Audio Video Doorbell Setup Mode via Acoustic Trigger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices, such as doorbells, require updates to configuration settings like network connectivity and motion settings, but are often mounted out of reach or difficult to access, and may not automatically record video when a light source is activated, leading to missed security footage.

Innovation Solution

The devices can be configured to enter a setup mode in response to a device setup tone, allowing remote reconfiguration without manual interaction, and automatically record video when a light source is activated, ensuring timely updates and improved security footage capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the A/V device is mounted high on the wall for security purposes, then the device provides better security coverage, but the device becomes difficult to access for manual configuration updates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity coverageVSAvoidaccessibility for configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (manual button pressing) with an acoustic interaction system (voice commands or audio signals). The A/V device includes a microphone that receives audio signals from the user, and a processor that interprets these signals to trigger setup mode and configuration updates, eliminating the need for physical contact with the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user manually activates setup mode by pressing a button on the device, then the configuration can be updated, but the user must physically access the device which is mounted out of reach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration update capabilityVSAvoidphysical accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an audio signal as an intermediary between the user and the device configuration process. The user speaks or transmits an audio signal that the microphone captures, which then serves as the trigger for entering setup mode, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between remote user and device without requiring physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If the light source is activated manually, then the user can see the area, but the camera does not automatically record video footage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source activationVSAvoidvideo recording reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light source activation function with the video recording function by implementing a coupled control mechanism. When the light source is activated (either manually or automatically), the system automatically triggers the camera to record video footage, ensuring that illumination and recording occur simultaneously without requiring separate user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the activation state of the light source is monitored, and this state information is used to automatically control the camera recording function. The system continuously monitors whether the light is on and automatically starts or stops video recording based on this feedback, ensuring reliable capture of events during illuminated periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables easier and more timely updates to A/V recording and communication devices, enhancing their ability to provide safety and security by allowing remote configuration and automatic video recording during light source activation, thus improving crime deterrence and evidence capture.

Implementation Method 1

activates the microphone to record audio data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrophone:

Implementation Method 2

analyzes the audio data; determines based on the analysis of the audio data, that the audio data includes a device setup tone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAudio analysis:

Data Source

PatentUS10863146B1Setup and configuration of audio/video recording and communication devices

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices having a light source in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one embodiment, an A/V recording and communication device is provided, the A/V recording and communication device comprising: a processor, a camera, a communication module, a light source, and a non-transitory machine-readable memory storing a program executable by the processor, the program comprising sets of instructions for: receiving, using the communication module, from a client device associated with the A/V recording and communication device, an activation request to activate the light source; in response to receiving the activation request, activating the light source and recording, by the camera, image data in a field of view; receiving, using the communication module, from the client device, a deactivation request to deactivate the light source; and in response to receiving the deactivation request, deactivating the light source and the camera.