Patent Publication Number: US-2018035085-A1

Title: Incentivizing activation of audio/video recording and communication devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/368,950, filed on Jul. 29, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present embodiments relate to audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices, including A/V recording and communication doorbells and A/V recording and communication security cameras. In particular, the present embodiments relate to improvements in the functionality of A/V recording and communication devices that strengthen the ability of such devices to reduce crime and enhance public safety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Home security is a concern for many homeowners and renters. Those seeking to protect or monitor their homes often wish to have video and audio communications with visitors, for example, those visiting an external door or entryway. Audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices, such as doorbells and security cameras, provide this functionality, and can also aid in crime detection and prevention. For example, audio and/or video captured by an A/V recording and communication device can be uploaded to the cloud and recorded on a remote server. Subsequent review of the A/V footage can aid law enforcement in capturing perpetrators of home burglaries and other crimes. Further, the presence of one or more A/V recording and communication devices on the exterior of a home, such as a doorbell unit at the entrance to the home, acts as a powerful deterrent against would-be burglars. 
     SUMMARY 
     The various embodiments of the present audio/video recording and communication devices and related methods and systems have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the present embodiments as expressed by the claims that follow, their more prominent features now will be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the present embodiments provide the advantages described herein. 
     One aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization that audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices, such as doorbells, can make neighborhoods safer. For example, audio and/or video captured by an A/V recording and communication device can be uploaded to the cloud and recorded on a remote server. Subsequent review of the A/V footage can aid law enforcement in capturing perpetrators of home burglaries and other crimes. Further, the presence of one or more A/V recording and communication devices on the exterior of a home, such as a doorbell unit at the entrance to the home, acts as a powerful deterrent against would-be burglars. 
     In light of the foregoing aspects of A/V recording and communication devices, it would be advantageous to increase the prevalence of A/V recording and communication devices in communities. One way of increasing the prevalence of A/V recording and communication devices in communities would be to give them away, free of charge, to homeowners, renters, landlords, etc. There is a cost, though, associated with producing A/V recording and communication devices. Thus, manufacturing such devices and simply giving them away is not a sustainable business model. 
     The present embodiments solve the foregoing problem by transferring, free of charge, A/V recording and communication devices to other parties for installation at structures such as homes. The parties to whom the devices are distributed may be people and/or businesses in the construction trade, such as homebuilders, contractors, and/or subcontractors. These parties/persons may then install the devices at structures that they are building, renovating, remodeling, etc. When the devices are distributed and/or installed, they may be in a pre-activation mode in which the devices have limited functionality. For example, if the devices are doorbells, they may be capable of functioning like a traditional doorbell whereby they may sound a signaling device (such as a bell or a buzzer) when the front button on the doorbell is pressed. The camera and/or the recording capabilities of the doorbells, however, may be disabled in the pre-activation mode. The homeowner (or renter or other occupant) may subsequently desire to activate the A/V recording and communication device. During the activation process, the homeowner may be required to submit a payment for the A/V recording and communication device. The manufacturer of the device is thus compensated for the device, and the prevalence of such devices in communities is increased because it may be more likely that a person will activate a device that is already installed in his or her home than it would be for that same person to purchase, install, and activate an A/V recording and communication device on his or her own. 
     In a first aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising transferring, free of charge, an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device to another party for installation at a structure, the A/V recording and communication device being configured to be secured to the structure and including a processor, a camera, and a wireless communication module, the A/V recording and communication device being in a pre-activation mode, receiving an activation request signal, the activation request signal including a request to activate the A/V recording and communication device, in response to receiving the activation request signal, transmitting a request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device, receiving the payment for the A/V recording and communication device, and in response to receiving the payment, transmitting an activation signal to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In an embodiment of the first aspect, the activation request signal is received from the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the activation request signal is received from a client device. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the A/V recording and communication device further comprises a button. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises, in response to the button being pressed, the A/V recording and communication device providing instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the instructions are audible and are provided via a speaker of the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the instructions are written and are provided via an application executing on a client device. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the instructions include information about a discount offer. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the information indicates that the discount offer is a limited-time discount offer. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device operating in a wireless access point mode and broadcasting a wireless network. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises, in response to a client device connecting to the wireless network broadcast by the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device, providing instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a name of the wireless network changing from a first wireless network name to a second wireless network name. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the second wireless network name corresponds to a name of a holiday. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, a name of the wireless network includes a discount offer. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device operating in a discoverable mode according to a short-range wireless protocol. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises, in response to a client device connecting to the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device, providing instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the short-range wireless protocol comprises Bluetooth. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises detecting, at a first time, an identifying characteristic of a person within a field of view of the camera and again detecting, at a second time after the first time, the identifying characteristic of the person within the field of view of the camera. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises, in response to detecting, at the second time after the first time, the identifying characteristic of the person within the field of view of the camera, the A/V recording and communication device providing an announcement via a speaker of the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the announcement encourages the person to activate the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises, prior to receiving the activation request signal, wirelessly transmitting information to the A/V recording and communication device via a cellular network. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the A/V recording and communication device comprises a doorbell. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises, prior to transmitting the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device, receiving a device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises, in response to receiving the device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device, determining a payment amount to be transmitted in the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the first aspect, the payment amount is based on the received device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In a second aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising transferring, free of charge, an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device to another party for installation at a structure, the A/V recording and communication device being configured to be secured to the structure and including a processor, a camera, and a wireless communication module, the A/V recording and communication device being in a pre-activation mode, the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device operating in a wireless access point mode and broadcasting a wireless network, and wirelessly transmitting information to the A/V recording and communication device via a cellular network. 
     In an embodiment of the second aspect, wirelessly transmitting information to the A/V recording and communication device via the cellular network comprises changing a name of the wireless network broadcast by the wireless communication module from a first wireless network name to a second wireless network name. 
     In another embodiment of the second aspect, the second wireless network name corresponds to a name of a holiday. 
     In another embodiment of the second aspect, at least one of the first wireless network name and the second wireless network name includes a discount offer. 
     Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises receiving an activation request signal, the activation request signal including a request to activate the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises, in response to receiving the activation request signal, transmitting a request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises receiving the payment for the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises transmitting an activation signal to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises, prior to transmitting the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device, receiving a device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises, in response to receiving the device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device, determining a payment amount to be transmitted in the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the second aspect, the payment amount is based on the received device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the second aspect, the information wirelessly transmitted to the A/V recording and communication device via the cellular network includes information about an event that occurred within a defined radius of a location of the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the second aspect, the A/V recording and communication device comprises a doorbell. 
     In a third aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising transferring, free of charge, an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device to another party for installation at a structure, the A/V recording and communication device being configured to be secured to the structure and including a processor, a camera, and a wireless communication module, the A/V recording and communication device being in a pre-activation mode, receiving information about a location of the A/V recording and communication device, determining, based on the received location information, a street address corresponding to the received location information, and sending, to the determined street address, written instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In an embodiment of the third aspect, the received location information is received from the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the third aspect, the received location information is received via a cellular network. 
     In another embodiment of the third aspect, the received location information is received from the another party. 
     In another embodiment of the third aspect, the received location information is received via a web portal. 
     Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises receiving an activation request signal, the activation request signal including a request to activate the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises, in response to receiving the activation request signal, transmitting a request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises receiving the payment for the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises transmitting an activation signal to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises, prior to transmitting the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device, receiving a device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises, in response to receiving the device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device, determining a payment amount to be transmitted in the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the third aspect, the payment amount is based on the received device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises wirelessly transmitting information to the A/V recording and communication device via a cellular network. 
     In another embodiment of the third aspect, the information wirelessly transmitted to the A/V recording and communication device via the cellular network includes information about an event that occurred within a defined radius of a location of the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the third aspect, the A/V recording and communication device comprises a doorbell. 
     In a fourth aspect, a method for activating an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device that is in a pre-activation mode is provided, the method comprising transferring, free of charge, the A/V recording and communication device to a third-party for installation at a structure, the A/V recording and communication device being configured to be secured to the structure in a pre-activation mode; receiving information about a location of the A/V recording and communication device; determining, based on the received location information, an address of a user corresponding to the received location information; and sending, to the address of the user, written instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the received location information is received from the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the received location information is received via a cellular network to which the A/V recording and communication device is connected. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the received location information is received from the third-party. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the received location information is received via a web portal. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, in the pre-activation mode, a set of functionalities of the A/V recording and communication device is disabled. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, one functionality in the set of functionalities that is disabled comprises recording video images within a field of view of a camera of the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises receiving an activation request signal, the activation request signal including a request to activate the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the activation request signal is received from a client device of the user. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the activation request signal is received from the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises in response to receiving the activation request signal, transmitting a request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises receiving the payment for the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises transmitting an activation signal to the A/V recording and communication device in response to receiving the payment. 
     Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises, prior to transmitting the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device, receiving a device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device. 
     Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises, in response to receiving the device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device, determining a payment amount to be transmitted in the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device based on the device identifier. 
     Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises wirelessly transmitting information to the A/V recording and communication device via a cellular network when the A/V recording and communication device is in the pre-activation mode. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the information wirelessly transmitted to the A/V recording and communication device via the cellular network includes information about an event that occurred within a defined radius of a location of the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the A/V recording and communication device comprises a doorbell. 
     In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the doorbell comprises a camera, and wherein, in the pre-activation mode, the camera of the doorbell is disabled and the doorbell sends a doorbell signal to a signaling device connected to the doorbell when a doorbell button of the doorbell is pressed. 
     Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises, in response to a client device of the user connecting to a wireless network broadcast by a wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device, providing instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various embodiments of the present audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices and related methods and systems now will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious A/V recording and communication devices and related methods and systems shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts: 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram illustrating a system for streaming and storing A/V content captured by an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating a process for streaming and storing A/V content from an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an A/V recording and communication device according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an A/V recording and communication device according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the A/V recording and communication device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partially exploded front perspective view of the A/V recording and communication device of  FIG. 4  showing the cover removed; 
         FIGS. 7-9  are front perspective views of various internal components of the A/V recording and communication device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a right-side cross-sectional view of the A/V recording and communication device of  FIG. 4  taken through the line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 11-13  are rear perspective views of various internal components of the A/V recording and communication device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a process for transferring and activating an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  are sequence diagrams illustrating processes for activating an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 17-23  are flowcharts illustrating processes for transferring and activating an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  is a functional block diagram of a client device on which the present embodiments may be implemented according to various aspects of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 25  is a functional block diagram of a general-purpose computing system on which the present embodiments may be implemented according to various aspects of present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description describes the present embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, reference numbers label elements of the present embodiments. These reference numbers are reproduced below in connection with the discussion of the corresponding drawing features. 
     The embodiments of the present audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices and related methods and systems are described below with reference to the figures. These figures, and their written descriptions, indicate that certain components of the apparatus are formed integrally, and certain other components are formed as separate pieces. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that components shown and described herein as being formed integrally may in alternative embodiments be formed as separate pieces. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that components shown and described herein as being formed as separate pieces may in alternative embodiments be formed integrally. Further, as used herein the term integral describes a single unitary piece. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the present embodiments include an audio/video (A/V) device  100 , such as a doorbell. While the present disclosure provides numerous examples of methods and systems including A/V recording and communication doorbells, the present embodiments are equally applicable for A/V recording and communication devices other than doorbells. For example, the present embodiments may include one or more A/V recording and communication security cameras instead of, or in addition to, one or more A/V recording and communication doorbells. An example A/V recording and communication security camera may include substantially all of the structure and functionality of the doorbells described herein, but without the front button and related components. 
     The A/V recording and communication device  100  may be located near the entrance to a structure (not shown), such as a dwelling, a business, a storage facility, etc. The A/V recording and communication device  100  includes a camera  102 , a microphone  104 , and a speaker  106 . The camera  102  may comprise, for example, a high definition (HD) video camera, such as one capable of capturing video images at an image display resolution of 1080 p or better. While not shown, the A/V recording and communication device  100  may also include other hardware and/or components, such as a housing, one or more motion sensors (and/or other types of sensors), a button, etc. The A/V recording and communication device  100  may further include similar componentry and/or functionality as the wireless communication doorbells described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015/0022620 (application Ser. No. 14/499,828) and 2015/0022618 (application Ser. No. 14/334,922), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties as if fully set forth. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , the A/V recording and communication device  100  communicates with a user&#39;s home wireless network  110 , which may be for example a Wi-Fi network compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard and/or other wireless communication standard(s). The user&#39;s wireless network  110  is connected to another network  112 , which may comprise, for example, the Internet and/or a public switched telephone network (PSTN). As described below, the A/V recording and communication device  100  may communicate with the user&#39;s client device  114  via the home wireless network  110  and the network  112  (Internet/PSTN). The user&#39;s client device  114  may comprise, for example, a mobile telephone (may also be referred to as a cellular telephone), such as a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or another communication device. The user&#39;s client device  114  comprises a display (not shown) and related components capable of displaying streaming and/or recorded video images. The user&#39;s client device  114  may also comprise a speaker and related components capable of broadcasting streaming and/or recorded audio, and may also comprise a microphone. The A/V recording and communication device  100  may also communicate with one or more remote storage device(s)  116  (may be referred to interchangeably as “cloud storage device(s)”), one or more servers  118 , and/or a backend API (application programming interface)  120  via the home wireless network  110  and the network  112  (Internet/PSTN). While  FIG. 1  illustrates the storage device  116 , the server  118 , and the backend API  120  as components separate from the network  112 , it is to be understood that the storage device  116 , the server  118 , and/or the backend API  120  may be considered to be components of the network  112 . 
     The network  112  may be any wireless network or any wired network, or a combination thereof, configured to operatively couple the above mentioned modules, devices, and systems as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, the network  112  may include one or more of the following: a PSTN (public switched telephone network), the Internet, a local intranet, a PAN (Personal Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), a virtual private network (VPN), a storage area network (SAN), a frame relay connection, an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) connection, a synchronous optical network (SONET) connection, a digital T1, T3, E1 or E3 line, a Digital Data Service (DDS) connection, a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection, an Ethernet connection, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line, a dial-up port such as a V.90, V.34, or V.34bis analog modem connection, a cable modem, an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) connection, or an FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) or CDDI (Copper Distributed Data Interface) connection. Furthermore, communications may also include links to any of a variety of wireless networks, including WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access), and/or OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) cellular phone networks, GPS, CDPD (cellular digital packet data), RIM (Research in Motion, Limited) duplex paging network, Bluetooth radio, or an IEEE 802.11-based radio frequency network. The network can further include or interface with any one or more of the following: RS-232 serial connection, IEEE-1394 (Firewire) connection, Fibre Channel connection, IrDA (infrared) port, SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) connection, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, or other wired or wireless, digital or analog, interface or connection, mesh or Digi® networking. 
     According to one or more aspects of the present embodiments, when a person (may be referred to interchangeably as “visitor”) arrives at the A/V recording and communication device  100 , the A/V recording and communication device  100  detects the visitor&#39;s presence and begins capturing video images within a field of view of the camera  102 . The A/V communication device  100  may also capture audio through the microphone  104 . The A/V recording and communication device  100  may detect the visitor&#39;s presence using a motion sensor, and/or by detecting that the visitor has depressed the button on the A/V recording and communication device  100 . 
     In response to the detection of the visitor, the A/V recording and communication device  100  sends an alert to the user&#39;s client device  114  ( FIG. 1 ) via the user&#39;s home wireless network  110  and the network  112 . The A/V recording and communication device  100  also sends streaming video, and may also send streaming audio, to the user&#39;s client device  114 . If the user answers the alert, two-way audio communication may then occur between the visitor and the user through the A/V recording and communication device  100  and the user&#39;s client device  114 . The user may view the visitor throughout the duration of the call, but the visitor cannot see the user (unless the A/V recording and communication device  100  includes a display, which it may in some embodiments). 
     The video images captured by the camera  102  of the A/V recording and communication device  100  (and the audio captured by the microphone  104 ) may be uploaded to the cloud and recorded on the remote storage device  116  ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the video and/or audio may be recorded on the remote storage device  116  even if the user chooses to ignore the alert sent to his or her client device  114 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , the system may further comprise a backend API  120  including one or more components. A backend API (application programming interface) may comprise, for example, a server (e.g. a real server, or a virtual machine, or a machine running in a cloud infrastructure as a service), or multiple servers networked together, exposing at least one API to client(s) accessing it. These servers may include components such as application servers (e.g. software servers), depending upon what other components are included, such as a caching layer, or database layers, or other components. A backend API may, for example, comprise many such applications, each of which communicate with one another using their public APIs. In some embodiments, the API backend may hold the bulk of the user data and offer the user management capabilities, leaving the clients to have very limited state. 
     The backend API  120  illustrated  FIG. 1  may include one or more APIs. An API is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software and applications. An API expresses a software component in terms of its operations, inputs, outputs, and underlying types, defining functionalities that are independent of their respective implementations, which allows definitions and implementations to vary without compromising the interface. Advantageously, an API may provide a programmer with access to an application&#39;s functionality without the programmer needing to modify the application itself, or even understand how the application works. An API may be for a web-based system, an operating system, or a database system, and it provides facilities to develop applications for that system using a given programming language. In addition to accessing databases or computer hardware like hard disk drives or video cards, an API can ease the work of programming GUI components. For example, an API can facilitate integration of new features into existing applications (a so-called “plug-in API”). An API can also assist otherwise distinct applications with sharing data, which can help to integrate and enhance the functionalities of the applications. 
