CN106204975B

CN106204975B - Doorbell communication and electrical system

Info

Publication number: CN106204975B
Application number: CN201510309496.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·F·斯卡利斯
Original assignee: Yunling Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Yunling Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-01
Filing date: 2015-06-08
Publication date: 2023-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-08
Also published as: CN106204975A

Abstract

The invention relates to doorbell communications and electrical systems. A doorbell system may be used to prevent a first power less than a first threshold from entering an electronic clock. By blocking the first power from entering the electronic clock, the electronic clock is not allowed to emit a notification sound. The doorbell system may also be used to allow a second power, greater than the first threshold, to enter the electronic clock. By allowing the second power into the electronic clock, this may allow the electronic clock to emit a notification sound in response to the presence of the visitor.

Description

Doorbell communication and electrical system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No.61/872,439, entitled "DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS", filed on 30.8.2013; the entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application No.14/099,888, entitled "DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS", filed on 6.12.2013 AND which is a continuation-in-part application; the entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application No.14/142,839 entitled "DOORBELL notification SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed on 28.12.2013 AND which is a continuation-in-part application; the entire contents of this application are incorporated by reference into the text.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application No.14/275,811, entitled "door COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed on 12.5.2014 AND is a continuation-in-part application; the entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. non-provisional patent application No.14/275,811 claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No.61/859,070 entitled "DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed 2013, 7, 26; the entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. non-provisional patent application No.14/275,811 claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application No.14/098,772 entitled "DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS", filed 2013, 12, 6; the entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to doorbell systems. Certain embodiments relate to doorbell electrical systems.

Background

Buildings typically have a doorbell located at the entry point so the visitor can alert the occupants of the building to the arrival of the visitor. Doorbells typically have clocks (chimes) inside buildings that sound notifications in response to a visitor pressing a doorbell button. Generally, clocks can be provided as analog clocks and digital clocks.

Analog clocks typically include two planar metal rod resonators that are struck by two solenoid-operated plungers. Analog clocks typically require power for a short duration to generate a noticeable "ding-dong" sound that is the result of a plunger striking a metal rod.

Digital clocks typically utilize a circuit board containing music data and speakers. As such, the digital clock may be capable of playing a greater variety of sounds than the typical "ding-dong" sound. To achieve this, digital clocks may require power for a longer period of time than their analog predecessors.

However, the notification sounds emitted by analog and digital clocks are typically heard only a short distance from the clock itself. For example, a homeowner located far from her home will likely not be able to hear the notification sound and, therefore, will not know that the visitor is pressing her doorbell. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method that is compatible with both analog and digital clocks that alerts remotely located individuals that visitors seek attention from building occupants.

Disclosure of Invention

This disclosure includes embodiments that include a doorbell system that comprises: an electronic doorbell that includes a camera that can be configured to visually detect a visitor and a button that can be configured to enable the visitor to sound an electronic clock; an electronic switch assembly electrically coupled to the electronic doorbell and the transformer; and an electronic clock electrically coupled to the electronic switching assembly, wherein the electronic clock includes a speaker that may be configured to emit a notification sound in response to a visitor pressing a button of the electronic doorbell. The electronic switch assembly may define a first state and a second state. The first state may occur in response to the first power being less than a first threshold, and the second state may occur in response to the second power being greater than the first threshold. In the first state, the electronic switch assembly may block the first power from passing through the electronic clock such that the electronic clock does not emit the notification sound. In the second state, the electronic switch assembly may allow the second power to pass through the electronic clock to cause the electronic clock to emit a notification sound.

In several embodiments, the electronic clock may include a digital clock having a first printed circuit board configured to enable the electronic clock to emit a notification sound from a speaker based on the digital music data. The electronic doorbell can further include a second printed circuit board configured to prevent a second power from entering the second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell in response to the visitor pressing the button.

In a first state, the electronic switching assembly may allow the first power to pass through the electronic switching assembly. In several embodiments, the electronic switch assembly may be mechanically coupled to an electronic clock. Some embodiments of the doorbell system may comprise a plastic housing. The electronic clock and electronic switch assembly may be located inside the plastic housing. The electronic doorbell can be located on the exterior of the plastic housing, in a remote location relative to the plastic housing.

Several embodiments of the doorbell system may also include a remote computing device configured to receive the predetermined amount of time from the user. The predetermined amount of time may define an amount of time that the second power remains above the first threshold.

In some embodiments, the electronic switch assembly may include a first electronic switch and a second electronic switch electrically coupled to the first electronic switch. In response to the first power: 1) The first electronic switch may allow the first power to flow through the electronic switch assembly and may not allow the first power to flow to the electronic clock, and 2) the second electronic switch may not allow the first power to flow to the electronic clock. In response to the second power, the first electronic switch and the second electronic switch may allow the second power to flow through the electronic clock. In several embodiments, the first electronic switch may comprise a double pole single throw switch and the second electronic switch may comprise a single pole single throw switch.

In some embodiments, the first electronic switch may electrically connect the transformer and the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the first position and the first electronic switch may electrically connect the transformer and the electronic clock when the first electronic switch is in the second position. Likewise, the second electronic switch may electrically disconnect the electronic doorbell from the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the open position and electrically connect the electronic doorbell to the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the second electronic switch is in the open position when the first electronic switch is in the first position and the second electronic switch is in the closed position when the first electronic switch is in the second position.

In several embodiments, the first electronic switch may electrically connect the transformer to the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the first position and electrically connect the electronic clock to the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the second position. Likewise, the second electronic switch electrically disconnects the transformer and the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the open position and electrically connects the transformer and the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the second electronic switch is in the open position when the first electronic switch is in the first position. Further, the second electronic switch may be in a closed position when the first electronic switch is in the second position.

In some embodiments, the electronic switch assembly comprises a first electronic switch, a second electronic switch electrically connected to the first electronic switch, and a third electronic switch electrically connected to the first electronic switch and the second electronic switch, wherein, in response to the first power: 1) The first electronic switch allows the first power to flow through the electronic switch assembly and does not allow the first power to flow to the electronic clock; and 2) the second electronic switch and the third electronic switch do not allow the first power to flow to the electronic clock. Likewise, in response to the second power: 1) The first electronic switch does not allow the second power to flow through the electronic switch assembly; and 2) the second electronic switch and the third electronic switch allow the second power to flow to the electronic clock. In several embodiments, the first electronic switch comprises a first single pole single throw switch, the second electronic switch comprises a second single pole single throw switch, and the third electronic switch comprises a third single pole single throw switch.

In some embodiments, the first electronic switch electrically connects the transformer and the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the closed position and electrically disconnects the transformer and the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the open position. The second electronic switch electrically connects the transformer to the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the closed position and electrically disconnects the transformer from the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the open position. Thus, when the third electronic switch is in the closed position, the third electronic switch electrically connects the electronic doorbell and the electronic clock, and when the third electronic switch is in the open position, the third electronic switch electrically disconnects the electronic doorbell and the electronic clock.

