Smart Doorbell Sleep Detection and Notification Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security and automation systems fail to effectively minimize disturbances for occupants who are sleeping, as they do not adjust settings automatically to maintain a peaceful environment, such as reducing noise levels or adjusting temperature, which can disrupt sleep.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor sensor data to detect when an occupant is sleeping, and subsequently modify settings of home automation systems, including audio, thermostat, sensor, appliance, and security settings, to create a more conducive sleep environment by adjusting volume, temperature, and lighting, and routing doorbell notifications to alternative destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If security and automation systems maintain standard operational settings, then system functionality and notification coverage are maximized, but sleeping occupants are disturbed by noises, lights, and other stimuli
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational settings based on detected sleep states. Sensors monitor occupancy and sleep conditions, triggering automatic modifications to audio, lighting, and notification behaviors. When sleep is detected, the system transitions from standard high-alert mode to a subdued mode that minimizes disturbances while maintaining essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different operational qualities to different zones and devices. Instead of uniformly reducing all system activities, it selectively adjusts settings in the sleeping area while maintaining normal operation elsewhere. For example, audio notifications are routed away from the sleeping zone, lights in the sleeping area are dimmed while other areas remain normal, and sensors in the sleeping zone are adjusted to reduce false alarms.
2Ease of operation
If the system automatically modifies settings when sleep is detected, then occupant comfort is improved, but system complexity and the number of adjustments required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple adjustment functions into a unified sleep mode protocol. Instead of independently managing audio, lighting, temperature, and notification settings, the system implements a coordinated sleep mode that simultaneously adjusts all these parameters through a single detection trigger. This integration reduces the perceived complexity for users while maintaining comprehensive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously detects sleep conditions and automatically implements appropriate adjustments without requiring user intervention. Sensors monitor for sleep indicators (motion absence, respiratory patterns, ambient light levels), and upon detection, the system self-adjusts operational parameters including audio volume, notification routing, and lighting levels. This eliminates the need for users to manually configure multiple settings.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If doorbell notifications are muted during sleep detection, then sleeping occupants are not disturbed, but the ability to receive doorbell alerts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces alternative notification intermediaries that convey doorbell alerts without producing disturbing sounds in the sleeping area. When sleep is detected, doorbell notifications are routed through intermediate devices such as visual indicators on remote devices, haptic feedback, or lights in non-sleeping zones. This mediator approach preserves the informational content of doorbell alerts while eliminating the harmful auditory disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions doorbell notifications from a single auditory dimension to multiple dimensions including visual, tactile, and spatial alternatives. Instead of relying solely on audio chimes that disturb sleep, the system delivers notifications through other senses and locations - such as displaying visual alerts on smartphones, creating haptic patterns on wearable devices, or activating lights in different zones. This dimensional transformation maintains notification effectiveness while avoiding sleep disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting devices upon detecting occupant is asleep in a security/automation system is described. In one embodiment, the method may include monitoring sensor data from one or more sensors, detecting an occupant sleeping, based at least in part on the monitored sensor data, and upon detecting the occupant sleeping, modifying one or more settings associated with one or more devices of the home automation system. In some cases, the method may include modifying at least one of an audio setting associated with the home automation system, a thermostat setting associated with the home automation system, a sensor setting associated with the home automation system, an appliance setting associated with the home automation system, and a security setting associated with the home automation system, or any combination thereof.