     The backend API  120  illustrated in  FIG. 1  may further include one or more services (also referred to as network services). A network service is an application that provides data storage, manipulation, presentation, communication, and/or other capability. Network services are often implemented using a client-server architecture based on application-layer network protocols. Each service may be provided by a server component running on one or more computers (such as a dedicated server computer offering multiple services) and accessed via a network by client components running on other devices. However, the client and server components can both be run on the same machine. Clients and servers may have a user interface, and sometimes other hardware associated with them. 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating a process for streaming and storing A/V content from the A/V recording and communication device  100  according to various aspects of the present disclosure. At block B 260 , the A/V recording and communication device  100  detects the visitor&#39;s presence and captures video images within a field of view of the camera  102 . The A/V recording and communication device  100  may also capture audio through the microphone  104 . As described above, the A/V recording and communication device  100  may detect the visitor&#39;s presence by detecting motion using the camera  102  and/or a motion sensor, and/or by detecting that the visitor has pressed a front button of the A/V recording and communication device  100  (if the A/V recording and communication device  100  is a doorbell). Also as described above, the video recording/capture may begin when the visitor is detected, or may begin earlier, as described below. 
     At block B 262 , a communication module of the A/V recording and communication device  100  sends a request, via the user&#39;s wireless network  110  and the network  112 , to a device in the network  112 . For example, the network device to which the request is sent may be a server such as the server  118 . The server  118  may comprise a computer program and/or a machine that waits for requests from other machines or software (clients) and responds to them. A server typically processes data. One purpose of a server is to share data and/or hardware and/or software resources among clients. This architecture is called the client-server model. The clients may run on the same computer or may connect to the server over a network. Examples of computing servers include database servers, file servers, mail servers, print servers, web servers, game servers, and application servers. The term server may be construed broadly to include any computerized process that shares a resource to one or more client processes. In another example, the network device to which the request is sent may be an API such as the backend API  120 , which is described above. 
     In response to the request, at block B 264  the network device may connect the A/V recording and communication device  100  to the user&#39;s client device  114  through the user&#39;s wireless network  110  and the network  112 . At block B 266 , the A/V recording and communication device  100  may record available audio and/or video data using the camera  102 , the microphone  104 , and/or any other device/sensor available. At block B 268 , the audio and/or video data is transmitted (streamed) from the A/V recording and communication device  100  to the user&#39;s client device  114  via the user&#39;s wireless network  110  and the network  112 . At block B 270 , the user may receive a notification on his or her client device  114  with a prompt to either accept or deny the call. 
     At block B 272 , the process determines whether the user has accepted or denied the call. If the user denies the notification, then the process advances to block B 274 , where the audio and/or video data is recorded and stored at a cloud server. The session then ends at block B 276  and the connection between the A/V recording and communication device  100  and the user&#39;s client device  114  is terminated. If, however, the user accepts the notification, then at block B 278  the user communicates with the visitor through the user&#39;s client device  114  while audio and/or video data captured by the camera  102 , the microphone  104 , and/or other devices/sensors is streamed to the user&#39;s client device  114 . At the end of the call, the user may terminate the connection between the user&#39;s client device  114  and the A/V recording and communication device  100  and the session ends at block B 276 . In some embodiments, the audio and/or video data may be recorded and stored at a cloud server (block B 274 ) even if the user accepts the notification and communicates with the visitor through the user&#39;s client device  114 . 
       FIGS. 3-13  illustrate one embodiment of a low-power-consumption A/V recording and communication device  130  according to various aspects of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram illustrating various components of the A/V recording and communication device  130  and their relationships to one another. For example, the A/V recording and communication device  130  includes a pair of terminals  131 ,  132  configured to be connected to a source of external AC (alternating-current) power, such as a household AC power supply  134  (may also be referred to as AC mains). The AC power  134  may have a voltage in the range of 16-24 VAC, for example. The incoming AC power  134  may be converted to DC (direct-current) by an AC/DC rectifier  136 . An output of the AC/DC rectifier  136  may be connected to an input of a DC/DC converter  138 , which may step down the voltage from the output of the AC/DC rectifier  136  from 16-24 VDC to a lower voltage of about 5 VDC, for example. In various embodiments, the output of the DC/DC converter  138  may be in a range of from about 2.5 V to about 7.5 V, for example. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 3 , the output of the DC/DC converter  138  is connected to a power manager  140 , which may comprise an integrated circuit including a processor core, memory, and/or programmable input/output peripherals. In one non-limiting example, the power manager  140  may be an off-the-shelf component, such as the BQ24773 chip manufactured by Texas Instruments. As described in detail below, the power manager  140  controls, among other things, an amount of power drawn from the external power supply  134 , as well as an amount of supplemental power drawn from a battery  142 , to power the A/V recording and communication device  130 . The power manager  140  may, for example, limit the amount of power drawn from the external power supply  134  so that a threshold power draw is not exceeded. In one non-limiting example, the threshold power, as measured at the output of the DC/DC converter  138 , may be equal to 1.4 A. The power manager  140  may also control an amount of power drawn from the external power supply  134  and directed to the battery  142  for recharging of the battery  142 . An output of the power manager  140  is connected to a power sequencer  144 , which controls a sequence of power delivery to other components of the A/V recording and communication device  130 , including a communication module  146 , a front button  148 , a microphone  150 , a speaker driver  151 , a speaker  152 , an audio CODEC (Coder-DECoder)  153 , a camera  154 , an infrared (IR) light source  156 , an IR cut filter  158 , a processor  160  (may also be referred to as a controller  160 ), a plurality of light indicators  162 , and a controller  164  for the light indicators  162 . Each of these components is described in detail below. The power sequencer  144  may comprise an integrated circuit including a processor core, memory, and/or programmable input/output peripherals. In one non-limiting example, the power sequencer  144  may be an off-the-shelf component, such as the RT5024 chip manufactured by Richtek. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 3 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  further comprises an electronic switch  166  that closes when the front button  148  is depressed. When the electronic switch  166  closes, power from the AC power source  134  is diverted through a signaling device  168  that is external to the A/V recording and communication device  130  to cause the signaling device  168  to emit a sound, as further described below. In one non-limiting example, the electronic switch  166  may be a triac device. The A/V recording and communication device  130  further comprises a reset button  170  configured to initiate a hard reset of the processor  160 , as further described below. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 3 , the processor  160  may perform data processing and various other functions, as described below. The processor  160  may comprise an integrated circuit including a processor core, memory  172 , non-volatile memory  174 , and/or programmable input/output peripherals (not shown). The memory  172  may comprise, for example, DDR3 (double data rate type three synchronous dynamic random-access memory). The non-volatile memory  174  may comprise, for example, NAND flash memory. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the memory  172  and the non-volatile memory  174  are illustrated within the box representing the processor  160 . It is to be understood that the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is merely an example, and in some embodiments the memory  172  and/or the non-volatile memory  174  are not necessarily physically incorporated with the processor  160 . The memory  172  and/or the non-volatile memory  174 , regardless of their physical location, may be shared by one or more other components (in addition to the processor  160 ) of the present A/V recording and communication device  130 . 