Further, in several embodiments of the doorbell system, the second electronic switch and the third electronic switch are both in the open position when the first electronic switch is in the closed position. Likewise, when the first electronic switch is in the open position, the second electronic switch and the third electronic switch are both in the closed position.

Some embodiments include a doorbell system comprising: an electronic doorbell comprising a camera and a button, wherein the camera may be configured to visually detect a visitor, and the button may be configured to enable the visitor to sound the electronic clock; a printed circuit board electrically coupled to the electronic doorbell and the transformer; and an electronic clock electrically coupled to the printed circuit board and mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board. The electronic clock may include a speaker that may be configured to emit a notification sound in response to the visitor pressing a button of the electronic doorbell. The printed circuit board may be configured to prevent a first power less than a first threshold from entering the electronic clock. The first power does not cause the electronic clock to emit a notification sound. Likewise, the printed circuit board may be configured to allow the first power to pass through the printed circuit board.

In some embodiments, the printed circuit board is configured to allow a second power greater than the first threshold into the electronic clock. The second power may cause the electronic clock to emit a notification sound.

In several embodiments, the printed circuit board includes a base portion defining a length extending along a first direction and a width extending along a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the length may be greater than the width. The printed circuit board may further include three protrusions extending from the length along the second direction. In some embodiments, each of the three protrusions includes a hole extending through each of the three protrusions in a third direction opposite the first and second directions. In several embodiments, each of the holes is configured to receive a threaded fastener, and wherein the printed circuit board is mechanically coupled to the electronic clock via three threaded fasteners.

In some embodiments, the printed circuit board is a first printed circuit board. The electronic doorbell can include a second printed circuit board configured to prevent a second power from entering the second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell in response to the visitor pressing the button.

Further, some embodiments include a method of using a doorbell system, wherein the doorbell system comprises an electronic doorbell, an electronic clock, and a remote computing device. The method can comprise the following steps: obtaining an electronic doorbell that comprises a camera and a button, wherein the button may be configured to enable a visitor to sound an electronic clock, wherein the electronic clock comprises a speaker that may be configured to emit a notification sound in response to the visitor pressing the button of the electronic doorbell; electrically coupling an electronic switching assembly to an electronic clock; electrically coupling an electronic doorbell to an electronic switch assembly; configuring the electronic switching assembly such that first power less than a first threshold passes through the electronic switching assembly without entering the electronic clock, wherein the first power does not cause the electronic clock to emit a notification sound, wherein the electronic switching assembly prevents the first power from passing through the electronic clock in response to the first power being less than the first threshold. Several embodiments include configuring the electronic switching assembly such that the electronic switching assembly passes the second power greater than the first threshold through the electronic clock to cause the electronic clock to emit the notification sound, wherein the electronic switching assembly passes the second power through the electronic clock in response to the second power being greater than the first threshold.

In several embodiments, the method may further comprise mechanically coupling the electronic switch assembly to an electronic clock. Likewise, some embodiments may include: the circuit is configured such that in response to the third power being less than the first threshold, the third power is transferred from the transformer to the electronic doorbell, to the electronic switching assembly, and then back to the transformer without entering the electronic clock. Some embodiments may further comprise configuring the circuit such that the fourth power is transferred from the transformer to the electronic doorbell and then to the electronic switching assembly. In response to the fourth power being greater than the first threshold, the fourth power may be transferred from the electronic switching assembly into the electronic clock and then returned to the electronic switching assembly. An electronic doorbell and an electronic switch assembly may be connected in series in the circuit.

In many embodiments, the electronic clock comprises a digital clock having a first printed circuit board, and the method may further comprise configuring the first printed circuit board to enable the electronic clock to emit a notification sound from a speaker based on the digital music data. In several embodiments, the electronic doorbell includes a second printed circuit board and the method may further include routing at least a portion of the first power through the second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell. The method may also include blocking a second power from entering a second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell in response to the visitor pressing the button. Likewise, the method may include causing the second power to be greater than the first threshold in response to the visitor pressing a button of the electronic doorbell.

In several embodiments, the doorbell system comprises a plastic housing. The method may further include placing the electronic clock and electronic switch assembly inside a plastic housing. Likewise, the method may include placing the electronic doorbell outside the plastic housing in a remote location relative to the plastic housing.

Several embodiments may also include using the electronic switching assembly to block transformer electrical power from entering the electronic clock when the first power is less than the first threshold. Likewise, the method may include using the electronic switching assembly to transfer the transformer electrical power from the electronic switching assembly into the electronic clock when the second power is greater than the first threshold.

In some embodiments, the first threshold is a first electrical power threshold. In several embodiments, the first threshold is a first voltage threshold. In some embodiments, the first threshold is a first current threshold.

In several embodiments, the method may further include setting, via the remote computing device, a predetermined amount of time before the second power exceeds the first threshold. The method may include wirelessly transmitting the predetermined amount of time from the remote computing device to the electronic doorbell. Once the second power is greater than the first threshold, the method may further include maintaining the second power above the first threshold for the predetermined amount of time.

Some embodiments include another method of using a doorbell system, wherein the doorbell system comprises an electronic doorbell, an electronic clock, and a remote computing device. The method may include obtaining an electronic doorbell that includes a camera and a button, wherein the button may be configured to enable a visitor to sound an electronic clock, wherein the electronic clock includes a speaker that may be configured to emit a notification sound in response to the visitor pressing the button of the electronic doorbell. The method can comprise the following steps: the printed circuit board is mechanically coupled to the electronic clock and the printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the electronic clock. As such, the method may include: the electronic doorbell is electrically coupled to the printed circuit board and the printed circuit board is configured such that the printed circuit board allows the first power to pass through the printed circuit board in response to the first power being less than a threshold. The method may further include configuring the printed circuit board such that the printed circuit board prevents the first power from entering the electronic clock in response to the first power being less than a first threshold, wherein the first power does not cause the electronic clock to emit a notification sound.

In several embodiments, the printed circuit board may be a first printed circuit board and the electronic doorbell may comprise a second printed circuit board. The method may also include routing at least a portion of the first power through a second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell. The method may further include configuring the second printed circuit board to prevent a second power from entering the second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell in response to the visitor pressing the button.

In some embodiments, the method may further include configuring the printed circuit board such that the printed circuit board causes a second power greater than the first threshold to enter the electronic clock to cause the electronic clock to emit a notification sound. The printed circuit board may pass the second power through the electronic clock in response to the second power being greater than the first threshold.

Several embodiments may also include setting, using the remote computing device, the second power to remain above the first threshold for a predetermined amount of time. Likewise, the method may include wirelessly transmitting the predetermined amount from the remote computing device to the electronic doorbell. In response to the second power being greater than the first threshold, the method may include using the electronic doorbell to maintain the second power above the first threshold for a predetermined amount of time.

In some embodiments, the doorbell system may comprise a plastic housing, and the electronic clock and electronic switch assembly may be located inside the plastic housing, and the electronic doorbell may be located at a remote location relative to the plastic housing, outside the plastic housing.

