JP7227302B2 - Doorbell communication system and method - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/260, entitled "DOORBELL CHIME SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed November 28, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. , No. 508, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/008,366, entitled "DOORBELL CHIME SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed January 27, 2016; U.S. Patent Application No. 15/008,304, entitled "DOORBELL PACKAGE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," and U.S. Patent Application, entitled "DOORBELL PACKAGE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed May 27, 2016; Claims benefit of and priority to 15/167,831.

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to doorbells. Certain embodiments relate to doorbell systems that detect parcels.

A doorbell may allow a person outside an entry point, such as a door, to alert a person inside the entry point that someone outside wants to talk to someone inside. A doorbell sometimes includes a button placed near a door, such as the entrance door, side door, or back door of a residence, office, residential facility, warehouse, building, or structure. Doorbells are sometimes used near a gate or some other entrance to a partially enclosed area. Pressing the doorbell sometimes produces a chime or other warning sound.

Although the chime is remotely located relative to the doorbell, the doorbell chime can be communicatively coupled with the doorbell. For example, a doorbell may be attached to the exterior of a building (eg, near the front door) and a chime may be attached to the interior of the building.

Delivery parcels (eg, parcels, envelopes) are often left at the publicly accessible front door of a building. These deliveries are sometimes stolen before the rightful owner can receive them. Therefore, there is a need for a system for reducing the likelihood of package theft.

In certain embodiments, the doorbell may include a communication system that allows the doorbell to communicate with other devices such as floor coverings and remote computing devices. The floor covering may include sensors for detecting whether a delivery package is on the floor covering. When a delivery package is placed on the floor covering, the floor covering can send the first communication to the doorbell. The doorbell can then send a second communication to the remote computing device (eg, smart phone) regarding the arrival of the delivery package.

In certain embodiments, the floor covering can also sense when a delivery package is removed from the floor covering and cause the floor covering to send a third communication to the doorbell. The doorbell can then send a removal alert to the remote computing device regarding removal of the delivery package from the floor covering.

In some embodiments, the doorbell can send a photo of the delivery package arriving and can send a photo of the delivery package being removed. The doorbell and/or floor covering may also emit lights and/or sounds in response to the arrival and/or removal of the delivery package. The photos may be still photos and/or videos.

In certain embodiments, a delivery package detection system may comprise a doorbell and a floor covering having a first wireless communication system. The floor covering may be configured for placement on the floor of an entryway. The floor covering may comprise a sensor that may be configured to detect a first indication of the delivery package on the floor covering. The floor covering may be communicatively coupled to the doorbell.

In some embodiments, the delivery package detection system may further comprise a first communication sent from the floor covering to the doorbell. The first communication may be sent in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package. The system may further comprise a second communication that may be sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

In certain embodiments, the floor covering of the system may be a rug.

In some embodiments, the second communication may comprise the first picture taken by the doorbell. The doorbell may be configured to send the first photograph to the remote computing device in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package. In certain embodiments, the first photograph displays a delivery package.

In some embodiments, the first indication may relate to arrival of the delivery package at the floor covering.

In certain embodiments, the system may further include a first alert regarding the delivery package. A first alert may be displayed on the remote computing device in response to the remote computing device receiving the second communication from the doorbell.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a graphical user interface displayed on the remote computing device. The graphical user interface may be configured to display information regarding packages for delivery and/or weather.

In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a graphical user interface displayed on the remote computing device. A doorbell may comprise at least one light. The graphical user interface may be configured to allow modification of at least one setting of the doorbell light. In some embodiments, that setting can control the color of the light. In certain embodiments, that setting can control the brightness of the light. In some embodiments, the system can automatically change settings in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package.

In certain embodiments of the system, the first communication may be a first wireless communication. The second communication may be a second wireless communication.

In some embodiments, the doorbell may have a power consumption rate. The power consumption rate may increase in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package.

In certain embodiments, the doorbell can be equipped with a camera that can be configured to take at least one picture. At least one photograph may be taken in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package.

In some embodiments of the system, the sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be configured such that placing the delivery package on the floor covering enables the pressure sensor to detect the first indication.

In certain embodiments, the system may further include a camera electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell and floor covering. The system may further include video taken by the camera in response to the system detecting removal of the delivery package.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a first communication that may be sent from the floor covering to the doorbell. The first communication may be sent in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package. The system can further comprise a second communication. A second communication may be sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a camera. The camera may be electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell and floor covering. The system may also include video. A video may be taken by the camera in response to the camera detecting an object that entered the camera's field of view during the period during which the system may have determined that the delivery package may have been placed on the floor covering.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a motion detector and camera. The motion detector and camera may be electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell and floor covering. The system may further comprise a video taken by the camera in response to the motion detector detecting the motion indication during the period the system determined that the delivery package was on the floor covering.

In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a first communication sent from the floor covering to the doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the package for delivery. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a second communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device. The second communication may be responsive to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a second communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device. The second communication may be responsive to the motion detector detecting the motion indication. A second communication may comprise video.

In some embodiments, the first instruction may relate to removing the delivery package from the floor covering. The system may further comprise a first communication sent from the floor covering to the doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication. The system may further comprise a second communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a camera. The camera may be electrically coupled to at least one of the doorbell and floor covering. A second communication may comprise a photograph that may be taken by the camera within five seconds of the sensor detecting the first indication.

In some embodiments, the system may include a camera electrically coupled to the doorbell. A first communication may be sent from the floor covering to the doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the delivery package. A photograph may be taken by the doorbell's camera in response to the floor covering detecting removal of the delivery package from the floor covering.

In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a second communication that may be sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device. The second communication may be responsive to the floor covering detecting removal of the delivery package from the floor covering. A second communication may comprise a photograph.

In some embodiments, the system may further include an audible alert. A warning tone may be emitted from the doorbell in response to the system detecting removal of the delivery package from the floor covering.

In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one of a warning light and a warning sound that may be emitted from at least one of the doorbell and floor covering. At least one of a warning light and a warning sound may be emitted in response to the system detecting at least one of motion and an object within the field of view of the doorbell camera. At least one of the warning light and warning sound may be responsive to the system determining that a delivery package has been placed on the floor covering.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one of a warning light and a warning sound emanating from at least one of the doorbell and floor covering. At least one of the warning light and warning sound may be responsive to the system detecting removal of the delivery package from the floor covering. The alert is responsive to the removal of the delivery package from the floor covering during the period the system determines that the remote computing device is not within a predetermined distance of the doorbell, is not within detection range of the doorbell, or both. can be emitted as

In some embodiments, a delivery package detection system may comprise a doorbell, a remote computing device, and a delivery package. A doorbell may have a first wireless communication system and a radio frequency identification reader. A remote computing device may be communicatively coupled with the doorbell via the first wireless communication system. A delivery package may have a radio frequency identification tag. The doorbell may be configured to detect the delivery package by means of a radio frequency identification reader that reads the radio frequency identification tag of the delivery package. A first communication may be sent from the doorbell to the remote computer system in response to the doorbell detecting the package for delivery. A remote computer system may comprise a database. A database may have information about a delivery package. A second communication may be sent from the remote computer system to the doorbell in response to the remote computer system receiving the first communication. A second communication may comprise information regarding the delivery package.

In certain embodiments, the system may further comprise a third communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the second communication, the third communication sending the information to the remote computing device. Prepare. A third communication may comprise a time indicating when the doorbell first detected the delivery package. The system may further comprise a fourth communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the second communication. A fourth communication may comprise a first picture taken by the doorbell's camera. A first picture may show a delivery package. The system may further comprise a fourth communication sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell detecting the package for delivery. A fourth communication may comprise a first picture taken by the doorbell's camera. A first picture may show a delivery package.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a first notification sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell detecting the radio frequency identification tag of the package for delivery. The first notification may comprise a first picture taken by the doorbell's camera in response to the doorbell detecting the radio frequency identification tag of the delivery package. A remote computing device may have a display screen. The system may further comprise at least a portion of the first photograph displayed on the display screen. The system may be configured to allow a user of the remote computing device to view the delivery package on the display screen in response to the first notification. The system may further comprise a second notification sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell determining that the radio frequency identification tag of the package for delivery is no longer detected by the doorbell. The system may be configured to detect removal of a delivery package from the detection range of the doorbell's radio frequency identification reader. The second notification may comprise a second picture taken by the doorbell's camera in response to the doorbell determining that the radio frequency identification tag of the delivery package is no longer detected by the doorbell. The system may further comprise a second notification sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell detecting removal of the delivery package. The system further includes: a first signal of the radio frequency identification tag detected by the doorbell a first time; a second signal of the radio frequency identification tag detected by the doorbell a second time; and a second notification sent from the doorbell to the remote computing device in response to the doorbell detecting removal of the delivery package by determining that it is weaker than the signal. The second notification comprises a second picture taken by the doorbell's camera in response to the doorbell detecting removal. A radio frequency identification tag may be a passive tag. A radio frequency identification tag may be an active tag. The doorbell may be configured to detect a delivery package by having a radio frequency identification reader read a passive radio frequency identification tag on the delivery package. The doorbell may be configured to detect a delivery package by having a radio frequency identification reader read an active radio frequency identification tag on the delivery package.

