IL286364A - Method of facilitating communication between user devices in a property, and a system thereof - Google Patents

Description

METHOD OF FACILITATING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN USER DEVICES IN A PROPERTY, AND A SYSTEM THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD The presently disclosed subject matter relates to communication between users’ devices, and, more particularly, to facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location.

BACKGROUND Visitors who approach buildings use standard intercom hardware devices to communicate with the residents of buildings. Currently, many standard intercom hardware devices are wired intercom systems, where the main unit of the intercom system is physically located at the front of the building, next to the entrance door, and displays a list of the residents of the building. The main unit is connected to several secondary units, each installed in an apartment of the building, usually, next to the entrance door, or the main area of the apartment. Visitors are able to select a resident to communicate with from the displayed list, press a button in the main unit at the front of the building, and communicate with the selected resident.

In recent years, buildings have incorporated more advanced intercom systems with audio and video capacities. These intercom systems occasionally include main units with a touch screen and camara with video capacity, enabling to capture a video of the visitor, and secondary units in the apartments, with displays, enabling the residents to view visitors at the front of the building.

Both in standard intercom hardware devices, as well as in advanced intercom systems, the resident has to physically approach the installed secondary unit near the entrance, or at the main area, in order to communicate with the visitor. In case the resident wishes to be able to communicate with the visitor, from another spot in the house, for example, from another floor/area at the apartment, an additional secondary unit must be installed in the additional desired spot in the apartment. The additional spot will have to be connected to the main unit directly, or through the first secondary unit, in a wired or wireless manner. Also, the visitor has to communicate through a hardware unit, which is permanently installed in the building.

It is therefore required to enable communication with a resident of a building in a more efficient manner.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION In a further attempt to make communication between visitors and residents smoother and more efficient, some known intercom systems allow video communication between the main hardware unit installed at the front of the building and the resident, via a dedicated cell phone app installed in the resident’s phone. However, such intercom systems require the resident to use a dedicated app which enables communication with the main unit. Moreover, although the need for installing a hardware secondary unit in the apartment itself is obviated, a hardware main unit still must be installed at the front of the building.

Hardware units can stop working for a variety of reasons, including electrical malfunction, electrical issues, and communication malfunctions with secondary units installed in each apartment or with the resident's phone. As known in the art, the average life cycle of these systems is approximately 7-8years, which necessitates replacement expenses by the end of the life cycle, or prior to such time.

Hence, according to some aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, it is desired to facilitate communication between a visitor who approaches a property and wishes to communicate with a user associated with the property, while using mobile device, which are not permanently attached to the property. Also, the communication should be facilitated in a manner that keeps privacy of the users associated with property. It is therefore required to verify that the visitor is near the property and is not trying to obtain data on the property including data on users associated with the property from a remote location. Hence, in some cases, it is required to verify that the device operated by the visitor, is near the physical location of the property before facilitating the required communication with the user associated with the property.

According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a computerized method for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising: receiving from a visitor device a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; obtaining data indicative of a visitor device's location; determining if the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, providing the requested data to the visitor device; receiving, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; and facilitating communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

In addition to the above features, the computerized method according to this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter can comprise one or more of features (i) to (vii) listed below, in any desired combination or permutation which is technically possible: (i) . Obtaining the data indicative of the visitor device's location further comprising: receiving a location verification from a location identifier device located at the property location, the location verification being indicative that the location identifier device is able to communicate with the visitor device using a short-range signal; and based on the received location verification, determining that the visitor's device location and the property location meet the sufficiently close criterion. (ii) . Obtaining data indicative of the visitor device's location, further comprising: receiving a location verification from the visitor device, the location verification being indicative that the visitor device is able to communicate, using a short-range signal, with a location identifier device, located at the property location; and based on the received location verification, determining that the visitor's device location and the property location meet the sufficiently close criterion. (iii) . Obtaining data indicative of the visitor device's location, further comprising: receiving data indicative of an identifying code associated with the property from the visitor device, wherein the identifying code is visible at the property location; and based on the received data indicative of an identifying code, determining that the visitor's device location and the property location meet the sufficiently close criterion. (iv) . Either, or both, of the user device and the visitor device are not permanently attached to the property. (v) . Facilitating communication further comprising: establishing a voice and/or a video connection over an HTML website. (vi) . The computerized method further comprising: receiving a confirmation from the user device to unlock a gate in the property, and unlocking the gate. (vii) . The computerized method further comprising: receiving from a second visitor device a second request for data pertaining to the property; obtaining data indicative of a second visitor device’s location; determining if the second visitor's device location and the property location meet the sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, providing the requested data to the second visitor device; receiving, from the second visitor device, data indicative of a second selected user of the at least one user; and facilitating communication between the second visitor device and a second user device associated with the second selected user, wherein the second user device is not permanently attached to the property, wherein the second communication occurs substantially simultaneously to the communication of the visitor device and the user device.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a computerized system for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the system comprising a processing and memory circuitry (PMC) configured to: receive, from a visitor device, a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; obtain data indicative of a visitor device's location; determine if the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, provide the requested data to the visitor device; receive, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; and facilitate a communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in property location, the method comprising: receiving from a visitor device a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; obtaining data indicative of a visitor device's location; determining if the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative providing the requested data to the visitor device; receiving, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; and facilitating communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

