GB2530242A

GB2530242A - Monitoring apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2530242A
Application number: GB1411602.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pierre Borello; Adam Goldwater; Lee Goldwater
Original assignee: GOLDWATER TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Current assignee: GOLDWATER TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-28
Filing date: 2014-06-28
Publication date: 2016-03-23
Also published as: GB201411602D0

Abstract

A monitoring system comprises video encryption devices 302a, 302b, etc connected to a network 303. Each encryption device has a (e.g. night vision) camera to capture data and an encryption module for encrypting the captured data. Plural electronic devices 304a, 304b, etc, e.g. mobile telephones, receive the encrypted data via the network. A server 305 connects to the video encryption devices and receives data from the video encryption devices. The electronic devices are authorised to receive the encrypted data from one of the encryption devices such that, when in use, each video encryption device transmits encrypted data to a single authorised electronic device and the server. A web based interface may activate any one of the video encryption devices for a specified period. Each encryption device may act as an access point, creating a mesh network. The system may be applied to monitoring unattended, e.g. sleeping, children or vulnerable adults while parents or guardians, for example, are using facilities in leisure environments such as hotels, cruise ships and holiday locations.

Description

Monitoring Apparatus

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a monitoring apparatus and a method of monitoring a specified area.

2. Description of the Related Art

In leisure environments, such as hotels, cruise ships and holiday locations, parents often wish to enjoy the leisure facilities available while being able to leave their children sleeping without having to be in attendance.

Services such as babysitters or listening services via telephone systems are presently used to keep track of children's health and safety, although parents Is may be reluctant to leave children with unknown babysitters or rely on the ability of staff in such leisure environments.

Monitoring systems such as closed circuit television systems in which a series of cameras communicate with a server or digital video recorder (DVR) to monitor events are known. These systems are usually hard wired into the building and used to prevent or investigate criminal activity.

Alternative systems such as baby monitors, baby alarms or similar are also used in practice, but are often one way audio devices which provide restricted monitoring and have a limited range.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a monitoring apparatus, comprising: a plurality of video encryption devices connected to a network, each said video encryption device comprising a camera configured to capture data and an encryption module for encrypting said data; a plurality of electronic devices configured to receive said encrypted data, each electronic device connected to said network; a server configured to connect to said plurality of video encryption devices and receive data from each said video encryption device; wherein each said plurality of electronic devices are authorised to receive said encrypted data from one of said video encryption devices such that, when in use, each video encryption device transmits encrypted data to a single authorised electronic device and said server.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring a specified area comprising the steps of: connecting a plurality of video encryption devices to a network, each said video encryption device comprising a camera which captures data and an encryption module; connecting said plurality of video encryption devices to a server; capturing monitoring data to each said video encryption device; encrypting each said captured data to produce encrypted data by utilising each said encryption module; connecting a plurality of electronic devices to said network; transmitting each said encrypted data to said server; and transmitting encrypted data from one of said video encryption devices to a single one of said plurality of electronic devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a typical scenario illustrating a leisure environment; 3.

Figure 2 shows a parent or guardian utilising an aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 shows the monitoring apparatus in diagrammatic form; Figure 4 shows the video encryption device in further detail; Figure 5 shows an example o an interface in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 shows a further embodiment in accordance with the present invention; Figure 7 shows a method of monitoring a specified area; and Figure 8 shows a method by which data is transmitted to an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 A typical scenario of a leisure environment is shown in Figure 1. Hotel room 101 presents a specified area which is provided with a monitoring apparatus comprising a video encryption device 102 in accordance with the present invention. Hotel room 101 includes a plurality of beds 103 which are suitable for children 104 to sleep in.

In this illustrated scenario, parents or guardians often wish to leave their children to sleep while they enjoy the facilities provided elsewhere in the leisure environment. Monitoring apparatus 102 provides adequate support for a parent or guardian to enable the parent or guardian to leave children physically unattended but still able to be monitored.