In some embodiments, a delivery package detection system may comprise a doorbell, a remote computing device, and a delivery package. A doorbell may have a first wireless communication system and a radio frequency identification reader. A delivery package may have a radio frequency identification tag. Certain embodiments may include methods of using a delivery package detection system. The method may include detecting the package for delivery by the doorbell and sending a notification to the user by the doorbell. Detecting the package for delivery by the doorbell may include reading a radio frequency identification tag of the package for delivery by a radio frequency identification reader. The method may further include sending the notification to the sender by the doorbell. The method may further include receiving, by the doorbell system, information related to the delivery package from the sender. Notifications to users may include information related to the delivery package. Information associated with the delivery package may include at least a description of the contents. Detecting the delivery package by the doorbell may further include the delivery package being within RFID reading range of the doorbell. The method may further include detecting by the doorbell that the delivery package has been removed. The method may further include sending, by the doorbell, a notification to the user in response to the doorbell detecting that the delivery package has been removed. The method may further include taking a picture with the doorbell in response to the doorbell detecting that the delivery package has been removed.

In some embodiments, the method may include using a doorbell chime system. A doorbell chime system may include an electronic monitor and transceiver. The method includes detecting with the electronic monitor that the person is asleep and receiving a first signal by the transceiver in response to the electronic monitor detecting that the person is asleep. can contain. The method may include modifying a notification sound emitted by a doorbell chime in response to detecting by the electronic monitor that the person is asleep.

Certain embodiments include detecting by the electronic monitor that the person is awake and receiving a second signal by the transceiver in response to the electronic monitor detecting that the person is awake. can include The method may include modifying a notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime in response to detecting by the electronic monitor that the person is awake. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may include increasing the volume of the notification sound. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may comprise enabling the notification sound. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may comprise reducing the volume of the notification sound. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may comprise blocking the notification sound.

Certain embodiments can include one or more of the following features. A transceiver may be a doorbell chime, doorbell, or communication hub. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime includes sending by the doorbell a modification signal to the doorbell chime in response to the doorbell receiving the first signal and generating the notification sound in response to receiving the modification signal. and blocking by a doorbell chime. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime includes: sending a modification signal to the doorbell chime by the communication hub in response to receiving the first signal by the communication hub; and modifying the notification sound in response to receiving the modification signal. blocking the sound by a doorbell chime. The electronic monitor may be a camera, activity tracker, motion detector, or an under-mattress monitor.

In some embodiments, the doorbell system emits a notification sound in response to receiving a visitor indication from the doorbell and a sleep detection system having a sensor configured to determine if a person is asleep. It may include a doorbell chime configured to. A doorbell, a doorbell chime, and a sleep detection system such that the doorbell system may be configured to modify a notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime in response to the sleep detection system determining that a person is asleep. may be communicatively coupled.

Certain embodiments can include one or more of the following features. A doorbell chime system may include a communication hub. A doorbell, doorbell chime, and sleep detection system may be communicatively coupled to the communication hub. The doorbell system may be configured to modify the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime in response to the sleep detection system determining that the person is awake.

Certain embodiments may include a doorbell chime configured to emit a notification sound in response to receiving a visitor indication from the doorbell, and a sleep detection system. A sleep detection system may have a sensor configured to determine if a person is asleep. The doorbell chime and sleep detection system include a transceiver such that the doorbell system is configured to modify a notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime in response to the sleep detection system determining that the person is asleep. may be communicatively coupled to.

Certain embodiments can include one or more of the following features. The doorbell system may be configured to modify the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime in response to the sleep detection system determining that the person is awake. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may include enabling the notification sound or increasing the volume of the notification sound. A transceiver may be a communication hub, a doorbell, or a doorbell chime, among others. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime may include blocking the notification sound or reducing the volume of the notification sound.

A method for using a doorbell chime system includes detecting, by an electronic monitor, that a person is asleep; and preventing the doorbell chime from emitting the first notification sound in response to detecting by the electronic monitor that the person is asleep.

Certain embodiments include reducing the chime volume in response to detecting by the sleep detection system an indication that the person is asleep. Some embodiments include reducing the chime volume in response to detecting by the sleep detection system an indication that a person is in a sleeping area, such as a bed or a circle bed.

In certain embodiments, the sleep detection system communicates directly with chimes via wireless communication. In some embodiments, the chime receives a signal from another device (eg, hub, doorbell) in response to the other device receiving a signal from the sleep detection system. The sleep detection system can signal the other device in response to detecting an indication that the person is asleep.

The chime emits a notification sound in response to the sleep detection system detecting that the person is no longer asleep (e.g., the person is no longer in the sleeping area and/or no longer showing signs of sleep). and/or receive a second signal to increase the volume of the notification sound.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not limit the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters indicate corresponding features throughout like embodiments.

1 is a front view of a communication system, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a computing device executing software, in accordance with certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of multiple computing devices and a doorbell, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a rear view of a doorbell without a back cover to show various components of the doorbell's electrical system, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a doorbell system capable of detecting luggage using floor coverings, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a doorbell system capable of detecting luggage using floor coverings, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system capable of detecting packages within detection range using a radio frequency identification reader, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a front view of a doorbell chime, according to certain embodiments; FIG. FIG. 4 is a rear view of a chime without a back cover to show various components of the chime's electrical system, according to certain embodiments; 1 is a side perspective view of a doorbell chime, according to certain embodiments; FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of a doorbell chime coupled to an electrical outlet, according to certain embodiments; 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell system, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell chime system according to certain embodiments; FIG. 1 is a diagram of a doorbell chime system according to certain embodiments; FIG.

Although certain specific embodiments and examples are disclosed below, the inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and modifications and equivalents thereof. up to. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not limited by any of the specific embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Although various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in sequence, in a manner that may aid in understanding a particular embodiment, the order of description is intended to imply that these operations are order dependent. should not be interpreted. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be implemented as integrated components or as separate components.

For purposes of comparison of various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. All such aspects or advantages are not necessarily achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments achieve one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily attaining other aspects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. or can be performed in an optimized manner.

System Embodiments The communication system is remotely located with a person approaching a sensor, such as a proximity sensor or motion sensor, or ringing a doorbell, which can be located at the doorway, near the entrance, or within 15 feet of the door. It can provide a safe and convenient way for people to communicate. Some communication systems allow a person to hear, see, and talk to a visitor who approaches at least a portion of the communication system and/or presses a button, such as a doorbell button. For example, a communication system may allow a remotely located person to see, hear, and/or speak to a visitor using a computing device. Computing devices may include computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, smart phones, cell phones, and wireless devices (eg, cars with wireless communication). Exemplary computing devices include the iPhone®, iPad®, iMac®, MacBook Air®, and MacBook Pro® made by Apple Inc. Communication between remotely located persons and visitors can occur via the Internet, cellular networks, telecommunications networks, and wireless networks.

Referring now to FIG. 1, doorbell 202 can record video and audio that can then be sent to remote computing device 204 . The remote computing device 204 displays video and emits audio through the doorbell 202 to allow the user of the remote computing device 204 to see and hear the visitor. For example, when doorbell 202 detects a visitor (eg, motion sensor 218 detects the visitor or the visitor presses button 212), doorbell 202 may send a push notification to remote computing device 204. can be done. The user of remote computing device 204 can then see and hear the visitor.

A user of the remote computing device 204 can select a button in application software running on the remote computing device 204 to initiate two-way audio and/or video communication with the visitor. In certain embodiments, the user can see and hear the visitor, and the visitor can hear (but not see the user). In some embodiments, users can hear (but not see) visitors. In certain embodiments, users and visitors can both see and hear each other (e.g., doorbell 202 displays a display screen to show live video captured by the camera of remote computing device 204). ).

A doorbell system may be part of a smart home hub. In certain embodiments, doorbell system 200 forms the core of a smart home hub. For example, various systems described herein enable complete home automation. In certain embodiments, the doorbell 202 is connected to various appliances in the home (e.g., lights, air conditioners, heaters, motion sensors, garage door openers, locks, televisions, computers, entertainment systems, pool monitors, elderly monitor). In certain embodiments, the computing device 204 is connected to the doorbell 202 and other appliances in the residence (e.g., lights, air conditioners, heaters, motion sensors, garage door openers, locks, televisions, computers, entertainment systems, pool monitor, elderly monitor).

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a communication system embodiment. Doorbell system 200 may include doorbell 202 (eg, a security system) and computing device 204 . Although the illustrated doorbell 202 includes multiple components within one housing, some doorbell embodiments include components within separate housings. Doorbell 202 may include camera component 208 and doorbell button 212 . Camera component 208 may include a video camera, which in certain embodiments is a webcam. Doorbell 202 may include diagnostic lights 216 and power indicator lights 220 . In certain embodiments, diagnostic light 216 is a first color (eg, blue) when doorbell 202 and/or doorbell system 200 is connected to a wireless Internet network, and doorbell 202 and/or doorbell system A second color (eg, red) when 200 is not connected to a wireless Internet network. In certain embodiments, power indicator light 220 is a first color when doorbell 202 is connected to a power source. Power may be supplied by the building in which doorbell 202 is installed. In certain embodiments, power indicator light 220 is a second color or emits no light when doorbell 202 is not connected to a power source.

Doorbell 202 may include an outer housing 224 that may be water resistant and/or waterproof. The outer housing may be made of metal or plastic, such as molded plastic having a hardness of 60 Shore D. In certain embodiments, outer housing 224 is made of brushed nickel or aluminum.

A rubber gasket may be used to make the outer housing 224 water resistant or waterproof. Doorbell 202 may be electrically coupled to a power source, such as a wire electrically connected to the building's power system. In certain embodiments, doorbell 202 includes batteries for backup and/or primary power.