The computerized system and the computer program product disclosed in accordance with the aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter detailed above can optionally comprise one or more of features (i) to (vii) listed above with respect to the method, mutatis mutandis, in any technically possible combination or permutation.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided in a visitor device, a computerized method for communicating with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising: sending a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; in response to a visitor's device location and the property location meeting a sufficiently close criterion, receiving the requested data; selecting a user of the at least one user; and communicating with a user device associated with the selected user, wherein the user device is not permanently attached to the property.

In addition to the above features, the computerized method according to this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter can comprise one or more of features (i) to (vii) listed above or features (viii) to (xi) listed below, in any desired combination or permutation which is technically possible: (viii) . Sending the request comprising: inputting an identifying code associated with the property, wherein the identifying code is visible at the property; and sending the request for data with the inputted identifying code. (ix) . Sending the request further comprising: providing data indicative of a visitor device’s location; and in response to the provided visitor's device’s location and the property location meeting a sufficiently close criterion, receiving the requested data. (x) . Providing the data indicative of the visitor device’s location further comprises transmitting a location verification from the visitor device, the location verification being indicative that the visitor device is able to communicate, using a short­range signal, with a location identifier device, located at the property location; and based on the transmitted location verification, determining that the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion. (xi) . The location verification comprises an ID of the location identifier device.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a computerized system in a visitor device, for communicating with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the system comprising a processing and memory circuitry (PMC) configured to: send a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; in response to a visitor's device location and the property location meeting a sufficiently close criterion, receive the requested data; select a user of the at least one user; and communicate with a user device associated with the selected user, wherein the user device is not permanently attached to the property.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform, in a visitor device, a computerized method for communicating with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising: sending a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; in response to a visitor's device location and the property location meeting a sufficiently close criterion, receiving the requested data; selecting a user of the at least one user; and communicating with a user device associated with the selected user, wherein the user device is not permanently attached to the property.

The system and the computer program product disclosed in accordance with the aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter detailed above can optionally comprise one or more of features (vii) to (x) listed above with respect to the method, mutatis mutandis, in any technically possible combination or permutation.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a computerized method for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising: receiving from a visitor device comprising a delivery component and a remote controller component, a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; obtaining data indicative of the delivery component location; determining if the delivery component location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, providing the requested data to the visitor device; receiving, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; and facilitating communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a computerized system for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the system comprising a processing and memory circuitry (PMC) configured to: receive from a visitor device comprising a delivery component and a remote controller component, a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; obtain data indicative of the delivery component location; determine if the delivery component location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, provide the requested data to the visitor device; receive, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; and facilitate communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a computerized method for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising: receiving from a visitor device comprising a delivery component and a remote controller component, a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; obtaining data indicative of the delivery component location; determining if the delivery component location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, providing the requested data to the visitor device; receiving, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; and facilitating communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it can be carried out in practice, embodiments will be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of intercom system 100in accordance with certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter; Fig. 2 illustrates a generalized flow-chart of operations performed by a visitor device, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter; and Fig. 3 illustrates a generalized flow-chart of operations performed by the intercom system 100,in accordance with certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the presently disclosed subject matter.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "facilitating", "communicating", "receiving", "obtaining", "determining", "providing", "establishing", "unlocking", "occurring", "sending", "selecting", "inputting", "transmitting, "processing", "generating", or the like, refer to the action(s) and/or process(es) of a computer that manipulate and/or transform data into other data, said data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities and/or said data representing the physical objects. The term "computer" should be expansively construed to cover any kind of hardware-based electronic device with data processing capabilities including, by way of non-limiting example, the intercom system, the visitor’s device, or the user device disclosed in the present application.

The terms "non-transitory memory" and "non-transitory storage medium" used herein should be expansively construed to cover any volatile or non-volatile computer memory suitable to the presently disclosed subject matter.

