Patent Publication Number: US-2017373876-A1

Title: Doorbell communication systems and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/861,613; filed Sep. 22, 2015; entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and having an attorney docket number SKYBELL.063A. The entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/861,613 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/861,613 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/740,199; filed Jun. 15, 2015; entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION USING A SOCIAL NETWORK; and having an attorney docket number SKYBELL.012A. The entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/740,199 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/740,199 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/135,133, filed Mar. 18, 2015; entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and having an attorney docket number SKYBELL.012PR4. The entire contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/135,133 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/740,199 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,057, filed Jun. 23, 2014; entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF FREQUENT AND NON-FREQUENT VISITORS; and having an attorney docket number SKYBELL.012PR3. The entire contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/016,057 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/740,199 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,053, filed Jun. 23, 2014; entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION USING A SOCIAL NETWORK AND A NAME OF A VISITOR; and having an attorney docket number SKYBELL.012PR2. The entire contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/016,053 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/740,199 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,050, filed Jun. 23, 2014; entitled IDENTITY VERIFICATION USING A SOCIAL NETWORK; and having an attorney docket number SKYBELL.012PR1. The entire contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/016,050 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/861,613 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/737,411; filed Jun. 11, 2015; entitled DOORBELL CHIME SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and having an attorney docket number SKYBELL.043A.CP4. The entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/737,411 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/861,613 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/743,849, filed Jun. 18, 2015; entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and having an attorney docket number SKYBELL.009A.CP11. The entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/743,849 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     The entire contents of the following applications are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376; filed Feb. 3, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/589,830; filed Jan. 5, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/623,741; filed Feb. 17, 2015; and entitled POWER OUTLET CAMERAS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/748,054; filed Jun. 23, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNITIES; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/502,601; filed Sep. 30, 2014; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. 
    
    
     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 
     This disclosure includes methods of operating doorbell systems. A doorbell system can comprise a speaker, a microphone, and a visitor detection system. The visitor detection system can comprise at least one of a button, a camera, and a motion detector. The method can comprise detecting a first indication of a first visitor, and then in response to detecting the first indication, contacting a first resident. The method may also include detecting a second indication of a second visitor, and then in response to detecting the second indication, contacting a second resident. 
     Methods can further include detecting, via voice recognition, a first identity of the first visitor, and then in response to detecting the first identity, contacting the first resident. As well, methods can include detecting, via voice recognition, a second identity of the second visitor, and then in response to detecting the second identity, contacting the second resident. 
     Methods can also include detecting, via facial recognition, a first identity of the first visitor, and then in response to detecting the first identity, contacting the first resident. Methods can include detecting, via facial recognition, a second identity of the second visitor, and then in response to detecting the second identity, contacting the second resident. 
     As well, methods can include detecting a first motion of the first visitor, wherein the first motion defines a first identity of the first visitor, and then in response to detecting the first identity, contacting the first resident. Methods can also include detecting a second motion of the second visitor, wherein the second motion defines a second identity of the second visitor, and then in response to detecting the second identity, contacting the second resident. 
     Furthermore, methods can include detecting, via voice recognition, a first identity of the first visitor, and then in response to detecting the first identity, emitting a noise with a first chime located within a first unit of the first resident. The first chime can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell. Methods can also include detecting, via voice recognition, a second identity of the second visitor, and then in response to detecting the second identity, emitting a noise with a second chime located within a second unit of the second resident. The second chime can be communicatively coupled to the doorbell. The first unit can comprise a first residential unit, and the second unit can comprise a second residential unit. In embodiments, the first unit can comprise a first commercial unit, and the second unit can comprise a second commercial unit. 
     In embodiments, contacting the first resident can comprise initiating a communication session with a first remote computing device of the first resident, and contacting the second resident can comprise initiating a communication session with a second remote computing device of the second resident. 
     As well, detecting the first indication of the first visitor can comprise detecting a first name as spoken by the first visitor, and then in response to detecting the first name, methods can include contacting the first resident. Detecting the second indication of the second visitor can comprise detecting a second name as spoken by the second visitor, and then in response to detecting the second name, methods can include contacting the second resident. 
     Methods can further include receiving an indication of a button press by at least one of the first visitor and the second visitor. In response to the button press, methods can include emitting an audible message to ask the at least one of the first visitor and the second visitor to audibly speak a resident&#39;s name. 
     As well, methods can include receiving an indication of a button press by at least one of the first visitor and the second visitor. In response to the button press, methods can include emitting an audible message that includes two or more resident&#39;s names. 
     Methods can include electing to contact the first resident based on a time at which the doorbell detects the first indication. Methods can also include electing to contact the second resident based on a time at which the doorbell detects the second indication. 
