Doorbell "button"

On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:12:39 -0700, Don Y <this@is.not.me.com> wrote:

>Hi,
>
>[Amusing that we tend to call the *button* and the *annunciator*
>"The Doorbell"!  :-/ ]
>
>Anyway...
>
>I'm looking for an unusual idea as to how to implement the
>"button" portion of a (home) "doorbell".  I.e., the interface
>that is presented to the *visitor*.
>
>Note that this need not be electronic.  Or, could be some
>perversion of an electronic adaptation of a *mechanical*
>device.
>
>Goal is to "mess with the heads" of (first-time) callers
>(I expect folks who visit often to quickly understand the
>mechanism).
>
>Note that actually *knowing* that a visitor is "at the door"
>is not an issue -- I can do that a number of different ways.
>What I am actually interested in is how the *visitor* thinks
>he has to signal his presence.
>
>The sorts of things I've been exploring:
>- a "knocker" that is not movable (no "hinge")
>- a knocker that is hinged at the *bottom*
>- a knocker that "fights back"
>- a knocker that "makes no noise"
>- a knocker that FALLS OFF when actuated
>- a "button" that you *pull* (Addam's Family)
>- a button that isn't "pushable"
>- a *group* of buttons ("which one do I press??")
>- a numeric keypad ("what do I *type*??")
>- a telephone *dial* ("WTF??")
>- a coin slot (or dollar bill validator!  :> )
>- a big red "HAL" eye
>- "In case of Emergency, break glass" (with LEXAN :> )
>
>etc.  (I've heard some REALLY off-the-wall ideas that I won't even
>mention, here  :> )
>
>[Remember, I am not interested in how you would *sense* the
>visitor's action -- that's typically easy]
>
>I.e., the point is to force first-time visitors (e.g., solicitors)
>to pause and have to think about how to proceed -- set them back
>on their heels, momentarily.  ("regulars" won't think twice about
>any scheme I come up with AFTER their first encounter)
>
>So, how would you "confound" someone interacting with your
>door for the first time?


Pretty weird.


-- 

John Larkin         Highland Technology, Inc
picosecond timing   laser drivers and controllers

jlarkin att highlandtechnology dott com
http://www.highlandtechnology.com

On 2/23/2015 8:22 AM, adule wrote:

>> So, how would you "confound" someone interacting with your
>> door for the first time?
>
> One button. When pressed, it announces,"We are currently experiencing heavy
> door bell ringer traffic. Please wait. You are number 1 in the door bell ringer
> waiting queue."

Ooooo... I *like* that!  Followed by "Musak" and the occasional
"commercial" ("Ask about our limited time offer: ...  BUT WAIT!
There's more!  If you act now, we'll greet you with not one, but
*two* residents!  -- just pay separate shipping and handling...")

On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:12:39 -0700, Don Y <this@is.not.me.com> wrote:

   [...]

> I'm looking for an unusual idea as to how to implement the
> "button" portion of a (home) "doorbell".  I.e., the interface
> that is presented to the *visitor*.
>
> Note that this need not be electronic.  Or, could be some
> perversion of an electronic adaptation of a *mechanical*
> device.
>
> Goal is to "mess with the heads" of (first-time) callers
> (I expect folks who visit often to quickly understand the
> mechanism).
>
> Note that actually *knowing* that a visitor is "at the door"
> is not an issue -- I can do that a number of different ways.
> What I am actually interested in is how the *visitor* thinks
> he has to signal his presence.

   [...]

> So, how would you "confound" someone interacting with your
> door for the first time?

Hi, Don.

Since you plan on using some alternative method for detecting people at
the door, how about installing one (or more?) of these:

  http://www.broughtons.com/store/department/1/Bells/
  http://www.reminis.co.uk/mechanical-bells-pulls.html

but rig them up to be non-functional?

Or, make them trigger an electronic response (ring, ding, or a TV-Addams-
Family beeee-yoooup) that can only be heard _outside_ the door? Regular
visitors would know that they have to operate exactly two of the devices,
say.  I especially like the image of someone pulling the line on one of
those ship's bells and hearing it (say) ring like a telephone. <grin>

On the other hand, that "deer rump" button someone suggested would be a
nice touch.


Frank McKenney
--
    Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear
    bright until you hear them speak.
--
Frank McKenney, McKenney Associates
Richmond, Virginia / (804) 320-4887
Munged E-mail: frank uscore mckenney aatt mindspring ddoott com

On 2/23/2015 3:52 AM, Syd Rumpo wrote:

> A button incorporating a hidden sensor and actuator which 'presses' itself just
> as your finger approaches.
>
> Or even better, but much more difficult, a button which moves off to one side
> just as you're about to push.

