Abstract:
The present invention concerns an apparatus comprising an antenna module and a control module. The antenna module may be configured to connect and send data to a local network and a mobile handheld device through a wireless connection. The control module may be configured to provide (i) a physical connection to the antenna module, (ii) a power source to an external device, and (iii) a camera sensor to capture still and motion pictures and sounds of a surrounding environment of the apparatus. The pictures may be sent as the data through the wireless connection or through a mobile handheld device.

Description:
This application relates to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/684,310, filed Aug. 17, 2012, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/783,474, filed Mar. 14, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/790,865, filed Mar. 15, 2013, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to security cameras generally and, more particularly, to a method and/or apparatus for implementing an Internet Protocol security camera connected light bulb/system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional light bulbs are passive devices with (at most) simple sensors (light or motion) to help turn the light bulb on or off. Basic Wi-Fi connected light bulbs allow users to control a light bulb from Wi-Fi connected devices. Such systems do not have signals from the light bulb to the users to help the users decide how to control the light bulb. Hence, the control functions would be limited to simple algorithms such as time-based on-off and random on-off timings. 
     Conventional security cameras need to access an electrical outlet for power. Such systems do not provide any solution if there is no electrical outlet. Often times, especially in an outdoor installation, electrical outlets are not available. Adding a new electrical outlet for a residential home or a small business can cost more in time and money than an average cost of security camera hardware. 
     Disadvantages with conventional systems are significant. A simple light bulb with one way communication cannot be intelligent. Another disadvantage of conventional security cameras is that they do not provide a solution when there is no power outlet. 
     It would be desirable to implement an IP (internet protocol) security camera connected light bulb to provide an intelligent light bulb/system with two way communication of sound and/or images that allow imaginative ways of controlling lighting with security features. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns an apparatus comprising an antenna module and a control module. The antenna module may be configured to connect and send data to a local network and a mobile handheld device through a wireless connection. The control module may be configured to provide (i) a physical connection to the antenna module, (ii) a power source to an external device, and (iii) a camera sensor to capture still and motion pictures and sounds of a surrounding environment of the apparatus. The pictures may be sent as the data through the wireless connection or through a mobile handheld device. 
     The objects, features and advantages of the present invention include providing a security camera that may (i) receive power from a socket of an outdoor light, (ii) provide a wireless connection to a computer network, (iii) be cost effective to implement and/or (iv) provide intelligent control to a light bulb/system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims and drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of an example embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an alternate diagram of an example of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a more detailed diagram of the camera module; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  are examples of the camera module including the housing of a lightbulb; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram of an alternate implementation of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of a distributed implementation; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of an example installation; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of an adapter; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing an example installation in an outdoor light; 
         FIG. 10  is a more detailed diagram of the installation of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an outdoor light with the invention installed; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram showing an installation on a typical house; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a side mount installation; and 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating an installation with a flood light. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a system  50  is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system  50  generally comprises a camera module and sensor (with or without a lens)  100 , a bulb  102 , a lens module  104 , an optional battery  106  (since DC power is provided from the light bulb), a number of detachable power and/or control wires  108   a - 108   b , a bendable and rigid pipe (to provide structural support of 100 and 104), a light bulb socket for all popular bases  110 , an antenna  111 , a Wi-Fi adapter/router  112 , a phone, tablet, PC, or TV display interface  114 , and a cloud storage and/or computation/analytic of images  120 . The cloud storage  120  may be the Internet, a local area network, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, etc. 
     The connection between the lens sensor  104  and the camera  100  may be implemented as a number of wires (a standard interface for lens module to cell phone circuitry) that may run at high bandwidth, and usually very short distances ( FIG. 3 ). The wires may be implemented in the same chassis as the camera  100 . A speaker and/or microphone may be included in the lens  104 . The camera  100  and/or lens  104  may be outside of a light shade  140  ( FIGS. 4A-4B ) if the shade  140  is opaque. 
