U.S. patent application number 14/469583 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for smart lock systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Joseph Frank Scalisi. Invention is credited to Joseph Frank Scalisi.
Application Number | 20150027178 14/469583 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52389315 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150027178 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scalisi; Joseph Frank |
January 29, 2015 |
SMART LOCK SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
A lock can receive electricity from a transformer of a doorbell
chime while the lock is mounted on a door. The lock can be
electrically coupled to the face plate. The face plate can be
electrically coupled to the strike plate of the door frame. The
strike plate of the doorframe can be electrically coupled to the
transformer of the doorbell chime.
Inventors: |
Scalisi; Joseph Frank;
(Yorba Linda, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Scalisi; Joseph Frank |
Yorba Linda |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52389315 |
Appl. No.: |
14/469583 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14099888 |
Dec 6, 2013 |
8823795 |
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14469583 |
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14142839 |
Dec 28, 2013 |
8842180 |
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14099888 |
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14275811 |
May 12, 2014 |
8872915 |
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14142839 |
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14098772 |
Dec 6, 2013 |
8780201 |
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14275811 |
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62018606 |
Jun 29, 2014 |
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61872439 |
Aug 30, 2013 |
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61859070 |
Jul 26, 2013 |
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62026639 |
Jul 19, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
70/277 ; 292/144;
292/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 2047/0095 20130101;
H04N 7/188 20130101; E05B 47/0001 20130101; H04N 7/186 20130101;
G07C 2009/00634 20130101; H04M 11/025 20130101; G08B 13/19684
20130101; Y10T 70/7062 20150401; G07C 9/00563 20130101; Y10T
292/097 20150401; E05B 2047/0082 20130101; G07C 2009/00769
20130101; Y10T 292/1021 20150401; E05B 47/026 20130101; E05C 1/12
20130101; E05B 2047/0061 20130101; G07C 9/00174 20130101; E05B
2047/0016 20130101; Y10T 70/5199 20150401; Y10T 292/1014 20150401;
Y10T 292/0969 20150401; E05B 2047/0059 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/277 ; 292/144;
292/163 |
International
Class: |
E05B 47/00 20060101
E05B047/00; E05C 1/12 20060101 E05C001/12 |
Claims
1. A lock system for a building door comprising a lock configured
to couple to the building door, wherein the lock is configured to
receive electricity from a transformer that is located remotely
relative to the building door, wherein the transformer is
configured to provide electrical energy to a doorbell chime, the
lock system comprising: an outer housing; a bolt configured to
protrude from the outer housing and past a face plate to secure the
building door by entering a hole in a door frame, wherein the bolt
comprises a throw distance; an electrical control system configured
to adjust the throw distance; and a conduction receiver coupled to
the face plate, wherein the conduction receiver comprises an
electrical contact, wherein the electrical contact of the
conduction receiver is configured to conductively receive the
electricity from a conductive tab of a conduction transmitter.
2. The lock system of claim 1, wherein the conduction transmitter
is coupled to a strike plate, wherein the strike plate is
configured to be coupled to the door frame, wherein the conduction
transmitter is configured to receive the electricity from the
transformer, wherein the conduction receiver is electrically
coupled to the electrical control system such that the conduction
receiver is configured to provide the electricity to the electrical
control system such that the electrical control system is capable
of operating the bolt.
3. The lock system of claim 2, wherein the conduction receiver is a
wireless conduction receiver and the conduction transmitter is a
wireless conduction transmitter.
4. The lock system of claim 3, wherein the conduction receiver is
configured to receive the electricity from an conduction
transmitter that is coupled to the strike plate, wherein the
electrical contact of the conduction receiver comprises a first
electrical contact and a second electrical contact.
5. The lock system of claim 2, wherein the lock system further
comprises a solenoid coupled to the outer housing, wherein the
solenoid is configured to control the throw distance of the
bolt.
6. The lock system of claim 5, wherein the solenoid is electrically
coupled to the electrical control system, and wherein the solenoid
is electrically coupled to the conduction receiver that is coupled
to the face plate such that the lock system is capable of providing
the electricity from the transformer to the conduction receiver
that is coupled to the face plate, and then the conduction receiver
is capable of providing the electricity to the solenoid.
7. The lock system of claim 5, wherein the lock system further
comprises a spring configured to apply a force on the bolt that
pushes the bolt outward relative to the face plate such that the
lock is configured to remain in a locked position when the solenoid
receives insufficient electrical power to overcome the force.
8. The lock system of claim 2, further comprising: a keyhole
configured to enable a key to adjust the throw distance to unlock
the lock; a camera coupled to the outer housing, wherein the camera
is configured to face outward from the building door; a speaker
coupled to the outer housing; a microphone coupled to the outer
housing, wherein the camera is configured to take a picture of a
visitor to the lock, wherein the speaker is configured to enable
communication with a user of a remote computing device, and wherein
the microphone is configured to record sounds from the visitor for
transmission to the remote computing device; and a wireless data
transmission system configured to receive lock commands from the
remote computing device and configured to wirelessly transmit the
picture and the sounds to the remote computing device.
9. A lock system comprising a lock configured to couple to a door,
wherein the lock is configured to receive electricity from a
transformer that is located remotely relative to the door, wherein
the transformer is configured to provide electrical energy to a
doorbell chime, the lock system comprising: the lock comprising an
outer housing, an electrical control system, a face plate, and a
bolt, wherein the bolt and the face plate are coupled to the outer
housing such that the bolt is arranged and configured to protrude
from the outer housing and past the face plate to secure the door
by entering a first hole in a door frame, wherein the bolt
comprises a throw distance, and wherein the electrical control
system is configured to adjust the throw distance; a conduction
receiver coupled to the face plate of the lock, wherein the
conduction receiver comprises an electrical contact, wherein the
conduction receiver is electrically coupled to the electrical
control system of the lock; a strike plate configured to be coupled
to the door frame, wherein the strike plate faces towards the face
plate such that the bolt protrudes from the face plate and past the
strike plate; and a conduction transmitter coupled to the strike
plate, wherein the conduction transmitter comprises a conductive
tab, wherein the conduction transmitter is configured to be
electrically coupled to the transformer to receive the electricity
from the transformer while the transformer is electrically coupled
to a power source of a building and while the transformer is
electrically coupled to the doorbell chime, wherein the conduction
transmitter is configured to conductively transmit the electricity
from the conductive tab of the conduction transmitter to the
electrical contact of the conduction receiver to thereby enable the
lock to receive the electricity from the transformer.
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. The lock system of claim 9, wherein the conductive tab of the
conduction transmitter comprises a pair of conductive tabs, wherein
the electrical contact of the conduction receiver comprises a pair
of electrical contacts, and wherein the face plate is aligned with
the strike plate such that the pair of conductive tabs is
conductively coupled with the pair of electrical contacts.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The lock system of claim 9, further comprising: a keyhole
configured to enable a key to adjust the throw distance to unlock
the lock; a camera coupled to the outer housing, wherein the camera
is configured to face outward from the door; a speaker coupled to
the outer housing; a microphone coupled to the outer housing,
wherein the camera is configured to take a picture of a visitor to
the lock, wherein the speaker is configured to emit a first sound
from a user of a remote computing device, and wherein the
microphone is configured to record a second sound from the visitor
for transmission to the remote computing device; and a wireless
data transmission system configured to receive lock commands from
the remote computing device and configured to wirelessly transmit
the picture and the second sound to the remote computing
device.