Some embodiments include the use of a doorbell system. The doorbell system may comprise an electronic doorbell, an electronic clock, and a remote computing device. The method may include obtaining an electronic doorbell that includes a camera and a button. The button may be configured to enable the visitor to sound the electronic clock, wherein the electronic clock includes a speaker that may be configured to emit a notification sound in response to the visitor pressing the button of the electronic doorbell. The method can comprise the following steps: the printed circuit board is mechanically coupled to the electronic clock and the printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the electronic clock. Likewise, the method may include electrically coupling the electronic doorbell to the printed circuit board. The method may further include configuring the electronic switching assembly such that the electronic switching assembly passes a second power greater than the first threshold through the electronic clock to cause the electronic clock to emit a notification sound. The electronic switching assembly may pass the second power through the electronic clock in response to the second power being greater than the first threshold.

In several embodiments, the printed circuit board is a first printed circuit board and the electronic doorbell comprises a second printed circuit board. The method may also include routing at least a portion of the first power through a second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell. The method may further include configuring the second printed circuit board to prevent a second power from entering the second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell in response to the visitor pressing the button.

Many embodiments may further include maintaining the second power above the first threshold for a predetermined amount of time. In several embodiments, the method may include: the predetermined amount of time is set via the remote computing device before the second power exceeds the first threshold and is wirelessly transmitted from the remote computing device to the electronic doorbell.

Drawings

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

Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of a communication system in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a computing device running software in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a security system is connected to a building, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a doorbell system according to some embodiments.

Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of the doorbell system from fig. 4 with the switch assembly in the first state, in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of the doorbell system from fig. 4 with the switch assembly in the second state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of a doorbell system in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the switch assembly from fig. 7 with the switch assembly in a first state, in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the switch assembly from fig. 7 with the switch assembly in a second state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a doorbell system according to some embodiments.

Fig. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of the switch assembly from fig. 10 with the switch assembly in a first state, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of the switch assembly from fig. 10 with the switch assembly in a second state, in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 13 illustrates an electronic switch assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

14-16 illustrate flow diagrams of various methods of using a doorbell system, according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, the inventive subject matter extends to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, as well as modifications and equivalents thereof, in addition to the specifically disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the appended claims is not to be 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 order and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed order. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are order dependent. In addition, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be implemented as integrated components or as separate components.

For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not all such aspects or advantages may be achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be implemented in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may be further taught or suggested herein.

Buildings typically have a doorbell button located at the entry point. The doorbell button may be electrically connected to a clock located inside the building. Thus, when the visitor presses the doorbell button, this may cause a notification sound to be emitted from the clock, thereby alerting the building occupant to the arrival of the visitor. It should be appreciated that the clock may be provided as an analog clock or a digital clock.

The digital clock may include a circuit board containing music data and a speaker configured to play songs. Digital clocks may require power for a longer period of time than analog clocks. Thus, a digital clock may require additional electrical components that may not be available in an analog clock system. As such, various embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for use of electronic doorbells and digital doorbell clocks.

Doorbell System embodiments

The communication system may provide a secure, convenient way for a remotely located individual to communicate with a person who is approaching a sensor, such as a proximity sensor or motion sensor, or who is pressing a doorbell, which person may be located near a doorway, near an entrance, or within 15 feet of a gate. Some communication systems allow an individual to hear, see, and speak with visitors that are near at least a portion of the communication system and/or press a button, such as a button of a doorbell. For example, a communication system may use a computing device to enable a person located remotely to see, hear, and/or speak with visitors. Computing devices may include computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, smart phones, cellular phones, and wireless devices (e.g., vehicles with wireless communication). Example computing devices include iPhone, iPad, iMac, macBook Air, and MacBook Pro, manufactured by Apple Inc. Communication between remotely located people and visitors may occur via the internet, cellular networks, telecommunications networks, and wireless networks.

Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a communication system. The communication system 200 may include a security system 202 (e.g., a doorbell) and a computing device 204. Although the security system 202 is shown to include many components in one housing, several security system embodiments include components in separate housings. The security system 202 may include a camera assembly 208 and a doorbell button 212. The camera assembly 208 may be a video camera, which in some embodiments is a webcam. The safety system 202 may include a diagnostic light 216 and a power indicator light 220. In some embodiments, the diagnostic lights 216 are a first color (e.g., blue) if the security system 202 and/or the communication system 200 are connected to the wireless internet, and the diagnostic lights 216 are a second color (e.g., red) if the security system 202 and/or the communication system 200 are not connected to the wireless internet. In some embodiments, the power indicator 220 is a first color if the security system 202 is connected to a power source. The power source may be the power supplied by the building to which the security system 202 is attached. In some embodiments, if the security system 202 is not connected to a power source, the power indicator 220 is a second color or does not emit light.

The security system 202 (e.g., doorbell) may include a housing 224, and the housing 224 may be water resistant and/or waterproof. The housing may be made of metal or plastic, such as molded plastic with a hardness of 60Shore D. In some embodiments, the housing 224 is made of brushed nickel or aluminum.

Rubber seals may be used to make the housing 224 water resistant or waterproof. The security system 202 may be electrically coupled to a power source, such as a wire electrically connected to the building's power system. In some embodiments, the security system 202 includes a backup battery and/or primary power.

The wireless communication 230 may enable the security system 202 (e.g., doorbell) to communicate with the computing device 204. Some embodiments enable communication via cellular and/or WiFi networks. Some embodiments enable communication via the internet. Several embodiments enable wired communication between the security system 202 and the computing device 204. The wireless communication 230 may include the following communication means: radio, wiFi (e.g., wireless local area network), cellular, internet, bluetooth, telecommunications, electromagnetic, infrared, optical, acoustic, and microwave. Some embodiments use other means of communication. In some embodiments, such as embodiments including telecommunications or cellular communication means, the security system 202 may initiate a voice call or send a text message to a computing device 204 (e.g., smartphone, desktop computer, tablet computer, laptop computer).

Some embodiments include computer software (e.g., application software) that may be mobile applications designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers, and other mobile devices. Software of this nature is sometimes referred to as "app" software. Some embodiments include software designed to run on desktop and laptop computers.

The computing device 204 may run software with a graphical user interface. The user interface may include icons or buttons. In some embodiments, the software is configured for use with a touchscreen computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

Fig. 2 illustrates a computing device 204 running software. The software includes a user interface 240 that is displayed on a display screen 242. The user interface 240 can include a security system indicator 244, and the security system indicator 244 can indicate the location of the security system that the user interface is displaying. For example, one person may use one computing device 204 to control and/or interact with multiple security systems, such as one security system located at a front door and another security system located at a rear door. Selecting the security system indicator 244 may allow the user to select another security system (e.g., a rear door security system, rather than a front door security system).

The user interface 240 may include a connectivity indicator 248. In some embodiments, the connectivity indicator may indicate whether the computing device is in communication with a security system, the internet, and/or a cellular network. The connectivity indicator 248 may alert the user whether the computing device 204 has lost its connection with the security system 202; whether the security system 202 has been compromised; whether the security system 202 has been stolen; whether the security system 202 has been removed from its installation site; whether the security system 202 is powered down: and/or whether the computing device 204 is unable to communicate with the security system 202. In some embodiments, the connectivity indicator 248 alerts a user of the computing device 204 by flashing a light, emitting a sound, displaying a message, and/or displaying a symbol.