     The camera module  100  may include a complete camera (e.g., without battery and display), but with the video circuitry, the antenna  111 , a speaker and/or a microphone. The camera  100  may minimize manufacturing costs by maximizing the amount of circuitry that fits in the camera module  100 . The camera  100  may fit in several different mounting configurations (e.g., with and without light bulb integration). 
     A number of configurations may be implemented (e.g., the circuit  100  being mounted inside the light bulb  102  and/or outside the light bulb  102 ). In one example, the camera circuit  100  may be mounted inside the light bulb  102  as a small circuit board. Circuitry inside the light bulb  102  may be used to control the intensity and/or color of the bulb  102 . The camera circuit  100  may process either still pictures or video or sound captured from the lens  104 . 
     The antenna  111  may be designed to fit inside the camera module  100 . The antenna  111  may be implemented as a Wi-Fi antenna. In one example, a GoPro Wi-Fi backpack may be implemented, which is normally about 2 inches wide. In one example, the Wi-Fi frequency may be 2.5 Ghz, with ¼ wavelength of around 31 mm (e.g., 1.2 inches). A standard inexpensive omni-directional antenna  111  may be as simple as a wire of a 1.2 inch length and that may fit inside a small (e.g., a 1.5 inch diameter) camera module  100 . To optimize the antenna  111  with higher gain, a cable (e.g., more than 3 inches) may be included as the antenna  111 . 
     The control signals from the camera  100  to the light bulb  102  may include ON/OFF, intensity and/or color control. In one example, an array of LED lights may be implemented to provide changes in intensity and/or color. An array may be used to generate specific colors (e.g., white). Other colors may be implemented to meet the design criteria of a particular implementation. 
     In  FIG. 5 , an example is shown where the camera  100  and the light bulb  102  are controlled by users without going through the cloud  120 . A smartphone or tablet application may control the camera  100  and/or the light bulb  102 , via Wi-Fi, bluetooth, etc. In one example, a voice command (or hand clapping) may be used to control the camera  100  and/or the light bulb  102  (although not likely for outdoor). In another example, a separate remote control may be implemented (e.g., Wi-Fi, bluetooth, IR, etc.). 
     The Wi-Fi antenna  111  may be included inside the camera  100 , similar to other Wi-Fi connected devices. A very small Wi-Fi connected HD camera module (e.g., with a 1.5 inch diameter and 0.75 inch thickness) may attach to many different sockets/mounts for different uses and/or models. The light fixture  102  is just one of several mounts. 
     In one example, a cable  130  (see  FIG. 2 ) may range from zero length (stealth, likely in front of the light bulb to avoid glare), to as much as 12 inches (or more) for positioning and/or aiming of the lens  104 . The cable  130  may provide power, ground, and a control signal to turn the light bulb  102  on/off and change intensity and/or color. The lens  104  and/or the camera  100  may include all or part of the electronics needed. The particular camera features implemented in the lens  104  and/or the camera module  100  may be varied to meet the design criteria of a particular implementation. The cable  130  should be rigid and/or bendable. 
     In one example, the socket  110  may have 5 or more cable sockets (e.g., 4 sides and 1 at the front). The cable  130  may be removable from the bulb  102  and/or the camera  100 . The cable  130  may be removable such that different lengths may be substituted to meet the design criteria of a particular implementation. 
     The camera  100  may be configured to take control of one or more of a number of light bulbs connected to a common power switch on the wall. A typical front door of a house usually has one or two light fixtures. Indoor lights often have multiple light bulbs controlled by one wall switch, especially ceiling lights. To control the other light bulbs without a camera, Wi-Fi connected light bulbs may be implemented. The wall switch controlling the receptacle is normally left “on” to power the electronics in the bulbs  102  and/or the camera  100 . 
