GB2597347A

GB2597347A - A smart doorbell

Info

Publication number: GB2597347A
Application number: GB2103221.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ojeme Daniel
Original assignee: Eccobell Ltd
Current assignee: Eccobell Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-06
Filing date: 2021-03-08
Publication date: 2022-01-26
Also published as: GB202003345D0; GB2611213A; GB202103221D0; GB202218333D0; WO2021176107A1

Abstract

An apparatus, system and method, for a smart virtual doorbell, for notifying an occupant, comprising a panel affixed at a predefined location; an identification tag, such as a QR code and/or NFC tag attached to the panel; a server; a caller user interface, such as a web interface or app; an occupant user interface; wherein when the caller scans the identification tag with a smartphone, the caller’s user interface is summoned on the smartphone and a communication channel is established with the occupant user interface via the server, if the caller is within a predefined geofenced location.

Description

A SMART DOORBELL

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a device, system and method for notifying occupants using Internet of things (loT) which do not require electrical power. More specifically, the occupant is notified that a guest is trying to establish contact with them and that the guest is physically located in the vicinity of a defined location, e.g. in front of the door of the occupant. In more detail, the invention further relates to the use of a unique ID code, such as OR code, or NFC, as a location identification or virtual doorbell and the use of a unique custom web based interface io corresponding to the unique OR identification code of the virtual doorbell.

Background to the invention

Doorbells are common and well known means of notifying a person inside a building that someone, such as a guest or postman is at the door. The person needs to be in the premises or vicinity to hear the bell, otherwise they would not hear the bell or is know that someone is at the door.

Doorbells with video internet calling are available and can connect a video feed to e.g. the smartphone of resident, thus notifying them that someone is at the door even when the resident is not home. However, these systems are expensive and require that the doorbell is always connected to electrical power and an Internet connection of good quality for video streaming capabilities.

This invention proposes a device, system and method for notifying occupants using Internet of things (loT) which do not require electrical power. More specifically, the occupant is notified that a guest is trying to establish contact with them and that the guest is physically located in the vicinity of a defined location, e.g. in front of the door of the occupant. In more detail, the invention further relates to the use of a unique ID code, such as OR code, or NFC, as a location identification or virtual doorbell and the use of a unique custom web based interface corresponding to the unique QR identification code of the virtual doorbell.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a smart notification device for a smart virtual doorbell for notifying a resident or occupant comprising: at least one panel affixed at a predefined location; at least one identification tag attached to the panel; a server; a caller user interface; an occupant user interface; and means to establish a communication channel between the caller's and the occupant's user interfaces; wherein when the caller scans the least one identification tag with a smartphone, the caller's user interface is summoned on the smartphone and the communication channel is established with the occupant user interface via the server.

Preferably the at least one identification tag is a code based tag and/or an electronic based tag; wherein the code based tag is a barcode, a matrix code, or a OR code; and wherein the electronic based code is an RFID tag or an NFC tag.

Preferably the code based tag is scanned with a camera in the smartphone; and; wherein the electronic based code is scanned with an RFID or NFC reader in the smartphone.

Preferably the caller user interface and/or the occupant user interface is a web user interface and/or a software based user interface.

Preferably the at least one panel or the code based tag is luminescent.

Preferably the communication channel is one of, or a combination of, a text message, a voice call, a voicemail, a video call, a video-message.

Preferably the identification tag is geofenced; and communication channel between the caller and the occupant is established only when the caller is within a predefined boundary of the notification device's predefined location.

Preferably the communication channel between the caller and the occupant is deactivated by the caller and/or occupant; and/or deactivates automatically after a predefined time-limit, and/or predefined time-window of inactivity, and/or when the caller is outside of the predefined boundary of the notification device's predefined location.

Preferably smart notification device comprises at least two panels, and wherein the at least one identification tag is positioned between the at least two panels.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for a smart virtual doorbell for notifying a resident or occupant, comprising: at least one identification tag or the smart notification device of claims 1 to 9; a server; a caller user interface; an occupant user interface; and means to establish a communication channel between the caller's and the occupant's user interfaces; wherein when the caller scans the least one identification tag with a smartphone, the caller's user interface is summoned on the smartphone and the communication channel is established with the occupant user interface via the 25 server.

