Automated Hallway Lighting for Doorbell Press

S.C.O.R.E. → Safety → Security

Overview

When the doorbell rings, hallway lights automatically activate to guide residents and guests safely to the door. This capability enhances home security and provides a welcoming atmosphere while ensuring safe navigation in low-light conditions.

Benefits

• Improved safety by illuminating pathways to prevent trips and falls.
• Enhanced security by signaling the presence of visitors or deliveries.
• Creates a welcoming environment for guests arriving at night.

Intent

This capability aims to create a responsive home environment by automatically activating hallway lights when the doorbell is pressed. The outcome is a well-lit path that aids movement, ensuring safety and comfort for both homeowners and visitors.

Preconditions

• A compatible smart doorbell installed (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell 2).
• Hallway lighting system integrated with smart home platform (e.g., Philips Hue).
• Home capability system configured to respond to doorbell events.
• Home Assistant installed and configured.
• Integration available and authenticated: Zigbee2MQTT.
• Device installed and reachable: WLED Light Controller.

Actors

• Homeowner answering the door
• Family members moving to greet guests
• Visitors arriving at the home

Trigger

The event that starts this capability is the pressing of the doorbell, which triggers the smart home system to activate the hallway lights.

Workflow Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Doorbell Pressed] -->|check| B{{Is it Night?}}
    B -->|Yes| C[Activate Hallway Lights]
    C --> D[Guide Movement to Door]
    B -->|No| E[Exit Without Action]

Workflow Description

1. Detect Doorbell Press

The smart doorbell detects the button press and sends a signal to the home capability system.

2. Check Time of Day

The system checks the current time to determine if it is nighttime.

3. Activate Lighting

If it is nighttime, the system sends a command to the hallway lights to turn on.

4. Illuminate Pathway

The hallway lights illuminate, creating a clear path for movement towards the door.

5. Monitor for Movement

The system can continue to monitor hallway activity until the door is opened.

Postconditions

The hallway lights remain on until the door is opened or a set duration expires, ensuring adequate lighting for safe movement.

Optional Enhancements

• Integrate motion sensors to keep lights on as long as movement is detected.
• Customize light color or brightness based on time of day.
• Add voice announcements via smart speakers when the doorbell is pressed.

Recommended Components

Source Examples

• Home Assistant (youtube)