Abstract: Doorbell systems can include a doorbell having a speaker and a microphone. Doorbell systems can receive a custom message from a user. Doorbell systems can thereby detect an indication of a presence of a visitor, and then in response to detecting the indication of the presence of the visitor, doorbell systems can emit the custom message with the speaker.

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: Cameras can be used to detect if unauthorized visitors enter pool areas. Cameras can send alerts to remote computing devices regarding unauthorized pool entry. Several embodiments include using a camera to take an image of a pool area, sending the image from the camera to a remote computing device, displaying the image on the remote computing device, and using the remote computing device to select a detection zone. Some embodiments include ignoring certain portions of the camera's field of view in response to detection zone selections.

Abstract: Cameras can be used to detect if unauthorized visitors enter pool areas. Cameras can send alerts to remote computing devices regarding unauthorized pool entry. Several embodiments include using a camera to take an image of a pool area, sending the image from the camera to a remote computing device, displaying the image on the remote computing device, and using the remote computing device to select a detection zone. Some embodiments include ignoring certain portions of the camera's field of view in response to detection zone selections.

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: 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. A doorbell shipping mode can detect whether the doorbell is electrically coupled to an external power source. Methods can include entering a setup mode or a standby mode in response to detecting electricity from the external power source.

Abstract: A method for using a doorbell system can include connecting a doorbell electrically to an electrical power supply of a building. In some embodiments, the method can include connecting the doorbell electrically to a sound output device located inside of the building and connecting the doorbell communicatively to a remote computing device. As well, in some embodiments, the method can include receiving a first alternating current into the doorbell from the power supply of the building and converting at least a first portion of the first alternating current into a first direct current. As well, some embodiments can include using the first direct current to provide a first electrical energy to the camera and draining the first direct current to the sound output device located inside of the building.

Abstract: Power conservation methods can be used to update a position fix of a mobile location tracking device configured to be tracked by a location tracking server. The mobile location tracking device can have a memory to store a zone map. The zone map can include an expected zone and a restricted zone. Each zone can have a profile that helps to determine power conservation behaviors of the system.

Abstract: Communication systems configured to monitor an entryway to a building can include a security system configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing device. The security system can include a doorbell that comprises a camera, a speaker, and a microphone.

Abstract: Methods for using a doorbell that is configurable to wirelessly communicate with a remotely located computing device can include obtaining the doorbell that comprises a speaker, a microphone, and a camera. Methods can include entering a sleep mode in which the doorbell's wireless communication, the camera, and the microphone are disabled. Methods can include exiting the sleep mode and entering a standby mode in response to the doorbell detecting a first indication of a visitor. The standby mode can increase electrical activities of the doorbell's camera and microphone relative to the sleep mode. Methods can include entering an alert mode in response to detecting a second indication of the visitor. The doorbell can record an image using the camera during the alert mode. Wireless communication can be enabled during the alert mode to send an alert to the remotely located computing device.

Abstract: A tracking device is disclosed for communication of location coordinate information. In one embodiment, the tracking device includes a signal transceiver device, a location coordinate acquisition device, and a computational processor activated and deactivated in accordance with a subscriber service usage profile. The location coordinate acquisition device generates a position fix of the tracking device and a signal transceiver device reports the position fix to a location tracking server. A flash memory device stores a zone management map. In accordance with a fix reporting period based at least in part on a subscriber service usage application including or accessing the subscriber service usage profile, an internal clock activates or deactivates the signal transceiver device, the computational processor, and/or the location coordinate acquisition device.

Abstract: A device and method to monitor location coordinates of an electronic tracking device are disclosed here. The device includes circuitry to receive at least one portion of a receive communication signal comprising location coordinates information; accelerometer circuitry to measure differential positioning of the portable electronic tracking device; and a battery power monitor configured to selectively activate and deactivate at least one portion of the transceiver circuitry and location tracking circuitry. The method includes receiving at a portable electronic tracking device at least one portion of a receive communication signal comprising location coordinates information; measuring differential positioning of the portable electronic tracking device; and activating and deactivating at least one portion of the transceiver circuitry and location tracking circuitry.

Abstract: A system for monitoring objects and individuals. In this system, a monitoring station is remotely accessible through a user interface. The interface is adapted to provide a visually cognizable rendering of an area and a tool useful for selecting at least a portion of said area, and to communicate a first request signal to provide location coordinates of a first tracking device. The first tracking device comprises a first transceiver adapted to receive the first request signal, and to transmit a first reply signal that comprises a first identification code. In addition, a second tracking device having a second transceiver is adapted to receive the first reply signal, compare the first identification code to a stored identification code, and communicate to the monitoring station a second reply signal that comprises location coordinates of the first tracking device in part responsive to verification of the first identification code.

Abstract: A personalized format webpage is generated to monitor location information. A graphical mapping module is disclosed to provide mapping tiles from multiple mapping service providers in response to user request for location information of a tracking device associated with an object or an individual. A wizard menu enables the user to reorient an initial request for mapping tiles in a different layout or view format without requiring additional access to a mapping service provider website. Alert messages associated with the tracking device are generated in accordance with selected alert zones. Dashboard management tools may be included or associated with a software file readily accessible and functionally equipped to interpret user requests for mapping reorientation and zoom capabilities.

Abstract: A device and method to monitor location coordinates of an electronic tracking device are disclosed here. The device includes circuitry to receive at least one portion of a receive communication signal comprising location coordinates information; accelerometer circuitry to measure differential positioning of the portable electronic tracking device; and a battery power monitor configured to selectively activate and deactivate at least one portion of the transceiver circuitry and location tracking circuitry. The method includes receiving at a portable electronic tracking device at least one portion of a receive communication signal comprising location coordinates information; measuring differential positioning of the portable electronic tracking device; and activating and deactivating at least one portion of the transceiver circuitry and location tracking circuitry.

Abstract: A device and method to monitor location coordinates of an electronic tracking device are disclosed here. The device includes transceiver circuitry to receive at least one portion of a receive communication signal comprising location coordinates information; accelerometer circuitry to measure displacements of the portable electronic tracking device; a battery power monitor configured to selectively activate and deactivate at least one portion of the transceiver circuitry and location tracking circuitry; and processor circuitry configured to process the at least one portion of the receive communication signal.

Abstract: A device and method to monitor location coordinates of an electronic tracking device are disclosed here. The device includes transceiver circuitry to receive at least one portion of a receive communication signal comprising location coordinates information; accelerometer circuitry to measure displacements of the portable electronic tracking device; a battery power monitor configured to activate and deactivate at least one portion of signaling circuitry; and processor circuitry configured to process the displacements. The method includes receiving at least one portion of a receive communication signal comprising location coordinates information; measuring displacements of a portable electronic tracking device; activating and deactivating at least one portion of signaling circuitry; and processing the at least one portion of the receive communication signal.

Abstract: A personalized format webpage is generated to monitor location information. A management dashboard module is disclosed to provide a user access to location information of a tracking device associated with an object or an individual. An account services module provides menu options to the user. A wizard menu enables the user to enter billing information, identification settings of the tracking device, and coverage zones. Alert messages associated with the tracking device are generated in accordance with selected coverage zones and provided to the user.