The operations in accordance with the teachings herein may be performed by a computer specially constructed for the desired purposes or by a general-purpose computer specially configured for the desired purpose by a computer program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

As used herein, the phrase "for example," "such as", "for instance" and variants thereof, describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to "one case", "some cases", "other cases", or variants thereof, means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Thus the appearance of the phrase "one case", "some cases", "other cases", or variants thereof, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s).

It is appreciated that certain features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately, or in any suitable sub­combination.

With an attempt to facilitate communication between a visitor and a resident of a building, according to certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, communication between a visitor’s device and a resident’s device is established through an intercom system, which may be located remotely to the property location, while obviating the need for hardware units installed in the building. In some aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, the intercom system can verify that the visitor is near the location of the property before enabling the communication.

Bearing this in mind, attention is drawn to Fig. 1which illustrates a functional block diagram of intercom system 100in accordance with certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. The illustrated intercom system 100includes a processor and memory circuitry (PMC) 110which comprises a processor 120and a memory 130.The processor 120is configured to execute several functional modules (not shown) in accordance with computer-readable instructions implemented on a non- transitory computer-readable storage medium, where at least part of the processing can be executed by remote computing services accessible via the cloud, or the like. Such functional modules are referred to hereinafter as comprised in the processor 120.

In some examples, memory 130may store data indicative of a plurality of properties 150,such as property 152.Each property 152stored in memory 130may be associated with a location, indicative of its physical location, one or more users associated with the property, a property identifying code, and location identifier device ID. The property identifying code uniquely identifies the property 152.The property identifying code can be a static property identifying code, e.g. a barcode, a number or any other symbol, or a variable property identifying code, e.g. a frequently changed barcode, number or symbol. The variable property identifying code can be changed at predefined times, e.g. every 30minutes, or once a day. The location identifier device ID may be the ID of a location identifier device installed in property 154.Further details of the location identifier device appear below with respect to property 154.The data indicative of properties 150may be updated, e.g. by updating the users associated with the property, updating the property identifying code, properties may be added or removed, or updating any other stored information pertaining to properties 150.

Intercom system 100can also comprise a communication interface 140 enabling the intercom system 100to communicate via a network with external devices, such as one or more user devices 180（ 1… n）, one or more visitor devices 190and with property 154,e.g. using components installed in property 154.The property 154can be a commercial or residential property such as a house, apartment building, office building, etc. A user associated with the property can be any entity associated with the property, including a resident in the house/ apartment, a tenant, an owner of the property, or a combination thereof. Each of user devices 180-1to 180- n can be a mobile computerized device, with communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone, operated by a user associated with the property 154.Intercom system 100,e.g. using PMC 110,is configured to send or received data from the user device 180.

Intercom system 100can communicate with one or more visitor devices 190.A visitor can be a person that approaches the property 154and wishes to communicate with a user associated with the property. Optionally, the visitor would like to enter the property 154.For example, this may be a visitor of a resident of an apartment in an apartment building, or delivery personnel who wishes to deliver a package to a specific office in an office building. A visitor device 190can be a mobile computerized device, with communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone, operated by the visitor. In some examples, as further described below, more than one visitor approaches the property, simultaneously, and the two visitors, using two visitor devices 190can communicate with two users, using two users’ devices 180,associated with the property 154,through the intercom system 100.

Property 154can be a commercial or residential property. The property 154is located at a certain physical location, for example, the location can be identified by GPS coordinates, a certain city address, etc. In some examples, a location identifier device 170can be installed at the property 154.In some examples, the location identifier device 170is installed at a place at the property in a manner that enables a visitor, operating a visitor device 190that approaches the property 154,to be within the range of communication from the location identifier device 170.For example, the location identifier device 170can be installed near the entrance area of the property 154.In some examples, the location identifier device 170is configured to transmit a signal nearby the area of the property 154,e.g. the entrance of the property. The signal can be received by the visitor device 190,when located nearby. In some examples, a location verification signal can be sent to the PMC 110of intercom system 100from the location identifier device 170and/or from the visitor device 190,the location verification being indicative that the location identifier device 170is able to communicate with the visitor device 190using a short-range signal. For example, the location identifier device 170 can be a beacon device operating beacon technology. Other technologies that can be operated by the location identifier device 170can include BLE, Zigbee, Z-Wave. It is therefore advantageous to use a short-range technology, such that, if communication with the visitor device 190is enabled, it is indicative that the visitor device 190is physically located at the property 154when communicating with intercom system 100 requesting for data pertaining to the property 154.

