Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
  • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
  • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
  • G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
  • G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
  • G08B13/19617—Surveillance camera constructional details
  • G08B13/19632—Camera support structures, e.g. attachment means, poles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
  • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
  • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
  • G08B13/19—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using infrared-radiation detection systems
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
  • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
  • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
  • G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
  • G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
  • G08B13/19617—Surveillance camera constructional details
  • G08B13/19619—Details of casing
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
  • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
  • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
  • G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
  • G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
  • G08B13/19617—Surveillance camera constructional details
  • G08B13/1963—Arrangements allowing camera rotation to change view, e.g. pivoting camera, pan-tilt and zoom [PTZ]

Definitions

• the present subject matter relates to mounts for security devices.
• security devices include, but are not limited to, motion sensors such as infrared motion sensors and ultrasonic motion sensors, security cameras such as still image cameras, visible wavelength video cameras, and cameras sensitive to invisible wavelengths such as infrared or ultraviolet, light beam interruption sensors, chemical detectors such as smoke alarms, carbon dioxide detectors, and explosive gas detectors, sound detection devices such as glass breakage detectors or
• Some security devices have specific mounting requirements and are mounted in a specific place and/or orientation to properly operate. Some security devices have a specific detection pattern or direction of sensitivity that is pointed in the proper direction to allow for detection of the threat from a specific location.
• Some security devices are designed to be used with a particular mount.
• One type of mount that is commonly used is a tilt and swivel adapter that is attached to a standard electrical junction box.
• Such a tilt and swivel mount allows the installer or user to change the azimuth and elevation of the security device to virtually any angle, providing a great deal of flexibility.
• Such a mount can be useful for some applications where a wide range of angles are needed for different installation situations.
• Some security devices are designed to operate at a specific angle for their azimuth and/or elevation.
• a specific mount is supplied with the security device to provide for the one specific angle.
• a security device to be mounted on a ceiling and designed to point straight down, so the mount is designed to hold the security device in that position and is provided with the security device.
• FIG. 1 A and IB show an embodiment of a motion sensor body on a mount, where the mount is oriented in a first orientation in FIG. 1A and in a second orientation in FIG. IB;
• FIG. 1C and ID show oblique views from the front upper right and the rear lower left, respectively, of the same embodiment of the motion sensor with the mount in the first orientation as shown in FIG. 1 A;
• FIG. IE shows a rear view of the embodiment of the motion sensor body of FIG. 1A-D;
• FIG. 2A and 2B show vertical cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a security apparatus mounted with its functional plane at two different fixed angles, respectively, as determined by the orientation of the mount;
• FIG. 3 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a security apparatus with a fixed azimuth angle
• FIG. 4 shows a rear view of another embodiment of a sensor body of a security apparatus similar to the security apparatus of FIG. 1A-D but with a fixed azimuth angle;
• FIG. 5A and 5B show horizontal cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a security apparatus set to two different azimuth angles
• FIG. 6A and 6B show horizontal cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment of a security apparatus set to two different azimuth angles
• FIG. 7A shows a vertical cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a security apparatus with the stem of the mount held in the socket by a snap-in mechanism
• FIG. 7B shows a rear view of the socket of the embodiment of the sensor body of the security apparatus of FIG. 7A;
• FIG.8 shows a side view and a top view of a detection pattern for an embodiment of a motion sensor
• FIG. 9A-C show a three view orthographic projection of an embodiment of a mount suitable for embodiments
• FIG. 9D and 9E show two different embodiments of covers for the mount of FIG. 9A-C;
• FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of mounting a motion sensor
• FIG.1 1 A and 1 IB show oblique views from the front upper right and the rear lower left, respectively, of an embodiment of a camera having a camera body and a mount;
• FIG. l lC shows a rear view of the embodiment of the camera body of FIG. 11A/B;
• FIG. 11D-G show side views of the embodiment of the camera of 11 A/B with the camera set to different elevation angles
• FIG. 11H and 11J show top views of the embodiment of the camera of 11 A/B with the camera set to different azimuth angles (FIG. I ll was skipped to avoid confusion);
• FIG. 12A and 12B show cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a security apparatus set to two different angles
• FIG. 13A and 13B show cross-sectional views of yet another alternative embodiment of a security apparatus set to two different orientations.
• FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of mounting a security apparatus.
