Patent Publication Number: US-11641452-B2

Title: Doorbell communication systems and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/883,313; filed May 26, 2020; entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,184,589 on Nov. 23, 2021. 
     The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/811,829; filed Nov. 14, 2017; entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,674,119 on Jun. 2, 2020. 
     The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/455,360; filed Mar. 10, 2017; entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,888,216 on Feb. 6, 2018. 
     The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/341,140; filed Nov. 2, 2016; entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,687,029 on Jun. 16, 2020. 
     The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/400,611; filed Sep. 27, 2016; entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. 
     The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/861,613; filed Sep. 22, 2015; entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,044,519 on Aug. 7, 2018. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to doorbells. Certain embodiments relate to communication between a person near a doorbell and a person in another location. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Homes, offices, and other buildings sometimes include communication and surveillance systems to enable friendly visitors to summon occupants of the buildings and to deter unwanted visitors. Communication and surveillance systems can include video cameras and doorbells. 
     Doorbells can enable a person located outside of an entry point, such as a door, to alert a person inside of an entry point that someone outside would like to talk to someone inside. Doorbells sometimes include a button located near a door, such as a front door, side door, or back door of a home, office, dwelling, warehouse, building, or structure. Doorbells are sometimes used near a gate or some other entrance to a partially enclosed area. Pushing the doorbell sometimes causes a chime or other alerting sound to be emitted. In some cases, this alerting sound can typically be heard within a short distance from the entry point or sound source. For example, a homeowner located remotely from her home likely would not be able to hear the alerting sound, and thus, would not be aware that someone is ringing her doorbell. Thus, there is a need for devices and methods to alert remotely located individuals that someone seeks the attention of the homeowner, tenant, building guardian, or steward. 
     SUMMARY 
     In several embodiments, a doorbell can have a visitor detection system. The visitor detection system can comprise at least one of a camera, a microphone, and a motion detector. The method for using the doorbell can comprise recording, via the camera, video data that represents a video. The method can also comprise recording, via the microphone, audio data that represents audio. The method of using the doorbell can comprise transmitting at least a portion of the video data and at least a portion of the audio data, to a remote computing device that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell. The method can comprise transmitting the video data and the audio data to a remote server that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell. 
     In some embodiments, the method of using the doorbell can further comprise detecting, via the visitor detection system, a presence of a visitor. 
     In several embodiments, the method of using the doorbell can further comprise transmitting, via UDP, at least the portion of the video data and at least a portion of the audio data to the remote computing device. The method can further comprise transmitting, via TCP, the video data and the audio data to the remote server. 
     In some embodiments, the steps of recording the video data, recording the audio data, transmitting at least the portion of the video data and at least the portion of the audio data to the remote computing device, and transmitting the video data and the audio data to the remote server can be performed concurrently. 
     In several embodiments, the video data can define a larger video file size than the portion of the video data, and the audio data can define a larger audio file size than the portion of the audio data. In some embodiments, the method of using the doorbell can further comprise pausing the step of transmitting, via TCP, the video data and the audio data to the remote server. In several embodiments, pausing the step of transmitting, via TCP, the video data and the audio data to the remote server can be performed in response to exceeding a predetermined transmission capacity. The predetermined transmission capacity can be between the doorbell and at least one of the remote computing device and the remote server. The predetermined transmission capacity can be less than a predetermined threshold. 
     In some embodiments, pausing the step of transmitting, via TCP, the video data and the audio data to the remote server can be performed in response to receiving a request from the remote computing device. In several embodiments, the request can be generated by a user selecting an input on a display screen of the remote computing device. In several embodiments, the method of using the doorbell can further comprise transmitting, via TCP, the video data and the audio data from the remote server to the remote computing device. In some embodiments, the video data and the audio data can be transmitted, via TCP, from the remote server to the remote computing device. The video data and the audio data can be available for viewing and listening on the remote computing device at least 15 minutes after the recording began. 
     In several embodiments, the method of using the doorbell can further comprise storing, via a ring buffer of the doorbell, up to 20 minutes of video and audio. In some embodiments, the ring buffer can process a queue of the video data and audio data in a first in first out manner. In several embodiments, transmitting the video data and audio data to the remote server can occur at a rate that is faster than the camera records the video data and the microphone records the audio data. 
     In some embodiments, A doorbell system can comprise a doorbell. The doorbell can comprise a doorbell housing and a camera that can be coupled to the doorbell housing. The camera can be configured to record video data. The doorbell can also comprise a microphone that can be coupled to the doorbell housing. The microphone can be configured to record audio data. The doorbell can also comprise a communication module that can be coupled to the doorbell housing. The communication module can be configured to transmit at least a portion of the video data and at least a portion of the audio data to a remote computing device that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell. The communication module can be configured to transmit the video data and the audio data to a remote server that can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell. 
     In several embodiments, the doorbell system can further comprise a motion detector that can be coupled to the doorbell housing. The motion detector can be configured to detect a presence of a visitor. 
     In some embodiments of the doorbell system, the communication module can transmit, via UDP, at least the portion of the video data and at least a portion of the audio data to the remote computing device. The communication module can transmit, via TCP, the video data and the audio data to the remote server. 
     In several embodiments, the doorbell system can further comprise a ring buffer that can be communicatively coupled to the communication module. The ring buffer can store up to 20 minutes of video that represents the video data. The ring buffer can also store up to 20 minutes of audio that represents the audio data. The ring buffer can process a queue of the video data and audio data in a first in first out manner. 
     In some embodiments, the doorbell system can further comprise the remote computing device that can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell. The remote server can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell. 
     In several embodiments, the doorbell system can further comprise TCP transmitted video and audio that can be stored on the remote server. The TCP transmitted video and audio file can be replayed on the remote computing device at least 15 minutes after the recording began. The TCP transmitted video and audio can represent a full version of the video data and the audio data. UDP transmitted video and audio can be live-streamed on the remote computing device in near real-time to the video being recorded by the camera and the audio being recorded by the microphone. The UDP transmitted video and audio can represent a partial version of the video data and the audio data. 
     In some embodiments, a doorbell can have a visitor detection system that can comprise at least one of a camera, a microphone, and a motion detector. The method for using the doorbell can comprise recording, via the camera, video data at a first point in time. The method can also comprise recording, via the microphone, audio data at the first point in time. The method can further comprise detecting, via the motion detector, a presence of a visitor at a second point in time. The method can further comprise transmitting the video data and the audio data to at least one of a remote server and a remote computing device. Each of the remote server and the remote computing device can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell. The video data and audio data can comprise continuous video and audio, beginning at the first point in time until a second predetermined amount of time after the second point in time. 
     In several embodiments, the method of using the doorbell can further comprise recording, via a ring buffer of the doorbell, the video data and audio data from the first point in time. In some embodiments, the amount of time between the first point in time and the second point in time can be about 8 seconds. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a front view of a communication system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a computing device running software, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an embodiment in which a security system is connected to a building, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a communication system that includes a security system, a doorbell button, a wireless router, a server, and users, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a flow diagram showing a method of operating a security system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a flow diagram showing another method of operating a security system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  7 ,  8 ,  9  and  10    illustrate visitors being detected by security systems, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a block diagram of a security system that is communicatively coupled to a communication system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a block diagram of various event detection devices that are communicatively coupled to a communication system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a flowchart of a method of monitoring for an event through a communication system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates an example of various alarm types that may be used based on the certainty and severity of the event, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27  and  28    illustrate flow diagrams showing methods of operating a security system, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  29    illustrates a back view of the doorbell from  FIG.  1    without a mounting bracket, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  30    illustrates a diagrammatic view of a doorbell and a doorbell control software application running on a computing device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  31    illustrates a front view of a doorbell chime, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  32    illustrates a side perspective view of a doorbell chime, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  33    illustrates a front view of a doorbell chime coupled to a power outlet, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  34 ,  35 , and  36    illustrate diagrammatic views of doorbell systems, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  37    illustrates a back view of a chime without a back cover to show various components of the chime&#39;s electrical system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  38 ,  39 ,  40 ,  41 ,  42 , and  43    illustrate method flowcharts, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  44  and  45    illustrate diagrammatic views of doorbell systems, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  46    illustrates a front view of a doorbell, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  47    illustrates data transmission between the doorbell system, a remote computing device, and a remote server according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  48    illustrates time increments for recording video and audio data in a doorbell system, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components. 
     For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein. 
     Introduction 
     Communication systems can provide a secure and convenient way for a remotely located individual to communicate with a person who is approaching a sensor, such as a proximity sensor or motion sensor, or with a person who rings a doorbell, which can be located in a doorway, near an entrance, or within 15 feet of a door. Some communication systems allow an individual to hear, see, and talk with visitors who approach at least a portion of the communication system and/or press a button, such as a doorbell&#39;s button. For example, communication systems can use a computing device to enable a remotely located person to see, hear, and/or talk with visitors. Computing devices can include computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, smartphones, cellular phones, and wireless devices (e.g., cars with wireless communication). Example computing devices include the iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro made by Apple Inc. Communication between a remotely located person and a visitor can occur via the Internet, cellular networks, telecommunication networks, and wireless networks. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a front view of a communication system embodiment. The communication system  200  can include a security system  202  (e.g., a doorbell) and a computing device  204 . Although the illustrated security system  202  includes many components in one housing, several security system embodiments include components in separate housings. The security system  202  can include a camera assembly  208  and a doorbell button  212 . The camera assembly  208  can be a video camera, which in some embodiments is a webcam. 
     The security system  202  can include a diagnostic light  216  and a power indicator light  220 . In some embodiments, the diagnostic light  216  is a first color (e.g., blue) if the security system  202  and/or the communication system  200  is connected to a wireless Internet network and is a second color (e.g., red) if the security system  202  and/or the communication system  200  is not connected to a wireless Internet network. In some embodiments, the power indicator  220  is a first color if the security system  202  is connected to a power source. The power source can be power supplied by the building  300  to which the security system  202  is attached. In some embodiments, the power indicator  220  is a second color or does not emit light if the security system  202  is not connected to the power source. 
     The security system  202  (e.g., a doorbell) can receive power and/or information from an Ethernet cable  221  that can be electrically coupled to the doorbell. The Ethernet cable  221  can exit a hole in an exterior of a building near an entryway to enable electrically coupling the doorbell to the Ethernet cable  221 . 
     As well, the security system  202  can include at least one speaker  488 . The speaker  488  can be located along any portion of the security system  202 . For example, the speaker  488  can be located within an inner portion of the security system  202  or along an outer portion of the security system  202 . The speaker  488  can be any type of sound output device configured to emit sound, such as a digital speaker, an analog speaker, and the like. 
     Furthermore, the security system  202  (e.g., a doorbell) can include an outer housing  224 , which can be water resistant and/or waterproof. The outer housing can be made from metal or plastic, such as molded plastic with a hardness of 60 Shore D. In some embodiments, the outer housing  224  is made from brushed nickel or aluminum. 
     Rubber seals can be used to make the outer housing  224  water resistant or waterproof. The security system  202  can be electrically coupled to a power source, such as wires electrically connected to a building&#39;s electrical power system. In some embodiments, the security system  202  includes a battery for backup and/or primary power. 
     Wireless communication  230  can enable the security system  202  (e.g., a doorbell) to communicate with the computing device  204 . Some embodiments enable communication via cellular and/or WiFi networks. Some embodiments enable communication via the Internet. Several embodiments enable wired communication between the security system  202  and the computing device  204 . The wireless communication  230  can include the following communication means: radio, WiFi (e.g., wireless local area network), cellular, Internet, Bluetooth, telecommunication, electromagnetic, infrared, light, sonic, and microwave. Other communication means are used by some embodiments. In some embodiments, such as embodiments that include telecommunication or cellular communication means, the security system  202  can initiate voice calls or send text messages to a computing device  204  (e.g., a smartphone, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer). 
     Several embodiments use near field communication (NFC) to communicate between the computing device  204  and the doorbell  202 . The doorbell  202  and/or the computing device  204  can include a NFC tag. Some NFC technologies include Bluetooth, radio-frequency identification, and QR codes. 
     Some embodiments include computer software (e.g., application software), which can be a mobile application designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers, and other mobile devices. Software of this nature is sometimes referred to as “app” software. Some embodiments include software designed to run on desktop computers and laptop computers. 
     The computing device  204  can run software with a graphical user interface. The user interface can include icons or buttons. In some embodiments, the software is configured for use with a touch-screen computing device such as a smartphone or tablet. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a computing device  204  running software. The software includes a user interface  240  displayed on a display screen  242 . The user interface  240  can include a security system indicator  244 , which can indicate the location of the security system that the user interface is displaying. For example, a person can use one computing device  204  to control and/or interact with multiple security systems, such as one security system located at a front door and another security system located at a back door. Selecting the security system indicator  244  can allow the user to choose another security system (e.g., the back door security system rather than the front door security system). 
     The user interface  240  can include a connectivity indicator  248 . In some embodiments, the connectivity indicator can indicate whether the computing device is in communication with a security system, the Internet, and/or a cellular network. The connectivity indicator  248  can alert the user if the computing device  204  has lost its connection with the security system  202 ; the security system  202  has been damaged; the security system  202  has been stolen; the security system  202  has been removed from its mounting location; the security system  202  lost electrical power; and/or if the computing device  204  cannot communicate with the security system  202 . In some embodiments, the connectivity indicator  248  alerts the user of the computing device  204  by flashing, emitting a sound, displaying a message, and/or displaying a symbol. 
     In some embodiments, if the security system  202  loses power, loses connectivity to the computing device  204 , loses connectivity to the Internet, and/or loses connectivity to a remote server, a remote server  206  sends an alert (e.g., phone call, text message, image on the user interface  240 ) regarding the power and/or connectivity issue. In several embodiments, the remote server  206  can manage communication between the security system  202  and the computing device. In some embodiments, information from the security system  202  is stored by the remote server  206 . In several embodiments, information from the security system  202  is stored by the remote server  206  until the information can be sent to the computing device  204 , uploaded to the computing device  204 , and/or displayed to the remotely located person via the computing device  204 . The remote server  206  can be a computing device that stores information from the security system  202  and/or from the computing device  204 . In some embodiments, the remote server  206  is located in a data center. 
     In some embodiments, the computing device  204  and/or the remote server  206  attempts to communicate with the security system  202 . If the computing device  204  and/or the remote server  206  is unable to communicate with the security system  202 , the computing device  204  and/or the remote server  206  alerts the remotely located person via the software, phone, text, a displayed message, and/or a website. In some embodiments, the computing device  204  and/or the remote server  206  attempts to communicate with the security system  202  periodically; at least every five hours and/or less than every 10 minutes; at least every 24 hours and/or less than every 60 minutes; or at least every hour and/or less than every second. 