In some examples, an identifying code display 160can also be positioned at the property 154.The identifying code display 160is configured to display the unique property identifying code associated with the property 154.The identifying code display 160can be a static display with a static identifying code, e.g. a barcode, number or a symbol printed on a paper, or a dynamic display with a variable property identifying code, e.g. a screen with a frequently changed code. The variable identifying code can be changed at predefined times, e.g. every 30minutes, or once a day. For example, a screen with a variable barcode can be positioned near the entrance of the building. Data indicative of the property 154,its location, the ID of the identifying code display 160, the property identifying code associated with the property 154,and other relevant details, may be stored in memory 130,e.g. as shown with respect to property 152.The stored data of property 152can be used by PMC 110to verify data received from a visitor device 190with respect to property 154,when the visitor approaches property 154,and wishes to obtain data pertaining to property 154.Verification of the received data, by intercom system 100and PMC 110,is indicative that the visitor is near the location of the property 152,thereby meeting the sufficiently close criterion. After verifying the location, intercom system 100 can provide the requested data and optionally, enable the communication between the visitor and the user associated with the property 154.

In some examples, the stored data of property 152can be updated as needed.. Respectively, the data displayed in property 154can be updated. For example, a random identifying code generator can be used to generate a variable identifying code for property 154.Intercom system 100can update the stored identifying code associated with the property 152with the generated variable identifying code, and can communicate to a dynamic identifying code display 160in property 154,according to the respective ID, the generated code to be displayed at property 154.

As mentioned above, verifying the location of the visitor can be done by sending data to intercom system 100, of a visitor device's location such as a location verification signal or the property identifying code. Yet, in some examples, the location of the visitor’s device can be verified using other known location technologies which can provide indication of location of a device with high accuracy, in a manner that enables the intercom system 100to verify that the location of the visitor’s device is within the location of the property 154.For example, such location technologies can include DGPS technology providing location of accuracy of a few centimeters.

In some examples, one or more gate lock 172can also be installed and property 154and can operatively connected to one or more gates at the property 154,such as the entrance gate. Gate lock 172is configured to receive communication from the user device 180,optionally, through intercom system 100,to unlock the gate operatively connected thereto, e.g. using known techniques, for example, the gate can remotely be unlocked using SMS or phone call done to the gate lock 172using DTMP technology.

It is noted that the teachings of the presently disclosed subject matter are not bound by the intercom system 100described with reference to Fig. 1.Equivalent and/or modified functionality can be consolidated or divided in another manner and can be implemented in any appropriate combination of software with firmware and/or hardware and executed on a suitable device. For example, location identifier device 170 and gate lock 172can be comprised in one component installed in property 154or can be two separate components. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will also readily appreciate that the data repositories, such as memory 130,can be consolidated or divided in other manner; data repositories can be shared with other systems or be provided by other systems, including third party equipment.

Referring to Fig. 2,there is illustrated a generalized flow chart communicating with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. The following flowchart operations are described with reference to elements appearing in Fig. 1and intercom system 100.However, this is by no means binding, and the operations can be performed by elements other than those described herein.

Assuming an example of a visitor who approaches a building and wishes to communicate with a resident of the building, e.g. in order to request the resident to open the door or gate for the visitor. The visitor may be provided with instructions on how to start communicating with intercom system 100in order to communicate with the requested resident. For example, instructions may be displayed on the entrance of property 154,or can be sent by a push notification to the visitor’s device when approaching the building. The instructions may provide the visitor with a website address for communicating and send/receive data from intercom system 100. Alternatively or additionally, the displayed instructions may refer the visitor to input a visible identifying code on the identifying code display 160installed at property 154.The visitor may input the identifying code (block 210) . For example, the visitor may input the identifying code by scanning the barcode in a designated barcode scanner app or pre­installed camera apps supporting QR code reading in the visitor’s device, or on the website, if such was used. The visitor may send a request to intercom system 100for data pertaining to the property (block 220) . The request may be sent once the visitor has inputted the identifying code. Alternatively, the user may send a request via the website before or after inputting the identifying code. The requested data includes data indicative of at least one user associated with the property. For example, the visitor may request to receive a list of residents of the building.

In some cases, intercom system 100may verify that the visitor’s location is indeed at the location of the property 154.Verifying that the location of the visitor is at the location of the property is advantageous e.g. in order to keep privacy of the users associated with property 154,such that only a visitor that has interest in the property 154and optionally wishes to enter the property 154may receive data on the users associated therewith, search the data, and perform an action with respect to the data, such as selecting a user to communicate with. Moreover, the visitor is not exposed to personal data of the users, such as their phone number, email, or other methods of communication. In some examples, the visitor may only obtain the name and apartment number of the user associated with the property 154,yet, will be able to communicate with the user, and, optionally, enter the property 154.

