A light switch camera system comprises a toggle switch for turning a light on and off, the toggle switch having a central bore; a camera positioned within the central bore for capturing video images; a control unit coupled to the camera for receiving the video images captured by the camera and for controlling at least temporary storage of at least a portion of the video images; and a wireless unit coupled to the control unit for communicating the wireless images to a wireless media capture server.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to home automation, and more particularly provide camera, microphone, security, repeater, intercom, conferencing and/or remote control systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Installation of typical security systems on a premises, e.g., home or work, requires a security company to visit the premises and install security cameras and a controller. Installation of the security cameras and controller often requires an electrician to wire power lines to the cameras, which for a quality installation requires opening walls, running wires, and patching/painting the walls. This increases the cost and acts as a financial and practical limit to the number and location of cameras to be installed on the premises.

Further, most security cameras are positioned at the border of the wall and ceiling so that they are relatively inconspicuous. This means that most home security cameras capture video images from a downward angled perspective, which makes it more difficult to capture faces.

SUMMARY

A light switch system comprises a toggle switch for turning a light on and off, the toggle switch having a central bore; a camera positioned within the central bore for capturing video images; a control unit coupled to the camera for receiving the video images captured by the camera and for controlling at least temporary storage of at least a portion of the video images; and a wireless unit coupled to the control unit for communicating the wireless images to a wireless media capture server.

The camera may be able to pivot. The wireless media capture server may include a persistent store. The wireless media capture server may send the video images to a remote store. The remote store may be accessible by a mobile device. The wireless media capture server may send the video images to a mobile device. The light switch camera system may further comprise an activation control unit configured to activate the camera based on a predetermined condition. The light switch camera system may further comprise a response unit for responding to a predetermined condition. The light switch camera system may include a persistent store. The wireless media capture server may include a security mechanism for controlling access to captured content. The security mechanism may include configurable password protection associated with the light switch camera system. The wireless media capture server may include a response unit for responding to a predetermined condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A data capture and response system may be incorporated into conventional premises devices, such as light switches, smoke alarms, thermostats, and power outlets. Replacing the conventional premises devices with integrated devices comprising capture and response systems adds significant convenience, particularly because the typical premises already has power to the locations of these conventional premises devices. That is, most premises already have power lines wired to the light switches, smoke alarms, thermostats and power outlets. Separate wiring is thus typically unnecessary.

Further, the height, location and direction of many light switches, thermostats and power outlets are often ideal for capturing direct images of faces of individuals on the premises. In addition, each room may offer several alternative locations from which the premises owner or manager can select. For example, a bathroom may have at least one light switch and several outlets at convenient heights, locations and directions. A kitchen may have several light switches and several outlets at convenient heights, locations and directions. Each bedroom has at least one light switch at a convenient height, location and direction.

By replacing one or more conventional premises devices in a room with integrated devices, the premises owner or manager can easily retrofit the premises with an attractive, effective and convenient security system, cameras, microphones, intercoms, remote control systems, conferencing systems, wireless repeaters, etc. These integrated devices may offer additional or alternative benefits such as video and/or audio surveillance, enhanced wireless reach, remote control of computing devices, remote access to computer support functions (such as Siri), remote conferencing and integrated device intercommunication.

It will be appreciated that some integrated devices (such as a door peephole system) may be battery operated and not electrically powered.

FIG. 1shows a light switch system100comprising a capture and response system (seeFIG. 4) integrated into a light switch housing102, per some embodiments. As shown, the light switch system100may include a camera and/or microphone106positioned centrally to a decora-style rocker-type toggle switch104, so that a user's fingers will generally avoid touching the camera and/or microphone106when the user is turning the lights on and off. In other embodiments, the light switch system100may have the camera and/or microphone106positioned in other locations (e.g., above or below a flip-type switch), as a replacement of one of the power plug receptacles of a single power outlet, or on a thermostat. As shown, the light switch system100includes a bore108for receiving the camera and/or microphone106, so that the camera and/or microphone106is not touched or moved when the user toggles the toggle switch104. In some embodiments, the light switch system100may include a pivot mechanism, e.g., a ball and socket joint, to enable the camera106to be manually redirected for better video capture of a room. In some embodiments, the camera106may be controlled for pan, tilt and zoom and may be able to move within the bore108. It will be appreciated that some embodiments may not have a microphone, and some embodiments may not have a camera.FIG. 4shows details of a capture and response system as disposed inside the light switch housing102.