     In some embodiments, the server  206  can initiate communication to the computer device  204  and/or to the security system  202 . In several embodiments, the server  206  can initiate, control, and/or block communication between the computing device  204  and the security system  202 . 
     In several embodiments, a user can log into an “app,” website, and/or software on a computing device (e.g., mobile computing device, smartphone, tablet, desktop computer) to adjust the security system settings discussed herein. 
     In some embodiments, a computing device can enable a user to watch live video and/or hear live audio from a security system due to the user&#39;s request rather than due to actions of a visitor. Some embodiments include a computing device initiating a live video feed (or a video feed that is less than five minutes old). 
     In some embodiments, the user interface  240  displays an image  252  such as a still image or a video of an area near and/or in front of the security system  202 . The image  252  can be taken by the camera assembly  208  and stored by the security system  202 , server  206 , and/or computing device  204 . The user interface  240  can include a recording button  256  to enable a user to record images, videos, and/or sound from the camera assembly  208 , microphone of the security system  202 , and/or microphone of the computing device  204 . 
     In several embodiments, the user interface  240  includes a picture button  260  to allow the user to take still pictures and/or videos of the area near and/or in front of the security system  202 . The user interface  240  can also include a sound adjustment button  264  and a mute button  268 . The user interface  240  can include camera manipulation buttons such as zoom, pan, and light adjustment buttons. In some embodiments, the camera assembly  208  automatically adjusts between Day Mode and Night Mode. Some embodiments include an infrared camera and/or infrared lights to illuminate an area near the security system  202  to enable the camera assembly  208  to provide sufficient visibility (even at night). 
     In some embodiments, buttons include diverse means of selecting various options, features, and functions. Buttons can be selected by mouse clicks, keyboard commands, and touching a touch screen. Many embodiments include buttons that can be selected without touch screens. 
     In some embodiments, the user interface  240  includes a quality selection button, which can allow a user to select the quality and/or amount of the data transmitted from the security system  202  to the computing device  204  and/or from the computing device  204  to the security system  202 . 
     In some embodiments, video can be sent to and/or received from the computing device  204  using video chat protocols such as FaceTime (by Apple Inc.) or Skype (by Microsoft Corporation). In some embodiments, these videos are played by videoconferencing apps on the computing device  204  instead of being played by the user interface  240 . 
     The user interface  240  can include a termination button  276  to end communication between the security system  202  and the computing device  204 . In some embodiments, the termination button  276  ends the ability of the person located near the security system  202  (i.e., the visitor) to hear and/or see the user of the computing device  204 , but does not end the ability of the user of the computing device  204  to hear and/or see the person located near the security system  202 . 
     In some embodiments, a button  276  is both an answer button (to accept a communication request from a visitor) and is a termination button (to end communication between the security system  202  and the computing device  204 ). The button  276  can include the word “Answer” when the system is attempting to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Selecting the button  276  when the system is attempting to establish two-way communication between the visitor and the user can start two-way communication. The button  276  can include the words “End Call” during two-way communication between the visitor and the user. Selecting the button  276  during two-way communication between the visitor and the user can terminate two-way communication. In some embodiments, terminating two-way communication still enables the user to see and hear the visitor. In some embodiments, terminating two-way communication causes the computing device  204  to stop showing video from the security system and to stop emitting sounds recorded by the security system. 
     In some embodiments, the user interface  240  opens as soon as the security system detects a visitor (e.g., senses indications of a visitor). Once the user interface  240  opens, the user can see and/or hear the visitor even before “answering” or otherwise accepting two-way communication, in several embodiments. 
     Some method embodiments include detecting a visitor with a security system. The methods can include causing the user interface to display on a remote computing device  204  due to the detection of the visitor (e.g., with or without user interaction). The methods can include displaying video from the security system and/or audio from the security system before the user accepts two-way communication with the visitor. The methods can include displaying video from the security system and/or audio from the security system before the user accepts the visitor&#39;s communication request. The methods can include the computing device simultaneously asking the user if the user wants to accept (e.g., answer) the communication request and displaying audio and/or video of the visitor. For example, in some embodiments, the user can see and hear the visitor via the security system before opening a means of two-way communication with the visitor. 
     In some embodiments, the software includes means to start the video feed on demand. For example, a user of the computing device might wonder what is happening near the security system  202 . The user can open the software application on the computing device  204  and instruct the application to show live video and/or audio from the security device  202  even if no event near the security system  202  has triggered the communication. In several embodiments, the security device  202  can be configured to record when the security device  202  detects movement and/or the presence of a person. The user of the computing device  204  can later review all video and/or audio records when the security device  202  detected movement and/or the presence of a person. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , in some embodiments, the server  206  controls communication between the computing device  204  and the security system  202 , which can be a doorbell with a camera, a microphone, and a speaker. In several embodiments, the server  206  does not control communication between the computing device  204  and the security system  202 . 
     In some embodiments, data captured by the security system and/or the computing device  204  (such as videos, pictures, and audio) is stored by another remote device such as the server  206 . Cloud storage, enterprise storage, and/or networked enterprise storage can be used to store video, pictures, and/or audio from the communication system  200  or from any part of the communication system  200 . The user can download and/or stream stored data and/or storage video, pictures, and/or audio. For example, a user can record visitors for a year and then later can review conversations with visitors from the last year. In some embodiments, remote storage, the server  206 , the computing device  204 , and/or the security system  202  can store information and statistics regarding visitors and usage. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an embodiment in which a doorbell  202  is connected to a building  300 , which can include an entryway  310  that has a door  254 . A visitor  388  can approach the doorbell  202  and then can be detected by the doorbell  202 . The visitor  388  can press the doorbell button  212 . The user of the doorbell  202  can configure the doorbell  202  such that when the visitor  388  presses the doorbell button  212 , the user receives a notification regarding the visitor  388 . 
     Electrical wires  304  can electrically couple the doorbell  202  to the electrical system of the building  300  such that the doorbell  202  can receive electrical power from the building  300 . The building can include a door lock  250  to lock the door  254 . 
     A wireless network  308  can allow devices to wirelessly access the Internet. The security system  202  can access the Internet via the wireless network  308 . The wireless network  308  can transmit data from the security system  202  to the Internet, which can transmit the data to remotely located computing devices  204 . The Internet and wireless networks can transmit data from remotely located computing devices  204  to the security system  202 . In some embodiments, a security system  202  connects to a home&#39;s WiFi. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , one computing device  204  (e.g., a laptop, a smartphone, a mobile computing device, a television) can communicate with multiple security systems  202 . In some embodiments, multiple computing devices  204  can communicate with one security system  202 . 
     In some embodiments, the security system  202  can communicate (e.g., wirelessly  230 ) with a television  306 , which can be a smart television. Users can view the television  306  to see a visitor and/or talk with the visitor. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a communication system  310  that includes a security system  320 , a doorbell button  212 , a WiFi router  328 , a server  332 , and users  336 . In step  340 , a visitor initiates a communication request by pressing the doorbell button  212  or triggering a motion or proximity sensor. The visitor can trigger the motion or proximity sensor by approaching the security system  320 . In step  350 , the security system  320  connects or otherwise communicates with a home WiFi router  328 . In step  360 , the server  332  receives a signal from the WiFi router  328  and sends video and/or audio to the users  336  via a wireless network  364 . In step  370 , the users see the visitor, hear the visitor, and talk with the visitor. Step  370  can include using a software application to see, hear, and/or talk with the visitor. The visitor and users  336  can engage in two-way communication  374  via the internet or other wireless communication system even when the visitor and the users  336  are located far away from each other. Some embodiments enable users to receive communication requests and communicate with visitors via diverse mobile communication standards including third generation (“3G”), fourth generation (“4G”), long term evolution (“LTE”), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (“WiMAX”), and WiFi. 
     In some cases, the users  336  utilize the communication system  310  to communicate with visitors who are in close proximity to the users  336 . For example, a user  336  located inside her home can communicate with a visitor located just outside the home via the communication system  310 . 
       FIG.  29    illustrates an internal view of the doorbell  202 . Doorbells  202  can include a chip  480  (e.g., integrated circuits, microprocessor, computer) and a memory  492 . Doorbells  202  can also include a microphone  484  and a speaker  488 . The speaker  488  can comprise a flat speaker and a sound chamber  460  configured to amplify an emitted sound. The flat speaker can be located in the sound chamber. Some doorbell embodiments include a proximity sensor  500 . In several embodiments, doorbells  202  include a wireless communication module  504 , such as a WiFi module. The communication module  504  can have an integrated antenna. In some embodiments, an antenna is contained within the outer housing  224 . 
     The doorbell  202  can include one or more heating elements  508  configured to regulate the temperature of the doorbell  202 . For example, doorbells  202  can be used in very cold environments, such as in Alaska. The heating element  508  can be used in various methods to protect temperature sensitive portions of the doorbell  202  from cold weather. 
     While protecting the doorbell  202  from cold weather can be important in some embodiments, protecting visitors from excessive heat can also be important in some embodiments. Excessive heat could burn visitors as they “ring” the doorbell (e.g., press the doorbell button  212  shown in  FIG.  35   ). The doorbell  202  can include a thermometer  512  to enable the system to determine the temperature inside a portion of the doorbell  202  and/or outside the doorbell  202 . 
     Several embodiments can be configured for 9 to 40 volts alternating current (“VAC”) and/or 9 to 40 volts direct current (“VDC”). Some embodiments convert input electricity into direct current (DC), such as 12 VDC. Several embodiments include a converter  494  for power conversion (e.g., converting electrical energy from one form to another). The converter  494  can convert input power (e.g., from wiring in a building) to a suitable power form for the doorbell  202 . The power conversion can convert between AC and DC, change the voltage, and/or change the frequency. The converter  494  can include a transformer and/or a voltage regulator. In several embodiments, the converter  494  can include a DC to DC converter, a voltage stabilizer, a linear regulator, a surge protector, a rectifier, a power supply unit, a switch, an inverter, and/or a voltage converter. In some embodiments, the converter  494  converts 50 Hertz (“Hz”) power into 60 Hz power. The electrical components of the doorbell  202  (e.g., the camera assembly  208 , the memory  492 , the chip  480 , the speaker  488 , the converter  494 , the microphone  484 , the lights  458 , the rectifier  524 , the proximity sensor  500 , the communication module  504 , the heating element  508 , the electrical connectors  510 , the thermometer  512 , the image analysis system  520 , and the battery  642 ) can be electrically coupled to a printed circuit board (“PCB”)  516  and can receive electrical power from the PCB  516 . 
     The PCB  516  and the electrical components of the doorbell  202  can be the electrical system  456  of the doorbell  202 . Additional details regarding the PCB  516  and the electrical components of the doorbell  202  are described in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376; filed Feb. 3, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. The entire contents of patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Although some embodiments are described in the context of methods, the method embodiments can also be formulated as devices and systems. Methods described herein can be applied to the devices and systems incorporated by references herein. 
     Video Embodiments 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , software can start the video feed on demand. For example, a user of the computing device might wonder what is happening near the security system  202 . The user can open the software application (e.g., an “app”) on the computing device  204  and instruct the application to show live video and/or audio from the security device  202  even if no event near the security system  202  has triggered the communication. 
     Several embodiments include “on-demand” service. For example, a user can initiate communicate via a doorbell and/or can initiate live video from the doorbell by pressing a button  260  on a user interface (shown in  FIG.  2   ). Pressing the on-demand button  260  again can terminate the communication and/or the live video. 
     Situational Sound Embodiments 
     The security system  202  may be configured to play unique sounds in response to detecting specific situations and/or during certain times of day. The sounds may be preprogrammed sounds or completely customizable by a user of the security system  202 . As well, the security system  202  may be configured to play any of the sounds according to specific situations. For example, the security system  202  may be configured to play a specific message for a specific visiting individual, and/or may be configured to play a specific message when a potential visitor is identified as a specific person or is included in a list of specific people. 
     The security system  202  may include a speaker  488  configured to emit any type of sound. The security system  202  may also include a visitor detection system that may include at least one of a button  212 , a camera  208 , and a motion detector  218 . Accordingly, the visitor detection system may be configurable to receive various indications of a visitor&#39;s presence. As well, the speaker  488  and the visitor detection system may be directly or indirectly coupled to the security system  202 . Even still, the speaker  488  and the visitor detection system may be mechanically, electrically, and/or communicatively coupled to the security system  202 . 
     The security system  202  may detect different indications of a visitor&#39;s presence. As shown in  FIG.  5   , the security system  202  can be configured to receive a first indication of a visitor&#39;s presence (at step  560 ). In response to receiving the first indication of the visitor&#39;s presence, the security system  202  can emit a first sound with the speaker  488  (at step  562 ). The security system  202  can be configured to receive a second indication of a visitor&#39;s presence (at step  564 ). In response to receiving the second indication of the visitor&#39;s presence, the security system  202  can emit a second sound with the speaker  488  (at step  566 ). The first sound can be audibly different than the second sound. 
     Some of the indications can be interpreted as being associated with a friendly or welcome visitor, while other indications can be interpreted as being associated with an unfriendly or unwelcome visitor. According to these different indications, the security system  202 , by the speaker  488 , can emit different sounds. 
     With reference to  FIG.  7   , when the security system  202  receives an indication that a visitor  580  has pressed the button  212  (at step  582 ), this can be interpreted as an indication of a friendly, or welcome visitor. In response to receiving the indication that the button  212  has been pressed, the speaker  488  can emit a first sound (at step  584 ), such as a friendly sound (e.g. “Welcome to our humble abode.”). 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , when the security system  202  receives an indication that a visitor  586  has been moving in front of the security system  202  for a prolonged or predetermined time (e.g. 15 seconds or any time that indicates that the visitor is loitering) without pressing the button  212  (at step  588 ), this can be interpreted as an unfriendly or unwelcome visitor. In response to receiving the indication that the visitor has been moving in front of the security system  202  without pressing the button  212 , the speaker  488  can emit a second sound (at step  590 ). The second sound can be an alert sound (e.g. a warning to move away from the building  300 —“Step away from the house!”). It should be appreciated that the security system  202  can be configured to emit any number of sounds, such as a third sound, a fourth sound, a fifth sound, and any number of additional sounds. 
     The security system  202  can be configured to receive any number of indications. For example, in addition to a button press and a motion of a visitor, the indications can include indications of a remote computing device  204 , a noise, a thermal signature (such as a thermal gradient indicating the presence of a person or animal), a retina scan, a fingerprint scan, a ground vibration, and the like. It should be appreciated that the indication can include any indication of a presence of any visitor, such as a person or animal. 