In order for the intercom system 100be able to verify the visitor’s location, in some cases, the visitor’s device 190may provide data indicative of its location (block 230) . In some examples, the visitor device 190may communicate with the location identifier device 170located at the property 154,e.g. in a short- range communication. For example, the location identifier device 170may send a short- range signal received by the visitor device 190.Once communication is established between the location identifier device 170and the visitor device 190,the visitor device 190may transmit a location verification to the intercom system 100(block 232) . The location verification is indicative that the visitor device 190is able to communicate, using a short-range signal, with a location identifier device 190.Alternatively or additionally, an additional computer device associated with the property 154may be installed in the property 154, e.g. near the identifier device 170,and may communicate with the location identifier device 170.Once communication is established between the visitor device 190and the location identifier device 170in a short-range signal, the additional computer device may send intercom system 100the location verification. In some examples, the location verification may comprise an ID of the location identifier device 170,and/or the ID of the visitor device 190to assist in verifying the devices that communicate with each other. The visitor device 190 can also send the property identifying code visible at property 154 to the intercom system 100, in order to verify its location. Yet alternatively or additionally, the location can be verified using other known techniques such as DGPS technology providing location of accuracy of a few centimeters. In some cases, based on data indicative of a visitor device's location sent to the intercom system 100,either by the visitor device 190or by the additional computer device, PMC 110may determine that the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion. For example, PMC 110may receive the location verification, optionally, with the ID of the location identifier device 170,compare the received ID with the ID stored in property 152,and if there is a match, to determine that the visitor device 190can communicate ,using a short-range signal, with the location identifier device 170,such that the two devices meet a sufficiently close criterion. If the property identifying code visible at property 154 was received from the visitor device 190, PMC 110 can compare the received property identifying code with the stored property identifying code in property 152, and in case of a match, to determine that the two devices meet the sufficiently close criterion.

In some examples, in response to the visitor's device location and the property location meeting a sufficiently close criterion, PMC 110may send the requested data, which may be received by the visitor device 190(block 240) . The requested data may include data indicative of at least one user associated with the property 154. For example, the data may include data indicative of a list of residents of the property 1and/or a list of owners, a list of offices in an office building, etc. as stored in property 152.

In some cases, in response to receiving the requested data, the visitor may select a user associated with the property 154from the received data, and send the selection to the intercom system 100 (block 250).In some examples, the visitor may search the received data, e.g. according to name or other identifying details of the apartment/ office in the property 154, and select the desired user from the search results. Since the location of the visitor was already verified to be near the location of the property 154,any searches performed by the visitor are performed, while keeping privacy of the data stored in memory 130and the users associated with the property 154,as the searches are not disclosed to the public, but only to a visitor at the location of the property 154.

In some examples, once a user associated with the property 154has been selected, communication between the visitor’s device 190and a user device 180 associated with the selected user is established, such that the visitor’s device 190can communicate with the user’s device 180(block 260) . The user’s device can be a computerized device associated with the user, such as a mobile phone of the user, such that the user device 180is not permanently attached to the property. Hence, in some examples, the user may not even be present at the property 154at the time of communication. Communicating with the user associated with the property 154while using his mobile computerized device such as user device 180,as opposed to a traditional intercom system installed at the apartment of the user, is advantageous e.g. in terms of mobility of the user and avoidance of costs of installation of a fixed hardware intercom system at the office or apartment in the property 154.

In some examples, the visitor’s device 190is also a mobile computerized device associated with the visitor, and is not permanently attached to the property 154.A visitor communicating with the user associated with the property 154while using the visitor device 190,as opposed to communicating via a traditional intercom system permanently installed at the property 154,is also advantageous e.g. in terms of the avoidance of the costs of installation of a fixed hardware intercom system at the property 154,while verifying that access to data associated with the property 154is maintained only for the visitors that are physically near the property 154.

Referring to Fig. 3,there is illustrated a generalized flow chart for facilitating communication with a user device 180of a user associated with a property 154in a property location, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. The following flowchart operations are described with reference to elements appearing in Fig. 1and intercom system 100.However, this is by no means binding, and the operations can be performed by elements other than those described herein.