Wireless communication 230 may allow doorbell 202 to communicate with computing device 204 . Certain embodiments enable communication over cellular networks and/or wireless local area networks (“WiFi”®). Certain embodiments enable communication over the Internet. Certain embodiments enable wired communication between doorbell 202 and computing device 204 . Wireless communication 230 may comprise the following means of communication: radio, WiFi, cellular, Internet, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, telecommunications, electromagnetic, infrared, light, sonic, and microwave. Other means of communication are used by certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, such as those involving telecommunications or cellular communication means, doorbell 202 initiates a voice call or sends a text message to computing device 204 (e.g., smart phone, desktop computer, tablet computer, laptop). top computer).

Certain embodiments communicate between computing device 204 and doorbell 202 using Near Field Communication (“NFC”). Doorbell 202 and/or computing device 204 may include an NFC tag. Some NFC technologies include Bluetooth®, radio frequency identification, and quick response codes (“QR Codes®”).

Certain embodiments include computer software (eg, application software), which may be mobile applications designed to run on smart phones, tablet computers, and other mobile devices. This kind of software is sometimes referred to as "app" software. Certain embodiments include software designed to run on desktop and laptop computers.

Computing device 204 is capable of executing software with a graphical user interface. A user interface may include icons or buttons. In certain embodiments, the software is configured for use with touchscreen computing devices such as smart phones or tablets.

FIG. 2 shows a computing device 204 executing software. The software includes a user interface 240 displayed on display screen 242 . User interface 240 may include a doorbell indicator 244 that may indicate the location of the doorbell that the user interface is displaying. For example, a person may use one computing device 204 to control and/or interact with multiple doorbells, such as one doorbell at the front door and another doorbell at the back door. Selection of doorbell indicator 244 may allow the user to select another doorbell (eg, the doorbell at the back door rather than the doorbell at the front door).

User interface 240 may include connectivity indicator 248 . In certain embodiments, connectivity indicator 248 may indicate whether the computing device is communicating with a doorbell, the Internet, and/or a cellular network. Connectivity indicator 248 indicates when computing device 204 loses connection with doorbell 202, when doorbell 202 is damaged, when doorbell 202 is stolen, when doorbell 202 is removed from its mounting position. , the user may be alerted if the doorbell 202 has lost power and/or if the computing device 204 is unable to communicate with the doorbell 202 . In certain embodiments, connectivity indicator 248 notifies the user of computing device 204 by blinking, emitting a sound, displaying a message, and/or displaying a symbol.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, doorbell 202 loses power, loses connectivity to computing device 204, loses connectivity to the Internet, and/or is unable to connect to remote servers. If the connection is lost, remote server 206 sends an alert 232 (eg, call, text message, image on user interface 240) regarding power and/or connectivity issues. In some embodiments, remote server 206 may manage communications between doorbell 202 and computing device 204 . In certain embodiments, information from doorbell 202 is stored by remote server 206 . In some embodiments, the information may be sent to computing device 204, uploaded to computing device 204, and/or displayed to a remotely located person via computing device 204. Until then, information from doorbell 202 is stored by remote server 206 . Remote server 206 may be a computing device that stores information from doorbell 202 and/or from computing device 204 . In certain embodiments, remote server 206 resides within a data center.

In certain embodiments, computing device 204 and/or remote server 206 attempt to communicate with doorbell 202 . If computing device 204 and/or remote server 206 are unable to communicate with doorbell 202, computing device 204 and/or remote server 206 may use software, phone calls, texts, displayed messages, and/or websites. to alert a remotely located person via In certain embodiments, the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 are periodically monitored at least every 5 hours and/or at least every 10 minutes, at least every 24 hours and/or at least every 60 minutes, or , attempts to communicate with the doorbell 202 at least every hour and/or less than every second.

In certain embodiments, server 206 may initiate communication with computing device 204 and/or communication with doorbell 202 . In some embodiments, server 206 may initiate, control, and/or prevent communication between computing device 204 and doorbell 202 .

In some embodiments, a user logs into an "app," website, and/or software on a computing device (e.g., mobile computing device, smartphone, tablet, desktop computer) to access the software discussed herein. You can adjust the doorbell settings that are displayed.

In certain embodiments, a computing device may allow a user to view live video and/or listen to live audio from a doorbell at the user's request rather than at the visitor's actions. Certain embodiments include a computing device that initiates a live video feed (or a video feed that is less than 5 minutes old).

1 and 2, in certain embodiments user interface 240 displays an image 252, such as a still image or video, of an area near and/or in front of doorbell 202. As shown in FIG. Image 252 may be captured by camera component 208 and stored by doorbell 202 , server 206 and/or computing device 204 . User interface 240 includes record button 256 to allow a user to record images, video, and/or sound from camera component 208, doorbell 202 microphone, and/or computing device 204 microphone. obtain.

In some embodiments, user interface 240 includes a photo button 260 to allow a user to take a still photo and/or video of an area near and/or in front of doorbell 202. User interface 240 may also include sound adjustment buttons 264 and mute button 268 . User interface 240 may include camera control buttons such as zoom, pan, and light adjustment buttons. In certain embodiments, camera component 208 automatically adjusts between day and night modes. Certain embodiments include an infrared camera and/or an infrared light to illuminate the area near the doorbell 202 to allow the camera component 208 to provide sufficient visibility (even at night). .

In certain embodiments, the buttons include various means of selecting various options, features and functions. Buttons can be selected by mouse clicks, keyboard commands, and touching the touch screen. Many embodiments include buttons that can be selected without a touchscreen.

In certain embodiments, user interface 240 allows a user to select the quality and/or amount of data sent from doorbell 202 to computing device 204 and/or from computing device 204 to doorbell 202. includes a quality selection button 272 .

In certain embodiments, the video is sent to and/or from the computing device 204 using a video chat protocol such as FaceTime (registered trademark by Apple Inc.) or Skype (registered trademark by Microsoft Corporation). 204. In certain embodiments, these videos are played by the video conferencing app of computing device 204 instead of being played by user interface 240 .

User interface 240 may include an end button 276 for terminating communication between doorbell 202 and computing device 204 . In certain embodiments, exit button 276 terminates the ability of a person near doorbell 202 (i.e., a visitor) to hear and/or see the user of computing device 204, but the user of computing device 204 does not terminate the ability to hear and/or see people near doorbell 202.

In certain embodiments, button 276 is both an answer button (to accept a communication request from a visitor) and an end button (to terminate communication between doorbell 202 and computing device 204). is. Button 276 may contain the word "response" when the system is attempting to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user. When the system is trying to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user, pressing button 276 can initiate two-way communication. Button 276 may include the words "end call" during two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Pressing button 276 during an interactive communication between the visitor and the user may terminate the interactive communication. In certain embodiments, termination of interactive communication still allows the user to see and hear the visitor. In certain embodiments, terminating two-way communication causes computing device 204 to stop displaying video from the doorbell and to stop emitting sounds recorded by the doorbell.

In certain embodiments, user interface 240 opens as soon as the doorbell detects a visitor (eg, senses the visitor's instructions). In some embodiments, after the user interface 240 opens, the user can see and/or hear the visitor even before "answering" or otherwise accepting two-way communication.

Some method embodiments include detecting a visitor at a doorbell. The method may include causing a user interface to be displayed on the remote computing device 204 upon detection of the visitor (eg, with or without user interaction). The method may include showing video from the doorbell and/or audio from the doorbell before the user accepts two-way communication with the visitor. The method may include showing the video from the doorbell and/or the audio from the doorbell before the user accepts the visitor's communication request. The method may include a computing device simultaneously asking the user if the user wishes to accept (eg, respond to) the communication request and displaying the visitor's audio and/or video. For example, in certain embodiments, the user can see and hear the visitor through the doorbell before opening the means of two-way communication with the visitor.

In certain embodiments, the software includes means for initiating the video feed on demand. For example, a computing device user may want to know what is happening near doorbell 202 . A user can open a software application on computing device 204 and command the application to show live video and/or audio from security device 202, even if events near doorbell 202 do not trigger communication. .

In some embodiments, security device 202 may be configured to record when security device 202 detects the movement and/or presence of a person. A user of computing device 204 can later review all video and/or audio recordings from when security device 202 detected the movement and/or presence of a person.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, server 206 controls communications between computing device 204 and doorbell 202, which may be a doorbell with a camera, microphone and speaker. In some embodiments, server 206 does not control communications between computing device 204 and doorbell 202 .

In certain embodiments, data (such as video, photos, and audio) obtained by doorbell and/or computing device 204 is stored by another remote device, such as server 206 . Cloud storage, enterprise storage, and/or networked enterprise storage may be used to store video, photos, and/or audio from doorbell system 200 or from any portion of doorbell system 200. Users can download and/or stream stored data and/or storage video, photos, and/or audio. For example, a user can record a year's worth of visitors and then later review conversations with visitors from last year. In certain embodiments, remote storage, server 206, computing device 204, and/or doorbell 202 may store information and statistics regarding visitors and usage.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which doorbell 202 is connected to building 300 which may include a foyer 310 with door 254 . A visitor 388 may approach the doorbell 202 and then be detected by the doorbell 202 . Visitor 388 may press doorbell button 212 . A user of doorbell 202 can configure doorbell 202 so that the user receives a notification about visitor 388 when visitor 388 presses doorbell button 212 .