     The receptacle  110  may be varied to meet the design criteria of a particular implementation. The receptacle  110  may be designed to cover a variety of popular light bulb configurations with different bases (e.g., an A19 is the most popular). The system  50  may operate with LED bulbs and/or Compact Florescent bulbs and/or other types of bulbs (e.g., HID, etc.). The system  50  may operate with a high quality speaker (e.g., a 1.5 inch diameter) and/or a microphone module that may attach to or be integrated to the back of the camera  100 . 
     The system  50  may be used to control an advanced light bulb (e.g., LED, CFL, etc.) by a miniature security camera circuit  100 . The control functions may be automated by the signals received by the camera  100 , or may be controlled manually by users with access to the images and/or sounds from the camera  100 . A variety of Internet connected devices (such smart phones) may be used to control the system  50 . The system  50  may provide an immediate benefit of providing electrical power to the camera  100  through the existing light fixture  110  where the light bulb  102  would fit. The additional benefits of controlling a light bulb  102  with images and/or sound from the camera  100  may become important as users learn about the possibilities. 
     The system  50  may solve several problems by integrating an advanced light bulb  102  (LED, CFC, etc.) with an advanced and/or miniature security camera  100 . One problem solved is to provide true intelligence to a light bulb  102  when approached by a person and/or an animal. The light fixture  110  (e.g., in a residential home) is usually placed where strangers and/or animals will likely visit. When a stranger and/or an animal is detected by the security camera  100 , an alert may be sent to the home owner. The home owner may instruct the light bulb  102  to operate in a friendly manner (e.g., low intensity and/or rhythmic) or in a hostile manner (e.g., high intensity and/or dissonant). In addition, a microphone and/or speaker of the security camera  100  may allow a home owner to enhance the communication through voice and/or sound. Another problem that the system  50  may solve is that the light fixture can provide power to the security camera through the integrated light bulb. In outdoor residential environment, there is usually no power outlet and/or home-owners generally do not like to run external power cords over the house walls. 
     In one example, all of the signals from a Wi-Fi connected light bulb and/or an Internet controlled security camera may be controlled by a PC or a web-service in the cloud or a web-based (or portable) computing device. For example, a PC software program may be used to control both the light bulb  102  and/or the security camera  100 . In one example, such PC software may include a facial recognition module. Such a facial recognition module may be used to identify and/or sort out friendly people and/or animals from unfriendly people and/or animals. Friendly people may trigger certain sounds, while unfriendly people may trigger other sounds. In one example, an RFID detector module may be included on the camera module  100 . Such an RFID detector module may identify whether a particular person is carrying an RFID transmitter that is identifiable by the camera  100 . In such a case, an identified person may be presented with familiar lighting sounds. An unidentified person may receive unfriendly sounds (e.g., an alarm, etc.). 
     In one example, the camera module  100  may include storage for pre-recorded voice messages and/or music for playback that may depend on the particular image/sound/voice input received. For example, unwanted animals (e.g., raccoon, gofer, herons, etc.) may be detected and may be scared away by human voice or other predator voice. Other animals, like hummingbirds and/or squirrels, may be attracted by mating sounds. Another example may be a voice instruction for delivery personnel at front doors. In one example, such pre-recorded messages may be updated from the cloud storage  120  via Internet connection. Such images/sounds input may be processed and/or matched with images in the cloud-service and/or analysis may generate appropriate voice messages or music for playback. The latency in response must be minimized and managed. Such messages may be real time (live) from the user watching the image through internet connection. Such voice/music output may be replaced or combined by the algorithm/instruction to control the LED array intensity and/or color of the same light fixture. The system  50 , with the camera module  100 , may support conventional landscaping lighting fixtures (e.g., 12 volt DC light bulbs). The circuitry may be simpler if dedicated to a landscaping low voltage DC lighting fixture rather than to a traditional AC voltage. Alternatively, the circuitry may be made to support both traditional AC voltage (120 volt) and/or low voltage DC such as 12 volt. 