• Magnetic material is a material that may be attracted to a magnet. Magnetic material may or may not remain magnetized without an external magnetic field. Examples of magnetic material include a magnet, steel, or other ferromagnetic materials.
• a magnet is a magnetic material that generates a magnetic field, or is magnetized, even if the magnet is not being subjected to an external magnetic field.
• a magnet may also be referred to as a permanent magnet.
• Ferromagnetic material for the purposes of this disclosure, including the claims, refers to a magnetic material that does not generate a significant magnetic field of its own, or is not magnetized, without the presence of an external magnetic field. Ferromagnetic materials are attracted to a magnet. Ferromagnetic materials may include iron, nickel, cobalt, and many of their alloys, such as many steel alloys, as well as some compounds of rare earth metals. For the purposes of this disclosure, ferromagnetic materials include ferrimagnetic materials that are attracted to a magnet.
• a security apparatus is an apparatus used for some type of security or monitoring application such as monitoring an area for some type of activity or event or providing an area with acoustical waves or electro-magnetic radiation such as radio waves, or light in the visible or invisible spectrum.
• a security apparatus include, but are not limited to, motion sensors such as infrared motion sensors and ultrasonic motion sensors, occupancy sensors, cameras such as still image cameras, visible wavelength video cameras, and cameras sensitive to invisible wavelengths such as infrared or ultraviolet, light beam interruption sensors, chemical detectors such as smoke alarms, carbon dioxide detectors, and explosive gas detectors, sound detection devices such as glass breakage detectors or microphones, water sensors, pressure sensors, speakers, ultrasonic transducers, infrared illumination sources, and visible light illumination sources.
• a security apparatus is a motion sensor designed to monitor an area of about 16' x 16' (about 5 meters squared) for minor body movement and an area of about 20' x 20' (about 6 meters squared) for major body motion.
• a mount is included to allow the motion sensor to be mounted within a one of two height ranges at the discretion of the installer: about 6' 6" - 8' 6" ( ⁇ 2m - 2.6m) or about 8' 6" - 11 ' 10" ( ⁇ 2.6m - ⁇ 3.6m). If the motion sensor is to be mounted in the higher height range, the mount is attached to the wall in a first orientation, but if the motion sensor is to be mounted in the lower height range, the mount is attached to the wall in a second orientation.
• the mount can be mounted along a vertical line on a flat wall or in a corner. Two holes can be drilled on the vertical line to accommodate the two mounting screw holes in the base of the mount.
• the mount is installed with the stem sloping downward and the "10°" marking upright.
• the mount is stalled with the stem sloping upward and the "5°” marking upright.
• the motion sensor will look like it is pointed about 10° down, but if the mount was installed in the second orientation, the motion sensor will look like it is pointed about 5° down. This is accomplished due to the elevation angle of the motion sensor being dependent on the angle between the socket and the horizontal plane of the motion sensor, the angle of the stem from horizontal, and the orientation of the mount.
• the example motion sensor can monitor an area about +/- 45° from its pointing direction for a total azimuth coverage range of about 90°. Thus, an entire room can be covered by mounting the sensor in one corner.
• the motion sensor can be mounted on a flat wall and an azimuth angle selected for the motion sensor by positioning the stem of the mount at an appropriate location within the socket.
• a security apparatus is a video camera designed to be mounted on a wall and pointed at a specific area of interest.
• the video camera includes a camera body that has a field of view dependent upon the lens and image sensor used for the camera body, and a socket on the opposite side of the camera body from the lens.
• the socket has a concave spherical dome shape made of steel that has been snapped into a cavity on the back of the camera body.
• the video camera also includes a mount that has a base designed to be attached to a wall with a stem extending from the base.
• the end of the stem is shaped to fit the shape of the concave spherical dome shape of the socket.
• the end of the stem has a surface area that is significantly smaller than the area of the socket so that the end of the stem can be positioned at many different places within the socket.
• the stem includes a magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, so that if the end of the stem is placed at a point in the socket, the end of the stem and the socket are magnetically attracted to one another.
• a user or installer can attach the mount to the wall using screws or some other attachment mechanism. Then the camera body is positioned with its field of view aimed at the area of interest by positioning the end of the stem in the socket at the appropriate place to aim the camera body. Once the stem is inserted into the socket at the appropriate place, magnetic force holds the camera body in the desired orientation, that is with the desired elevation angle and azimuth angle, to monitor the area of interest.