Preferably the at least one identification tag is a code based tag and/or an electronic based tag; wherein the code based tag is a barcode, a matrix code, or a OR code; and wherein the electronic based code is an RFID tag or an NEC tag.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for a smart virtual doorbell for notifying a resident or occupant, comprising the steps of: scanning with smartphone, an identification tag or, the smart notification device of claims 1 to 9, affixed at a predefined location; generating and displaying a link or URL on the smartphone's interface; clicking on the link or URL displayed; initiating a caller user interface, via a browser or an app; connecting the caller user interface and the smartphone to a server; presenting the caller on the caller user interface with options of to communications; initiating a connection request with an occupant; establishing a communication channel with the occupant.

Preferably further comprising the steps of establishing the geolocation of the smartphone; checking that the geolocation of the smartphone is within a predefined boundary of the identification tag, or of the notification device's, predefined location, before initiating a connection request with the occupant.

Preferably further comprising the step of terminating the communication channel between the caller and the occupant: manually by action of the caller and/or occupant on their respective user interfaces; and/or automatically after a predefined time-limit; and/or automatically after a predefined time-window of inactivity; and/or automatically when the geolocation of the caller's smartphone is outside of the predefined boundary of the identification tag, or of the notification device's, predefined location.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which.

Figure la and lb illustrate a smart virtual doorbell device in perspective view and front view, respectively, in accordance with the invention; Figure 2a illustrates a perspective view of second design of the smart virtual doorbell, showing a unique 20 matrix, OR, identification code in the centre and instructions below it; Figure 2b and 2c show a disassembled smart doorbell, with Figure 2b showing a 5 front panel and Figure 2c showing a back panel; wherein the OR code with an embedded NFC tag (not visible) is shown in Figure 2c, in accordance with the invention; Figure 3a illustrates the process of scanning an identification tag of the virtual doorbell with a smartphone.

Figures 3b illustrates versions of the caller user interface and a web based application interface showing an example of a unique webpage corresponding to the unique OR identification code of the virtual doorbell; Figure 3c illustrates a video call connection on the caller user interface; Figures 4a illustrates versions of the occupant's user interface showing an example of the options available to the occupant, such as missed calls logs, answered rings, audio messages, video messages, guest services, messages; Figure 4b illustrates a video call connection request on the caller user interface; and Figure 4c illustrates a video call connection on the caller user interface Figure 5a, 5b, 5c illustrates examples and options available in the occupant's user zo interface.

Figure 6 illustrates a dataf low diagram of a notification method, in accordance with the invention; Figure 7 illustrates a dataflow diagram of the connections in a multiple point/ multiplying effect system, Figure 8 illustrates another version of the Web application interface showing an example of a unique webpage corresponding to the unique QR identification code of the virtual doorbell; Figure 9 shows the arrangement of the doorbell on a door; Figure 10 shows the arrangement of the doorbell, next to a common entry system, at the entrance of a building with multiple residences.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a device, system and method for notifying occupants using Internet of things (loT) which do not require electrical power. More specifically, the occupant is notified that a guest is trying to establish contact with them and that the guest is physically located in the vicinity of a defined location, e.g. in front of the door of the occupant. In more detail, the invention further relates to the use of a unique ID code, such as OR code, or NFC, as a location identification or virtual doorbell and the use of a unique custom web based interface corresponding to the unique OR identification code of the virtual doorbell.

For the purpose of this application the terms "virtual doorbell" and "notification device" will be used interchangeably and will refer to the same feature.

Likewise the terms "identification tag" and "ID tag" will be used interchangeably and will refer to the same feature.

Furthermore the terms "resident", "occupant" and "host" will be used interchangeably and will refer to the same feature.

As well as the terms "someone", "caller" and "guest" will be used interchangeably and will refer to the same feature.

The terms "personal smart device", "smart portable device", "smartphone", "mobile phone", "cellular phone", as well as "smartwatch" and the like, refer to personal smart devices with similar capabilities that possess one or a combination of the features below: connect to the internet, have apps, have a browser, have a camera and/or can communicate with NEC, etc. For ease of readability, the term "smartphone" will be used to refer to these internet connected smart devices, with no limitation to the other devices in the terms above.