     The transfer of digital audio between the user and a visitor may be compressed and decompressed using the audio CODEC  153 , which is operatively coupled to the processor  160 . When the visitor speaks, audio from the visitor is compressed by the audio CODEC  153 , digital audio data is sent through the communication module  146  to the network  112  via the user&#39;s wireless network  110 , routed by the server  118  and delivered to the user&#39;s client device  114 . When the user speaks, after being transferred through the network  112 , the user&#39;s wireless network  110 , and the communication module  146 , the digital audio data is decompressed by the audio CODEC  153  and emitted to the visitor through the speaker  152 , which is driven by the speaker driver  151 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 3 , some of the present embodiments may include a shunt  176  connected in parallel with the signaling device  168 . The shunt  176  facilitates the ability of the A/V recording and communication device  130  to draw power from the AC power source  134  without inadvertently triggering the signaling device  168 . The shunt  176 , during normal standby operation, presents a relatively low electrical impedance, such as a few ohms, across the terminals of the signaling device  168 . Most of the current drawn by the A/V recording and communication device  130 , therefore, flows through the shunt  176 , and not through the signaling device  168 . The shunt  176 , however, contains electronic circuitry (described below) that switches the shunt  176  between a state of low impedance, such as a few ohms, for example, and a state of high impedance, such as &gt;1K ohms, for example. When the front button  148  of the A/V recording and communication device  130  is pressed, the electronic switch  166  closes, causing the voltage from the AC power source  134  to be impressed mostly across the shunt  176  and the signaling device  168  in parallel, while a small amount of voltage, such as about 1V, is impressed across the electronic switch  166 . The circuitry in the shunt  176  senses this voltage, and switches the shunt  176  to the high impedance state, so that power from the AC power source  134  is diverted through the signaling device  168 . The diverted AC power  134  is above the threshold necessary to cause the signaling device  168  to emit a sound. Pressing the front button  148  of the device  130  therefore causes the signaling device  168  to sound, alerting any person(s) within the structure to which the device  130  is mounted that there is a visitor at the front door (or at another location corresponding to the location of the device  130 ). In one non-limiting example, the electronic switch  166  may be a triac device. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  further comprises a housing  178  having an enclosure  180  ( FIG. 6 ), a back plate  182  secured to the rear of the enclosure  180 , and a shell  184  overlying the enclosure  180 . With reference to  FIG. 6 , the shell  184  includes a recess  186  that is sized and shaped to receive the enclosure  180  in a close-fitting engagement, such that outer surfaces of the enclosure  180  abut conforming inner surfaces of the shell  184 . Exterior dimensions of the enclosure  180  may be closely matched with interior dimensions of the shell  184  such that friction maintains the shell  184  about the enclosure  180 . Alternatively, or in addition, the enclosure  180  and/or the shell  184  may include mating features  188 , such as one or more tabs, grooves, slots, posts, etc. to assist in maintaining the shell  184  about the enclosure  180 . The back plate  182  is sized and shaped such that the edges of the back plate  182  extend outward from the edges of the enclosure  180 , thereby creating a lip  190  against which the shell  184  abuts when the shell  184  is mated with the enclosure  180 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In some embodiments, multiple shells  184  in different colors may be provided so that the end user may customize the appearance of his or her A/V recording and communication device  130 . For example, the A/V recording and communication device  130  may be packaged and sold with multiple shells  184  in different colors in the same package. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , a front surface of the A/V recording and communication device  130  includes the button  148  (may also be referred to as front button  148 ,  FIG. 3 ), which is operatively connected to the processor  160 . In a process similar to that described above with reference to  FIG. 2 , when a visitor presses the front button  148 , an alert may be sent to the user&#39;s client device to notify the user that someone is at his or her front door (or at another location corresponding to the location of the A/V recording and communication device  130 ). With further reference to  FIG. 4 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  further includes the camera  154 , which is operatively connected to the processor  160 , and which is located behind a shield  192 . As described in detail below, the camera  154  is configured to capture video images from within its field of view. Those video images can be streamed to the user&#39;s client device and/or uploaded to a remote network device for later viewing according to a process similar to that described above with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , a pair of terminal screws  194  extends through the back plate  182 . The terminal screws  194  are connected at their inner ends to the terminals  131 ,  132  ( FIG. 3 ) within the A/V recording and communication device  130 . The terminal screws  194  are configured to receive electrical wires to connect to the A/V recording and communication device  130 , through the terminals  131 ,  132 , to the household AC power supply  134  of the structure on which the A/V recording and communication device  130  is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal screws  194  are located within a recessed portion  196  of the rear surface  198  of the back plate  182  so that the terminal screws  194  do not protrude from the outer envelope of the A/V recording and communication device  130 . The A/V recording and communication device  130  can thus be mounted to a mounting surface with the rear surface  198  of the back plate  182  abutting the mounting surface. The back plate  182  includes apertures  200  adjacent its upper and lower edges to accommodate mounting hardware, such as screws (not shown), for securing the back plate  182  (and thus the A/V recording and communication device  130 ) to the mounting surface. With reference to  FIG. 6 , the enclosure  180  includes corresponding apertures  202  adjacent its upper and lower edges that align with the apertures  200  in the back plate  182  to accommodate the mounting hardware. In certain embodiments, the A/V recording and communication device  130  may include a mounting plate or bracket (not shown) to facilitate securing the A/V recording and communication device  130  to the mounting surface. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 6 , the shell  184  includes a central opening  204  in a front surface. The central opening  204  is sized and shaped to accommodate the shield  192 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shield  192  is substantially rectangular, and includes a central opening  206  through which the front button  148  protrudes. The shield  192  defines a plane parallel to and in front of a front surface  208  of the enclosure  180 . When the shell  184  is mated with the enclosure  180 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 10 , the shield  192  resides within the central opening  204  of the shell  184  such that a front surface  210  of the shield  192  is substantially flush with a front surface  212  of the shell  184  and there is little or no gap ( FIG. 4 ) between the outer edges of the shield  192  and the inner edges of the central opening  204  in the shell  184 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 6 , the shield  192  includes an upper portion  214  (located above and to the sides of the front button  148 ) and a lower portion  216  (located below and to the sides of the front button  148 ). The upper and lower portions  214 ,  216  of the shield  192  may be separate pieces, and may comprise different materials. The upper portion  214  of the shield  192  may be transparent or translucent so that it does not interfere with the field of view of the camera  154 . For example, in certain embodiments the upper portion  214  of the shield  192  may comprise glass or plastic. As described in detail below, the microphone  150 , which is operatively connected to the processor  160 , is located behind the upper portion  214  of the shield  192 . The upper portion  214 , therefore, may include an opening  218  that facilitates the passage of sound through the shield  192  so that the microphone  150  is better able to pick up sounds from the area around the A/V recording and communication device  130 . 
     The lower portion  216  of the shield  192  may comprise a material that is substantially transparent to infrared (IR) light, but partially or mostly opaque with respect to light in the visible spectrum. For example, in certain embodiments the lower portion  216  of the shield  192  may comprise a plastic, such as polycarbonate. The lower portion  216  of the shield  192 , therefore, does not interfere with transmission of IR light from the IR light source  156 , which is located behind the lower portion  216 . As described in detail below, the IR light source  156  and the IR cut filter  158 , which are both operatively connected to the processor  160 , facilitate “night vision” functionality of the camera  154 . 
     The upper portion  214  and/or the lower portion  216  of the shield  192  may abut an underlying cover  220  ( FIG. 10 ), which may be integral with the enclosure  180  or may be a separate piece. The cover  220 , which may be opaque, may include a first opening  222  corresponding to the location of the camera  154 , a second opening (not shown) corresponding to the location of the microphone  150  and the opening  218  in the upper portion  214  of the shield  192 , and a third opening (not shown) corresponding to the location of the IR light source  156 . 
       FIGS. 7-10  illustrate various internal components of the A/V recording and communication device  130 .  FIGS. 7-9  are front perspective views of the device  130  with the shell  184  and the enclosure  180  removed, while  FIG. 10  is a right-side cross-sectional view of the device  130  taken through the line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 4 . With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  further comprises a main printed circuit board (PCB)  224  and a front PCB  226 . With reference to  FIG. 8 , the front PCB  226  comprises a button actuator  228 . With reference to  FIGS. 7, 8, and 10 , the front button  148  is located in front of the button actuator  228 . The front button  148  includes a stem  230  ( FIG. 10 ) that extends into the housing  178  to contact the button actuator  228 . When the front button  148  is pressed, the stem  230  depresses the button actuator  228 , thereby closing the electronic switch  166  ( FIG. 8 ), as described below. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , the front PCB  226  further comprises the light indicators  162 , which may illuminate when the front button  148  of the device  130  is pressed. In the illustrated embodiment, the light indicators  162  comprise light-emitting diodes (LEDs  162 ) that are surface mounted to the front surface of the front PCB  226  and are arranged in a circle around the button actuator  228 . The present embodiments are not limited to the light indicators  162  being LEDs, and in alternative embodiments the light indicators  162  may comprise any other type of light-emitting device. The present embodiments are also not limited by the number of light indicators  162  shown in  FIG. 8 , nor by the pattern in which they are arranged. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the device  130  further comprises a light pipe  232 . The light pipe  232  is a transparent or translucent ring that encircles the front button  148 . With reference to  FIG. 4 , the light pipe  232  resides in an annular space between the front button  148  and the central opening  206  in the shield  192 , with a front surface  234  of the light pipe  232  being substantially flush with the front surface  210  of the shield  192 . With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , a rear portion of light pipe  232  includes a plurality of posts  236  whose positions correspond to the positions of the LEDs  162 . When the LEDs  162  are illuminated, light is transmitted through the posts  236  and the body of the light pipe  232  so that the light is visible at the front surface  234  of the light pipe  232 . The LEDs  162  and the light pipe  232  thus provide a ring of illumination around the front button  148 . The light pipe  232  may comprise a plastic, for example, or any other suitable material capable of transmitting light. 
