Wireless Doorbell Alerting via Remote Appliance Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing doorbell systems do not effectively alert remotely located individuals when someone is ringing the doorbell, as the alerting sound is typically limited to a short distance from the entry point.
Innovation Solution
An electronic doorbell system that includes a camera, microphone, and button, capable of wireless communication with an appliance inside the building, allowing for the display of captured images and transmission of visitor alerts, including audible and visual notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional doorbell alerting sound is used, then the doorbell can be operated simply, but the alerting sound is limited to a short distance from the entry point and cannot notify remotely located individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote device as an intermediary to receive and display doorbell alerts. When the doorbell is pressed, the system sends a signal to a remote device (such as a smartphone or computer) that displays a visual alert and can play an audible notification, thereby extending the alerting distance to remote locations while keeping the doorbell operation simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the alerting system from a local acoustic dimension to a remote digital communication dimension. By using electronic signals transmitted over networks and displayed on remote devices, the system overcomes the physical limitation of sound transmission distance and enables notification across any distance with internet connectivity.
2Length of stationary object
If a remote notification system is implemented, then remotely located individuals can be notified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing multi-functional devices such as smartphones and computers that already have network connectivity, display capabilities, and audio output. By leveraging these universal devices for doorbell notification, the system extends alerting distance without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as the remote device performs multiple functions including doorbell alert reception, display, and audio notification.
3Reliability
If visual and audible alerts are transmitted to remote devices, then notification effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or event-triggered communication where the remote device is activated only when a doorbell event occurs. The system maintains a low-power state during idle periods and transitions to active communication only when needed, thereby ensuring reliable notification delivery while minimizing overall energy consumption of the doorbell system.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic doorbell can include an outer housing configurable to couple to a building. The doorbell can also include a camera coupled to the outer housing and a microphone coupled to the outer housing. The doorbell can also include a button coupled to the outer housing. The electronic doorbell can be configurable to wirelessly communicate with an appliance located within the building.