Doorbell Remote Notification Using Wireless Visitor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing doorbells do not effectively alert remotely located individuals when someone is trying to communicate from outside the entry point, as the alerting sound is often inaudible at a distance.
Innovation Solution
A doorbell system that wirelessly communicates with a remotely located computing device, using sensors to detect visitor presence and sends notifications via established wireless networks, allowing communication and alerting remotely located individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional doorbell uses local acoustic alerting, then the alerting sound can be heard near the entry point, but remotely located individuals cannot hear the alerting sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computing device as an intermediary between the doorbell and remotely located individuals. The doorbell communicates visitor presence to the computing device, which then sends notifications to remote users, enabling alerting beyond local acoustic range without requiring the doorbell itself to have complex remote communication capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical acoustic alerting system with an electronic communication system. Instead of relying on sound waves to reach remote individuals, the system uses electronic signals transmitted through networks to notify remote users of visitor presence, substituting physical acoustic propagation with digital communication
2Reliability
If a doorbell wirelessly communicates with remote computing devices, then remote notification is enabled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication where the doorbell transmits visitor presence information to the computing device only when needed (upon detecting a visitor), rather than maintaining continuous communication. This periodic action reduces power consumption while ensuring reliable notification when visitors are present
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the computing device to autonomously manage the communication process, including initiating connections and handling notification delivery. This self-service approach reduces the power burden on the doorbell, as the computing device performs the energy-intensive communication tasks
3Use of energy by moving object
If a doorbell enters sleep mode to conserve power, then power consumption decreases, but visitor presence detection may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the computing device monitors the doorbell's operational state and can wake it from sleep mode when visitor presence is detected or when communication is needed. This feedback loop ensures the doorbell remains responsive to visitors while spending most time in low-power mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the computing device ready to receive and process visitor presence information before the doorbell needs to be fully operational. The computing device can prepare notification messages and maintain network connections in advance, reducing the time penalty when the doorbell wakes from sleep mode
Data Source
AI summary
Doorbells often include a button to enable visitors to ring a chime to summon building occupants. In some embodiments, doorbells include a camera to take pictures of visitors. In several embodiments, doorbells include covers that are light filters. These light filters can cover infrared light sources such as infrared light emitting diodes. The light filters can pass infrared light while blocking visible light. In several embodiments, a front portion of a camera assembly fits through a hole in a light filter. Light filters can help secure camera assemblies and can form a portion of a doorbell's outer housing.