An electronic notification apparatus is disclosed. The electronic notification apparatus may include an image capture device which can scan a machine readable code on a physical object. A communication may thereafter be initiated to complete the transfer of the physical object to a user.

A light socket surveillance system can be used to enable a first party to communicate with a second party. The light socket surveillance system can be used to detect an audible notification from the first party. In response to detecting the audible notification from the first party, the light socket surveillance system can initiate a communication session with a remote computing device of the second party.

A smart doorbell system suitable for installation within an existing conventional doorbell system is provided which controls the flow of current without any leakage using one single pole dual throw switch selecting between the doorbell chime and a bypass. By presenting current from passing through the existing chime during normal operation, the smart doorbell can be powered at almost all times using the home’s existing transformer. Only when the smart doorbell’s button is pressed will the current be temporarily diverted to the existing chime so as to enable it to emit the desired notification sound. A small battery can provide power to the smart doorbell during the few brief periods when the doorbell is powered and thus no power is provided to the smart doorbell from the home’s transformer.

A system and method for adjusting power consumption of a power consumer (e.g., an intercom device) may include a power supply, the power consumer connected to the power supply through a transmitting device, and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to obtain a first voltage associated with the power supply and a second voltage associated with the power consumer, and adjust an operation status of the power consumer at least based on the first voltage and the second voltage. The first voltage may be an output voltage of the power supply, and the second voltage may be an input voltage of the power consumer.

Doorbells often include a button to enable visitors to ring a chime to summon building occupants. In some embodiments, doorbells include a camera to take pictures of visitors. In several embodiments, doorbells include covers that are light filters. These light filters can cover infrared light sources such as infrared light emitting diodes. The light filters can pass infrared light while blocking visible light. In several embodiments, a front portion of a camera assembly fits through a hole in a light filter. Light filters can help secure camera assemblies and can form a portion of a doorbell's outer housing.

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

Doorbell systems can include a speaker and a visitor detection system that includes at least one of a button, a camera, and a motion detector. Doorbell systems can be configured to detect an identity of a visitor via facial recognition, initiate a communication session with a remote computing device, and send the identity to the remote computing device via the first communication session.

An alert device includes electronic circuitry and at least a first antenna. The circuitry is designed for sending out a first signal, for wireless communication with at least a first hand held communication device, and at least a second signal for wireless communication with at least a second hand held communication device. The second signal differs from the first signal, preferably in at least one of transmitting energy, transmitting frequency, coding and pulse length. The device includes a switch for switching between: a first mode in which only the first signal is transmitted and a second mode wherein the first and second signal are transmitted; or a first mode wherein only the first signal is transmitted and a second mode wherein only the second signal is transmitted.

Devices and methods for mounting intercom devices are described herein. The devices include a housing for receiving electrical components therein. The housing includes a back panel, side panels extending from the back panel, and a front panel coupled to the side panels. The front panel includes a perimeter, which, coupled to the side panels, forms a recess within the housing. The recess is configured to receive the intercom device such that the intercom device is flush with the front panel when the intercom device is fully inserted into the housing. The devices enable the intercom device to be mounted to mounting surfaces including corners of adjacent walls, framed structures, and openings inside the surface. This configuration alleviates complex or expensive installation and vandalism issues associated with intercom devices.

Doorbell systems can include a speaker and a visitor detection system that includes at least one of a button, a camera, and a motion detector. Doorbell systems can be configured to detect an identity of a visitor via facial recognition, initiate a communication session with a remote computing device, and send the identity to the remote computing device via the first communication session.