In some embodiments, if the security system 202 powers down, loses connection with the computing device 204, loses connection with the internet, and/or loses connection with a remote server, the remote server 206 sends an alert (e.g., a phone call, a text message, an image on the user interface 240) regarding a power and/or connectivity issue. In several embodiments, the remote server 206 may manage communications between the security system 202 and the computing device. In some embodiments, information from the security system 202 is stored by the remote server 206. In several embodiments, information from the security system 202 is stored by the remote server 206 until the information can be transmitted to the computing device 204, uploaded to the computing device 204, and/or displayed to a remotely located person via the computing device 204. The remote server 206 may be a computing device that stores information from the security system 202 and/or from the computing device 204. In some embodiments, the remote server 206 is located in a data center.

In some embodiments, the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 attempt to communicate with the security system 202. If the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 are unable to communicate with the security system 202, the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 alerts the remotely located person via software, phone, text, displayed message, and/or website. In some embodiments, the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 attempt to communicate with the security system 202 in the following manner: periodically; at least every five hours and/or less than every 10 minutes; at least every 24 hours and/or less than every 60 minutes; or at least every hour and/or less than every second.

In some embodiments, the server 206 may initiate communication with the computing device 204 and/or the security system 202. In several embodiments, the server 206 may initiate, control, and/or prevent communication between the computing device 204 and the security system 202.

In several embodiments, a user may log into an "app," a website, and/or software on a computing device (e.g., mobile computing device, smartphone, tablet, desktop computer) to adjust the security system settings discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the computing device may enable the user to view live video and/or hear live audio from the security system due to the user's request, rather than due to the visitor's action. Some embodiments include a computing device that initiates a live video feed (or a video feed less than five minutes ago).

In some embodiments, the user interface 240 displays an image 252, such as a still image or video of an area near or in front of the security system 202. The image 252 may be captured by the camera assembly 208 and stored by the security system 202, the server 206, and/or the computing device 204. The user interface 240 may include a record button 256 to enable a user to record images, video, and/or sound from the camera assembly 208, the microphone of the security system 202, and/or the microphone of the computing device 204.

In several embodiments, the user interface 240 includes a picture button 260 to allow the user to take still pictures and/or video of the area near and/or in front of the security system 202. The user interface 240 may also include a sound adjustment button 264 and a mute button 268. The user interface 240 may include camera manipulation buttons such as zoom, pan, and light adjustment buttons. In some embodiments, the camera assembly 209 automatically adjusts between a day mode and a night mode. Some embodiments include infrared cameras and/or infrared lights to illuminate the area near the security system 202 to enable the camera assembly 208 to provide sufficient visibility (even at night).

In some embodiments, the buttons include multiple means of selecting various options, features, and functions. The button may be selected by mouse click, keyboard command, and touch on the touch screen. Many embodiments include buttons that can be selected without a touch screen.

In some embodiments, the user interface 240 includes a quality selection button that may allow a user to select the quality and/or quantity of data sent from the security system 202 to the computing device 204 and/or from the computing device 204 to the security system 202.

In some embodiments, video may be transmitted to computing device 204 and/or received from computing device 204 using a video chat protocol, such as FaceTime (Apple inc.) or Skype (Microsoft Corporation). In some embodiments, these videos are played through the video conference app on the computing device 204, rather than through the user interface 240.

The user interface 240 may include a termination button 276 to end communication between the security system 202 and the computing device 204. In some embodiments, the end button 276 ends the ability of a person located near the security system 202 (i.e., the visitor) to hear and/or see the user of the computing device 204, but does not end the ability of the user of the computing device 204 to hear and/or see a person located near the security system 202.

In some embodiments, the button 276 is both an answer button (accepting the visitor's communication request) and a terminate button (ending the communication between the security system 202 and the computing device 204). Button 276 may include the word "answer" when the system attempts to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Selecting button 276 may initiate two-way communication when the system attempts to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Button 276 may include the word "end call" during two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Selecting button 276 during two-way communication between the visitor and the user may terminate the two-way communication. In some embodiments, terminating the two-way communication still enables the user to see and hear the visitor. In some embodiments, terminating the two-way communication causes the computing device 204 to stop displaying video from the security system and stop emitting sound recorded by the security system.

In some embodiments, the security system, upon detecting the visitor (e.g., sensing an indication of the visitor), the user interface 240 is opened. In several embodiments, once the user interface 240 is opened, the user may see and/or hear the visitor even before "answering" or otherwise accepting the two-way communication.

Some method embodiments include detecting an interviewer with a security system. These methods may include causing a user interface to be displayed on the remote computing device 204 (e.g., with or without user interaction) as a result of detecting the visitor. The methods may include displaying video from the security system and/or audio from the security system before the user accepts the two-way communication with the visitor. The methods may include displaying video from the security system and/or audio from the security system before the user accepts the visitor's communication request. These methods may include: the computing device simultaneously asks the user whether the user wants to accept (e.g., answer) the communication request and displays audio and/or video to the visitor. For example, in some embodiments, the user may hear and see the visitor via the security system before opening the means of two-way communication with the visitor.

In some embodiments, the software includes means to initiate an on-demand video feed. For example, a user of a computing device may be confused about what is happening in the vicinity of the security system 202. The user may open a software application on the computing device 204 and instruct the application to display live video and/or audio from the security device 202 even if there are no events in the vicinity of the security system 202 to trigger communication.

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

Referring now to fig. 1, in some embodiments, a server 206 controls communication between a computing device 204 and a security system 202, the security system 202 may be a doorbell having a camera, a microphone, and a speaker. In several embodiments, the server 206 does not control communication between the computing device 204 and the security system 202.

In some embodiments, data (such as video, pictures, and audio) captured by the security system 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, pictures, and/or audio from the communication system 200 or from any portion of the communication system 200. The user may download and/or stream stored data and/or stored video, pictures, and/or audio. For example, a user may record a year of a visitor and then may review sessions with the visitor from the last year later. In some embodiments, the remote storage, server 206, computing device 204, and/or security system 202 may store information and statistics regarding visitors and usage.

Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the security system 202 is connected to a building 300, which building 300 may include an entryway 310 having a gate 254. The door lock 250 may be configured to lock and unlock the door 254. The electrical wires 304 may electrically couple the security system 202 to the electrical system of the building 300 so that the security system 202 may receive electrical power from the building 300.

The wireless network 308 may allow the device to wirelessly access the internet. The security system 202 may access the internet via a wireless network 308. The wireless network 308 can transmit data from the security system 202 to the internet, which can transmit data to the remotely located computing device 204. The internet and wireless network can transmit data from remotely located computing device 204 to security system 202. In some embodiments, the security system 202 connects to WiFi at home.