17. The lock system of claim 9, further comprising: a junction
assembly; a first wire and a second wire, wherein the first wire
and the second wire are electrically coupled to the transformer;
and a third wire and a fourth wire, wherein the third wire and the
fourth wire are electrically coupled to the conduction transmitter,
wherein the junction assembly electrically couples the first wire
to the third wire, and wherein the junction assembly electrically
couples the second wire to the fourth wire.
18. The lock system of claim 17, further comprising a doorbell,
wherein the doorbell is coupled to the junction assembly.
19. The lock system of claim 17, wherein the strike plate is
coupled to the door frame, the face plate is coupled to a side of
the door such that the strike plate faces towards the face plate,
the conductive tab of the conduction transmitter comprises a pair
of conductive tabs, the electrical contact of the conduction
receiver comprises a pair of electrical contacts, wherein the face
plate is oriented relative to the strike plate such that the pair
of conductive tabs is conductively coupled with the pair of
electrical contacts, the second wire is electrically coupled to the
transformer via the chime, the first wire and the second wire are
electrically coupled to the transformer while the transformer is
located inside of the building, and the first wire and the second
wire protrude into a second hole that leads to an area outside of
the building.
20. The lock system of claim 9, wherein the electrical control
system is communicatively coupled to the conduction transmitter,
and the conduction transmitter is communicatively coupled to a
network connection module that is electrically coupled to a power
outlet of the building such that the network connection module is
configured to transmit data to the lock.
21. The lock system of claim 4, wherein the conductive tab of the
conduction transmitter comprises a first conductive tab and a
second conductive tab, and wherein the first and second electrical
contacts of the conduction receiver physically touch the first and
second conductive tabs of the conduction transmitter.
22. The lock system of claim 12, wherein the pair of electrical
contacts physically touches the pair of conductive tabs.
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/018,606; filed Jun. 29, 2014; and
entitled DOOR LOCK CHARGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS; the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/026,639; filed Jul. 19, 2014; and
entitled WIRED HOME AUTOMATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS; the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/872,439; filed Aug. 30, 2013; and
entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] This application claims the benefit of and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser.
No. 14/099,888; filed Dec. 6, 2013; and entitled DOORBELL
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0005] This application claims the benefit of and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser.
No. 14/142,839; filed Dec. 28, 2013; and entitled DOORBELL
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0006] This application claims the benefit of and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser.
No. 14/275,811; filed May 12, 2014; and entitled DOORBELL
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Nonprovisional patent
application Ser. No. 14/275,811 claimed the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/859,070; filed Jul. 26, 2013;
and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S.
Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/275,811 claimed the
benefit of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.
14/098,772; filed Dec. 6, 2013; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATION
SYSTEMS AND METHODS; the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0007] 1. Field
[0008] Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to door locks.
Certain embodiments relate to electronic door locks.
[0009] 2. Description of Related Art
[0010] Doors enable building owners to control access to buildings.
Doors often include locks to guard against unwanted entry. Locks
can be configured to fasten doors to inhibit unauthorized entry
into buildings.
[0011] Electronic door locks typically require electricity from
batteries. When the batteries run out of power, a user can be
locked out of a building. Thus, there is a need to reduce
occurrences of people inadvertently being locked out of buildings
due to electronic door locks running out of electrical power.
SUMMARY
[0012] In some embodiments, a doorbell is attached to a wall of a
building. A lock can be attached to the door to help secure the
door. The doorbell can be configured to receive electricity from
the building. Then, the doorbell can provide electricity to the
door lock via various connection systems and methods.
[0013] In several embodiments, a lock is configured to receive
electricity from a transformer that is electrically coupled to a
doorbell chime while the transformer is located inside of the
building. The lock can be mounted on a swinging door. Various
embodiments provide a means to transmit electricity from a power
supply of the building to the lock even though the lock is mounted
on a swinging door. Several embodiments transmit electricity from a
strike plate assembly to a face plate assembly. Then, the face
plate assembly can transmit electricity to the lock.
[0014] Several embodiments include near field energy transmission
and/or near field communication. The electricity can be transmitted
via electrical induction. Direct induction and magnetic induction
can be used to transmit electricity from the strike plate assembly
to the lock.
[0015] In some embodiments, the face plate assembly includes a
first set of electrical contacts, and the strike plate assembly
includes a second set of electrical contacts. The electricity can
be transmitted from a power supply of a building to the lock via
the first set and second set of electrical contacts.
[0016] Several embodiments include a solenoid-driven bolt.
Energizing the solenoid can cause the bolt to extend (i.e., lock
the door) and/or can cause the solenoid to retract (i.e., unlock
the door). The bolt can be a deadbolt or any suitable latch.
[0017] The lock can wirelessly communicate with a remote computing
device. In some embodiments, the lock communicates with a remote
computing device via power lines of the building. For example, a
network connection module can connect the power lines to the
Internet.
[0018] Locks can include cameras, microphones, speakers, doorbell
buttons, and display screens. Locks can be configured to use
software to perform various tasks associated with data
communication and/or locking the door.
[0019] Some embodiments include a lock system that comprises a lock
configured to couple to a door. The lock can be configured to
receive electricity from a transformer that is located remotely
relative to the door. The transformer can be configured to provide
electrical energy to a doorbell chime. The lock system can comprise
an outer housing. The lock system can also include a bolt
configured to protrude from the outer housing and past a face plate
to secure the door by entering a hole in a door frame. The bolt can
be a metal protrusion that slides in and out of the lock. The bolt
comprises a throw distance, which can be measured as the projection
of the bolt from the edge of the door. For example, in some
embodiments, a bolt can extend between zero and four centimeters
from a face plate. Some locks include an electrical control system
configured to adjust the throw distance. For example, the
electrical control system can cause the bolt to extend and retract
relative to the face plate. A remote computing device can control
the electrical control system of the lock. Example remote computing
devices include cellular phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets,
desktop computers, and other computing devices capable of data
input (e.g., cars with computer displays and watches capable of
wireless communication).
[0020] In some embodiments, locks need electricity. A power
receiver can enable a lock to receive electrical power wirelessly
or via wires. The power receiver can be integrated into at least a
portion of the lock.
[0021] In several embodiments, the lock system comprises a power
receiver coupled to the face plate and/or to a side of the door
that faces the door frame. The power receiver can be configured to
receive the electricity from a power transmitter. The power
transmitter can be coupled to a strike plate and/or to a door
frame.
[0022] In addition to transmitting electricity between the power
transmitter and the power receiver, the lock system can communicate
via the power receiver and the power transmitter. In some
embodiments, the lock includes a wireless data transmitter (e.g.,
for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication).
[0023] The strike plate can be configured to be coupled to the door
frame. The power transmitter can be configured to receive the
electricity from the transformer. The power receiver can be
electrically coupled to the electrical control system such that the
power receiver is configured to provide the electricity to the
electrical control system such that the electrical control system
is capable of operating the bolt. The electrical control system can
govern the position of a solenoid that is mechanically coupled to
the bolt such that the solenoid can move the bolt to locked and
unlocked positions.
[0024] In several embodiments, the power receiver is a wireless
power receiver and the power transmitter is a wireless power
transmitter. The power receiver can comprise an induction receiver
configured to receive the electricity from an induction transmitter
that can be coupled to the strike plate. The induction receiver can
comprise a first induction coil and the induction transmitter can
comprise a second induction coil. Some embodiments transmit the
electricity wirelessly via inductive charging and/or magnetic
resonance.
