U.S. patent application number 16/294030 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-04 for illuminated signal device and speed detector for audio/video recording and communication devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Amazon Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Siminoff.
Application Number | 20190206243 16/294030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61191882 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190206243 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Siminoff; James |
July 4, 2019 |
Illuminated Signal Device and Speed Detector for Audio/Video
Recording and Communication Devices
Abstract
Illuminated signal devices and speed detectors for audio/video
(A/V) recording and communication devices in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one
embodiment, an illuminated signal device for providing a warning
message of a passing vehicle is provided, the device comprising a
speed detecting module, a communication module, and a processing
module operatively connected to the speed detecting module and the
communication module, the processing module comprising a processor,
and a speed detecting application, wherein the speed detecting
application configures the processor to detect motion of the
passing vehicle using the speed detecting module, obtain speed data
of the passing vehicle using the speed detecting module, and
transmit the obtained speed data to a backend server, using the
communication module, for providing the warning message of the
passing vehicle to at least one social network.
Inventors: |
Siminoff; James; (Pacific
Palisades, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Amazon Technologies, Inc. |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61191882 |
Appl. No.: |
16/294030 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15679135 |
Aug 16, 2017 |
10249185 |
|
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16294030 |
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62376826 |
Aug 18, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 15/00 20130101;
G06T 7/0002 20130101; G08B 13/19606 20130101; G08G 1/054 20130101;
H04L 12/1895 20130101; G08B 5/36 20130101; G06T 7/20 20130101; G08B
5/223 20130101; G08B 13/19619 20130101; H04L 51/32 20130101; G08G
1/0175 20130101; G06T 2207/30196 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G08G 1/054 20060101
G08G001/054; G08B 13/196 20060101 G08B013/196; G08B 15/00 20060101
G08B015/00; G08B 5/36 20060101 G08B005/36; G06T 7/20 20060101
G06T007/20; G08B 5/22 20060101 G08B005/22; H04L 12/58 20060101
H04L012/58; G08G 1/017 20060101 G08G001/017; H04L 12/18 20060101
H04L012/18; G06T 7/00 20060101 G06T007/00 |
Claims
1. At least one server for providing a warning message of a passing
vehicle, the server(s) comprising: a network interface; a processor
operatively connected to the network interface; and one or more
computer-readable media storing a server application comprising
instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the
processor to perform operations including: receiving, from an
illuminated signal device in network communication with the
server(s), speed data that indicates a speed of the passing
vehicle; generating the warning message using the speed data when
the speed data indicates that the speed of the passing vehicle is
more than a threshold amount above a speed limit; and transmitting
the warning message to a social network.
2. The server(s) of claim 1, wherein the server application
comprises further instructions that, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to determine, using the speed data,
that the speed of the passing vehicle is more than the threshold
amount above the speed limit.
3. The server(s) of claim 2, wherein the threshold amount is set
based at least in part on a geographic location of the illuminated
signal device.
4. The server(s) of claim 1, wherein the server application
comprises further instructions that, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to receive, from the illuminated
signal device, image data that includes an image of the passing
vehicle.
5. The server(s) of claim 4, wherein the server application
comprises further instructions that, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to generate the warning message
using the image data.
6. The server(s) of claim 1, wherein the server application
comprises further instructions that, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to receive, from the illuminated
signal device, source identifying data to identify a geographic
location of the illuminated signal device.
7. The server(s) of claim 6, wherein the server application
comprises further instructions that, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to determine, using the source
identifying data, the social network to which to transmit the
warning message.
8. The server(s) of claim 1, wherein the social network comprises a
social networking service for members residing within a geographic
area within which the illuminated signal device is located.
9. A method for at least one server for providing a warning message
of a passing vehicle, the method comprising: receiving, from an
illuminated signal device in network communication with the
server(s), speed data that indicates a speed of the passing
vehicle; generating the warning message using the speed data when
the speed data indicates that the speed of the passing vehicle is
more than a threshold amount above a speed limit; and transmitting
the warning message to at least one client device associated with a
social network.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising determining, using the
speed data, that the speed of the passing vehicle is more than the
threshold amount above the speed limit.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the threshold amount is set
based at least in part on a geographic location of the illuminated
signal device.
12. The method of claim 9 further comprising receiving, from the
illuminated signal device, image data that includes an image of the
passing vehicle.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the warning message includes
the image data.
14. The method of claim 9 further comprising receiving, from the
illuminated signal device, source identifying data to identify a
geographic location of the illuminated signal device.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising determining the at
least one client device associated with the social network using
the source identifying data.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein the social network comprises a
social networking service for members residing within a geographic
area within which the illuminated signal device is located.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
15/679,135, filed on Aug. 16, 2017, which claims priority to
provisional application Ser. No. 62/376,826, filed on Aug. 18,
2016. The entire contents of the priority applications are hereby
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present embodiments relate to audio/video (A/V)
recording and communication devices, including A/V recording and
communication doorbell systems. In particular, the present
embodiments provide a speed detector, which may be a standalone
device or a component of an illuminated signal device in an A/V
recording and communication system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Home safety is a concern for many homeowners and renters.
Those seeking to protect or monitor their homes often wish to have
video and audio communications with visitors, for example, those
visiting an external door or entryway. Audio/Video (A/V) recording
and communication devices, such as doorbells, provide this
functionality, and can also aid in crime detection and prevention.
For example, audio and/or video captured by an A/V recording and
communication device can be uploaded to the cloud and recorded on a
remote server. Subsequent review of the A/V footage can aid law
enforcement in capturing perpetrators of home burglaries and other
crimes. Further, the presence of one or more A/V recording and
communication devices on the exterior of a home, such as a doorbell
unit at the entrance to the home, acts as a powerful deterrent
against would-be burglars.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The various embodiments of the present illuminated signal
device and speed detector for audio/video (A/V) recording and
communication devices now will be discussed in detail with an
emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features. These
embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious illuminated signal
device and speed detector for audio/video (A/V) recording and
communication devices shown in the accompanying drawings, which are
for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the
following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a system
for streaming and storing A/V content captured by an audio/video
(A/V) recording and communication device according the present
embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a front view of an A/V recording and communication
doorbell according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the A/V recording and communication
doorbell of FIG. 2;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the A/V recording and
communication doorbell of FIG. 2 attached to a mounting bracket
according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional right side view of the A/V
recording and communication doorbell of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the A/V recording and
communication doorbell and the mounting bracket of FIG. 4;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 4;
[0012] FIGS. 8A and 8B are top and bottom views, respectively, of
the A/V recording and communication doorbell and the mounting
bracket of FIG. 4;
[0013] FIGS. 9A and 9B are top and front views, respectively, of a
passive infrared sensor holder of the A/V recording and
communication doorbell of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIGS. 10A and 10B are top and front views, respectively, of
a passive infrared sensor holder assembly of the A/V recording and
communication doorbell of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a top view of the passive infrared sensor
assembly of FIG. 10A and a field of view thereof according to an
aspect of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the components of
the A/V recording and communication doorbell of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process for an A/V
recording and communication doorbell according to an aspect of the
present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another process for an
A/V recording and communication doorbell according to an aspect of
the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another process for an
A/V recording and communication doorbell according to an aspect of
the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an
illuminated sign (with a stake) for A/V recording and communication
devices according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the illuminated sign
for A/V recording and communication devices of FIG. 16;
[0022] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the illuminated sign for A/V
recording and communication devices of FIG. 16;
[0023] FIG. 19 is an exploded front perspective view of the
illuminated sign for A/V recording and communication devices of
FIG. 16;
[0024] FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of certain components
of the illuminated sign for A/V recording and communication devices
of FIG. 16;
[0025] FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of certain components
of another embodiment of an illuminated sign for A/V recording and
communication devices according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram of certain components
of another embodiment of an illuminated sign for A/V recording and
communication devices according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram of certain components
of another embodiment of an illuminated sign for A/V recording and
communication devices according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 24 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system for
providing a warning message of a passing vehicle using an
illuminated signal device and speed detector according to various
aspects of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 25 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system for
providing a warning message of a passing vehicle using a speed
detector according to various aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of
an illuminated signal device and speed detector according to an
aspect of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a
speed detector according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a
backend server according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a
process at an illuminated signal device and speed detector for
providing a warning message of a passing vehicle according to an
aspect of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a
process for obtaining image data of a passing vehicle using at
least one external camera according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a
process at a backend server for providing a warning message of a
passing vehicle according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0036] FIGS. 32-34 are sequence diagrams illustrating embodiments
of processes for providing a warning message of a passing vehicle
according to various aspects of the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 35 is a functional block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a system for providing a warning message of a passing
vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 36 is a functional block diagram of a client device on
which the present embodiments may be implemented according to
various aspects of the present disclosure; and
[0039] FIG. 37 is a functional block diagram of a general-purpose
computing system on which the present embodiments may be
implemented according to various aspects of present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The various embodiments of the present illuminated signal
device and speed detector for audio/video (A/V) recording and
communication devices have several features, no single one of which
is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without
limiting the scope of the present embodiments as expressed by the
claims that follow, their more prominent features now will be
discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and
particularly after reading the section entitled "Detailed
Description," one will understand how the features of the present
embodiments provide the advantages described herein.
[0041] One aspect of the present embodiments includes the
realization that the crime deterrent effect created by A/V
recording and communication devices may correlate with the
visibility of such devices. For example, a would-be perpetrator is
more likely to be deterred from committing a crime by a security
camera if he or she is aware of the security camera. Therefore, the
crime deterrent value of A/V recording and communication devices
may be enhanced by increasing their visibility. One way to increase
the visibility of an A/V recording and communication device is with
a sign that informs those who view it that the area around the sign
is within the field of view of one or more A/V recording and
communication devices. In one non-limiting example, the present
illuminated sign can be placed anywhere outside a home or business,
or any other premises protected by one or more A/V recording and
communication devices, such as in a front yard or a back yard.
[0042] Another aspect of the present embodiments includes the
realization that A/V recording and communication devices may be
less visible at night, when ambient light is typically lower or
absent entirely. Therefore, a source of illumination would likely
enhance the crime deterrent value of a sign that informs those who
view it that the area around the sign is within the field of view
of one or more A/V recording and communication devices. Further, if
the illuminated sign were motion activated, such that the sign lit
up only when motion was detected, the sudden illumination of the
sign would provide an additional deterrent effect by surprising
would-be perpetrators and likely scaring them off. Further, if the
illuminated sign played audio when motion was detected, or in
response to user intervention, or in response to signals received
from a home alarm/security system, the audio would provide an
additional deterrent effect by surprising would-be perpetrators and
likely scaring them off.
[0043] Another aspect of the present embodiments includes the
realization that cars speeding through a neighborhood present a
danger to every person in that neighborhood. Therefore, one way to
make neighborhoods safer is by reducing speeding. The present
embodiments empower neighborhood residents to apply social pressure
to problem speeders, thereby encouraging those speeders to alter
their speeding behavior. For example, some of the present
embodiments include a speed detector. The speed detector may be a
standalone device, or may be integrated into another device, such
as an illuminated signal device in an A/V recording and
communication system. Speed data from the speed detector, along
with image data (e.g., a photograph and/or a video) of the speeding
car, may be posted to a social network. The social network post may
be seen by others who live in the neighborhood where the photograph
and/or video of the speeding car was taken. Those persons may then
apply pressure to the speeder, encouraging him or her not to speed
through the neighborhood anymore. Further, the social network post
may provide a warning to others who live in the neighborhood where
the photograph and/or video of the speeding car was taken,
encouraging those people who see the social network post to be
watchful for the speeding car so that they are not endangered by
the speeder in the future.
[0044] The following detailed description describes the present
embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings,
reference numbers label elements of the present embodiments. These
reference numbers are reproduced below in connection with the
discussion of the corresponding drawing features.
[0045] The embodiments of the present illuminated sign for
audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices are described
below with reference to the figures. These figures, and their
written descriptions, indicate that certain components of the
apparatus are formed integrally, and certain other components are
formed as separate pieces. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that components shown and described herein as being
formed integrally may in alternative embodiments be formed as
separate pieces. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further
appreciate that components shown and described herein as being
formed as separate pieces may in alternative embodiments be formed
integrally. Further, as used herein the term integral describes a
single unitary piece.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 1, the present embodiments include an
audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device, such as a
doorbell 100. While the present disclosure provides numerous
examples of methods and systems including A/V recording and
communication doorbells, the present embodiments are equally
applicable for A/V recording and communication devices other than
doorbells. For example, the present embodiments may include one or
more A/V recording and communication security cameras instead of,
or in addition to, one or more A/V recording and communication
doorbells. An example A/V recording and communication security
camera may include substantially all of the structure and
functionality of the doorbells described herein, but without the
front button and related components.
[0047] The A/V recording and communication doorbell 100 may be
located near the entrance to a structure (not shown), such as a
dwelling, a business, a storage facility, etc. The A/V recording
and communication doorbell 100 includes a camera 102, a microphone
104, and a speaker 106. The camera 102 may comprise, for example, a
high definition (HD) video camera, such as one capable of capturing
video images at an image display resolution of 720p or better.
While not shown, the A/V recording and communication doorbell 100
may also include other hardware and/or components, such as a
housing, one or more motion sensors (and/or other types of
sensors), a button, etc. The A/V recording and communication
doorbell 100 may further include similar componentry and/or
functionality as the wireless communication doorbells described in
US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015/0022620 (application
Ser. No. 14/499,828) and 2015/0022618 (application Ser. No.
14/334,922), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties as if fully set forth.
[0048] With further reference to FIG. 1, the A/V recording and
communication doorbell 100 communicates with a user's network 110,
which may be for example a wired and/or wireless network. If the
user's network 110 is wireless, or includes a wireless component,
the network 110 may be a Wi-Fi network compatible with the IEEE
802.11 standard and/or other wireless communication standard(s).
The user's network 110 is connected to another network 112, which
may comprise, for example, the Internet and/or a public switched
telephone network (PSTN). As described below, the A/V recording and
communication doorbell 100 may communicate with the user's client
device 114 via the user's network 110 and the network 112
(Internet/PSTN). The user's client device 114 may comprise, for
example, a mobile telephone (may also be referred to as a cellular
telephone), such as a smartphone, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), or another communication and/or computing device. The user's
client device 114 comprises a display (not shown) and related
components capable of displaying streaming and/or recorded video
images. The user's client device 114 may also comprise a speaker
and related components capable of broadcasting streaming and/or
recorded audio, and may also comprise a microphone. The A/V
recording and communication doorbell 100 may also communicate with
one or more remote storage device(s) 116 (may be referred to
interchangeably as "cloud storage device(s)"), one or more servers
118, and/or a backend API (application programming interface) 120
via the user's network 110 and the network 112 (Internet/PSTN).