As shown in fig. 3, one computing device 204 (e.g., laptop, smart phone, mobile computing device, television) may communicate with multiple security systems 202. In some embodiments, multiple computing devices 204 may communicate with one security system 202. In some embodiments, the security system 202 may communicate with a television 306 (e.g., wirelessly 230), and the television 306 may be a smart television. The user may view the television 306 to see and/or speak with the visitor.

Fig. 4-12 illustrate several embodiments of a doorbell system that includes an electronic switching assembly for blocking and/or allowing power to an electronic clock 412 (e.g., a digital clock). In the example shown in fig. 4, the doorbell system 400 comprises a security system 202 (e.g., an electronic doorbell), the security system 202 comprising a camera and buttons. The camera may be configured to visually detect the visitor. Likewise, the buttons may be configured to enable the visitor to sound the electronic clock 412. In this manner, the electronic clock 412 may include a speaker that may be configured to emit a notification sound 430 in response to the visitor pressing a button of the security system 202.

The doorbell system 400 can also include an electronic switch assembly 410 electrically coupled to the security system 202 and the transformer 424. Likewise, an electronic clock 412 may be electrically coupled to the electronic switching assembly 410. In many embodiments, the electronic clock 412 may also be mechanically coupled to the electronic switching assembly 410.

It should be appreciated that electronic switch assembly 410 may also be referred to as a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may be configured to enable the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430 from the speaker based on the digital music data.

Referring to fig. 5-6, 8-9, and 11-12, electronic switch assembly 410 may define a first state and a second state. The first state may occur in response to the first power 450 being less than a first threshold. In the first state, the electronic switching assembly 410 may prevent the first power 450 from passing through the electronic clock 412, so the electronic clock 412 does not emit the notification sound 430. In other words, the printed circuit board may be configured to prevent the first power 450 less than the first threshold from entering the electronic clock 412. In this regard, the electronic switching assembly 410 may allow the first power 450 to pass from the security system 202 through the electronic switching assembly 410 to the transformer 424 without entering the electronic clock 412. It should be appreciated that the first threshold may be the amount of power required to activate the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430.

Further, the second state may occur in response to the second power 452 being greater than the first threshold. In the second state, the electronic switching assembly 410 may allow the second power 452 to pass through the electronic clock 412 to cause the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430. In other words, the electronic switching assembly 410 or printed circuit board may be configured to allow second power 452 greater than the first threshold to enter the electronic clock 412. The second power 452 may cause the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430.

Referring now to fig. 5, switch assembly 410 may be disposed inside housing 415, and housing 415 may also contain electronic clock 412. Switch assembly 410 and electronic clock 412 may be mechanically coupled to housing 415. Housing 415 may be a plastic housing having a hollow interior portion that contains electronic clock 412 and switch assembly 410. At least one screw may mechanically couple the switch assembly inside the housing 415.

An electronic doorbell (e.g., security system 202) can be located outside of housing 415. In some embodiments, the electronic doorbell is placed outside the building 300 (shown in fig. 3), while the housing 415 is placed inside the building 300. The electronic doorbell and the housing 415 can be coupled to a wall of the building 300. The electronic doorbell can be in a remote location relative to the housing 415 (e.g., the doorbell is located outside of the building while the plastic housing 415 is located inside of the building). The doorbell, the electronic clock 412, and the switching assembly 410 may all be configured to be electrically coupled to the same building power source 420, even when the doorbell is located in a remote location relative to the housing 415.

Some embodiments may implement a switch that performs routing of the first power 450 and the second power 452. For example, as shown in fig. 7-9, electronic switch assembly 410 may include a first electronic switch 414a and a second electronic switch 416a electrically coupled to first electronic switch 414 a. The first switch 414a and the second switch 416a may perform different functions in response to receiving the first power 450a or the second power 452 a. For example, as shown in fig. 8, in response to the first power 450a, the first electronic switch 414a may allow the first power 450a to flow through the electronic switching assembly 410a and may not allow the first power 450a to flow through the electronic clock 412. Likewise, in response to the first power 450a, the second electronic switch 416a does not allow the first power 450a to flow through the electronic clock 412. Further, as shown in fig. 9, in response to the second power 452a, the first electronic switch 414a and the second electronic switch 416a allow the second power 452a to flow through the electronic clock 412.

As further shown in fig. 8-9, the first switch 414a and the second switch 416a may be configured to implement different operations based on their respective positions. For example, as shown in fig. 8, when the first electronic switch 414a is in a first position, the first electronic switch 414a may electrically connect the transformer 424 and the security system 202. Likewise, as shown in fig. 9, when the first electronic switch 414a is in the second position, the first electronic switch 414a may electrically connect the transformer 424 and the electronic clock 412.

In some embodiments, the locations of the first switch 414a and the second switch 416a may be reversed, as such, when the first electronic switch 414a is in the second position, the first electronic switch 414a may electrically connect the electronic clock 412 and the security system 202. However, it should be appreciated that even in the opposite configuration, the first switch 414a and the second switch 416a may effectively achieve the same objectives as shown in fig. 8 and 9 and described with respect to fig. 8 and 9.

Referring to fig. 8, when the second electronic switch 416a is in the open position, the second electronic switch 416a may electrically disconnect the security system 202 from the electronic clock 412. When the second electronic switch 416a is in the open position, the second electronic switch 416a does not allow the first power 450a to flow to the electronic clock 412. As shown in fig. 9, the second electronic switch 416a may electrically connect the security system 202 and the electronic clock 412 when the second electronic switch 416a is in the closed position. In this position, the second electronic switch 416a may allow the first power 450a to flow to the electronic clock 412. Likewise, in some embodiments, when the second electronic switch 416a is in the open position, the second electronic switch 416a may electrically disconnect the transformer 424 and the electronic clock 412. Thus, when the second electronic switch 416a is in the closed position, the second electronic switch 416a can electrically connect the transformer 424 and the electronic clock 412.

The positions of the first switch 414a and the second switch 416a may depend on the position of the other switch. For example, as shown in fig. 8, when the first electronic switch 414a is in the first position, the second electronic switch 416a may be in the open position. Further, as shown in fig. 9, when the first electronic switch 414a is in the second position, the second electronic switch 416a may be in the closed position.

Although some embodiments may implement two electronic switches, it should be appreciated that any number of electronic switches less than or greater than two may be implemented. For example, as shown in fig. 10-12, electronic switch assembly 410b may include a first electronic switch 414b, a second electronic switch 416b electrically connected to first electronic switch 414b, and a third electronic switch 418b electrically connected to first electronic switch 414b and second electronic switch 416 b.

Similar to the two-switch embodiment, the first switch 414b, the second switch 416b, and the third switch 418b may move to various positions in response to receiving the first power 450b or the second power 452 b. For example, referring to fig. 11, in response to the first power 450b, the first electronic switch 414b may allow the first power 450b to flow through the electronic switching assembly 410b and may not allow the first power 450b to flow to the electronic clock 412. Likewise, the second electronic switch 416b and the third electronic switch 418b may not allow the first power 450b to flow to the electronic clock 412. Referring to fig. 12, in response to second power 452b, first electronic switch 414b may not allow second power 452b to flow through electronic switch assembly 420b, and second electronic switch 416b and third electronic switch 418b may allow second power 452b to flow through electronic clock 412.