     Furthermore, methods can include detecting an amount of light, electing to contact the first resident based on the amount of light, and electing to contact the second resident based on the amount of light. 
     Methods can include electing to contact the first resident based upon a first contact parameter, and electing to contact the second resident based upon a second contact parameter. The first contact parameter can comprise at least one of a time and an identity of the first visitor. As well, the second contact parameter can comprise at least one of a time and an identity of the second visitor. 
     The disclosure also includes a method of using a first doorbell to detect an indication of a high-risk visitor. The first doorbell can comprise a speaker, a microphone, and a visitor detection system. The visitor detection system can have at least one of a button, a camera, and a motion detector. The method can comprise receiving, via the first doorbell, data from a second doorbell that is located remote to the first doorbell. The data can comprise an indication of the high-risk visitor. As well, the method can include detecting an indication of a visitor. Then in response to detecting the indication of the visitor, the method can include determining whether the indication of the visitor substantially matches the indication of the high-risk visitor. 
     In response to determining that the indication of the visitor substantially matches the indication of the high-risk visitor, methods can include initiating an alert. In embodiments, the alert can comprise illuminating a light on the doorbell. In embodiments, the alert can comprise emitting a noise with a speaker of the doorbell. In embodiments, the alert can comprise initiating a communication session with a remote computing device to thereby inform a user of the remote computing device of the indication of the high-risk visitor. 
     In embodiments, the first doorbell can be indirectly communicatively coupled to the second doorbell via a remote computer. In embodiments, the first doorbell can be directly communicatively coupled to the second doorbell. 
     In embodiments, the first doorbell can be attached to a first building. In embodiments, the second doorbell can be attached to a second building located at least 50 feet from the first building. 
     Methods can include receiving, via the first doorbell, data from a third doorbell that is located remote to both the first and second doorbells. The data can comprise an indication of a second high risk visitor. In response to detecting the indication of the visitor, methods can include determining whether the indication of the visitor substantially matches the indication of the second high risk visitor. 
     The embodiments described above include many optional features and aspects. Features and aspects of the embodiments can be combined. 
    
    
     
       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 various identifying characteristics of a visitor, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a network of security systems, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a network of security systems, 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. 
     The following patent is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 7,583,191; entitled SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE OF SAME; and filed Nov. 14, 2006. 
     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. 
     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). 
     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 security system  202  is connected to a building  300 , which can include an entryway  310  that has a door  254 . A door lock  250  can be configured to lock and unlock the door  254 . Electrical wires  304  can electrically couple the security system  202  to the electrical system of the building  300  such that the security system  202  can receive electrical power from the building  300 . 
     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. 
     The entire contents of the following patent application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376; filed Feb. 3, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS. 
       FIG. 4  of patent application Ser. No. 14/612,376 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 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  of the present application, the security system  202  may be configured to detect various indications of visitors. In response to detecting any of the various indications, the security system  202  may contact a specific resident associated with an indication of a respective visitor. In some embodiments, the security system  202  may be configured to utilize voice recognition to identify the voice  789  of a visitor  510  and contact a resident associated with the voice  789  of the visitor  510 . For example, the security system  202  may contact Bob, a resident of a multi-family dwelling, in response to the security system  202  detecting the voice of Suzie, Bob&#39;s girlfriend. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the security system  202  may detect a visitor&#39;s identity via facial recognition and then contact a specific resident associated with the face  790  of the visitor  510 . For example, the security system  202  may contact Carol, an office manager of a company located within a commercial office building, in response to the security system  202  detecting the face of Fred, an applicant whom Carol will be interviewing for a job. 
     The security system  202  may be configured to identify a visitor by a motion  797  of a visitor  510 . For example, the security system  202  may be configured to identify the visitor  510  by a motion of the visitor (e.g., gait analysis, analysis of a visitor&#39;s locomotion or body mechanics, etc.). In a specific example, the security system  202  may detect a visitor  510  approaching the building  300 , to which the security system  202  is attached. As the visitor  510  approaches the building the security system  202  may analyze specific body movements of the visitor  510 , which indicate the identity of the visitor  510 . For example, the security system  202  may determine that the motion of the visitor is associated with a repairman who is scheduled to be at the building  300  within several minutes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the security system  202  can validate the identity of the visitor  510  from the initial identity, e.g., as determined by the visitor&#39;s motion, through secondary means. For example, as the visitor  510  approaches the security system  202 , the security system  202  can then ask the visitor  510  to state his name. The security system  202  can then validate the visitor&#39;s identity through voice recognition. 