     The LEDs  162  and the light pipe  232  may function as visual indicators for a visitor and/or a user. For example, the LEDs  162  may illuminate upon activation or stay illuminated continuously. In one aspect, the LEDs  162  may change color to indicate that the front button  148  has been pressed. The LEDs  162  may also indicate that the battery  142  needs recharging, or that the battery  142  is currently being charged, or that charging of the battery  142  has been completed. The LEDs  162  may indicate that a connection to the user&#39;s wireless network is good, limited, poor, or not connected. The LEDs  162  may be used to guide the user through setup or installation steps using visual cues, potentially coupled with audio cues emitted from the speaker  152 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 7 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  further comprises a rechargeable battery  142 . As described in further detail below, the A/V recording and communication device  130  is connected to an external power source  134  ( FIG. 3 ), such as AC mains. The A/V recording and communication device  130  is primarily powered by the external power source  134 , but may also draw power from the rechargeable battery  142  so as not to exceed a threshold amount of power from the external power source  134 , to thereby avoid inadvertently sounding the signaling device  168 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , the battery  142  is operatively connected to the power manager  140 . As described below, the power manager  140  controls an amount of power drawn from the battery  142  to supplement the power drawn from the external AC power source  134  to power the A/V recording and communication device  130  when supplemental power is needed. The power manager  140  also controls recharging of the battery  142  using power drawn from the external power source  134 . The battery  142  may comprise, for example, a lithium-ion battery, or any other type of rechargeable battery. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 7 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  further comprises the camera  154 . The camera  154  is coupled to a front surface of the front PCB  226 , and includes a lens  238  and an imaging processor  240  ( FIG. 9 ). The camera lens  238  may be a lens capable of focusing light into the camera  154  so that clear images may be captured. The camera  154  may comprise, for example, a high definition (HD) video camera, such as one capable of capturing video images at an image display resolution of 720 p or better. In certain of the present embodiments, the camera  154  may be used to detect motion within its field of view, as described below. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 7 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  further comprises an infrared (IR) light source  242 . In the illustrated embodiment, the IR light source  242  comprises an IR light-emitting diode (LED)  242  coupled to an IR LED printed circuit board (PCB)  244 . In alternative embodiments, the IR LED  242  may not comprise a separate PCB  244 , and may, for example, be coupled to the front PCB  226 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , the IR LED PCB  244  is located below the front button  148  ( FIG. 7 ) and behind the lower portion  216  of the shield  192  ( FIG. 10 ). As described above, the lower portion  216  of the shield  192  is transparent to IR light, but may be opaque with respect to light in the visible spectrum. In alternative embodiments of the IR LED PCB  244 , the IR LED PCB  244  may include more than one IR LED  242 . For example, the IR LED PCB  244  may include three IR LEDs  242 , or any other number of IR LEDs  242 . In embodiments including more than one IR LED  242 , the size of the third opening in the cover may be increased to accommodate the larger size of the IR LED PCB  244 . 
     The IR LED  242  may be triggered to activate when a low level of ambient light is detected. When activated, IR light emitted from the IR LED  242  illuminates the camera  154 &#39;s field of view. The camera  154 , which may be configured to detect IR light, may then capture the IR light emitted by the IR LED  242  as it reflects off objects within the camera  154 &#39;s field of view, so that the A/V recording and communication device  130  can clearly capture images at night (may be referred to as “night vision”). 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  further comprises an IR cut filter  158 . The IR cut filter  158  is a mechanical shutter that can be selectively positioned between the lens  238  and the image sensor of the camera  154 . During daylight hours, or whenever there is a sufficient amount of ambient light, the IR cut filter  158  is positioned between the lens  238  and the image sensor to filter out IR light so that it does not distort the colors of images as the human eye sees them. During nighttime hours, or whenever there is little to no ambient light, the IR cut filter  158  is withdrawn from the space between the lens  238  and the image sensor, so that the camera  154  is sensitive to IR light (“night vision”). In some embodiments, the camera  154  acts as a light detector for use in controlling the current state of the IR cut filter  158  and turning the IR LED  242  on and off. Using the camera  154  as a light detector is facilitated in some embodiments by the fact that the A/V recording and communication device  130  is powered by a connection to AC mains, and the camera  154 , therefore, is always powered on. In other embodiments, however, the A/V recording and communication device  130  may include a light sensor separate from the camera  154  for use in controlling the IR cut filter  158  and the IR LED  242 . 
     With reference back to  FIG. 6 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  further comprises a reset button  170 . The reset button  170  contacts a reset button actuator  246  ( FIG. 8 ) coupled to the front PCB  226 . When the reset button  170  is pressed, it may contact the reset button actuator  246 , which may trigger the erasing of any data stored at the non-volatile memory  174  and/or at the memory  172  ( FIG. 3 ), and/or may trigger a reboot of the processor  160 . In some embodiments, the reset button  170  may also be used in a process to activate the A/V recording and communication device  130 , as described below. 
       FIGS. 11-13  further illustrate internal components of the A/V recording and communication device  130 .  FIGS. 11-13  are rear perspective views of the device  130  with the back plate  182  and additional components removed. For example, in  FIG. 11  the back plate  182  is removed, while in  FIG. 12  the back plate  182  and the main PCB  224  are removed, and in  FIG. 13  the back plate  182 , the main PCB  224 , and the front PCB  226  are removed. With reference to  FIG. 11 , several components are coupled to the rear surface of the main PCB  224 , including the communication module  146 , the processor  160 , memory  172 , and non-volatile memory  174 . The functions of each of these components are described below. With reference to  FIG. 12 , several components are coupled to the rear surface of the front PCB  226 , including the power manager  140 , the power sequencer  144 , the AC/DC rectifier  136 , the DC/DC converter  138 , and the controller  164  for the light indicators  162 . The functions of each of these components are also described below. With reference to  FIG. 13 , several components are visible within the enclosure  180 , including the microphone  150 , a speaker chamber  248  (in which the speaker  152  is located), and an antenna  250  for the communication module  146 . The functions of each of these components are also described below. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the antenna  250  is coupled to the front surface of the main PCB  224  and operatively connected to the communication module  146 , which is coupled to the rear surface of the main PCB  224  ( FIG. 11 ). The microphone  150 , which may also be coupled to the front surface of the main PCB  224 , is located near the opening  218  ( FIG. 4 ) in the upper portion  214  of the shield  192  so that sounds emanating from the area around the A/V recording and communication device  130  can pass through the opening  218  and be detected by the microphone  150 . With reference to  FIG. 13 , the speaker chamber  248  is located near the bottom of the enclosure  180 . The speaker chamber  248  comprises a hollow enclosure in which the speaker  152  is located. The hollow speaker chamber  248  amplifies the sounds made by the speaker  152  so that they can be better heard by a visitor in the area near the A/V recording and communication device  130 . With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 13 , the lower surface  252  of the shell  184  and the lower surface (not shown) of the enclosure  180  may include an acoustical opening  254  through which the sounds made by the speaker  152  can pass so that they can be better heard by a visitor in the area near the A/V recording and communication device  130 . In the illustrated embodiment, the acoustical opening  254  is shaped generally as a rectangle having a length extending substantially across the lower surface  252  of the shell  184  (and also the enclosure  180 ). The illustrated shape is, however, just one example. With reference to  FIG. 5 , the lower surface  252  of the shell  184  may further include an opening  256  for receiving a security screw (not shown). The security screw may extend through the opening  256  and into a similarly located opening in the enclosure  180  to secure the shell  184  to the enclosure  180 . If the device  130  is mounted to a mounting bracket (not shown), the security screw may also maintain the device  130  on the mounting bracket. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  may further include a battery heater  258 . The present A/V recording and communication device  130  is configured for outdoor use, including in cold climates. Cold temperatures, however, can cause negative performance issues for rechargeable batteries, such as reduced energy capacity, increased internal resistance, reduced ability to charge without damage, and reduced ability to supply load current. The battery heater  258  helps to keep the rechargeable battery  142  warm in order to reduce or eliminate the foregoing negative performance issues. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery heater  258  comprises a substantially flat, thin sheet abutting a side surface of the rechargeable battery  142 . The battery heater  258  may comprise, for example, an electrically resistive heating element that produces heat when electrical current is passed through it. The battery heater  258  may thus be operatively coupled to the power manager  140  and/or the power sequencer  144  ( FIG. 12 ). In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery  142  may include a thermally sensitive resistor (“thermistor,” not shown) operatively connected to the processor  160  so that the battery  142 &#39;s temperature can be monitored and the amount of power supplied to the battery heater  258  can be adaptively controlled to keep the rechargeable battery  142  within a desired temperature range. 
     As discussed above, the present disclosure provides numerous examples of methods and systems including A/V recording and communication doorbells, but the present embodiments are equally applicable for A/V recording and communication devices other than doorbells. For example, the present embodiments may include one or more A/V recording and communication security cameras instead of, or in addition to, one or more A/V recording and communication doorbells. An example A/V recording and communication security camera may include substantially all of the structure and functionality of the device  130 , but without the front button  148 , the button actuator  228 , and/or the light pipe  232 . 
     The present disclosure also provides numerous examples of methods and systems including A/V recording and communication devices that are powered by a connection to AC mains, but the present embodiments are equally applicable for A/V recording and communication devices that are battery powered. For example, the present embodiments may include an A/V recording and communication device such as those described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015/0022620 (application Ser. No. 14/499,828) and 2015/0022618 (application Ser. No. 14/334,922), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties as if fully set forth. 
     One aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization that audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices, such as doorbells, can make neighborhoods safer. For example, audio and/or video captured by an A/V recording and communication device can be uploaded to the cloud and recorded on a remote server. Subsequent review of the A/V footage can aid law enforcement in capturing perpetrators of home burglaries and other crimes. Further, the presence of one or more A/V recording and communication devices on the exterior of a home, such as a doorbell unit at the entrance to the home, acts as a powerful deterrent against would-be burglars. 
