GB2443474A

GB2443474A - Door entry phone

Info

Publication number: GB2443474A
Application number: GB0621591A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Christopher Mathison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-10-31
Filing date: 2006-10-31
Publication date: 2008-05-07
Also published as: GB0621591D0

Abstract

A door bell apparatus, located at the entrance to a property and of similar dimensions to a standard doorbell bell push, comprises a bell push, microphone and speaker. The door bell apparatus is connected to a control apparatus located inside the property and the control apparatus includes at least one connection to a telephone line. Upon detecting that a caller has pressed the door bell, the control apparatus sequentially dials a stored list of telephone numbers until an answer is obtained such that the caller is connected in conversation with the owner of the property even when the owner is away from home. The control apparatus may be programmed by use of a telephone connected to same line as it and a home security system may also be connected to it so that the home owner is called if a smoke, fire or intruder alarm is triggered. The home owner may use the control apparatus to remotely open the door to the property by entering a PIN code into his telephone.

Description

PATENT DESCRIPTION MO-BELL

Functional description 2443474

Mo-Bell, (short for Mobile-Doorbell) is a low cost device that replaces, or interfaces to a standard household doorbell. Mo-bell allows the occupier two way audio and digital communications with the caller at the door, via a standard landline telephone link. Mo-Bell renders all existing intercoms, be they wired or wireless redundant.

When a visitor to the house front door presses the Mo-Bell bell push, as well as actiating the standard doorbell, the device automatically dials one of five preset telephone nuibers stored within. When the recipient answers the call, Mo-bell transmits a pseudo door hime, identiing itself and allowing them the choice of ignoring and ending the call, or connecting to the miniature speaker and microphone embedded in the Mo-Bell bell push. Once the conversation has ended, the recipient simply hangs up to return Mo-Bell to standby.

Five telephone numbers can be stored within Mo-Bell. They are entered by scale of priority.

If when dialled, the first number does not pick up within a pre-set time, Mo-Bell will hang up and instantly dial the next number in sequence. This is repeated along the list until the call is answered, or all five numbers are dialled.

Mo-Bell allows the user to never again miss an important caller to their front door. Th post man or delivery driver may try to knock with an important parcel or registered document, while the occupier is in the back garden, round the neighbours, walking the dog, in the shower, or even on the other side of the world. With Mo-Bell, the user can ask the caller to hold on while they get to the door, or give instruction on where to leave the parcel, erhaps with a neighbour. As long as the user has their mobile phone with them, they have their front door with them too.

Mo-Bell is also a security aid. It is a reported fact that most opportunist burglars ring the doorbell on a dwelling that they deem to be unoccupied before attempting a break-in. With Mo-Bell installed, the occupier can answer the call and pretend to be at home, wherever they are in the world, deterring the thief.

With security in mind, Mo-Bell can also be very easily linked to an existing home security system. If the system is triggered, Mo-bell is commanded to dial its preset numbers as already described and transmit a pseudo alarm bell. This will alert the user instantly to the status of their alarm system, without the cost in subscription and time of going through a call centre.

This function is also of great importance if the user's security system incorporates smoke, fire or flood detection. This feature can also double up as a panic alarm for elderly or vulnerable users who need to contact a loved one or carer quickly, without the need of dialling.

Mo-Bell also allows the user access to a number of additional control functions via their mobile phones numerical keypad. When a call is in progress, the user can operate an electrical door latch system or infrared transmitter, depending on which optional modules are connected to Mo-Bell. These functions can also be accessed by the user by calling Mo-bell and entering a programmable PN code. Mo-Bell also incorporates the option of a ring amplifier if the supplemental chime unit is purchased.

Setting up Mo-Bell A unique feature of Mo-Bell is the way in which the user can set up and program the system.

Mo-Bell incorporates only a single button. This button is used to arm or disarm the system and to enter the Mo-Bell learn mode. Once learn mode is selected, any telephone, be it wired or cordless that is connected to the same line as Mo-Bell can be used as a keypad to enter telephone numbers or system options. A given list of three digit option codes are supplied, for example, the user enters the code 001' to program the telephone number for dial position 1.

Mo-Bell incorporates a novel number display system, in the shape of an old rotary telephone dial. This display prompts the user in what to do next in the programming and setup procedure.

Claims

CLAIMS MO-BELL

1) Mo-Bell is a domestic and industrial doorbell system that allows audio communication between the user and any person calling at the door from anywhere in the world.

2) Mo-Bell utilises a bell push system no larger than a standard doorbell bell push and incorporates a microphone and speaker.

3) Mo-Bell utilises a unique user interface system wherein any standard telephone connected to the same line, functions as the Mo-bell keypad.

4) Mo-Bell utilises a novel number display system, based on the appearance of an old rotary telephone dial.