     In some embodiments, the security system  202  can emit different sounds for a first visitor. For example, as the first visitor approaches the building  300 , the security system  202  can emit a first sound based upon the motion of the first visitor. As well, the security system  202  can emit a second sound once the first visitor pushes the button  212  of the security system  202 . 
     Furthermore, any of the indications described in this disclosure can be associated with a visitor that is either welcome or unwelcome at the building. Accordingly, the security system  202  can be configured to any environment in which the building  300  is situated. For example, some buildings  300  can be located in high traffic areas where it is common for people to walk by the front of the security system  202  without pressing the button  212 . In this regard, the security system  202  can be configured to ignore indications of motion and only emit sounds in response to affirmative indications that the visitor is visiting the building  300 , such as an indication that the button  212  has been pressed. In some embodiments, the security system  202  can be configured to only respond to motion in certain zones. For example, if the security system  202  is located 20 feet from a busy sidewalk, then the security system  202  can be configured to ignore all motion that occurs more than 15 feet from the security system  202 . In this manner, the security system  202  can only respond to movements occurring on the building property. 
     As well, combinations of indications can be interpreted in various manners. For example, a combination of an indication of motion (i.e. movement) of a visitor in front of the security system  202  and an indication that the visitor has pressed the button  212  can indicate that the visitor is welcome at the building  300 . As previously described, the speaker  488  of the security system  202  can emit a friendly message in response to the combination of indications. 
     Even still, the security system  202  can be configured to emit different sounds in response to a positive detection of one indication and a negative detection of another indication. For example, if the security system  202  detects motion of a visitor but does not detect sound, this can be interpreted as an unwelcome visitor, such as a prowler sneaking around the outside of the building  300 . In response, the speaker  488  of the security system  202  can emit an alert sound (e.g. a warning to exit the premise before the authorities are notified). 
     Furthermore, the time of day and/or day when a visitor approaches the building  300  can also indicate whether the visitor is welcome or not. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the security system  202  can be configured to receive an indication of a visitor&#39;s presence at a first time of day (at step  570 ). The first time of day can occur between sunrise and sunset, or any other time of day. In response to receiving the indication of the visitor&#39;s presence at the first time of day, the security system  202  can emit a first sound with the speaker  488  (at step  572 ). In some embodiments, the first sound comprises an audible message spoken by a female voice, while some embodiments may comprise an audible message spoken by a male voice. 
     Furthermore, the security system  202  can be configured to receive an indication of the visitor&#39;s presence at a second time of day (at step  574 ). It should be appreciated that the second time of day can occur between sunset and sunrise, or any other time of day. In response to receiving the indication of the visitor&#39;s presence at the second time of day, the security system  202  can emit a second sound with the speaker  488  (at step  576 ). In some embodiments, the second sound comprises an audible message spoken by a male voice, while some embodiments may comprise an audible message spoken by a female voice. 
     To illustrate a more specific example, such as the one shown in  FIG.  9   , if a visitor  592  presses the button  212  at noon on a weekend day (at step  594 ), the speaker  488  can emit a welcome message (e.g. “Welcome. We&#39;ll be right there.) (at step  596 ). In another example, as illustrated in  FIG.  10   , if a visitor  597  presses the button  212  at midnight on a workday (at step  598 ), the speaker  488  can emit a do not disturb message or a message instructing the visitor to come back another time (e.g. “Please come back tomorrow!”). 
     Combinations of indications can be interpreted differently depending on the time of day. For example, in response to an indication of a motion and a noise during the day, the speaker  488  of the security system  202  can emit a friendly message. However, in response to an indication of a motion and a noise during the night, the speaker  488  can emit a warning message. 
     Even still, the security system  202  can be configured to respond differently based on the unique circumstances of the indication. For example, if the motion detector  218  of the security system  202  detects a slow movement versus a faster movement, then the speaker  488  can emit different sounds based upon these various circumstances. A slow movement can be interpreted as a prowler approaching the building, while a faster movement, such as a movement of a person walking at 3.5 miles per hour, can be interpreted as a friendly visitor approaching the building  300 . 
     The time of day can be any selected time of day and any number of time ranges can be used. For example, the security system  202  can emit a welcome message during sunrise to sunset and an alert or warning message during sunset to sunrise. Accordingly, because sunrise and sunset change on a daily basis, the security system  202  can be communicatively coupled to an outside database(s) to allow the security system  202  to thereby automatically respond to these ever-changing conditions. 
     The security system  202  (e.g. doorbell) can elect to emit a particular sound, such as a first sound or a second sound, based on a time at which the security system  202  detects an indication of a presence of a visitor. In some embodiments, the security system  202  is configured to detect an amount of light, which may indicate a time of day. In response to detecting the amount of light, the security system  202  can elect to emit the first sound or the second sound based on the amount of light. 
     As well, the security system  202  can be configured to provide unique responses during different time ranges on specific days. For example, the user may have a bowling league every third Monday of the month. Accordingly, during that time, (e.g. from 6 pm-8:30 pm) on the third Monday of the month, in response to detecting an indication of a presence of a friendly visitor, the speaker  488  of the security system  202  can emit a friendly message telling the visitor that their presence is appreciated but the visitor should come back another time. In another example, the user may be on vacation from the 1 st  to the 10 th  and the user may wish to emit more intimidating warnings to secure the building  300 . Generally speaking, the security system  202  can be configured to emit any type of sound in response to any time of day and/or day. 
     The security system  202  can be configured to detect specific visitors and emit certain sounds in response to detecting the specific visitors. For example, if the security system  202  detects a first visitor, such as a relative of the homeowner, the security system  202  can always emit a friendly sound, no matter how the first visitor approaches the home, or during what time of day. As well, if the security system  202  detects a second visitor, such as an unknown party (e.g. a solicitor), the security system  202  can emit an unfriendly sound, no matter how the second visitor approaches the home, or during what time of day. 
     To determine the identity of a visitor, the security system  202  can use any type of identity recognition technology, such as facial recognition, to determine an indication of an identity of a visitor. Some of these types of identity recognition technologies are disclosed in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376; filed Feb. 3, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. The entire contents of patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     The different types of sounds emitted by the speaker  488  can be configured to match the appropriate indication as detected by the security system  202 . For example, if the security system  202  detects an unfriendly visitor, the speaker  488  can emit a message spoken by a male voice to thereby intimidate the unfriendly visitor. Contra, if the security system  202  detects a friendly visitor, the speaker  488  can emit a message spoken by a female voice to thereby welcome the visitor. As well, the security system  202  can be configured to emit any other type of sound. For example, a welcome visitor can be greeted by a pleasant melody or a ding-dong, while an unwelcome visitor can be greeted by an alarm sound or a warning message. 
     As well, messages can be spoken in any language, volume, pitch, accent, and the like. Users may find that various combinations of vocal characteristics to be useful in different situations. For example, if a user is hosting a Mardi gras party, the user can configure the security system  202  to emit a message spoken by a person with a southern accent. Generally, it should be appreciated that the speaker  488  of the security system  202  can be configured to emit any type of sound for any type of specific situation. 
     Likewise, the security system  202  can be configured to play a specific message if the potential visitor is not included in a list. For example, where a potential visitor is not included in a list of the resident&#39;s contacts, the security system  202  can be configured to indicate that the resident does not accept solicitors and/or request the visitor to provide identifying information or describe the purpose of the visit. 
     In some embodiments, the security system  202  can be configured to play a specific message if the potential visitor has a criminal background. For example, a user can configure the security system  202  to play a specific message where a potential visitor is a registered sex offender. 
     The sounds emitted by the security system  202  can be recorded by the user him/herself. As well, the sounds can be downloaded from another source, such as a remote computer (e.g. a remote server), a remote computing device (e.g. a smart phone), a website, a database (e.g. iTunes®), and the like. Also, methods can include selecting the first sound and the second sound with a remote computing device that is configured to receive alerts from the doorbell. The selected sounds can be wirelessly transmitted to the doorbell. 
     As well, the sounds can be recorded with a remote computing device  204  and the sounds can be set up for temporary use whereby the sounds can expire upon a predetermined time. For example, a user can enter an expiration date of the recorded sound with the remote computing device  204 . Furthermore, the user can wirelessly send the first sound and the expiration date from the remote computing device to the doorbell. Once the expiration date passes, the security system  202  can then cease to emit the recorded sound from the security system  202 . 
     As well, the security system  202  can be configured to receive sound emitting parameters from a remote computing device  204 . The security system  202  can emit a predetermined sound based upon the sound emitting parameter. In some embodiments, the sound emitting parameter includes at least one of an identity of the first visitor, data associated with the first visitor, a time, a location of a user of the remote computing device. In some embodiments, the security system  202  can automatically download a third sound based on the sound emitting parameters. The security system  202  can emit the third sound from the speaker according to rules associated with the third sound. 
     Alert Communication Embodiments 
     Embodiments of the security system  202  can be configured to alert individuals located outside of a building (e.g. a home). For example, the security system  202  can be configured to flash a light, emit a sound (e.g. alternating high pitch and low pitch sounds), initiate a communication session with a remote computing device  204 , and the like. These various alerts can be useful to individuals, such as first responders, seeking to identify the location of an event, such as an emergency event(s) occurring within or outside the home. Home, as used herein, may refer to a building whereby one or more occupants sleep in the building on a permanent basis. Home may distinguishable from an office building by the lack of permanent occupants that sleep in the office building. Home may refer to an apartment building due to the permanent nature of an occupant for the duration of a lease. Home may be distinguishable from a hotel due to the lack of permanent occupants. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an embodiment in which a security system  202  is communicatively coupled to a communication device  416 . The security system  202  may be part of a communication system  400 . The communication system  400  can be similar to that of the communication system  200  except, the communication system  400  may also be configured to allow communication between the security system  202  and the communication device  416 . 
     In various embodiments, the security system  202  can be communicatively coupled, directly and/or via the cloud, to a communication device  416 , such as a hub device, a communication system, and/or an event detection device  418 , such as a sensor, (e.g., a peripheral device, such as a Nest Protect® (registered by Google Inc.), Nest Learning Thermostat® (registered by Google Inc.), DropCam® (registered by Google Inc.), and the like. The communication device  416 , event detection device  418  and/or the security system  202  can be used to monitor various events within the building  300  (e.g., home). Specifically, the communication device  416  and/or event detection device  418  can detect emergency events and then notify the security system  202 . In some embodiments, the communication device  416  is communicatively coupled to the event detection device  418  that detects the emergency event or adverse event (which is discussed further herein). In this manner, the security system  202  may directly or indirectly receive a notification of the emergency event from the event detection device  418  and/or the communication device  416 . 
     The security system  202  can communicate with the communication device  416  via a communication network  414 . The communication network  414  can be similar to the wireless communication  230 , however, the communication network  414  can be wired or wireless. In embodiments, the communication network  414  can utilize the existing electrical wires in the doorbell wires to communicate with the security system  202  (e.g., powerline networking). The communication network  414  can also utilize a wired Local Area Network. In embodiments, the communication network  414  can include a Wide Area Network (WAN) that connects the communication device  416  to the security system  202  over the Internet. 
     In embodiments, the communication device  416  is a type of device that is configured to connect multiple devices and facilitate communication between the multiple devices. The security system  202  may be a device that also is communicatively coupled to the communication device  416 . The communication device  416  may receive a transmission from one device (i.e., an event detection device  418 ), make a determination on what type of communication to perform (e.g., an alert), and transmit the communication to a second device (e.g., the security system  202 ) to take further action. 
     The security system  202  can be configured to communicate with remote computing devices (i.e., the computing device  204 ). The computing device  204  may refer to a remote computing device in embodiments. The security system  202  can initiate a communication session through the communication network  414  by sending a request to the computing device  204  to establish a secure connection (e.g., a virtual private network) to enhance security. In embodiments, the communication session may also include an indication that an event (as discussed further herein) has been initiated. 
     The security system  202  can have an outer housing  224 . The outer housing  224  may be configurable to attach to a building  300 . The outer housing  224  of the security system  202  can attach to the building  300  using a variety of permanent or temporary mounting mechanisms. In embodiments, the permanent mounting mechanism may prevent the removal of the security system  202 . The building  300  may include a variety of structures. For example, the building  300  includes a home, which is a type of building  300 . The home can include various types of structures in various square footages. For example, a home can be a wooden framed building with an exterior of stucco, brick, or siding. In embodiments, a home can be distinguished from other types of buildings based on the livable area (e.g., 500 square feet to 5000 square feet). In embodiments, a home can also be defined as being a freestanding structure without shared walls. A home may also be defined by zoning constraints. For example, the home may be zoned residential instead of commercial or industrial. 
     The outer housing  224  can also include a visitor detection system  412  coupled to the outer housing  224 . The visitor detection system  412  can be an assembly of components that are collectively configured to detect visitors in the immediate vicinity (e.g., within 0.5 to 50 feet) of the security system  202 . The visitor detection system  412  can include the doorbell button  212 , the camera assembly  208 , and an audio input device  410 . In addition, the visitor detection system  412  can also include the motion detector  218  and fingerprint sensor  210 . The audio input device  410  can be a device that captures audio (e.g., a microphone). The audio input device  410  can have various sensitivity ranges depending on the application. In embodiments, the audio input device  410  can include multiple microphones to extend the coverage area of audio capture. For example, the audio input device can have one microphone on board the outer housing  224  and receive input from another microphone located within the house (e.g., through the communication network  414 ). 
     The outer housing  224  may also include a deactivation unit  411 . The deactivation unit  411  can be a component that is communicatively coupled to the security system  202 . The deactivation unit  411  may be responsible for disabling the alert communication system  402 . In embodiments, the deactivation unit  411  is part of the alert communication system  402 . The alert communication system  402  may work passively or actively. In an active configuration, the security system  202  can actively monitor for a command to deactivate. For example, the security system  202  can send “activation status requested” signal to a deactivation unit  411  in regular intervals along with a unique randomized code and receive an “activation=True” signal from the deactivation unit  411  along with the unique randomized code. When communication is interrupted, then a non-response of the activation status may indicate “activation=True”. When deactivated, the deactivation unit  411  transmits an “activation=False” signal along with the unique randomized code. The actively monitoring for the command can be advantageous where communication is lost with the deactivation unit  411  (i.e., the communication is modified or the deactivation is spoofed by an intruder). 
     The deactivation unit  411  may also passively monitor for the command. For example, an occupant may input a command through the deactivation unit  411  that is transmitted to the security system  202 . The security system  202  can receive the command passively. In embodiments, the deactivation unit  411  may also be communicatively coupled with a remote computing device  204 . The deactivation command may originate from the remote computing device  204  to deactivate the alert communication system  402  in either actively or passively. 