     In light of the foregoing aspects of A/V recording and communication devices, it would be advantageous to increase the prevalence of A/V recording and communication devices in communities. One way of increasing the prevalence of A/V recording and communication devices in communities would be to give them away, free of charge, to homeowners, renters, landlords, etc. There is a cost, though, associated with producing A/V recording and communication devices. Thus, manufacturing such devices and simply giving them away is not a sustainable business model. 
     The present embodiments solve the foregoing problem by transferring, free of charge, A/V recording and communication devices to other parties for installation at structures such as homes. The parties to whom the devices are distributed may be people and/or businesses in the construction trade, such as homebuilders, contractors, and/or subcontractors. These parties/persons may then install the devices at structures that they are building, renovating, remodeling, etc. When the devices are distributed and/or installed, they may be in a pre-activation mode in which the devices have limited functionality. For example, if the devices are doorbells, they may be capable of functioning like a traditional doorbell whereby they may sound a signaling device (such as a bell or buzzer) when the front button on the doorbell is pressed. The camera and/or the recording capabilities of the doorbells, however, may be disabled in the pre-activation mode. The homeowner (or renter or other occupant) may subsequently desire to activate the A/V recording and communication device. During the activation process, the homeowner may be required to submit a payment for the A/V recording and communication device. The manufacturer of the device is thus compensated for the device, and the prevalence of such devices in communities is increased because it may be more likely that a person will activate a device that is already installed in his or her home than it would be for that same person to purchase, install, and activate an A/V recording and communication device on his or her own. In at least some of the present embodiments, even if the A/V recording and communication device is never activated (e.g. the homeowner never submits a payment for the A/V recording and communication device) the A/V recording and communication device may still function indefinitely in the pre-activation mode (e.g. the A/V recording and communication device may function like a traditional doorbell and sound a signaling device). 
       FIGS. 14-23  illustrate example embodiments of methods relating to A/V recording and communication devices according to various aspects of the present disclosure. For example, with reference to  FIG. 14 , at block B 300 , an example method comprises transferring, free of charge, an A/V recording and communication device to another party for installation at a structure. The A/V recording and communication device is configured to be secured to the structure, and may include a processor, a camera, and a wireless communication module (and may include other components). The A/V recording and communication device may be in a pre-activation mode when it is transferred and/or installed. In the pre-activation mode, the A/V recording and communication device may have limited functionality. For example, if the A/V recording and communication device is a doorbell, such as the A/V recording and communication device  130  of  FIGS. 3-13 , the device  130  in the pre-activation mode may be capable of functioning like a traditional doorbell. Thus, for example, the device  130  may be connected to a signaling device  168  (such as a bell or buzzer) and may sound the signaling device  168  when the front button  148  is pressed. However, the camera  154  may be disabled in the pre-activation mode, such that the device  130  cannot record video images. In other embodiments, in the pre-activation mode the camera  154  may not be disabled, but its functionality may be inaccessible to the user. For example, the camera  154  may be able to record video images, and the recorded video images may be transmitted by the wireless communication module  146  to one or more network devices (such as the server  118  and/or the backend API  120 ), but the user (such as the homeowner) may not be able to view the recorded video images. 
     At block B 302 , the example method further comprises receiving an activation request signal including a request to activate the A/V recording and communication device. With reference to  FIG. 1 , the activation request signal may be received by a network device, such as the server  118  and/or the backend API  120 . In some embodiments, the activation request signal may be received from the A/V recording and communication device  100 / 130 , and in other embodiments the activation request signal may be received from the client device  114 . For example, a user may download an application to his or her client device  114 , which may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or another computing device. The application may facilitate the process of activating the A/V recording and communication device by providing user prompts to provide certain information and/or to perform certain steps. With reference to  FIG. 1 , during the process of activating the A/V recording and communication device  100 , the client device  114  may be connected to the user&#39;s wireless network  110  and/or to a network broadcast by the A/V recording and communication device  100 . 
     At block B 304 , the example method further comprises, in response to receiving the activation request signal, transmitting a request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device. The request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device may be transmitted to the client device  114 , for example, and/or to the A/V recording and communication device. At block B 306 , the example method further comprises receiving the payment for the A/V recording and communication device. The payment may be received from the client device  114 , for example. At block B 308 , the example method further comprises, in response to receiving the payment, transmitting an activation signal to the A/V recording and communication device. The activation signal may activate or enable any components and/or features of the A/V recording and communication device that were disabled in the pre-activation mode. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  are sequence diagrams illustrating processes for activating an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As described above with reference to  FIG. 14 , an activation process may comprise receiving an activation request signal, transmitting a request for payment, receiving the payment, and transmitting an activation signal. With reference to  FIG. 15 , these aspects may be performed in connection with the A/V recording and communication device  130  and one or more network devices, such as the server  118  and/or the backend API  120 . For example, the activation request signal  301  may be received by the network device(s)  118 / 120  from the A/V recording and communication device  130 , the request for payment  303  may be transmitted by the network device(s)  118 / 120  to the A/V recording and communication device  130 , the payment  305  may be received by the network device(s)  118 / 120  from the A/V recording and communication device  130 , and the activation signal  307  may be transmitted by the network device(s)  118 / 120  to the A/V recording and communication device  130 . 
     Alternatively, with reference to  FIG. 16 , the foregoing aspects may be performed in connection with the client device  114  and one or more network devices, such as the server  118  and/or the backend API  120 . For example, the activation request signal  311  may be received by the network device(s)  118 / 120  from the client device  114 , the request for payment  313  may be transmitted by the network device(s)  118 / 120  to the client device  114 , the payment  315  may be received by the network device(s)  118 / 120  from the client device  114 , and the activation signal  317  may be transmitted by the network device(s)  118 / 120  to the client device  114 . 
     In other embodiments, the foregoing aspects may be performed in connection with a combination of the client device  114 , the A/V recording and communication device  130 , and one or more network devices, such as the server  118  and/or the backend API  120 . For example, the activation request signal  311  may be received by the network device(s)  118 / 120  from the client device  114 , the request for payment  313  may be transmitted by the network device(s)  118 / 120  to the client device  114 , the payment  315  may be received by the network device(s)  118 / 120  from the client device  114 , and the activation signal  307  may be transmitted by the network device(s)  118 / 120  to the A/V recording and communication device  130 . 
     As described above, the A/V recording and communication device may include a button that may be used in a process for activating the A/V recording and communication device. For example, with reference to  FIG. 6 , the A/V recording and communication device  130  includes a button  170 . In some embodiments, and with reference to  FIG. 17 , when the button  170  is pressed, the A/V recording and communication device may provide instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device, as shown at block B 312 . In one example, the instructions may be audible and may be provided via the speaker  152  of the A/V recording and communication device  130 . In another example, the instructions may be written and may be provided via the application executing on the client device  114 . In some embodiments, the instructions may include information about a discount offered on the cost of the A/V recording and communication device. In some embodiments, the information may indicate that the discount offer is a limited-time discount offer. With reference to  FIG. 17 , after the instructions are provided at block B 312 , in some embodiments the process may continue at block B 302  et seq. of  FIG. 14 . In other embodiments, the process may not continue at block B 302  et seq. of  FIG. 14 . The process of  FIG. 17  may also comprise transferring, free of charge, an A/V recording and communication device to another party for installation at a structure, as shown at block B 310 . 
     In some embodiments, prior to the A/V recording and communication device being activated, the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device may operate in a wireless access point mode and broadcast a wireless network. If a client device connects to the wireless network broadcast by the wireless communication module, then in response to the client device connecting to the wireless network broadcast by the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device, some embodiments may provide instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device. The instructions may be provided via the A/V recording and communication device, such as via the speaker  152 , and/or via the client device  114 , such as via an application executing on the client device  114 . 
     For example,  FIG. 18  illustrates a process for transferring and activating an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure. At block B 320 , an example method comprises transferring, free of charge, an A/V recording and communication device to another party for installation at a structure. The A/V recording and communication device is configured to be secured to the structure, and may include a processor, a camera, and a wireless communication module (and may include other components). The A/V recording and communication device may be in a pre-activation mode when it is transferred and/or installed. At block B 322 , the wireless communication module  146  of the A/V recording and communication device  130  may operate in a wireless access point mode and broadcast a wireless network. At block B 324 , a client device  114  may connect to the wireless network broadcast by the wireless communication module  146 . At block B 326 , instructions may be provided for activating the A/V recording and communication device  130 . 
     When the A/V recording and communication device is operating in a wireless access point mode and broadcasting a wireless network, the wireless network may have a network name. In some embodiments, the network name may provide information about purchasing and/or activating the A/V recording and communication device. For example, the network name may indicate a discount offer on the cost of the A/V recording and communication device. The discount offer may coincide with a holiday, and the network name may correspond to the name of the holiday in conjunction with which the discount is offered. For example, on or around Mother&#39;s Day the network name may indicate a Mother&#39;s Day discount offer. An example network name may be “Mother&#39;s Day Special Offer on Activation of this A/V Recording and Communication Device.” 