Video encryption device 102 is configured to capture data which is then transmitted to an electronic device of a parent, guardian or similar, which is described further in Figure 2.

It is appreciated that while the example shown is of a hotel room, the monitoring apparatus disclosed herein may also be used on cruise ships, hospitality areas and other environments where it is desirable to monitor persons. It is further appreciated that the apparatus is not limited to children but is also appropriate for vulnerable adults or other members of society.

Figure 2 A parent or guardian 201 is shown in Figure 2 utilising an aspect of the present invention. Parent 201 uses an electronic device 202 to access data captured by video encryption device 102. Parent 201 therefore is able to monitor the children in hotel room 101 without having to be present in the room itself.

In this illustrated embodiment,, electronic device 202 is a mobile telephone which is configured to run a software application to enable viewing of captured data. In alternative embodiments, electronic device 202 is any suitable handheld computer such as a Smartphone, laptop, tablet computer or similar.

The software application is suitable for known mobile phone operating systems such that the application may be downloaded from the internet before being configured for use. A pairing process is then performed to ensure that a secure connection is created and that only an authorised person is able to access the data sent from a particular video encryption device. The software application is then configured to allow electronic device 202 to interact with the video encryption device and control it accordingly.

Figure 3 Monitoring apparatus 301 is shown in diagrammatic form in Figure 3.

The apparatus comprises a plurality of video encryption devices 302 connected to network 303. In the embodiment, each video encryption device 302 is positioned in a different room or area. In this illustrated embodiment, network 303 is a local area network. It is appreciated however, that other suitable networks may be used in further embodiments.

Video encryption devices 302 are configured to connect wirelessly over the network 303. In a further embodiment, connection is made via an Ethernet cable. Further connection types are also possible for connecting the device to the network in alternative embodiments.

Monitoring apparatus 301 also includes a plurality of electronic devices 304 (such as those previously described by way of example in Figure 2) which are also connected to network 303. Each of the electronic devices 304 are configured to receive encrypted data so as to be able monitor activity occurring in a particular area. However, each electronic device 304 is authorised to interact with a single video encryption device 302 only.

Monitoring apparatus 301 also includes a server 305 and interface 306. Server 305 is connected to the plurality of video encryption devices so as to receive data from the video encryption devices 302. Server 305 is physically connected to network 303 and activates each video encryption device 302 as it becomes available. In an embodiment, server 305 also includes capabilities to provide image analysis and optimisation of bandwidth. In an alternative embodiment, video encryption device 302 is also configured to provide image analysis and optimisation of bandwidth.

In an embodiment, interface 306 is a web-based interface configured

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to allow authorised access to data which is transmitted to server 305.

Interface 306 is also capable of activating any one of video encryption devices 302 for a specified period, as will be explained in further detail in Figure 5. Interface 306 is described as being a web-based interface however, in a further embodiment, the interface is made available by suitable alternative software which may be installed on a computer system.

Each video encryption device 302 is further configured to send data via the network 303 to enable communication between them such that the server is able to monitor bandwidth and optimise and adjust frame rates and resolution accordingly. Each video encryption device 302 comprises a camera configured to capture data and an encryption module for encrypting the data, as will be shown further in Figure 4.

Figure 4 A video encryption device 302 is shown in further detail in Figure 4.

Video encryption device 302 comprises a camera 401 which captures audio and/or video data as required. In an embodiment, captured data is streamed and transmitted to the electronic device without being stored to the video encryption device. However, in a further embodiment, data is captured and recorded to the video encryption device. Any such recorded data may be stored on the video encryption device or deleted after a specified period.

In an embodiment, camera 401 is a night vision camera.

Video encryption device 302 further comprises an encryption module 402 which is connected to a processor 403 to enable encryption. Processor 403 is also configured to control camera 401 so as to adjust the view and focus of the captured data.

Encryption module 402 is configured to encrypt and obfuscate video and audio locally before streaming the data to the electronic device.