While FIG. 1 illustrates the storage device 116, the server 118,
and the backend API 120 as components separate from the network
112, it is to be understood that the storage device 116, the server
118, and/or the backend API 120 may be considered to be components
of the network 112.
[0049] The network 112 may be any wireless network or any wired
network, or a combination thereof, configured to operatively couple
the above-mentioned modules, devices, and systems as shown in FIG.
1. For example, the network 112 may include one or more of the
following: a PSTN (public switched telephone network), the
Internet, a local intranet, a PAN (Personal Area Network), a LAN
(Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a MAN
(Metropolitan Area Network), a virtual private network (VPN), a
storage area network (SAN), a frame relay connection, an Advanced
Intelligent Network (AIN) connection, a synchronous optical network
(SONET) connection, a digital T1, T3, E1 or E3 line, a Digital Data
Service (DDS) connection, a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
connection, an Ethernet connection, an ISDN (Integrated Services
Digital Network) line, a dial-up port such as a V.90, V.34, or
V.34bis analog modem connection, a cable modem, an ATM
(Asynchronous Transfer Mode) connection, or an FDDI (Fiber
Distributed Data Interface) or CDDI (Copper Distributed Data
Interface) connection. Furthermore, communications may also include
links to any of a variety of wireless networks, including WAP
(Wireless Application Protocol), GPRS (General Packet Radio
Service), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), LTE, VoLTE,
LoRaWAN, LPWAN, RPMA, LTE, Cat-"X" (e.g. LTE Cat 1, LTE Cat 0, LTE
CatM1, LTE Cat NB1), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), TDMA
(Time Division Multiple Access), FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple
Access), and/or OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple
Access) cellular phone networks, GPS, CDPD (cellular digital packet
data), RIM (Research in Motion, Limited) duplex paging network,
Bluetooth radio, or an IEEE 802.11-based radio frequency network.
The network can further include or interface with any one or more
of the following: RS-232 serial connection, IEEE-1394 (Firewire)
connection, Fibre Channel connection, IrDA (infrared) port, SCSI
(Small Computer Systems Interface) connection, USB (Universal
Serial Bus) connection, or other wired or wireless, digital or
analog, interface or connection, mesh or Digi.RTM. networking.
[0050] According to one or more aspects of the present embodiments,
when a person (may be referred to interchangeably as "visitor")
arrives at the A/V recording and communication doorbell 100, the
A/V recording and communication doorbell 100 detects the visitor's
presence and begins capturing video images within a field of view
of the camera 102. The A/V recording and communication doorbell 100
may also capture audio through the microphone 104. The A/V
recording and communication doorbell 100 may detect the visitor's
presence using a motion sensor, and/or by detecting that the
visitor has depressed the button on the A/V recording and
communication doorbell 100.
[0051] In response to the detection of the visitor, the A/V
recording and communication doorbell 100 sends an alert to the
user's client device 114 (FIG. 1) via the user's network 110 and
the network 112. The A/V recording and communication doorbell 100
also sends streaming video, and may also send streaming audio, to
the user's client device 114. If the user answers the alert,
two-way audio communication may then occur between the visitor and
the user through the A/V recording and communication doorbell 100
and the user's client device 114. The user may view the visitor
throughout the duration of the call, but the visitor cannot see the
user (unless the A/V recording and communication doorbell 100
includes a display, which it may in some embodiments).
[0052] The video images captured by the camera 102 of the A/V
recording and communication doorbell 100 (and the audio captured by
the microphone 104) may be uploaded to the cloud and recorded on
the remote storage device 116 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the
video and/or audio may be recorded on the remote storage device 116
even if the user chooses to ignore the alert sent to his or her
client device 114.
[0053] With further reference to FIG. 1, the system may further
comprise a backend API 120 including one or more components. A
backend API (application programming interface) may comprise, for
example, a server (e.g. a real server, or a virtual machine, or a
machine running in a cloud infrastructure as a service), or
multiple servers networked together, exposing at least one API to
client(s) accessing it. These servers may include components such
as application servers (e.g. software servers), depending upon what
other components are included, such as a caching layer, or database
layers, or other components. A backend API may, for example,
comprise many such applications, each of which communicate with one
another using their public APIs. In some embodiments, the API
backend may hold the bulk of the user data and offer the user
management capabilities, leaving the clients to have very limited
state.
[0054] The backend API 120 illustrated FIG. 1 may include one or
more APIs. An API is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for
building software and applications. An API expresses a software
component in terms of its operations, inputs, outputs, and
underlying types, defining functionalities that are independent of
their respective implementations, which allows definitions and
implementations to vary without compromising the interface.
Advantageously, an API may provide a programmer with access to an
application's functionality without the programmer needing to
modify the application itself, or even understand how the
application works. An API may be for a web-based system, an
operating system, or a database system, and it provides facilities
to develop applications for that system using a given programming
language. In addition to accessing databases or computer hardware
like hard disk drives or video cards, an API can ease the work of
programming GUI components. For example, an API can facilitate
integration of new features into existing applications (a so-called
"plug-in API"). An API can also assist otherwise distinct
applications with sharing data, which can help to integrate and
enhance the functionalities of the applications.
[0055] The backend API 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 may further
include one or more services (also referred to as network
services). A network service is an application that provides data
storage, manipulation, presentation, communication, and/or other
capability. Network services are often implemented using a
client-server architecture based on application-layer network
protocols. Each service may be provided by a server component
running on one or more computers (such as a dedicated server
computer offering multiple services) and accessed via a network by
client components running on other devices. However, the client and
server components can both be run on the same machine. Clients and
servers may have a user interface, and sometimes other hardware
associated with them.
[0056] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an audio/video (A/V) communication
doorbell 130 according to an aspect of present embodiments. FIG. 2
is a front view, FIG. 3 is a rear view, and FIG. 4 is a left side
view of the doorbell 130 coupled with a mounting bracket 137. The
doorbell 130 includes a faceplate 135 mounted to a back plate 139
(FIG. 3). With reference to FIG. 4, the faceplate 135 has a
substantially flat profile. The faceplate 135 may comprise any
suitable material, including, without limitation, metals, such as
brushed aluminum or stainless steel, metal alloys, or plastics. The
faceplate 135 protects the internal contents of the doorbell 130
and serves as an exterior front surface of the doorbell 130.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 2, the faceplate 135 includes a
button 133 and a light pipe 136. The button 133 and the light pipe
136 may have various profiles that may or may not match the profile
of the faceplate 135. The light pipe 136 may comprise any suitable
material, including, without limitation, transparent plastic, that
is capable of allowing light produced within the doorbell 130 to
pass through. The light may be produced by one or more
light-emitting components, such as light-emitting diodes (LED's),
contained within the doorbell 130, as further described below. The
button 133 may make contact with a button actuator (not shown)
located within the doorbell 130 when the button 133 is pressed by a
visitor. When pressed, the button 133 may trigger one or more
functions of the doorbell 130, as further described below.
[0058] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the doorbell 130 further
includes an enclosure 131 that engages the faceplate 135. In the
illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 131 abuts an upper edge 135T
(FIG. 2) of the faceplate 135, but in alternative embodiments one
or more gaps between the enclosure 131 and the faceplate 135 may
facilitate the passage of sound and/or light through the doorbell
130. The enclosure 131 may comprise any suitable material, but in
some embodiments the material of the enclosure 131 preferably
permits infrared light to pass through from inside the doorbell 130
to the environment and vice versa. The doorbell 130 further
includes a lens 132. In some embodiments, the lens may comprise a
Fresnel lens, which may be patterned to deflect incoming light into
one or more infrared sensors located within the doorbell 130. The
doorbell 130 further includes a camera 134, which captures video
data when activated, as described below.
[0059] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the doorbell 130, according to an
aspect of the present embodiments. As illustrated, the enclosure
131 may extend from the front of the doorbell 130 around to the
back thereof and may fit snugly around a lip of the back plate 139.
The back plate 139 may comprise any suitable material, including,
without limitation, metals, such as brushed aluminum or stainless
steel, metal alloys, or plastics. The back plate 139 protects the
internal contents of the doorbell 130 and serves as an exterior
rear surface of the doorbell 130. The faceplate 135 may extend from
the front of the doorbell 130 and at least partially wrap around
the back plate 139, thereby allowing a coupled connection between
the faceplate 135 and the back plate 139. The back plate 139 may
have indentations in its structure to facilitate the coupling.
[0060] With further reference to FIG. 3, spring contacts 140 may
provide power to the doorbell 130 when mated with other conductive
contacts connected to a power source. The spring contacts 140 may
comprise any suitable conductive material, including, without
limitation, copper, and may be capable of deflecting when contacted
by an inward force, for example the insertion of a mating element.
The doorbell 130 further comprises a connector 160, such as a
micro-USB or other connector, whereby power and/or data may be
supplied to and from the components within the doorbell 130. A
reset button 159 may be located on the back plate 139, and may make
contact with a button actuator (not shown) located within the
doorbell 130 when the reset button 159 is pressed. When the reset
button 159 is pressed, it may trigger one or more functions, as
described below.
[0061] FIG. 4 is a left side profile view of the doorbell 130
coupled to the mounting bracket 137, according to an aspect of the
present embodiments. The mounting bracket 137 facilitates mounting
the doorbell 130 to a surface, such as the exterior of a building,
such as a home or office. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the faceplate
135 may extend from the bottom of the doorbell 130 up to just below
the camera 134, and connect to the back plate 139 as described
above. The lens 132 may extend and curl partially around the side
of the doorbell 130. The enclosure 131 may extend and curl around
the side and top of the doorbell 130, and may be coupled to the
back plate 139 as described above. The camera 134 may protrude
slightly through the enclosure 131, thereby giving it a wider field
of view. The mounting bracket 137 may couple with the back plate
139 such that they contact each other at various points in a common
plane of contact, thereby creating an assembly including the
doorbell 130 and the mounting bracket 137. The couplings described
in this paragraph, and elsewhere, may be secured by, for example
and without limitation, screws, interference fittings, adhesives,
or other fasteners. Interference fittings may refer to a type of
connection where a material relies on pressure and/or gravity
coupled with the material's physical strength to support a
connection to a different element.
[0062] FIG. 5 is a right side cross-sectional view of the doorbell
130 without the mounting bracket 137. In the illustrated
embodiment, the lens 132 is substantially coplanar with the front
surface 131F of the enclosure 131. In alternative embodiments, the
lens 132 may be recessed within the enclosure 131 or may protrude
outward from the enclosure 131. The camera 134 is coupled to a
camera printed circuit board (PCB) 147, and a lens 134a of the
camera 134 protrudes through an opening in the enclosure 131. The
camera lens 134a may be a lens capable of focusing light into the
camera 134 so that clear images may be taken.
[0063] The camera PCB 147 may be secured within the doorbell with
any suitable fasteners, such as screws, or interference
connections, adhesives, etc. The camera PCB 147 comprises various
components that enable the functionality of the camera 134 of the
doorbell 130, as described below. Infrared light-emitting
components, such as infrared LED's 168, are coupled to the camera
PCB 147 and may be triggered to activate when a light sensor
detects a low level of ambient light. When activated, the infrared
LED's 168 may emit infrared light through the enclosure 131 and/or
the camera 134 out into the ambient environment. The camera 134,
which may be configured to detect infrared light, may then capture
the light emitted by the infrared LED's 168 as it reflects off
objects within the camera's 134 field of view, so that the doorbell
130 can clearly capture images at night (may be referred to as
"night vision").
[0064] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the doorbell 130 further
comprises a front PCB 146, which in the illustrated embodiment
resides in a lower portion of the doorbell 130 adjacent a battery
166. The front PCB 146 may be secured within the doorbell 130 with
any suitable fasteners, such as screws, or interference
connections, adhesives, etc. The front PCB 146 comprises various
components that enable the functionality of the audio and light
components, as further described below. The battery 166 may provide
power to the doorbell 130 components while receiving power from the
spring contacts 140, thereby engaging in a trickle-charge method of
power consumption and supply. Alternatively, the doorbell 130 may
draw power directly from the spring contacts 140 while relying on
the battery 166 only when the spring contacts 140 are not providing
the power necessary for all functions.
[0065] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the doorbell 130 further
comprises a power PCB 148, which in the illustrated embodiment
resides behind the camera PCB 147. The power PCB 148 may be secured
within the doorbell 130 with any suitable fasteners, such as
screws, or interference connections, adhesives, etc. The power PCB
148 comprises various components that enable the functionality of
the power and device-control components, as further described
below.
[0066] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the doorbell 130 further
comprises a communication module 164 coupled to the power PCB 148.
The communication module 164 facilitates communication with client
devices in one or more remote locations, as further described
below. The connector 160 may protrude outward from the power PCB
148 and extend through a hole in the back plate 139. The doorbell
130 further comprises passive infrared (PIR) sensors 144, which are
secured on or within a PIR sensor holder 143, and the assembly
resides behind the lens 132. The PIR sensor holder 143 may be
secured to the doorbell 130 with any suitable fasteners, such as
screws, or interference connections, adhesives, etc. The PIR
sensors 144 may be any type of sensor capable of detecting and
communicating the presence of a heat source within their field of
view. Further, alternative embodiments may comprise one or more
motion sensors either in place of or in addition to the PIR sensors
144. The motion sensors may be configured to detect motion using
any methodology, such as a methodology that does not rely on
detecting the presence of a heat source within a field of view.
[0067] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the doorbell 130 and the
mounting bracket 137 according to an aspect of the present
embodiments. The mounting bracket 137 is configured to be mounted
to a mounting surface (not shown) of a structure, such as a home or
an office. FIG. 6 shows the front side 137F of the mounting bracket
137. The mounting bracket 137 is configured to be mounted to the
mounting surface such that the back side 137B thereof faces the
mounting surface. In certain embodiments, the mounting bracket 137
may be mounted to surfaces of various composition, including,
without limitation, wood, concrete, stucco, brick, vinyl siding,
aluminum siding, etc., with any suitable fasteners, such as screws,
or interference connections, adhesives, etc. The doorbell 130 may
be coupled to the mounting bracket 137 with any suitable fasteners,
such as screws, or interference connections, adhesives, etc.
[0068] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the illustrated
embodiment of the mounting bracket 137 includes the terminal screws
138. The terminal screws 138 are configured to receive electrical
wires adjacent the mounting surface of the structure upon which the
mounting bracket 137 is mounted, so that the doorbell 130 may
receive electrical power from the structure's electrical system.