     In outdoor settings when there is no wireless internet network, the system  50  may use the camera  100  to control a light bulb, but may work with “ad hoc Wi-Fi network” supported by the camera and/or a hand-held device, such as a smartphone, tablet, etc. A sample usage model is to install an IP security camera with light bulb control in a place where there is no wireless internet network, and if needed, also install Wi-Fi controlled light bulbs that are connected to the same power switch. A user may then control the camera and the light bulbs with a hand-held device via ad hoc Wi-Fi or bluetooth wireless connection. The camera  100 , with instruction from a user, may then proceed to control the light bulb  102  for visitors and/or visiting animals. An image captured by the camera  100  may be downloaded directly to a hand-held device which may later upload to the cloud storage  120 . Alternatively, removable storage in the camera (e.g., memory cards) may be removed and inserted into a computer to upload the recorded content to the cloud storage  120 . 
     The system  50  may provide two way communication circuitry in a light bulb, and/or power and/or signals from a light bulb to a miniaturized security camera. Application software may provide intelligence to a light bulb. Innovative placements of the camera  100  with respect to a high intensity light bulb in a closed environment may be used to avoid glare and/or provide optimal lighting to the camera  100 . 
     The system  50  may provide value in the home security camera market. About half of the DIY (Do It Yourself) security camera market does not have an easy way to connect to a power outlet. The system  50  may save homeowners easily $200 in value by simplifying the installation process. The DIY security camera market is about 3 million units per year in the US and is predicted to grow to about 12 million units per year by 2016. With the system  50 , about half of such units can save $200 per unit in installation cost, which translates to about $300M in 2012 and $1.2B in 2016. 
     The system  50  may also provide intelligence (e.g., communication, etc.) in the light bulb  102 . The system  50  may allow users to communicate to strangers and/or animals in a creative way by combining lighting and/or sound with two-way signals. 
     Various electronics and/or capabilities may be included in the light fixture  110  adapter instead of in the light bulb  102 . The advantage of such an installation is the compatibility with all types of light bulbs (e.g., LED light bulbs, etc.). The adapter  110  may provide a) DC voltage (e.g., 5 volts) for the camera and/or b) wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, RF, etc.) and/or c) dimmer control circuitry. 
     The camera  100  may integrate various communication channels in hardware and/or software to provide various base-station capabilities of a security monitoring system. For example, Wi-Fi communication to a Wi-Fi router may enable communication with the Internet. In another example, an ad-hoc Wi-Fi communication with similar cameras or monitoring devices may be implemented. RF transceivers (e.g., FM channels around 315 MHZ, 433 MHZ, etc.) may be implemented to communicate with other monitoring devices such as smoke detectors, water sensors, thermostats, carbon-monoxide detectors, PIR motion detectors, key pads, sirens, etc. Cellular circuitry may be used to communicate with external cell towers. The cellular circuitry may enable communication with central security monitoring services and/or the Internet, as well as a backup channel if the Wi-Fi communication fails. A landline telephone communication channel may be implemented. A landline may enable low cost and/or redundant communication with a central security monitoring service. 
     The system  50  may augment vision with one or more sensors  160   a - 160   n  (e.g., IR, PIR, sonar, audio detection, doorbell sound, and/or doorbell signal) to improve the detection of a person. The sensors  160   a - 160   n  may be placed in the housing of the processor module  100  along with a speaker  170 . Other modules may be placed nearby. The performance of the system  50  may be improved by placing the sensors  160   a - 160   n  in positions with better angles and/or by implementing more of the sensors  160   a - 160   n  to provide inputs to the processor module  100 . 
     The camera/processor module  100  may include a bracket  180  to attach to a light fixture  110  via a mounting screw connecting the system  50  to the wall mounting fixture. A threaded neck of a security light may be connected to the wall mounting fixture  180 . A removable nut at the top of a light fixture  110  may be implemented where the camera module  100  is connected to the light bulb  102  for power and/or control. 