Electrical wire 304 may electrically couple doorbell 202 to electrical system 312 of building 300 such that doorbell 202 may receive power from building 300 . The building may include door locks 250 for locking doors 254 .

Wireless network 308 may allow devices to wirelessly access the Internet. Doorbell 202 can access the Internet via wireless network 308 . Wireless network 308 can transmit data from doorbell 202 to the Internet. The Internet can transmit data to remotely located computing devices 204 . The Internet and wireless networks can transmit data from the remotely located computing device 204 to the doorbell 202 . In certain embodiments, doorbell 202 connects to residential WiFi®.

As shown in FIG. 3, multiple computing devices 204 may communicate with a single doorbell 202 . In certain embodiments, one computing device 204 (eg, laptop, smart phone, mobile computing device, television) may communicate with multiple doorbells 202 .

In certain embodiments, doorbell 202 may communicate (eg, wireless communication 230) with television 306, which may be a smart television. The user can watch the television 306 to see and/or talk to the visitor.

FIG. 4 shows an internal view of doorbell 202 . Doorbell 202 may include chip 480 (eg, integrated circuit, microprocessor, computer) and memory 492 . Doorbell 202 may also include microphone 484 and speaker 488 . Speaker 488 may comprise a planar speaker and acoustic chamber 460 configured to amplify emitted sound. A planar speaker can be placed in the acoustic room. Some doorbell embodiments include proximity sensor 500 . In some embodiments, doorbell 202 includes a wireless communication module 504, such as a WiFi® module. Communication module 504 may have an integrated antenna. In certain embodiments, the antenna is contained within outer housing 224 .

Doorbell 202 may include one or more heating elements 508 configured to regulate the temperature of doorbell 202 . For example, doorbell 202 can be used in very cold environments, such as in Alaska. Heating element 508 may be used in a variety of ways to protect temperature sensitive portions of doorbell 202 from cold weather.

While protecting doorbell 202 from cold weather may be important in certain embodiments, protecting visitors from excessive heat may also be important in certain embodiments. As the visitor "rings" the doorbell (eg, presses the doorbell button 212 shown in FIG. 1), the excessive heat can burn the visitor. Doorbell 202 may include a thermometer 512 to allow the system to determine the temperature inside and/or outside portions of doorbell 202 .

Some embodiments may be configured for 9 to 40 volt alternating current (“VAC”) and/or 9 to 40 volt direct current (“VDC”). Certain embodiments convert incoming electricity to direct current (“DC”), such as 12 VDC. Some embodiments include a converter 494 for power conversion (eg, conversion of electrical energy from one thing to another). Converter 494 may convert input power (eg, from wiring in the building) to a suitable power format for doorbell 202 . Power conversion may convert between AC and DC, change voltage, and/or change frequency. Converter 494 may include a transformer and/or a voltage regulator. In some embodiments, converter 494 may include voltage stabilizers, linear regulators, surge protectors, rectifiers, power supply units, switches, inverters, and/or voltage converters. In certain embodiments, converter 494 converts 50 Hertz (“Hz”) power to 60 Hz power.

Doorbell 202 electrical components (e.g. camera component 208, memory 492, chip 480, speaker 488, converter 494, microphone 484, light 458, rectifier, proximity sensor 500, communication module 504, heating element 508, electrical connector 510, thermometer 512 , image analysis system 520 , and battery 462 ) may be electrically coupled to printed circuit board (“PCB”) 516 and may receive power from PCB 516 .

The PCB 516 and electrical components of the doorbell 202 may be the electrical system 456 of the doorbell 202 . Further details regarding the PCB 516 and the electrical components of the doorbell 202 are described in US patent application Ser. The entire contents of patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376 are incorporated herein by reference.

Doorbell 202 may include detection system 528 . Doorbell 202 may be configured to alert the user to the presence of visitor 388 by, for example, chiming 302 .

Although certain embodiments are described in terms of devices and systems, device embodiments and system embodiments can also be produced as methods. The devices and systems described herein can be applied to methods incorporated herein by reference.

Although certain embodiments are described in terms of methods, method embodiments can also be produced as devices and systems. The methods described herein may be applied to devices and systems incorporated herein by reference.

Doorbell Parcel Detection Embodiment Millions of packages are delivered each week. Often these packages are delivered during business hours when the home owner is at work. When packages are too large to fit in a mailbox, mailmen and other carriers often leave packages on the doorstep of their residences or even in common areas of apartment buildings.

These parcels may be left unattended for long periods of time. Thieves see abandoned packages as easy targets and often drive around the neighborhood looking for them. The thief jumps out of the car, steals the package, and then drives away within seconds. With the increase in online shopping and the consequent increase in package deliveries, package theft is becoming an increasing problem. To date, the fight against luggage theft has barely taken place.

Embodiments described herein include high-tech floor coverings (eg, rugs) that can wirelessly communicate with smart doorbells. The floor covering may include sensors such as pressure sensors and optical sensors to detect when a package (eg, parcel, envelope) is placed on the floor covering.

The floor covering can "wake up" the smart doorbell by sending wireless communication (eg, via Bluetooth Low Energy®) to the doorbell. The doorbell can then send an alert to a remote computing device (eg, smart phone) to alert the user regarding the arrival or removal of the delivery package.

If the doorbell's motion sensor and/or camera detect a visitor when the delivery package is placed on the floor covering, the doorbell can begin recording video. When the visitor picks up the delivery, then the video will visually record who took the delivery. When the system senses that a visitor has removed a delivery package from the floor covering, the system can send an alert (eg, push notification) to the remote computing device. This alert may include video.

The system can recognize when a delivery package has arrived through image recognition. The system can create a security zone around the delivery package. When a visitor enters a security zone, the system can send an alert to a remote computing device and/or emit lights and sounds (eg, from a doorbell, from a floor covering). This security zone may be part of the field of view of the camera.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a delivery package detection system 200. As shown in FIG. Doorbell 202 is mounted on the outside of building 300 (eg, at porch 310 near door 254). Doorbell 202 may include camera component 208 and motion detector 218 . Camera component 208 and motion detector 218 can detect when visitor 388 approaches doorbell 202 . This configuration allows the doorbell 202 to monitor deliveries 241 that may be placed at the front door 310 .

Floor covering 235 may communicate with doorbell 202 (eg, may send information to doorbell 202). In certain embodiments, floor covering 235 is communicatively coupled (eg, wirelessly coupled) to wireless network 308 (eg, of building 300). Doorbell 202 may be communicatively coupled to the same wireless network 308 as floor covering 235 .

In some embodiments, floor covering 235 communicates directly (via wires or wirelessly) with doorbell 202 . For example, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, radio waves, and/or any suitable short-range communication system or protocol to allow floor covering 235 to communicate with doorbell 202. , may be used by the communication system 504 b of the floor covering 235 .

Doorbell 202 may communicate with remote computing device 204 , which may be located inside building 300 , outside building 300 , or miles away from building 300 . Doorbell 202 may be communicatively coupled to remote computing device 204 via wireless network 308, the Internet, a cellular network, a telecommunications network, server 206, and/or any other suitable system.

Delivery package 241 is placed on floor covering 235, which may be a rug. As used herein, the term "delivery package" is used broadly and can mean a box or envelope that is commonly given, sent or delivered to a person. For example, mail carriers, FedEx delivery workers, and any suitable delivery service may place delivery package 241 near building 300 . In some cases, a friend or neighbor places delivery package 241 near building 300 (eg, on floor covering 235). Delivery package 241 may be a large box, a small box, a specially shaped parcel, a large envelope, a small envelope, and/or any object placed on floor covering 235 .

The term "floor covering" is used broadly herein. The floor covering is configured to be placed on the ground. The floor covering may be a rug. A rug may have a length and width greater than ten times its thickness measured vertically upward when the rug is placed on the ground. In certain embodiments, rugs can be used to wipe dirty soles, but not all rugs are used to wipe soles. For example, a rug can be specially designed so that a delivery person can place a package on the rug. The rug may be made of cloth or may be made of plastic.

5, the floor covering 235 is placed directly in front of the door 254, but in some embodiments the floor covering 235 is placed next to the door 254 to discourage the visitor 388 from stepping on the floor covering 235. placed on the ground of

Floor covering 235 may include sensor 239 to detect whether delivery package 241 is on floor covering 235 . In certain embodiments, these sensors 239 are pressure sensors.

Pressure sensors can be thin and flexible. Tekscan, Inc., which has offices in South Boston, Massachusetts, makes high resolution pressure sensors that can be incorporated into the floor covering 235 . The nature of Texcan's pressure sensors allows system 200 to detect the footprint and weight of delivery package 241 . This information can be compared to a database of packages expected to be delivered to the address where the floor covering 235 is located. This comparison allows system 200 to determine which expected load has a footprint and/or weight indicative of load 239 placed on floor covering 235 . Communication 230 b to remote computing device 204 may then include information regarding the contents of package 241 .

Digi-Key Corporation, which has offices in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, sells many types of pressure sensors that can be incorporated into the floor covering 235 . Digi-Key sells a Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. pressure sensor that can be attached to the PCB of the floor covering 235 . Digi-Key also sells pressure sensors from STMicroelectronics N.V. that can be attached to the surface of the floor covering 235 .

