Blind Spot Monitoring Device

A blind spot monitoring device includes a housing, a chipset, a power source, a plurality of focused-beam illuminating units, a camera unit, and at least one sensor. The chipset is internally mounted within the housing, and the power source is integrated onto the housing. The plurality of focused-beam illuminating units is mounted onto the housing and functions a spotlight for the camera unit that is mounted onto the housing. The sensor is mounted onto the housing and continuously monitor the surveillances area. The chipset, the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units, the camera unit, and the sensor are electrically connected to the power source so that the blind spot monitoring device can be powered from the power source. The plurality of focused-beam illuminating units, the camera unit, and the sensor are electronically connected to the chipset so that the blind spot monitoring device can be programed and operated.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a security monitoring device and a security camera system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-functional security monitoring device and a security monitoring system that includes a plurality of the security monitoring device. The present invention is specifically designed for providing effective security monitoring for residential premises. However, the present invention is not limited to this option, and it may further be adapted for different purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, video security systems are widely used for security monitoring and surveillance in any type of facility, in order to ward off criminals, monitor building premises, and record footage of events if necessary. A typical video security system comprises a plurality of security cameras that are located around an area, such as at each corner of a residential building. These cameras connect into a closed circuit television network that transmits the captured image data to a television monitor for real-time viewing or to a recording device (or a could server) for storage.

However, several drawbacks are associated with the existing video security systems and camera devices. For example, existing video security systems usually serve the sole purpose of monitoring a specific area. Typically, responsive to detecting unauthorized entry and/or movement at a house or business, the system generates an audible alarm and/or notify the user of the unauthorized entry and/or movement. The user cannot effectively interact with the video security system. Moreover, existing camera devices normally have a limited field of view (“FOV”) and thus cannot cover a larger area than what may be covered by the FOV. Furthermore, many camera devices are unable to identify a moving object (e.g., a person) and keep track of the moving object. The present invention aims to solve some of these problems by disclosing a smart security monitoring device and system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a smart security monitoring device that can be installed at a location of interest. The smart security monitoring device has a unique design such that it can provide a wider FOV. Moreover, the smart security monitoring device is provided with a plurality of light illuminators that are capable of being oriented to a moving object such that high-quality images may be captured. A second aspect of the present invention provides a security monitoring system that comprises a plurality of the smart security monitoring devices described herein.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a blind spot monitoring device that is designed for security monitoring and surveillance. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a monitoring device having a broader and deeper field of vision (FOV) and keep track of a moving object. As shown inFIGS. 1-3, the present invention comprises a housing1, a chipset5, a power source6, a plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7, a camera unit8, and at least one sensor13.

In reference to the general configuration of the present invention, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, the housing1functions as the main structural body so that the rest of the sub-components can be positioned in relation to the housing1. The chipset5is internally mounted within the housing1so that the chipset5can receive generated signals and collected data, process the signals and data, and control the sub-components (e.g., the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7and the camera unit8) based on the received and processed signals and data. The power source6is integrated onto the housing1and enables the present invention to be electrically powered. The plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7is mounted onto the housing1so that a beam of light can be provided when necessary. The camera unit8is mounted onto the housing1to keep track of a moving object. The plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7and the camera unit8are adjacently positioned of each other to optimize the functionality of each of those components. The sensor13is mounted to the housing1so that the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7and the camera unit8can be activated upon any types of physical occurrences that are detected through the sensor13. In reference toFIGS. 5-6, the chipset5, the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7, the camera unit8, and the sensor13are electrically connected to the power source6so that the present invention can be electrically powered. The plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7, the camera unit8, and the sensor13are electronically connected to the chipset5thus allowing the chipset5to operate the present invention.

In reference toFIGS. 2-4, the housing1comprises a lateral panel2, a front panel3, and a rear panel4. Although in the illustrated embodiment of the housing1is shaped into a rectangle body with a curved bottom, any other suitable shapes are also contemplated. The front panel3and the rear panel4are oppositely positioned of each other about the lateral panel2, wherein the lateral panel2is perimetrically connected around the front panel3. The rear panel4is mounted to the lateral panel2so that the internal space of the housing1can be easily accessed via the removal of the rear panel4.

In reference toFIGS. 2-3andFIGS. 5-6, the sensor13functions as an activation switch within the present invention. The sensor13can include, but is not limited to, a motion sensor, a smoke sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or any other industry standard sensors. Preferably the sensor13is mounted to the lateral panel2to provide a cover wider range of monitoring area. However, depending upon the type of sensor, actual location of the sensor13can change into the front panel3and/or the rear panel4. For example, when a motion-activated sensor is utilized as the at least one sensor13, at least two motion-activated sensors are mounted to the housing1for maximum coverage. Preferably, a first motion-activated sensor is mounted to the front panel3to cover the front-side of the present invention. A second motion-activated sensor is mounted to the rear panel4to cover the rear-side of the present invention. When a temperature-activated sensor is utilized as the at least one sensor13, the temperature-activated sensor is mounted to the lateral panel2and a bottom end of the housing1for early detection of any temperature changes. Furthermore, the power source6is electrically connected to the sensor13so that the electrical current can be supplied to the sensor13. The chipset5is electronically connected to the sensor13so that the chipset5is able to receive and process generated data and signals from the sensor13.