     In some embodiments, the name of the wireless network may be changed remotely, such as via a signal sent over a cellular network. With reference to  FIG. 3 , the communication module  146  of the A/V recording and communication device  130  may be capable of sending and/or receiving signals sent over a cellular network even before the A/V recording and communication device  130  has been activated. Thus, information may be sent to the A/V recording and communication device  130  (and/or received from the A/V recording and communication device  130 ) before the A/V recording and communication device  130  has been activated. 
     For example, with reference to  FIG. 19 , at block B 330  an A/V recording and communication device may be transferred, free of charge, to another party for installation at a structure. The A/V recording and communication device is configured to be secured to the structure, and may include a processor, a camera, and a wireless communication module (and may include other components). The A/V recording and communication device may be in a pre-activation mode when it is transferred and/or installed. At block B 332 , prior to receiving an activation request signal, information may be wirelessly transmitted to the A/V recording and communication device  130  via a cellular network. Thus, in some embodiments, the name of the wireless network broadcast by the communication module  146  may be changed remotely from a first wireless network name to a second wireless network name. One or both of the first wireless network name and the second wireless network name may indicate a discount offer on the cost of the A/V recording and communication device, and the discount offer may indicate that the discount is being offered for a limited time, such as in conjunction with a holiday. 
     In some alternative embodiments, prior to the A/V recording and communication device being activated, the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device may operate in a discoverable mode according to a short-range wireless protocol. For example, the short-range wireless protocol may comprise Bluetooth or another protocol. If a client device connects to the wireless communication module when it is operating in a discoverable mode according to a short-range wireless protocol, then in response to the client device connecting to the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device, some embodiments may provide instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device. The instructions may be provided via the A/V recording and communication device, such as via the speaker  152 , and/or via the client device  114 , such as via an application executing on the client device  114 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another process for transferring and activating an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure. At block B 340  an A/V recording and communication device may be transferred, free of charge, to another party for installation at a structure. The A/V recording and communication device is configured to be secured to the structure, and may include a processor, a camera, and a wireless communication module (and may include other components). The A/V recording and communication device may be in a pre-activation mode when it is transferred and/or installed. At block B 342 , an identifying characteristic of a person is detected, at a first time, within a field of view of the camera. At block B 344 , the identifying characteristic of the person is again detected, at a second time after the first time, within the field of view of the camera. At block B 346 , in response to the detecting, at the second time after the first time, the identifying characteristic of the person within the field of view of the camera, the A/V recording and communication device provides an announcement via a speaker of the A/V recording and communication device. For example, the announcement may encourage the person to activate the A/V recording and communication device. 
     In the process of  FIG. 20 , and in related processes, the detected identifying characteristic of the person may be any characteristic, such as one or more facial characteristics, the color and/or type of clothing worn by the person, whether or not the person is wearing glasses or any type of headwear, etc. The identifying characteristics may be detected from video images captured by the camera  154 . Video images may be analyzed locally at the A/V recording and communication device  130 , such as by the processor  160 . Alternatively, or in addition, video images may be transmitted to one or more network devices, such as the server  118  and/or the backend API  120 , to be analyzed. A process of analyzing video images may comprise comparing information from video images captured at a first time with information from video images captured at a second time to determine the likelihood that the person depicted in the video images captured at the first time is the same person depicted in the video images captured at the second time. If it is likely that the person depicted in the video images captured at the first time is the same person depicted in the video images captured at the second time, then the A/V recording and communication device may provide the announcement described above. When it is likely that the person depicted in the video images captured at the first time is the same person depicted in the video images captured at the second time, then that person may be the homeowner (or renter or other occupant), and therefore may be receptive to the announcement from the A/V recording and communication device, which announcement may be designed to encourage the person to activate the A/V recording and communication device. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates another process for transferring and activating an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure. At block B 350 , a device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device may be received prior to transmitting the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device. At block B 352 , in response to receiving the device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device, the process may determine a payment amount to be transmitted in the request for payment for the A/V recording and communication device. In some embodiments, the payment amount requested may be based on the received device identifier corresponding to the A/V recording and communication device. For example, the received device identifier may be used to determine where the A/V recording and communication device was installed and/or who installed the A/V recording and communication device, and that information may be used to determine the payment amount. In some embodiments, the process illustrated in  FIG. 21  may occur together with the process illustrated in  FIG. 14 , with block B 350  occurring after block B 302  and block B 304  occurring after block B 352 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates another process for transferring and activating an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure. At block B 360 , the process comprises transferring, free of charge, an A/V recording and communication device to another party for installation at a structure. The A/V recording and communication device is configured to be secured to the structure, and may include a processor, a camera, and a wireless communication module (and may include other components). The A/V recording and communication device may be in a pre-activation mode when it is transferred and/or installed. At block B 362 , the process further comprises the wireless communication module of the A/V recording and communication device operating in a wireless access point mode and broadcasting a wireless network. At block B 362 , the process further comprises wirelessly transmitting information to the A/V recording and communication device via a cellular network. 
     For example, with reference to  FIG. 1 , the A/V recording and communication device  100 / 130  may connect directly to the network  112  (without connecting to the user&#39;s wireless network  110 ) even before the A/V recording and communication device  100 / 130  has been activated. As described above, the network  112  may include a cellular network. To enable connection directly to the network  112 , the communication module  146  of the A/V recording and communication device  130  may be capable of sending and/or receiving signals sent over a cellular network. Thus, information may be sent to the A/V recording and communication device  130  (and/or received from the A/V recording and communication device  130 ) even before the A/V recording and communication device  130  has been activated. 
     In some embodiments, the information wirelessly transmitted to the A/V recording and communication device via the cellular network may include information about an event that occurred within a defined radius of a location of the A/V recording and communication device. For example, the A/V recording and communication device (first device) may be located in or around the same community as another A/V recording and communication device (second device). The second A/V recording and communication device may be in an activated mode (e.g. not in a pre-activation mode in which one or more components is disabled or inaccessible to the user). The camera of the second A/V recording and communication device may record video images of an event, such as a crime, that may be of interest to the homeowner (or renter or other occupant) at the location of the first A/V recording and communication device, which may still be in a pre-activation mode. Thus, information about the event captured by the second A/V recording and communication device may be sent to the first A/V recording and communication device. The information may comprise, for example, an announcement played through the speaker  152  of the first A/V recording and communication device  130 . The announcement may provide instructions on how to view the video images recorded by the second A/V recording and communication device, such as by accessing a web portal (e.g. an Internet website), or by downloading an application to the homeowner&#39;s (or renter&#39;s or other occupant&#39;s) client device. Further examples of sharing video recorded by A/V recording and communication devices are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/300,547, filed on Feb. 26, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates another process for transferring and activating an A/V recording and communication device according to various aspects of the present disclosure. At block B 370 , the process comprises transferring, free of charge, an A/V recording and communication device to another party for installation at a structure. The A/V recording and communication device is configured to be secured to the structure, and may include a processor, a camera, and a wireless communication module (and may include other components). The A/V recording and communication device may be in a pre-activation mode when it is transferred and/or installed. At block B 372 , the process further comprises receiving information about a location of the A/V recording and communication device. In one example, the received location information may be received from the A/V recording and communication device via a cellular network. In this example, the A/V recording and communication device may “phone home” to provide its location information to a backend server and/or API, such as the server  118  and/or the backend API  120  ( FIG. 1 ). The location information provided by the A/V recording and communication device may comprise, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates. In such embodiments, the A/V recording and communication device may include a GPS transceiver. In other examples, the location information provided by the A/V recording and communication device may comprise one or more images captured by the camera  154 , one or more sounds captured by the microphone  150 , and/or environmental information such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, etc. In embodiments in which the A/V recording and communication device provides environmental information, the A/V recording and communication device may comprise one or more environmental sensors, such as a thermometer, a hygrometer, a barometer, etc. 
     At block B 374 , the process further comprises determining, based on the received location information, a street address corresponding to the received location information. For example, the street address may be determined by matching GPS coordinates in the received location information to the nearest known street address. At block B 376 , the process further comprises sending, to the determined street address, written instructions for activating the A/V recording and communication device. For example, the written instructions may be sent via standard mail, or other delivery service, to the determined street address. 