In some embodiments, floor covering 235 includes sensor 239, which is an optical sensor. For example, an optical sensor may include a light emitting diode (“LED”) that emits light upward (away from the ground). The optical sensor may also include a photosensor configured to detect light from the LED. The optical sensor can face upwards. If no object is placed on the floor covering 235, the light from the LED simply continues upwards and is not sensed by the light sensor. When an object is placed on the floor covering 235, the light from the LED may reflect off the object causing the light to be turned back towards the light sensor. As a result, the optical sensor can detect an object (eg, a delivery package).

such that the optical sensor is configured to detect light emitted from the LED when a delivery package covers the hole and refracts the light emitted from the LED towards the optical sensor can be placed in the same upward facing hole as the LED. The light sensor may be configured to detect only certain types of light emitted by the LED so that the sensor system does not confuse the presence or absence of sunlight with the presence or removal of a delivery package.

As shown in FIG. 5, the delivery package detection system 200 is configured to be placed on the ground (eg, the floor of the porch) with the doorbell 202 (shown in FIG. 4) having a first wireless communication system 504. floor covering 235; Floor covering 235 may include a sensor 239 configured to detect a first indication of delivery package 124 on floor covering 235 . Floor covering 235 is communicatively coupled to doorbell 202 . (eg, over wires or wirelessly). The doorbell 202 may be attached to the walls of the building 300 while the floor covering is placed on the ground. The floor covering 235 may be a rug containing batteries for providing power to the electrical components of the floor covering 235 .

The system 200 sends a first communication 230a (eg, a Bluetooth® wireless communication) sent from the floor covering 235 to the doorbell 202 in response to the floor covering 235 detecting the first indication of the delivery package 241. can contain. System 200 may also include a second communication 230b (eg, wireless communication) sent from doorbell 202 to remote computing device 204 in response to doorbell 202 receiving first communication 230a.

Doorbell 202 may include camera 208 . Second communication 230b such that doorbell 202 is configured to send first picture 243 to remote computing device 204 in response to floor covering 235 detecting first indication of delivery package 241 may comprise a first photograph 243 taken by doorbell 202 . As shown in FIG. 5, first photograph 243 may show delivery package 241 to allow the user of remote computing device 204 to view delivery package 241 . Although first photo 243 may be sent directly from doorbell 202 to computing device 204, in many embodiments first photo 243 is sent from doorbell 202 to remote computing device 204 indirectly (e.g., to a server 206).

A first indication of delivery package 241 may be the weight of delivery package 241 as sensed by floor covering 235 (eg, via a pressure sensor). The first indication of delivery package 241 may also be light sensed by a light sensor (eg, as described above). The first indication may be due to arrival of a delivery package (eg, increased pressure, increased light) or removal of the delivery package from the floor covering 235 (eg, decreased pressure, decreased light). be.

A first indication may relate to the arrival of delivery package 241 at floor covering 235 . A first instruction may relate to the removal of delivery package 241 from floor covering 235 . Communication 230b sent to remote computing device 204 may indicate whether delivery package 241 has arrived or been removed.

System 200 may also include a first alert 232 regarding delivery package 241 . In certain embodiments, the first alert is a push notification sent to the remote computing device 204 (e.g., wirelessly sent over various communication networks, sent via WiFi). be. A first alert 232 may be a text message on a remote computing device. First alert 232 may be a graphic displayed on the screen of remote computing device 204 . The graphics allow the user of the remote computing device 204 to view information about the delivered package (eg, photo of the package, time of package arrival, time of package removal, ID of the person who delivered the package, ID of the person who removed the package). can be configured to allow

First alert 232 may be displayed on remote computing device 204 in response to remote computing device 204 receiving second communication 230 b from doorbell 202 . System 200 may include graphical user interface 240 displayed on remote computing device 204 . Graphical user interface 240 may be configured to display information regarding delivery package 241 .

Information regarding this delivery package 241 is found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/813,479, entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed July 30, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. It may be displayed concurrently with the described weather information (eg, as detected by system 200). For example, the display may show information such as "Your parcel is outside in the rain" or "25 mph winds are blowing your mail away."

As shown in FIG. 5, the graphical user interface shows a photograph 243 of the delivery package 241. As shown in FIG. Graphical user interface 240 may display the following information and any other relevant information about delivery package 241: delivery time, who the delivery was addressed to, sender information, content, and status. The status may indicate whether delivery package 241 is currently on floor covering 235 . The status may also indicate whether delivery package 241 is still within detection range of doorbell 202 (eg, field of view of camera 208).

Graphical user interface 240 is configured to allow modification of at least one setting of light 216 b of doorbell 202 . User interface 240 may include buttons 237 (eg, touch screen icons, which are not necessarily physical buttons). At least one of these buttons 237 may be a light adjustment button configured to allow changing the settings of lights 216b (eg, LEDs) of doorbell 202 .

The setting changed by button 237 may be the color of light 216b. For example, colors can vary from red to green to blue to white. Millions of color combinations are possible with LEDs. The colors may correspond to the colors of holidays or special occasions.

The setting changed by button 237 may be the brightness of light 216b. For example, button 237 may act as a dimmer.

In certain embodiments, system 200 automatically changes settings in response to floor covering 235 detecting the first indication of delivery package 241 . For example, removal of package 241 may cause a red light to flash from doorbell 202 and/or from floor covering 235 . The arrival of the package 241 can cause the green light to blink.

In some embodiments, system 200 (eg, doorbell) emits a sound or audible speech in response to detecting the arrival or removal of package 241 . The sounds and/or words may thank the delivery and/or warn the person taking away.

A number of types of warning sounds may be emitted from doorbell 202 (eg, from speaker 488 shown in FIG. 4) in response to system 200 detecting removal of delivery package 241 from floor covering 235 . Floor covering 235 may also emit a warning tone from speaker 488b. The warning tone may be a voice stating a predetermined message such as "Stop, stealing packages is illegal". A drop in pressure, as sensed by floor covering 235 , may allow system 200 to detect removal of load 241 .

In addition to having speakers 488b, floor covering 235 may also include a number of warning lights 216c, which may be LEDs. In some embodiments, the warning lights and sounds are emitted from at least one of doorbell 202 and floor covering 235 in response to system 200 detecting motion (eg, via motion detector 218). emitted.

In certain embodiments, the warning lights and sounds are activated on doorbell 202 and floor coverings in response to system 200 detecting that an object (eg, visitor 388 ) has entered the field of view of doorbell 202 camera 208 . 235 emanating from at least one of the For example, if visitor 388 approaches doorbell 202 and/or floor covering 235 while package 241 is on floor covering 235 and/or is detected by doorbell 202, doorbell 202 and/or floor covering 235 Warning lights can be emitted from lights 216b, 216c and warning sounds can be emitted from speakers 488b, 488 (shown in FIG. 4). Accordingly, system 200 can issue an alert in response to motion and/or object detection, as well as in response to system 200 determining that delivery package 241 has been placed on floor covering 235 . .

In certain embodiments, system 200 is configured not to issue an alert if the person carrying remote computing device 204 is the person removing package 241 . On the other hand, if a person removes package 241 while remote computing device 204 is far from doorbell 202 (eg, away from residence), then the person removing package 241 may be a thief. be. Accordingly, certain embodiments provide the remote computing device 204 during a period of time determined by the system to be at least one of not within a predetermined distance of the doorbell 202 and not within detection range of the doorbell 202 . Includes warning lights and sounds emitted from at least one of doorbell 202 and floor covering 235 in response to system 200 detecting removal of delivery package 241 from floor covering 235 . The predetermined distance may be within 30 meters of doorbell 202 .

System 200 can determine if computing device 204 is within a predetermined distance based on global positioning system (“GPS”) information from doorbell 202 and remote computing device 204 . System 200 determines if remote computing device 204 is within detection range of doorbell 202 via doorbell 202 attempting to communicate directly with remote computing device 204 via a short-range communication protocol such as Bluetooth. can decide. If remote computing device 204 does not respond to a Bluetooth® signal from doorbell 202 , then system 200 determines that remote computing device 204 is out of detection range of doorbell 202 .

Minimizing power consumption of doorbell 202, especially in embodiments where doorbell 202 is powered exclusively via battery power (and not via electrical wire 304 from building 300 as shown in FIG. 3). can be important. In certain embodiments, doorbell 202 is in a sleep mode that prevents camera 208 from recording without exiting sleep mode. Doorbell 202 can exit sleep mode, take a picture, and/or start recording video when floor covering 235 detects delivery, movement, or removal of package 241 . Photos and videos may be sent to server 206 and/or to remote computing device 204 . In certain embodiments, doorbell 202 has a power consumption rate that increases in response to floor covering 235 detecting a first indication of delivery package 241 (eg, by activity of camera 208).

In some embodiments, doorbell 202 includes camera 208 configured to take at least one photograph in response to floor covering 235 detecting the first indication of delivery package 241 . Sensor 239 may comprise a pressure sensor configured to allow delivery package 241 to be placed on floor covering 235 to allow pressure sensor to detect the first indication.

Camera 208 may be electrically coupled to doorbell 202 . Camera 208 may also be electrically coupled to floor covering 235 . System 200 may include video captured by camera 208 in response to the system detecting removal of delivery package 241 . The video is captured by camera 208 in response to camera 208 detecting an object (eg, visitor 388) that came into view of camera 208 during the time period system 200 determined delivery package 241 was on floor covering 235. can be taken by

Doorbell 202 may include motion detector 218 . The floor covering may also include a motion detector 218 that may have all the same features and functions of the motion detector 218 of the doorbell 202 . In certain embodiments, motion detector 218 and camera 208 are electrically coupled to at least one of doorbell 202 and floor covering 235 . System 200 may include video captured by camera 208 in response to motion detector 218 detecting a motion indication during a time period in which system 200 determines that delivery package 241 is on floor covering 235 . A second communication 230b may be sent from doorbell 202 to remote computing device 204 in response to motion detector 218 detecting a motion indication. A second communication 230b may comprise video.