• a high friction surface treatment may be applied to the end of the stem and/or the socket so that normal vibrations and shock from things such as slamming a door do not cause the orientation of the camera body to change.
• FIG. 1A and IB show an embodiment of a motion sensor body 110 on a mount 120, where the mount 120 is oriented in a first orientation in FIG. 1A and in a second orientation in FIG. IB.
• FIG. 1C and ID show oblique views from the front upper right and the rear lower left, respectively, of the same embodiment of the motion sensor 100 with the mount 120 in the first orientation as shown in FIG. 1A.
• the motion sensor 100 includes the motion sensor body 110 and the mount 120, which is separable from the motion sensor body 110 and capable of being mounted in at least a first orientation or a second orientation.
• the motion sensor body 110 may include a top side 115 which is positioned at the top of the motion sensor body 110 when the motion sensor body 110 is in an upright position and configured for normal functionality of the motion sensor 100.
• the motion sensor 100 has a detection pattern extending from the front of the motion sensor body 110.
• the shape of the motion sensor pattern varies between embodiments, but in general is bounded on the top by a functionality plane of the motion sensor body which emanates from the front of the motion sensor body 110 at an elevation angle that typically is measured as some number of degrees from horizontal when the motion sensor body 110 is positioned with its top side 115 up.
• the motion sensor body 110 also includes a back side 111 that faces away from the detection area of the motion sensor 100.
• a socket 112 is recessed into the back side 111 of the motion sensor body 110 at an angle to the functionality plane which may be called a first angle. Any exterior portions of the socket 112 protruding from the motion sensor body 110 are considered a part of the back side 111 so even if the socket 112 does not extend past the plane of the flat part of the back side 111 into the motion sensor body 110, the socket 112 can be considered to be recessed into the back side 111 of the motion sensor body 110.
• the socket 112 includes a top wall 112T and a bottom wall 112B which are substantially flat, as well as a rear- facing surface 112R which may be curved and may include a magnetic material.
• the mount 120 includes a base 121 and a stem 122 which may be separate pieces or may be formed together as a single article.
• the base 121 is designed to be attached to a vertical wall 102 in either a first orientation as shown in FIG. 1 A or a second orientation as shown in FIG. IB. Any type of attachment can be used, according to the embodiment, including, but not limited to, glue, nails, tape, double-sided adhesive pads, magnetic attraction, or screws.
• a first screw hole 125 A and a second screw hole 125B in the base 121 can be used with screws to affix the mount 120 to the vertical wall 102.
• a substantially flat first side 122A of the stem 122 is facing up and a first end 121A of the base 121 is at the top of the mount 120 as shown in FIG. 1A.
• a substantially flat second side 122B of the stem 122 is facing up and a second end 12 IB of the base 121 is at the top of the mount 120 as shown in FIG. IB.
• the first side 122A is the opposite side of the stem 122 from the second side 122B.
• a first marking "A" 129A is upright, but in the second orientation of the mount 120, a second marking "B" 129B is upright.
• the markings can be any word, number and/or symbol and can be useful to the person attaching the mount 120 to the wall 102 to determine which orientation the mount 120 is in.
• a proximal end of the stem 122 is attached to the base 121, and a distal end of the stem 122 is formed to fit into the socket 112 with the first side 122 A and second side 122B in close proximity to the top wall 112T and bottom wall 122B of the socket 112.
• the distal end of the stem 122 includes a magnetic material, so the magnetic material is near the distal end of the stem 122.
• the stem 122 extends from the base 121 at a second angle from horizontal.
• the second angle can be any angle, depending on the embodiment, but in some embodiments, the second angle is between about 2 degrees and about 25 degrees, and in at least one embodiment, the second angle is about 2.5 degrees.
• FIG. 1A and FIG. IB show the motion sensor body 110 in an upright position and the stem 122 of the mount 120 inserted into the socket 112 where it may be held in place by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material in some embodiments.
• the angle of the motion sensor body 110 with respect to the mount 120 is set so that the functionality plane of the motion sensor body 110 is set at an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle plus the second angle.
• the angle of the motion sensor body 110 with respect to the mount 120 is set so that the functionality plane of the motion sensor body 110 is set at an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle minus the second angle.