The terminal screws 138 are electrically connected to electrical
contacts 177 of the mounting bracket. If power is supplied to the
terminal screws 138, then the electrical contacts 177 also receive
power through the terminal screws 138. The electrical contacts 177
may comprise any suitable conductive material, including, without
limitation, copper, and may protrude slightly from the face of the
mounting bracket 137 so that they may mate with the spring contacts
140 located on the back plate 139.
[0069] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 (which is a rear view of the
mounting bracket 137), the mounting bracket 137 further comprises a
bracket PCB 149. With reference to FIG. 7, the bracket PCB 149 is
situated outside the doorbell 130, and is therefore configured for
various sensors that measure ambient conditions, such as an
accelerometer 150, a barometer 151, a humidity sensor 152, and a
temperature sensor 153. The functions of these components are
discussed in more detail below. The bracket PCB 149 may be secured
to the mounting bracket 137 with any suitable fasteners, such as
screws, or interference connections, adhesives, etc.
[0070] FIGS. 8A and 8B are top and bottom views, respectively, of
the doorbell 130. As described above, the enclosure 131 may extend
from the front face 131F of the doorbell 130 to the back, where it
contacts and snugly surrounds the back plate 139. The camera 134
may protrude slightly beyond the front face 131F of the enclosure
131, thereby giving the camera 134 a wider field of view. The
mounting bracket 137 may include a substantially flat rear surface
137R, such that the doorbell 130 and the mounting bracket 137
assembly may sit flush against the surface to which they are
mounted. With reference to FIG. 8B, the lower end of the enclosure
131 may include security screw apertures 141 configured to receive
screws or other fasteners.
[0071] FIG. 9A is a top view of the PIR sensor holder 143. The PIR
sensor holder 143 may comprise any suitable material, including,
without limitation, metals, metal alloys, or plastics. The PIR
sensor holder 143 is configured to mount the PIR sensors 144 behind
the lens 132 such that the PIR sensors 144 face out through the
lens 132 at varying angles, thereby creating a wide field of view
for the PIR sensors 144, and dividing the field of view into zones,
as further described below. With further reference to FIG. 9A, the
PIR sensor holder 143 includes one or more faces 178 within or on
which the PIR sensors 144 may be mounted. In the illustrated
embodiment, the PIR sensor holder 143 includes three faces 178,
with each of two outer faces 178 angled at 55.degree. with respect
to a center one of the faces 178. In alternative embodiments, the
angle formed by adjacent ones of the faces 178 may be increased or
decreased as desired to alter the field of view of the PIR sensors
144.
[0072] FIG. 9B is a front view of the PIR sensor holder 143. In the
illustrated embodiment, each of the faces 178 includes a through
hole 180 in which the PIR sensors 144 may be mounted. First and
second brackets 182, spaced from one another, extend transversely
across the PIR sensor holder 143. Each of the brackets 182 includes
notches 184 at either end. The brackets 182 may be used to secure
the PIR sensor holder 143 within the doorbell 130. In alternative
embodiments, the through holes 180 in the faces 178 may be omitted.
For example, the PIR sensors 144 may be mounted directly to the
faces 178 without the through holes 180. Generally, the faces 178
may comprise any structure configured to locate and secure the PIR
sensors 144 in place.
[0073] FIGS. 10A and 10B are top and front views, respectively, of
a PIR sensor assembly 179, including the PIR sensor holder 143, the
lens 132, and a flexible power circuit 145. The PIR sensor holder
143 may be secured to a rear face 132R of the lens 132, as shown,
with the brackets 182 abutting the rear face 132R of the lens 132.
The flexible power circuit 145, which may be any material or
component capable of delivering power and/or data to and from the
PIR sensors 144, is secured to a rear face 143R of the PIR sensor
holder 143, and may be contoured to match the angular shape of the
PIR sensor holder 143. The flexible power circuit 145 may connect
to, draw power from, and/or transmit data to and/or from, the power
PCB 148 (FIG. 5).
[0074] FIG. 11 is a top view of the PIR sensor assembly 179
illustrating the fields of view of the PIR sensors 144. Each PIR
sensor 144 includes a field of view, referred to as a "zone," that
traces an angle extending outward from the respective PIR sensor
144. Zone 1 is the area that is visible only to Passive Infrared
Sensor 144-1. Zone 2 is the area that is visible only to the PIR
sensors 144-1 and 144-2. Zone 3 is the area that is visible only to
Passive Infrared Sensor 144-2. Zone 4 is the area that is visible
only to the PIR sensors 144-2 and 144-3. Zone 5 is the area that is
visible only to Passive Infrared Sensor 144-3. The doorbell 130 may
be capable of determining the direction that an object is moving
based upon which zones are triggered in a time sequence. In the
illustrated embodiment, each zone extends across an angle of
110.degree.. In alternative embodiments, each zone may extend
across a different angle, such as one greater than or less than
110.degree..
[0075] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the components
within or in communication with the doorbell 130, according to an
aspect of the present embodiments. As described above, the bracket
PCB 149 may comprise an accelerometer 150, a barometer 151, a
humidity sensor 152, and a temperature sensor 153. The
accelerometer 150 may be one or more sensors capable of sensing
motion and/or acceleration. The barometer 151 may be one or more
sensors capable of determining the atmospheric pressure of the
surrounding environment in which the bracket PCB 149 may be
located. The humidity sensor 152 may be one or more sensors capable
of determining the amount of moisture present in the atmospheric
environment in which the bracket PCB 149 may be located. The
temperature sensor 153 may be one or more sensors capable of
determining the temperature of the ambient environment in which the
bracket PCB 149 may be located. As described above, the bracket PCB
149 may be located outside the housing of the doorbell 130 so as to
reduce interference from heat, pressure, moisture, and/or other
stimuli generated by the internal components of the doorbell
130.
[0076] With further reference to FIG. 12, the bracket PCB 149 may
further comprise terminal screw inserts 154, which may be
configured to receive the terminal screws 138 and transmit power to
the electrical contacts 177 on the mounting bracket 137 (FIG. 6).
The bracket PCB 149 may be electrically and/or mechanically coupled
to the power PCB 148 through the terminal screws 138, the terminal
screw inserts 154, the spring contacts 140, and the electrical
contacts 177. The terminal screws 138 may receive electrical wires
located at the surface to which the doorbell 130 is mounted, such
as the wall of a building, so that the doorbell can receive
electrical power from the building's electrical system. Upon the
terminal screws 138 being secured within the terminal screw inserts
154, power may be transferred to the bracket PCB 149, and to all of
the components associated therewith, including the electrical
contacts 177. The electrical contacts 177 may transfer electrical
power to the power PCB 148 by mating with the spring contacts
140.
[0077] With further reference to FIG. 12, the front PCB 146 may
comprise a light sensor 155, one or more light-emitting components,
such as LED's 156, one or more speakers 157, and a microphone 158.
The light sensor 155 may be one or more sensors capable of
detecting the level of ambient light of the surrounding environment
in which the doorbell 130 may be located. LED's 156 may be one or
more light-emitting diodes capable of producing visible light when
supplied with power. The speakers 157 may be any electromechanical
device capable of producing sound in response to an electrical
signal input. The microphone 158 may be an acoustic-to-electric
transducer or sensor capable of converting sound waves into an
electrical signal. When activated, the LED's 156 may illuminate the
light pipe 136 (FIG. 2). The front PCB 146 and all components
thereof may be electrically coupled to the power PCB 148, thereby
allowing data and/or power to be transferred to and from the power
PCB 148 and the front PCB 146.
[0078] The speakers 157 and the microphone 158 may be coupled to
the camera processor 170 through an audio CODEC 161. For example,
the transfer of digital audio from the user's client device 114 and
the speakers 157 and the microphone 158 may be compressed and
decompressed using the audio CODEC 161, coupled to the camera
processor 170. Once compressed by audio CODEC 161, digital audio
data may be sent through the communication module 164 to the
network 112, routed by one or more servers 118, and delivered to
the user's client device 114. When the user speaks, after being
transferred through the network 112, digital audio data is
decompressed by audio CODEC 161 and emitted to the visitor via the
speakers 157.
[0079] With further reference to FIG. 12, the power PCB 148 may
comprise a power management module 162, a microcontroller 163, the
communication module 164, and power PCB non-volatile memory 165. In
certain embodiments, the power management module 162 may comprise
an integrated circuit capable of arbitrating between multiple
voltage rails, thereby selecting the source of power for the
doorbell 130. The battery 166, the spring contacts 140, and/or the
connector 160 may each provide power to the power management module
162. The power management module 162 may have separate power rails
dedicated to the battery 166, the spring contacts 140, and the
connector 160. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the power
management module 162 may continuously draw power from the battery
166 to power the doorbell 130, while at the same time routing power
from the spring contacts 140 and/or the connector 160 to the
battery 166, thereby allowing the battery 166 to maintain a
substantially constant level of charge. Alternatively, the power
management module 162 may continuously draw power from the spring
contacts 140 and/or the connector 160 to power the doorbell 130,
while only drawing from the battery 166 when the power from the
spring contacts 140 and/or the connector 160 is low or
insufficient. The power management module 162 may also serve as a
conduit for data between the connector 160 and the microcontroller
163.
[0080] With further reference to FIG. 12, in certain embodiments
the microcontroller 163 may comprise an integrated circuit
including a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output
peripherals. The microcontroller 163 may receive input signals,
such as data and/or power, from the PIR sensors 144, the bracket
PCB 149, the power management module 162, the light sensor 155, the
microphone 158, and/or the communication module 164, and may
perform various functions as further described below. When the
microcontroller 163 is triggered by the PIR sensors 144, the
microcontroller 163 may be triggered to perform one or more
functions, such as those described below with reference to FIG. 14.
When the light sensor 155 detects a low level of ambient light, the
light sensor 155 may trigger the microcontroller 163 to enable
"night vision," as further described below. The microcontroller 163
may also act as a conduit for data communicated between various
components and the communication module 164.
[0081] With further reference to FIG. 12, the communication module
164 may comprise an integrated circuit including a processor core,
memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. The
communication module 164 may also be configured to transmit data
wirelessly to a remote network device, and may include one or more
transceivers (not shown). The wireless communication may comprise
one or more wireless networks, such as, without limitation, Wi-Fi,
cellular, Bluetooth, and/or satellite networks. The communication
module 164 may receive inputs, such as power and/or data, from the
camera PCB 147, the microcontroller 163, the button 133, the reset
button 159, and/or the power PCB non-volatile memory 165. When the
button 133 is pressed, the communication module 164 may be
triggered to perform one or more functions, such as those described
below with reference to FIG. 13. When the reset button 159 is
pressed, the communication module 164 may be triggered to erase any
data stored at the power PCB non-volatile memory 165 and/or at the
camera PCB memory 169. The communication module 164 may also act as
a conduit for data communicated between various components and the
microcontroller 163. The power PCB non-volatile memory 165 may
comprise flash memory configured to store and/or transmit data. For
example, in certain embodiments the power PCB non-volatile memory
165 may comprise serial peripheral interface (SPI) flash
memory.
[0082] With further reference to FIG. 12, the camera PCB 147 may
comprise components that facilitate the operation of the camera
134. For example, an imager 171 may comprise a video recording
sensor and/or a camera chip. In one aspect of the present
disclosure, the imager 171 may comprise a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) array, and may be capable of recording high
definition (e.g., 720p or better) video files. A camera processor
170 may comprise an encoding and compression chip. In some
embodiments, the camera processor 170 may comprise a bridge
processor. The camera processor 170 may process video recorded by
the imager 171 and audio recorded by the microphone 158, and may
transform this data into a form suitable for wireless transfer by
the communication module 164 to a network. The camera PCB memory
169 may comprise volatile memory that may be used when data is
being buffered or encoded by the camera processor 170. For example,
in certain embodiments the camera PCB memory 169 may comprise
synchronous dynamic random access memory (SD RAM). IR LED's 168 may
comprise light-emitting diodes capable of radiating infrared light.
IR cut filter 167 may comprise a system that, when triggered,
configures the imager 171 to see primarily infrared light as
opposed to visible light. When the light sensor 155 detects a low
level of ambient light (which may comprise a level that impedes the
performance of the imager 171 in the visible spectrum), the IR
LED's 168 may shine infrared light through the doorbell 130
enclosure out to the environment, and the IR cut filter 167 may
enable the imager 171 to see this infrared light as it is reflected
or refracted off of objects within the field of view of the
doorbell. This process may provide the doorbell 130 with the "night
vision" function mentioned above.
[0083] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a
process according to an aspect of the present disclosure. At block
B200, a visitor presses the button 133 on the doorbell 130. At
block B202, the communication module 164 sends a request to a
network device. Once the network device receives the request, at
block B204 the network device may connect the doorbell 130 to the
user's client device 114 through the user's network 110 and the
network 112. In block B206, the doorbell 130 may record available
audio and/or video data using the camera 134, the microphone 158,
and/or any other sensor available. At block B208, the audio and/or
video data is transmitted to the user's client device 114. At block
B210, the user may receive a notification on his or her client
device 114 prompting him or her to either accept or deny. If the
user denies the notification, then the process advances to block
B214, where the audio and/or video data is recorded and stored at a
cloud server. The session then ends at block B216 and the
connection between the doorbell 130 and the user's client device
114 is terminated. If, however, the user elects to accept the
notification, then at block B212 the user communicates with the
visitor through the user's client device 114 while being provided
audio and/or video data captured by the camera 134, the microphone
158, and/or other sensors. At the end of the call, the user may
terminate the connection between the user's client device 114 and
the doorbell 130 and the session ends at block B216. In some
embodiments, the audio and/or video data may be recorded and stored
at a cloud server (block B214) even if the user accepts the
notification and communicates with the visitor through the user's
client device 114.
[0084] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a
process according to an aspect of the present disclosure. At block
B300, an object may move into the field of view of one or more of
the PIR sensors 144. At block B302, the PIR sensors 144 may trigger
the microcontroller 163, which may then trigger the communication
module 164 to send a request to a network device. At block B304,
the network device may connect the doorbell 130 to the user's
client device 114 through the user's network 110 and the network
112. At block B306, the doorbell 130 may record available audio
and/or video data using the camera 134, the microphone 158, and/or
any other available sensor, and stream the data to the user's
client device 114. At block B308, the user may receive a
notification prompting the user to either accept or deny the
notification. If the notification is accepted, then at block B310a
the live audio/video data may be displayed on the user's client
device 114, thereby allowing the user surveillance from the
perspective of the doorbell 130. When the user is satisfied with
this function, the user may sever the connection at block B312,
whereby the session ends. If, however, at block B308 the user
denies the notification, or ignores the notification and a
specified time interval elapses, then the connection between the
doorbell 130 and the user's client device 114 is terminated and the
audio/video data is recorded and stored at a cloud server at block
B310b, such that the user may view the audio/video data later at
their convenience. The doorbell 130 may be configured to record for
a specified period of time in the event the notification in block
B308 is denied or ignored. If such a time period is set, the
doorbell 130 may record data for that period of time before ceasing
operation at block B312 thereby ending the session. In some
embodiments, the audio and/or video data may be recorded and stored
at a cloud server (block B310b) even if the user accepts the
notification and communicates with the visitor through the user's
client device 114.