In some embodiments, the first instruction may relate to removal of delivery package 241 from floor covering 235 . The system may further comprise a first communication 230a sent from the floor covering 235 to the doorbell 202 in response to the floor covering 235 detecting the first indication. The system may also include a second communication 230b sent from the doorbell 202 to the remote computing device 204 in response to the doorbell 202 receiving the first communication 230a. As noted above, camera 208 may be electrically coupled to at least one of doorbell 202 and floor covering 235 . A second communication 230b may comprise a photograph taken by camera 208 within five seconds of sensor 239's detection of the first indication. Taking a photo within 5 seconds may ensure that the photo (which may be video) shows the thief who took the package 241 (via system 200 taking the photo before the thief can escape).

When system 200 detects arrival of package 241, movement of visitor 388 (e.g., toward doorbell 202), movement of package 241, and/or removal of package 241, system 200 takes photograph 245. can be done. Communication 230b between doorbell 202 and remote computing device 204 may include these photographs 245. FIG. Accordingly, system 200 can send multiple photos to remote computing device 204 depending on the preferences of the user of remote computing device 204 . As used herein, sending a video includes sending a photo (because the photo is part of the video). Thus, a photograph may be a still photograph or a moment in a video (eg, one frame of a video).

Doorbell communication 230d regarding package 241 may be via wireless network 308 (e.g., of building 300), via Bluetooth®, via a cellular network, via a telecommunications network, via the Internet, and /or may be sent to remote computing device 204 via server 206; In certain embodiments, another remote computing device 204 n also receives doorbell communication 230 d regarding package 241 . Doorbell communication 230d may include a picture 243 of package 241 and/or an indication of doorbell 202 and/or package 241 (e.g., arrival of package 241, movement of package 241, and/or from floor covering 235 and/or doorbell 202 (removal of package 241 from field of view) within 5 seconds of cover 235 detecting photograph 243 taken by cameras 208, 208b of system 200.

In certain embodiments, the second remote computing device 204n is a neighbor's remote computing device. Doorbell communication 230d may include a request for a neighbor to pick up and move package 241 . In response to this request, the neighbor can take the package 241 to the neighbor's residence to prevent the package 241 from being stolen until the owner of the package can pick it up from the neighbor.

Certain embodiments of system 200 use floor covering 235 to detect load 241 . However, certain embodiments of system 200 do not use floor covering 235 to detect load 241 . For example, doorbell 202 can detect package 241 using camera 208 .

When the doorbell 202 detects motion (via the camera 208 and/or via the motion detector 218), the doorbell 202 can take a picture 243 using the camera 208. System 200 can then analyze photo 243 to determine if photo 243 shows package 241 . This photo analysis can use image recognition procedures to look for indications of package 241 in photo 243 . For example, an image recognition procedure may include looking for a characteristic color (eg, brown) in cardboard delivery boxes. The image recognition procedure may involve looking for planes (indicating the shape of a box) connected at approximately 90 degree angles. The image recognition procedure recognizes planes at different positions in images taken at different times (the box is in the first position in the first photo and the second photo taken within 10 seconds of the first photo). (showing a box being carried toward the doorbell 202 as in a second position at ).

The package 241 detection procedure also uses the doorbell 202 microphone 484 (shown in FIG. 4) to detect sounds that indicate delivery vehicles (e.g., large engines and large trucks typical of delivery services such as FedEx and United Parcel Service). sound). System 200 can also use microphone 484 to hear a sound indicating that package 241 has been dropped on the floor (eg, in doorway 310). System 200 may then analyze the sound to identify that package 241 was delivered to building 300 (eg, package 241 was placed outside building 300 within detection range of doorbell 202). can.

The system 200 can hear when the delivery vehicle has stopped within detection range of the doorbell 202 (eg, within which the microphone 484 can hear the delivery vehicle). However, system 200 may not know whether delivery vehicle left package 241 at building 300 or at a neighbor's residence. System 200 identifies the package for delivery in response to detecting motion (via camera 208 and/or via motion detector 218) within 30 seconds of detection of the sound indicative of the delivery vehicle, A distinction can be made between delivery to a neighbor's residence and delivery to building 300 .

In FIG. 5, a perspective view of the floor covering 235 is shown. The view of FIG. 5 shows a front view of door 254 . FIG. 5 is the view typically seen by visitor 388 as he walks towards door 254 of the residence.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of floor covering 235 . FIG. 6 shows a top view of floor covering 235 and a front view of doorbell 202 . Electrical wires 304 electrically couple doorbell 202 to floor covering 235 to allow doorbell 202 to provide power to floor covering 235 (or vice versa). Doorbell 202 may receive power from building 300 (as shown in FIG. 5) and may then provide at least a portion of the power to floor covering 235 via electrical wires 304 (eg, doorbell 202 is attached to the wall of building 300 and while floor covering 235 is on the ground). Electrical wire 304 may also be used for one-way and/or two-way communication between doorbell 202 and floor covering 235 .

Some embodiments do not include electrical wires 304 between doorbell 202 and floor coverings. Doorbell 202 can wirelessly send communication 230 c to floor covering 235 . Floor covering 235 can wirelessly send communication 230 a to doorbell 202 .

Floor covering 235 may include a PCB, speaker 488b, light 216c, battery 462b, camera 208b, and motion detector 218b. Floor covering 235 may also include communication system 504b configured to enable communication between floor covering 235 and doorbell 202 . Communication system 504b may include a transceiver. Communication system 504b may be a Bluetooth® communication system capable of using Bluetooth Low Energy®.

Sensor 239 may be configured to detect the load on at least 60 percent of the top surface of floor covering 235 . This configuration may help minimize the occurrence of failed detection of packages on the floor covering 235 . Sensor 239 may be made up of multiple individual pressure sensors, light sensors, package sensors, and/or any sensor configured to detect packages.

Although certain embodiments are described in terms of devices and systems, device embodiments and system embodiments can also be produced as methods. Certain embodiments include a method of package detection. The method may include obtaining a delivery package detection system comprising a doorbell having a first wireless communication system and a floor covering configured for placement on the floor of an entryway. The floor covering may be equipped with sensors. The method may include detecting a first indication of the delivery package on the floor covering by a sensor on the floor covering. The method may include communicatively coupling the doorbell to the floor covering, attaching the doorbell to the building, and/or placing the floor covering on the floor of the hallway.

Some embodiments include sending a first communication from the floor covering to the doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting the first indication of the package for delivery. Some methods include sending a second communication from the doorbell to a remote computing device in response to the doorbell receiving the first communication.

A second communication may comprise a first picture taken by the doorbell. Certain methods comprise sending a first photograph to a remote computing device by a doorbell in response to the floor covering detecting a first indication of a delivery package.

7 and 8 , in some embodiments, delivery package detection system 700 includes doorbell 702 , remote computing device 704 , and delivery package 706 . Doorbell 702 may have a first wireless communication system 708 and a radio frequency identification reader 710 . Doorbell 702 may be mounted on an exterior wall of building 711 , eg, near door 713 . Remote computing device 704 may be communicatively coupled to doorbell 702 via first wireless communication system 708 . First wireless communication system 708 may be configured to interface with or include wireless network 709 . Delivery package 706 may have a radio frequency identification tag 712 . Doorbell 702 can detect package 706 when package 706 with radio frequency identification tag 712 is left near door 713, for example, by a mail carrier. Doorbell 702 detects package 706 by radio frequency identification reader 710 which reads radio frequency identification tag 712 of delivery package 706 .

When doorbell 702 detects radio frequency identification tag 712 , a first communication 714 may be sent from doorbell 702 to remote computer system 716 . Remote computer system 716 may include database 718 . A remote computer system 716 may be associated with the sender. Database 718 may have information 715 about delivery package 706 . Second communication 720 may be sent from remote computer system 716 to doorbell 702 in response to remote computer system 716 receiving first communication 714 . Second communication 720 may comprise information 715 regarding delivery package 706 .

In certain embodiments, system 700 may further comprise a third communication 722 sent from doorbell 702 to remote computing device 704 in response to doorbell 702 receiving second communication 720 . A third communication 722 may include information 715 received by the doorbell 702 from the sender. Third communication 722 may also include time 724 indicating when doorbell 702 first detected delivery package 706 .

For example, a user may order a product online from a sender. The sender ships the product and when it arrives at the doorstep (delivery package 706), the doorbell 702 detects the package 706 and sends a communication 714 to the sender that the package 706 has arrived at its destination. The sender can then send information 715 related to the delivery package 706 back to the doorbell 702 . After the doorbell 702 has this information 715, the doorbell 702 can send that information to the user in another communication, thereby letting the user know they have the package 706 and the information 715 about the package 706. Allows you to receive notifications. The communication can also notify the user of the time of delivery of package 706 . Information 715 associated with delivery package 706 may be a description of the contents of package 706, the name of the sender of package 706, the value of package 706, and the like. Remote computer system 716 may be, for example, a server, website, computer, or workstation.