     The system  50  may control the activation of security deterrence by implementing (i) harsh flashing of the light bulb  102 , (ii) a loud siren, (iii) pepper spray, (iv) tear gas, or (v) other deterring actions and/or sounds. In one example, an automatic announcement may be implemented to deter tampering and/or theft of the system  50  by detecting close proximity of a person (e.g., a predetermined range, such as 2 feet, etc.). For example, a sample announcement such as “Do not tamper with this camera. Your pictures have been stored and may be uploaded to the appropriate authority” may be implemented. 
     In one example, an automatic announcement when a visitor is detected by the system  50  may be made. The announcement may provide time for the homeowner and/or trusted neighbors/friends to answer a phone call placed by the system  50 . An example of such an announcement may be, “Hi, how can we help you? We are home but not expecting a visitor at this time.” 
     In one example, the gooseneck camera  130  may be mounted to one of the mounting screws  182  and/or  184  of the light fixture  110 . Such wall mounting screws are normally standard in most fixtures in the United States. The sensor module  104  may be mounted in the front. The sensor module  104  may be as small as 0.5 inches in diameter for HD video. For example, an implementation such as an “endoscopy inspection camera” may be used. 
     The processor module  100  may be located at the mounting end of a housing with the mounting screws  182  and/or  184  by using a micro-coax cable. In one example, the processor module  100  may be stored together with the sensor module  104  in the front in a large housing (e.g., 1.5 inch diameter, etc.). The interconnect to the light bulb  102  may be another wire that runs underneath the cap of the light fixture. Another configuration is to attach the processor module  100  at the back of the light fixture  110 . If the processor  100  is mounted inside the light fixture, the need to separate out a Wi-Fi antenna  190  and/or keep the antenna  190  outside to avoid shielding problems from the light fixture may be minimized. 
     In one example, a selection of background sounds made by a strong human voice may be mixed in with the voice of the homeowner or trusted neighbors/friends when answering the phone call placed by the camera. Such background voices and/or noises may provide a deterring effect by appearing to a potential intruder that several people are home. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the system  50  is shown with the lens/sensor/processor  100  integrated into the light fixture  110  during manufacturing of the light fixture.  FIG. 7  shows two different ways to integrate the apparatus  50  into a light fixture. The first implementation integrates into the light fixture wall mount base. The second implementation integrates inside the light fixture (e.g., on the top or somewhere in the bottom part of the light fixture). The lens/sensor module  100  generally needs some way to pass signals from the enclosure, which may be done with the telescoping gooseneck connection  130  that may support high speed interconnect to the control module  100 . A Wi-Fi antenna may also be placed outside the enclosure for optimal range of communication. In addition, the audio speaker and/or microphone may be integrated in the light fixture or as a separate module. 
     An industrial design of the camera module  100  may be improved using such an integration process. For example, the speaker  170  and/or a microphone  192  may be separated as an option since the light fixture  110  is often mounted too high for two way intercom communication. In one example, two-way voice communication may be connected to the processor module  100  through wireless communication such as RF signals. Such two-way voice intercom may be placed close to a doorbell. 
     The apparatus  50  may include the camera control module  100 , the camera lens/sensor  104 , and an audio speaker/microphone intercom. The camera control module  100  may be located in a wall-mounted base  200 . In an alternate embodiment, the control module  100  may be located in the roof of a building  220 . The camera/lens sensor module  100  may be connected to the control module  100  with a telescopic gooseneck connector, typically through a high speed interconnect. The audio speaker/microphone intercom may be integrated into a light fixture, or may be implemented as a separate intercom module with the wireless communication. The system also includes securing brackets  230  and  232 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a DC power and control implementation is shown.  FIG. 8  shows an adapter  240  that shows one end implemented as a standard A19 screw thread for the standard E26/E27 base socket. The other end is a smaller base, like E10 or E5. The adapter  240  provides a place to mount the electronics, DC power source and/or wireless communication interface. The adapter  240  may be implemented in a compact fashion. The adapter  240  may allow the apparatus  50  to be with standard light bulbs and to be implemented at a lower cost. The adapter  240  may support E5 to E27, as well as new bases (e.g., a GU24 base, etc.). 