The camera unit8is configured to capture images of the monitoring area of interest and preferably mounted onto the front panel3as shown inFIGS. 1-2andFIGS. 5-6. As a result of the fixed connection between the front panel3and the lateral panel2, the camera unit8is also able to provide a firm connection to the housing1through the front panel3. The camera unit8may be visible-light digital cameras, infrared cameras, or any other suitable industry standard cameras. In the illustrated embodiment, the camera unit8comprises a primary camera and two secondary cameras for capturing higher-definition images. Furthermore, the power source6is electrically connected to the camera unit8so that the camera unit8can be electrically powered. The chipset5is electronically connected to the camera unit8so that the chipset5is able to receive data and signals of the camera unit8or upload data into the camera unit8.

The plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7is configured to provide a beam of light to the monitoring area of interest and preferably mounted onto the front panel3as shown inFIGS. 1-2andFIGS. 5-6. As a result of the fixed connection between the front panel3and the lateral panel2, the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7is also able to provide a firm connection to the housing1through the front panel3. The plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7may be oriented to project visible light in a certain direction, such that when the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7is turned on, the resulting light beams create a spotlight that tracks the moving object. Furthermore, the power source6is electrically connected to the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7so that the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7can be electrically powered. The chipset5is electronically connected to the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7so that the chipset5is able to upload data into the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7.

The power source6is configured to provide electric power to the electronic components of the present invention. Preferably, the power source6may be a rechargeable battery that is internally mounted in between the front panel3and the rear panel4. However, the power source6of the present invention can also be a power inlet that is powered from an external power supply.

In reference toFIGS. 7-8, the present invention may further comprise a swivel rotation mechanism9and a mounting bracket12so that the housing1can be mounted to an existing mounting surface. The mounting bracket12is connected to the lateral panel2of the housing1through the swivel rotation mechanism9so that the housing1can rotate 360° horizontally and tilt 90° backward and forward. More specifically, a swivel rotation mechanism9comprising a first rotational axis10and a second rotational axis11as shown inFIG. 1. The first rotational axis10and the second rotational axis11provide two different rotational axis for the housing1to eliminate any possible blind spot within the monitoring area. In other words, mounting bracket12functions as the structural body that secures the housing1to the existing mounting surface. Once the housing1is mounted via the mounting bracket12, the mounting bracket12maintain a stationary position. Resultantly, the housing1is able to radially rotate around the first rotational axis10, wherein the housing1can be rotated up to 180 degrees as shown inFIG. 8. The housing1is also able radially rotate around the second rotational axis11, wherein the housing1can rotate 360 degrees as shown inFIG. 7. Furthermore, the second rotational axis11concentrically traverses through the mounting bracket12, the swivel rotation mechanism9, and the housing1in such a way that the second rotational axis11is positioned perpendicular to a contact surface of the mounting bracket12that presses against the existing mounting surface. The first rotational axis10is positioned perpendicular to the second rotational axis11and traverses through the mounting bracket12. In other words, the first rotational axis10centrally positioned in between the front panel3and the rear panel4and further delineates 90 degrees angle from the second rotational axis11. The swivel rotation mechanism9is electrically connected to the power source6and electronically connected to the chipset5so that appropriate drive mechanisms (e.g., actuators, motors, etc.) that facilitate the rotational and tilting capabilities of the swivel rotation mechanism9can be electrically powered and operated.

In a preferred exemplary scenario, when an individual walks into the monitoring area, the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7can follow the individual and illuminate their path as they enter or leave the monitoring area. Also, the plurality of focused-beam illuminating units7allows the camera unit8to capture sharper and clearer images. Both of these aforementioned functionalities are accomplished via the swivel rotation mechanism9as the housing1can be horizontally rotate 360 degrees and vertically rotate up to 180 degrees.

The present invention may optionally comprise a storage medium that may include one or more memory devices or electro-mechanical storage devices and associated logic (e.g., implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both) for storing and accessing data and information (e.g., video footage) in the one or more memory or electro-mechanical storage devices. The one or more memory or electro-mechanical storage devices may include various types of volatile and non-volatile memories and storages, such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Programable Read-Only Memory), and other devices for storing digital information.

In reference toFIG. 3andFIGS. 5-6, the present invention may further comprise a wireless module14that is mounted within the housing1. The wireless module14is electrically connected to the power source6and electronically connected to the chipset5so that the present invention is able to wirelessly communicate with other user interface such as smartphones, electronic tablets, and a plurality of the smart security monitoring devices. The wireless module14is configured to interface and communicate with other external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, etc.). The wireless module14may be configured to support various communication standards and protocols for home networking, for camera networking, for wireless networking (e.g., the IEEE 801.11 Wi-Fi standards, the Bluetooth™ standard, the ZigBee™ standard), for general wired networking (e.g., Ethernet), and/or for other types of networking.

A user may remotely control the present invention via an app installed on his/her user interface device such as smartphones, electronic tablets, and a plurality of the smart security monitoring devices. In an exemplary scenario, the user may wirelessly link the present invention to their social media account thus allowing the present invention to access a user profile on the social media account. Furthermore, the server is configured to use facial recognition technology to identify if an intruder captured by the camera unit8is associated with the user profile or not. If the intruder is identified within the user profile of the social media account, a first specific alarm may be sounded to indicate that a known intruder has entered the monitoring area. If the intruder is not identified within the user profile of the social media account, a second specific alarm may be sounded to indicate that an unknown intruder has entered the monitoring area wherein the second specific alarm is different from the first specific alarm.