An invention that is yet to be patented, is marketed by its author as “the world’s first Covid-19 doorbell” – a multi-biometric device called Pulse Secure Doorbell, the intellectual property (IP) of which has been offered for sale or licensing with a price tag in excess of a million dollars.
This doorbell is the brainchild of Ross Markbreiter, who appears to be behind Pulse Security Systems. The content-wise sparse website for the project states that what makes the device “unique” is that it is equipped not only with a camera but also an infrared (IR) “beam” (thermometer) that takes a person’s temperature, as well as a fingerprint scanner that takes the pulse and starts biometric scanning to confirm identity.
The camera is used for facial recognition, and what increasingly sounds like a full-fledged “biometric lab” rather than any “doorbell” you currently know of also incorporates a microphone for voice recognition.
If the checks are completed to the satisfaction of whatever the requirements of those who use the system are, green lights will be on, all the elements will turn on, and the door opens. If not, access is denied.
“There is a speaker and a 911 button. A person will contact you if needed,” the website states.
Given that the world appears to be on the tail-end of Covid-related restrictions, including various forms of surveillance ushered in with the pandemic, it might seem that this type of tech is poorly timed; however, the general trend towards ever more present and finely-grained biometrics-based surveillance would indicate that this product might find its market beyond Covid.
Indeed, according to the author – even though Pulse Security Systems calls Pulse Secure Doorbell “the first Covid-19 doorbell” – it checks not only for health but also identity – “and more.” And as such can be installed in homes, schools, workplaces, hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons.
The site explains that it can be integrated into existing security systems and then, for example, used to monitor school and work attendance.
A non-provisional patent application (i.e. one that will be examined by the patent examiner) has been filed for Pulse Secure Doorbell, the site informs.