[0025] In some embodiments, the lock system further comprises a
solenoid coupled to the outer housing. The solenoid can be
configured to control the throw distance of the bolt (e.g., by
pushing the bolt in and out of the face plate). The solenoid can
push the bolt into a hole in the strike plate. The solenoid can
pull the bolt out of the hole in the strike plate. A spring can be
arranged to act against the force generated by the solenoid. A
spring can be arranged and configured to apply a force on the bolt
that pushes the bolt outward relative to the face plate such that
the lock is configured to remain in a locked configuration when the
solenoid receives insufficient electrical power to overcome the
force.
[0026] In several embodiments, the solenoid is electrically coupled
to the electrical control system and the power receiver such that
the lock system is capable of providing the electricity from the
transformer to the power receiver that is coupled to the face
plate, and then the power receiver is capable of providing the
electricity to the solenoid.
[0027] In some embodiments, the lock system comprises a keyhole
configured to enable a key to adjust the throw distance to unlock
the lock. For example, the key can cause the bolt to slide in and
out of the lock. The solenoid can be located between the keyhole
and the power receiver of the face plate. The solenoid can be
electrically coupled to the power receiver of the face plate such
that the solenoid is configured to receive the electricity from the
transformer.
[0028] Some lock embodiments include elements from security systems
described in applications incorporated herein by reference. The
embodiments described herein can be combined with the security
system embodiments incorporated by reference. The remote computing
devices described in embodiments incorporated by reference can be
used with the lock embodiments described herein. Additional
embodiments can be formulated by replacing the security systems
described in applications incorporated by reference with lock
embodiments described herein.
[0029] Locks can use the cameras, speakers, microphones, and
doorbell buttons described in embodiments incorporated by
reference. In several embodiments, a camera can be coupled to the
outer housing of the lock. The camera can be configured to face
outward from the door. A speaker and a microphone can be coupled to
the outer housing. The camera can be configured to take a picture
of a visitor to the lock. For example, the lock can detect when a
visitor approaches the lock. The lock can take a picture of the
visitor in response to detecting the visitor. The speaker can be
configured to enable communication with a user of a remote
computing device. For example, the speaker can emit sounds from a
user of the remote computing device to enable the visitor to hear
the user of the remote computing device. The microphone can be
configured to record sounds from the visitor for transmission to
the remote computing device. For example, the microphone can record
the visitor speaking to enable the user to hear the visitor.
[0030] In several embodiments, the lock can include a wireless data
transmission system configured to receive lock commands from the
remote computing device and configured to wirelessly transmit the
picture and the sounds to the remote computing device. The wireless
data transmission system can use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or
radiofrequency means of communication.
[0031] In some embodiments, a lock system comprises a lock
configured to couple to a door (e.g., to hinder unauthorized
entry). The lock can be configured to receive electricity from a
transformer that is located remotely relative to the door. The
transformer can be configured to provide electrical energy to a
doorbell chime. The lock system can comprise a lock that has an
outer housing, an electrical control system, a face plate, and a
bolt. The bolt and the face plate can be coupled to the outer
housing such that the bolt is arranged and configured to protrude
from the outer housing and past the face plate to secure the door
by entering a first hole in a door frame. The bolt can comprise a
throw distance. The electrical control system can be configured to
adjust the throw distance. The electrical control system can be
located within the outer housing of the lock. The outer housing can
be at least partially embedded within the door while the door is
coupled to the building. The outer housing can include a first side
that faces outside and a second side the faces inside the building.
The first side can include a keyhole, a camera, a microphone,
and/or a speaker. The second side can include a lever capable of
adjusting the throw distance.
[0032] In some embodiments, the lock system comprises a power
receiver coupled to the face plate of the lock. The power receiver
can be electrically coupled to the electrical control system of the
lock. The lock system can include a strike plate configured to be
coupled to the door frame. The strike plate can face towards the
face plate such that the bolt protrudes from the face plate and
past the strike plate.
[0033] In several embodiments, the lock system includes a power
transmitter coupled to the strike plate. The power transmitter can
be integrated into the strike plate. (The power receiver can also
be integrated into the face plate.) The power transmitter can be
configured to be electrically coupled to the transformer to receive
the electricity from the transformer while the transformer is
electrically coupled to a power source of a building and while the
transformer is electrically coupled to the doorbell chime. The
power transmitter can be placed in sufficient proximity relative to
the power receiver such that the power transmitter is capable of
receiving the electricity from the transformer and then
transmitting the electricity to the power receiver. If the power
transmitter is not placed within sufficient proximity relative to
the power receiver, then the power transmitter is not capable of
transmitting the electricity to the power receiver. In some
embodiments, sufficient proximity is within 30 centimeters, within
15 centimeters, and/or within 5 centimeters. The power transmitter
can also be aligned with the power receiver. The power transmitter
is aligned with the power receiver when the power transmitter is
capable of transmitting the electricity to the power receiver.
[0034] In some embodiments, the power receiver is configured to
transmit electricity to the power transmitter. Thus, the power
receiver can also be a power transmitter, and the power transmitter
can also be a power receiver.
[0035] In several embodiments, the power transmitter of the strike
plate is electrically coupled to the power receiver of the face
plate to enable the lock to receive the electricity from the
transformer. Electrical coupling can be achieve wirelessly (e.g.,
via induction) and/or via conductive wires.
[0036] In some embodiments, the power transmitter is located within
20 centimeters and/or within 10 centimeters of the power receiver.
The power transmitter can be inductively coupled with the power
receiver such that the power transmitter is configured to
inductively transmit the electricity to the power receiver of the
face plate via electrical induction. The power transmitter can
comprise a first induction conductor. The power receiver can
comprise a second induction conductor. The first induction
conductor can located within 10 centimeters and/or within 4
centimeters of the second induction conductor.
[0037] The first induction conductor can comprise a first induction
coil. The second induction conductor can comprise a second
induction coil. The face plate can be aligned with the strike plate
such that the first induction coil can be inductively coupled with
the second induction coil. Alignment is achieved when the first
induction coil can be inductively coupled with the second induction
coil. Alignment does not necessary require the face plate and the
strike plate to be oriented parallel to each other. The face plate
and the strike plate can be offset from each other and still be in
alignment if the first induction coil can be inductively coupled
with the second induction coil. Thus, alignment can be judged by
inductive capability.
[0038] Some embodiments include removing a doorbell from a wall to
gain access to wires that were attached to the doorbell. These
wires can be coupled to the transformer and the chime. These wires
can be used to provide electricity to the lock (e.g., via a
strike-plate power-transmission assembly).
[0039] Some embodiments include a junction assembly (e.g., that can
take the place of the removed doorbell). In some embodiments, the
junction assembly is used while the doorbell is used. A first wire
and a second wire can be electrically coupled to the transformer. A
third wire and a fourth wire can be electrically coupled to the
power transmitter. The junction assembly can electrically couple
the first wire to the third wire. The junction assembly can
electrically couple the second wire to the fourth wire. A doorbell
can be mechanically coupled and/or electrically coupled to the
junction assembly.
[0040] In several embodiments, a strike plate is coupled to the
door frame and a face plate is coupled to a side of the door such
that the strike plate faces towards the face plate. The side of the
door to which the face plate is coupled can be opposite the side of
the door to which hinges are attached. The power transmitter can
comprise a first induction coil. The power receiver can comprise a
second induction coil. The face plate can be oriented relative to
the strike plate such that the first induction coil is capable of
being inductively coupled with the second induction coil. The
second induction coil can be oriented at an angle relative to the
first induction coil. The angle can be less than 30 degrees and/or
less than 20 degrees. The second wire can be electrically coupled
to the transformer via the chime. The second wire can be
electrically coupled to the transformer and the chime. The first
wire and the second wire can be electrically coupled to the
transformer while the transformer is located inside of the
building. The first wire and the second wire can protrude into a
second hole that leads to an area outside of the building. The
second hole can be the hole in which wires for a doorbell are
located (to enable installing a doorbell on an exterior wall of the
building).