[0085] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a
process according to an aspect of the present disclosure. At block
B400, the user may select a "snooze time-out," which is a time
period during which the doorbell 130 may deactivate or otherwise
not respond to stimuli (such as light, sound, or heat signatures)
after an operation is performed, e.g. a notification is either
accepted or denied/ignored. For example, the user may set a snooze
time-out of 15 minutes. At block B402, an object moves into the
field of view of one or more of the PIR sensors 144. At block B404,
the microcontroller 163 may trigger the communication module 164 to
send a request to a network device. In block B406, the network
device may connect the doorbell 130 to the user's client device 114
through the user's network 110 and the network 112. At block B408,
audio/video data captured by the doorbell 130 may be streamed to
the user's client device 114. At block B410, the user may receive a
notification prompting the user to either accept or deny/ignore the
request. If the request is denied or ignored, then at block B412b
audio/video data may be recorded and stored at a cloud server.
After the doorbell 130 finishes recording, the objects may remain
in the PIR sensor 144 field of view at block B414. In block B416,
the microcontroller 163 waits for the "snooze time" to elapse, e.g.
15 minutes, before triggering the communication module 164 to
submit another request to the network device. After the snooze
time, e.g. 15 minutes, elapses, the process moves back to block
B404 and progresses as described above. The cycle may continue like
this until the user accepts the notification request at block B410.
The process then moves to block B412a, where live audio and/or
video data is displayed on the user's client device 114, thereby
allowing the user surveillance from the perspective of the doorbell
130. At the user's request, the connection may be severed and the
session ends at block B418. At this point the user may elect for
the process to revert back to block B416, whereby there may be no
further response until the snooze time, e.g. 15 minutes, has
elapsed from the end of the previous session, or the user may elect
for the process to return to block B402 and receive a notification
the next time an object is perceived by one or more of the PIR
sensors 144. In some embodiments, the audio and/or video data may
be recorded and stored at a cloud server (block B412b) even if the
user accepts the notification and communicates with the visitor
through the user's client device 114.
[0086] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides numerous
examples of methods and systems including A/V recording and
communication doorbells, but the present embodiments are equally
applicable for A/V recording and communication devices other than
doorbells. For example, the present embodiments may include one or
more A/V recording and communication security cameras instead of,
or in addition to, one or more A/V recording and communication
doorbells. An example A/V recording and communication security
camera may include substantially all of the structure and
functionality of the doorbell 130, but without the front button
133, the button actuator, and/or the light pipe 136. An example A/V
recording and communication security camera may further omit other
components, such as, for example, the bracket PCB 149 and its
components.
[0087] FIGS. 16-19 illustrate one embodiment of an illuminated sign
450 for A/V recording and communication devices according to an
aspect of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 19, which
is an exploded view, the sign 450 includes a front panel 452, a
frame 454, and a back cover 456. The frame 454 includes a front
opening 458 having a perimeter size and shape configured to receive
outer edges 460 of the front panel 452. The frame 454 further
includes a back opening 462 having a perimeter size and shape
configured to receive outer edges 464 of the back cover 456. In the
illustrated embodiment, the front panel 452, the frame 454, and the
back cover 456 each have a substantially octagonal perimeter shape.
However, the illustrated embodiment is just one example, and in
alternative embodiments the front panel 452, the frame 454, and/or
the back cover 456 could have any perimeter shape, such as round,
hexagonal, rectangular, square, triangular, etc. The front opening
458 may include a recessed ledge 466 that receives the front panel
452 such that a front surface 468 of the front panel 452 is
substantially flush with a front edge 470 of the frame 454.
Similarly, the back opening 462 may include a recessed ledge 472
that receives the back cover 456 such that a back surface 474 of
the back cover 456 is substantially flush with a back edge 476 of
the frame 454. The front panel 452 and the back cover 456 are
spaced from one another by approximately a thickness of the frame
454. Together, the front panel 452, the back cover 456, and the
frame 454 create an interior space that contains and protects
further components of the illuminated sign 450, including an
illumination source, as further described below.
[0088] An interface between the outer edges 460 of the front panel
452 and the frame 454 may include an intervening moisture-sealing
member (not shown), such as a gasket or a coating on one or both of
the front panel 452 and the frame 454. Similarly, an interface
between the outer edges 464 of the back cover 456 and the frame 454
may include an intervening moisture-sealing member (not shown),
such as a gasket or a coating on one or both of the back cover 456
and the frame 454. The moisture-sealing member(s) may comprise any
material configured to provide a moisture-tight seal at the
interface(s), such as rubber or silicone.
[0089] With reference to FIGS. 17 and 19, the front panel 452 may
include at least one translucent portion 478, 480, 482 having
contrasting text 484. In the illustrated embodiment, three
translucent portions 478, 480, 482 are shown. However, in
alternative embodiments a different number of translucent portions
may be provided, such as zero, one, two, four, etc. Further, one or
more of the translucent portions 478, 480, 482 may be transparent
and/or colorless.
[0090] The translucent portions 478, 480, 482 are configured to
allow at least some light to pass from within the illuminated sign
450 through the front panel 452, while the contrasting text 484 is
configured to prevent at least some light from passing through the
front panel 452. Thus, as further described below, when the
illumination source located within the sign 450 is illuminated, the
contrast between the text 484 and the translucent portions 478,
480, 482 makes the text 484 on the front panel 452 visible to a
viewer located in front of the sign 450. The sign 450 is thus
backlit, or illuminated by an illumination source located behind
the front panel 452. The text 484 informs the viewer that the area
adjacent the illuminated sign 450 is within a field of view of the
A/V recording and communication device 130. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment the text 484 reads "Protected by ring 24/7
Video Surveillance." The illustrated text 484 is, however, just one
example, and in alternative embodiments the text 484 may read
differently.
[0091] With reference to FIG. 17, the translucent portions 478,
480, 482 may have different arrangements and/or different visual
aspects, such as different colors or levels of opacity. For
example, the illustrated embodiment includes an upper band
corresponding to the first translucent portion 478, a lower band
corresponding to the second translucent portion 480, and a central
band corresponding to the third translucent portion 482. The upper
and lower bands 478, 480 may be the same color, such as blue, while
the central band 482 may be a different color, such as white. The
text 484 may be yet another different color, such as black. When
the illumination source located within the sign 450 is turned on,
the black text 484 on the front panel 452 stands out from the
lighter colored upper band 478, lower band 480, and central band
482, because the black text 484 is more opaque than the lighter
colored translucent portions 478, 480, 482. In some embodiments,
the text 484 may be completely opaque such that the text 484 blocks
transmission through the front panel 452 of substantially all of
the light emanating from the illumination source within the sign
450. In such embodiments, the text 484 may be black or any other
color.
[0092] In alternative embodiments, the different translucent
portions 478, 480, 482 of the front panel 452 may be distinguished
from one another by differing levels of opacity, rather than, or in
addition to, different colors. For example, the upper band 478, the
lower band 480, and/or the central band 482 may be textured or
frosted to prevent at least some light from passing through those
portions of the front panel 452. In still further alternative
embodiments, substantially all of the front panel 452 may be
opaque, except for the text 484, which may be translucent or
transparent. In still further alternative embodiments, the relative
locations and/or arrangement of the transparent/translucent
portions 478, 480, 482 may be rearranged or reversed, and/or the
boundaries between opaque and transparent/translucent portions 478,
480, 482 may be modified. The arrangements of the translucent
portions 478, 480, 482 and the text 484 in the illustrated
embodiment is just one example and is not limiting.
[0093] With reference to FIG. 19, the illuminated sign 450 further
comprises an illumination source. In the illustrated embodiment,
the illumination source comprises a plurality of light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) 486. Each of the LEDs 486 may be surface mounted to
an LED printed circuit board (PCB) 488. In certain embodiments, the
LEDs 486 may be distributed evenly about a perimeter of the frame
454. For example, there may be one LED 486 located at the inside
surface of each side 490 (or substantially each side) of the frame
454. Thus, for the illustrated embodiment having a generally
octagonal frame 454, there may be a total of eight LEDs 486
distributed evenly about a perimeter of the frame 454.
Alternatively, there may be a total of seven LEDs 486 distributed
generally evenly about a perimeter of the frame 454, with only a
lower side 492 of the generally octagonal frame 454 being without
an LED 486.
[0094] With reference to FIG. 19, the back cover 456 may be
substantially or completely opaque such that light emanating from
the illumination source does not pass through the back cover 456.
In certain embodiments, an inside surface 494 of the back cover 456
may be reflective so that light striking the inside surface 494 is
reflected back into the interior of the sign 450 and, ultimately,
through the front panel 452. For example, the inside surface 494
may include a reflective coating and/or the back cover 456 may
comprise a reflective material, such as a metal.
[0095] With reference to FIG. 19, the illuminated sign 450 further
comprises a power source 496 providing power to the illumination
source 486, and one or more other PCBs 498. The power source 496
may comprise, for example, one or more rechargeable batteries, such
as lithium-ion batteries. With reference to FIGS. 16-19, the
illuminated sign 450 further comprises at least one solar panel 500
for recharging the rechargeable battery 496. With reference to
FIGS. 16 and 19, in the illustrated embodiment, the illuminated
sign 450 comprises three solar panels 500, with a first one of the
solar panels 500 extending across the outer surface of an uppermost
edge 502 of the frame 454, and second and third ones of the solar
panels 500 extending across the outer surfaces of edges 504
adjacent the uppermost edge 502 of the frame 454. Locating the
solar panels 500 along and/or adjacent the upper edge(s) 502, 504
of the frame 454 provides good exposure of the solar panels 500 to
sunlight, which enables efficient absorption of solar energy for
recharging the rechargeable battery 496, as described in further
detail below. The illustrated locations of the three solar panels
500 are, however, merely examples. The solar panels 500 may be
located in different locations from those shown in FIGS. 16-19.
Further, fewer or more than three solar panels 500 may be provided
in alternative embodiments. For example, the three solar panels 500
may be replaced by a single, flexible solar panel that extends over
the upper edge(s) 502, 504 of the frame 454.
[0096] In some embodiments, each of the solar panels 500 may
comprise one or more photovoltaic modules including a packaged,
connected assembly of solar cells. The solar modules use light
energy (photons) from the sun to generate electricity through the
photovoltaic effect. The solar modules may include, for example,
wafer-based crystalline silicon cells and/or thin-film cells based
on, for example, cadmium telluride or silicon. The solar cells may
be secured to a structural (load carrying) member, and may be rigid
or semi-flexible. In one non-limiting example, the total output
power of the solar panels 500 may range from about 0.1 watts to
about 5 watts, such as from about 0.5 watts to about 1 watt.
[0097] With further reference to FIG. 19, the other PCBs may
comprise at least a power PCB 498. The power PCB 498 may comprise a
power management module 506. The power management module 506, which
may alternatively be referred to as a processor, may comprise an
integrated circuit including a processor core, memory, and/or
programmable input/output peripherals. In one non-limiting example,
the power management module 506 may be an off-the-shelf component,
such as the MH8182 chip.
[0098] With reference to FIG. 20, which is a functional block
diagram of certain components of the illuminated sign 450 of FIG.
16, the power management module 506 is operatively connected to the
solar panels 500, the rechargeable battery 496, and the LEDs 486
(illustrated as LED.sub.1 through LED.sub.N). The power management
module 506 controls charging of the rechargeable battery 496,
receiving power from the solar panels 500 when sunlight impinges
upon the solar panels 500 and directing that power to the
rechargeable battery 496 for recharging. The power management
module 506 also controls power delivery to the LEDs 486, receiving
power from the battery 496 when the level of ambient light is low
and directing that power to the LEDs 486 to provide illumination
for the illuminated sign 450.
[0099] In some embodiments, the solar panels 500 also act as
photosensors, working in conjunction with the power management
module 506 to turn the LEDs 486 on and off. For example, the
photovoltaic cells comprising each of the solar panels 500 produce
a voltage and supply an electric current to the power management
module 506 when sunlight impinges upon the solar panels 500. When
the power management module 506 is receiving current from the solar
panels 500, such as when the level of ambient light is high, the
power management module 506 maintains the LEDs 486 in an off state
(no illumination). When the power management module 506 is not
receiving current from the solar panels 500, such as when the level
of ambient light is low, the power management module 506 maintains
the LEDs 486 in an on (illuminated) state. In alternative
embodiments, the illuminated sign 450 may include a photosensor
separate from the solar panels 500 for turning the LEDs 486 on and
off.
[0100] The present embodiments may include one or more light
thresholds for controlling when the LEDs 486 turn on and off. For
example, the power management module 506 may turn on the LEDs 486
when the level of ambient light drops below a first light
threshold, and turn off the LEDs 486 when the level of ambient
light rises above a second light threshold, where the second light
threshold is higher (brighter) than the first light threshold.
Using first and second light thresholds avoids rapid on/off cycling
of the LEDs 486 during periods when the ambient light is close to
either of the thresholds. In some embodiments, the level of current
from the solar panels 500 and received by the power management
module 506 may be used as a proxy for the level of ambient light.
Thus, the power management module 506 may turn on the LEDs 486 when
the level of received current drops below a first current
threshold, and turn off the LEDs 486 when the level of received
current rises above a second current threshold, where the second
current threshold is higher than the first current threshold.
[0101] With further reference to FIG. 19, the illuminated sign 450
may further comprise an ON/OFF switch 508. The ON/OFF switch 508
may control whether the power management module 506 turns on the
LEDs 486 when the level of ambient light is low. For example, if
the ON/OFF switch 508 is in the ON position, then the power
management module 506 may turn on the LEDs 486 when the level of
ambient light drops below the first light threshold. But, if the
ON/OFF switch 508 is in the OFF position, then the power management
module 506 may not turn on the LEDs 486 even when the level of
ambient light drops below the first light threshold. Similarly,
when the level of ambient light is below the first light threshold
and the LEDs 486 are on, if a user moves the ON/OFF switch 508 from
the ON position to the OFF position, the power management module
506 may turn off the LEDs 486.