• the first angle is the angle between the functionality plane and a central axis of the socket 112 and the second angle is the angle between the central axis of the stem 122 and horizontal when the mount 120 is affixed to a vertical wall 102.
• FIG. IE shows a rear view of the embodiment of the motion sensor body 110.
• the motion sensor body 110 has a top side 115 and a back side 111 with the socket 112 recessed into the back side 111.
• the socket 112 includes a curved rear- facing surface 112R between the top wall 112T and the bottom wall 112B, that in some embodiments includes a magnetic material, such as steel.
• the steel magnetic material snaps into a cavity on the back side 111 of the motion sensor body 110 to form at least part of the socket 112.
• the curved rear- facing surface 112R of the socket 112 is shaped as a section of a sphere with a given diameter, and the distal end of the stem 122 is shaped as a section of a sphere with a diameter about the same as the given diameter.
• the curved rear-facing surface 112R of the socket 112 is shaped as a section of a cylinder with a given diameter, and the distal end of the stem 122 is shaped as a section of a cylinder with a diameter about the same as the given diameter.
• the distal end of the stem 122 is positionable at a first location in the socket 112 to set the motion sensor body 110 at a first azimuth angle from the stem 122, and the distal end of the stem 122 is positionable at a second location in the socket 112 to set the motion sensor body 110 at a second azimuth angle from the stem 122.
• FIG. 2A and 2B show vertical cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a security apparatus 200 mounted with its functional plane 218 at two different fixed angles, respectively, as determined by the orientation of the mount 220.
• the security apparatus 200 includes a sensor body 210 and a mount 220.
• the security apparatus 200 can be any type of device used for a security application including, but not limited to, a camera of any type, a motion sensor, a light beam interruption sensor, a chemical detector, or a sound detector.
• the sensor body 210 includes a socket 212 is recessed into the sensor body 210 at a first angle 219 from a functionality plane 218 of the sensor body 210.
• the vector 230 shows the centerline of the socket 212 as well as the centerline of the stem 222.
• the socket 212 includes a first wall 212T and a second wall 212B opposite from the first wall 212T.
• the first wall 212T and the second wall 212B are substantially flat, and a distance from the first wall 212T to the second wall 212B at an inside portion of the socket 212 is less than a distance from the first wall 212T to the second wall 212B at an outside portion of the socket 212 so that the socket 212 is tapered.
• the functionality plane 218 extends from the sensor body 210 and may depend on the functionality of the security apparatus 200.
• the functionality plane 218 is a plane bounding the top of the detection pattern.
• the functionality plane is a plane bisecting a field of view of the camera or bounding an edge of the field of view.
• the functionality plane is set to the plane of highest sensitivity of the sound detector.
• the functionality plane is not tied to the actual function of the security apparatus 200, but is simply an arbitrary plane extending from the sensor body 210, such as a plane bisecting the sensor body 210.
• the mount 220 includes a base 221 and a stem 222.
• the base 221 is adapted to be affixed at a mounting plane. In FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B the mounting plane is aligned with a vertical wall 202.
• a proximal end of the stem 222 is attached to the base 221, and a distal end of the stem 222 is formed to fit into the socket 212.
• the stem 222 has a first side 222 A and a second side 222B opposite from the first side 222 A.
• the first side 212A and the second side 2 IB are substantially flat sides and the stem 212 is tapered from the distal end to the proximal end to fit into the socket 212.
• the centerline 230 of the stem 222 extends from the base 221 at a second angle 226 from a normal vector that is perpendicular to the mounting plane.
• the second angle 226 can be any angle, depending on the embodiment, but in some embodiments, the second angle 226 is between about 2° and about 25°, and in at least one embodiment, the second angle 226 is about 2.5°.
• the angle 232A/B of the functionality plane 218 with respect to the normal vector 234 to the mounting plane is different depending on how the stem 222 is inserted into the socket.
• the mounting plane can have any orientation, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A/B, the mounting plane is aligned with the vertical wall 102 making the normal vector 234 a horizontal vector in the embodiment.
• the stem 222 is inserted into the socket 112 with the first side 222 A of the stem 222 in close proximity to the first wall 212T of the socket 212 and the second side 222B of the stem 222 in close proximity to the second wall 212B of the socket 212.