Similar to the two-switch example shown in fig. 7-9, the first switch 414b, the second switch 416b, and the third switch 418b may be configured to implement different operations based on their respective positions. For example, as shown in fig. 11, when the first electronic switch 414b is in the closed position, the first electronic switch 414b electrically connects the transformer 424 and the security system 202. Likewise, as shown in fig. 12, when the first electronic switch 414b is in the open position, the first electronic switch 414b electrically disconnects the transformer 424 and the security system 202.

With continued reference to fig. 12, when the second electronic switch 416b is in the closed position, the second electronic switch 416b electrically connects the transformer 424 and the electronic clock 412. Referring now to fig. 11, when the second electronic switch 416b is in the open position, the second electronic switch 416b electrically disconnects the transformer 424 and the electronic clock 412.

As shown in fig. 12, when the third electronic switch 418b is in the open position, the third electronic switch 418b electrically connects the security system 202 and the electronic clock 412. Further, as shown in fig. 11, when the third electronic switch 418b is in the open position, the third electronic switch 418b electrically disconnects the security system 202 and the electronic clock 412.

Likewise, the positions of the first switch 414b, the second switch 416b, and the third switch 418b may depend on the positions of the other switches. For example, as shown in fig. 11, when the first electronic switch 414b is in the closed position, both the second electronic switch 416b and the third electronic switch 418b may be in the open position. Further, as shown in fig. 12, when the first electronic switch 414b is in the open position, both the second electronic switch 416b and the third electronic switch 418b may be in the closed position.

It should be appreciated that the first and second electronic switches 414a and 416b may include any electrical component configured to route power or limit the amount of power flow, such as a resistor. For example, in some embodiments, such as the two-switch embodiment shown in fig. 7-9, the first electronic switch 414a may comprise a double pole, single throw switch and the second electronic switch 416a may comprise a single pole, single throw switch. Likewise, in some embodiments, such as a three-switch embodiment, first electronic switch 414b, second electronic switch 416b, and third electronic switch 418b may each comprise a single-pole, single-throw switch.

The electronic switch assembly 410 or printed circuit board may be arranged and constructed in various sizes and geometries. For example, as shown in fig. 13, electronic switch assembly 410 may include a base portion defining a length extending along a first direction and a width extending along a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, electronic switch assembly 410 may define a rectangular shape, where the length is greater than the width. Likewise, in some embodiments, electronic switch assembly 410 may also include three protrusions 510, which three protrusions 510 may extend from the length along the second direction. As such, an embodiment of electronic switch assembly 410 looking down from above may appear to have a footprint of capital "E". However, it should be appreciated that electronic switch assembly 410 may be arranged and configured to define any shape.

With continued reference to fig. 13, each of the three protrusions 510 may include an aperture 512, the aperture 512 extending through each of the three protrusions 510 in a third direction opposite the first and second directions. Each of the holes 512 may be configured to receive a threaded fastener. In this manner, the electronic switch assembly 410 may be mechanically coupled to the electronic clock 412 via three threaded fasteners. In other words, each of the threaded fasteners can extend through a respective aperture 512 and mechanically engage the electronic clock 412 to mechanically couple the electronic switch assembly 410 to the electronic clock 412. It should be appreciated that the electronic switch assembly 410 may include any number of apertures less than or greater than three, and thus, may be mechanically fastened to the electronic clock 412 via any number of mechanical fasteners (such as threaded fasteners, etc.).

In some embodiments, the doorbell system comprises a housing and an electronic clock 412, with the electronic switch assembly 410 located inside the housing. Likewise, the security system 202 may be located on the exterior of the housing, in a remote location relative to the housing. For example, the security system 202 may be located near a doorway or access point of a building, such as along an exterior wall adjacent to a gate. However, it should be appreciated that one or both of the security system 202 and the housing may be located inside or outside of the building. Likewise, in some embodiments, the housing is a plastic housing. However, it should be appreciated that the housing may comprise any type of material configured to securely house electronic components inside or outside of a building.

Likewise, several embodiments also include a remote computing device 204. The remote computing device may be configured to send information to the security system 202 and receive information from the security system 202. In several embodiments, the information may include a first threshold. For example, the remote computing device 204 may be used to adjust the level of the first threshold. For example, if the user wishes to adjust the first threshold from 12 volts to 14 volts, the user may do so by using the remote computing device 204. Likewise, the remote computing device 204 may be used to change the first threshold to a voltage, current, power, and the like. In this regard, switching assembly 410 may comprise logic circuitry so that it may be programmed according to information established by remote computing device 204.

Likewise, in several embodiments, the information may include a predetermined amount of time that the second power remains above the first threshold. In other words, the predetermined amount of time may determine the amount of time the electronic clock 412 emits the notification sound 430. For example, if the notification sound 430 is a song, the predetermined amount of time may determine the amount of time that the song plays when the visitor presses a button of the security system 202. It should be appreciated that the predetermined amount of time may be any amount of time, such as 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or any other amount of time.

Doorbell method embodiment

Many embodiments utilize the doorbell system embodiments described previously. For example, several embodiments include methods of using a doorbell system. The doorbell system may include an electronic doorbell, an electronic clock, and a remote computing device. As shown in fig. 14, the method may include obtaining an electronic doorbell (or security system 202) that includes a camera and buttons (at step 700). The buttons may be configured to enable the visitor to sound the electronic clock 412. The electronic clock 412 may include a speaker that may be configured to emit a notification sound 430 in response to the visitor pressing a button of the electronic doorbell 202. The method may also include electrically coupling (at 702) the electronic switching assembly 410 to an electronic clock 412. In several embodiments, the method may further comprise mechanically coupling the electronic switch assembly 410 to an electronic clock 412.

Further, the method may include electrically coupling the electronic doorbell 202 to the electronic switching assembly 410 (at step 704). Likewise, some methods may include configuring the electronic switching assembly 410 such that the first power 450, which is less than the first threshold, passes through the electronic switching assembly 410 without entering the electronic clock 412 (at step 706). In this manner, the first power 450 may not cause the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430. As such, in response to the first power being less than the first threshold, the electronic switching assembly 410 may prevent the first power 450 from passing through the electronic clock 412.

Some embodiments may also include configuring electronic switching assembly 410 such that electronic switching assembly 410 passes second power 452 greater than the first threshold through electronic clock 412 (at step 708). In this manner, the second power 452 may cause the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430. The electronic switching assembly 410 may be configured to allow the second power 452 to pass through the electronic clock 412 in response to the second power 452 being greater than the first threshold. It should be appreciated that the first threshold may be the amount of power required by the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430.