     The outer housing  224  can also include an alert communication system  402  coupled to the outer housing  224 . The alert communication system  402  can be configurable to activate in response to an initiation of an event. For example, an alert from the communication device  416  that is transmitted to the security system  202  can activate various components on the security system  202  through the alert communication system  402 . The alert communication system  402  can include components to communicate alerts to a user (e.g., an occupant of the home). In embodiments, the alert communication system  402  is the security system  202  or part of the security system  202 . In embodiments, the alert communication system  402  includes a light  406  and a speaker  404 . The light  406  can comprise the diagnostic light  216  and/or the power indicator light  220 , as shown in  FIG.  1   , and/or any other light coupled to the security system  202 . As well, the speaker  404  may comprise the speaker  488 , as illustrated in  FIG.  1   , and/or any other speaker coupled to the security system  202 . 
     In embodiments, the alert communication system  402  refers to a collection of components for the purpose of alerting an occupant of the building  300 . The alert communication system  402  can also refer to a control unit for the components that alert an occupant of the building  300 . The control of the alert communication system  402  can be separate from the control for the security system  202 . In embodiments, the alert communication system  402  is attached to an exterior surface of the home (i.e., a building  300 ). The outer housing  224  may be attached to an interior surface of the home (i.e., a building  300 ). The remote computing device  204  can be operated by the homeowner (i.e., a type of occupant). 
     The speaker  404  of the alert communication system  404  can be configured to emit a sound in response to the initiation of the event. For example, if the communication device  416  transmits an alert that indicates an emergency, then the security device  202  can emit a sound in the speaker  404  that indicates danger. The speaker  404  can be configured to emit a wide-range of sounds and various decibel levels depending on the application. For example, a more severe alert can be louder than a less severe alert. The security system  202  can alert an occupant of suspicious smoke by saying the location of the smoke and the time the smoke was detected. 
     The speaker  404  can simply emit a voice that says “Danger, Danger, Danger” to alert an occupant of the building  300 . The sound emitted by the security device  202  can be unique to the type of alert. For example, if a fire alert is transmitted by the communication device  416 , then the security device  202  can emit a voice that says “Fire, Fire, Fire” and repeats at a set interval. Various sounds can also be used to selectively alert other occupants. For example, a high frequency sound of 24 kHz to 45 kHz can selectively alert canine occupants of the building  300  without alerting a human. In another example, a sound from 17 kHz to 23 kHz may selectively alert children but not adults. Various patterns of sounds can also be produced. For example, the “SOS” Morse code pattern may be used to indicate distress. 
     The light  406  of the security system  202  may be configurable to illuminate in response to the initiation of the event. The light  406  can emit a variety of colors in a variety of patterns. For example, the light  406  can emit both a green light, a white light, and a red light. A green light can be lit during normal operation. A white light color can be used for ordinary alerts, such as a power outage. A red light color can be used to indicate an imminent emergency that alerts the occupant to leave the building  300  immediately. For example, the red light color can be used to alert the occupant of a gas leakage or a fire or armed intruders. 
     In embodiments, the light  406  can flash at various frequencies to indicate a pattern. For example, three short flashes, followed by three long flashes, followed by three short flashes, can indicate distress. While rapid flashes can indicate a higher priority than slower flashes of light. The light  406  can be coordinated with the speaker  404 . For example, the light  406  can flash at the same time that the speaker  404  makes a sound. The light  406  can also flash before or after the emission of sound from the speaker  404 . 
     The alert communication system  402  can also include emission of an odor. The odor can be discernable by an occupant to know that something is wrong or can ward away an intruder. For example, if the communication device  416  alerts the security system  202  of an intruder, then a strong smell (such as that of a skunk) can trigger a silent alarm. Various smells can be used. For example, flowery odors can be used for non-urgent alerts (such as a water leak) while mercaptan-based odors can be used for urgent alerts. 
     The alert communication system  402  can include remote communication  407 . The remote communication  407  can be responsible for communicating with a remote computing device  204  the status of the alarm. In embodiments, the remote communication  407  can be a module that communicates with a security monitoring service, which can also have a dedicated communication channel that is different than the communication network  414  in order to alert authorities in the event of a power outage. 
     In embodiments, the security system  202  is powered by an electrical power input  408 . The electrical power input  408  can be a battery. The electrical power input  408  can also be from an electrical source such as from a household Alternating Current. The electrical power input  408  can also be configured to receive a step-down voltage (e.g., around 8V to 24V) from doorbell wires  304 . The alert communication system  402  may be electrically coupled to electrical wires  409  (through the electrical power input  408 ). The electrical wires  409  can be configurable to be coupled to the doorbell wires  304  of a home (e.g., the building  300 ). The alert communication system  402  can be configurable to activate in response to a determination that an event has been initiated through the electrical wires  409 . In embodiments, the communication can happen over powerline networking. Various spikes in electrical signals from the electrical wires  409  can also signal the alert communication system  402 . In embodiments, a lack of electrical signal from the electrical wires  409  can also activate the alert communication system  402 . For example, the lack of electrical power input  408  from the electrical wires  409  can activate the alert communication system  402 . The alert communication system  402  can further utilize a backup battery system through the electrical power input  408  and cause the light  406  to emit white colored light so that an occupant can see. 
     The security system  202  may be configured as a passive or active device. As a passive device, the security system  202  may receive notifications of emergency events from the communication device and/or the event detection device  418 . For example, a smoke detector event detection device  418  can transmit a smoke event to the communication device, which may communicate to the security system  202  an indication that the smoke event is occurring. The security system  202  can be monitoring for notifications from the communication device whenever a communication channel is established. 
     As an active device, the security system  202  may be configured to actively monitor whether the communication device and/or event detection device  418  has detected the occurrence or initiation of an emergency event (or adverse event). For example, the security system  202  can periodically request from the communication device a status of events. If there is no status, then the security system  202  can wait until another request is filled. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a block diagram of an enhanced view of various event detection devices  418 , according to some embodiments. The event detection devices  418  can be communicatively coupled to the communication device. Types of event detection device  418  can include a smoke alarm  420  or a burglar alarm  422 . The event detection device  418  can be configured to communicate with a communication device or to the remote device  204  through the communication network  414 . In embodiments, the event detection device  418  can be “smart” and communicate with a variety of devices. The event detection device  418  can connect via the Internet of Things (IoT) and may each have a unique network identifier. The IoT may encompass various standards. For example, standards may include ALLJOYN® (Registered by Qualcomm Innovation Center Inc.), Thread Group, IEEE® (Registered by the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers, Inc.) P2413 working group, IoTivity® (Registered by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.), or Representational State Transfer. 
     The security system  202  may comprise an alert communication system  402  that may include a light  406 , a speaker  404 , and a wireless communication system  230  that may be configured to initiate a transmission with a remote computing device  204 . For example, the communication device may comprise a smart smoke detector  420  (e.g. Nest Protect®, registered by Google Inc.), and in response to the smart smoke detector detecting elevated levels of smoke  434 , or elevated levels of other toxic gases, the security system  202  may activate its alert communication system  402  (e.g. flashing a light and/or emit a sound). This may thereby alert individuals outside the home as to the location of the home where the emergency event is occurring. 
     As well, it should be appreciated that the emergency event can comprise any type of event  424  that may require the attention of another party. As used, event can refer to an emergency event or an adverse event, which indicates harm to an occupant or requires the attention of a party other than the occupant. For example, the emergency event may comprise at least one of a fire  426 , a gas leak  428 , a break-in  436 , elevated levels of smoke  434 , elevated levels of radon  432 , elevated levels of carbon monoxide  430 , and the like. 
     The alert communication system  402  can be configured to alert individuals located outside the home in any variety of ways. For example, the alert communication system  402  can flash a bright light emitting diode and/or a light located behind the doorbell button  212 , such as the diagnostic light  216 , on the security system  202 . In some examples, the alert communication system  402  can emit a loud sound from the speaker  404 . For example, the loud sound can be alternating high and low pitch sounds that may be heard by individuals located within 300 feet of the home. The high and low pitch sounds can be of high and low frequencies that may be heard by individuals located within a neighboring home and/or a vehicle passing by. The loud sound can be a unique sound easily detectable by individuals. As well, the sound can comprise a noise that indicates danger or help is required. 
     Furthermore, the alert communication system  402  can be configured to initiate a transmission to a remote computing device  204 . For example, if the security system  202  determines that a break-in has occurred, the security system  202  may initiate a computing session and/or a notification with the remote computing device  204  to alert an individual that is operating the remote computing device  204  of the break-in  436  at the home. As well, it should be appreciated that the security system  202  can initiate a transmission to any other party, such as an emergency dispatcher (e.g. 911). 
     The security system  202  may be configured to activate its alert communication system  402  after a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount of time may be 0 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 1 minute, and the like. Generally, it should be appreciated that the alert communication system  402  may activate nearly at the same time as the communication device  416  detecting the emergency event  424  or any time thereafter. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a flowchart of a method  500  of monitoring for an event through a communication device  416 , according to some embodiments. The method  500  can generally involve connecting to a communication device  416  and receiving a notification of an event from the communication device  416 . The security system  202  can react based on the event from the communication system. The method  500  begins at block  510 . 
     In block  510 , the security system  202  can establish a connection with the communication system. As mentioned herein, the communication device  416  may utilize either a wired or wireless connection  230  to communicate with the security system  202 . For example, a wireless home network that utilizes Wi-Fi may be used or local Bluetooth™ pairing may be used. Once connection is established, then the communication device  416  may be configured to only communicate with security system  202  at the ID provided by the security system  202 . For example, the security system  202  may have a unique IPv6 address that the communication device  416  transmits to. The communication device  416  may also have a unique IPv6 address that the security system  202  transmits to. The security system  202  may also be configured to receive alerts from only the IPv6 address that belongs to the communication device  416 , thus preventing spoofing type alarms. Various permissions may be set up using an Application Programming Interface (API) of the communication device  416 . For example, the security system  202  can be set up as a client with read/write permissions which identifies the security system  202  that has permission to share data with the communication device  416 . 
     In block  512 , the security system  202  may monitor for an event. In embodiments, the security system  202  monitors for an event from the communication device  416 . For example, the communication device  416  may receive a notification of an event from an event detection device  418 . In embodiments, the security system  202  can monitor for an event using localized components. For example, the security system  202  may have a camera that is used to monitor for suspicious activity. The event may be communicated with the communication device  416  and the communication device  416  may take appropriate action (e.g., notify emergency services). As mentioned herein, the types of events may be selected from at least one of a fire, a gas leak, a break-in, elevated levels of smoke, elevated levels of radon, elevated levels of carbon monoxide, and the like. 
     The event detection device  418  may detect an event using a variety of methods. For example, various thresholds may be employed to detect an event  424 . For example, the elevated levels of smoke event  434  can be based off of optical obscuration or electrostatic precipitation. The smoke can be based off of a threshold of parts per million or percentage of optical transmittance. The radon event  432  can be based off of PicoCuries per Liter reading from a radon detection unit. The gas leak event  428  can be based off of an 80% Lower Explosive Limit. Various gas detectors can be used (e.g., electrochemical, infrared point, infrared imaging, semiconductor, ultrasonic, holographic, etc.). A fire event  426  may be detected using temperature or a combination of readings from a smoke event  434  and a carbon monoxide event  430 . The break-in event  436  may utilize various sensors present in the security system  202  or external sensors to the security system  202  (e.g., motion sensors). The event  424  is associated with a home (i.e., building  300 ), and the doorbell (i.e., security system  202 ) is attached to the home of a homeowner. 
     In block  514 , the security system  202  can determine whether an event has been initiated. The event may be initiated whenever the security system  202  receives a transmission from a communication device  416  communicatively coupled to the security system. The transmission may be over various forms of communication and provide an indication that the event has been initiated. The security system  202  may monitor the communication system to detect whether the event has been initiated. In embodiments, the security system  202  (e.g., the doorbell) can interface with a remote computing device  204  to further communicate to an occupant that there is an alert at the home. Communicating via the remote computing device  204  may have the benefit of keeping occupants informed while away from the home. The security device  202  can establish a communication session with a remote computing device  204  in a similar manner as to the communication device  416 . The communication session may include an indication that the event that has been initiated. For example, an occupant can receive a communication of a fire alert on a local application on their remote computing device  204  from the security system  202 . 
     In block  516 , the security system  202  can determine the alarm type. In embodiments, block  516  may be optional. Despite a variety of devices available to the security system  202 , not all devices or tools may be appropriate in certain settings. For example, a non-urgent alert (such as elevated radon levels) may not warrant a high-pitched, high-volume noise in the middle of the night. The security system  202  can balance the severity of the alert with the certainty for the alert. For example, significant amounts of dust can trigger a smoke detector but the certainty of a fire can be determined using a carbon monoxide detector in conjunction with the smoke detector. The severity of a fire may be high but if the certainty that a fire is occurring is low, then the security system  202  can determine that another alarm type is more appropriate. Examples of determining an alarm type are described further herein. 
     In block  518 , the security system  202  can activate the alert communication system  402  in response to determining that the event has been initiated in block  514 . In embodiments, activating the alert communication system  402  can include activating selected components of the alert communication system  402  (e.g., the speaker  404  or the light  406 ). As mentioned herein, the alert communication system  402  can include a light  406  which, when the alert communication system  402  is activated, can cause the light  406  to illuminate in a variety of patterns and colors. The alert communication system  402  can also include a speaker  404  that emits a sound in a variety of intensities, frequencies, and patterns. The activating can also include activating a control element for the alert communication system  402 . The control element for the alert communication system  402  can instigate a variety of patterns and alerts for multiple components (e.g., a flashing light followed by emission of selected sound frequencies). 
     In block  520 , once the alert communication system  402  is activated, the security system  202  can monitor for a command to deactivate the alert communication system  402 . In embodiments, block  520  may be optional. For example, a user of the security system  202  may not desire the security system  202  to alert occupants (e.g., a false positive). The command can be a sequence of instructions that is understood by the security system  202  to deactivate the alert communication system  402 . In embodiments, the command can be a button press and an audible predetermined message. For example, an occupant can push a button (e.g., the door bell button  220 ) and speak an audible predetermined message such as “Alarm Deactivate” to deactivate the alert communication system  402 . In various embodiments, the deactivation unit  411  can be configured to perform vocal recognition in order to distinguish between the voice of the occupant with the voice of a non-occupant, such as a prowler. Once the command is received, then the method  500  can continue to operation  522 . 