[0041] The electrical control system can be communicatively coupled
to the power transmitter (e.g., such that the electrical control
system is capable of sending communications to the power
transmitter). The power transmitter can be communicatively coupled
to a network connection module that is electrically coupled to a
power outlet of the building such that the network connection
module is configured to transmit data to the lock. More information
regarding communicating via power lines is incorporated by
reference from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/026,639.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] 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.
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a communication system,
according to some embodiments.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a computing device running software,
according to some embodiments.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a security system
is connected to a building, according to some embodiments.
[0046] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate diagrammatic views of security systems
providing electricity to a door lock, according to some
embodiments.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a door, according to some
embodiments.
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates a history of lock-related events
displayed on a user interface, according to some embodiments.
[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a watch, according to
some embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates the watch interacting with a security
system, according to some embodiments.
[0051] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which the watch
wirelessly communicates with a door lock, according to some
embodiments.
[0052] FIG. 13 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a junction
providing electricity to a lock, according to some embodiments.
[0053] FIG. 14 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a lock attached
to a door to help secure the door while the lock is configured to
receive electricity from a transformer, according to some
embodiments.
[0054] FIG. 15 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a charging
interface, according to some embodiments.
[0055] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate perspective views of a lock,
according to some embodiments.
[0056] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate perspective views of a lock
coupled to a door, according to some embodiments.
[0057] FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of a face plate and a
strike plate while the face plate is attached to the side of a
door, according to some embodiments.
[0058] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a lock coupled to
a door and a strike plate coupled to a door frame while the door is
open slightly, according to some embodiments.
[0059] FIG. 22 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a
solenoid-operated bolt, according to some embodiments.
[0060] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a face plate and a
strike plate, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] FIG. 1 illustrates a security system 202 (e.g., a doorbell
or a lock) that includes a camera assembly 208. When a visitor
approaches the security system 202 (e.g., rings a doorbell 212),
the security system 202 can send a wireless notification to a
computing device 204 that is located remotely relative to the
security system 202. For example, the owner of the building to
which the security system is attached can receive the wireless
notification when the owner is away from the building.
[0064] The owner (i.e., the user) can verify the identity of the
visitor as explained in more detail below. For example, the owner
can see the visitor on the computing device 204. Once the owner has
verified the identity of the visitor, the owner can grant the
visitor access to the building (e.g., by unlocking the door lock
250 to let the visitor inside the building). The security system
202 can be configured such that it can unlock the door lock 250. In
some embodiments, the security system 202 wirelessly controls the
door lock 250.
[0065] The door lock 250 can include a deadbolt or other locking
mechanism that locks and unlocks a door in response to remote
commands. For example, the security system 202 can notify the door
lock 250 to lock and unlock the door. The door lock 250 can be
controlled by a remote computing device 204 (e.g., a smartphone).
Example door locks 250 include Lockitron made by Apigy Inc., the
August Smart Lock made by Yves Behar and Jason Johnson, electronic
locks made by Schlage (an Allegion company), and the Kevo lock made
by Kwikset (a division of Spectrum Brands Holdings).
[0066] In some embodiments, the security system 202 takes a picture
when the door lock 250 is unlocked and/or locked to document the
identity of the person unlocking and/or locking the door. The user
can record a picture of the visitor for security purposes.
[0067] Electronic door locks (e.g., door lock 250) typically
require electricity from batteries. When the batteries run out of
power, the user can be locked out of a building. Various
embodiments described herein reduce occurrences of people being
locked out of buildings due to electronic door locks running out of
electrical power.
[0068] In some embodiments, a doorbell is attached to a wall of a
building (e.g., next to a door). The lock can be attached to the
door. The doorbell can be configured to receive electricity from
the building. Then, the doorbell can provide electricity to the
door lock via various connection systems and methods.
[0069] In several embodiments, the door lock and/or the doorbell
detects that the door lock's electrical power has fallen below a
predetermined threshold. The doorbell can then send a low-power
notification to a remote computing device.
System Embodiments
[0070] 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'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.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 1, communication systems can be a
portion of a smart home hub. In some embodiments, the communication
system 200 forms the core of the smart home hub. For example, the
various systems described herein enable complete home automation.
In some embodiments, the security system 202 controls various
electrical items in a home (e.g., lights, air conditioners,
heaters, motion sensors, garage door openers, locks, televisions,
computers, entertainment systems, pool monitors, elderly monitors).
In some embodiments, the computing device 204 controls the security
system 202 and other electrical items in a home (e.g., lights, air
conditioners, heaters, motion sensors, garage door openers, locks,
televisions, computers, entertainment systems, pool monitors,
elderly monitors).
[0072] 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 that has a camera) 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.
[0073] 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 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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's electrical power system. In some
embodiments, the security system 202 includes a battery for backup
and/or primary power.
[0076] 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
Wi-Fi 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, Wi-Fi (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).
[0077] Several embodiments use near field communication (NFC) to
communicate between the computing device 204 and the security
system 202; between the security system 202 and the door lock 250;
and/or between the computing device 204 and the door lock 250. The
security system 202, the computing device 204, and/or the door lock
250 can include a NFC tag. Some NFC technologies include Bluetooth,
radio-frequency identification, and QR codes.
[0078] Several embodiments include wireless charging (e.g., near
field charging, inductive charging) to supply power to and/or from
the security system 202, the door lock 250, and/or the computing
device 204. Some embodiments use inductive charging (e.g., using an
electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects).
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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).
[0082] 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 has 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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 frequently
than every 10 minutes; at least every 24 hours and/or less
frequently than every 60 minutes; or at least every hour and/or
less frequently than every second.
[0085] 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.
[0086] In several embodiments, a user can log in to 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.
[0087] 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'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).
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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).
[0090] In some embodiments, buttons include diverse means of
selecting various options, features, and functions. Buttons can be
selected by mouse clicks, keyboard commands, and/or touching a
touch screen. Many embodiments include buttons that can be selected
without touch screens.
[0091] 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 data transmitted from the security system
202 to the computing device 204 and/or from the computing device
204 to the security system 202.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] In some embodiments, a button 276 is both an answer button
(to accept a communication request from a visitor) and is
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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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'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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] 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's Wi-Fi.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
Lock Embodiments
[0105] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, a
doorbell (e.g., a security system 202) is attached to a wall 750 of
a building 300 (e.g., the doorbell is not attached to a door). The
lock 250 can be attached to the door 254. The doorbell can be
configured to receive electricity from the building 300 through
electrical wires 304. Then, the doorbell can provide electricity to
the door lock 250 via various connection systems and methods.
[0106] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a security system
202 providing electricity to a door lock 250. The door lock 250 can
include batteries 752. The electricity from the security system 202
(e.g., a doorbell) can charge the batteries 752 of the door lock
250.
[0107] The building 300 can be electrically coupled to a power
source 754. In some embodiments, the power source 754 provides 110
volts, 120 volts, or 220 volts (plus or minus 20 volts). The power
source can be electrically coupled to a transformer 756 to convert
the electricity from the power source 754 to have more suitable
characteristics for the security system 202 and/or for a chime 302.