[0102] With reference to FIG. 16, the illuminated sign 450 further
comprises a stake 510. The stake 510 is elongate and tapers down
toward a lower end 512 such that the stake 510 is configured to be
driven into the ground. The stake 510 includes a plurality of
longitudinal ribs 514 that extend along the length of the stake 510
to impart rigidity. In the illustrated embodiment, the stake 510
includes four such ribs 514, and the ribs 514 are evenly spaced
from one another in the radial direction. This configuration for
the ribs 514 is, however, just one non-limiting example. The stake
510 further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced
transverse members 516. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the
transverse members 516 is shaped substantially as a circular disk,
and approximately nine such transverse members 516 are provided
with a longitudinal spacing between adjacent members decreasing
toward the lower end 512 of the stake 510. This configuration for
the transverse members 516 is, however, just one non-limiting
example.
[0103] With further reference to FIG. 16, the frame 454 of the
illuminated sign 450 is supported at an upper end 518 of the stake
510. With reference to FIG. 19, the lower end 520 of the frame 454
includes a tubular member 522 that receives the upper end 518 of
the stake 510. The upper end 518 of the stake 510 includes a
locking tab 524 at the end of a cantilevered member 526, and a
front portion 528 of the tubular member 522 includes a mating slot
530. When the upper end 518 of the stake 510 is fully inserted into
the tubular member 522 at the lower end 520 of the frame 454, the
locking tab 524 snaps into the slot 530, as shown in FIG. 17, to
secure the stake 510 and the frame 454 to one another.
[0104] The illuminated sign 450 may be constructed of any materials
that are preferably durable and suitable for outdoor use. For
example, the front panel 452, the frame 454, the back cover 456,
and/or the stake 510 may comprise one or more plastics and/or one
or more metals.
[0105] FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of certain components
of another embodiment of an illuminated sign 532 for A/V recording
and communication devices. Similar to the illuminated sign 450
described above, the illuminated sign 532 includes the power
management module 506, the solar panels 500, the rechargeable
battery 496, and the LEDs 486 (illustrated as LED.sub.1 through
LED.sub.N). The illuminated sign 532 further includes a motion
sensor 534. The motion sensor 534 may comprise, for example, one or
more passive infrared (PIR) sensors (not shown), or any other type
of motion sensor(s).
[0106] The motion sensor 534 is operatively connected to the power
management module 506, and may work in conjunction with the power
management module 506 to turn the LEDs 486 on or off. For example,
in some embodiments, the power management module 506 may maintain
the LEDs 486 in an off state (no illumination) even when the level
of ambient light is low, such as below the first light threshold
described above. When the motion sensor 534 detects motion near the
illuminated sign 532, the motion sensor 534 may send a signal to
the power management module 506. In response to the signal from the
motion sensor 534, the power management module 506 may turn the
LEDs 486 on. When the motion is no longer detected, and/or when a
timer expires, the power management module 506 may turn the LEDs
486 off. In this manner, the LEDs 486 are only illuminated in
response to the motion sensor 534 detecting motion. This aspect may
further enhance the crime deterrent effect of the illuminated sign
532, because would-be perpetrators may be scared off by the sudden
illumination of the illuminated sign 532, which the would-be
perpetrators may not have yet seen before the LEDs 486 were turned
on.
[0107] In still further embodiments, the power management module
506 of the illuminated sign 532 may maintain the LEDs 486 in a
low-power state (dim illumination) even when the level of ambient
light is low, such as below the first light threshold described
above. When the motion sensor 534 detects motion near the
illuminated sign 532, the motion sensor 534 may send a signal to
the power management module 506 to increase the power to the LEDs
486, thereby causing the LEDs 486 to give off more light. When the
motion is no longer detected, and/or when a timer expires, the
power management module 506 may return the LEDs 486 to the
low-power state. In this manner, the LEDs 486 remain illuminated
whenever the level of ambient light is low, such as below the first
light threshold, but the low-power state of the LEDs 486 conserves
battery power in comparison to an embodiment in which the LEDs 486
are always on at a high-power state when the level of ambient light
is low, such as below the first light threshold.
[0108] In still further embodiments, the power management module
506 of the illuminated sign 450 or the illuminated sign 532 may
control a flashing ON/OFF state of the LEDs 486. For example, when
the level of ambient light is low, such as below the first light
threshold described above, the power management module 506 may
cycle the LEDs 486 through alternating on and off states. Each of
the on and off states may persist for a preset duration, such as
from less than one second to several seconds or more or several
minutes. In some embodiments, the durations of the on and off
states may not be equal to one another. For example, the LED on
state may be longer than, or shorter than, the LED off state.
[0109] In some embodiments, aspects of the illuminated sign 450,
532 may be configurable by the user. For example, the user may be
able to configure or control aspects of the light output of the
illuminated sign 450, 532, such as light intensity, color, on/off
state, etc. In certain embodiments, the user may configure or
control these aspects through a software application executing on
the user's client device 114. The illuminated sign 450, 532 may
include a wireless antenna (not shown), and the user's client
device 114 may send wireless signals to the illuminated sign 450,
532 using any suitable wireless protocol, such as Wi-Fi (IEEE
802.11), Bluetooth, or Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth LE, BLE,
Bluetooth Smart).
[0110] In embodiments in which the user may adjust the color output
of the illuminated sign 450, 532, the LEDs 486 may comprise LEDs of
different colors. For example, at least some of the LED PCBs may
have surface mounted on them LEDs of more than one color, such as
red, green, and/or blue. By selectively illuminating LEDs of
various colors within the illuminated sign 450, 532, the sign 450,
532 may be able to light up in a variety of different colors.
[0111] As described above, the present embodiments advantageously
provide an illuminated sign that informs those who view it that the
area around the sign is within the field of view of one or more A/V
recording and communication devices. The present illuminated sign
thus enhances the deterrent value of A/V recording and
communication devices by making would-be perpetrators aware that
they are within the view of such A/V recording and communication
devices. Further, because the present sign is illuminated, it is
more visible at night, when would-be perpetrators might be more
likely to commit crimes because they believe that the lower level
of ambient light will conceal their actions and/or identities. But,
A/V recording and communication devices such as that described
herein with reference to FIGS. 1-15 include "night vision." Thus,
making would-be perpetrators aware that they are within the view of
such A/V recording and communication devices undermines their
belief that the lower level of ambient light will conceal their
actions and/or identities, thereby further enhancing the deterrent
value of A/V recording and communication devices.
[0112] In alternative embodiments, the text of the present
illuminated sign may read differently from the example shown in
FIGS. 16, 17, and 19, and/or the overall message conveyed by the
present illuminated sign may differ from that described above. For
example, the present illuminated sign may include text and/or a
company logo that warns would-be perpetrators that the premises is
protected by a security/alarm system, but the text may not state
specifically that the area around the sign is within the field of
view of one or more A/V recording and communication devices. And,
in fact, embodiments of the present illuminated sign may be used in
connection with security/alarm systems that may or may not include
one or more A/V recording and communication devices. In one example
embodiment, the present illuminated sign may be used in connection
with a security/alarm system that includes at least one camera, and
in such an embodiment the present illuminated sign may include text
or another type of indicator, such as a graphical representation of
a camera, that warns would-be perpetrators that they may be on
camera. In another example embodiment, the present illuminated sign
may be used in connection with a security system that includes an
audible alarm, and in such an embodiment the present illuminated
sign may include text or another type of indicator, such as a
graphical representation of a speaker, that warns would-be
perpetrators that the audio alarm may be triggered if they enter
the premises or remain on the premises.
[0113] Alternative embodiments of the present illuminated sign may
include additional features and/or components. For example, the
illuminated sign may play audio in response to motion detection.
With reference to FIG. 22, an embodiment of the illuminated sign
536 that may play audio may include a speaker 538. In the
illustrated embodiment, the speaker 538 is operatively connected to
the processor/power management module 506. While not shown in FIG.
22, the illuminated sign 536 may also include an audio CODEC
(COder-DECoder) that converts digital signals from the processor
506 into analog audio signals for playback by the speaker 538.
[0114] In embodiments of the present illuminated sign 536 that play
audio in response to motion detection, when the motion sensor 534
detects motion near the illuminated sign 536, the motion sensor 534
may send a signal to the power management module 506. In response
to the signal from the motion sensor 534, the power management
module 506 may activate the speaker 538 to play audio. The audio
may comprise, for example, a buzzing, beeping, or siren-type of
sound and/or speech. The speech may be synthesized or may be a
recorded human voice, and may warn would-be perpetrators that their
activities are being monitored and recorded. This aspect may
further enhance the crime deterrent effect of the present
illuminated sign 536, because would-be perpetrators may be scared
off by the sound generated by the speaker 538 and/or by the verbal
warnings that their activities are being monitored and recorded.
When the motion is no longer detected, and/or when a timer expires,
the power management module 506 may deactivate the speaker 538.
[0115] In another example, embodiments of the present illuminated
sign may play audio in response to user intervention. With
reference to FIG. 23, an embodiment of the illuminated sign 540
that may play audio may include the speaker 538 described above and
a communication module 542. The communication module 542 may
comprise an integrated circuit including a processor core, memory,
programmable input/output peripherals, and/or a wireless antenna.
The communication module 542 may be configured to send and/or
receive wireless communication signals. The user may control the
activation of the speaker 538 and/or the illumination of the LEDs
486 by sending wireless signals from any wireless device to the
illuminated sign via the communication module 542. The wireless
device may comprise, for example, the client device 114. The
wireless signals may be sent using any suitable wireless protocol,
such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, or Bluetooth low energy
(Bluetooth LE, BLE, Bluetooth Smart), and the wireless signals may
be sent directly from the wireless device to the illuminated sign
540, or the wireless signals may be sent from the wireless device
to the illuminated sign 540 via one or more other components, such
as a wireless router in the user's network 110 and/or one or more
network devices in the network 112.
[0116] In another example, embodiments of the present illuminated
sign may be integrated into a home security/alarm system. For
example, the embodiment of FIG. 23, which includes the
communication module 542, may receive wireless signals from a home
security/alarm system, and may flash (via the LEDs 486) and/or play
audio (via the speaker 538) in response to the received
signals.
[0117] Any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with
any of the other embodiments described herein. For example, the
embodiment of FIG. 22 may be combined with the embodiment of FIG.
23. Such an embodiment includes both the motion sensor 534 and the
communication module 542, and is therefore well adapted for all of
the functionality described above with respect to FIGS. 22 and
23.
[0118] One aspect of the present embodiments includes the
realization that cars speeding through a neighborhood present a
danger to every person in that neighborhood. Therefore, one way to
make neighborhoods safer is by reducing speeding. The present
embodiments empower neighborhood residents to apply social pressure
to problem speeders, thereby encouraging those speeders to alter
their speeding behavior. For example, some of the present
embodiments include a speed detector. The speed detector may be a
standalone device, or may be integrated into another device, such
as an illuminated signal device in an A/V recording and
communication system. Speed data from the speed detector, along
with image data (e.g., a photograph and/or a video) of the speeding
car, may be posted to a social network. The social network post may
be seen by others who live in the neighborhood where the photograph
and/or video of the speeding car was taken. Those persons may then
apply pressure to the speeder, encouraging him or her not to speed
through the neighborhood anymore. Further, the social network post
may provide a warning to others who live in the neighborhood where
the photograph and/or video of the speeding car was taken,
encouraging those people who see the social network post to be
watchful for the speeding car so that they are not endangered by
the speeder in the future.
[0119] FIG. 24 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system for
providing a warning message of a passing vehicle using an
illuminated signal device and speed detector according to an aspect
of the present disclosure. The system 600 may include an
illuminated signal device 602 configured to access a user's network
606 to connect to a network (Internet/PSTN) 608. In some
embodiments, the system 600 may also include an A/V recording and
communication device 604 also configured to access the user's
network 606 to connect to the network 608. In various embodiments,
the user's network 606 may be for example a wired and/or wireless
network, as described above. In some embodiments, the A/V recording
and communication device 604, the user's network 606, and the
network 608 may be similar in structure and/or function to the A/V
recording and communication device 130 (FIGS. 2-12), the user's
network 110, and the network 112 (FIG. 1), respectively.
[0120] Typically, the illuminated signal device 602 and/or the A/V
recording and communication device 604 may be placed in an area
having a view of a roadway, such that the illuminated signal device
602 and/or the A/V recording and communication device 604 are
configured to detect passing vehicles and provide a warning message
of a passing vehicle to a social network, as described in further
detail below. Further, the illuminated signal device 602 and the
A/V recording and communication device 604 may be configured to
communicate directly with one another using any suitable wireless
protocol, such as (but not limited to) Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11),
Bluetooth, or various Bluetooth low energy modes (e.g., Bluetooth
LE, BLE, Bluetooth Smart). Alternatively, the illuminated signal
device 602 and the A/V recording and communication device 604 may
communicate via one or more peripheral components, such as (but not
limited to) a wireless router (not shown) in the user's wireless
network 606. In addition, the A/V recording and communication
device 604 may include a camera that is external to the illuminated
signal device 602 but configured to work in conjunction with the
illuminated signal device 602, as further described below.
[0121] In further reference to FIG. 24, the system 600 may include
a user's client device 610 configured to be in network
communication with the illuminated signal device 602 and/or the A/V
recording and communication device 604. The system 600 may further
include a storage device 614 and a backend server 612 in network
communication with the illuminated signal device 602 and/or the A/V
recording and communication device 604 for providing a warning
message of a passing vehicle to a social network 616. In some
embodiments, the storage device 614 may be a separate device from
the backend server 612 (as illustrated) or be an integral component
of the backend server 612. In some embodiments, the user's client
device 610 and the storage device 614 may be similar in structure
and/or function to the user's client device 114 and the storage
device 116 (FIG. 1), respectively. Also in some embodiments, the
backend server 612 may be similar in structure and/or function to
the server 118 and/or the backend API 120 (FIG. 1).
[0122] With further reference to FIG. 24, as further described
below, the components of the system 600 may be configured for
providing a warning message of a passing vehicle to a social
network 616. The social network 616 may include any social media
service or platform that uses computer-mediated tools that allow
participants to create, share, and/or exchange information in
virtual communities and/or networks, such as (but not limited to)
social networking websites and/or applications running on
participant devices. Non-limiting examples of social networks
include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Nextdoor.