Considering the example of the visitor who approaches the building and wishes to communicate with a resident of the building, e.g. in order to request the resident to open the door for the visitor. As described, the visitor may send the request for data pertaining to the property 154either by sending a request via a designated website, or by scanning an identifying code, such as a barcode. In some cases, once the visitor sends the request, the request for data pertaining to a property is received by intercom system 100(block 310) . In some examples, the request may be received from the visitor device 190.In some examples, the request may include an identifying code of the property 154, e.g. as scanned by the visitor device 190from the identifying code display 160installed at the property 154.The request may include a request for data indicative of at least one user associated with the property 154.For example, the request may include a request to receive a list of users associated with the property 154.

In some cases, in order to keep privacy of data pertaining to users associated with the property 154,before providing the requested data, PMC 110can verify that the visitor is near the property 154,by obtaining data indicative of a visitor device's location (block 320) . Obtaining the data indicative of the visitor device's location can be performed e.g. by receiving a location verification, indicative that the visitor device 190 is near the property 154 , as described above with respect to block 230 in Fig. 2 ,e.g. by receiving a location verification from the visitor device 190 or by a computer device near the location identifier device 170,after a short-range communication is established between the visitor device 190 and the location identifier device 170.As described above, the visitor device's location can be received from the visitor device 190 the property identifying code visible at property 154 or by DGPS or the like technologies.

In some cases, based on the obtained visitor’s device location, PMC 110can determine if the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion (block 330) . In some examples, a close criterion may indicate that the visitor is at the property, that is to say, at the location of the property 154,for example, near the entrance area, outside or inside the entrance area of the property 154,near the entrance door of the property 154etc. For the sake of clarity, the term "sufficiently" may be used herein to imply the possibility of variations in values within an acceptable range. According to one example, the term "sufficiently" should be interpreted to imply possible variation of up to 15meters over or under any specified value, in this case, the close criterion interpretation, as detailed above. For example, ‘sufficiently close criterion’ may include that the visitor is located 3meters from the entrance door of the property 154.

In some cases, if in the affirmative, i.e. if PMC 110determines that the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, PMC 110 can provide the requested data (block 340) , for example, by retrieving data which pertains to property 154as stored in memory 130in property 152,and provide the data to the visitor device 190.The provided data can include e.g. data indicative of a list of residents of the property and/or a list of owners, a list of offices in an office building, or partial data thereof. The provided data can be in response to a search performed by the visitor and can include search results based on data obtained from stored data which pertains to property 152.

In some examples, in response to providing the requested data, the visitor may select a user associated with the property 154from the provided data. PMC 110may receive the data indicative of the selected user of the at least one user (block 350) . PMC 110can then facilitate communication between the visitor device 190and a user device 180associated with the selected user (block 360) . In some examples, either or both the user device 180and the visitor device 190are not permanently attached to the property 154.As described, the user device 180and the visitor device 190can be a mobile computerized devices having communication capabilities, each operated by the user or the visitor, respectively. For example, the user device 180and the visitor device 190can be their mobile phones. Communication between the visitor device 190and a user device 180can be facilitated by PMC 110e.g. by establishing a voice and/or a video connection over an HTML website, enabling a video or audio call between the user associated with the property 154and the visitor. In some examples, PMC 110can establish the connection using a dedicated app with voice and/or video capacity, such as WebRTC technology. Alternatively or additionally, the intercom system 100can establish the connection by calling a phone number (PSTN) with audio capacity, supported by gateways to provide a connection to the web.

In some examples, the user associated with the property 154may determine to allow the visitor to enter the property 154.In such examples, PMC 110can receive a confirmation from the user device 180to unlock a gate in the property 154,e.g. the entrance door, and to unlock the gate. PMC 110can unlock the gate e.g. by using the dedicated app for communication with gate lock 172to unlock a gate operatively connected thereto. Alternatively, DTMF technology can be used by the user to communicate with the gate lock 172to unlock the gate, using known technology.

In some examples, two visitors may approach the property 154and may desire to communicate with two users associated with the property 154.In such examples, PMC 110may receive a first request for data pertaining to a property 154from a first visitor device 190-1,to verify the location of the first visitor device 190-1, and may facilitate communication between the visitor device 190-1and a user device 180-1 associated with the user selected by the visitor device 190-1,if the location was verified, in the manner described above. PMC 110may further receive a second request for data pertaining to the same property 154from a second visitor device, such as 190-2(not shown in Fig. 1) . PMC 110may verify the location of the second visitor device 190-2in the manner described above, and if in the affirmative, PMC 110may provide the requested data to the second visitor device 190-2.The requested data can be identical to the data provided to the first visitor device 190-1or can include other or additional data which pertains to the property 154.For example, a second list of at least one user can be provided to the visitor device 190-2.PMC 110may receive from the second visitor device 190-2,data indicative of a second selected user of the at least one user, and may facilitate communication between the second visitor device 190-2and a second user device 180-2associated with the second selected user, where, in some examples, the second user device 180-2and/or the second visitor device is not permanently attached to the property 154.Communication between the second visitor device 190-2and the second user device 180-2can occur substantially simultaneously to the communication of the first visitor device 190and the first user device 180-1.For the sake of clarity, the term "substantially" may be used herein to imply the possibility of a partial overlap in time for the two communications, between the two visitors and the two users associated with the property 154.Thus, while "simultaneous" may be interpreted as "at the same time", "substantially simultaneous" expands this term to include also that the second communication is established sufficiently close in time to the first communication, where the second communication can be established after the first communication has been established, but the first communication is still ongoing.

