Geofenced Video Doorbell Activation for Contactless Visitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video doorbells require physical interaction for communication, lack means for sending electronic files, and are prone to unwanted ringing, which is cumbersome and inefficient for visitors and homeowners.
Innovation Solution
A system allowing visitors to virtually press the doorbell using their mobile device within a geofenced area, enabling communication options based on predetermined criteria, and establishing a neighborhood watch for smart doorbells to monitor and report suspicious activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visitors physically press the video doorbell to communicate with the resident, then the doorbell system can detect and respond to the visitor, but the visitor must walk up to the house and physically press the doorbell which is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical doorbell pressing action with a wireless communication mechanism. The visitor's mobile device uses geofencing technology to automatically trigger a doorbell ring when the device enters a predefined geographic area, eliminating the need for physical contact with the doorbell while maintaining the notification function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the visitor and the doorbell system. The mobile device receives location data, processes geofence conditions, and communicates with the doorbell system wirelessly, serving as a mediator that enables contactless doorbell activation and reduces the time required for visitor approach.
2Reliability
If the doorbell rings for every visitor, then the resident is notified of all visitors, but unwanted ringing from solicitors and advertisers causes annoyance to the resident
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different response qualities to different types of visitors based on their mobile device characteristics. The system identifies visitor types through device analysis (such as device models, usage patterns, and location data) and applies differentiated doorbell ringing behaviors - allowing ringing for legitimate visitors while suppressing it for solicitors and advertisers, thus reducing unwanted noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the doorbell system based on visitor identification. By analyzing mobile device parameters and comparing them against predefined criteria, the system dynamically adjusts whether to trigger the doorbell ring, thereby controlling notification reliability for different visitor categories and eliminating unwanted ringing from solicitors and advertisers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the doorbell system provides basic communication only, then the system remains simple, but it cannot send electronic files which limits the resident's ability to assess visitor purpose before opening the door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the doorbell system with multi-functionality by enabling it to not only ring the doorbell but also transmit electronic files, display images, and provide detailed visitor information through the mobile device interface. This universal communication capability allows the resident to assess visitor purpose through various media types before opening the door, significantly improving adaptability while managing complexity through integrated software solutions.
4Ease of operation
If the resident answers the door for every visitor, then all visitors are received, but the resident may waste time with solicitors and advertisers selling uninteresting products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary assessment actions before the resident opens the door. The mobile device and doorbell system perform preliminary identification and classification of visitors using device analysis and location data. This preliminary action allows the resident to understand the visitor's purpose and identity before physically opening the door, enabling informed decisions about whether to answer or redirect the visitor.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for enabling wireless communications and various types of engagement between a smart doorbell and a visitor's mobile device based on meeting certain criteria. Systems and methods are also described for establishing peer-to-peer communications between smart doorbells that are joined into a neighborhood watch program for providing alerts and reporting suspicious activity. A geofence around the smart doorbell is set up and a determination is made whether a visitor mobile device is within the generated geofence. If within the geofence, the UI of the visitor mobile device displays the smart doorbell and allows the visitor mobile device to virtually ring the doorbell or communicate with the doorbell if the visitor mobile device satisfies communication criteria of the doorbell. An encrypted peer-to-peer communication is set up, and communication between the doorbell and the visitor mobile device is established.