Referring now to FIG. 9, doorbell 702 may also include camera 730 to allow the user to view package 706 that has been delivered. When doorbell 702 detects package 706 , doorbell 702 can take a picture of package 706 and send it to remote computing device 704 in fourth communication 726 . A fourth communication 726 may also be sent from the doorbell 702 to the remote computing device 704 in response to the doorbell 702 receiving the second communication 720 . A fourth communication 726 may comprise a first photograph 728 taken by camera 730 . A first photograph 728 may show a delivery package 706 .

Referring now to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, system 800 is sent from doorbell 802 to remote computing device 804 in response to doorbell 802 detecting radio frequency identification tag 812 on delivery package 806. A first notification 814 may be provided. First notification 814 may comprise a first photograph 828 taken by camera 830 of doorbell 802 in response to doorbell 802 detecting radio frequency identification tag 812 of delivery package 806 . Remote computing device 804 may have a display screen 832 to allow a user to view at least a portion of first photograph 828 displayed on display screen 832, for example. System 800 may be configured to allow a user of remote computing device 804 to view delivery package 806 on display screen 832 in response to first notification 814 .

11 and 12, doorbell 802 may be mounted in building 811 , eg, near door 813 . The doorbell has a radio frequency identification reader 810 with a specific detection range 834 . When a package is brought into this detection range 834 , radio frequency identification reader 810 can read radio frequency identification tag 812 on package 806 . When package 806 with radio frequency identification tag 812 enters detection range 834, system 800 can send notification 814 to a remote computing device. Similarly, when package 806 with radio frequency identification tag 812 is removed from detection range 834 (i.e., is no longer detected by doorbell 802), doorbell 802 may send notification 820 to remote computing device 804. can. Removal of package 806 may trigger camera 830 to take picture 836 . Photograph 836 may allow the user to determine whether package 806 has been stolen, blown, etc. FIG. A notice 820 that the package 806 has been removed may also alert the user when the package 806 has been picked up, eg, by a postman. Notification 820 that package 806 has been removed may include a photograph 836 taken by doorbell 802's camera 830 as well as other information (ie, time, date, etc.).

13 and 14, doorbell 802 can also detect when cargo 806 moves. The doorbell 802 can detect package movement by comparing the strength of two different signals 838 , 842 from the radio frequency identification tag 812 of the package 806 . For example, the system 800 further includes the first signal 838 of the radio frequency identification tag 812 detected by the doorbell 802 the first time, the second signal 842 of the radio frequency identification tag 812 detected by the doorbell 802 the second time 844, And there may be a second notification 820 sent from the doorbell 802 to the remote computing device 804 . The system may determine that the package is leaving or removed from the doorbell 802 when the second signal 842 is weaker than the first signal 838 . In response to doorbell 802 detecting the removal of a package or delivery package 806 leaving the doorbell, doorbell 802 may send a second notification 820 to remote computing device 804 . Doorbell 802 may also take a picture 836 with camera 8303 in response to doorbell 802 detecting that package 806 has been moved or removed. Second notification 820 may comprise second photo 836 taken by camera 830 of doorbell 802 . Radio frequency identification tag 812 may be an active tag. Doorbell 802 may be configured to detect delivery package 806 by having radio frequency identification reader 810 read passive radio frequency identification tag 812 of delivery package 806 . Doorbell 802 may be configured to detect delivery package 806 by radio frequency identification reader 810 reading active radio frequency identification tag 812 of delivery package 806 .

Chime Silencing Embodiments The entire contents of the following application are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Patent Application No. 14/724, entitled DOORBELL CHIME SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed May 28, 2015 , 723. Figures 15-21 herein are described in US patent application Ser. No. 14/724,723 as Figures 31-37, including chime embodiments.

Doorbell chimes are often loud and can disturb a person's sleep. This sleep disturbance is particularly excruciating for babies and small children who often take a nap during the day when visitors are most likely to ring the doorbell. A doorbell system that allows chimes to be turned off or turned down while a person (baby, child, or adult) is asleep can help a person get a better quality sleep.

Chime 302 may include all features, parts, portions, systems, and components of any doorbell 202 described herein or incorporated by reference. Chime 302 may include all of the items shown in FIGS.

15-21, a user can use a remote computing device 204 to select a sound emanating from a chime 302 placed inside a building or to hear a chime 302 placed inside a building. can be extinguished. Some embodiments include a number of different sounds that chime 302 may make when someone “rings” doorbell 202 or is detected by doorbell 202 .

As shown in FIG. 15, the chime 302 may receive backup or primary power from the building 300 power source and/or from a battery 462b power source located within the chime. Similarly, chime 302 may include various components for detecting different events in the vicinity of chime 302 . For example, an embodiment may include motion detector 218 configured to detect motion along an interior portion of building 300 . Chime 302 may also include a camera component 208b that may be configured to capture images along interior portions of building 300 . Similarly, chime 302 may include speaker 488b, which may be configured to emit sounds, and microphone 484b, which may be configured to receive audible messages spoken by the user.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the chime 302 includes a thermometer 512b, which can be configured to determine temperature along the interior portion of the building 300, and a moisture sensor, which can be configured to determine humidity along the interior portion of the building 300. Additional components may be included including, but not limited to, 305 . Chime 302 may include detection system 528b, which may include a wide variety of detection components for monitoring and detecting various other events. Similarly, chime 302 may include a communication system 504b configurable to communicatively couple the chime to doorbell 202, remote computing device 204, and/or any other communication device. Communication system 504b may communicate via WiFi®, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, Thread®, ZigBee®, and the like. It should be appreciated that chime 302 may use none, some, or all of the same components used by doorbell 202 .

By using control application 600 , the user can select the sound that will be emitted by chime 302 on the user's remote computing device 204 . Remote computing device 204 can then send sound to chime 302 via doorbell 202 (and/or via server 206 and wireless network 308). The sound may be a song, a greeting recorded by the user, or any other type of sound. Certain embodiments include downloading sounds from the Internet using the remote computing device 204, sending the sounds (or data associated with the sounds) to the doorbell 202 (e.g., using the remote computing device 204). sending the sound (or data associated with the sound) from the doorbell 202 to the chime 302 and/or emitting the sound from the chime 302 in response to the selected sound.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, chime 302 may include electrical plug 307 . Plug 307 may be mechanically and electrically coupled to power outlet 309 (as shown in FIG. 18). FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a chime 302 that includes at least one plug 307 that can be electrically and/or communicatively coupled to a power outlet 309 . One plug 307 may thereby electrically and/or communicatively couple the doorbell 202 to the wires of the power outlet 309 .

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, doorbell 202 may act as a communication bridge between remote computing device 204 and chime 302 . Doorbell 202 may be used to allow remote computing device 204 to control chime 302 . The user can select an option (e.g., song or chime settings) on the remote computing device 204, and the system then sends information about that option to and/or from the computing device 204. be able to. The system can then send information about the option from doorbell 202 to chime 302 in response to the user selecting the option via remote computing device 204 . Communication 230 between computing device 204 and doorbell 202 may be wireless. Communication 230 between doorbell 202 and chime 302 may be wireless.

As shown in FIG. 21, chime 302 may act as a communication bridge between remote computing device 204 and doorbell 202 . This may be particularly useful when the doorbell 2020 does not have access to the wireless network 308 of the building 300 to which the doorbell is mechanically and/or electrically coupled. The chime 302 may be placed inside the building 300, which makes it more likely to access the wireless network 308 of the building 300 (at the doorbell 202, which can be placed much farther from the router of the wireless network 308). due to superior signal strength of wireless network 308 at chime 302 compared to signal strength). Certain embodiments provide that the first wireless signal strength of wireless network 308 at the first location of chime 302 is greater than the second wireless signal strength of wireless network 308 at the second location of doorbell 202 . In response, it includes configuring chime 302 to act as a communication bridge between remote computing device 204 and doorbell 202 .

System 200 may be configured to communicate in various manners. In certain embodiments, remote computing device 204 communicates directly with doorbell 202 , which in turn communicates directly with chime 302 . In certain embodiments, remote computing device 204 communicates directly with chime 302, while doorbell 202 communicates directly with chime. In general, it should be appreciated that a user may configure system 200 in any manner.

Referring now to FIG. 22, the doorbell chime system may include electronic monitor 1000, doorbell 202, and transceiver 301, among others. An electronic monitor 1000 (eg, baby monitor) can detect whether a person 1012 (eg, a baby) is sleeping. The electronic monitor 1000 includes a microphone 1002 (eg, for listening to breathing indicative of sleep), a video camera 1004 (eg, for monitoring lack of movement, sleep posture, or other behavior indicative of sleep), an under-mattress a motion monitor 1006 (eg, for detecting whether a person is in bed and/or for detecting motion behavior indicative of sleep), a respiratory monitor 1008 (eg, for detecting breathing indicative of sleep), and /or may include other sensors 1010 configured to determine if person 1012 is asleep.

Electronic monitor 1000 may be an activity tracker such as the JawboneUP2® made by Jawbone Inc. with offices in San Francisco, California. Electronic monitor 1000 may also be the Apple Watch® made by Apple Inc., which has offices in Cupertino, California. JawboneUP2® and Apple Watch® can determine whether the person to whom they are attached is asleep.

Electronic monitor 1000 may also be a motion detector configured to determine if a person is asleep. A lack of movement for more than 15 minutes may indicate that the person is asleep.

Electronic monitor 1000 may also be an under-mattress monitor. The Angelcare AC1100 is an example of an electronic monitor embodiment. AC 1100 includes a video camera, a sound monitor, and an under-mattress monitor that can be configured to detect whether a person is asleep. AC1100 is made by Angelcare Monitor Inc., which has offices in Candiac, Quebec, Canada.