[0123] In alternative embodiments, a system for providing a warning
message of a passing vehicle may include a speed detector
configured to perform at least some of the same (or similar)
functions as the illuminated signal device 602. In some
embodiments, the speed detector may replace the illuminated signal
device 602 within the system 600. Alternatively, the speed detector
may be an additional component to the system 600 for providing a
warning message of a passing vehicle. In addition, the speed
detector may be a standalone device and/or be integrated into any
other device. For example, as a standalone device, the speed
detector may be mounted on a post and placed in a front yard in
view of, or concealed from view of, the passing vehicle. In other
examples, the speed detector may be mounted to a structure such as
(but not limited to) the user's home or garage or adhered to a
mailbox. Alternatively, the speed detector may be integrated into a
security camera, an A/V recording and communication doorbell,
and/or an A/V recording and communication security camera.
[0124] FIG. 25 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system for
providing a warning message of a passing vehicle using a speed
detector according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The
system 601 may include a speed detector 603 configured to access a
user's network 607 to connect to a network (Internet/PSTN) 609. In
various embodiments, the user's network 607 may be for example a
wired and/or wireless network, as described above. In some
embodiments, the system 601 may also include an A/V recording and
communication device 605 also configured to access the user's
network 607 to connect to the network 609. In some embodiments, the
A/V recording and communication device 605, the user's network 607,
and the network 609 may be similar in structure and/or function to
the A/V recording and communication device 130 (FIGS. 2-12), the
user's network 110, and the network 112 (FIG. 1), respectively.
[0125] Typically, the speed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording
and communication device 605 may be placed in an area having a view
of a roadway, such that the speed detector 603 and/or the A/V
recording and communication device 605 are configured to detect
passing vehicles and provide a warning message of a passing vehicle
to a social network, as described in further detail below. Further,
the speed detector 603 and the A/V recording and communication
device 605 may be configured to communicate directly with one
another using any suitable wireless protocol, such as (but not
limited to) Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, or various Bluetooth
low energy modes (e.g., Bluetooth LE, BLE, Bluetooth Smart).
Alternatively, the speed detector 603 and the A/V recording and
communication device 605 may communicate via one or more peripheral
components, such as (but not limited to) a wireless router (not
shown) in the user's network 607. In addition, the A/V recording
and communication device 605 may include a camera that is external
to the speed detector 603 but configured to work in conjunction
with the speed detector 603, as further described below.
[0126] In further reference to FIG. 25, the system 601 may include
a user's client device 611 configured to be in network
communication with the speed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording
and communication device 605. The system 601 may further include a
storage device 615 and a backend server 613 in network
communication with the speed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording
and communication device 605 for providing a warning message of a
passing vehicle to a social network 617. As discussed above, the
storage device 615 may be a separate device from the backend server
613 (as illustrated) or be an integral component of the backend
server 613. In some embodiments, the user's client device 611 and
the storage device 615 may be similar in structure and/or function
to the user's client device 114 and the storage device 116 (FIG.
1), respectively. Also in some embodiments, the backend server 613
may be similar in structure and/or function to the server 118
and/or the backend API 120 (FIG. 1).
[0127] With further reference to FIG. 25, as further described
below, the components of the system 601 may be configured for
providing a warning message of a passing vehicle to a social
network 617. The social network 617 may include any social media
service or platform that uses computer-mediated tools that allow
participants to create, share, and/or exchange information in
virtual communities and/or networks, such as (but not limited to)
social networking websites and/or applications running on
participant devices.
[0128] FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of
the illuminated signal device 602 according to an aspect of the
present disclosure. The illuminated signal device 602 may include a
processing module 626 that is operatively connected to a speed
detecting module 622 and a communication module 624. The processing
module may comprise a processor 628, a volatile memory 630, and a
non-volatile memory 632 that includes a speed detecting application
634. The speed detecting application 634 may be used to configure
the processor 628 to perform various functions, including (but not
limited to) detecting motion of a passing vehicle using the speed
detecting module 622, obtaining speed data 636 of the passing
vehicle using the speed detecting module 622, and transmitting the
obtained speed data 636 to the backend server 612 using the
communication module 624, as further discussed below. In some
embodiments, the speed detecting module 622 may comprise (but is
not limited to) at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a radar
device, or a lidar (light detection and ranging) device. Further,
in some embodiments, the communication module 624 may comprise (but
is not limited to) one or more transceivers and/or wireless
antennas configured to transmit and receive wireless signals.
[0129] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 26, the processing
module 626, the speed detecting module 622, and the communication
module 624 are represented by separate boxes. The graphical
representation depicted in FIG. 26 is, however, merely one example,
and is not intended to indicate that any of the processing module
626, the speed detecting module 622, and/or the communication
module 624 are necessarily physically separate from one another,
although in some embodiments they might be. In other embodiments,
however, the structure and/or functionality of any or all of these
components may be combined. For example, either or both of the
speed detecting module 622 and the communication module 624 may
include its own processor, volatile memory, and/or non-volatile
memory.
[0130] In some embodiments, the illuminated signal device 602 may
also comprise a camera 640 that is operatively connected to the
processing module 626 and configured to obtain image data 638 of
the passing vehicle. The obtained image data 638 may be transmitted
to the backend server 612, as further discussed below. In addition,
the illuminated signal device 602 may also include a power source
644 and at least one light emitting element 642. In some
embodiments, the power source 644 may comprise a rechargeable
battery connected to at least one solar panel 646 for providing
power to the illuminated signal device 602.
[0131] FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of
the speed detector 603 according to an aspect of the present
disclosure. The speed detector 603 may include a processing module
656 that is operatively connected to a speed detecting module 652
and a communication module 654. The processing module may comprise
a processor 658, a volatile memory 660, and a non-volatile memory
662 that includes a speed detecting application 664. The speed
detecting application 664 may be used to configure the processor
658 to perform various functions, including (but not limited to)
detecting motion of a passing vehicle using the speed detecting
module 652, obtaining speed data 666 of the passing vehicle using
the speed detecting module 652, and transmitting the obtained speed
data 666 to the backend server 613 using the communication module
654, as further discussed below. In some embodiments, the speed
detecting module 652 may comprise (but is not limited to) at least
one passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a radar device, or a lidar
(light detection and ranging) device. Further, in some embodiments,
the communication module 654 may comprise (but is not limited to)
one or more transceivers and/or wireless antennas configured to
transmit and receive wireless signals.
[0132] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 27, the processing
module 656, the speed detecting module 652, and the communication
module 654 are represented by separate boxes. The graphical
representation depicted in FIG. 27 is, however, merely one example,
and is not intended to indicate that any of the processing module
656, the speed detecting module 652, and/or the communication
module 654 are necessarily physically separate from one another,
although in some embodiments they might be. In other embodiments,
however, the structure and/or functionality of any or all of these
components may be combined. For example, either or both of the
speed detecting module 652 and the communication module 654 may
include its own processor, volatile memory, and/or non-volatile
memory.
[0133] In some embodiments, the speed detector 603 may also
comprise a camera 670 that is operatively connected to the
processing module 656 and configured to obtain image data 668 of a
passing vehicle. The obtained image data 668 may be transmitted to
the backend server 613, as further discussed below. In addition,
the speed detector 603 may also include a power source 672. In some
embodiments, the power source 672 may comprise a rechargeable
battery connected to at least one solar panel 674 for providing
power to the speed detector 603.
[0134] FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of
the backend server 612/613 according to an aspect of the present
disclosure. The backend server 612/613 may include a processor 682,
a volatile memory 684, and a non-volatile memory 686 that includes
a server application 688. The server application 688 may be used to
configure the processor 682 to perform various functions, including
(but not limited to) receiving speed data 690 and source
identifying data 694 from the illuminated signal device 602, the
speed detector 603, and/or the A/V recording and communication
device 604/605, determining at least one social network 616/617 to
which to transmit a warning message 696, generating the warning
message 696, and transmitting the generated warning message 696 to
the at least one social network 616/617, as further discussed
below. In some embodiments, the server application 688 may also be
used to configure the processor 682 to receive image data 692,
where the image data 692 may also be used in generating the warning
message 696, as further discussed below. In addition, the backend
server 612/613 may also include a network interface 698 for
communicating over the network 608/609 (Internet/PSTN).
[0135] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a process 700 at an
illuminated signal device for providing a warning message of a
passing vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
Although the following flowcharts and description discuss the use
of an illuminated signal device, a speed detector may be used
instead of or in conjunction with an illuminated signal device in
the following processes. As discussed above with respect to FIGS.
25-26, an illuminated signal device may include a processing module
operatively connected to a speed detecting module and a
communication module. Further, the present embodiments, including
the processes described below, may be performed using the system
600 described above, including the illuminated signal device 602,
and/or using the system 601 described above, including the speed
detector 603. However, the present embodiments, including the
processes described below, are not limited to using the system 600,
or the illuminated signal device 602, or the system 601, or the
speed detector 603.
[0136] In reference to FIG. 29, the process 700 may include
detecting (block B702) motion of a passing vehicle and obtaining
(block B704) speed data of the passing vehicle using a speed
detecting module. In some embodiments, the speed detecting module
may comprise (but is not limited to) at least one passive infrared
(PIR) sensor, a radar device, or a lidar (light detection and
ranging) device. In some embodiments, the type and/or format of the
speed data may be determined by the configuration of the speed
detecting module used. For example, speed data obtained using a PIR
sensor may include (but is not limited to) data related to
electromagnetic radiation between microwave and red visible light
in the electromagnetic spectrum, and having frequencies between 300
gigahertz and 400 terahertz. Such radiation may include thermal
radiation emitted by a passing vehicle. In another example, speed
data obtained using a radar device may include (but is not limited
to) data related to distance measurements and changes in frequency
of returned radar signals caused by the Doppler effect, where the
frequency of the returned signal is proportional to the passing
vehicle's speed of approach and/or departure. In a further example,
speed data obtained using a lidar device may include (but is not
limited to) data related to pulsed laser light, stored time that a
pulse reflection reached a detector, elapsed time of flight of a
pulsed laser light, distance between pulsed laser lights, and/or
the difference between pulse distances.
[0137] In further reference to FIG. 29, in some embodiments, the
illuminated signal device may be configured to provide a warning
message of the passing vehicle only when the speed of the passing
vehicle is above a threshold speed. In such embodiments, the
process 700 may include determining (block B705) whether the
obtained speed data indicates that the speed of the passing vehicle
is greater than the threshold speed, such as by comparing the
obtained speed data to the threshold speed. If the indicated speed
of the passing vehicle is equal to or less than the threshold
speed, then the process 700 returns to detecting (block B702)
motion of another passing vehicle. However, if the obtained speed
data indicates a speed greater than the threshold speed, then the
process may include transmitting (block B708) the obtained speed
data of the passing vehicle to a backend server over a network
using the communication module as further described below. In some
embodiments, the threshold speed may be set by requesting a speed
limit input from a user. In such embodiments, the user may consider
the posted speed limit on the roadway that the passing vehicle is
travelling and/or an amount of speed that the user may consider as
inappropriate for the roadway in consideration of the surrounding
area and/or neighborhood. In alternative embodiments, the threshold
speed may be set by transmitting a request for a speed limit input
using the communication module over the network 112 and receiving
in response a speed limit based upon the geographic location of the
illuminated signal device. In such embodiments, the received speed
limit may be the posted speed limit on the roadway corresponding to
the geographic location of the illuminated signal device. In
further embodiments, the threshold speed may be set to a level
above the received speed limit that a user may consider as
inappropriate for the roadway in consideration of the surrounding
area and/or neighborhood.
[0138] In further reference to FIG. 29, the process 700 may include
transmitting (block B708) the obtained speed data of the passing
vehicle over a network to a backend server using the communication
module. The communication module may be configured to access the
network (Internet/PSTN) using a user's network as described above.
In some embodiments, the process 700 may also include obtaining
(block B706) image data of a passing vehicle using a camera that
may be operatively connected to the processing module. In such
embodiments, the camera may be an integral part of the illuminated
signal device. If image data is obtained, the process 700 may
further include transmitting (block B710) the obtained image data
to a backend server using the communication module. In various
embodiments, image data may comprise image sensor data such as (but
not limited to) exposure values and data regarding pixel values for
a particular size grid. Further, image data may comprise converted
image sensor data for standard image file formats such as (but not
limited to) JPEG, JPEG 2000, TIFF, BMP, or PNG. In addition, image
data may also comprise data related to video, where such data may
include (but is not limited to) image sequences, frame rates, and
the like. Moreover, image data may include data that is analog,
digital, uncompressed, compressed, and/or in vector formats. Image
data (and speed data) may take on various forms and formats as
appropriate to the requirements of a specific application in
accordance with the present embodiments.
[0139] While not shown in FIG. 29, the process 700 may include
transmitting source identifying data to the backend server. The
source identifying data may enable the backend server to determine
which of one or more illuminated signal devices (and/or speed
detectors) transmitted the speed data and/or the image data to the
backend server. The backend server may use the source identifying
data to determine one or more social networks to which to transmit
a warning message about the vehicle associated with the speed data
and/or the image data, as described in further detail below.
[0140] In further embodiments, the illuminated signal device
(and/or the speed detector) may be in network communication with at
least one external camera. For example, FIG. 30 is a flowchart
illustrating a process 720 for obtaining image data of a passing
vehicle using at least one external camera according to an aspect
of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the process 720 may
be combined with the process 700 of FIG. 29. For example, the
process 720 may be substituted into the process 700 at block B706
and/or block B710.
[0141] The process 720 may include an illuminated signal device
configured to transmit (block B722) a first command signal to at
least one external camera to obtain image data of a passing
vehicle. In some embodiments, the at least one external camera may
be part of another device such as (but not limited to) an A/V
recording and communication device or a standalone device. In such
embodiments, the illuminated signal device and the external camera
may be configured to communicate directly using any suitable
wireless protocol, such as (but not limited to) Wi-Fi (IEEE
802.11), Bluetooth, or various Bluetooth low energy modes (e.g.,
Bluetooth LE, BLE, Bluetooth Smart). In addition, the illuminated
signal device and the external camera may communicate via one or
more peripheral components, such as (but not limited to) a wireless
router (not shown) in the user's wireless network. In further
reference to FIG. 30, the process 720 may include obtaining (block
B724) image data of the passing vehicle using the at least one
external camera. In some embodiments, the at least one external
camera may be configured to directly transmit the obtained image
data to either the backend server or to the illuminated signal
device upon obtaining the image data. In additional embodiments,
the at least one external camera may be configured to transmit the
obtained image data to the backend server upon receiving a second
command signal from the illuminated signal device, where the
illuminated signal device may transmit the obtained image data to
the backend server using the communication module as described
above.
