Abstract: A doorbell system can be used to identify a visitor. Embodiments can include detecting the visitor, taking a picture of the visitor, searching an online social network that has a plurality of pictures, and determining the identity of the visitor. The doorbell system can use the identity to know how to respond to the visitor.

Abstract: Doorbell systems can be configured to electrically couple to a doorbell power supply of a building. In some embodiments, the doorbell systems can include a doorbell with a button configurable to sound a chime. As well, doorbell systems can include a first wire that can electrically couple the doorbell to the power supply and a second wire that can electrically couple the doorbell to the chime. Doorbell systems can also include a third wire that can electrically couple the chime to the power supply to form a circuit comprising the first wire, the doorbell, the second wire, the chime, the third wire, and the power supply.

Abstract: Doorbell systems can include a doorbell, a chime, and a remote computing device. In some embodiments, the remote computing device can select a sound. A data file comprising information that represents the sound can be sent to the doorbell that is communicatively coupled to the remote computing device. The doorbell can send the data file to the chime that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell and remotely located with respect to the doorbell.

Abstract: A doorbell system can include a remote computing device and a doorbell that has a camera. The doorbell can enter a camera sleep mode wherein the camera is configured not to record. The remote computing device can be used to override a power setting of the doorbell to enable the doorbell to record a video. Then, the remote computing device can receive the video that was recorded by the doorbell.

Abstract: A doorbell system can include a remote computing device and a doorbell that has a camera. The doorbell can receive a communication from a remote sensor in response to an event. The communication may cause a power setting of the doorbell to be overridden. Then, the doorbell can send an outgoing communication.

Abstract: Doorbells can communicate wirelessly with remotely located computing devices. In some embodiments, doorbells include an antenna configured to enable the doorbells to communicate wirelessly with remotely located computing devices. The antenna can exit the back side of a doorbell and enter a hole of a building such that the antenna is located in the same hole as electrical wires that provide electricity to the doorbell.

Abstract: A doorbell can be configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing device. In some cases, components that enable the doorbell to wirelessly communicate with the remote computing device could make the doorbell incompatible with certain types of chimes. In some embodiments, the doorbell is configured to diagnose chime compatibility issues.

Abstract: Security systems can be used to detect a visitor. The security system can include a camera that is configured to take a video of the visitor. As well, the security system can be configured to transmit the video of the visitor to a remote computing device. The video of the visitor can be displayed on the remote computing device. The security system can be attached to a light socket.

Abstract: Doorbell systems can include a doorbell and a chime. In some embodiments, the chime can be communicatively coupled to a wireless network of a building, to the doorbell, and to a remote computing device. In several embodiments, the chime facilitates communication with at least one of the doorbell, the remote computing device, and a remote sensor.

Abstract: A security system can be used to trigger appliances. The security system can comprise a light socket camera that can be rotatably attached to a light socket of a building. The light socket camera can receive an audible instruction from a user, and in response to receiving the audible instruction from the user, the security system can trigger the appliance to perform an operation.

Abstract: Doorbells can include a speaker and a visitor detection system having at least one of a button, a camera, and a motion detector. The speaker of the doorbell can be configurable to emit a first sound in response to the visitor detection system detecting a first indication of a visitor's presence. As well, the speaker of the doorbell can be configurable to emit a second sound in response to the visitor detection system detecting a second indication of the visitor's presence.

Abstract: Doorbell systems can be configurable to determine whether an emergency event has been initiated inside of a building to which the doorbell system is attached. In response to determining that the emergency event has been initiated, the doorbell system can activate an alert communication system to notify people located outside of the building.

Abstract: A lock can receive electricity from a transformer of a doorbell chime while the lock is mounted on a door. The lock can be electrically coupled to the face plate. The face plate can be electrically coupled to the strike plate of the door frame. The strike plate of the doorframe can be electrically coupled to the transformer of the doorbell chime.

Abstract: Remote surveillance systems can include an outward portion that faces away from a power outlet and can include an inward portion with electrical prongs that protrude into the power outlet. The power outlet can mechanically support the inward portion and a camera assembly. The remote surveillance system can take videos using the camera and can send the videos to a remotely located computing device.

Abstract: Methods can include using a doorbell to wirelessly communicate with a remotely located computing device. Doorbells can include a speaker, a microphone, and a camera. Some embodiments include entering a network connection mode to connect the doorbell to a first wireless network. The remotely located computing device can create a second wireless network to facilitate connecting the doorbell to the first wireless network.

Abstract: Methods can include using a doorbell to wirelessly communicate with a remotely located computing device. Doorbells can include a speaker, a microphone, a camera, and a button to sound a chime. Some embodiments include using a doorbell to close an electrical circuit that has a sound output device in a way that precludes the sound output device from inappropriately emitting a notification sound.

Abstract: Tampering with doorbells can lead to injury and doorbell theft. Methods and systems can discourage doorbell tampering by emitting an alert when a doorbell detects tampering. In some embodiments, a doorbell includes a system to detect movement of the outer housing of the doorbell. In several embodiments, if a doorbell detects movement of the outer housing while the doorbell detects that it is connected to an external power supply, the doorbell can emit an alert to warn against additional tampering.