Establishing communication between visitor’s devices and users’ devices, both being mobile computerized devices, is advantageous, since more than one communication can be established between two visitors and two users. In known systems, where an intercom system, permanently attached to the property, must be used by the visitor in order to communicate with a user associated with the property, it is not possible to use the same intercom system for communicating with a second user of the property. According to certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, in which a mobile computerized device of the visitor is being used, where the visitor device is not permanently attached to the property, this enables establishing more than one communication between two visitors and two users associated with the property simultaneously.

In some cases, a visitor, such as a delivery person, may wish to deliver a package to a certain location, and send a kind of robot or drone to physically drop the package. In such cases, the visitor’s device 190is in fact comprised of at least two separate components, both with communication capabilities. Two of the components can be operated by the visitor, where at least one of the visitor components is physically near the property location. For purpose of illustration only, the above description has been provided for a visitor approaching a property and having a visitor device, e.g. visitor device 190.However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the teachings of the presently disclosed subject matter are, likewise, applicable to a visitor device which is comprised of the at least two separate components, both with communication capabilities, where both can be operated by the visitor, and at least one of the visitor components is physically near the property location. In such cases, the visitor device 190 of Fig. 1can be comprised of a delivery component which is physically located near the property 154,having a communication interface and, optionally, at least one image sensor to capture images or a video of the surroundings, and a remote controller component which is configured to control the delivery component and communicate with intercom system 100,directly and/or through the delivery component. The delivery component can be navigated to the property 154e.g. autonomously or by the visitor, using the controller component, e.g. using known methods. Once navigated near the property 154,delivery component can communicate with location identifier device 170 and receive, e.g. in push notifications, instructions how to communicate with intercom system 100.The instructions can be communicated to controller component, e.g. with images or video of the surroundings to identify the identifying code display 160in the property. Controller component can navigate the delivery component to the identifying code display 160to input the identifying code. The identifying code can be transmitted to the intercom system 100and PMC 110by the delivery component or through the controller component. The PMC 110can receive from a visitor device e.g. from the delivery component or the remote controller component, a request for data pertaining to the property 154,the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property. PMC 110can obtain data indicative of a delivery component location, in a similar manner described above, e.g. by receiving a location verification indicative that the location identifier device 170is able to communicate with the delivery component using a short-range signal. PMC 110can determine if the delivery component location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, to provide the requested data to the remote controller component. The visitor, i.e. the operator of controller component, can select a user from the provided data, in a manner described above, and send the selection to the PMC 110.PMC 110can receive data indicative of the selected user, and to facilitate communication between the remote controller device and the user device associated with the selected user. Either or both of the user device and the visitor device, including the delivery component, are not permanently attached to the property 154.

It is noted that the teachings of the presently disclosed subject matter are not bound by the flow chart illustrated in Figs. 2and 3,the illustrated operations can occur out of the illustrated order. For example, some or all of operations 210-230,or 310and

Claims (20)

- 27 - CLAIMS:

1. A computerized method for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising:receiving from a visitor device a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property;obtaining data indicative of a visitor device's location;determining if the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, providing the requested data to the visitor device;receiving, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; andfacilitating communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

2. The computerized method of claim 1,wherein obtaining the data indicative of the visitor device's location further comprises:receiving a location verification from a location identifier device located at the property location, the location verification being indicative that the location identifier device is able to communicate with the visitor device using a short-range signal; andbased on the received location verification, determining that the visitor's device location and the property location meet the sufficiently close criterion.

3. The computerized method of claim 1,wherein obtaining data indicative of the visitor device's location, further comprises:receiving a location verification from the visitor device, the location verification being indicative that the visitor device is able to communicate, using a short-range signal, with a location identifier device, located at the property location; andbased on the received location verification, determining that the visitor's device location and the property location meet the sufficiently close criterion. - 28 -

4. The computerized method of any one of the preceding claims ,wherein obtaining data indicative of the visitor device's location, further comprises:receiving data indicative of an identifying code associated with the property from the visitor device, wherein the identifying code is visible at the property location; andbased on the received data indicative of an identifying code, determining that the visitor's device location and the property location meet the sufficiently close criterion.