Referring to Figure la and 1 b, there is shown a smart notification device (1) for a smart virtual doorbell a device according to a first aspect of the invention for notifying a resident or occupant.

The device (1) comprises at least one panel (4, 5) affixed at a predefined location, at least one identification tag (3) attached to the panel (4, 5), a caller user interface (11), an occupant user interface (12); and means to establish a communication channel between the caller's and the occupant's user interfaces (11, 12); wherein when the caller scans (see Fig 3a) the least one identification tag with a smartphone (9), the caller's user interface (11) is summoned on the smartphone and the communication channel is established with the occupant user interface (12) via a server.

Preferably the at least one identification tag is a code based tag and/or an electronic based tag; wherein the code based tag is a barcode, a matrix code, or a OR code; and wherein the electronic based code is an RFID tag or an NFC tag. Preferably the code based tag is scanned with a camera in the smartphone; and; wherein the electronic based code is scanned with an RFID or NEC reader in the smartphone.

Figure 2a illustrates a perspective view of a design of the smart virtual doorbell (1), showing a unique 2D matrix, OR, identification code (3) in the centre and instructions (7) below it.

Figure 2b and 2c show a disassembled smart doorbell, with Figure 2b showing a front panel (4) and Figure 2c showing a back panel (5); wherein the OR code (3) 20 with an embedded NEC (3) tag (not visible) is shown in Figure 2c, in accordance with the invention.

Preferably the caller user interface and/or the occupant user interface is a web user interface and/or a software based user interface. When the caller user interface is a web user interface, the caller does not need to pre-download any software. The scanning of the OR or NEC code will show a URL or link, which the caller can click and then will be redirected to a website, with communication options as shown in Fig 3b. Thus any guest equipped with a smartphone can request to contact the occupant.

Figure 3a illustrates the process of scanning an identification tag of the virtual doorbell with a smartphone.

Figure 3b illustrates a version of a caller user interface (or a web application interface) showing an example of a unique webpage corresponding to the unique QR identification code of the virtual doorbell; Figure 3b shows an embodiment of a multi house or multi-unit building (11). The caller can select the house or office number they require and proceed to request a connection.

Figure 3c illustrates a video call connection on the caller user interface; The occupant user interface may be software based such as an app or computer program, preloaded on a computer or occupant's smartphone. The occupant is logged onto the App and would expect notification like in any other messaging or io call/video call Apps known.

Or alternatively, can be a website with or without instant notifications Figures 4a illustrates versions of the occupant's user interface showing an example of the options available to the occupant, such as missed calls logs, answered rings, audio messages, video messages, guest services, messages; is Figure 4b illustrates a video call connection request on the caller user interface Figure 4c illustrates a video call connection on the caller user interface Figure 5a, 5b, 5c illustrates examples and options available in the occupant's user interface.

Preferably the at least one panel or the code based tag is luminescent and glows in the dark.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for a smart virtual doorbell for notifying a resident or occupant, comprising: at least one identification tag or the smart notification device of claims 1 to 9; a server; a caller user interface; an occupant user interface; and means to establish a communication channel between the caller's and the occupant's user interfaces; wherein when the caller scans the least one identification tag with a smartphone, the caller's user interface is summoned on the smartphone and the communication channel is established with the occupant user interface via the server.

Preferably the at least one identification tag is a code based tag and/or an electronic based tag; wherein the code based tag is a barcode, a matrix code, or a OR code; 25 and wherein the electronic based code is an RFID tag or an NFC tag.

Figures 3b and Figure 8 illustrates versions of the caller user interface and a web 30 based application interface showing an example of a unique webpage corresponding to the unique OR identification code of the virtual doorbell; According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for a smart virtual doorbell for notifying a resident or occupant, comprising the steps of: scanning with smartphone, an identification tag or, the smart notification device of claims 1 to 9, affixed at a predefined location; generating and displaying a link or URL on the smartphone's interface; clicking on the link or URL displayed; initiating a caller user interface, via a browser or an app; connecting the caller user interface and the smartphone to a server; presenting the caller on the caller user interface with options of communications; initiating a connection request with an occupant; establishing a communication channel with the occupant.