Yeah, I thought about the latter of the two.  But, it would require a fair
bit of engineering (to ensure it is robust *and* doesn't telegraph the
fact that it is "movable" BEFORE it is pressed)

But, neither confound the visitor:  he/she *knows* what they have to do
(though the *reaction* when they have DONE so is "unexpected").

[E.g., I have a *dial* telephone that generates touch tones.  People
using it (for the first time) can relate to HOW to use it.  But, are
caught off-guard after dialing the first digit:  "boop".  Folks
who *think* about it beyond that are even more amused:  "I can
understand the rationale behind a pushbutton phone that generates
dial pulse -- the buttons are more convenient, "modern", etc.
But, what's the rationale behind a LESS convenient user interface
driving a more modern implementation??"]

I'd also thought of a button with a sign above it that says
"Do not push" or "out of order".  And, when pushed, responds
with "I told you NOT to push it!" or "I told you, it's BROKEN".

Or, a cover that slides into place to prevent the button from
being pressed, again.

But, that's the same "unexpected reaction" instead of confounding
*beforehand*.

I want to cause folks to pause *before* they've managed to complete
their "autopilot" approach to the house.  Like encountering a door
without a doorknob...

On Mon, 23 Feb 2015 09:06:01 -0800, John Larkin wrote:

> On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:12:39 -0700, Don Y <this@is.not.me.com> wrote:

>>
>>So, how would you "confound" someone interacting with your door for the
>>first time?
> 
> 
> Pretty weird.


  Beyond the friggin fringe weird.

  Just build an armored box, and put an armored glass in front of it, and 
stick a display in there.  Show "pop up" videos of folks you dislike 
seeing at your door, and some staged responses, like decpitations, etc..

  The folks you expect to see, you inform about the videos, and they know 
where the real doorbell is to announce their arrival with.

  The uninvited stand there jaw dropped, in awe, watching the 'snuff 
video'.

  You could even post a go-pro camera aspect shot of a person approaching 
your door and watching one of the videos.  It would probably go viral as 
the new way to deter foul would-be trespassers...   without ever lifting a 
finger.

On 2/23/2015 6:12 AM, Simon Clubley wrote:
> On 2015-02-22, Don Y <this@is.not.me.com> wrote:
>>
>> I'm looking for an unusual idea as to how to implement the
>> "button" portion of a (home) "doorbell".  I.e., the interface
>> that is presented to the *visitor*.
>>
>> Note that this need not be electronic.  Or, could be some
>> perversion of an electronic adaptation of a *mechanical*
>> device.
>>
>> Goal is to "mess with the heads" of (first-time) callers
>> (I expect folks who visit often to quickly understand the
>> mechanism).
>
> If the primary goal is to make newcomers uneasy (just how annoying _are_
> the people in your neck of the woods ? :-)) how about the following:

There are a few different issues/motivations at play.

One, I *really* don't like being disturbed.  Whether it's phone,
doorbell, etc.  Some of this is a result of my odd sleep/wake/work
schedule.  Or, that I'm often not "fully clothed" (SWMBO gets
annoyed when I answer the door in my BVD's...).  But, mostly I
just want to focus on whatever *I* decide to spend my time on
(not what "some visitor" wants me to spend my time on!).

[OTOH, I "drop everything" if a friend/neighbor needs something.
I can always resume my activities later -- unless I'm baking, etc.]

The second is "payback", of sorts, for those (unwanted) folks who
feel they *can* impose on my time.  They *should* feel "uncomfortable"
or "puzzled" and not just take it for granted that they can just walk
up to a door and INTRUDE on my life.

The third is entertainment value -- both for me and those *regular*
visitors who would undoubtedly chuckle at the novelty (of whatever
interface I adopt).

And, finally, it's part of my mantra about the dangers of "assumptions".
Encourage people to challenge their own thinking wherever possible.

(Oh, and did I mention I don't like being disturbed??)

> A single push button with inclusive red indicator and a speaker mounted
> above it.
>
> Press button and the following message is played:
>
> "Warning! Intruder countermeasures system activated. You have 30 seconds
> to enter authorisation code D Y in morse code."
>
> The official language makes newcomers nervous about what is going to
> happen when 30 seconds is up, but it's easy enough for regulars to enter
> the correct code to cause the bell to ring. (Reduce to one morse code
> letter if two is considered to be too long).
>
> A doorbell which requires a morse code sequence to activate sounds
> just like the kind of thing which would appeal to you. :-)

But, again, its effect is *after-the-fact*.  They *knew* to push the
button.  It's only after that's been done that they are "surprised".

Things like the coin slot "put ideas in their head" but never
*tell* them that they have to insert a coin to ring the bell
("Shirley that CAN'T be the doorbell!?" ... "Hmmm..." ... "Gee,
I don't see anything *else*, here...")