     A screw end  250  may be compatible with an A19 type standard bulb fixture. A base  260  may be implemented to accept a smaller, more modern type of bulb, such as an E26/E27, or an E10 or E5 type fixture. A cavity  270  may be implemented to store the electronics module  100 , a DC low voltage power supply, and/or a wireless communications module, etc. 
     The audio signal may be wirelessly transmitted to a separate audio intercom. In one example, a speaker and/or a microphone may be optionally powered by a battery. Such a configuration may be desirable to allow optimal placement of an audio communication and video recording and sensing. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , an example mounting of the apparatus  50  in an outdoor light is shown. A connection piece  300  is shown. The connection piece  300  may be implemented, in one example, as an adhesive. In another example, the connection piece  300  may be a hook and loop fastener. 
       FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  12  show various novel and effective ways to mount the camera apparatus  50  to an existing outdoor light fixture  302 .  FIG. 9  shows using a hook and loop fastener  300  to tie the clamp to the side of the light fixture  302 .  FIG. 10  shows how a power/control connector  150  is inserted into a LED light bulb using an adapter (e.g., as in  FIG. 8 ). A typical implementation of the connector  150  may be implemented as a mini-USB connector.  FIG. 12  shows how the hook and loop connectors  300  may be clamped by the lighting fixture  302  to securely mount the camera  100  to the light fixture  302 . The clamping action is novel and effective. The light fixture  302  may screw or clamp down the loose ties from the camera apparatus  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a wireless speaker and microphone implementation is shown. A module  320  may wirelessly connect to the module  100 . By implementing a wireless module  320  for the intercom, additional placement flexibility may result.  FIG. 11  shows a desirable configuration to allow optimal placements of audio communication and video recording/sensing. The example in  FIG. 11  shows an indoor video camera configured to look outside of a house through a window (e.g., through the lens sensor  104 ), and/or wirelessly communicate with a separate outdoor audio intercom powered by batteries. Such an embodiment shows an indoor video and outdoor audio intercom. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , an alternate installation is shown. A light fixture may screw or clamp down the ties from the camera apparatus by using simple adhesives for easy mounting. For example, the camera module  100  may include a glue tape (e.g., 3M, Scotch, etc.) to attach the light fixture  110  and/or the system  50  to a wall. A connection to the light bulb  102  (or the adapter  240 ) may be used for power and/or control. The system  50  may be used to control the light bulb  102  in order to eliminate the need for an independent IR light source in the camera during night time by (i) automatically turning on or increasing light intensity of the light bulb  102  when there is insufficient lighting for the camera module  100  to perform, and/or (ii) having an IR light source in the light bulb  102  of the light fixture  110 . 
     The light fixture may screw into a clamp down bracket. A thin tie down may be used to secure a camera. In one example, a velcro-like tie down may be used. Such an implementation is useful when an LED light is integrated into the light fixture  110  and there will be no availability for a replacement of the bulb  102 . In addition to the light bulb  102  and/or the light fixture  110 , in one example, a separate two-way intercom (speaker and microphone) communicating to the video camera via wireless communication, such as RF or Wi-Fi, may be implemented. Such an implementation may be useful in crime prevention, such as burglaries. The system  50  may be mounted high up under the eaves or with the light fixture, whereas the two-way intercom module may be located at head level and/or near a doorbell. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a side mount installation is shown. In a flush mounted light fixture, one of the fixture mounting screws may be used to anchor a bracket  250  that may be used to connect the gooseneck camera too. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a flood light type installation is shown. In a spotlight installation, most spotlights have a nut that may be used to position a bracket  260 . The bracket  260  may allow positioning of the camera. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.