[0142] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a process at a backend
server for providing a warning message of a passing vehicle
according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The backend
server may operate in connection with an illuminated signal device,
a speed detector, and/or an A/V recording and communication device,
as described above. The process 730 may include the backend server
receiving (block B732) speed data of a passing vehicle from an
illuminated signal device and/or a speed detector over a network
(Internet/PSTN). In some embodiments, the process 730 may also
include receiving (block B734) image data of the passing vehicle
from an illuminated signal device and/or a speed detector obtained
using a camera integral with and/or external to the illuminated
signal device or the speed detector, respectively. In other
embodiments, the backend server may receive (block B734) image data
directly from an external camera, such as, but not limited to, an
external camera of an A/V recording and communication device. The
process 740 may also include receiving (block B736) source
identifying data of the received speed data and/or the image data.
In such embodiments, the backend server receives speed and image
data that has been processed and formatted for transmission using a
network protocol such as (but not limited to) Internet Protocol
(IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol
(UDP), IPv4, IPv5, and/or IPv6. The source identifying data may
comprise data from a packet header and/or data used in the
processing and formatting of the speed and/or image data in a
manner well-known in the art.
[0143] In further reference to FIG. 31, the process 730 may include
generating (block B738) a warning message of a passing vehicle
using the received speed data. In some embodiments, the process may
also include generating (block B738) the warning message of the
passing vehicle using the received speed data and image data. The
process may further include determining (block B740) at least one
social network and transmitting (block B742) the generated warning
message to the determined at least one social network.
[0144] As described above, a social network may include any social
media service or platform that uses computer-mediated tools that
allow participants to create, share, and/or exchange information in
virtual communities and/or networks such as (but not limited to)
social networking websites and/or various applications running on
participant devices. Non-limiting examples of social networks
include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Nextdoor. While the
present embodiments are not limited to use with any particular
social network, or type of social network, the present embodiments
may nevertheless be well adapted for use with a
neighborhood-oriented social network, such as Nextdoor. Nextdoor is
a social networking service for neighborhoods. Nextdoor allows
users to connect with people who live in their neighborhood and/or
in nearby neighborhoods. Nextdoor differentiates itself from other
social networking services by limiting access to posts to the
people in the same neighborhood as the poster, or those nearby. As
described above, in some aspects the present embodiments provide a
warning message of a passing vehicle. When the warning message is
posted to a social networking service for neighborhoods, the post
is more likely to be seen by people who live in the neighborhood
where the image of the passing vehicle was captured. The warning
message is thus more likely to be relevant to these people, both as
a warning to those people to be watchful for the speeding car in
the future, and because those people are more likely to recognize
the speeding car, which may help to identify the driver so that
social pressure may be applied to that person to stop speeding
through the neighborhood.
[0145] FIGS. 32-34 are sequence diagrams illustrating embodiments
of processes for providing a warning message of a passing vehicle
according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With
reference to FIG. 32, the process may include an illuminated signal
device and/or speed detector, a backend server, and at least one
social network. In such embodiments, at a time T.sub.1, the
illuminated signal device and/or speed detector may transmit speed
data, image data, and source identifying data 750 to the backend
server. Prior to transmitting the speed data, image data, and
source identifying data 750 to the backend server, the illuminated
signal device and/or speed detector may acquire the speed data
using a speed detecting module, and the illuminated signal device
and/or speed detector may acquire the image data using a camera.
Upon receiving the transmitted data 750 from the illuminated signal
device and/or speed detector, the backend server may transmit a
warning message 752 to at least one social network at a time
T.sub.2, and the at least one social network may receive the
transmitted warning message 752 from the backend server.
[0146] In reference to FIG. 33, the process may include an
illuminated signal device and/or speed detector, an A/V recording
and communication device, a backend server, and at least one social
network. In such embodiments, at a time T.sub.1, the illuminated
signal device and/or speed detector may transmit a first signal 760
comprising speed data and source identifying data to the backend
server. Prior to transmitting the first signal 760 to the backend
server, the illuminated signal device and/or speed detector may
acquire the speed data using a speed detecting module. At a time
T.sub.2, the A/V recording and communication device may transmit a
second signal 762 comprising image data and/or source identifying
data to the backend server. Prior to transmitting the second signal
762 to the backend server, the A/V recording and communication
device may acquire the image data using a camera. In some
embodiments, time T.sub.2 may be after time T.sub.1, while in other
embodiments time T.sub.2 may substantially coincide with time
T.sub.1 (e.g., the first signal 760 and the second signal 762 may
be transmitted at substantially the same time). Upon receiving the
first 760 and second 762 signals, the backend sever may transmit a
warning message 764 to at least one social network at a time
T.sub.3, and the at least one social network may receive the
transmitted warning message 764 from the backend server.
[0147] In reference to FIG. 34, the process may include an
illuminated signal device and/or speed detector, an A/V recording
and communication device, a backend server, and at least one social
network. In such embodiments, at a time T.sub.1, the illuminated
signal device and/or speed detector may transmit speed data 770 to
the A/V recording and communication device. Prior to transmitting
the speed data to the A/V recording and communication device, the
illuminated signal device and/or speed detector may acquire the
speed data using a speed detecting module. At a later time T.sub.2,
the A/V recording and communication device may transmit a combined
signal 772 comprising the received speed data 770, from the
illuminated signal device and/or speed detector, image data, and/or
source identifying data to the backend server. Prior to
transmitting the combined signal 772 to the backend server, the A/V
recording and communication device may acquire the image data using
a camera. In some embodiments, the illuminated signal device and/or
speed detector may not be connected to a user's network, and may
instead transmit the speed data to the A/V recording and
communication device via any suitable wireless protocol, such as
(but not limited to) Bluetooth, or various Bluetooth low energy
modes (e.g., Bluetooth LE, BLE, Bluetooth Smart). Upon receiving
the transmitted combined signal 772 from the A/V recording and
communication device, the backend server may transmit a warning
message 774 to the at least one social network at a time T.sub.3,
and the at least one social network may receive the transmitted
warning message 774 from the backend server.
[0148] FIG. 35 is a functional block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a system for providing a warning message of a passing
vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The
illuminated signal device 602 and/or speed detector 603 (and/or the
A/V recording and communication device (not shown)) may transmit
speed data, image data, and/or source identifying data to the
backend server 612/613 as described above. After receiving the
speed data, the image data, and/or the source identifying data, the
backend server 612/613 may access at least one speed detecting data
structure 780. The speed detecting data structure(s) 780 may store
information related to the illuminated signal device 602 and/or the
speed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording and communication
device. The speed detecting data structure(s) 780 may further store
information about a user associated with the illuminated signal
device 602 and/or the speed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording
and communication device. As described in further detail below, the
information about the user may include information about one or
more social networks and/or one or more social network participant
accounts that are to receive the warning message about the passing
vehicle. The speed detecting data structure 780 may thus be used by
the backend server 612/613 to determine at least one social network
to which to transmit the warning message and/or at least one social
network participant account to which to post the warning message of
the passing vehicle. The backend server 612/613 may then transmit
the warning message to the at least one determined social network
and/or post the warning message of the passing vehicle to the
determined at least one social network participant account.
[0149] In some embodiments, the information stored in the speed
detecting data structure(s) 780 comprises information associated
with a plurality of users and/or a plurality of devices. For
example, during a product activation process, a device (e.g., an
illuminated signal device, or a speed detector, or an A/V recording
and communication device) may communicate with the backend server
612/613 over the network 608/609 for the first time. The newly
activated device may transmit one or more identifiers (e.g., an
SSID (service set identifier), a MAC (Media Access Control)
address, etc.) to the backend server 612/613, and the backend
server 612/613 may store the identifier(s) in the speed detecting
data structure(s) 780. Information about the user(s) associated
with the device being activated, such as the user(s) name, may also
be stored in the speed detecting data structure(s) 780. Other
information that may be stored in the speed detecting data
structure(s) 780 includes location information, such as where the
device being activated is located (e.g., a street address, GPS
coordinates, etc.).
[0150] Also during the product activation process, or at any time
thereafter, the user may provide information to the backend server
612/613 about one or more social networks and/or one or more social
network participant accounts. For example, the user may provide
information about the user's social network participant account(s),
such as login credentials (e.g., username, password, etc.), and the
provided information may be stored in the speed detecting data
structure(s) 780. When the backend server 612/613 receives the
speed data, the image data, and the source identifying data, as
described above with reference to FIGS. 29-31, the backend server
612/613 may reference the speed detecting data structure(s) 780,
using the provided source identifying data, to determine where to
post the warning message of the passing vehicle. For example, the
speed detecting data structure(s) 780 may store information about
one or more social network participant accounts that are to receive
the warning message of the passing vehicle when speed data and/or
image data is received from a device associated with the one or
more social network participant accounts (or from a device
associated with a user of the one or more social network
participant accounts).
[0151] FIG. 36 is a functional block diagram of a client device 800
on which the present embodiments may be implemented according to
various aspects of the present disclosure. The user's client device
114 described with reference to FIG. 1 may include some or all of
the components and/or functionality of the client device 800. The
client device 800 may comprise, for example, a smartphone.
[0152] With reference to FIG. 36, the client device 800 includes a
processor 802, a memory 804, a user interface 806, a communication
module 808, and a dataport 810. These components are
communicatively coupled together by an interconnect bus 812. The
processor 802 may include any processor used in smartphones and/or
portable computing devices, such as an ARM processor (a processor
based on the RISC (reduced instruction set computer) architecture
developed by Advanced RISC Machines (ARM).). In some embodiments,
the processor 802 may include one or more other processors, such as
one or more conventional microprocessors, and/or one or more
supplementary co-processors, such as math co-processors.
[0153] The memory 804 may include both operating memory, such as
random access memory (RAM), as well as data storage, such as
read-only memory (ROM), hard drives, flash memory, or any other
suitable memory/storage element. The memory 804 may include
removable memory elements, such as a CompactFlash card, a
MultiMediaCard (MMC), and/or a Secure Digital (SD) card. In some
embodiments, the memory 804 may comprise a combination of magnetic,
optical, and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example,
RAM, ROM, flash drive, and/or a hard disk or drive. The processor
802 and the memory 804 each may be, for example, located entirely
within a single device, or may be connected to each other by a
communication medium, such as a USB port, a serial port cable, a
coaxial cable, an Ethernet-type cable, a telephone line, a radio
frequency transceiver, or other similar wireless or wired medium or
combination of the foregoing. For example, the processor 802 may be
connected to the memory 804 via the dataport 810.
[0154] The user interface 806 may include any user interface or
presentation elements suitable for a smartphone and/or a portable
computing device, such as a keypad, a display screen, a
touchscreen, a microphone, and a speaker. The communication module
808 is configured to handle communication links between the client
device 800 and other, external devices or receivers, and to route
incoming/outgoing data appropriately. For example, inbound data
from the dataport 810 may be routed through the communication
module 808 before being directed to the processor 802, and outbound
data from the processor 802 may be routed through the communication
module 808 before being directed to the dataport 810. The
communication module 808 may include one or more transceiver
modules capable of transmitting and receiving data, and using, for
example, one or more protocols and/or technologies, such as GSM,
UMTS (3GSM), IS-95 (CDMA one), IS-2000 (CDMA 2000), LTE, FDMA,
TDMA, W-CDMA, CDMA, OFDMA, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or any other protocol
and/or technology.
[0155] The dataport 810 may be any type of connector used for
physically interfacing with a smartphone and/or a portable
computing device, such as a mini-USB port or an
IPHONE.RTM./IPOD.RTM. 30-pin connector or LIGHTNING.RTM. connector.
In other embodiments, the dataport 810 may include multiple
communication channels for simultaneous communication with, for
example, other processors, servers, and/or client terminals.
[0156] The memory 804 may store instructions for communicating with
other systems, such as a computer. The memory 804 may store, for
example, a program (e.g., computer program code) adapted to direct
the processor 802 in accordance with the present embodiments. The
instructions also may include program elements, such as an
operating system. While execution of sequences of instructions in
the program causes the processor 802 to perform the process steps
described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or
in combination with, software/firmware instructions for
implementation of the processes of the present embodiments. Thus,
the present embodiments are not limited to any specific combination
of hardware and software.
[0157] FIG. 37 is a functional block diagram of a general-purpose
computing system on which the present embodiments may be
implemented according to various aspects of the present disclosure.
The computer system 900 may be embodied in at least one of a
personal computer (also referred to as a desktop computer) 900A, a
portable computer (also referred to as a laptop or notebook
computer) 900B, and/or a server 900C. A server is a computer
program and/or a machine that waits for requests from other
machines or software (clients) and responds to them. A server
typically processes data. The purpose of a server is to share data
and/or hardware and/or software resources among clients. This
architecture is called the client-server model. The clients may run
on the same computer or may connect to the server over a network.
Examples of computing servers include database servers, file
servers, mail servers, print servers, web servers, game servers,
and application servers. The term server may be construed broadly
to include any computerized process that shares a resource to one
or more client processes.
[0158] The computer system 900 may execute at least some of the
operations described above. The computer system 900 may include at
least one processor 910, memory 920, at least one storage device
930, and input/output (I/O) devices 940. Some or all of the
components 910, 920, 930, 940 may be interconnected via a system
bus 950. The processor 910 may be single- or multi-threaded and may
have one or more cores. The processor 910 may execute instructions,
such as those stored in the memory 920 and/or in the storage device
930. Information may be received and output using one or more I/O
devices 940.
[0159] The memory 920 may store information, and may be a
computer-readable medium, such as volatile or non-volatile memory.
The storage device(s) 930 may provide storage for the system 900,
and may be a computer-readable medium. In various aspects, the
storage device(s) 930 may be a flash memory device, a hard disk
device, an optical disk device, a tape device, or any other type of
storage device.
[0160] The I/O devices 940 may provide input/output operations for
the system 900. The I/O devices 940 may include a keyboard, a
pointing device, and/or a microphone. The I/O devices 940 may
further include a display unit for displaying graphical user
interfaces, a speaker, and/or a printer. External data may be
stored in one or more accessible external databases 960.
[0161] The features of the present embodiments described herein may
be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, and/or in computer
hardware, firmware, software, and/or in combinations thereof.
Features of the present embodiments may be implemented in a
computer program product tangibly embodied in an information
carrier, such as a machine-readable storage device, and/or in a
propagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor.
Embodiments of the present method steps may be performed by a
programmable processor executing a program of instructions to
perform functions of the described implementations by operating on
input data and generating output.