In some embodiments, the light switch system100may communicate with a capture and response server (seeFIG. 5A) that serves the video and/or audio to a remote store and/or to a computing device, e.g., an iPhone phone or a Samsung Galaxy phone, located anywhere. In some embodiments, the light switch system100and a computing device may communicate with the capture and response server to enable various intercommunication functions, such as intercom, video conferencing, video on demand, audio on demand, etc. In some embodiments, the light switch system100may communicate (without a capture and response server) through a router with a remote store and/or with a computing device, e.g., an iPhone phone or a Samsung Galaxy phone, located anywhere (seeFIG. 5B). In some embodiments, the light switch system100and the computing device may communicate directly to enable various intercommunication functions, such as intercom, video conferencing, video on demand, audio on demand, etc.

In some embodiments, the light switch system100may be configured to capture video and/or audio when motion and/or sound is detected. In some embodiments, the light switch system100may be configured to receive and/or send remote control commands from and/or to other devices, e.g., a computing device, a door peephole system200, a smoke alarm300. In some embodiments, the light switch system100may be configured to enable an audio and/or video conference function with a computing device and/or other integrated devices. Other embodiments, e.g., as described with reference toFIG. 4, are also possible.

FIG. 2shows a door peephole system200that includes a capture and response system (seeFIG. 4) integrated into a system housing218. As shown, the door peephole system200includes a camera with an elongated lens202configured to be fed through a door peephole (not shown) in a door. A microphone204may also be positioned outside the door peephole. In some embodiments, the door peephole system200includes camera control208coupled to the camera with the elongated lens202and coupled to a display such as an LCD screen214and/or to a wireless communication unit206. In some embodiments, the door peephole system200includes audio control210coupled to a microphone204and a speaker212and/or to the wireless unit206. A power source such as a battery or electrical connection216powers the components of the door peephole system200.

The wireless communication unit206may communicate with a capture and response server that serves the video and audio to a remote store and/or to a mobile device, e.g., an iPhone phone or a Samsung Galaxy phone, located anywhere. In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit206and a computing device may communicate with the capture and response server to enable various intercommunication functions, such as intercom, video conferencing, video on demand, audio on demand, etc. (seeFIG. 5A). In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit206may communicate (without the capture and response server) through a router with a remote store and/or to a computing device, e.g., an iPhone phone or a Samsung Galaxy phone, located anywhere (seeFIG. 5B). In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit206and a computing device may communicate directly to enable various intercommunication functions, such as intercom, video conferencing, video on demand, audio on demand, etc.

The camera control208may be configured to capture audio and/or video when motion and/or sound is detected outdoors. The door peephole system200may be configured to receive and/or send remote control commands from and/or to other devices, e.g., a smart phone, a light switch system100, a smoke alarm300. In some embodiments, the door peephole system200may be configured to enable an intercom feature with a mobile phone and/or other integrated devices. In some embodiments, the door peephole system200may initiate a call, send a text, or link to a computing device, e.g., when motion and/or sound is detected. Other embodiments, e.g., as described with reference toFIG. 4, are also possible.

FIG. 3shows a smoke alarm system300that includes a capture and response system (seeFIG. 4) integrated into a smoke alarm housing304. The smoke alarm system300may include a camera and/or microphone302similar to the camera and/or microphone106of the light switch system100.

The smoke alarm300may communicate with a capture and response server that serves the video and/or audio to a remote store and/or to a mobile device, e.g., an iPhone phone or a Samsung Galaxy phone, located anywhere. In some embodiments, the smoke alarm system300and a computing device may communicate with the capture and response server to enable various intercommunication functions, such as intercom, video conferencing, video on demand, audio on demand, etc. (seeFIG. 5A). In some embodiments, the smoke alarm system300may communicate (without the capture and response server) through a router with a remote store and/or with a computing device, e.g., an iPhone phone or a Samsung Galaxy phone, located anywhere (seeFIG. 5B). In some embodiments, the smoke alarm system300and a computing device may communicate directly to enable various intercommunication functions, such as intercom, video conferencing, video on demand, audio on demand, etc.

The smoke alarm system300may be configured to capture audio and/or video when motion and/or sound is detected. The smoke alarm system300may be configured to receive and/or send remote control commands from and/or to other devices, e.g., a computing device, a light switch system100, a door peephole system200. In some embodiments, the smoke alarm system300may be configured to enable an intercom feature with a computing device and/or other integrated devices. In some embodiments, the smoke alarm system300may initiate a call, send a text, or link to a mobile phone, e.g., when motion and/or sound is detected, when smoke is detected, or the like. Other embodiments, e.g., as described with reference toFIG. 4, are also possible.