In some embodiments, the transformer 756 has an output of 16 volts
(plus or minus 5 volts). Pressing a doorbell button 212 (labeled in
FIG. 1) of the security system 202 can cause the chime 302 to emit
a notification sound (e.g., a "ringing" sound).
[0108] The chime 302 can be a mechanical chime configured to emit a
doorbell ringing sound. The chime 302 can also comprise a speaker
attached to a wall inside of the building 300. The speaker can be
configured to emit a sound to notify people inside of the building
300 that the security system 202 has detected a visitor.
[0109] The security system 202 can be electrically coupled to the
chime 302 and to the transformer 756. The chime 302 can be
electrically coupled to the security system 202 and to the
transformer 756.
[0110] The security system 202 can wirelessly communicate 230 with
remote computing devices 204 located outside of the building 300.
The remote computing device 204 can control the door lock 250
(e.g., directly or via the security system 202). The computing
device 204 can lock or unlock the door lock 250. The remote
computing device can also run facial recognition software (e.g., an
"app").
[0111] An interface 758 can enable the security system 202 to
charge the door lock 250 (e.g., via electrical coupling and/or via
wireless energy transmission). The interface 758 can enable near
field charging from the security system 202 to the door lock 250.
Some wireless energy transmission embodiments use direct induction
followed by resonant magnetic induction. Several wireless energy
transmission embodiments use electromagnetic radiation.
[0112] Referring now to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the interface
758 includes a first side 768 that is electrically coupled to the
security system 202 (e.g., by two wires 764, 766). The interface
758 can also include a second side 770 that is electrically coupled
to the door lock 250. The first side 768 can include a conductor
and the second side 770 can include a conductor. The two conductors
can be mutual-inductively coupled or magnetically coupled by
configuring the conductors such that change in current flow through
one conductor induces a voltage across the ends of the other
conductor (through electromagnetic induction). Interface 758
embodiments can include sufficient mutual inductance to enable
electricity from the power source 754 to provide power to the door
lock 250 and/or charge the batteries 752 (e.g., via the security
system 202).
[0113] The interface 758 can enable the security system 202 to
communicate with the door lock 250. The interface 758 can enable
near field communication between the security system 202 and the
door lock 250. In some embodiments, the interface 758 comprises a
NFC system.
[0114] Several embodiments use near field communication (NFC) to
communicate between the door lock 250 and the security system 202;
between the computing device 204 and the door lock 250; and between
the computing device 204 and the security system 202. The security
system 202, the computing device 204, and/or the door lock 250 can
include a NFC tag. Some NFC technologies include Bluetooth,
radio-frequency identification (RFID), and QR codes.
[0115] FIG. 5 illustrates a security system 202e that is simpler
than the security system 202 illustrated in FIG. 4. The security
system 202e has a normally open switch. Pressing the doorbell
button 212e closes the switch to make the chime 302 emit a
notification sound. The security system 202e can be used with the
interface 758 to charge the door lock 250.
[0116] FIG. 6 illustrates a wiring embodiment that can be used with
any of the embodiments. A first wire 760 electrically couples the
transformer 756 to the security system 202 (which has a doorbell
button 212). A second wire 762 electrically couples the security
system 202 and the chime 302.
[0117] The first wire 760 and the second wire 762 can exit a hole
in the wall 750 of the building 300. Some methods include
decoupling a doorbell from the first wire 760 and the second wire
762, and then coupling the first wire 760 and the second wire 762
to the security system 202 (e.g., to provide electricity from the
power source 754 to the security system 202).
[0118] A third wire 764 and a fourth wire 766 can electrically
couple the security system 202 to a first side 768 of the interface
758. Wires 772, 774 can electrically couple the door lock 250 to
the second side 770 of the interface 758. The first side 768 and
the second side 770 can enable wireless electrical energy
transmission from the security system 202 to the door lock 250 via
the interface 758.
[0119] A fifth wire 776 can electrically couple the chime 302 to
the transformer 756. Pressing the doorbell button 212 can cause the
security system 202 to close the circuit from the transformer 756
to the chime 302 (e.g., to "ring" the chime).
[0120] The security system 202 can drain electricity through a wire
762 to the chime 302. The drained electricity can be below a
threshold that causes the chime 302 to emit a notification sound
(e.g., a "ring"). In this way, the security system 202 can receive
electricity from the transformer 756 to charge the door lock 250
even when the security system 202 is not causing the chime 302 to
emit a notification sound.
[0121] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a charging system
778, which can include the interface 758. Many variations of the
interface 758 are possible. The interface 758 can include a first
side 768 that is electrically coupled and/or mechanically coupled
to the security system 202. The interface 758 can also include a
second side 770 that is electrically coupled and/or mechanically
coupled to the door lock 250.
[0122] The interface 758 can comprise or be part of an induction
charging system 778. The first side 768 can comprise a first
induction coil 780. The induction charging system 778 can use the
first induction coil 780 to create an alternating electromagnetic
field from the first side 768.
[0123] The second side 770 can comprise a second induction coil 782
that gains power from the electromagnetic field generated using the
first induction coil 780. The second side 770 and/or the door lock
250 can convert the power from the electromagnetic field into
electrical current to charge the batteries 752. (Current can flow
through the second induction coil 782 due to the magnetic flux
caused by the first induction coil 780.) The first induction coil
780 and the second induction coil 782 form an electrical
transformer to wirelessly charge the door lock 250.
[0124] In some embodiments, the second side 770 includes a second
induction conductor 788 configured to perform the functions
described herein regarding the second conduction coil 782. The
second induction conductor 788 can comprise a metal portion, which
can be straight.
[0125] The second side 770 can be integrated into a side of the
door 254 (shown in FIG. 6). For example, the second side 770 can be
coupled to the side of the door that includes the face plate (e.g.,
the face plate through which a deadbolt or latching mechanism can
protrude). In some embodiments, the second side 770 is coupled to
the face plate.
[0126] The first side 768 can be integrated into a door frame
and/or door jamb. In several embodiments, the first side 768 is
coupled to a strike plate that is attached to a door frame and/or
door jamb. The strike plate can be configured to receive the
deadbolt or latching mechanism (e.g., as the deadbolt or latching
mechanism protrudes into a strike box).
[0127] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a door 254. A door lock
250 is configured to lock the door 254. The door lock 250 includes
a face plate 784. Second sides 770 are coupled to the face plate
784 to enable the door lock 250 to receive electrical power from
first sides 768 (shown in FIG. 7), which can be coupled to a door
frame, a door jamb, and/or a strike plate. Second sides 770 can be
coupled to the edge 786 of the door 254.
[0128] FIG. 13 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a lock 250
attached to a door 254 to help secure the door 254. The lock 250
can be configured to receive electricity from the building 300.
Some embodiments include a junction 1050, which can be electrically
coupled to a chime 302 and a transformer 756. The transformer 756
can be electrically coupled to a power source 754 of the building
300. The junction 1050 can be electrically coupled to wires 760,
762 that are electrically coupled to the chime 302 and the
transformer 756 such that the junction 1050, the chime 302, and the
transformer 756 are part of a circuit that can be opened and closed
by a doorbell button 212. The transformer 756 is located remotely
relative to the door 254.
[0129] Two wires 764, 766 can electrically couple the junction 1050
to the interface 758. For example, the wires 764, 766 can be
electrically coupled to the first side 768 of the interface 758.