The Mimo smart baby movement monitor is an example of electronic monitor 1000 . Mimo is made by Rest Device, Inc., which has offices in Boston, Massachusetts.

Spoutling is an example of an electronic monitor 1000 . Spoutling, Inc. is a company with offices in San Francisco, California.

Owlet is an example of an electronic monitor 1000 . Owlet is made by Owlet Baby Care, Inc., which has offices in Provo, Utah.

There are many different methods for detecting whether a person is asleep. For example, a motion detection system may determine that a person is sleeping if the person does not move. Radar systems can sense breathing patterns that indicate sleep. An activity tracker can detect sleep by acceleration indicating sleep or simply through detection of lack of movement. The camera can observe the person to see if the person is asleep (eg, via lack of movement or being in bed). The motion detection system may be part of a baby monitoring device (ie, a device worn by the baby). Alternatively, the doorbell system may include a button for the user to indicate that the person is asleep.

Electronic monitor 1000 may be placed inside a building (eg, inside a bedroom, near a baby's crib). Chimes 302 may be placed inside the same building. Doorbell 202 may be coupled to the exterior of the building (eg, near the front door). Electronic monitor 1000, doorbell 202, and/or chime 302 may be communicatively coupled (eg, via wireless communication 230).

Electronic monitor 1000 , doorbell 202 and/or chime 302 may be connected to the same wireless network 308 . In certain embodiments, electronic monitor 1000 , doorbell 202 , and/or chime 302 are communicatively coupled (to enable communication therebetween) but are not connected to the same wireless network 308 .

When doorbell 202 detects a visitor (eg, the visitor presses a button on doorbell 202), doorbell 202 sends a signal (which may be data or simply electricity) to transceiver 301 (eg, chime 302). be able to. Chime 302 may emit a notification sound in response to receiving a signal from doorbell 202 .

If person 1012 is sleeping inside building 300 (shown in FIG. 3) with doorbell 202 and/or transceiver 301 installed, then the system automatically modifies the notification sound emitted by chime 302. or the chime 302 can be turned off. Modifying the notification sound may include, among other things, preventing the chime 302 from emitting the notification sound or reducing the volume of the notification sound. After the system detects that person 1012 is no longer asleep, the system may then be configured to automatically modify the notification sound emitted by chime 302 or turn chime 302 on. Modifying the notification sound emitted by the chime 302 may include enabling the chime 302 to emit the notification sound or increasing the volume of the notification sound. In certain embodiments, after the system detects that person 1012 is no longer asleep, the system may be configured to cause chime 302 to emit a second notification sound.

In certain embodiments, the system disables notification sounds in response to electronic monitor 1000 detecting that the baby is sleeping. In some embodiments, the system prevents the emission of notification sounds in response to electronic monitor 1000 detecting that the adult is asleep.

An electronic monitor 1000 (eg, sleep detection system) can detect if a person 1012 (eg, a baby) is sleeping. The sleep detection system 1000 can communicate directly with the doorbell chime 302 via wireless communication 230 to configure the chime 302 not to emit a notification sound (and thus not emit a notification sound from the speaker 488b). . In certain embodiments, sleep detection system 1000 in communication with doorbell chime 302 comprises sleep detection system 1000 sending a corrective signal to doorbell chime 302 .

In certain embodiments, sleep detection system 1000 may not communicate directly with chime 302 . In certain embodiments, sleep detection system 1000 communicates with doorbell 202 (which includes a camera) and/or communication hub 314 via wireless communication 230 . Doorbell 202 or communication hub 314 may then send wireless communication 230 (ie, a modified signal) to chime 302 to configure chime 302 to not emit a notification sound or to reduce the volume of the notification sound. Communication hub 314 may be configured to receive signals (eg, wireless communication 230) from other components of the doorbell system (ie, doorbell 202, chime 302, or electronic monitor 1000).

Referring now to FIG. 23, transceiver 301 may be communication hub 314 in certain embodiments. Communication hub 314 may be communicatively coupled to other components of the doorbell system (ie, doorbell 202, doorbell chime 302, and electronic monitor 1000). Communication hub 314 may enable communication between different parts of the doorbell chime system. For example, in certain embodiments, doorbell 202, doorbell chime 302, and electronic monitor may be communicatively coupled to communication hub 314, but may not be coupled to each other. In certain embodiments, doorbell 202, doorbell chime 302, and electronic monitor 1000 may communicate with communication hub 314 only. For example, doorbell 202 may signal communication hub 314 in response to detecting a visitor. The communication hub can then signal doorbell chime 302 to cause doorbell chime 302 to emit a notification sound. Communication hub 314 may also receive a signal from electronic monitor 1000 in response to electronic monitor 1000 detecting that person 1012 is asleep. In response to communication hub 314 receiving a signal from electronic monitor 1000 that a person is asleep, communication hub may send a signal to doorbell chime 302 to modify the notification sound emitted by doorbell chime 302. . In certain embodiments, transceiver 301 may be doorbell 202 .

To modify the notification sound emitted by the doorbell chime 302, a modification signal may be sent to the doorbell chime in response to the doorbell 202 receiving the first signal.

In certain embodiments, sensor 1010 may be a radar detector configured to sense breathing of a person. In response to detecting that person 1012 is not breathing, the system can notify a third party (eg, police, emergency services, ambulance dispatch, relatives). Not breathing can be an indication of cardiac arrest, so the system can be a cardiac arrest detection system.

[interpretation]
None of the steps described herein are essential or essential. Either process can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps may be used. Any portion of any step, process, structure, and/or device disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example herein may be disclosed in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. may be combined with, used with, or in place of any other portion of any step, process, structure, and/or device shown or shown. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.

The section headings and subheadings provided herein are non-limiting. Section headings and subheadings do not denote or limit the full scope of embodiments described in the section to which they relate. For example, a section entitled "Topic 1" may include embodiments not related to Topic 1, and embodiments described in other sections may apply to embodiments described within the "Topic 1" section. , can be combined with it.

Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each of the routines, processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections can be embodied in code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. , can be fully or partially automated. Code modules may be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device such as hard drives, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disks, and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be partially or fully implemented in application specific circuits. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, permanently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage, eg, volatile or non-volatile storage.

The various features and processes described above can be used independently of each other or combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, certain methods, events, states, or process blocks may be omitted in certain implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and blocks, steps, or states associated therewith may be performed in any other suitable sequence. For example, the tasks or events noted may be performed out of the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. Exemplary tasks or events may be executed serially, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged relative to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.

For example, hypothetical language used herein, such as, among others, "could", "could", "could", "could", "for example", etc. or, in general, that certain embodiments include but other embodiments do not include certain features, elements and/or steps unless otherwise understood within the context in which they are used. intended to convey. Thus, such hypothetical language generally states that the features, elements and/or steps are required in some way for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments require author input or prompts. logic for determining whether these features, elements and/or steps are to be included or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without It is not intended to imply necessarily inclusion. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and like terms are synonymous and are used inclusively and openly and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, acts, and the like. Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than in its exclusive sense), so that when used, for example, to concatenate a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, refers to items, terms, etc. that are X, Y, or Z. is understood in context as commonly used to convey that it can be either Thus, such conjunctive languages generally require that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z are each present in certain embodiments. It is not implied.

The term "and/or" means that "and" applies to certain embodiments and "or" applies to certain embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C may include A and B in some embodiments, A and C in some embodiments, B and C in some embodiments, or Some embodiments may include only A, some embodiments may include only B, some embodiments may include only C, and some embodiments may include A, B, and C. It means that it can contain The term "and/or" is used to avoid unnecessary redundancies.

Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Therefore, none of the foregoing description should imply that any particular feature, property, step, module, or block is necessary or essential. Indeed, the new methods and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms, and furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and substitutions in the form of the methods and systems described herein. , and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention disclosed herein.

Claims (11)

A delivery package detection system,
A floor covering comprising at least one sensor, said at least one sensor operable to detect whether a delivery package is positioned on said floor covering, said at least one sensor being a pressure sensor. a floor covering operable to detect footprint and weight information of the delivery package;
doorbell and
a communication system connected to the at least one sensor and the doorbell and allowing communication between the sensor and the doorbell;
The delivery package detection system compares the footprint and weight information of the delivery package to a database of packages expected to be delivered to determine the identity of the delivery package. . 2. The delivery package detection system of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is mounted on a surface of the floor covering. 2. The delivery package detection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one optical sensor. The at least one optical sensor includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), the at least one optical sensor adapted to detect a particular type of light emitted from the plurality of LEDs and reflected from the delivery package. 4. The delivery package detection system of claim 3, configured. 2. The delivery package detection system of claim 1, wherein the communication system is a wireless communication system. 2. The delivery package detection system of claim 1, wherein the communication system is configured to transmit a first communication from the floor covering to the doorbell in connection with detection of the delivery package on the floor covering. . 7. The delivery package detection system of claim 6, wherein the communication system is configured to send a second communication from the doorbell to a remote computing device in relation to the first communication. 8. The package delivery detection system of claim 7, further comprising a camera connected to said doorbell, said second communication including at least one image captured by said camera. 9. The delivery package detection system of claim 8, wherein the at least one image is video. 10. The package delivery detection system of claim 9, further comprising a motion detector, wherein said motion detector and said camera are connected to at least one said doorbell. 9. The delivery package detection system of claim 8, wherein the camera is configured to capture the at least one image within 5 seconds of detection of the delivery package on the floor covering.

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