In some embodiments, the light switch system100, door peephole system200and/or smoke alarm system300may cooperate with each other. For example, in some embodiments, the door peephole system200may instruct the smoke alarm system300to sound the an alarm when the door peephole system200recognizes an alarm condition, e.g., someone tampering with the door peephole system200, someone tampering with the lock or doorknob, someone blocking/blinding the camera lens, the sound of breaking glass. In some embodiments, the door peephole system200may instruct one or more light switch systems100to turn on the lights. Similarly, the light switch system100may instruct the smoke alarm system300to sound the alarm if a condition is met. Such conditions may include detecting a flashlight, activation of the light switch, blocking/blinding the lens, motion, sound, etc. when a security feature is enabled. Further, the smoke alarm system300may instruct the light switch system100and/or door peephole system200to capture video and/or audio and/or to initiate an emergency verbal broadcast over an integrated speaker when the smoke alarm system300detects smoke/carbon monoxide or other emergency condition.

FIG. 4shows details of a capture and response system400, in accordance with some embodiments. The capture and response system400may be integrated into a premises device such as the light switch system100, the door peephole system200, the smoke alarm system300and/or other premises devices such as power outlets.

The capture and response system400includes a power source402, such as a battery, electrical, or electrical with battery backup, in some embodiments.

The capture and response system400includes a system controller403. In some embodiments, the system controller403is configured to control configuration of the capture and response system400. In some embodiments, the system controller403is configured to control activation and/or deactivation of functions, communication functions (e.g., IP addresses), server operations, etc.

The capture and response system400includes a camera404, a video control unit406, a video screen416and/or a store420, in some embodiments. The video control unit406may control the camera404to capture video and control transmission of the captured video to other devices (e.g., to an iPhone phone or a Samsung Galaxy phone). The video control unit406may also control presentation on the video screen416of video, possibly from the other devices or possibly the captured video (e.g., the video captured through the door peephole system200). The video control unit406may also control the transmission of the captured video to the store420for storage, e.g., until the video is transferred to the capture and response server (seeFIG. 5A). In some embodiments, the store420for storing video can be wired and/or wireless and can be remotely located. In some embodiments, the video screen416can be wired and/or wireless and can be remotely located.

The capture and response system400further includes a microphone408, an audio control unit410and/or a speaker418, in some embodiments. The audio control unit410may control the microphone408to capture audio and control transmission of the captured audio to other devices (e.g., to an iPhone phone or a Samsung Galaxy phone). The audio control unit408may also control presentation on the speaker418of audio, possibly from the other devices or possibly the captured audio (e.g., the audio captured through the door peephole system200). The audio control unit408may also control the transmission of the captured audio to the store420for storage, e.g., until the audio is transferred to the capture and response server (seeFIG. 5A). In some embodiments, the store420for storing audio can be wired and/or wireless and can be remotely located. In some embodiments, the speaker418can be wired and/or wireless and can be remotely located.

The capture and response system400includes a communication unit412. In some embodiments, the communication unit412is capable of communicating with the capture and response server for transmitting the video and/or audio data to the server (seeFIG. 5A). In some embodiments, the communication unit412is capable of communicating the video and/or audio data through a router with a computing device (seeFIG. 5B) or store, in some embodiments. The communication unit412may be capable of communicating with other devices, e.g., to pass commands and/or to pass video and/or audio data therebetween.

In some embodiments, the communication unit412may communicate wirelessly. In some embodiments, the communication unit412may communicate via the power lines. In some embodiments, the communication unit412of some of the capture and response systems400may be configured to communicate using the power lines and the communication unit412of some of the capture and responses systems400may be configured to communicate wirelessly. In some embodiments, the communication unit412of the capture and response systems400proximate to a wireless router, a wireless repeater (which may be one of the capture and response systems) and/or another capture and response system400may be configured to communicate wirelessly. In some embodiments, the communication unit412of the capture and response systems400that cannot wirelessly connect with a wireless router, with a wireless repeater and/or with the communication unit412of another capture and response system400may communicate through the power lines, e.g., with the communication unit412of a capture and response system400capable of communicating with the wireless router or the capture and response server (seeFIG. 5A). Other communication combinations are also possible.

The capture and response system400may include a wireless repeater424in some embodiments, e.g., to support WiFi on the premises, to support passing of video and/or audio being sent to a computing device, to support passing of commands to other devices such as a mobile phone or another integrated device. The wireless repeater424may be part of or integrated with the communication unit412.