The first side 768 can include a conductor configured to transmit
electricity to the second side 770 of the interface 758. The second
side 770 is electrically coupled to the door lock 250. Embodiments
use many different means to transmit electricity from the first
side 768 to the second side 770. Example means include electrical
induction, inductive charging, magnetic resonance, magnetic
induction, electrical contacts, and spring-loaded electrical
contacts. Some electrical contacts are silver alloys and/or a
suitable conductive metal.
[0130] The junction 1050 can electrically couple a first wire 760
to a third wire 764. The junction 1050 can electrically couple a
second wire 762 to a fourth wire 766. The junction 1050 can include
a housing in which wire connectors (e.g., a WingTwist made by Ideal
Industries, Inc.) couple wires together.
[0131] FIG. 14 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a lock 250
attached to a door 254 to help secure the door 254. Some
embodiments include removing a doorbell (e.g., 202e in FIG. 5) to
uncover wires 764, 766 that exit a hole 1050 in a wall 750 of a
building 300. The junction 1050 (shown in FIG. 13) can be placed
over the hole 750 and/or at least partially inside the hole 750. In
FIG. 14, a first wire 760 is coupled to a third wire 764 and a
second wire 762 is coupled to a fourth wire 766 such that the door
lock 250 can receive electricity from the transformer 756 via the
interface 758, which can include induction coils. The induction
coils can be integrated into a face plate and a strike plate. The
face plate can be mounted on the edge 1066 of a door 254. The edge
1066 can be the side of the door 254 that faces the strike plate
when the door 254 is closed. The strike plate can be mounted on a
door frame 1052. Closing the door 254 can align the strike plate
and the face plate such that the interface 758 is capable of
transmitting electricity via induction.
[0132] The face plate can be a small, rectangular metal piece on
the edge of a door through which the bolt (e.g., a latch)
protrudes. The strike plate can be a small, rectangular metal piece
that receives the bolt (e.g., a latch) from the door. The bolt can
extend through the strike plate.
[0133] FIG. 15 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a lock charging
system 1058 that includes an interface 758. The interface 758 can
be arranged and configured for inductive charging (e.g., near field
charging and communication). The junction 1050 can electrically
couple a first induction coil 780 to a power supply of a building.
The door lock 250 can be electrically coupled to a second induction
coil 782. The first induction coil 780 can be mechanically coupled
to a strike plate. The second induction coil 782 can be
mechanically coupled to a face plate. Closing the door 254 (shown
in FIG. 14) can position the second induction coil 782 relative to
the first induction coil 780 to enable the power supply 754 (shown
in FIG. 14) to provide electricity to the lock 250 via
induction.
[0134] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment that includes near field
energy transmission and near field communication. The electricity
can be transmitted via electrical induction. Direct induction and
magnetic induction can be used to transmit electricity from the
strike plate assembly to the lock.
[0135] Embodiments can use many different types of induction.
Resonant inductive coupling, synchronized magnetic-flux phase
coupling and/or electrodynamic induction can be used for near field
wireless transmission of electrical energy. For example, two coils
can be tuned to resonate at approximately the same frequency. A
resonant and a resonance transformer can be used to wirelessly
transmit electrical energy.
[0136] The Wireless Power Consortium has developed standards for
wireless power transmission. One interface standard is called Qi.
Qi uses resonant inductive coupling. Embodiments can use induction
methods, procedures, and structures according to the Qi
standards.
[0137] The Power Matters Alliance (PMA) has also developed
standards and protocols for wireless power transmission. The
standards are based on inductive coupling technology to enable
inductive and resonant power transfer. Embodiments can use
induction methods, procedures, and structures according to the PMA
standards.
[0138] Wireless power transfer systems can also be used for digital
transceiver communication. Some embodiments also enable cloud-based
device management.
[0139] The embodiments described herein can use standards from the
Wireless Power Consortium and from the Power Matters Alliance.
Several embodiments use other standards and means of wireless power
transmission.
[0140] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate perspective views of a door lock
250a. FIG. 16 illustrates an exterior side of the door lock 250a.
The exterior side can be placed on the side of the door that faces
outside when the door is closed. The exterior side of the door lock
250a can include a camera assembly 1072 that faces outward relative
to the door. The exterior side can also include a keyhole 1074
configured to enable a person to insert a key to adjust the throw
of the bolt 1076 (to lock or unlock the door).
[0141] FIG. 17 illustrates an interior side of the door lock 250a.
The interior side can be placed on the side of the door that faces
inside when the door is closed. The interior side can include a
handle 1080 configured to enable a person to rotate the handle 1080
to lock or unlock the door.
[0142] The door lock 250a can be a portion of the lock system 1068
illustrated in FIG. 21. The door lock 250a helps illustrate various
embodiments of the door locks 250 described herein. The door lock
250a can be used in place of the door locks 250 described herein.
Features described in the context of door locks 250 can be used
with the embodiments described in the context of door locks
250a.
[0143] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, the lock 250a can be
configured to receive electricity from a transformer that is
located remotely relative to the door (e.g., as illustrated in FIG.
13). The lock system can comprise an outer housing 1082. The lock
system can also include a bolt 1076 configured to protrude away
from the outer housing 1082 and past a face plate 1084 to secure
the door 254 by entering a hole 1090 in a door frame 1052 (shown in
FIG. 21). The bolt 1076 can be a metal protrusion that slides in
and out of the lock 250a. The bolt 1076 comprises a throw distance
1078, which can be measured as the projection of the bolt from the
side of the door that typically includes the face plate 1084. For
example, in some embodiments, a bolt 1076 can extend between zero
and four centimeters from a face plate 1084. The bolt 1076 can have
the geometry of a deadbolt or can be angled (as is the case when a
bolt is a type of latch).
[0144] Some locks include an electrical control system 1092, which
can include a printed circuit board with any necessary components.
The electrical control system 1092 can include a Wi-Fi
communication system 1094 and a battery 1096. The electrical
control system 1092 can be placed within the housing 1082 of the
lock 250a. The electrical control system 1092 is configured to
adjust the throw distance 1078 of the bolt 1076. For example, the
electrical control system 1092 can cause the bolt 1076 to extend
and retract relative to the face plate 1084.
[0145] A remote computing device 204 can control the electrical
control system 1092 of the lock 250a. Example remote computing
devices include cellular phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets,
desktop computers, and other computing devices capable of data
input (e.g., cars with computer displays and watches capable of
wireless communication).
[0146] In some embodiments, locks need electricity. A power
receiver can enable a lock to receive electrical power wirelessly
or via wires. The power receiver can be integrated into at least a
portion of the lock.
[0147] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the lock system comprises
a power receiver 1098 coupled to the face plate and/or to a side of
the door that faces the door frame. The power receiver 1098 can be
configured to receive the electricity from a power transmitter
1120. The power transmitter 1120 can be coupled to a strike plate
1086 and/or to a door frame.
[0148] In addition to transmitting electricity between the power
transmitter 1120 and the power receiver 1098, the lock system can
communicate via the power receiver 1098 and the power transmitter
1120. In some embodiments, the lock 250a includes a wireless data
transmitter (e.g., for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication). The Wi-Fi
system 1094 is an embodiment of a wireless data transmitter.
[0149] Referring now to FIG. 21, the strike plate 1086 can be
configured to be coupled to a door frame 1052. The power
transmitter 1120 can be configured to receive the electricity from
the transformer 756. The power receiver 1098 can be electrically
coupled to the electrical control system 1092 (shown in FIG. 16)
such that the power receiver 1098 is configured to provide the
electricity to the electrical control system 1092 such that the
electrical control system 1092 is capable of operating the bolt
1076. The electrical control system 1092 can govern the position of
a solenoid that is mechanically coupled to the bolt 1076 such that
the solenoid can move the bolt to locked and unlocked
positions.