Figure 6 shows the steps of the above method and optional steps.

In short, this invention relates to a way of displaying and using OR codes and RFID tag (only for a specific location) to make video and audio calls. Figure 1 shows a plaque containing a unique OR code, which is part of a virtual doorbell system. The virtual doorbell is a OR code and NEC based communication platform. The invention facilitates the creation of a platform/community space where anyone can use Quick Response code (OR code), matrix barcode, two-dimensional code, 20 barcode codes, Radio-frequency identification (RF ID), Near-Field Communication (NFC) tags to interface via the internet and internet of things, loT applications.

The invention proposes a way to communicate with guests without the need for expensive hardware equipment. Using a special function OR code/RFID, guests can 5 ring or leave a message for the code owner.

How It Works -To ring, a guests simply point their smartphone camera at the code or place their NFC enabled device on the virtual doorbell, and tap the banner offered by their smartphone. This initiates an audio or video ring on the guest's smartphone, with the code owner/occupant. No contact details needed, no Apps to download, no sign-in or data collection, they simply scan or tap to ring the owner. occupants can receive ring notifications on any smart device (including a smart TV) wherever they are. Guests can also leave voice, video or text messages.

The caller's landing page of the caller's user interface displays one or more host to which to connect In further embodiment the system may be connected to the door lock so that it can remotely unlock the door. The system is capable of logging caller call, text, picture and/or video as shown in Figures 5a, 5b and Sc.

Virtual doorbell users can plug into virtual doorbells at various locations such as office buildings, serviced buildings and residential apartments, to receive ring notifications from those locations as well. When used in a shared space (e.g. office building), it displays the business name or apartment number of all virtual doorbell users plugged in. The guest simply finds the business or apartment it wishes to contact, and tap to ring.

The Virtual doorbells are designed to avoid malicious tagging and to protect the code. They are location sensitive i.e. virtual doorbell and scanning device have to be within the same geofence for a ring to be initiated, and the ring page deactivate after 15 seconds of inactivity, or at the end of a call. In the interest of clarity a geofence is a virtual perimeter for a real-world geographic area. A geo-fence could be dynamically generated, as in a radius around a point location, or a geo-fence can be a predefined set of boundaries (such as a house location or larges e.g. neighbourhood boundaries).

Virtual doorbells serve as multipliers. Depending on their application, they can multiply the input points or the output device at various locations. Figure 7 illustrates a dataflow diagram of the connections in a multiplying effect method.

An advantage of the invention consists in the fact that with the virtual doorbell a person can come in contact with other persons, without having to disclose personal data of themselves. Furthermore, every OR code on a virtual doorbell is a 'Location Sensitive Application code', meaning they only function within a certain geofence.

Each code is tagged to a predetermined geofence. When a guest scans the OR code, a device location is requested. If the scanning device is within the same geofence as the predetermined tag, a call is initiated. If the scanning device is outside a predetermined geofence tag, the DNS will route it to a reference page. The page sessions deactivate; if a guest has been inactive e.g. for more than 15 second, and after every call. Guests will have to rescan the OR code to initiate another call.

With the virtual doorbell, a person can contact another person or businesses smart devices (smart phone, smart watch, PC, smart tv, smart speakers, tablet device) via a specialised VOIP application system dedicated to the code. The application of this technology is not limited to the devices mentioned above but extends to any smart device.

The identification tag/ code on display may be printed on an acrylic frame, glass or any transparent surface (including stickers), and then enclosed with similar material. This is done to avoid malicious tagging.

Furthermore, data is stored dynamically and not traceable in the individual smartphone scanning the code. The data on the code will open a web browser on the user's smart device, linking to the VOIP provider.

It is important to note that this can be web based or over a mobile application.

The individual components of the communication system communicate via one VOIP platform over the internet. The individual information modules (OR code and VOIP service) are managed separately and linked so that there is no direct relationship between user data and communication data. User data and communication data are encrypted end to end between user and guest.

The initial structure will be a single tenant system, each block of properties will have its own app container (serverless cloud). As demand increases clusters will form.

This gives each location a unique experience, as opposed to a generic internet experience. This also helps isolate problems and resolve them.