In order to save battery life and reduce data transfer demands, the capture and response system400may include an activation control unit414. The activation control unit414may activate the camera404and/or the microphone408based on a variety of trigger conditions and possibly based on the type of device within which it is integrated. In some embodiments, the activation control unit414includes a sensor for sensing a change in an ambient condition and/or an event. For example, the activation control unit414in a light switch system100may activate the camera404and/or microphone408when motion and/or sound is detected, when the light is turned on, when a flashlight is detected, upon user request and/or upon an instruction from another integrated device. The activation control unit414in a door peephole system200may activate the camera404and/or microphone408when motion and/or sound is detected, when the door bell rings, upon user request and/or upon an instruction from another integrated device. The activation control unit414in the smoke alarm system300may activate the camera404and/or microphone408when motion and/or sound is detected, when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, upon user request and/or upon an instruction from another integrated device. In some embodiments, the activation control unit414may enable directionality of motion capture, e.g., to capture only motion occurring above four feet (or other height) to avoid capturing motion of pets. Similarly, the activation control unit414may be capable of determining the difference between pet motion and human motion.

The capture and response system400may also include a response unit422that responds to what it detects, e.g., by passing video and/or audio data therebetween, turning on lights, sounding alarms (e.g., the smoke alarm of the smoke alarm system300), calling the police or fire department, sending an alert to the home owner, ringing the user's mobile phone, unlocking the door, activating another integrated device, in some embodiments. Some responses may be done by the capture and response server (seeFIG. 5A), in response to an instruction by the capture and response system400, upon evaluation of the video and/or audio data and/or the source of the communication, or the like.

In some embodiments, the activation control unit414may receive a voice command. For example, the voice command may be a verbal instruction to a computer support feature, e.g., to Siri or Cortana. The voice command may be a verbal instruction to control another wireless device, such as a wireless thermostat. The response unit422may instruct the communication unit412to forward the instruction to Apple Computer or Microsoft servers directly or via a mobile phone (whether on or off the premises). The activation control unit414may await a response from the communication unit412, which provides the response function (e.g., presentation of a video and/or audio response, activation of music download, initiating a telephone call, initiating an application on the mobile phone, confirmation of the completion of the command).

In some embodiments, the voice command may be a verbal instruction to a computing device, e.g., a mobile phone, to make a phone call and enable the phone call through the capture and response system400.

In some embodiments, the system controller403may be capable of receiving configuration commands from bar codes, QR codes, or other graphical and/or audio input. For example, an application running on a computing device (e.g., a computing device and/or the capture and response server ofFIG. 5A) may request premises information, capture and response system information, user preferences, functions desired, username/passwords, WiFi passwords, and/or the like. The application may generate audio and/or video code that can be inputted at each of the capture and response systems400. For example, the application may generate a QR code for each capture and response system400. The QR code can be displayed on a wireless phone. The user can hold the wireless phone in front of the camera404of each capture and response system400, which will enable the wireless phone to capture the QR code, convert it to configuration information and configure itself. In some embodiments, the system controller403may be configured through a configuration user interface accessible via a login address or WiFi site.

In some embodiments, the store420may store video and/or audio corresponding to a particular capture and response system400that is encrypted and/or password protected. Each capture and response system400may be encrypted and/or password protected with a different password, so that only the persons with a right to view the captured video and/or audio can access the captured video and/or audio, and share the captured video and/or audio when necessary (e.g., an emergency situation).

In some embodiments, the security system426turns all of the capture and response systems400on the premises on to monitor for alarm triggers. A user can go to any of the integrated devices on the premises and enter an instruction into the security system426to activate or deactivate the monitoring. The instruction may be voice operated or operated from the application on a computing device. The instructions may be biometric, such as facial recognition of any of the faces of persons residing at the premises. The instructions may include holding up a dynamic key that is shown on the user's phone, e.g., a temporary key (e.g., a graphic, QR code, bar code, number) that has only temporary ability to control the deactivation of the security system426. The key generator may be on a mobile phone. In some embodiments, the instruction may be passed to the security system426via an RFID tag, NFC communication, etc., and therefore, only entry of an authorized person could deactivate the security system426.

FIG. 5Ashows details of a network system500that embodies several capture and response systems400. As shown, the network system500includes N capture and response systems400(shown as capture and response system400a, capture and response system400b, capture and response system400c. . . capture and response system400n) in wireless communication with a capture and response server502. The capture and response server502is coupled to a computer network506such as the Internet, and possibly includes or is coupled to a standard wireless router504. The capture and response server502may be configured to communicate and/or stream information securely to a remote store508and/or a computing device512(e.g., a wireless smartphone, a smart television, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet). The computing device512may include an application (e.g., an app)514that cooperates with the capture and response systems400. Details of the capture and response server502are shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 5Bshows details of a network system550that embodies one or more capture and response systems400that cooperate with a computing device512(with an application514), without a capture and response server502. As shown, the network system550includes one or more capture and response systems400coupled via a wireless router504, which in turn is coupled to a computer network506such as the Internet. The capture and response system400may be configured to communicate and/or stream information securely to a remote store508and/or computing device512. The application (e.g., an app)514may be configured to cooperate with the capture and response systems400.