Camera 401 includes a microphone 404, which receives audio data from the area in which the video encryption device is placed to capture data.

Camera 401 also includes a speaker 405 which allows audio messages to be played into the specified area. In an embodiment, such messages are stored within processor 303 and played into the hotel room or other specified area at given intervals or as requested. Alternatively, audio messages are sent from the electronic device via a parent or guardian and sent in response to activity that a parent or guardian has viewed.

Video encryption device 302 further comprises a motion detector 406.

Motion detector 406 is connected to camera 401 such that, when activated, on detection of motion in the specified area or hotel room, camera 401 is configured to send an alert to electronic device 304. The alert may be sent by text message, utilisation of a software application or similar.

In a further embodiment, an audio sensor is used to monitor sounds in the specified area and operates in a similar mariner, such that, when a sound is detected, an alert is generated and transmitted to the electronic device 304.

In an embodiment, video encryption device 302 is further configured to connect to peripheral devices in the specified area such as the hotel room such that, for example, video encryption device 302 can be used to switch on lights, television or other entertainment systems.

Figure 5 Figure 5 shows an example of interface 306. Web based interface 501 is provided to computer 502 which is configured to allow access to data transmitted from video encryption devices 302.

The web based interface 501 is connected to several video encryption devices 302 which are placed in alternative rooms or monitoring areas as illustrated in previous Figure 3. This allows a user 503 to provide additional monitoring of children or vulnerable adults subject to authorisation of the parent or guardian. To enable this, web-based interface 501 is configured to allow authorised access to data transmitted to the server 305 from video encryption devices 302.

In the embodiment, the interface includes a screen 504 which is configured to allow user 503 to monitor the video encryption devices 302 connected to the system. Additional video encryption devices can be added as required and further data can be viewed such as, but not limited to connection status, signal quality, bandwidth and data usage. Screen 504 further allows a user 503 to activate or deactivate any video encryption device when required.

A further screen 505 is also utilised. This screen allows user 503 to view video or audio data captured by the video encryption device subject to appropriate authorisation. Thus, if user 503 has been authorised to access a particular video encryption device by an authorised person (such as the parent or guardian), web based interface 501 can be used to activate the video encryption device in question for a specified time period as required.

Figure 6 A further embodiment in accordance with the present invention is shdwn in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a plurality of video encryption devices 601 which are substantially similar to those described in previous Figures 3 and 4.

Thus, the monitoring apparatus 602 comprises a plurality of video a encryption devices 601 which include a camera configured to capture data and an encryption device which encrypts the data. Monitoring apparatus 602 also includes a plurality of electronic devices 603 which receive the encrypted data from video encryption devices 602.

However1 in this embodiment, each video encryption device 601 is configured to act as a wireless access point so as to provide its own private network. In this way, in the absence of a suitable network or network 303 failing in some manner, video encryption devices 601 are able to create a mesh network with each other so as to avoid any drop out in communication between video encryption devices 601: and electronic devices 603. Thus, a continuous stream can be provided to electronic devices 603 even when network 303 is unavailable.

Figure 7 A method of monitoring a specified area is described in Figure 7. At step 701, a plurality of video encryption devices are connected to a network and an associated server. Each video encryption device then captures monitoring data at step 702.

Once captured, at step 703 the captured data is encrypted by the encryption module in each video encryption device. The encrypted data is transmitted to the server at step 704 which is then transmitted to a single authorised electronic device at step 705. As previously described, web-based interface is further connected to the network and also receives authorised access to the encrypted data transmitted to the server.

In an embodiment, encrypted data is transmitted directly from a video encryption device to an electronic device. In this particular embodiment, the server is utilised purely for authorisation between the video encryption device and the electronic device.

Figure 8 The method by which data is transmitted to an electronic device in an embodiment is described in Figure 8. At step 801, the electronic device (such as that previously described in Figure 2) initiates the method by running a software application so as to enable viewing of captured data from one of the video encryption devices.