The virtual doorbells are used to establish contact between guests, and users of the VolP platform. The establishment of a communication takes place over the VolP platform and does not require mandatory authentication of the guest. However, users need to download the mobile App and be logged-in, to be able to plug in and receive ring notification from a virtual doorbell. To avoid stalking and malicious use of code, the location of the user has to be confirmed before communication can be initiated.

Users can also disable communication at any time, to reflect situations when they would not be available to receive notifications i.e. away on travel or busy. When the communication is disabled, the user is deactivated in the communication system. So that when the user is contacted via the virtual doorbell, the web app displays a message stating the current state of the user.

Users can set timers on their accounts, on when to receive calls and when unavailable. Setting could also be made to time the change of output source (smart device) e.g. Residence display code ring notification on home smart speaker between 7pm to Sam Monday to Friday. All other times, ring notifications from residence display code will be received on work smart devices.

Settings can be location based. Please note that at unavailable periods, the codes are not disabled, they will still be active but when scanned will inform the visitor the current availability of the VOIP account.

Glow in the Dark -Camera lenses need a sufficient amount of light to see, therefore without a source of light (at night), the location of the virtual doorbell and its code will be scarcely visible to the camera and thus redundant. To mitigate this, a light emitting pigment is used to make the background of the virtual doorbell to glow in the dark. The pigment, mixed with an acrylic base (medium), produces a glow paint. This glow pigment is painted unto the back of the enclosed part of the display device, while the codes are printed on the opposite side. A 4 hour light exposure ensures a glow and an afterglow of 12 hours.

Alternatively, the glow pigment may be used to print the code on the display device. This will make the code alone glow, and not the whole background.

The glow will also help define the code on the smartphone camera. The glow can be charged with ultraviolet (UV), heat and light from a smartphone camera. Other solar powered sources of UV or heat can also be employed, including solar lamps io to help display the code on the device.

Scan -Guests arrive and scan the display code outside the entrance, which takes them to the virtual doorbell web application. This requires no app download.

Confirm Location -To ensure security and safety, guests must be outside the property to initiate a ring, the virtual doorbell uses geofencing means to confirm is location. This can be GPS data from the guest phone or the guests can be asked to select words that appear in a box or panel, which must match words present in the database.

Call -The guest then selects the flat number of the tenant they wish to contact. If unavailable, guests can leave a voice, video or one time text message for residents.

Grant Access -The virtual doorbell allows homeowners to securely grant access from wherever they are. We provide digital keys which tenants can securely share with visitors to provide timed access.

Inactive Zone -On completing a call on the web application, guests are redirected to a session termination page.

The OR contains a link to the web application that is unique to the property from which it is scanned. The code is unique to one house or to a block of flats. One code can serve a block of over 1000 flats. When the code is scanned, it displays all the flat numbers in the block, giving the guest the option to select which flat they wish to contact.

Optionally when there is no internet, Network service providers (such as EE or 02) may provide a data free service for the users. This way, the occupant or virtual bell service will pay for the data to be used in advance (and in bulk), and factor it in pricing. When a guest scans, they will not be required to have data allowance to access our web applications.

Sip trunks may be used to redirect web calls to mobile numbers, for homeowners who do not have internet on their phones, do not use a smart device or are not as tech savvy.

The caller web pages may be databased, with e.g. one link per QR code The virtual doorbell invention may be used in at least three types of settings, or variations of thereof.

* Visitor virtual doorbells * Self-service virtual doorbells (for business) * Emergency virtual doorbell is Visitor Virtual Doorbell Residential virtual doorbells are a good alternative to the standard push button doorbells. They are suitable for residential premises (e.g. house, housing communities, multistorey buildings, etc) and commercial premises (offices, shops, etc). Users can plug into the virtual doorbell outside of the property and receive ring notifications from anywhere, on any smart device. Virtual doorbells can be placed at the entrance of the properties for guests to use, and it replaces the need for expensive hardware.

Figure 9 shows the arrangement of the virtual doorbell on a door and Figure 10 shows the arrangement of the doorbell, next to a common entry system, at the entrance of a building with multiple residences.