     In block  522 , the security system  202  can deactivate the alert communication system  402  in response to receiving the command to deactivate the alert communication system. The alert communication system  402  may be deactivated in a variety of ways. For example, the alert communication system  402  may deactivate (e.g. turn off the current alert) in response to the security system  202  receiving an indication that the doorbell button  212  has been pressed. In some embodiments, the security system  202  may be configured to turn off the alert communication system  402  in response to receiving an audible predetermined message, such as a spoken safety message or a spoken password that indicates that the event is being attended to or has ended. In some embodiments, the security system  202  can receive a deactivation command from the remote computing device  204 . In this manner, the individual operating the remote computing device  204  may send a command through the remote computing device  204  to terminate the ongoing alert. The deactivation of the alert communication system  402  can include selectively deactivating less than all of the components of the alert communication system  402 . For example, the deactivating of the alert communication system  402  can include deactivating only the localized communication (i.e., the speaker  404  and the light  406 ) but not the remote communication  407  with law enforcement (e.g., a silent alarm). 
       FIG.  14    illustrates an example table  600  of various alarm types that are used based on the certainty and severity of the event, according to some embodiments. The table  600  can correspond to block  516  in  FIG.  13    where a security system  202  can determine the alarm type. In embodiments, the alarm type may be pre-assigned depending on the certainty and the severity of the event. For example, an occupant may desire that a gas leak is always associated with an audible alarm and a red light, despite a low certainty. 
     The alarm type can also be based on threshold values. For example, if the certainty of a fire is 20% but the severity is high, the security system  202  can create a score that is based on the severity and the certainty. The security system  202 , based on the score, can determine the type of alarm. For example, a high severity event with a low certainty may (such as the fire) may be associated with a sound to invite an occupant to investigate further. A high severity event such as a gas leak but with a higher certainty may trigger a red flash along with the sound. A low severity event such as a baby crying can trigger a different set of alarm types such as playing comforting music. 
     Customized Sound Embodiments 
     The security system  202 , or doorbell  202 , may be configured to receive a custom sound(s) from a user and thereby emit the custom sound in response to a particular situation(s). For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  15   , a doorbell system  200  may receive a custom message (at step  1500 ). A user of the system may then optionally assign the custom message to a select visitor (at step  1502 ). Thereby when an indication of a presence of the select visitor is detected by the doorbell  202  (at step  1504 ), the doorbell  202  may then respond by emitting the custom message with a speaker  404 ,  488  of the doorbell  202  (at step  1506 ). It should be appreciated that the term “detecting” may be defined as discovering or identifying the presence or existence of a visitor. As such, the term “detecting” may be used interchangeably with the term “determining.” 
     The custom sound, or custom message, may be received by the doorbell system  200  in a variety of ways. As shown in  FIG.  16   , the doorbell system  200  may download the custom message from a remote computer, such as a remote computing device (e.g. a smart phone) (at step  1600 ). As well, the doorbell system  200  may record the custom message (at step  1602 ). For example, a user of the doorbell system  200  may record the custom message on his or her remote computing device, such as a smart phone, (at step  1602 ) and then download the custom message from the smart phone onto the doorbell system  200 . In some embodiments, the custom message may be directly recorded by the doorbell  202  (at step  1602 ), such as recorded by a microphone of the doorbell  202 . Generally, it should be appreciated that the custom message may be recorded by any type of recording device that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell system  200  (at step  1602 ). In this manner, the doorbell system  200  may download the custom message from the recording device. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG.  16   , any number of custom messages may be recorded and/or downloaded by the doorbell system  200 . For example, the doorbell system may record and/or download a second custom message (at step  1604 ), a third custom message, a fourth custom message, and any number of additional custom messages. 
     The doorbell system  200  may also be configured to interact with a visitor whereby the doorbell system  200  gives and receives audible information. In this manner, the doorbell system  200  may interpret information from the visitor. With reference to  FIG.  17   , the doorbell system  200  (e.g. a speaker  404 ,  488  of the doorbell  202 ) may be configured to emit an audible question(s) (at step  1700 ). The doorbell system  200  (e.g. via a microphone of the doorbell  202 ) may then receive an audible response from the visitor (at step  1702 ). The doorbell system  200  may thereby determine the meaning of the audible response given by the visitor. For example, the doorbell system  200  may determine whether the audible response comprises a first meaning or a second meaning (at step  1704 ). For example, if the doorbell system  200  determines that the audible response comprises the first meaning, the doorbell  202  may then emit a first audible response, via the speaker  404 ,  488 , (at step  1706 ). As well, if the doorbell system  200  determines that the audible response comprises the second meaning, the doorbell  202  may then emit a second audible response, via the speaker  404 ,  488 , (at step  1708 ). In this manner, the doorbell system  200  may be a smart system that is able to interpret and respond to different responses given by the visitor. 
     The doorbell system  200  may also be configured to initiate a communication session with a remote computing device  204 , such as a remote computing device  204  associated with the visitor and/or a user of the doorbell system  200  (e.g. a resident of the building  300 ). For example, the doorbell system  200  may detect an indication of a presence of a visitor (at step  1800 ). The doorbell system  200  may then initiate a communication session with the remote computing device of the visitor and/or the resident (at step  1802 ). The communication session may comprise any type of communication and/or transmission to the remote computing device, such as a text message, phone call, voicemail, email, and the like. For example, the communication session may comprise a written message that substantially matches a content of the custom message as emitted by the speaker  404 ,  488 . In this manner, hearing impaired visitors may be able to receive the message. 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, the doorbell system  200  may be configured to determine an identity of a first visitor and/or a second visitor. Accordingly, the doorbell system  200  may initiate a communication session, such as transmit a text message, to a remote computing device  204  that includes at least one of the identity of the first visitor and/or the identity of the second visitor. Generally, it should be appreciated that the communication session may include any type of information relating to the visitor and/or the visitor&#39;s presence at the doorbell  200 . 
     The doorbell system  200  may also be configured to detect various types of visitors. In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG.  19   , the doorbell system  200  may be referred to as a first doorbell system  200   a , which may be configured to detect an indication of a presence of a criminal (at step  1900 ). The first doorbell system  200   a  may detect the indication of the presence of a visitor, such as a criminal, by receiving a notification from a second doorbell system  200   b  that is communicatively coupled to the first doorbell system  200   a  and remotely located with respect to the first doorbell system  200   a . For example, the second doorbell system  200   b  may determine that a criminal is in the area and then alert all other doorbell systems  200  located within the vicinity, including the first doorbell system  200   a.    
     With reference to  FIG.  19   , in response to the doorbell  202  and/or doorbell system  200  detecting the indication of the presence of the criminal, the doorbell  202  may emit a warning message with a speaker  404 ,  488  of the doorbell  202  (at step  1902 ). The doorbell system  200  may then initiate a communication session with a law enforcement agency to notify the agency of the presence of the criminal (at step  1904 ). It should be appreciated that the warning message may include a message to scare away the criminal and/or inform the criminal that the law enforcement agency has been contacted. 
     As shown in  FIG.  20   , the doorbell system  200  may also be configured to identify a visitor, such as a criminal or suspicious person, by taking a picture of the visitor (at step  2000 ). The doorbell system  200  may then determine, based on the picture, that the visitor is included in a database of suspicious visitors, such as a database of criminals, that previously visited other doorbells  202  (at step  2002 ). The doorbell system  200 , and/or a remote computer, may use facial recognition software to match the facial data of the criminal with facial data from a law enforcement database. As well, the doorbell system  200  may detect the indication of the presence of the criminal by detecting body language of the criminal, such as detecting evasive or suspicious moves, detecting a fingerprint of the criminal, detecting a retina of the criminal, and the like. 
     As well, the doorbell system  200  may be configured to determine various types of visitors. As shown in  FIG.  21   , for example, the doorbell system  200  may determine that a visitor is a predetermined visitor type (at step  2100 ). The predetermined visitor type may comprise any type of visitor, such as a known visitor (e.g. a friend, a family member, and/or anyone included on a smart phone contact list of a user), a known visitor, a suspicious visitor, a criminal, and the like. In response to determining that the visitor is the predetermined visitor type, the doorbell system  200 , via the doorbell  202 , can select a custom message from a first message and a second message (at step  2102 ). In response to determining that the visitor is a known person, the doorbell system  200  may emit the first message (at step  2104 ). In some embodiments, the first message optionally includes a name of the known person. For example, the doorbell system  200  may determine that a known person named Tim, who is a friend of the resident, is present. Accordingly, the doorbell  202  may audibly announce, “Welcome, Tim.” 
     Likewise, in response to determining that the visitor is a stranger, the doorbell  202  may emit the second message (at step  2106 ). For example, if the doorbell system  200  determines that the stranger is a solicitor, the doorbell  202  may emit an audible message informing the solicitor that the resident does not purchase items from solicitors, an apology, and an invitation to exit the premise. Generally, it should be appreciated that the doorbell system  200  may be configured to determine any type of visitor and emit any type of custom message in response to the type of visitor. 
     The doorbell system  200  may also be configured to emit custom messages in response to the occurrence of predetermined conditions. As illustrated in  FIG.  22   , the doorbell system  200  may detect an indication of a presence of a visitor (at step  2200 ). The doorbell system  200  may thereby determine that a predetermined condition has occurred (at step  2202 ). For example, the predetermined condition may be a time of day, a period of days, such as a time when the resident(s) is on vacation, an event (e.g. a birthday party, during a football game, etc.), and the like. Accordingly, in response to the indication of the presence of the visitor and the occurrence of the predetermined condition, the doorbell  202  may thereby emit a custom message (at step  2204 ). It should be appreciated that the custom message may correspond with the occurrence of the predetermined condition. For example, if the predetermined condition is the occurrence of a game in which the resident&#39;s favorite football team is competing, then the custom message may be the fight song for the football team. 
     The predetermined condition may also be an occurrence when the resident(s) is away from the building  300  or when the resident(s) is located within the building  300 . With specific reference to  FIG.  23   , the doorbell system  200  may be configured to record and/or download more than one custom message, such as a first custom message and/or a second custom message, and then emit the respective custom message in particular situations (at step  2300 ). Accordingly, the method may thereby include determining whether a resident is located within the building  300  or whether the resident is not located within the building  300  (at step  2302 ). In response to determining that the resident is present within the building  300 , the doorbell  202  may thereby emit the first custom message (at step  2304 ). For example, the first custom message may be a message informing the visitor that the resident will be right there, such as, “Please wait a moment. Mr. Banks will be right there” (whereby Mr. Banks is the resident). In response to determining that the resident is not present within the building, the doorbell  202  may thereby emit the second custom message (at step  2306 ). The second custom message may include a message informing the visitor that the resident is busy (if the visitor is a suspicious person—to avoid a robbery) or away from the building  300  (if the visitor is a known person). For example, the second custom message may state, “I&#39;m sorry. Mr. Banks is currently occupied. Please come back another time.” 
     The doorbell system  200 , via the doorbell  202 , may be configured to receive the custom message in response to a variety of inputs as received by the doorbell system  200 . For example, as shown by  FIG.  24   , the doorbell  202  may receive an indication of a first button press from a button  212  of the doorbell  202  (at step  2400 ). In response to receiving the first button press, the doorbell  202  may thereby record the custom message and store the custom message within a memory of the doorbell system  200  (at step  2402 ). As well, the doorbell system  200  may be configured to receive an input, such as receive an indication of a second button press from the doorbell  202  (at step  2404 ). In response to receiving the second button press, the doorbell system  200  can thereby erase the custom message from the memory of the doorbell system  200  (at step  2406 ). 
     It should be appreciated that any reference to first button press, second button press, and the like, can refer to any number of button presses or duration of respective button presses. For example, the first button press can comprise two button presses and the second button press can comprise one button press. As well, the first button press can comprise one button press and the second button press can comprise two button presses. In some embodiments, the first button press can comprise the button  212  being pressed for a first duration and the second button press can comprise the button  212  being pressed for a second duration. It should be appreciated that the first duration can be greater than, equal to, or less than the second duration. 
     However, it should be appreciated that the inputs may be any type of inputs into the doorbell system  200 . For example, in conjunction or instead of a first and second button press, the doorbell system  200  may be configured to receive various motions from the user. In some embodiments, the camera  208  of the doorbell  202  may detect a first motion from the user, such as the user waving a hand once. In response to detecting the first motion, the doorbell  202  may thereby record the custom message and store the custom message within a memory of the doorbell system  200 . As well, the camera  208  may detect a second motion from the user, such as the user waving a hand twice. In response to detecting the second motion, the doorbell  202  may thereby erase the custom message from the memory of the doorbell system  200 . Generally, it should be appreciated that any type of input, such as a bodily motion, may be received by the doorbell system  200 . 
     The doorbell system  200  may also be configured to provide security and anonymity to a user of the doorbell system  200 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  25   , the doorbell system  200  may record and/or download a first custom message (at step  2500 ). The first custom message may be spoken by a first voice. The doorbell system  200  may be configured to effectively convert the first message into a second message, whereby the second message is spoken by a second voice that is different from the first voice. The content of the first custom message can substantially match the content of the second custom message. As such, the doorbell system  200  may emit the second custom message (at step  2502 ) that is spoken by the second voice. In this manner, the doorbell system  200  may effectively protect the identity of the user (e.g. resident) of the doorbell system  200 . 
     With respect to the various predetermined conditions, as shown in  FIG.  26   , the doorbell system  200  may create a schedule of a first timeframe to emit a first sound, a second timeframe to emit a second sound, and a third timeframe to emit a third sound (at step  2600 ). The doorbell system  200  may thereby determine that a visitation time of the visitor is within the first timeframe (at step  2602 ), and in response to determining that the visitation time of the visitor is within the first timeframe, the doorbell  202  may emit the first sound (at step  2604 ). Accordingly, if the doorbell system  200  determines that the visitation time of the visitor is within the second timeframe, the doorbell  202  may emit the second sound. Likewise, if the doorbell system  200  determines that the visitation time of the visitor is within the third timeframe, the doorbell  202  may emit the third sound. 
     For example, the first timeframe might include overnight and morning hours when the resident is either sleeping or getting ready for work. The first sound may thereby inform a visitor that the resident is busy and that the visitor should come back another time. As well, the second timeframe might include daytime hours, when the resident is away at work. The second sound might include a message that the resident is not available and that the visitor can reach the resident at work or on the resident&#39;s smart phone, if the visitor is a known or trusted visitor. Finally, the third timeframe might include a time during evening hours when the resident is home from work. The third sound may thereby inform the visitor that the resident will answer the door shortly. Generally, it should be appreciated that the doorbell system  200  may be configured to accommodate any timeframe or number of timeframes. As well, the doorbell system  200  may be configured to receive and thereby emit any sound in response to any of the respective timeframes. 