Once the software has been initiated by a parent, guardian or other user, the electronic device is authorised at step 802 by the generation of a unique encryption key. At step 803, the authorised electronic device is paired with the allocated video encryption device such that, at step 804 encrypted audio and video data is transmitted to the electronic device.

The application is further configured on the electronic device to interact with audio and/or motion sensors of the video encryption device.

Thus, at step 805, when any such audio or motion is detected by the sensors, an alert is triggered which is transmitted to the electronic device to warn a parent or guardian of activity in the specified area. In the embodiment, alerts of this type are transmitted by text message, e-mail, software notification, phone call or any other suitable notification method.

In a further embodiment, the audio and/or motion sensors used take the form of analysis software which detects movement and audio. The software is configured to send alerts accordingly in a substantially similar manner to the physical sensors previously described. The software is further configured to adjust bandwidth such that, when motion and audio activity is low, bandwidth is reduced. On detection of increased activity therefore, bandwidth and frame rate of data is increased.

Claims

Claims Whatwe claim is: 1. A monitoring apparatus, comprising: a plurality of video encryption devices connected to a network, each said video encryption device comprising a camera configured to capture data and an encryption module for encrypting said data; a plurality of electronic devices configured to receive said encrypted data, each electronic device connected to said network; a server configured to connect to said plurality of video encryption devices and receive data from each said video encryption device; wherein each said plurality of electronic devices are authorised to receive said encrypted data from one of said video encryption devices such that, when in use, each video encryption device transmits encrypted data to a single authorised electronic device and said server.
2. A monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, said monitoring apparatus further comprising a web based interface connected to said network, said web based interface configured to allow authorised access to said data transmitted to said server.
3. A monitoring apparatus according to cLaim 2, wherein said web based interface is configured to activate any one of said plurality of video encryption devices for a specified period.
4. A monitoring apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each said video encryption device is configured to act as an access point such that a mesh network is created between said plurality of video 1.encryption devices.
5. A monitoring apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein any one of each said camera is a night vision camera.
6. A monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said electronic device is a mobile telephone configured to run a software application to enable viewing of said captured data.
7. A monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a motion or audio sensor.
8. A method of monitoring a specified area comprising the steps of: connecting a plurality of video encryption devices to a network, each said video encryption device comprising a camera which captures data and an encryption module: connecting said plurality of video encryption devices to a server; capturing monitoring data tc each said video encryption device; encrypting each said captured data to produce encrypted data by utilising each said encryption module; connecting a plurality of electronic devices to said network; transmitting each said encrypted data to said server; and transmitting encrypted data from one of said video encryption devices to a single one of said plurality of electronic devices.
9. A method of monitoring a specified area according to claim B, further comprising the steps of: accessing a web based interface from said network; and allowing said web based interface authorised access to said data transmitted to said server.
10. A method of monitoring a specified area according to claim 8, further comprising the step of: activating any one of said plurality of video encryption devices for a specified period.
11. A method of monitoring a specified area according to claim 8, wherein each said video encryption device is configured to act as an access point, and further comprising the step of: establishing a mesh network between said plurality of video encryption devices.
12. A method of monitoring a specified area according to claim 8, wherein any one of each said camera ié a night vision camera.
13. A method of monitoring a specified area according to claim 8, further comprising the step of: running a software application en said one of plurality of electronic devices to enable viewing of said captured data.
14. A method of monitoring a specified area according to claim 8, further comprising the step of initiating a software application on said one of plurality of electronic devices; authorising said electronic device; pairing said electronic device with a selected video encryption device; transmitting encrypted data to said electronic device.
15. A method of monitoring a specified area according to claim 8, wherein said step of capturing monitoring data to each encryption device is activated by a motion sensor in response to activity in the specified area.
16. A method of monitoring a specified area according to claim 8, wherein said step of capturing monitoring data to each encryption device is activated by an audio sensor in response to activity in the specified area.
17. A monitoring apparatus as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
18. A method of monitoring a specified arba as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.