FIG. 6shows details of the capture and response server502in some embodiments. As shown, the capture and response server502includes server controller600capable of activating and deactivating the functions thereon. The server controller600may be capable of obtaining configuration details from a user and of generating configuration codes to configure the capture and response systems400, as discussed above. The capture and response server502includes a communication unit602configured to communicate with the capture and response systems400and/or with the application514on the computing device512. The communication unit602may also provide WiFi services in cooperation with wireless repeaters424that may be integrated in the capture and response systems400. The communication unit602may be capable of communicating with the capture and response systems400using the power lines to which the capture and response systems400may be connected. The capture and response server502may include a content (e.g., video and/or audio) store604, and a content server606for transmitting (e.g., streaming) content to the remote store508and/or the computing device512.

The content and response server502may include secure input/output (I/O)608to support ensuring that private information remains private. In one embodiment, each capture and response system400may include a different password protected file of captured content so that the captured content can be maintained as private and only disclosed by the persons who have the passwords. For example, the parents' room may be secured by a password known only to the parents, a kid's bedroom may be secured by a password known only to the kid, etc. In some embodiments, two sets of passwords may be required so that the content may only be reviewed if two separate entities (e.g., the parents and the room occupant) enter the passwords.

The capture and response server502may also include a response unit610that may call police, call the fire department, send an email or an alert to the computing device512, call the computing device512, lock or unlock a door, activate an alarm, relay a command to a target device, transmit content from one component to another, etc. The response unit610may respond based on an instruction from a capture and response system400, upon a trigger condition, upon evaluation of content and/or the source of the content, and/or upon other conditions. In some embodiments, the response unit610may be capable of instructing one or more of the capture and response systems400to activate and/or deactivate functions.

FIG. 7shows details of an application514in some embodiments. The application includes a device controller702, a communication unit704, a video controller706, an audio controller708, a store manager710, a configuration controller712, a response unit714, and a key manager716.

The device controller702operates to activate and/or deactivate functions of the capture and response systems400and/or functions of the capture and response server502.

The communication unit704is capable of communicating over a wired or wireless connection to the capture and response systems400, to the capture and response server502and/or to the remote store508.

The video controller706may be capable of receiving video content and playing back the video content received.

The audio controller706may be capable of receiving audio content and playing back the audio content received. In some embodiments, the audio controller706is further capable of transmitting audio content back to the capture and response systems400and/or to the capture and response server502. The audio content transmitted may be used to control the capture and response systems400and/or the capture and response server502, and/or for presentation by one or more of the capture and response systems400.

The store manager710may be capable of configuring the remote store508, the store420, and/or the server content store604. The store manager710may be capable of retrieving content from the remote store508, the store420, and/or the server content store604. The store manager710may be capable of managing passwords for the content associated with each of the capture and response systems400.

The configuration controller712may operate to assist in configuring the capture and response systems400and/or the capture and response server502. In some embodiments, the configuration controller712is capable of generating configuration commands in the form of bar codes, QR codes, or other graphical and/or audio input. For example, the configuration controller712may request premises information, capture and response system information, user preferences, functions desired, username/passwords, WiFi passwords, and/or the like. The configuration controller712may generate audio and/or video code that can be inputted at each of the capture and response systems400. For example, the configuration controller712may generate a QR code for each capture and response system400. The QR code can be displayed on a wireless phone. The user can hold the wireless phone in front of the camera404of each capture and response system400, which will enable the wireless phone to capture the QR code, convert it to configuration information and configure itself.

The response unit714may operate to analyze content for trigger conditioning meriting an automated response, e.g., a call to the police, a call to the fire department, a sounding of one or more premises alarms, an initiating of recording of content by one or more of the capture and response systems400. The response unit714may provide the user with a convenient user interface to enable the user to activate an appropriate response, e.g., a call to the police, a call to the fire department, a sounding of one or more premises alarms, an initiating of recording of content by one or more of the capture and response systems400.

The key manager716may operate to generate temporary keys, to configure RFID or NFC devices to support activation/deactivation of the security system426, etc.