[0150] FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the face plate 1084 and
the strike plate 1086. The door 254 is shown but the door frame
1052 is hidden. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, the power
receiver 1098 is a wireless power receiver and the power
transmitter 1120 is a wireless power transmitter. The power
receiver 1098 is an induction receiver.
[0151] The power transmitter 1120 is an induction transmitter. Once
the face plate 1084 is sufficiently proximate to the strike plate
1086, the power receiver 1098 will be arranged to receive the
electricity 1122 from the induction transmitter. The power
transmitter 1120 comprises at least one induction coil 1124 that is
coupled to the strike plate 1086. The power receiver 1098 comprises
at least one induction coil 1124 that is coupled to the face plate
1084. The door lock 250a enables transmitting the electricity 1122
wirelessly via inductive charging and/or magnetic resonance.
[0152] FIG. 22 illustrates a schematic view of a solenoid 1130 that
is coupled to the outer housing 1082 of the door lock 250a in some
embodiments. (The outer housing 1082 is shown in FIG. 16.)
[0153] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 22, the solenoid 1130 can be
configured to control the throw distance 1078 of the bolt 1076
(e.g., by pushing the bolt in and out of the face plate 1084). The
solenoid 1130 can push the bolt 1076 into a hole 1090 in the strike
plate 1086 (shown in FIG. 21). The solenoid 1130 can pull the bolt
1076 out of the hole 1090 in the strike plate 1086. A spring can be
arranged to act against the force generated by the solenoid. A
spring 1134 can be arranged and configured to apply a force on the
bolt 1076 that pushes the bolt 1076 outward relative to the face
plate 1084 such that the lock 250a is configured to remain in a
locked configuration when the solenoid 1130 receives insufficient
electrical power to overcome the force of the spring 1134.
[0154] In several embodiments, the solenoid 1130 is electrically
coupled to the electrical control system 1092 and the power
receiver 1098 (shown in FIG. 21) such that the lock system is
capable of providing the electricity from the transformer to the
power receiver that is coupled to the face plate 1084, and then the
power receiver 1098 is capable of providing the electricity to the
solenoid 1130.
[0155] The solenoid 1130 can be placed at least partially inside a
solenoid housing 1132, which can be coupled to the housing 1082 of
the lock 250a such that the solenoid is arranged to retract the
bolt 1076 when sufficient electrical power is applied to the
solenoid 1130 (to overcome the force of the spring 1134). A travel
limiter 1136 can prevent the bolt 1076 from extending too far. The
travel limiter 1136 can be arranged to collide with the solenoid
housing 1132 to prevent the bolt 1076 from extending too far.
[0156] The solenoid 1130 can be located between the keyhole 1074
and the power receiver 1098 of the face plate 1084. The solenoid
1130 can be electrically coupled to the power receiver 1098 of the
face plate 1084 such that the solenoid 1130 is configured to
receive the electricity from the transformer.
[0157] Some lock embodiments include elements from security systems
described in applications incorporated herein by reference. The
embodiments described herein can be combined with the security
system embodiments incorporated by reference. The remote computing
devices described in embodiments incorporated by reference can be
used with the lock embodiments described herein. Additional
embodiments can be formulated by replacing the security systems
described in applications incorporated by reference with lock
embodiments described herein.
[0158] Locks can use the cameras, speakers, microphones, and
doorbell buttons described in embodiments incorporated by
reference. In several embodiments, a camera can be coupled to the
outer housing of the lock. The camera can be configured to face
outward from the door. A speaker and a microphone can be coupled to
the outer housing. The camera can be configured to take a picture
of a visitor to the lock. For example, the lock can detect when a
visitor approaches the lock.
[0159] The lock can take a picture of the visitor in response to
detecting the visitor. The speaker can be configured to enable
communication with a user of a remote computing device. For
example, the speaker can emit sounds from a user of the remote
computing device to enable the visitor to hear the user of the
remote computing device. The microphone can be configured to record
sounds from the visitor for transmission to the remote computing
device. For example, the microphone can record the visitor speaking
to enable the user to hear the visitor.
[0160] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a door lock 250a
integrated into a door 254. From the perspective illustrated in
FIG. 18, the right side of the door is configured to be attached to
hinges and the left side of the door is configured to face towards
a strike plate of a door frame. The door lock 250a includes a
camera 1072, a speaker 1128, and a microphone 1126.
[0161] Referring now to FIG. 16, the lock 250a can include a
wireless data transmission system (e.g., the Wi-Fi system 1094)
configured to receive lock commands from the remote computing
device 204 and configured to wirelessly transmit pictures and
sounds from the visitor to the remote computing device 204. The
wireless data transmission system can use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or
radiofrequency means of communication. The power transmitter 1120
is integrated into the strike plate 1086. The power receiver 1098
is integrated into the face plate 1084.
[0162] In some embodiments, the power transmitter is located within
20 centimeters and/or within 10 centimeters of the power receiver.
The power transmitter can be inductively coupled with the power
receiver such that the power transmitter is configured to
inductively transmit the electricity to the power receiver of the
face plate via electrical induction.
[0163] Referring now to FIG. 20, the power transmitter 1120 can
comprise a first induction conductor (e.g., a coil 1124). The power
receiver 1098 can comprise a second induction conductor (e.g., a
coil 1124). The first induction conductor can located within 10
centimeters and/or within 4 centimeters of the second induction
conductor.
[0164] The face plate 1084 can be aligned with the strike plate
1086 such that the first induction coil can be inductively coupled
with the second induction coil. Alignment is achieved when the
first induction coil can be inductively coupled with the second
induction coil. Alignment does not necessary require the face plate
and the strike plate to be oriented parallel to each other. The
face plate and the strike plate can be offset from each other and
still be in alignment if the first induction coil can be
inductively coupled with the second induction coil. Thus, alignment
can be judged by inductive capability.
[0165] Some embodiments include removing a doorbell from a wall to
gain access to wires that were attached to the doorbell. These
wires can be coupled to the transformer and the chime. These wires
can be used to provide electricity to the lock (e.g., via a
strike-plate power-transmission assembly).
[0166] In several embodiments, a strike plate is coupled to the
door frame and a face plate is coupled to a side of the door such
that the strike plate faces towards the face plate. The side of the
door to which the face plate is coupled can be opposite the side of
the door to which hinges are attached. The power transmitter can
comprise a first induction coil. The power receiver can comprise a
second induction coil. The face plate can be oriented relative to
the strike plate such that the first induction coil is capable of
being inductively coupled with the second induction coil. The
second induction coil can be oriented at an angle relative to the
first induction coil. The angle can be less than 30 degrees and/or
less than 20 degrees. The second wire can be electrically coupled
to the transformer via the chime. The second wire can be
electrically coupled to the transformer and the chime. The first
wire and the second wire can be electrically coupled to the
transformer while the transformer is located inside of the
building. The first wire and the second wire can protrude into a
second hole that leads to an area outside of the building. The
second hole can be the hole in which wires for a doorbell are
located (to enable installing a doorbell on an exterior wall of the
building).
[0167] In several embodiments, the power transmitter of the strike
plate is electrically coupled to the power receiver of the face
plate to enable the lock to receive the electricity from the
transformer. Electrical coupling can be achieve wirelessly (e.g.,
via induction) and/or via conductive wires.