     With reference to  FIG.  27   , the doorbell system  200  may be configured to receive any number of custom messages and then emit respective messages in response to the doorbell system  200  (e.g. the doorbell  202 ) detecting an indication of a presence of any number of respective visitors. The doorbell  202  may emit a first custom audible message with a speaker  404 ,  488  in response to the doorbell system  200  detecting an indication of a presence of a first visitor (at step  2700 ). As well, the doorbell  202  may emit a second custom audible message with the speaker  404 ,  488  in response to the doorbell system  200  detecting an indication of a presence of a second visitor (at step  2702 ). Likewise, the doorbell  202  may emit a third custom audible message with the speaker  404 ,  488  in response to the doorbell system  200  detecting an indication of a presence of a third visitor (at step  2704 ). 
     The first, second and third custom audible messages can be assigned to specific visitors or groups of visitors. For example, the first custom audible message may be assigned to a specific first visitor. As well, the first custom audible message may be assigned to a specific group or type of visitor, such as any known visitor. 
     As shown in  FIG.  28   , the doorbell system  200  may be referred to as a first doorbell system  200   a  that is attached to a first building  300   a . The first doorbell system  200   a  may be communicatively coupled to a second doorbell system  200   b  that is attached to an exterior of a second building  300   b  that is remotely located with respect to the first building  300   a . Accordingly, the first doorbell  202   a  may also be communicatively coupled to the second doorbell  202   b . Thereby, the first doorbell system  202   a  may detect an indication of a presence of a first visitor by receiving a first notification from the second doorbell system  202   b  (at step  2800 ). As well, the first doorbell system  202   a  may detect an indication of a presence of a second visitor by receiving a second notification from the second doorbell system  202   b  (at step  2802 ). In this manner, the first doorbell system  202   a  and the second doorbell system  202   b  may be networked. This may allow doorbell systems  200  that are located within a specific area, such as a neighborhood, to communicate and transmit data to each other. The network of doorbell systems may exchange information and/or data to thereby monitor the entire neighborhood. 
     Chime Embodiments 
     Chimes  302  (shown in  FIGS.  3  and  31 - 37   ) can include all of the features, assemblies, parts, systems, and components of any doorbell  202  described herein or incorporated by reference. Chimes  302  can include all the items shown in  FIG.  12   . 
     The chime  302  is a remote communication device that can be configured to communicate with any doorbell  202  described herein or incorporated by reference. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  31 - 37   , a user can use the remote computing device  204  to select a sound emitted by the chime  302  (e.g., a remote communication device) located inside the building or silence the chime  302  located inside the building. Several embodiments include many different sounds that the chime  302  can emit when someone “rings” the doorbell  202  or is detected by the doorbell  202 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  31   , the chime  302  may receive backup or primary power from a power source of a building  300  and/or a battery  462   b  located within the chime. As well, the chime  302  may include various components to detect different events within the vicinity of the chime  302 . For example, embodiments may include a motion detector  218  configurable to detect motion along an inside portion of the building  300 . The chime  302  may also include a camera assembly  208   b  configurable to capture an image along the inside portion of the building  300 . As well, the chime  302  may include a speaker  488   b  configurable to emit sounds and a microphone  484   b  configurable to receive an audible message spoken by a user. 
     Even still, in embodiments, the chime  302  (e.g., a remote communication device) may include additional components including, but not limited to, a thermometer  512   b  configurable to determine temperature along the inside portion of the building  300  and a humidity sensor  305  configurable to determine humidity along the inside portion of the building  300 . The chime  302  may include a detection system  528   b  that may include miscellaneous detection components to monitor and detect various other events. As well, the chime  302  may include a communication system  504   b  configurable to communicatively couple the chime to the doorbell  202 , the remote computing device  204 , and/or any other communication device. The communication system  504   b  may communicate via WiFi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, ZigBee, and the like. It should be appreciated that the chime  302  may utilize none, some, or all the same components as utilized by the doorbell  202 . 
     A user can select a sound to be emitted by the chime  302  on her remote computing device  204  by using a control application  600 . The remote computing device  204  can then send the sound to the chime  302  via the doorbell  202  (and/or via a server  206  and a wireless network  308 ). The sound can be a song, a greeting recorded by the user, or any other type of sound. Some embodiments include using a remote computing device  204  to download a sound from the Internet, sending the sound (or data associated with the sound) to the doorbell  202  (e.g., in response to using the remote computing device  204  to select the sound), sending the sound (or data associated with the sound) from the doorbell  202  to the chime  302 , and/or emitting the sound from the chime  302 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  32  and  33   , the chime  302  can include an electrical plug  307 . The plug  307  can be mechanically and electrically coupled to a power outlet  309  (as shown in  FIG.  33   ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  34   , the doorbell  202  can serve as a communication bridge between the remote computing device  204  and the chime  302 . The doorbell  202  can be used to enable the remote computing device  204  to control the chime  302 . A user can select an option (e.g., a song or a chime setting) on the remote computing device  204 , then the system can send information regarding the option to and/or from the computing device  204 . Then, the system can send information regarding the option from the doorbell  202  to the chime  302  in response to the user selecting the option via the remote computing device  204 . The communication  230  between the computing device  204  and the doorbell  202  can be wireless. The communication  230  between the doorbell  202  and the chime  302  can be wireless. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  36   , the chime  302  (e.g., a remote communication device) can serve as a communication bridge between the remote computing device  204  and the doorbell  202 . This can be especially helpful when the doorbell  202  cannot access the wireless network  308  of the building  300  to which the doorbell is mechanically and/or electrically coupled. The chime  302  can be located inside the building  300 , and thus, is more likely to access the wireless network  308  of the building  300  (due to a superior signal strength of the wireless network  308  at the chime  302  compared to the signal strength at the doorbell  202 , which can be located much farther from a router of the wireless network  308 ). Some embodiments include configuring the chime  302  to serve as a communication bridge between the remote computing device  204  and the doorbell  202  in response to a first wireless signal strength of the wireless network  308  at a first location of the chime  302  being greater than a second wireless signal strength of the wireless network  308  at a second location of the doorbell  202 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the chime  302  (e.g., a remote communication device) can serve as a communication bridge between the doorbell  202  and a wireless network  308  of a building  300 . 
       FIG.  32    illustrates embodiments of the chime  302  (e.g., a remote communication device) that include at least one plug  307  that may be electrically, mechanically and/or communicatively coupled to a power outlet  309 . The one plug  307  can thereby electrically and/or communicatively couple the doorbell  202  to the wires of the power outlet  309 . 
     The system  200  can be configured to communicate in various manners. In some embodiments, the remote computing device  204  communicates directly with the doorbell  202 , while the doorbell  202  communicates directly with the chime  302 . In some embodiments, the remote computing device  204  communicates directly with the chime  302 , while the doorbell  202  communicates directly with the chime. Generally, it should be understood that the system  200  can be configured in any manner by the user. 
     Methods of Using a Chime 
     According to various embodiments, the doorbell system  200  can emit sounds from a chime  302 . As illustrated in  FIG.  38   , the method can include selecting the sound by a remote computing device  204  (at step  1300 ). For example, the remote computing device  204  can allow a user to select the sound by toggling a radio button (not shown) as displayed on a screen of the remote computing device  204 . In some examples, the user can select the sound by selecting a song or any type of audio file from a database, such as a music database (e.g. iTunes®), that is accessible through the remote computing device  204 . In some embodiments, the remote computing device  204  can be a server  206 , a communication device with a user interface (e.g. smart phone, tablet, etc.), and the like. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  38   , methods can also include sending a data file, which can include a first data file  213  and/or a second data file  211 , to a doorbell  202  that is communicatively coupled to the remote computing device  204  (at step  1302 ). The data file  211 ,  213  can include information that can represent the sound. The data file  211 ,  213  can be sent by the remote computing device  204  to the server  206  to the doorbell  202 . However, in some embodiments the data file  211 ,  213  can be sent by the remote computing device  204  to the doorbell  202 . As shown in  FIG.  30   , the remote computing device  204  can instruct the server  206 , via a wireless communication  230  including a signal  604 , to send the data file  211 ,  213  to the doorbell  202 . 
     As well, methods can include the doorbell  202  sending the data file  211 ,  213  to the chime  302  that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell  202  and remotely located with respect to the doorbell  202  (at step  1304 ). In embodiments, the data file  211 ,  213  is transmitted wirelessly to the chime  302 . As well, in embodiments, the data file  211 ,  213  is transmitted via a wire, such as wire  304   b , as shown in  FIG.  38   . In this manner, the data file  211 ,  213  is transmitted via a sound file communication  209 . 
     There are various ways that the chime  302  can receive the data file  211 ,  213 . In some methods, the data file can be downloaded from a web server, by at least one of the doorbell and the chime. Even still, in some embodiments, the remote computing device  204  can download the data file from the web server. 
     Methods can also include emitting the sound from a speaker  488   b  of the chime  302  at least partially in response to the chime  302  receiving the data file  211 ,  213  and at least partially in response to the doorbell  202  detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor. In this manner, when a visitor visits the building  300 , the doorbell system  200  can alert the user by playing any type of customized or prerecorded sound through the speaker  488   b  of the chime  302 . 
     As well, users of the doorbell system  200  may configure the system  200  to emit the sound in accordance with certain parameters, such as sound emission parameters. Accordingly, methods may include receiving, by the doorbell  202 , a sound emission parameter from the remote computing device  204 . Methods may also include emitting the sound from a speaker  488   b  of the chime  302  in response to the doorbell system  202  determining that the sound emission parameter has been met. In some embodiments, the sound emission parameters may comprise predetermined timeframes. For example, the user may elect a sound emission parameter, such as a “do not disturb” parameter, so that the chime  302  does not emit the sound during predetermined hours of the day. As well, in embodiments, the sound emission parameters  302  may comprise specific visitors. For example, if an unknown visitor or unwelcome visitor (e.g. a door-to-door salesperson) visits the building  300 , the sound emission parameters can instruct the chime  302  not to emit the sound when the doorbell system  200  detects the presence of the unknown or unwelcome visitor. 
     The chime  302  may also be configured to emit an audible message from a speaker  488   b  of the chime  302 . The audible message may be a message that is spoken by a user and recorded by the doorbell  202 , the remote computing device  204 , and/or the chime  302  itself. In embodiments, a user of the system  200  may wish to transmit an audible message through the chime  302 . For example, a first resident may speak an audible message such as, “Honey, I&#39;ll be home in 30 minutes,” into his/her remote computing device  204 . Accordingly, the system  200  may emit the audible message from the chime  302 . Furthermore, in embodiments, the first resident my type a message into his/her remote computing device  204 , and the system  200  may thereby announce an audible message that comprises the contents of the typed message. 
     The chime  302  may also be used to detect motion and capture audio and video recordings along an inside portion of a building  300 . Specifically, the method may include the motion detector  218   b  of the chime  302  detecting a first motion within the inside portion of the building  300 . Methods may also include initiating a first communication session with the remote computing device  204  in response to the motion detector  218   b  of the chime  302  detecting the first motion. The first communication session may include a first notification of the first motion detected by the motion detector of the chime. For example, the chime  302  may detect a prowler within the inside portion of the building  300  and the system  200  may thereby send an alert to the remote computing device  204  of the user. 
     In embodiments, the method may also include the motion detector  218   b  of the chime  302  detecting a second motion within an inside portion of the building  300 . It should be appreciated that the second motion may be different from the first motion, or the same. The system  200  may thereby initiate a second communication session with a second remote computing device  204   b  in response to the motion detector  218   b  of the chime  302  detecting the second motion. The second communication session can comprise a second notification of the second motion detected by the chime  302 . In this regard, the first remote computing device  204   a  may not receive the second communication session. Accordingly, the system  200  can be configured to alert different users based on different motions within the building  300 . For example, the chime  302  may detect suspicious motions and thereby alert the police. In some examples, the chime  302  may detect non-suspicious motions within the building  300 , such as the dog walking around, whereupon an alert is sent to the remote computing device  204  of the resident. 
     As well, methods may include selecting more than one sound and sending the more than one sound to the chime  302 . For example, methods may include selecting a second sound by the remote computing device  204  and thereby sending a second data file comprising second information to the doorbell  202 . The second information may represent the second sound. As well, methods may include sending the second data file to the chime  302 . 
     In embodiments, the chime  302  may be configured to emit different sounds in response to different motions detected by the motion detector  218  of the doorbell along an outside portion of the building  300 . For example, methods may include detecting a first motion, by a motion detector  218  of the doorbell  202 , along the outside portion of the building  300 . In response to the doorbell  202  detecting the first motion, the chime may thereby emit the first sound from a speaker  488   b  of the chime  302 . As well, the motion detector  218  of the doorbell  202  may detect a second motion along the outside portion of the building  300 . It should be appreciated that the second motion may be different from the first motion, or the same. Accordingly, methods may include emitting the second sound from the speaker  488  of the chime  302  in response to the doorbell  202  detecting the second motion. In this manner, the chime  302  may be configured to audibly alert people within the building  300  as to whether various motions have been detected by the doorbell  202 . In embodiments, the chime  302  may emit an audible alarm if the doorbell  202  detects a suspicious motion. In embodiments, the chime  302  may emit a more friendly sound (e.g. “ding-dong”) if the doorbell  202  detects a non-suspicious motion. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  39   , this disclosure also includes a method of using a doorbell system  200  to emit a sound from a chime  302 . The method may include selecting a sound by a remote computing device  204  (at step  1400 ) and sending a data file  211 ,  213  comprising information to the chime  302  (at step  1402 ). It should be appreciated that the information may represent the sound. As well, the data file  211 ,  213  may be sent to the chime  302  by the remote computing device  204  and/or the server  206 . Furthermore, methods may include detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor with a doorbell  202  (at step  1404 ) and emitting the sound from a speaker  488   b  of the chime  302  in response to detecting the indication of the presence of the visitor (at step  1406 ). 
     In addition to detecting motion, the chime  302  and/or the doorbell  202  may also capture audio, images and/or video. For example, as shown in  FIGS.  35  and  36   , in response to detecting a motion with the motion detector  218   b  of the chime  302 , methods may include using the camera  208   b  of the chime  302  to capture an image and/or video within the inside portion of the building  300 . It should be appreciated that the image and/or video may correspond to the motion detected by the chime  302 . The image and/or video may thereby be sent to the doorbell  202  and/or the remote computing device  204  where the image and/or video can be viewed via a control application  600  viewed on a display  603  of the computing device  204 . 
     As well, the method may use a microphone  484   b  of the chime to detect and record audio within the inside portion of the building  300 . The audio recording may thereby be transmitted to the doorbell  202  and/or the remote computing device  204 , where it can be played back. 
