Patent Application
20180191931
The present disclosure relates generally to video camera-enabled systems, devices, and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to electronic cameras that have threaded electrical receivers for insertion into an exterior light socket, and associated systems, devices, and methods, particularly as applied to home security system implementations.
Communications networks are commonly used to enable end devices such as computers, servers, cameras, memory devices and the like to communicate with each other and/or to communicate with remote devices via one or more external telecommunications links. These networks include, among other things, communications and connectors (also referred to herein as “connector ports”) that are used to interconnect the end devices, as well as network switches and routers that are used to route communications between the end devices. The network switch routes data signals that are transmitted from the end device toward their intended destinations (e.g., to other end devices, an external network, etc.), and likewise routes incoming data signals to the end device, as appropriate.
Security systems employing cameras have long been used by businesses and other organizations as a way to provide security and privacy. In many cases, security systems are not an easy add-on to a home. As a result, most security systems that use cameras are too complex and expensive for a user to implement in a home setting. Additionally, many after-market security systems are not easily integrated into a home without appearing out-of-place or creating a poor aesthetic. Home security is particularly important when the user needs to answer the doorbell, has small children, or is away from the home temporarily or for extended periods of time. Existing security systems are not easily integrated and do not allow efficient access to security content in or away from the home. For example, using conventional Ethernet cables that have a generally circular cross-section for purposes of providing data and electrical connectivity to a home security camera, it is typically necessary to drill a hole in the home's wall at the camera installation location for feeding the Ethernet cable through. Thus, wireless systems may be preferable in many instances. However, the manner in which such wireless systems obtain their electrical power, in the prior art, has heretofore proven less-than-desirable.
As such, there is a continuing need in the art for systems and methods that allow for improved installation of wireless-enabled home security cameras. Moreover, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and background.
The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to security cameras that include a threadable power member that is configured to be insertable and receive power from a standard light socket (depending on size) and associated systems, devices, and methods, particularly as applied to home security system implementations. In one exemplary embodiment, disclosed herein is a security camera system includes: an IP camera that comprises a threadable power connection; a mounting/positioning apparatus connected to the IP camera that physically connects the IP camera to a building structure at an exterior portion of the building structure, wherein the mounting/positioning includes a light socket for supplying power to the IP camera; optionally a WiFi bridge that is electrically connected to an interior power outlet of a building structure; and a wireless router that wirelessly connects with the WiFi bridge for the transmission of data between the wireless router and the WiFi bridge, or the IP camera. The IP camera receives power from the light socket, but transmits its video signal via WiFi to the bridge or the wireless router, for example. Thus, no wired connection is needed from the exterior of the house or building into the interior thereof.
In another exemplary embodiment, a method for implementing a camera system includes providing a wireless camera that comprises a threadable power connection and connecting the wireless camera to a mounting/positioning apparatus so as to physically connect the wireless camera to a building structure at an exterior portion of the building structure. The mounting/positioning apparatus comprises a light socket for supplying electrical power to the wireless camera. The method further includes positioning a wireless router to be located within the building structure and activating the wireless router to wirelessly connect with the wireless camera for the transmission of data between the wireless router and the wireless camera.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The disclosed embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to cameras receiving their power from a light socket and associated systems, devices, and methods, particularly as applied to home security system implementations. While a “home” security implantation is described herein, the disclosure is readily extendable to other security camera implementations, such as business, commercial, or other implementations on buildings. In an embodiment, a home security camera is installed on an exterior portion of a user's house or business. A first security camera is provided and configured to provide a wireless data signal, using an electrical connection from a light socket, which may be an exterior light socket. The home security camera may be mounted and installed along the exterior of the house/business.
The security camera may optionally connect to a WiFi bridge that is plugged into a power outlet of the house for purposes of enhanced connectivity, and connects wirelessly to an internet/WiFi router in the house for purposes of data connectivity. In some implementations, the security camera connects wirelessly to the WiFi router without the need for a bridge, in instances where the router is in close enough physical proximity to the exterior-mounted security camera for purposes of achieving a sufficient WiFi signal. Communication may, in some embodiments, be secure on the outside of the house to block any intruders from accessing the home network by disconnecting the outdoor light socket from the camera and connecting to their PC. This is accomplished by secure hardware cryptography locking the bridge/router to the camera. The outdoor portion is powered by the light socket connection and sends data via wireless connection, for example the bridge or router, as the case may be.
Referring now to
Many houses, or buildings in general, include exterior lighting, such as light socket 202. Exterior lighting is generally facilitated by the insertion of light bulbs into light sockets, which supply the power to light bulbs. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the camera 201 is designed so as to receive power from a light socket as may be found at the exterior of a house or building. As is known in the art, a light socket generally includes a threaded receptacle with an electrical connection at the base thereof. Thus, in some embodiments, a security camera such as camera 201 may include a threaded member, in the manner of the base portion (the electrical power receiving portion) of a conventional light bulb, or a CFL bulb, or an LED bulb, or the like. The base portion is threaded to be receivable into the aforementioned threaded receptacle. Thus, in this manner, where a building includes an exterior light socket 202, the camera 201 of the present disclosure may receive power (for example, in place of a conventional light bulb).
For example,
The foregoing-described system may be part of a broader wireless home security and/or home automation system. As is generally known in the art, wireless networks are typically advantageous over their wired counterparts, because they eliminate the need for stringing lengths of wire around a network site. This is especially useful in a home or enterprise security system in which multiple surveillance cameras and various sensors may be strategically placed around, both inside and outside, the home or office. Wireless networks further have the advantage that they cannot be easily circumvented by merely cutting the wired connections to network devices. One conventional technique for adding a new device to a home network requires user input to provide configuration information. For example, a user can purchase a wireless device that is, typically, initially configured as an access point (AP) device. The user can use their mobile device to identify this AP device on their WiFi network and enter a password. The wireless device/AP device requests configuration information from the user of the mobile device, for example, a home router network service set identifier “SSID” and password. The user provides the requested information through the mobile device using an appropriate application. The wireless device/AP device is rebooted as a client device. An association is then made and the IP device is coupled to the home network.
While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described and methods of preparation in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/441,303, filed on Dec. 31, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62441303 | Dec 2016 | US |