[0168] FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment that enables electric
coupling via conductive wires (rather than via induction). In the
face plate 1084, the coils are replaced with spring-loaded
electrical contacts 1140. In the strike plate 1086, the coils are
replaced with conductive tabs 1142 configured to form an electrical
connection with the electrical contacts 1140 when the door is
closed.
[0169] The electrical control system can be communicatively coupled
to the power transmitter (e.g., such that the electrical control
system is capable of sending communications to the power
transmitter). The power transmitter can be communicatively coupled
to a network connection module that is electrically coupled to a
power outlet of the building such that the network connection
module is configured to transmit data to the lock. More information
regarding communicating via power lines is incorporated by
reference from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/026,639.
Lock History Embodiments
[0170] FIG. 9 illustrates a history 570 of lock-related events
displayed on a user interface (e.g., of a smartphone, tablet,
laptop, desktop computer, or television). The history can include
when a door was locked and unlocked. The history can also include
when the lock was set up and/or "paired" with the computing device
204 (show in FIG. 1).
[0171] Several embodiments comprise taking at least one image of
the visitor on each occasion the visitor unlocks the lock 250;
associating a time and a date with each additional image; and
recording the additional images, the times, and the dates in the
remote database 436. Methods can further comprise enabling the
remote computing device 204 to display the images, the times, and
the dates. For example, a user of the remote computing device 204
can search through the images to see the visitor who entered the
building at a particular entry time (as captured in the
history).
Watch Embodiments
[0172] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a computing device 204,
which can be a watch that a user can wear around a wrist. The watch
can include a display screen 242, which can show a user interface
240. The user interface 240 can include all of the features
described in the context of FIG. 2.
[0173] A user can receive visitor notifications via the watch. The
watch can enable a user to "answer" her door. The user can see
video of the visitor that is recorded by the security system 202
(shown in FIG. 1) via the display screen 242. The watch can include
a microphone and a speaker to enable the user to talk with the
visitor.
[0174] FIG. 11 illustrates the watch interacting with the security
system 202, the server 206, and the door lock 250. The watch can
connect to a wireless network 308 (shown in FIG. 3). The watch can
also communicate with the security system 202 via short range
communication protocols such as Bluetooth. The watch can be a
"smart watch" with all the features of smartphones. In several
embodiments, the watch comprises a cellular phone.
[0175] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which the watch is a
computing device 204 that wirelessly communicates with a door lock
250. The watch can include a user interface 240 that enables a user
to lock and unlock the door lock 250 remotely.
Mechanical Doorbell and Digital Doorbell Embodiments
[0176] Some embodiments combine a digital doorbell operating system
with a mechanical doorbell operating system. In some embodiments,
the security system 202 in FIG. 1 can comprise a digital doorbell
in which the doorbell closes the circuit to ring a chime due to
software rather than due to a mechanical switch that is directly
activated by a person pushing a doorbell button. In several
embodiments, the security system 202e in FIG. 5 can be a mechanical
doorbell. With a mechanical doorbell, a person physically closes
the circuit to ring the chime by pressing the doorbell button
212e.
[0177] Referring now to FIG. 5, several security system embodiments
include a system that runs software with a mechanical doorbell in
one rigid housing. These embodiments can receive electricity from a
power source 754 to run software configured to detect visitors and
to enable sending visitor notifications to remote computing devices
204 (shown in FIG. 1). These embodiments can also include a
doorbell button 212e (shown in FIG. 1) configured such that
pressing the doorbell button 212e physically closes a circuit
between the transformer 756 and the chime 302.
[0178] In some embodiments, a digital doorbell operating system and
a mechanical doorbell operating system run on the same platform
utilizing one power source 754. This power source 754 can be
coupled to the two operating systems via wires that protrude out of
a doorbell hole of a building.
Visitor Identification Embodiments
[0179] Many embodiments utilize the visitor identification
abilities of the person using the remote computing device 204
(shown in FIG. 1). Various technologies, however, can be used to
help the user of the remote computing device 204 to identify the
visitor. Some embodiments use automated visitor identification that
does not rely on the user, some embodiments use various
technologies to help the user identify the visitor, and some
embodiments display images and information (e.g., a guest name) to
the user, but otherwise do not help the user identify the
visitor.
[0180] Referring now to FIG. 1, the camera assembly 208 can be
configured to visually identify visitors through machine vision
and/or image recognition. For example, the camera assembly 208 can
take an image of the visitor. Software run by any portion of the
system can then compare select facial features from the image to a
facial database. In some embodiments, the select facial features
include dimensions based on facial landmarks. For example, the
distance between a visitor's eyes; the triangular shape between the
eyes and nose; and the width of the mouth can be used to
characterize a visitor and then to compare the visitor's
characterization to a database of characterization information to
match the visitor's characterization to an identity (e.g., an
individual's name, authorization status, and classification). Some
embodiments use three-dimensional visitor identification
methods.
[0181] Some embodiments include facial recognition such that the
camera assembly 208 waits until the camera assembly 208 has a good
view of the person located near the security system 202 and then
captures an image of the person's face.
[0182] Some embodiments include fingerprint matching to verify the
identity of the visitor. A visitor can place her finger over the
camera assembly 208 to enable the system 200 to detect her
fingerprint. Some security system 202 embodiments include a
fingerprint reader 210.
[0183] The fingerprint reader 210 can enable the system to compare
the fingerprint of the visitor to a database of fingerprints to
identify and/or classify the visitor. The database of fingerprints
can be created by the user and/or can include a database of
fingerprints from a law enforcement agency (e.g., a database of
criminals).
[0184] The fingerprint reader 210 can use any suitable algorithm
including minutia and pattern algorithms. The fingerprint reader
210 can analyze fingerprint patterns including arch patterns, loop
patterns, and whorl patterns. The fingerprint reader 210 can
include any suitable fingerprint sensor including optical,
ultrasonic, passive capacitance, and active capacitance
sensors.
[0185] The fingerprint reader 210 can be integrated into the outer
housing 224 of the security system 202, which can be mounted within
seven feet of a door or entryway of rental lodging, such as a hotel
room or an apartment for short-term rent. In some embodiments, the
security system 202 can be configured to be mounted in an entryway.
Some methods include mounting a security system in an entryway of a
building.
[0186] The fingerprint reader 210 can be integrated into the
doorbell button 212. Pressing the doorbell button 212 can enable
the fingerprint reader 210 to analyze the fingerprint of the
visitor.
[0187] Several embodiments can establish a visitor's identity by
detecting a signal from a device associated with the visitor (e.g.,
detecting the visitor's smartphone). Examples of such a signal
include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, NFC, and/or cellular telephone
transmissions.
[0188] Some embodiments include using a doorbell to detect the
visitor after the visitor has approached the doorbell while the
visitor is located outside of a building (e.g., the building 300 in
FIG. 3) to which the doorbell is attached. The building can
comprise a door having a lock 250. The lock 250 can be configured
to fasten the door to inhibit unauthorized entry into the building
(without breaking down the door).
Combinations with Embodiments Incorporated by Reference
[0189] The embodiments described herein can be combined with any of
the embodiments included in the applications incorporated by
reference. In various embodiments, the security systems described
herein can include features and methods described in the context of
security systems from applications incorporated by reference.
Interpretation
[0190] 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.
[0191] 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.
[0192] 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.
[0193] 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.
[0194] 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.
[0195] 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 can
include A, B, and C. The term "and/or" is used to avoid unnecessary
redundancy.
[0196] 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.
* * * * *