     As well, the system  200  may be configured to respond in other various ways in response to detecting a motion. For instance, in embodiments, in response to detecting a motion with the motion detector  218   b  of the chime  302 , the doorbell  202  may flash a light  216 ,  220  to thereby indicate to people passing by the building  300  that there is an event underway at the building  300 . This may serve useful to personnel (e.g. law enforcement) to thereby determine the exact location of the building  300 . 
     The chime  302  may be configured to emit any various type of sound in response to any of the previously mentioned components detecting various events. In embodiments, the chime  302  may emit a first sound in response to the doorbell detecting an indication of a presence of a visitor. As well, the chime  302  may emit a second sound in response to the motion detector  218   b  detecting motion along the inside portion of the building  300 . Furthermore, if thermometer  512   b  detects that the temperature has exceeded a predetermined threshold, the chime  302  may emit a third sound, such as an announcement of the temperature as detected by the thermometer  528   b . Even still, the chime  302  may be configured to emit a fourth sound in response to the humidity sensor  305  detecting that a predetermined humidity has been met. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  40   , the disclosure also includes methods of identifying visitors and emitting different sounds according to the visitor detected. For example, methods may include recognizing, by a doorbell  202 , a first visitor (at step  1500 ). The method may include emitting the first sound from the chime  302  in response to recognizing the first visitor (at step  1502 ). As well, the method may include emitting a second sound from the chime in response to not recognizing, by the doorbell  202 , a second visitor (at step  1506 ). It should be appreciated that the first sound and the second sounds can be different, or the same. 
     In order to detect the visitor, methods may include recognizing the first visitor and/or the second visitor by detecting various traits, such as a physical trait of the respective visitor. Physical traits can include traits such as a fingerprint, gait, body type, height, silhouette traits, silhouette volume, silhouette dimensions, other physical characteristics, and the like. As well, the system  200  may be configured to recognize the first visitor and/or the second visitor by the doorbell  202  detecting a trait of an electronic device in the possession of the first visitor and/or the second visitor. For example, the system  200  may be configured to detect a first remote computing device  204   d  associated with the first visitor and/or a second remote computing device  204   e  associated with the second visitor. In response to detecting a visitor by physical traits and/or electronic traits, the chime  302  may emit a sound associated with the particular visitor. 
     The following patent applications, which are incorporated by reference herein, describe additional embodiments of recognizing visitors: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/135,133; filed Mar. 18, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,050; filed Jun. 23, 2014; and entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION USING A SOCIAL NETWORK; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,053; filed Jun. 23, 2014; and entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION USING A SOCIAL NETWORK AND A NAME OF A VISITOR; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,057; filed Jun. 23, 2014; and entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF FREQUENT AND NON-FREQUENT VISITORS. 
     Wired Communication Embodiments 
     In addition to the doorbell system  200  being configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled via any wireless communication standard, the doorbell system  200  may also be electrically and communicatively coupled via any type of wired communication standard (e.g. wires). In embodiments, the wires may be the copper wires of the building  300 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  36   , the doorbell system  200  may be coupled to a doorbell power supply  312  of a building  300 . Accordingly, the doorbell system  200  may include a first wire  304   c  that may electrically couple the doorbell  202  to the power supply  312  of the building  300 . As well, the doorbell system  200  may include a second wire  304   b  that may electrically and/or communicatively couple the chime  302  to the doorbell  202 . As well, the doorbell system  200  may include a third wire  304   a  that may electrically couple the chime  302  to the power supply  312  to form a circuit comprising the first wire  304   c , the doorbell  202 , the second wire  304   b , the chime  302 , the third wire  304   a , and the power supply  312 . 
     Because the doorbell  202  may be communicatively coupled to the chime  302  via the second wire  304   b , the chime  302  may be configured to receive a first data file from the doorbell  202  via the second wire  304   b . As well, the doorbell system  200  may include a sound file communication  209  that may be sent from the doorbell  202  to the chime  302  via the second wire  304   b . In some embodiments, the sound file communication  209  may comprise at least one thousand bytes. As well, in embodiments, the sound file communication  209  may comprise less than one thousand bytes. It should also be appreciated that the second wire  304   b  may enable two-way communication from the doorbell  202  to the chime  302  and/or from the chime  302  to the doorbell  202 . 
     In embodiments, the first data file may comprise commands to perform various operations or put the doorbell system  200  into various settings. For example, the first data file may comprise a command configured to place the chime  302  into silent mode, such that the chime  302  does not emit a sound. Likewise, the first data file may comprise a command configured to adjust a volume setting of the chime  302 . Even still, the first data file may comprise a command configured to adjust a duration of a notification sound emitted by the chime  302 . Generally, it should be appreciated that the first data file may command the chime  302  to perform any such operation. 
     Even still, the data file may comprise data gathered by the doorbell system  200 , such as a video recorded by the doorbell  202 . Accordingly, the data file may include information regarding an event that occurred outside the chime  302 , such as the presence of a prowler or an image of an object associated with a motion detected by the system  200 . In this regard, the data file may comprise identifying information regarding the person and/or object detected by the chime  302 . For example, the doorbell  202  and/or chime  302  may detect a person located outside or inside the building  300 . The chime may then receive the data file that comprises the identity of the person as detected by the doorbell  202  and/or chime  302 . As well, the doorbell  202  may wirelessly receive the first data file from the remote computing device  204 . In this manner, the doorbell  202  may receive various files, such as audio, and an image and/or video as recorded by the chime via the first wire. It should also be appreciated that the chime  302  may receive the various files from the doorbell  202  and/or the remote computing device  204 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  41   , the disclosure also includes a method of electrically coupling a doorbell system  200  to a doorbell power supply  312  of a building  300 . The method may include coupling a doorbell  202  to a remote chime  302  via a first wire  304   c  (at step  1600 ). As well, the method may include receiving, by the doorbell  202 , a first data file comprising information (at step  1602 ). As further shown in  FIG.  41   , the method may include sending a second data file comprising the information from the doorbell to the remote chime via the first wire (at step  1604 ). 
     The information may represent a sound that was unknown to the chime  302  prior to receiving the second data file. In this regard, the method may include emitting the sound from the chime  302  at least partially in response to receiving the second data file. In this regard, the method may include the chime using the second data file to emit a sound. In some embodiments, the second data file may comprise at least one thousand bytes. As well, in embodiments, the second data file may comprise less than one thousand bytes. 
     As well, the method may include emitting the sound from the chime  302  at least partially in response to the chime  302  receiving a sound emission parameter from the doorbell  202  and/or the remote computing device  204 . For example, the chime  302  may receive a sound emission parameter to only emit the sound between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm. Accordingly, if the system  200  detects a presence of a visitor between 9 am and 9 pm, and in response to the chime  302  having received the data file, the chime  302  may emit a sound in response to the doorbell system  200  having determined that the sound emission parameter has been met. 
     Chime-Hub Communication Embodiments 
     In embodiments, the chime  302  can serve as the communication hub that links the doorbell  202  to the remote computing device  204 , and vice versa. The chime  302  can be configured as the communication hub for a variety of reasons. For example, in certain situations, the doorbell system can be configured to detect whether the doorbell  202  comprises inadequate wireless performance to communicate with a remote computing device  204  via at least one of the wireless network and a cellular network. Accordingly, when the doorbell  202  receives inadequate wireless performance, the doorbell  202  can thereby communicate with the chime  302 , which in turn communicates with the remote computing device  204  to thereby communicatively couple the doorbell  202  to the remote computing device  204 . 
     Accordingly, and as illustrated in  FIG.  42   , methods of using the doorbell system can include coupling communicatively the chime  302  to a wireless network of the building  300  (at step  1700 ). The chime  302  can thereby be communicatively coupled to the doorbell  202  and to a remote computing device  204  (at step  1700 ). 
     In embodiments, the doorbell system can be used to detect an indication of a presence of a visitor and thereby transmit the indication from the doorbell  202  to the remote computing device  204  via the chime  302 . The presence of the visitor can be detected via a variety of indications. For example, methods can include detecting, by the doorbell  202 , a trigger of a button  212  of the doorbell  202  (at step  1702 ). 
     As further illustrated in  FIG.  42   , methods can also include sending an alert  232   a , such as a visitor alert  232   a , from the doorbell  202  to the chime  302  and thereby sending the visitor alert  232   a  from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  (at step  1706 ). In this manner, the chime  302  can communicatively couple the doorbell  202  to the remote computing device  204 . As such, the chime  302  can serve as the hub that communicatively couples the doorbell  202  to the remote computing device  204 . In some embodiments, the visitor alert  232   a ,  232   b  can be transmitted via the data file  213 , first data file  213   b , second data file  213   a , and/or the data file  211 . 
     Accordingly, the visitor alert  232   a  can be sent from the doorbell  202  to the chime  302  and/or the remote computing device  204  by a variety of methods. For example, in some embodiments, the doorbell  202  can be communicatively coupled to the chime  302  via a wire, a wireless network of the building  300 , and/or a cellular network. As well, the chime  302  can be communicatively coupled to the remote computing device  204  via the wireless network of the building  300  and/or a cellular network. Methods can thereby include sending the visitor alert  232   a  from the doorbell  202  to the chime  302  via any combination of transmission systems including the wire, wireless network of the building  300 , and/or cellular network (at step  1708 ). As well, methods can include sending the visitor alert  232   a  from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  via any combination including the wireless network of the building  300  and/or cellular network (at step  1708 ). 
     In some situations, the doorbell  202  may receive a wireless signal, but the wireless signal may be inadequate to transmit specific communications from the doorbell  202  to the remote computing device  204 . In these situations, the chime  302  may serve as the communication hub between the doorbell  202  and the remote computing device  204 . Accordingly, methods may include sending the visitor alert  232   a  from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  in response to the doorbell system detecting that the doorbell  202  comprises inadequate wireless performance to send the visitor alert  232   a  to the remote computing device  204  via at least one of the wireless network and a cellular network (at step  1710 ). Described differently, some methods can include sending the visitor alert  232   a  from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  in response to the doorbell system detecting that a wireless signal of the doorbell  202  is below a threshold (at step  1712 ). 
     The doorbell  202 , remote computing device  204 , and the chime  302  may be located in different locations with respect to each other. For example, the doorbell  202  may be located outside of the building  300 , the chime  302  may be located inside the building  300 , and the remote computing device  204  can be remotely located with respect to the building  300 . As illustrated in  FIG.  43   , methods may include sending the visitor alert  232   a  from the doorbell  202  to the chime  302  while the doorbell  202  is located outside the building  300  and while the chime  302  is located inside the building  300  (at step  1800 ). As well, methods may include sending the visitor alert  232   a  from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  that may be located inside or outside of the building  300 . 
     The visitor alert  232   a  can take various forms that alert a user that a visitor is present at the doorbell  202  or that a visitor has left a message for the user via the doorbell  202 . In this regard, the visitor alert  232   a  can comprise a video, an image, a sound, a text message, an email, a phone call, and the like. With reference to  FIG.  42   , methods can include capturing the video and/or image via a camera assembly  208  of the doorbell  202  (at step  1704 ). As well, in embodiments where the visitor alert  232   a  comprises a sound, methods can include recording the sound with a microphone  484  of the doorbell  202 . Methods can even include the visitor making a phone call through the doorbell  202  to the remote computing device  204 , whereby the chime  302  communicatively couples the doorbell  202  to the remote computing device  204  to enable the phone call. 
     Upon the doorbell  202  capturing video, images, sounds, and the like, the doorbell system can thereby include various communications between the doorbell  202  and the chime  302 , and between the chime  302  and the remote computing device  204 . For example, the doorbell system can include a first communication from the doorbell  202  to the chime  302 . The first communication can include a video and/or image taken by a camera  208  of the doorbell  202 . Accordingly, the doorbell system can include a second communication from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204 . The second communication can also comprise the video. 
     Even still, the chime  302  can be communicatively coupled via the wireless network and/or cellular network to other peripheral devices, such as a door lock (e.g. a smart door lock) (at step  1802 ), a remote sensor (e.g. a fire alarm, a smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide detector, and a burglar alarm) (at step  1804 ), and the like. In this regard, the chime  302  can serve as the communication hub, not only between the doorbell  202  and the remote computing device  204 , but also between the doorbell  202 , the remote computing device  204 , the door lock, the remote sensor, and any other peripheral device. 
     By configuring the chime  302  as the communication hub between such devices, the chime  302  may be used to transmit and communicate messages and instructions between devices. For example, a user may enter an instruction on a remote computing device  204  to lock a front door lock. The instruction may then be sent from the remote computing device  204  to the chime  302  whereby the chime  302  sends the instruction to the front door lock to move to a locked position. In response, the front door lock may lock the front door. 
     In another example, the chime  302  may detect an indication of an adverse event and/or receive the indication of the adverse event from the remote sensor. The adverse event can comprise various events, such as a motion, breaking glass, fire, a fire alarm sound, smoke, and the like. Accordingly, methods can include directly detecting an adverse event with the chime  302  (at step  1806 ), such as detecting the sound of glass breaking via a microphone of the chime  302 . As well, methods can include the chime  302  receiving an indication of the adverse event from the remote sensor that is communicatively coupled to the chime  302 , whereby the remote sensor is configured to detect adverse events. As illustrated in  FIG.  43   , methods can include sending an alert  232   b  of the adverse event (e.g. an adverse event alert  232   b ) to the remote computing device  204  in response to detecting the adverse event (at step  1808 ). As should be appreciated, the adverse event alert  232   b  can comprise a notification of the adverse event to thereby put the user on notice of the adverse event. 
     The chime  302  can be configured to communicate with other devices, such as the remote computing device  204 , remote sensors, and the like, via any wireless personal area network. For example, the chime  302  can be configured to communicate via Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, and the like. In this manner the chime  302  can communicate with Bluetooth low energy tags. 
     In various embodiments, the chime  302  may include a light configurable to illuminate an area or provide ambient lighting for comfort, such as a nightlight. The light may comprise the diagnostic light  216 , the power indicator light  220 , and/or any other light electrically coupled to the chime  302 . As well, the light may be activated by various means, such as in response to an audible message from a user (e.g. “Max, turn on the light”). Even still, the light may be configurable to activate in response to external conditions, such as darkness of an adjacent area, much like a nightlight. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  36   , a system can include a remote sensor  418  that is located outside of the doorbell  202 , outside of the chime  302 , and outside of the remote computing device  204 . The remote sensor  418  can be located inside or outside of the building  300 . The remote sensor  418  can include a speaker  488   c  that can emit sounds  236  (e.g., alarm sounds). A microphone  484   b  (shown in  FIG.  31   ) of the chime  302  can detect (e.g., “hear”) the sounds  236 . Then, the chime  302  can send a notification to the remote computing device  204  in response to detecting the sounds  236  and/or in response to receiving a wireless communication  230  from the remote sensor  418 . 