     Furthermore, the security system  202  may determine that a visitor is associated with a resident through various technologies, such as scanning of the visitor&#39;s retina  792  (i.e., retina scanning), detection of the visitor&#39;s remote computing device  204 , scanning of the visitor&#39;s finger print  796  (i.e., finger print scanning), and the like. In some embodiments, the security system  202  may associate the visitor with the resident through various social networks. In this manner, the security system  202  may retrieve any identifying characteristics of a visitor and associate them with a particular resident. In some embodiments, the visitor may be associated with the resident through a previous identity of the visitor. For example, the resident may load an image or a voice of the visitor into the security system  202  to thereby recognize the visitor when the visitor approaches the security system  202 . 
     In response to detecting an indication of the visitor&#39;s identity, the security system  202  may contact the resident associated with the visitor through various methods. In some embodiments, the security system  202  rings a chime of the resident. In some embodiments, the security system  202  initiates a communication session with the resident&#39;s remote computing device (e.g., sends a notification to the resident&#39;s smart phone). Even still, in some embodiments, the security system  202  emits an audible message within the vicinity of the resident. For example, if the security system  202  detects that Joe&#39;s friend Greg is located at the front door, the security system  202  may audibly announce within the home, “Greg is here.” It should be appreciated that any suitable method of contacting the resident may be implemented. 
     As well, the security system  202  may be configured to work in any type of building  300 . For example, the building  300  may comprise a multi-family dwelling, a single family home, an office building, a warehouse, or any building configured to permanently or temporarily house residents. 
     The security system  202  may be configured to actively or passively determine the identity of the visitor  510 . For example, the security system  202  may automatically detect a visitor  510  and then determine the visitor&#39;s identity. As well, the security system  202  may be configured to determine the visitor&#39;s identity in response to an input from the visitor, such as the visitor pressing the button  212 . 
     Furthermore, the security system  202  may prompt the visitor  510  through various manners. For example, in response to the visitor  510  pressing the button  212 , the security system  202  may audibly announce the names of various residents of the building  300  to determine which resident the visitor  510  is seeking to visit. Once the visitor  510  announces the resident&#39;s name, the security system  202  may determine the visitor&#39;s identity, as a validation that the visitor is in fact associated with the resident. 
     The security system  202  may also be configurable to elect to contact the resident associated with the visitor in response to various parameters. For example, the security system  202  may elect to contact or not contact the resident based on the time of day, such as based upon the actual time of day, or based upon the amount of outdoor light as detected by the security system  202 . As well, the election parameters may be used in combination. For example, if the security system  202  detects that Fred&#39;s father is present, the security system  202  may elect to contact the resident Fred no matter what time of day Fred&#39;s father arrives. However, for someone not as closely connected to the resident Fred, such as a work colleague Barney, the security system  202  may elect to only contact Fred during daylight hours, and not contact Fred during nighttime hours. It should be appreciated that the security system  202  may be configured to elect to contact residents in response to any suitable election parameters. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , embodiments of the security system  202  may be configured to communicate with other security systems  202  that are communicatively coupled within a network. For example, a first security system  202   a  may be configured to receive data from a second security system  202   b  that is located remote to the first security system  202   a . The data can comprise any type of information such as an indication of a high-risk visitor roaming the neighborhood (e.g., a prowler that has been detected in a neighborhood). The data received by the first security system  202   a  may include identifying characteristics of the high-risk visitor. 
     Accordingly, the first security system  202   a  uses the data to determine whether a visitor  510  who is approaching the first building  300   a  is in fact the high risk visitor. This may be accomplished by the first security system  202   a  determining that the identity of the visitor  510  substantially matches the identity of the high-risk visitor using any of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. 
     In response to detecting the presence of the high-risk visitor, the first security system  202   a  can then be configured to initiate an alert to notify the resident of the first building  300   a  and/or anyone located within the area. In some embodiments, the first security system  202   a  can be configured to secretly notify the resident so as not to spook the high-risk visitor, such as by initiating a communication session with a remote computing device  204  to thereby inform a user of the remote computing device  204  of the presence of the high-risk visitor. In some embodiments, the first security system  202   a  can be configured to initiate an alarm to thereby scare the high-risk visitor to flee the premises. In some embodiments, the alert may comprise illuminating a light on the first security system  202   a , and/or emitting a noise with a speaker of the first security system  202   a.    
     It should be appreciated that the network or ecosystem of security systems  202  may be communicatively coupled indirectly through a communication network  414 , such as through a cloud computer, as shown in  FIG. 5 . As well, the network of security systems  202  may be communicatively coupled directly to each other, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The network of security systems  202  may be implemented in various applications, such as security systems  202  being attached to various homes within a neighborhood (e.g., separate homes located more than  50  feet from each other). As well, the security systems  202  may be attached to various units within one building, such as apartment units within an apartment building. As well, any number of security systems  202  may be linked through the network, such as at least two security systems  202 , at least three security systems  202  (i.e., addition of at least a third security system  202   c  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , as attached to a third building  300   c ), and at least four or more security systems  202 . 
     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.