Patent ID: 8842180
Filing Date: 2014-09-23
Classification: G08B,H04M,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for using a doorbell system, the method comprising: obtaining a doorbell that comprises a speaker, a microphone, a camera, and an outer housing; connecting the doorbell electrically to an electrical power supply of a building; connecting the doorbell electrically to a sound output device located inside of the building; connecting the doorbell communicatively to a remote computing device; receiving a first alternating current into the doorbell from the power supply of the building; converting at least a first portion of the first alternating current into a first direct current, wherein the converting occurs within the outer housing of the doorbell; using the first direct current to provide a first electrical energy to the camera; draining the first direct current to the sound output device located inside of the building, wherein the first direct current provides a first electrical power that is less than a triggering threshold of the sound output device such that the sound output device does not emit a notification sound in response to the first electrical power, while draining the first direct current to the sound output device such that first direct current provides the first electrical power that is less than the triggering threshold, detecting the presence of a visitor that is located outside of the building to which the doorbell is attached; then after the detecting step, using the doorbell to supply a second electrical power to the sound output device, wherein the second electrical power is greater than the triggering threshold of the sound output device such that the sound output device emits the notification sound in response to the second electrical power; while using the doorbell to supply the second electrical power to the sound output device, initiating a transmission of a notification to the remote computing device to notify a user of the visitor's presence; then after transmitting the notification to the remote computing device, using the doorbell to supply the first electrical power to the sound output device such that the sound output device does not emit a notification sound in response to the first electrical power; and while using the doorbell to supply the first electrical power to the sound output device, continuing to transmit the notification to the remote computing device to notify the user of the visitor's presence.