[0162] The features of the present embodiments described herein may
be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable
on a programmable system including at least one programmable
processor coupled to receive data and/or instructions from, and to
transmit data and/or instructions to, a data storage system, at
least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer
program may include a set of instructions that may be used,
directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity
or bring about a certain result. A computer program may be written
in any form of programming language, including compiled or
interpreted languages, and it may be deployed in any form,
including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component,
subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing
environment.
[0163] Suitable processors for the execution of a program of
instructions may include, for example, both general and special
purpose processors, and/or the sole processor or one of multiple
processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor may
receive instructions and/or data from a read only memory (ROM), or
a random access memory (RAM), or both. Such a computer may include
a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for
storing instructions and/or data.
[0164] Generally, a computer may also include, or be operatively
coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for
storing data files. Such devices include magnetic disks, such as
internal hard disks and/or removable disks, magneto-optical disks,
and/or optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly
embodying computer program instructions and/or data may include all
forms of non-volatile memory, including for example semiconductor
memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices,
magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks,
magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor
and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, one or
more ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).
[0165] To provide for interaction with a user, the features of the
present embodiments may be implemented on a computer having a
display device, such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor,
for displaying information to the user. The computer may further
include a keyboard, a pointing device, such as a mouse or a
trackball, and/or a touchscreen by which the user may provide input
to the computer.
[0166] The features of the present embodiments may be implemented
in a computer system that includes a back-end component, such as a
data server, and/or that includes a middleware component, such as
an application server or an Internet server, and/or that includes a
front-end component, such as a client computer having a graphical
user interface (GUI) and/or an Internet browser, or any combination
of these. The components of the system may be connected by any form
or medium of digital data communication, such as a communication
network. Examples of communication networks may include, for
example, a LAN (local area network), a WAN (wide area network),
and/or the computers and networks forming the Internet.
[0167] The computer system may include clients and servers. A
client and server may be remote from each other and interact
through a network, such as those described herein. The relationship
of client and server may arise by virtue of computer programs
running on the respective computers and having a client-server
relationship to each other.
[0168] In a first aspect, an illuminated signal device for
providing a warning message of a passing vehicle is provided, the
device comprising a speed detecting module, a communication module,
and a processing module operatively connected to the speed
detecting module and the communication module, the processing
module comprising a processor, and a speed detecting application,
wherein the speed detecting application configures the processor to
detect motion of the passing vehicle using the speed detecting
module, obtain speed data of the passing vehicle using the speed
detecting module, and transmit the obtained speed data to a backend
server, using the communication module, for providing the warning
message of the passing vehicle to at least one social network.
[0169] An embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a
camera, wherein the processing module is operatively connected to
the camera.
[0170] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to obtain
image data of the passing vehicle using the camera.
[0171] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to transmit
the obtained image data to the backend server using the
communication module.
[0172] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the illuminated
signal device is in network communication with at least one other
device having a camera.
[0173] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to transmit
a first command signal to the at least one other device to obtain
image data of the passing vehicle.
[0174] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to receive
the obtained image data from the at least one other device and
transmit the obtained image data to the backend server using the
communication module.
[0175] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one
other device is configured to transmit the obtained image data to
the backend server upon obtaining the image data.
[0176] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to transmit
a second command signal to the at least one other device to
transmit the obtained image data to the backend server.
[0177] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed
detecting module comprises at least one passive infrared (PIR)
sensor.
[0178] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed
detecting module comprises a radar device.
[0179] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed
detecting module comprises a lidar device.
[0180] Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a
power source, wherein the power source provides power to the
illuminated signal device.
[0181] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the power source
comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
[0182] Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises at
least one solar panel, wherein the at least one solar panel is
configured to charge the rechargeable battery.
[0183] Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a
front panel and an illumination source, wherein the illumination
source is configured to illuminate the front panel to provide a
warning that the area adjacent the illuminated signal device is
within a field of view of an audio/video (A/V) recording and
communication device.
[0184] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the illumination
source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
distributed evenly about an interior perimeter of the illuminated
signal device.
[0185] Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a
frame, wherein the frame is configured to receive at least one
outer edge of the front panel.
[0186] Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a
stake configured to be driven into the ground and configured to
provide support to the frame.
[0187] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the front panel
and the frame comprise an interior space that contains and protects
components of the illuminated signal device.
[0188] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to compare
the obtained speed data to a threshold speed, and to transmit the
obtained speed data to the backend server only when the obtained
speed data indicates a speed greater than the threshold speed.
[0189] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the threshold
speed is set using a speed limit input from a user.
[0190] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the threshold
speed is set using a geographic location of the illuminated signal
device.
[0191] In a second aspect, a method for providing a warning message
of a passing vehicle using an illuminated signal device is
provided, the method comprising detecting motion of the passing
vehicle using a speed detecting module, obtaining speed data of the
passing vehicle using the speed detecting module, and transmitting
the obtained speed data to a backend server, using a communication
module, for providing the warning message of the passing vehicle to
at least one social network.
[0192] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated
signal device is operatively connected to the camera.
[0193] Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises
obtaining image data of the passing vehicle using the camera.
[0194] Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises
transmitting the obtained image data to the backend server using
the communication module.
[0195] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated
signal device is in network communication with at least one other
device.
[0196] Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises
transmitting a first command signal to the at least one other
device to obtain image data of the passing vehicle.
[0197] Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises
receiving the obtained image data from the at least one other
device and transmitting the obtained image data to the backend
server using the communication module.
[0198] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one
other device is configured to transmit the obtained image data to
the backend server upon obtaining the image data.
[0199] Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises
transmitting a second command signal to the at least one other
device to transmit the obtained image data to the backend
server.
[0200] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the speed
detecting module comprises at least one passive infrared (PIR)
sensor.
[0201] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the speed
detecting module comprises a radar device.
[0202] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the speed
detecting module comprises a lidar device.
[0203] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated
signal device further comprises a power source to provide power to
the illuminated signal device.
[0204] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the power source
comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
[0205] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated
signal device further comprises at least one solar panel configured
to charge the rechargeable battery.
[0206] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminate
signal device further comprises a front panel and an illumination
source, wherein the illumination source is configured to illuminate
the front panel to provide a warning that the area adjacent the
illuminated signal device is within a field of view of an
audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device.
[0207] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illumination
source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
distributed evenly about an interior perimeter of the illuminated
signal device.
[0208] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated
signal device further comprises a frame configured to receive at
least one outer edge of the front panel.
[0209] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated
signal device further comprises a stake configured to be driven
into the ground and provide support to the frame.
[0210] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the front panel
and the frame comprise an interior space that contains and protects
components of the illuminated signal device.
[0211] Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises
comparing the obtained speed data to a threshold speed, and
transmitting the obtained speed data to the backend server only
when the obtained speed data indicates a speed greater than a
threshold speed.
[0212] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the threshold
speed is set using a speed limit input from a user.
[0213] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the threshold
speed is set using a geographic location of the illuminated signal
device.
[0214] In a third aspect, a speed detector for providing a warning
message of a passing vehicle is provided, the speed detector
comprising a speed detecting module, a communication module, and a
processing module operatively connected to the speed detecting
module and the communication module, the processing module
comprising a processor, and a speed detecting application, wherein
the speed detecting application configures the processor to detect
motion of the passing vehicle using the speed detecting module,
obtain speed data of the passing vehicle using the speed detecting
module, and transmit the obtained speed data to a backend server,
using the communication module, for providing the warning message
of the passing vehicle to at least one social network.
[0215] Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a
camera, wherein the processing module is operatively connected to
the camera.
[0216] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to obtain
image data of the passing vehicle using the camera.
[0217] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to transmit
the obtained image data to the backend server using the
communication module.
[0218] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detector is in network communication with at least one other
device.
[0219] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to transmit
a first command signal to the at least one other device to obtain
image data of the passing vehicle.
[0220] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to receive
the obtained image data from the at least one other device and
transmit the obtained image data to the backend server using the
communication module.
[0221] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the at least one
other device is configured to transmit the obtained image data to
the backend server upon obtaining the image data.
[0222] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to transmit
a second command signal to the at least one other device to
transmit the obtained image data to the backend server.
[0223] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detecting module comprises at least one passive infrared (PIR)
sensor.
[0224] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detecting module comprises a radar device.
[0225] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detecting module comprises a lidar device.
[0226] Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a
power source, wherein the power source provides power to the speed
detector.
[0227] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the power source
comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
[0228] Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises at
least one solar panel, wherein the at least one solar panel is
configured to charge the rechargeable battery.
[0229] Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a
front panel and an illumination source, wherein the illumination
source is configured to illuminate the front panel to provide a
warning that the area adjacent the speed detector is within a field
of view of an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication
device.
[0230] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the illumination
source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
distributed evenly about an interior perimeter of the speed
detector.
[0231] Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a
frame, wherein the frame is configured to receive at least one
outer edge of the front panel.
[0232] Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a
stake configured to be driven into the ground and configured to
provide support to the frame.
[0233] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the front panel
and the frame comprise an interior space that contains and protects
components of the speed detector.
[0234] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed
detecting application further configures the processor to compare
the obtained speed data to a threshold speed, and transmit the
obtained speed data to the backend server only when the obtained
speed data indicates a speed greater than a threshold speed.
[0235] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the threshold
speed is set using a speed limit input from a user.
[0236] In another embodiment of the third aspect, the threshold
speed is set using a geographic location of the illuminated signal
device.
[0237] In a fourth aspect, a method for providing a warning message
of a passing vehicle from an illuminated signal device is provided,
the method comprising receiving speed data of the passing vehicle
from the illuminated signal device, receiving source identifying
data of the received speed data from the illuminated signal device,
determining at least one social network to transmit the warning
message based upon the received source identifying data, generating
the warning message using the received speed data, and transmitting
the generated warning message to the at least one social
network.
[0238] Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises
receiving image data from the illuminated signal device.
[0239] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the generating
the warning message further uses the received image data.
[0240] Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises
receiving image data from at least one other device in network
communication with the illuminated signal device.
[0241] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the generating
the warning message further uses the received image data.
[0242] Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises
receiving source identifying data of the received image data from
the at least one other device.
[0243] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the determining
the at least one social network to transmit the warning message is
further based upon the received source identifying data of the
received image data from the at least one other device.
[0244] In a fifth aspect, an illuminated signal device for
capturing image data of a passing vehicle is provided, the device
comprising: a camera; a communication module; and a processing
module operatively connected to the camera and the communication
module, the processing module comprising: a processor; and an
application, wherein the application configures the processor to:
detect motion of the passing vehicle using the camera; obtain image
data of the passing vehicle using the camera; and transmit the
obtained image data to a backend server using the communication
module.
[0245] In an embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated signal
device further comprises a power source, wherein the power source
provides power to the illuminated signal device.
[0246] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the power source
comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
[0247] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated
signal device further comprises at least one solar panel, wherein
the at least one solar panel is configured to charge the
rechargeable battery.
[0248] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated
signal device further comprises a front panel and an illumination
source, wherein the illumination source is configured to illuminate
the front panel to provide a warning that the area adjacent the
illuminated signal device is within a field of view of an
audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device.
[0249] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illumination
source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
distributed evenly about an interior perimeter of the illuminated
signal device.
[0250] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated
signal device further comprises a frame, wherein the frame is
configured to receive at least one outer edge of the front
panel.
[0251] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated
signal device further comprises a stake configured to be driven
into the ground and configured to provide support to the frame.
[0252] In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the front panel
and the frame comprise an interior space that contains and protects
components of the illuminated signal device.
[0253] In a sixth aspect, a least one server for providing a
warning message of a passing vehicle is provided, the server(s)
comprising: a network interface; a processor operatively connected
to the network interface; and one or more computer-readable media
storing a server application comprising instructions that, when
executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform
operations including: receiving, from an illuminated signal device
in network communication with the server(s), speed data that
indicates a speed of the passing vehicle; generating the warning
message using the speed data when the speed data indicates that the
speed of the passing vehicle is more than a threshold amount above
a speed limit; and transmitting the warning message to a social
network.
[0254] In an embodiment of the sixth aspect, the server application
comprises further instructions that, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to determine, using the speed data,
that the speed of the passing vehicle is more than the threshold
amount above the speed limit.
[0255] In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the threshold
amount is set based at least in part on a geographic location of
the illuminated signal device.
[0256] In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the server
application comprises further instructions that, when executed by
the processor, cause the processor to receive, from the illuminated
signal device, image data that includes an image of the passing
vehicle.
[0257] In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the server
application comprises further instructions that, when executed by
the processor, cause the processor to generate the warning message
using the image data.
[0258] In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the server
application comprises further instructions that, when executed by
the processor, cause the processor to receive, from the illuminated
signal device, source identifying data to identify a geographic
location of the illuminated signal device.
[0259] In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the server
application comprises further instructions that, when executed by
the processor, cause the processor to determine, using the source
identifying data, the social network to which to transmit the
warning message.
[0260] In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the social
network comprises a social networking service for members residing
within a geographic area within which the illuminated signal device
is located.
[0261] In a seventh aspect, a method for at least one server for
providing a warning message of a passing vehicle is provided, the
method comprising: receiving, from an illuminated signal device in
network communication with the server(s), speed data that indicates
a speed of the passing vehicle; generating the warning message
using the speed data when the speed data indicates that the speed
of the passing vehicle is more than a threshold amount above a
speed limit; and transmitting the warning message to at least one
client device associated with a social network.
[0262] In an embodiment of the seventh aspect, the method further
comprises determining, using the speed data, that the speed of the
passing vehicle is more than the threshold amount above the speed
limit.
[0263] In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the threshold
amount is set based at least in part on a geographic location of
the illuminated signal device.
[0264] In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the method
further comprises receiving, from the illuminated signal device,
image data that includes an image of the passing vehicle.
[0265] In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the warning
message includes the image data.
[0266] In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the method
further comprises receiving, from the illuminated signal device,
source identifying data to identify a geographic location of the
illuminated signal device.
[0267] In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the method
further comprises determining the at least one client device
associated with the social network using the source identifying
data.
[0268] In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the social
network comprises a social networking service for members residing
within a geographic area within which the illuminated signal device
is located.
[0269] The above description presents the best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present embodiments, and of the manner and
process of practicing them, in such full, clear, concise, and exact
terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which they
pertain to practice these embodiments. The present embodiments are,
however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions
from those discussed above that are fully equivalent. Consequently,
the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments
disclosed. On the contrary, the present invention covers all
modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the steps in the
processes described herein need not be performed in the same order
as they have been presented, and may be performed in any order(s).
Further, steps that have been presented as being performed
separately may in alternative embodiments be performed
concurrently. Likewise, steps that have been presented as being
performed concurrently may in alternative embodiments be performed
separately.
* * * * *