It should be appreciated that the embodiments described in the present disclosure are not limited to the first power 450 and the second power 452. For example, several embodiments may also include a third power and a fourth power. Some embodiments include configuring a circuit, such as the doorbell system 400, such that, in response to the third power being less than the first threshold, the third power passes from the transformer 424 to the security system 202, to the electronic switching assembly 410, and then to the transformer 424 without entering the electronic clock 412. Likewise, several embodiments include configuring the circuit such that, in response to the fourth power being greater than the first threshold, the fourth power is passed from the transformer 424 to the security system 202, and then to the electronic switching assembly 410. In this manner, the fourth power may be transferred from the electronic switching assembly 410 into the electronic clock 412 and then back into the electronic switching assembly 410. It should be appreciated that the security system 202 and the electronic switch assembly 410 may be connected in series in the circuit. However, it should also be appreciated that the security system 202 and the electronic switching assembly 410 may be connected in parallel.

The electronic clock 412 may include any type of digital device configured to emit a notification sound 430 in response to a visitor pressing a button of the security system 202. For example, the electronic clock 412 may be a digital clock having a first printed circuit board. In several embodiments, the method can further include configuring the first printed circuit board to enable the electronic clock 412 to emit a notification sound 430 from a speaker based on the digital music data.

In several embodiments, when the visitor presses a button of the security system 202, the security system 202 may be configured to route all power to the electronic clock 412 via the electronic switching assembly 410. To accomplish this, the security system 202 may also include a second printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the method may further include routing at least a portion of the first power 450 through a second printed circuit board of the security system 202. In response to the visitor pressing the button, the method may further include blocking the second power 452 from entering a second printed circuit board of the security system. To cause the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430, the method may include causing the second power 452 to be greater than the first threshold in response to the visitor pressing a button of the security system 202.

The doorbell system 400, via the electronic switch assembly 410, may also be configured to prevent the first power 450 from entering the electronic clock 412 when the first power 450 is less than the first threshold. Specifically, in several embodiments, the method may include using the electronic switching assembly 410 to block transformer electrical power from entering the electronic clock 412 when the first power 450 is less than the first threshold. Likewise, the method may include using the electronic switching assembly 410 to transfer transformer electrical power from the electronic switching assembly 410 into the electronic clock 412 when the second power 452 is greater than the first threshold.

It should be appreciated that the first threshold may be any type of power, such as power, voltage, and/or current. In this regard, the first threshold may be described as a first electrical power threshold, a first voltage threshold, and/or a first current threshold.

The doorbell system 400 can also include a remote computing device 204 that can be used to send information to the security system 202 and/or receive information from the security system 202. For example, the information may include a predetermined amount of time defining the duration of time that the notification sound 430 is emitted by the electronic clock 412. In this regard, some embodiments may also include setting, via the remote computing device 204, a predetermined amount of time before the second power 452 exceeds the first threshold. Likewise, the method may include wirelessly transmitting the predetermined amount of time from the remote computing device 204 to the security system 202. And once the second power 452 is greater than the first threshold, the method may further include maintaining the second power 452 above the first threshold for the predetermined amount of time.

In some embodiments, the doorbell system 400 comprises a housing, such as a plastic housing. Accordingly, the method may further include placing the electronic clock 412 and the electronic switch assembly 410 inside the plastic housing. Likewise, the method may include placing the security system 202 on the exterior of the plastic housing in a remote location relative to the plastic housing. Some methods may further include: a plastic housing is installed along the interior surface of the building and a security system 202 is installed along the exterior surface of the building near the entry point to the building. However, it should be appreciated that the plastic housing and/or security system 202 may be mounted anywhere along the interior or exterior surfaces of a building.

As shown in fig. 15, some embodiments disclose another method of using a doorbell system 400. The method may include obtaining a security system 202 (at step 800). The method may further comprise: the printed circuit board 410 is mechanically coupled to the electronic clock 412 and the printed circuit board 410 is electrically coupled to the electronic clock 412 (at step 802). Likewise, some methods may include electrically coupling the security system 202 to the printed circuit board 410 (at step 804).

Several embodiments may include configuring the printed circuit board 410 such that the printed circuit board 410 allows the first power 450 to pass through the printed circuit board 410 in response to the first power 450 being less than the first threshold (at step 806). Likewise, the method may include configuring the printed circuit board 410 such that the printed circuit board 410 blocks the first power 450 from entering the electronic clock 412 in response to the first power 450 being less than the first threshold (at step 808). Thus, the first power 450 does not cause the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430.

Several embodiments may also include configuring the printed circuit board 410 such that the printed circuit board 410 causes the second power 452 greater than the first threshold to enter the electronic clock 412 to cause the electronic clock to emit the notification sound 430. As such, the printed circuit board 410 may pass the second power 452 through the electronic clock 412 in response to the second power 452 being greater than the first threshold.

Further, the printed circuit board 410 may be described as a first printed circuit board and the security system 202 may include a second printed circuit board. Similar to the method shown in fig. 14, the method disclosed in fig. 15 may further include routing at least a portion of the first power 450 through a second printed circuit board of the security system 202. Likewise, the method may further include configuring the second printed circuit board to prevent the second power 452 from entering the second printed circuit board of the security system 202 in response to the visitor pressing the button. In other words, these steps may allow all transformer power to be blocked from entering the security system 202 and transferred to the electronic clock 412 so that the clock may have sufficient power to emit the notification sound 430.

Several embodiments include yet another method of using the doorbell system 400. As shown in fig. 16, the method includes obtaining a security system 202 (at step 900). Similar to the method shown in fig. 14, many embodiments further include: the printed circuit board 410 is mechanically coupled to the electronic clock 412 and the printed circuit board 410 is electrically coupled to the electronic clock 412 (at step 902). Likewise, several embodiments include electrically coupling the security system 202 to the printed circuit board 410 (at step 904). With continued reference to fig. 15, in response to the second power 452 being greater than the first threshold, many embodiments further include configuring the electronic switching assembly 410 such that the electronic switching assembly 410 passes the second power 452 through the electronic clock 412 to cause the electronic clock 412 to emit the notification sound 430 (at step 906).

Description of the preferred embodiment

None of the steps described herein are essential or indispensable. Any of the steps may be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps may be used. Any portion of any one of the steps, processes, structures and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart or example in this specification may be used in combination with or in place of any other portion of any one of the steps, processes, structures and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be independent and separate from each other.

The section headings and subheadings provided herein are not limiting. The section headings and subheadings do not denote or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the section to which such headings or subheadings pertain. For example, a section entitled "subject 1" can include embodiments unrelated to subject 1, and embodiments described in other sections can apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the "subject 1" section.

Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each of the routines, processes, methods and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and performed in whole or in part automatically by, code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device, such as a hard disk drive, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disk, and the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented in part or in whole in application specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored permanently or otherwise in any type of non-transitory computer storage, such as, for example, volatile or non-volatile storage.

The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in some implementations, certain method, event, state, or processing blocks may be omitted. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular order, and the blocks, steps, or states associated therewith may be performed in other appropriate orders. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined into a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed sequentially, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events can be added to, or removed from, the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than as described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged in comparison to the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "e.g.," and the like, as used herein, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps, unless expressly stated otherwise or understood otherwise within the context of such usage. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and the like. Furthermore, the use of the term "or" is in its inclusive sense (and not its exclusive sense) such that, when used in connection with a list of elements, for example, 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," is understood in the context of what is typically used to convey that an item, term, etc., may be X, Y, or Z, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, such conjunctive word language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to all be present.