Likewise, a HAL9000 i/f draws their attention -- yet doesn't
immediately suggest that it *is* the "visitor announcement system".
They'll approach, look at it -- then look around for the doorbell
only to return to the HAL9000 when they can't find it!

"OK, now what the hell do I do??"

On 2/23/2015 3:05 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
> On 23/02/15 02:12, Don Y wrote:
>> So, how would you "confound" someone interacting with your
>> door for the first time?
>
> Why would you need to? They seem to have enough difficulty
> anyway without obfuscation!
>
> My button is on the door jamb at the same height (~5') as
> the letterbox and 2" from the lock, and black/white on a
> red background. About 25% of people don't see it.

We've had people ring the bell.  Then, unsatisfied that we didn't
immediately "materialize", press it again.  Then, knock (thinking
that we didn't hear the bell but WOULD hear their knock -- huh??).

Others have rapped on the bedroom window immediately adjoining the
front door.  Or, the window in the entryway *past* the front door.

"I want something from you (a sale!).  Why aren't you attending
to my needs?"

[There seems to be this growing sense of impatience, nowadays.
E.g., we will be visiting with folks and hear "his" cell phone
ring.  If he doesn't answer it, we'll hear *her* cell phone
ring.  If that isn't answered, we'll hear the land line in their
house ring.  As if the idea that the party you are calling
isn't ready/willing to take YOUR CALL at THIS INSTANT would never
occur to the caller!]

The solution, thus far, has been to lock the gate leading onto the
front porch -- keeping visitors 10-20 feet *from* the door (and
the doorbell).

[We may end up (security) screening the front porch so we can make
that an extension of the living space.  Put things like some
houseplants out there, pinball machine, etc. -- and not have
to worry about them "growing legs"]

On 2/23/2015 9:32 AM, Spehro Pefhany wrote:
> On Mon, 23 Feb 2015 09:22:37 -0600, adule <somedude@here.com> wrote:
>
>>
>> One button. When pressed, it announces,"We are currently experiencing
>> heavy door bell ringer traffic. Please wait. You are number 1 in the
>> door bell ringer waiting queue."
>>
>> Frank
>
> "Please stand still with your arms outstretched for backscatter
> scanning" (LEDs illuminate in a vertical Knight Rider configuration).

"Put your left hand on your right shoulder."

"OK, now put your right hand on your right hip."

"OK, now lift your left leg."

"Gee, don't *you* look silly!"

On Mon, 23 Feb 2015 10:13:30 -0700, Don Y wrote:

> On 2/23/2015 8:22 AM, adule wrote:
> 
>>> So, how would you "confound" someone interacting with your door for
>>> the first time?
>>
>> One button. When pressed, it announces,"We are currently experiencing
>> heavy door bell ringer traffic. Please wait. You are number 1 in the
>> door bell ringer waiting queue."
> 
> Ooooo... I *like* that!  Followed by "Musak" and the occasional
> "commercial" ("Ask about our limited time offer: ...  BUT WAIT! There's
> more!  If you act now, we'll greet you with not one, but *two*
> residents!  -- just pay separate shipping and handling...")

Separate 'discounted' door answering and conversation fees. "This offer 
only available if you take both..."

  I like my video display Idea, but thinking a bit, I think you should 
build a huge, gazebo like front porch structure with steel panel slamming 
"windows" (ala The Forbidden Planet) and entry door that makes the visitor 
feel like he or she is 100% at your mercy.

  As a a sci fi option, you could have one window remain 'open' but lead 
to a disintegration chamber.  :-) (no muss, no fuss)

  'Unsuspectima victima' on a placard over the window.

On 2/23/2015 1:08 AM, Robert Wessel wrote:

> How about making the button capacitate or a pressure sensitive or
> something, and then painting a poorly* drawn "button" over it.  So the
> button looks like an obvious drawing of a button (and hence "clearly"
> not the real button), but if you press it, it rings anyway.
>
> Or you could make an immobile knocker with a strain gauge, set to
> sense a *sideways* push.

I'd thought of an immobil-IZED knocker that senses when it's been touched...
and *released* (while not being "actuated") -- then, knocks by itself.
Or, at the end of it's "stroke", results in a traditional door chime
being sounded (instead of the expected "knock").

But, that's in the category of "unexpected REACTION" instead of "confounding"
beforehand.

The coin slot is probably the best example of the sort of reaction
I want from folks:  "This *can't* possibly be the doorbell!  But,
it sure LOOKS like that's what it's role is, here!  (why else have a
coin slot beside the front door with an "Insert Coins" legend?)
Let me see what other things are nearby that could be the REAL
doorbell..."

> *Perhaps a 1st grader's drawing of a doorbell

<http://www.allweirdthings.com/door-balls/> but some holier-than-thou
("God speaks to Me") sort would get all bent out of shape over that!