     In another example embodiment, the received location information may be received from another party, such as the homebuilder (or contractor, subcontractor, etc.) who installed the A/V recording and communication device. For example, the homebuilder (or contractor, subcontractor, etc.) may enter location information for one or more A/V recording and communication devices via a web portal (e.g. an Internet website). The location information provided by the homebuilder may be the street address where the A/V recording and communication device was installed. In such embodiments, the aspect of determining, based on the received location information, a street address corresponding to the received location information (block B 374 ) may comprise simply receiving (or retrieving at a later time) the location information. The location information provided by the homebuilder may be received at a backend server and/or API, such as the server  118  and/or the backend API  120  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     As described above, the present embodiments advantageously facilitate the installation and activation of A/V recording and communication devices by transferring, free of charge, such devices to other parties for installation at structures such as homes. These parties/persons, such as homebuilders, contractors, and/or subcontractors, may then install the devices at structures that they are building, renovating, remodeling, etc. When the devices are distributed and/or installed, they may be in a pre-activation mode in which the devices have limited functionality. For example, if the devices are doorbells, they may be capable of functioning like a traditional doorbell whereby they may sound a signaling device (such as a bell or buzzer) when the front button on the doorbell is pressed. The camera and/or the recording capabilities of the doorbells, however, may be disabled in the pre-activation mode. The homeowner (or renter or other occupant) may subsequently desire to activate the A/V recording and communication device. During the activation process, the homeowner may be required to submit a payment for the A/V recording and communication device. The manufacturer of the device is thus compensated for the device, and the prevalence of such devices in communities is increased because it may be more likely that a person will activate a device that is already installed in his or her home than it would be for that same person to purchase, install, and activate an A/V recording and communication device on his or her own. In at least some of the present embodiments, even if the A/V recording and communication device is never activated (e.g. the homeowner never submits a payment for the A/V recording and communication device) the A/V recording and communication device may still function indefinitely in the pre-activation mode (e.g. the A/V recording and communication device may function like a traditional doorbell and sound a signaling device). 
     While not explicitly stated above, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, any of the processes illustrated in  FIGS. 17-23  may occur together with the process illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Further, while not explicitly stated above, it should be understood that some aspects of the processes described herein may be performed after the A/V recording and communication device has been installed at a structure. For example, in the process of  FIG. 14 , blocks B 302 -B 308  may be performed after the A/V recording and communication device has been installed at a structure. In the process of  FIG. 17 , block B 312  may be performed after the A/V recording and communication device has been installed at a structure. In the process of  FIG. 18 , blocks B 322 -B 326  may be performed after the A/V recording and communication device has been installed at a structure. In the process of  FIG. 19 , block B 332  may be performed after the A/V recording and communication device has been installed at a structure. In the process of  FIG. 20 , blocks B 342 -B 346  may be performed after the A/V recording and communication device has been installed at a structure. In the process of  FIG. 21 , blocks B 350 -B 352  may be performed after the A/V recording and communication device has been installed at a structure. In the process of  FIG. 22 , blocks B 362 -B 364  may be performed after the A/V recording and communication device has been installed at a structure. In the process of  FIG. 23 , blocks B 372 -B 376  may be performed after the A/V recording and communication device has been installed at a structure. 
       FIG. 24  is a functional block diagram of a client device  800  on which the present embodiments may be implemented according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The user&#39;s client device  114  described with reference to  FIG. 1  may include some or all of the components and/or functionality of the client device  800 . The client device  800  may comprise, for example, a smartphone. 
     With reference to  FIG. 24 , the client device  800  includes a processor  802 , a memory  804 , a user interface  806 , a communication module  808 , and a dataport  810 . These components are communicatively coupled together by an interconnect bus  812 . The processor  802  may include any processor used in smartphones and/or portable computing devices, such as an ARM processor (a processor based on the RISC (reduced instruction set computer) architecture developed by Advanced RISC Machines (ARM).). In some embodiments, the processor  802  may include one or more other processors, such as one or more conventional microprocessors, and/or one or more supplementary co-processors, such as math co-processors. 
     The memory  804  may include both operating memory, such as random access memory (RAM), as well as data storage, such as read-only memory (ROM), hard drives, flash memory, or any other suitable memory/storage element. The memory  804  may include removable memory elements, such as a CompactFlash card, a MultiMediaCard (MMC), and/or a Secure Digital (SD) card. In some embodiments, the memory  804  may comprise a combination of magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drive, and/or a hard disk or drive. The processor  802  and the memory  804  each may be, for example, located entirely within a single device, or may be connected to each other by a communication medium, such as a USB port, a serial port cable, a coaxial cable, an Ethernet-type cable, a telephone line, a radio frequency transceiver, or other similar wireless or wired medium or combination of the foregoing. For example, the processor  802  may be connected to the memory  804  via the dataport  810 . 
     The user interface  806  may include any user interface or presentation elements suitable for a smartphone and/or a portable computing device, such as a keypad, a display screen, a touchscreen, a microphone, and a speaker. The communication module  808  is configured to handle communication links between the client device  800  and other, external devices or receivers, and to route incoming/outgoing data appropriately. For example, inbound data from the dataport  810  may be routed through the communication module  808  before being directed to the processor  802 , and outbound data from the processor  802  may be routed through the communication module  808  before being directed to the dataport  810 . The communication module  808  may include one or more transceiver modules capable of transmitting and receiving data, and using, for example, one or more protocols and/or technologies, such as GSM, UMTS (3GSM), IS-95 (CDMA one), IS-2000 (CDMA 2000), LTE, FDMA, TDMA, W-CDMA, CDMA, OFDMA, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or any other protocol and/or technology. 
     The dataport  810  may be any type of connector used for physically interfacing with a smartphone and/or a portable computing device, such as a mini-USB port or an IPHONE®/IPOD® 30-pin connector or LIGHTNING® connector. In other embodiments, the dataport  810  may include multiple communication channels for simultaneous communication with, for example, other processors, servers, and/or client terminals. 
     The memory  804  may store instructions for communicating with other systems, such as a computer. The memory  804  may store, for example, a program (e.g., computer program code) adapted to direct the processor  802  in accordance with the present embodiments. The instructions also may include program elements, such as an operating system. While execution of sequences of instructions in the program causes the processor  802  to perform the process steps described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software/firmware instructions for implementation of the processes of the present embodiments. Thus, the present embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software. 
       FIG. 25  is a functional block diagram of a general-purpose computing system on which the present embodiments may be implemented according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The computer system  900  may be embodied in at least one of a personal computer (also referred to as a desktop computer)  900 A, a portable computer (also referred to as a laptop or notebook computer)  900 B, and/or a server  900 C. A server is a computer program and/or a machine that waits for requests from other machines or software (clients) and responds to them. A server typically processes data. The purpose of a server is to share data and/or hardware and/or software resources among clients. This architecture is called the client-server model. The clients may run on the same computer or may connect to the server over a network. Examples of computing servers include database servers, file servers, mail servers, print servers, web servers, game servers, and application servers. The term server may be construed broadly to include any computerized process that shares a resource to one or more client processes. 
     The computer system  900  may execute at least some of the operations described above. The computer system  900  may include at least one processor  910 , memory  920 , at least one storage device  930 , and input/output (I/O) devices  940 . Some or all of the components  910 ,  920 ,  930 ,  940  may be interconnected via a system bus  950 . The processor  910  may be single- or multi-threaded and may have one or more cores. The processor  910  may execute instructions, such as those stored in the memory  920  and/or in the storage device  930 . Information may be received and output using one or more I/O devices  940 . 
     The memory  920  may store information, and may be a computer-readable medium, such as volatile or non-volatile memory. The storage device(s)  930  may provide storage for the system  900 , and may be a computer-readable medium. In various aspects, the storage device(s)  930  may be a flash memory device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a tape device, or any other type of storage device. 
     The I/O devices  940  may provide input/output operations for the system  900 . The I/O devices  940  may include a keyboard, a pointing device, and/or a microphone. The I/O devices  940  may further include a display unit for displaying graphical user interfaces, a speaker, and/or a printer. External data may be stored in one or more accessible external databases  960 . 
     The features of the present embodiments described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, and/or in computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or in combinations thereof. Features of the present embodiments may be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, such as a machine-readable storage device, and/or in a propagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor. Embodiments of the present method steps may be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the described implementations by operating on input data and generating output. 
     The features of the present embodiments described herein may be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and/or instructions from, and to transmit data and/or instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer program may include a set of instructions that may be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. 
     Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions may include, for example, both general and special purpose processors, and/or the sole processor or one of multiple processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor may receive instructions and/or data from a read only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM), or both. Such a computer may include a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and/or data. 
     Generally, a computer may also include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files. Such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and/or removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and/or optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and/or data may include all forms of non-volatile memory, including for example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, one or more ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). 
     To provide for interaction with a user, the features of the present embodiments may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user. The computer may further include a keyboard, a pointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, and/or a touchscreen by which the user may provide input to the computer. 
     The features of the present embodiments may be implemented in a computer system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, and/or that includes a middleware component, such as an application server or an Internet server, and/or that includes a front-end component, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface (GUI) and/or an Internet browser, or any combination of these. The components of the system may be connected by any form or medium of digital data communication, such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks may include, for example, a LAN (local area network), a WAN (wide area network), and/or the computers and networks forming the Internet. 
     The computer system may include clients and servers. A client and server may be remote from each other and interact through a network, such as those described herein. The relationship of client and server may arise by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. 
     The above description presents the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present embodiments, and of the manner and process of practicing them, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which they pertain to practice these embodiments. The present embodiments are, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from those discussed above that are fully equivalent. Consequently, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the present invention covers all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the steps in the processes described herein need not be performed in the same order as they have been presented, and may be performed in any order(s). Further, steps that have been presented as being performed separately may in alternative embodiments be performed concurrently. Likewise, steps that have been presented as being performed concurrently may in alternative embodiments be performed separately.