplified in Fig. 3 further comprises an alarm system 550. The control unit 200 of the doorbell system 100 is configured to control the at least one characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 based on the alarm 550 system being set in a security-enabled mode (i.e. alarmed or armed state) or a security-disabled mode (i.e. non-alarmed or non-armed state). Furthermore, the indoor environment 130 and the outdoor environment 135 as exemplified in Fig. 3 respectively comprises at least one light source 910a, 910b arranged to provide a light setting 600. This embodiment is exemplified as a (first) light source 910a in the indoor environment 130 and a (second) light source 910b in the outdoor environment 135, but it should be noted that substantially any number of light source(s) 910a, 910b and / or positions of the light source(s) 910a, 910b is (are) feasible. The control unit 200 is hereby configured to control the at least one characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 based on the light setting 600 in the indoor environment 130 and / or in the outdoor environment 135.2024PF80529

[0074] 15

[0075] The doorbell system 100 as exemplified in Fig. 3 further comprises a plurality of doorbell chimes 120a-c arranged (deployed) in the indoor environment 130. The control unit 200 of the doorbell system 100 is hereby configured to control the at least one characteristics 230 of the chime sound 140 of each doorbell chime of the plurality of doorbell chimes 120a-c based on a respective position of each doorbell chime arranged in the indoor environment 130.

[0076] The control unit 200 of the doorbell system 100 may further be configured to control audio beamforming of the at least one doorbell chime 120a-c based on the sensed state of the at least one element 160a-c. For example, in case one or more elements 160a-c are sensed to be closed and / or the position(s) of object(s) (not indicated) is (are) relatively far from the doorbell chime(s) 120a-c, the control unit 200 may control the audio beamforming accordingly (e.g. via a plurality of speakers) to intensify and / or augment the doorbell chime characteristics 230 (e.g. a relatively high volume). In contrast, in case the one or more elements 160a-c are sensed to be open and / or the position(s) of the object(s) is (are) relatively close to the doorbell chime(s) 120a-c, the control unit 200 may control the audio beamforming accordingly, or even deactivate (turn off) the audio beamforming.

[0077] Fig. 4 schematically shows a method 1000 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The method 100 controls a chime sound of at least one doorbell chime of a doorbell system as exemplified in any one of Figs. 1-3 and the associated text(s), wherein the at least one doorbell chime is arrangeable in an indoor environment. The method 1000 comprises the step 1010 of obtaining information associated with a state of at least one openable and closable element in the indoor environment. The 1000 method further comprises the step of, upon operation of a doorbell of the system, controlling 1020 at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the state of at least one openable and closable element.

[0078] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the position(s) and / or numbers of the sensor(s) 150, doorbell chime(s) 120, object(s) 410a, 401b, etc., may be different than shown.

Claims

2024PF8052916CLAIMS1. A doorbell system (100), comprisinga doorbell (110),at least one doorbell chime (120) arrangeable in an indoor environment (130), wherein the at least one doorbell chime is configured to generate a chime sound (140),at least one sensor (150) configured to sense a state of at least one openable and closable element (160) in the indoor environment, wherein the state of at least one openable and closeable element encompasses a static element state or a dynamic state, anda control unit (200) coupled to the doorbell, the at least one doorbell chime, and the at least one sensor, wherein the control unit is configured toupon operation (210) of the doorbell,control (220) at least one characteristics (230) of the chime sound based on the sensed state of the at least one openable and closable element.

2. The doorbell system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one characteristics of the chime sound comprises at least one ofa volume,a melody,a pitch, anda length,of the chime sound,wherein the at least one characteristic of the chime sound achieves a doorbell chime sound for alerting an occupant3. The doorbell system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one ofa handle of the element, wherein the handle of the element is a sensor sensing open state and / or closed state of the element,2024PF8052917a monitoring device configured to monitor the at least one element, an accelerometer coupled to the at least one element, anda vibrometer coupled to the at least one element.

4. The doorbell system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprisinga sensor arrangement (400) configured to detect at least one of presence, andidentification,of at least one object (410a, 410b) in the indoor environment, wherein the control unit is coupled to the sensor arrangement and is configured to control the at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the detected at least one of presence and identification of the at least one object.

5. The doorbell system according to claim 4, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to detect presence of the at least one object in at least one area (500a, 500b) of the indoor environment,wherein the control unit is configured to control the at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the detected presence of the at least one object in the at least one area of the indoor environment.

6. The doorbell system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the detected presence of the at least one object comprises at least one ofinformation of a current presence of the at least one object, and information of an historical presence of the at least one object.

7. The doorbell system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured to control the at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the indoor environment being set in a security-enabled mode.

8. The doorbell system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured to control the at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on a light setting (600) in at least one of2024PF8052918the indoor environment, andan outdoor environment.

9. The doorbell system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured to control audio beamforming of the at least one doorbell chime based on the sensed state of the at least one element.

10. The doorbell system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one doorbell chime comprises a plurality of doorbell chimes (120a-c) arrangeable in the indoor environment, wherein the control unit is configured tocontrol the at least one characteristics of the chime sound of each doorbell chime of the plurality of doorbell chimes based on a respective position of each doorbell chime of the plurality of doorbell chimes arrangeable in the indoor environment.

11. The doorbell system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one element comprises at least one ofa window,a door,a sliding door, anda vent.

12. The doorbell system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the doorbell comprises at least one ofa button (800) for operation by a user, anda detector for detection of a user.

13. A doorbell arrangement, comprisingat least one openable and closable element, andthe doorbell system according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A system, comprisingthe doorbell arrangement according to claim 13, andat least one light source (910a, 910b) arranged in at least one of2024PF8052919the indoor environment, andan outdoor environment,wherein the at least one light source is arranged to provide a light setting (600), andwherein the control unit is configured to, at least one ofcontrol the at least one characteristics of the chime sound based on the provided light setting, andcontrol the light setting in the indoor environment based on the controlled at least one characteristics of the chime sound.

15. A method (1000) for controlling a chime sound (140) of a at least one doorbell chime (120) of a doorbell system (100), wherein the at least one doorbell chime is arrangeable in an indoor environment (130), wherein the method comprises the steps ofobtaining (1010), via a sensor (150), information associated with a state of at least one openable and closable element (160) in the indoor environment, wherein the state of at least one openable and closeable element encompasses a static element state or a dynamic state,andupon operation (210) of a doorbell (110) of the system,controlling (1020), via a control unit (200) coupled to the doorbell, at least one characteristics (230) of the chime sound based on the state of the at least one openable and closable element.

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