Self-Service Virtual Doorbell (For Business) The self-service virtual doorbell give easy access for guests and deliveries at business buildings. Guest/delivery drivers can use virtual doorbells to contact the office they wish to visit, and leave messages if unavailable. This provides the receptionist at the building more time to focus on other core business functions.

Emergency Virtual Doorbell Emergency virtual doorbells are a quick and reliable alternative for patients to reach the emergency services. This unique virtual doorbell also comes as a wearable. Being video enabled helps the emergency service to see exactly what is going on, while providing quick and prioritised access to specific emergency departments for patients with special needs/care.

Other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features described herein. It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, a single feature may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. It should also be noted that the Figures are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 A smart notification device for a smart virtual doorbell comprising: at least one panel affixed at a predefined location; at least one identification tag attached to the panel; a server; a caller user interface; an occupant user interface; and means to establish a communication channel between the caller's and the it occupants user interfaces; wherein when the caller scans the least one identification tag with a smartphone, the caller's user interface is summoned on the smartphone and the communication channel is established with the occupant user interface via the server.
2. The smart notification device of claim 1, wherein the at least one identification tag is a code based tag and/or an electronic based tag; wherein the code based tag is a barcode, a matrix code, or a QR code; and wherein the electronic based code is an RFID tag or an NEC tag.
3. The smart notification device of claim 2, wherein the code based tag is scanned with a camera of the smartphone; and wherein the electronic based code is scanned with an RFID or NFC reader of the smartphone.
4. The smart notification device of any preceding claim, wherein the caller user interface and/or the occupant user interface is a web user interface and/or a software based user interface.
5. The smart notification device of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one panel or the code based tag is luminescent.
6. The smart notification device of any preceding claim, wherein the communication channel is one of, or a combination of, a text message, a voice call, a voicemail, a video call, a video-message.
7. The smart notification device of any preceding claim, wherein the identification tag is geofenced; and communication channel between the caller and the occupant is established only when the caller is physically located within a predefined boundary of the notification device's predefined location.
8. The smart notification device of any preceding claim, wherein the communication channel between the caller and the occupant is deactivated by the caller and/or occupant; and/or deactivates automatically after a predefined time-limit, and/or predefined time-window of inactivity, and/or when the caller is physically located outside of the predefined boundary of the notification device's predefined location.
9. The smart notification device of any preceding claim comprising at least two panels, and wherein the at least one identification tag is is positioned between the at least two panels.
A notification system for a smart virtual doorbell comprising: at least one identification tag or the smart notification device of claims 1 to 9; a server; a caller user interface; an occupant user interface; and means to establish a communication channel between the caller's and the occupant's user interfaces; wherein when the caller scans the least one identification tag with a smartphone, the caller's user interface is summoned on the smartphone and the communication channel is established with the occupant's user interface via the server.
11. The notification system of claim 10, wherein the at least one identification tag is a code based tag and/or an electronic based tag; wherein the code based tag is a barcode, a matrix code, or a QR code; and wherein the electronic based code is an RFID tag or an NFC tag.
12. The notification system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the caller user interface and/or the occupant user interface is a web user interface and/or a software based user interface
13. A method of notification for a smart virtual doorbell comprising the steps of: scanning with smartphone, an identification tag or, the smart notification device of claims 1 to 9, affixed at a predefined location; generating and displaying a link or URL on the smartphone's interface; clicking on the link or URL displayed; initiating a caller user interface, via a browser or an app; connecting the caller user interface and the smartphone to a server; presenting the caller on the caller user interface with options of communications; initiating a connection request with an occupant; establishing a communication channel with the occupant, if accepted by the occupant or if there are option to leave a message.
14. The method of notification of claim 13 further comprising the steps of: establishing the geolocation of the smartphone of the caller; checking that the geolocation of the smartphone is within a predefined boundary of the identification tag, or of the notification device's, predefined location, before initiating a connection request with the occupant.
15. The method of notification of claims 13 or 14 further comprising the step of 25 terminating the communication channel between the caller and the occupant: manually by action of the caller and/or occupant on their respective user interfaces; and/or automatically after a predefined time-limit; and/or automatically after a predefined time-window of inactivity; and/or automatically when the geolocation of the caller's smartphone is outside of the predefined boundary of the identification tag, or of the notification device's, predefined location.