BACKGROUND

Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to doorbells. Certain embodiments relate to doorbells including connection ports.

Description of Related Art

Doorbells can enable a person located outside of an entry point, such as a door, to alert a person inside of an entry point that someone outside would like to talk to someone inside. Doorbells sometimes include a button located near a door, such as a front door, side door, or back door of a home, office, dwelling, warehouse, building, or structure. Doorbells are sometimes used near a gate or some other entrance to a partially enclosed area. Pushing the doorbell sometimes causes a chime or other alerting sound to be emitted.

SUMMARY

The disclosure includes a security system, and, in some embodiments, the security system comprises a housing, a visitor detection system, a first electrical prong, a second electrical prong, and a first connection port. The visitor detection system may be coupled to the housing and may include at least one of a button, a camera, a microphone, and a motion detector. In some embodiments, the first electrical prong and second electrical prong each protrude from the housing and are configured to transmit power from a power outlet to the visitor detection system. The first connection port may be located along an outer surface of the housing and may be electrically coupled to at least one of the first electrical prong, the second electrical prong, and the visitor detection system.

In some embodiments, the security system further comprises a second connection port located along the outer surface of the housing and electrically coupled to at least one of the first electrical prong, the second electrical prong, the visitor detection system, and the first connection port. The first connection port may be configured to receive a first cable end defining a first connection type, and the second connection port may be configured to receive a second cable end defining a second connection type.

In some embodiments, the first connection port is configured to receive power from at least one of the first electrical prong and the second electrical prong. The first connection port may be configured to receive data from the visitor detection system. The first connection port may be configured to transmit data to the visitor detection system. In some embodiments, the second connection port is configured to receive power from at least one of the first electrical prong and the second electrical prong. The second connection port may be configured to receive data from the visitor detection system. The second connection port may be configured to transmit data to the visitor detection system.

In some embodiments, when the first electrical prong and the second electrical prong are electrically coupled to a wall mounted power outlet, the first connection port and the second connection port are located above the visitor detection system. When the first electrical prong and the second electrical prong are electrically coupled to a wall mounted power outlet, the first connection port and the second connection port may be located below the visitor detection system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a security system, according to some embodiments.

Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a security system, according to some embodiments.

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a security system, according to some embodiments.

Figure 4 illustrates a back view of a security system and a front view of a power outlet, according to some embodiments.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate opposite side views of a security system, according to some embodiments.

Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view of a security system, according to some embodiments.

Figure 8 illustrates a top view of a security system, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.

For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

Component Index 10 - security system 12 - housing

14 - visitor detection system 24 - first electrical prong 26 - second electrical prong 28 - power outlet 30 - first connection port 32 - outer surface (of housing)

34 - second connection port

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a security system 10. In some embodiments, the security system 10 includes a housing 12 and a visitor detection system 14. Though not shown in Figure 1, the visitor detection system 14 may include at least one of a button, a camera, a microphone, and a motion detector. In some embodiments, the visitor detection system 14 may comprise more than one button, more than one camera, more than one microphone, and/or more than one motion detector. The camera may act as a motion detector, or the motion detector may be a standalone sensor. In some embodiments, the motion detector is a passive infrared (“PIR”) sensor. The security system 10 may also include a first electrical prong 24 and a second electrical prong 26 protruding from the housing 12. In some embodiments, and as shown in Figure 1, the first and second electrical prongs 24, 26 protrude from a side of the housing 12 located opposite the side of the housing 12 coupled to the visitor detection system 14. The first and second electrical prongs 24, 26 may be coupled on any appropriate surface and/or side of the housing 12.

Figure 1 also includes the first connection port 30 and the second connection port 34. In many embodiments, the first and second connection ports, 30, 34 are located on an outer surface 32 of the housing 12. The first connection port 30 may be configured to receive a first cable end defining a first connection type and the second connection port 34 may be configured to receive a second cable end defining a second connection type. As shown in Figure 1, the first and second connection types may be different connection types. For example, the first connection type may comprise a micro-USB, a USB-C, lightning cable, or any other possible connection type and the second connection type may comprise a USB connection type, as well as a variety of other possible connection types. In some embodiments, the first and second connection ports 30, 34 are configured to receive the same type of connection type.

The first and second connection ports 30, 34 may be configured to receive power via electrical coupling from at least one of the first and second electrical prongs 24, 26 when the prongs 24, 26 are electrically coupled to a power outlet 28 (shown in Figure 4). At least one of the first and second connection ports 30, 34 may be configured to provide power to an external device, such as a smartphone, when the smartphone or other device is electrically coupled to at least one of the first and second connection ports 30, 34 via a cable and appropriate cable connection type.

In many embodiments, the first and second connection ports 30, 34 are electrically coupled to the visitor detection system 14 in such a way that enables communication between the visitor detection system 14 and the first and second connection ports 30, 34. At least one of the first and second connection ports 30, 34 may be configured to receive data from the visitor detection system 14. At least one of the first and second connection ports may also be configured to transmit data to the visitor detection system 14. An external device, such as a smartphone, may be enabled to receive data from and/or transmit data to the visitor detection system 14 via at least one of the first and second connection ports 30, 34.

Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the security system 10, including the housing 12 and the visitor detection system 14. As previously mentioned, the visitor detection system 14 may include at least one of a button, a camera, a microphone, and a motion detector. In some embodiments, either one of the two components labeled as the visitor detection system 14 comprises at least one of the button, the camera, the microphone, and the motion detector. For example, the smaller component of Figure 2 labeled as the visitor detection system 14 may comprise the camera, the motion detector, and the microphone, and the larger component may comprise the button. In some embodiments, the reverse is true. Each component may also comprise two of the button, the camera, the microphone, and the motion detector. In some embodiments, each component comprises one element (button, camera, microphone, or motion detector), and the remaining elements are located elsewhere on the housing 12 and/or within the security system 10. The visitor detection system 14 may also comprise additional elements not listed in the disclosure. Figure 3 shows a front view of the security system 10, again including the housing 12 and the visitor detection system 14, as shown in and discussed with reference to Figure 2.

Figure 4 illustrates a back view of the security system 10, including the housing 12 and the first and second electrical prongs 24, 26, located on a lower portion of a back surface of the housing 12. The first and second electrical prongs 24, 26 may be located anywhere on the housing 12 (e.g., upper portion of the back surface, middle of the back surface, along a side surface, and the like) that facilitates coupling of the security system 10 with a power source. Figure 4 also includes a power outlet 28, and shows one possibility of electrical coupling between the power outlet 28 and the security system 10. Though shown with only two electrical prongs, the security system 10 may comprise a third electrical prong. It should also be noted that though the security system 10 is illustrated throughout the Figures with the type of power plug used in much of North and Central America, the security system 10 may also be configured to be compatible with other types of power plugs used around the world, through at least one of the use of power converters and the implementation of different types of electrical prongs.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate opposite side views of the security system 10. As shown in both Figures and as previously mentioned, the first and second electrical prongs 24, 26 may protrude from the housing 12 on a side located opposite the side of the housing 12 coupled to the visitor detection system 14. Figure 5 also includes a partial view of the second connection port 34. In some embodiments, when the first and second electrical prong 24, 26 are coupled to a power outlet 28, the second connection port 34 is located below the second electrical prong 26 (as well as the first electrical prong 24, though it is not shown in Figure 5). The second connection port 34 may also be located below the visitor detection system 14, when the security system 10 is electrically coupled to a power outlet 28.

Figure 6 includes a partial view of the first connection port 30. As with the second connection port 34, in some embodiments, when the security system 10 is coupled to the power outlet 28, the first connection port 30 is located below the first (and second) electrical prong 24. The first connection port 30 may also be located below the visitor detection system 14, when the security system 10 is coupled to the power outlet 28. It should be noted that the security system 10 may be configured to electrically couple to a power outlet 28 in more than one orientation (i.e. both “right-side up” and “upside down”), and retain functionality in the more than one orientation. This may enable the first and second connection ports 30, 34 to be located above the visitor detection system 14 and above the first and second electrical prongs 24, 26 when the security system 10 is coupled to the power outlet 28 in a given orientation.

Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the security system 10, including full views of the first and second connection ports 30, 34. In some embodiments, the first and second connection ports 30, 34 are located elsewhere along the outer surface 32 of the housing. For example, the first and second connection ports 30, 34 may be located on either side and/or the top of the housing 12. In some embodiments, the first connection port 30 is located on one part of the housing 12, and the second connection port 34 is located on a different part of the housing 12.

Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the security system 10. As previously mentioned, at least one of the first and second connection ports 30, 34 may be located on the top surface of the housing 12. The first and second electrical prongs 24, 26 may also be located closer to the top surface than the bottom surface of the housing 12.

Though not shown in the Figures, the security system 10 may include at least one light. The at least one light may be located anywhere on the housing 12, such as top, bottom, side, and front surfaces, and may be configured to emit light of different colors, intensities, patterns, and the like. The at least one light may be communicatively coupled to the visitor detection system 14, such that an indication of a visitor from the visitor detection system 14 turns on and/or off the at least one light. An indication may include, but is not limited to, the detection of at least one of a button press by the button, motion by the motion detector and/or camera, and sound by the microphone, among others. The indication may also change the pattern, color, and/or intensity of the light emitted by the at least one light.

The at least one light may also be communicatively coupled to a remote computing device of a user of the security system 10, such that the remote computing device may be used for remote operation of the at least one light. In some embodiments, the at least one light illuminates upon receiving an indication of an emergency, such as from an alarm (e.g., fire, carbon monoxide, home security, and the like) within a building of the security system 10 and/or from the remote computing device. In many embodiments, the at least one light comprises at least one LED.

INTERPRETATION

None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.

The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic 1” may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the “Topic 1” section.

Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each of the routines, processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disc, and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage.

The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or” applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments can include A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.