     Remote sensors  418  can include a fire alarm, a smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide detector, a motion sensor, a glass-break sensor, and a burglar alarm. For example, the chime  302  can listen for a smoke alarm. Then, the chime  302  can send a notification to the remote computing device  204  in response to hearing the alarm sound of the smoke alarm. 
     Some embodiments include sending a second alert from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  in response to receiving, by the chime  302 , a communication from the remote sensor  418 . Several embodiments include coupling communicatively the chime  302  to a remote sensor  418 . The remote sensor  418  can comprise at least one of a fire detector, a smoke detector, and a carbon monoxide detector. Embodiments can also include sending a second alert from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  in response to receiving, by the chime  302 , a communication from the remote sensor  418 . 
     Several embodiments comprise detecting, by a microphone  484   b  (shown in  FIG.  31   ) of the chime  302 , an alarm sound emitted by a remote sensor  418 , and then sending a second alert from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  in response to detecting the alarm sound. Some embodiments include detecting, by a microphone  484   b  of the chime  302 , an alarm sound emitted by a remote smoke detector (e.g.,  418 ), and then sending a second alert from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  in response to detecting the alarm sound. Several embodiments include detecting, by a microphone  484   b  of the chime  302 , an alarm sound emitted by a remote motion sensor device (e.g.,  418 ), and then sending a second alert from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  in response to detecting the alarm sound. 
     Burglars often break glass windows and glass doors to enter homes and other buildings. Some embodiments include detecting, by a microphone  484   b  of the chime  302 , glass breaking, and then sending a second alert from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  in response to detecting the glass breaking. 
     Some systems include a remote sensor  418  having at least one of a fire detector, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a motion detector, and a glass-break detector. The remote sensor  418  can be communicatively coupled to the chime  302  (e.g., via wireless communication  230 ). Systems can include a third communication from the remote sensor  418  to the chime  302 . 
     Several systems include a chime  302  that has a microphone  484   b  (shown in  FIG.  31   ). Systems can also include a remote sensor  418 , an alarm sound  236  emitted by the remote sensor  418 , and a third communication sent from the chime  302  to the remote computing device  204  in response to the microphone  484   b  of the chime  302  detecting the alarm sound  236 . 
       FIG.  36    illustrates a doorbell system configured to be coupled to a building  300  having a wireless network  308 . The doorbell system can include a doorbell  202  having a button  212  configured to be pressed by a visitor to notify occupants of the building  300 . The doorbell  202  can comprises a first wireless communication system  503  and a second wireless communication system  507  (as shown in  FIG.  44   ). The first wireless communication system  503  can consume less energy per unit of operating time than the second wireless communication system  507 . 
     The doorbell system also includes a remote communication device (e.g., the chime  302 ) coupled to a power outlet  309  (as shown in  FIG.  33   ) of the building  300  and located remotely relative to the doorbell  202 . The remote communication device  302  comprises a speaker  488   b  configured to emit a sound in response to the visitor pressing the button  212 . The remote communication device  302  comprises a third wireless communication system  509  and a fourth wireless communication system  511  (as shown in  FIG.  44   ). The third wireless communication system  509  can consume less energy per unit of operating time than the fourth wireless communication system  511 . 
     In some embodiments, the second  507  and fourth  511  wireless communication systems can be Wi-Fi systems. The first  503  and third  509  wireless communication systems can be Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, ZigBee, and or any other suitable system. An advantage of some embodiments is that more power-hungry communication systems are used less often than more energy efficient systems. This can be especially helpful when the doorbell  202  runs on battery power. 
     As shown in  FIG.  44   , the remote communication system  302  is communicatively coupled with the wireless network  308  via the fourth wireless communication system  511 , and is communicatively coupled with the first wireless communication system  503  of the doorbell  202  via the third wireless communication system  509 . The doorbell  202  is communicatively coupled with the wireless network  308  via the second wireless communication system  507  in response to receiving a communication from the remote communication device  302  via the first wireless communication system  503 . 
       FIG.  45    illustrates how a remote computing device  204  can send a communication to a wireless network  308  of a building, which can then send a wireless communication to the fourth wireless communication system  511 . The remote communication device  302  can then use its third wireless communication system  509  to send a communication to the first wireless communication system  503  of the doorbell. The doorbell  202  can then use its second wireless communication system  507  to send a communication to the wireless network  308  and/or to the remote computing device  204 . 
     The communication can be a doorbell setting parameter that a user “sets” by selecting an option on an “app” run by the remote computing device  204 . The doorbell  202  can update a doorbell setting (e.g., power management settings, camera settings, notification preferences, doorbell light settings) in response to receiving the doorbell setting parameter. 
     In some embodiments, the doorbell  202  “wakes up” in response to receiving a communication from the remote communication device  302 . The remote communication device  302  can send the doorbell  202  a wake up command in response to receiving a wake up command from the remote computing device  204 . The doorbell  202  can “wake up” by turning on the camera, starting to record a video, and/or beginning wireless communication with the wireless network  308 . 
       FIG.  46    illustrates a front view of another doorbell  202   m . This doorbell  202   m  includes a battery  462 . The battery  462  can provide electrical power such that the doorbell  202   m  does not need to be connected to a building&#39;s electrical system to receive electricity. This doorbell  202   m  can include any of the items described in the context of other doorbells  202  illustrated herein or incorporated by reference. 
     TCP and UDP Transmission Embodiments 
     Wireless communication systems can offer a secure and convenient way for an individual to communicate with and see a remotely located person. In some embodiments, a doorbell system can employ a wireless communication system that can allow a remotely located person to see, hear, and/or talk with visitors. This communication can occur through a computing device, while the person is at a different location than the visitor. Computing devices can include computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, smartphones, cellular phones, and wireless devices (e.g., cars with wireless communication). Example computing devices include the iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro made by Apple Inc. Communication between a remotely located person and a visitor can occur via the Internet, cellular networks, telecommunication networks, and wireless networks. 
     Referring to  FIG.  47   , in some embodiments, the doorbell system  200  can have a visitor detection system  528  (shown in  FIG.  29   ) that can comprise at least one of a camera  208 , a microphone  484 , and a motion detector  218 . The method of operating the doorbell  202  can comprise recording video data  214  via the camera  208 , recording audio data  215  via the microphone  484 , transmitting at least a portion of the video data  214  and at least a portion of the audio data  215  to a remote computing device  204 , and transmitting the video data  214  and audio data  215  to a remote server  206 . The remote computing device  204  and the remote server  206  can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell  202 . This method can allow the user  336  to view or hear the data  213  collected from the doorbell  202  from their computer or smartphone, as well as allow the user  336  to review the data  213  stored on the server  206  at a later time. In several embodiments, this method can further comprise the detection of a visitor  338  via the doorbell detection system  528 , shown in  FIG.  29   . 
     In transmitting data over Wi-Fi, there are two types of Internet Protocol (IP) traffic. These protocols include User Datagram Protocol, or UDP, and Transmission Control Protocol, or TCP. UDP is a fast method of sending data. However, it does not allow for error correction. Therefore, data sent via the internet can contain errors due to data collisions that are a result of the simultaneous data packet transmission being sent over the same wavelength by different devices. UDP is typically used to stream video and audio due to its speed. TCP, on the other hand, offers error correction by controlling the flow of data to prevent data collisions and ensure the delivered data matches the original data. This flow control can stop the flow of data until packets of data are accurately delivered. Because of this, TCP can be used to transmit important information such as database information, websites, or email. In some embodiments, the method of operating the doorbell system  200  can include transmitting at a portion of the video data  214  and at least a portion of the audio data  215  to the remote computing device  204  via UDP while transmitting the video data  214  and the audio data  215  to the remote server  206  via TCP. 
     In some embodiments, this method of doorbell operation can comprise the transmission of data  213 , via UDP, to a remote computing device  204 . The transmission of data  213 , via TCP, to the remote server  206  can be performed concurrently. At least a portion of the steps of recording video data  214 , recording audio data  215 , and transmitting all or some of the data  213  to the remote computing device  204  and the remote server  206  can be done simultaneously. 
     In several embodiments, the video data  214  can define a larger video file size than the portion of the video data  214  and the audio data  215  defines a larger audio file size than the portion of the audio data  215 . This can be due to the type of internet protocol being used. TCP is a perfect copy, while UDP transmission is less accurate and may omit portions of the video and audio. 
     Operating the doorbell system  200  can include the ability to pause the transmission the video data  214  and the audio data  215 , via TCP, to the remote server  206 . It may be useful to pause TCP transmission to a remote server  206 , such as the Cloud, if the bandwidth is limited to prevent streaming quality via UDP to the user&#39;s  336  remote computing device  204 , such as a smartphone. 
     In some embodiments, wherein the transmitting of video data  214  and the audio data  215  to the remote server  206 , via TCP, is paused, the pausing can be performed in response to exceeding a predetermined transmission capacity, or limited bandwidth, between the doorbell  202  and at least one of the remote computing device  204  and the remote server  206  being less than a predetermined threshold. 
     Referring to  FIG.  47   , in several embodiments, pausing the step of transmitting, via TCP, the video data  214  and the audio data  215  to the remote server  206  can be performed in response to receiving a request  211  from the remote computing device  204 . In some embodiments, the request  211  can be generated by a user  336  selecting an input  243  on a display screen  242  of the remote computing device  204 . For example, the user  336  may choose to pause the video  214  and audio data  215  being sent to a remote server  206  to improve data streaming. The user  336  may do this through a message on their smartphone that inquires whether the video or audio quality is poor. 
     In some embodiments, the doorbell method or operation can further comprise transmitting, via TCP, the video data  214  and the audio data  215  from the remote server  206  to the remote computing device  204 . The user can send a request  211  to view the previously recorded and more accurate TCP video  214  and audio  215  at a later time on their smartphone or another remote computing device  204 . 
     In several embodiments where the video data  214  and the audio data  215  can be transmitted, via TCP, from the remote server  206  to the remote computing device  204 , the data  213  can be available for viewing and listening on the remote computing device  204  at least 15 minutes after the recording began. 
     The method can further comprise storing, via a ring buffer  505  of the doorbell  202 , up to 20 minutes of video  214  and audio  215  data. The ring buffer  505  can process a queue of the video data  214  and audio data  215  in a first in first out, or FIFO, manner. In some embodiments, transmitting the video data  214  and audio data  215  to the remote server  206  can occur at a rate that is faster than the camera  208  records the video data  214  and the microphone  484  records the audio data  215 . This means that since the upload speed can be faster than the camera recording rate, the system will not fail to record the video data  214  and audio data  215 . 
     In several embodiments, a doorbell system  200  can comprise a communication module  504  coupled to the doorbell housing  560 . As illustrated in  FIG.  47   , the camera  208  can be configurable to record video data  214 . The microphone  484  can be configurable to record audio data  215 . The communication module  504  can be configurable to transmit at least a portion of the video data  214  and at least a portion of the audio data  215  to a remote computing device  204  that can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell  202 . The communication module  504  can also be configurable to transmit the video data  214  and the audio data  215  to a remote server  206  that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell  202 . 
     In several embodiments of the doorbell system  200 , the communication module  504  can transmit, via UDP, at least the portion of the video data  214  and at least a portion of the audio data  215  to the remote computing device  204 . The communication module  504  can transmit, via TCP, the video data  214  and the audio data  215  to the remote server  206 . 
     In some embodiments, the doorbell system  200  can further comprise a ring buffer  505 . A ring buffer is a fixed-sized data structure that acts as if it were connected end to end. In a ring buffer, as data is allocated to memory in a First In First Out manner. This means that data structure is queued, where the first entry of data is at the head of the queue and processed first. As data is allocated to memory, it is entered into the queue structure in the order it was processed. Likewise, when data is taken out of memory, it is removed in the same order in which it arrived. As data is removed from the queue, all elements in memory are shifted to allow a new data to be stored at the end of the queue. The ring buffer  505  can be communicatively coupled to the communication module  504 . The ring buffer  505  can store, for example, up to 20 minutes of video, that can represents the video data  214 , and up to 20 minutes of audio, that can represent the audio data  215 . The ring buffer  505  can processes a queue of the video data  214  and audio data  215  in a first in first out, or FIFO, manner. The doorbell system  200  can further comprise a remote computing device  204  that can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell  202 . 
     The doorbell system  200  can further comprise TCP transmitted video and audio that can be stored on the remote server  206 . The TCP transmitted video and audio file may be able to be replayed on the remote computing device  204  at least 15 minutes after the recording began. The TCP transmitted video and audio can also represent a full version of the video data  214  and the audio data  215 . In addition, UDP transmitted video  214  and audio  215  can be live-streamed on the remote computing device  204  in near real-time to the video  215  being recorded by the camera  208  and the audio  215  being recorded by the microphone  484 . The UDP transmitted video and audio can represent a partial version of the video data  214  and the audio data  215 . 
     In several embodiments, a doorbell  202  can have having a visitor detection system  528  (shown in  FIG.  29   ) that can comprise at least one of a camera  208 , a microphone  484 , and a motion detector  218 . As illustrated in  FIG.  48   , some methods of using this doorbell system  200  can comprise recording, via the camera  208 , video data  214  at a first point in time  700 . Methods can also include recording, via the microphone  484 , audio data  215  at the first point in time  700 . As well, methods can then detect, via the motion detector  218 , a presence of a visitor  580  at a second point in time  702 . The doorbell system  200  can then transmit the video data  214  and the audio data  215  to at least one of a remote server  206  and a remote computing device  204 . Each of the remote server  206  and the remote computing device  204  can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell  202 , so that the video data  215  and audio data  215  can comprise continuous video and audio beginning at the first point in time  700  until a second predetermined amount of time  706  after the second point in time  702 . In some embodiments, the doorbell system  200  can further comprise recording, via a ring buffer  505  of the doorbell  202 , the video data  214  and audio data  215  from the first point in time  700 . The amount of time between the first point in time  700  and the second point in time  702  can be a predetermined amount of time  704 , such as five, eight, or ten seconds. In several embodiments, the camera  208  and the microphone  484  are always recording data  213  such that if the motion detector  218  detects motion, then the memory buffer will have video data  214  and audio data  215  already stored for a predetermined amount of time  704  before the motion was detected. This video data  214  and audio data  215  can then be viewed by the user  336  at a later time. 
     Interpretation 
     None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other. 
     The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic 1” may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the “Topic 1” section. 
     Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each of the routines, processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disc, and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage. 
     The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments. 
     Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present. 
     The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or” applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments include A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy. 
     While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.