Networked Doorbell Chime for Remote Visitor Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing doorbells often fail to alert remotely located individuals when someone is ringing them, as the alerting sound is typically limited to a short distance from the entry point, making it difficult for homeowners to be notified of visitors.
Innovation Solution
A doorbell system that includes a chime communicatively coupled to a remote computing device, allowing for the emission of sounds or messages from a speaker located inside the building, triggered by motion detection or visitor presence, and capable of receiving data files to play custom sounds or messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional doorbell chime is used, then the alerting sound can be heard within a short distance from the entry point, but remotely located individuals cannot be notified of visitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the notification system from a purely acoustic dimension (local chime) to a networked digital dimension, where the doorbell system communicates visitor alerts remotely via internet-connected devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, thereby extending notification coverage beyond the immediate physical vicinity of the doorbell
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces remote computing devices and network infrastructure as intermediaries between the doorbell and the homeowner, allowing the doorbell to send visitor notifications through a cloud-based platform or mobile application, enabling remote alerting without requiring direct acoustic propagation to the homeowner's location
2Area of stationary object
If a remote notification system is implemented, then remotely located individuals can be alerted, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional smart devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) that homeowners already possess for other purposes, eliminating the need for specialized remote notification hardware and reducing overall system complexity by repurposing ubiquitous devices with built-in network connectivity, displays, and audio capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the doorbell system to automatically manage remote notifications through pre-configured network connections and software protocols, with the system self-organizing communication pathways and device pairings without requiring complex manual setup or intervention, thereby simplifying deployment and maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
Doorbell systems can include a doorbell and a remote communication device. In some embodiments, the remote communication device can be communicatively coupled to a wireless network of a building, to the doorbell, and to a remote computing device. In several embodiments, the remote communication device facilitates communication with at least one of the doorbell, the remote computing device, and a remote sensor.