The term "and/or" means "and" applies to some embodiments, "or" applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C may be replaced by A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A. B and/or C means that some embodiments may include a and B, some embodiments may include a and C, some embodiments may include B and C, 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. The term "and/or" is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is essential or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A doorbell system comprising:

an electronic doorbell comprising a camera and a button, wherein the camera can be configured to visually detect a visitor and the button can be configured to enable the visitor to sound an electronic clock;

an electronic switch assembly electrically coupled to the electronic doorbell and a transformer;

an electronic clock electrically coupled to the electronic switch assembly, wherein the electronic clock includes a speaker that can be configured to emit a notification sound in response to a visitor pressing a button of an electronic doorbell; and

a remote computing device capable of remote communication with the electronic doorbell via wireless communication, thereby being capable of receiving information from the electronic doorbell,

wherein the electronic switching assembly defines a first state and a second state, wherein the first state occurs in response to first power being less than a first threshold and the second state occurs in response to second power being greater than the first threshold, wherein in the first state the electronic switching assembly prevents the first power from passing through the electronic clock such that the electronic clock does not emit the notification sound and in the second state the electronic switching assembly allows the second power to pass through the electronic clock such that the electronic clock emits the notification sound,

wherein the remote computing device is configured to receive a predetermined amount of time from a user and wirelessly transmit the predetermined amount of time to the electronic doorbell, an

Wherein once the second power is greater than the first threshold, the electronic doorbell maintains the second power above the first threshold for the predetermined amount of time.

2. The doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the electronic clock comprises a digital clock having a first printed circuit board configured to enable the electronic clock to emit a notification sound from a speaker based on digital music data, and wherein the electronic doorbell comprises a second printed circuit board configured to prevent a second power from entering the second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell in response to the visitor pressing the button.

3. The doorbell system of claim 1, wherein in a first state, the electronic switch assembly allows first power to pass through the electronic switch assembly.

4. The doorbell system of claim 3, wherein the electronic switch assembly is mechanically coupled to the electronic clock.

5. The doorbell system of claim 4, wherein the doorbell system comprises a plastic housing, and wherein the electronic clock and electronic switch assembly is located inside the plastic housing and the electronic doorbell is located outside the plastic housing at a location remote from the plastic housing.

6. The doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the electronic switch assembly comprises a first electronic switch and a second electronic switch electrically coupled to the first electronic switch,

wherein, in response to the first power: 1) A first electronic switch allows first power to flow through the electronic switch assembly and does not allow first power to flow through the electronic clock, and 2) a second electronic switch does not allow first power to flow through the electronic clock, and

wherein the first electronic switch and the second electronic switch allow the second power to flow through the electronic clock in response to the second power.

7. The doorbell system of claim 6, wherein the first electronic switch comprises a double pole, single throw switch and the second electronic switch comprises a single pole, single throw switch.

8. The doorbell system of claim 6, wherein the first electronic switch electrically connects the transformer and the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the first position and the first electronic switch electrically connects the transformer and the electronic clock when the first electronic switch is in the second position, and wherein the second electronic switch electrically disconnects the electronic doorbell and the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the open position and the second electronic switch electrically connects the electronic doorbell and the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the closed position, and wherein the second electronic switch is in the open position when the first electronic switch is in the first position and the second electronic switch is in the closed position when the first electronic switch is in the second position.

9. The doorbell system of claim 6, wherein the first electronic switch electrically connects the transformer and the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the first position, and the first electronic switch electrically connects the electronic clock and the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the second position, wherein the second electronic switch electrically disconnects the transformer and the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the open position, and the second electronic switch electrically connects the transformer and the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the closed position, and wherein the second electronic switch is in the open position when the first electronic switch is in the first position, and the second electronic switch is in the closed position when the first electronic switch is in the second position.

10. The doorbell system of claim 1, wherein the electronic switch assembly comprises a first electronic switch, a second electronic switch electrically connected to the first electronic switch, and a third electronic switch electrically connected to the first electronic switch and the second electronic switch,

wherein, in response to the first power: 1) The first electronic switch allows the first power to flow through the electronic switch assembly without allowing the first power to flow to the electronic clock, and 2) the second electronic switch and the third electronic switch do not allow the first power to flow to the electronic clock, and

wherein, in response to the second power: 1) The first electronic switch does not allow the second power to flow through the electronic switch assembly; and 2) the second electronic switch and the third electronic switch allow a second power to flow through the electronic clock.

11. The doorbell system of claim 10, wherein the first electronic switch comprises a first single pole, single throw switch, the second electronic switch comprises a second single pole, single throw switch, and the third electronic switch comprises a third single pole, single throw switch.

12. The doorbell system of claim 10, wherein the first electronic switch electrically connects the transformer and the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the closed position and electrically disconnects the transformer and the electronic doorbell when the first electronic switch is in the open position, wherein the second electronic switch electrically connects the transformer and the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the closed position and electrically disconnects the transformer and the electronic clock when the second electronic switch is in the open position, and wherein the third electronic switch electrically connects the electronic doorbell and the electronic clock when the third electronic switch is in the closed position and electrically disconnects the electronic doorbell and the electronic clock when the third electronic switch is in the open position.

13. The doorbell system of claim 11, wherein the second electronic switch and the third electronic switch are each in an open position when the first electronic switch is in a closed position, and wherein the second electronic switch and the third electronic switch are each in a closed position when the first electronic switch is in an open position.

14. A doorbell system comprising:

a printed circuit board electrically coupled to the electronic doorbell and a transformer;

an electronic clock electrically coupled to the printed circuit board and mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board, wherein the electronic clock includes a speaker that can be configured to emit a notification sound in response to a visitor pressing a button of an electronic doorbell; and

wherein the printed circuit board is configured to prevent a first power less than a first threshold from entering the electronic clock, wherein the first power does not cause the electronic clock to emit a notification sound, and wherein the printed circuit board is configured to allow the first power to pass through the printed circuit board,

wherein the printed circuit board is configured to allow a second power greater than a first threshold value to enter the electronic clock, and wherein the second power sounds the electronic clock,

15. The doorbell system of claim 14, wherein the printed circuit board comprises a base portion defining a length extending along a first direction and a width extending along a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the length is greater than the width, and wherein the printed circuit board further comprises three protrusions protruding from the base portion along the second direction.

16. The doorbell system of claim 15, wherein each of the three protrusions comprises an aperture extending through each of the three protrusions along a third direction opposite the first and second directions.

17. The doorbell system of claim 16, wherein each of the apertures is configured to receive a threaded fastener, and wherein the printed circuit board is mechanically coupled to an electronic clock via three threaded fasteners.

18. The doorbell system of claim 17, wherein the printed circuit board is a first printed circuit board, wherein the electronic doorbell comprises a second printed circuit board, and wherein the second printed circuit board is configured to prevent a second power from entering the second printed circuit board of the electronic doorbell in response to the visitor pressing the button.