5. The computerized method any one of the preceding claims ,wherein either or both of the user device and the visitor device are not permanently attached to the property.

6. The computerized method any one of the preceding claims ,wherein facilitating the communication further comprises:establishing a voice and/or a video connection over an HTML website.

7. The computerized method any one of the preceding claims ,further comprising:receiving a confirmation from the user device to unlock a gate in the property, andunlocking the gate.

8. The computerized method any one of the preceding claims ,the method further comprising:receiving from a second visitor device a second request for data pertaining to the property;obtaining data indicative of a second visitor device’s location;determining if the second visitor's device location and the property location meet the sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, providing the requested data to the second visitor device; - 29 - receiving, from the second visitor device, data indicative of a second selected user of the at least one user; andfacilitating a communication between the second visitor device and a second user device associated with the second selected user, wherein the second user device is not permanently attached to the property,wherein the second communication occurs substantially simultaneously to the communication of the visitor device and the user device.

9. A computerized system for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the system comprising a processing and memory circuitry (PMC) configured to:receive from a visitor device a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property;obtain data indicative of a visitor device's location;determine if the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, provide the requested data to the visitor device;receive, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; andfacilitate communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

10. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising:receiving from a visitor device a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property; - 30 - obtaining data indicative of a visitor device's location;determining if the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, providing the requested data to the visitor device;receiving, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; andfacilitating a communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

11. In a visitor device, a computerized method for communicating with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising:sending a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property;in response to a visitor's device location and the property location meeting a sufficiently close criterion, receiving the requested data;selecting a user of the at least one user; andcommunicating with a user device associated with the selected user, wherein the user device is not permanently attached to the property.

12. The computerized method of claim 11,wherein sending the request comprises:inputting an identifying code associated with the property, wherein the identifying code is visible at the property; andsending the request for data with the inputted identifying code, wherein the identifying code is indicative that the visitor's device location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion.

13. The computerized method of claim 11,wherein sending the request further comprises:providing data indicative of a visitor device’s location; and - 31 - in response to the provided visitor device’s location and the property location meeting the sufficiently close criterion, receiving the requested data.

14. The computerized method of claim 13,wherein providing the data indicative of the visitor device’s location further comprises transmitting a location verification from the visitor device, the location verification being indicative that the visitor device is able to communicate, using a short-range signal, with a location identifier device, located at the property location; andbased on the transmitted location verification, determining that the visitor's device location and the property location meet the sufficiently close criterion.

15. The computerized method of claim 14 , where the location verification comprises an ID of the location identifier device.

16. A computerized system in a visitor device, for communicating with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the system comprising a processing and memory circuitry (PMC) configured to:send a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property;in response to a visitor's device location and the property location meeting a sufficiently close criterion, receive the requested data;select a user of the at least one user; andcommunicate with a user device associated with the selected user, wherein the user device is not permanently attached to the property.

17. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform, in a visitor device, a computerized method for communicating with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising: - 32 - sending a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property;in response to a visitor's device location and the property location meeting a sufficiently close criterion, receiving the requested data;selecting a user of the at least one user; andcommunicating with a user device associated with the selected user, wherein the user device is not permanently attached to the property.

18. A computerized method for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising:receiving from a visitor device comprising a delivery component and a remote controller component, a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property;obtaining data indicative of the delivery component location;determining if the delivery component location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, providing the requested data to the visitor device;receiving, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; andfacilitating communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

19. A computerized system for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the system comprising a processing and memory circuitry (PMC) configured to:receive from a visitor device comprising a delivery component and a remote controller component, a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property;obtain data indicative of the delivery component location; - 33 - determine if the delivery component location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, provide the requested data to the visitor device;receive, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; andfacilitate communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.

20. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a computerized method for facilitating communication with a user device of a user associated with a property in a property location, the method comprising:receiving from a visitor device comprising a delivery component and a remote controller component, a request for data pertaining to the property, the requested data including data indicative of at least one user associated with the property;obtaining data indicative of the delivery component location;determining if the delivery component location and the property location meet a sufficiently close criterion, and, if in the affirmative, providing the requested data to the visitor device;receiving, from the visitor device, data indicative of a selected user of the at least one user; andfacilitating communication between the visitor device and a user device associated with the selected user.