• a first end 221 A of the base 221 may be oriented up with the base 221 attached to the vertical wall 202.
• the functionality plane 218 of the sensor body 210 is set at an angle 232A from the normal vector 234 equal to the first angle 219 plus the second angle 226.
• the stem 222 is inserted into the socket 112 with the first side 222A of the stem 222 in close proximity to the second wall 212B of the socket 212 and the second side 222B of the stem 222 in close proximity to the first wall 212T of the socket 212.
• a first end 221 A of the base 221 may be oriented down with the base 221 attached to the vertical wall 202.
• the functionality plane 218 of the sensor body 210 is set at an angle 232B from the normal vector 234 equal to the first angle 219 minus the second angle 226.
• the first angle 219 between the functionality plane 218 and the socket 212 is between 0° and 45° and the second angle is about 2.5° so that the difference between the angle of the functionality plane and the normal vector 234 to the mounting plane between the two ways of inserting the stem 222 into the socket 212 is about 5°.
• the first angle 219 is about 27.5° and the second angle 226 is about 2.5° making the angle 232A with the stem 222 inserted into the socket in the first way equal to about 30° and the angle 232B with the stem 222 inserted into the socket in the second way equal to about 25°.
• the first angle 219 is about 7.5° and the second angle 226 is about 2.5° making the angle 232A with the stem 222 inserted into the socket in the first way equal to about 10° and the angle 232B with the stem 222 inserted into the socket in the second way equal to about 5°.
• FIG. 3 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a security apparatus 300 with a fixed azimuth angle.
• the security apparatus 300 may have a vertical cross-section that is similar to the security apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2A/B.
• the security apparatus 300 includes a sensor body 310 with a socket 312 recessed into the sensor body 310 at an angle to a centerline 340 of the sensor body 310.
• the angle between the angle of the socket 312 and the centerline 340 may be about 0° as is shown in FIG. 3.
• the security apparatus 300 includes a mount 320 with a stem 322 formed to fit into the socket 312.
• the shape of the socket 312 and the stem 322 can be any shape, depending on the embodiment, as long as the stem 322 can be inserted into the socket 312.
• the socket 312 and the stem 322 are round and the sensor body 310 can rotate around the centerline of the stem 322.
• the stem 322 and the socket 312 have 4 flat sides so that the sensor body 310 cannot rotate around the stem 322.
• the shape of the stem 322 and socket 312 are substantially rectangular so that the stem 322 can be inserted into the socket 312 in only two different ways as described for FIG. 2A/B above.
• the shape of the stem 322 and socket 312 are substantially square so that the stem 322 can be inserting into the socket 312 in four different ways, at least two of which are consistent with the two different ways as described for FIG. 2A/B above.
• the motion sensor body 310 is set to a substantially fixed position once the stem 322 is inserted into the socket 312 with an azimuth angle of about zero degrees from the stem 322.
• the socket 312 includes a first magnetic material 313, the end of the stem 322 includes a second magnetic material 328, and the stem 322 is held in the socket 312 by magnetic force.
• the first magnetic material 313 and the second magnetic material 328 are magnets oriented to attract one another.
• the first magnetic material 313 is a ferromagnetic material such as steel
• the second magnetic material 328 is a magnet. Any type of magnet can be used, depending on the embodiment, but in at least one embodiment, the second magnetic material 328 is a neodymium magnet.
• the strength of the magnet may vary between embodiments depending on the mass of the sensor body 310, distance between the first magnetic material 313 and the second magnetic material 328, the type and size of the first magnetic material 313 and the second magnetic material 328, and the application.
• the magnet may be chosen to allow the stem 322 to be easily pulled from the socket 312 by a person, but to still have enough force to keep the stem 322 from being easily dislodged from the socket 312 if bumped or subjected to normal building vibrations.
• the magnet used for the magnetic material 328 is chosen to exert about 2 pounds of force (about 10 Newtons) between the mount 320 and the sensor body 310.
• FIG. 4 shows a rear view of another embodiment of a sensor body 410 of a security apparatus similar to the security apparatus of FIG. 1A-D but with a fixed azimuth angle.
• the sensor body 410 has a socket 412 recessed into a back side 411 of the sensor body 410.
• the socket 412 is formed to hold a stem of a mount by having 4 sides that fit in close proximity to the 4 sides of the stem so that the sensor body 410 is set to a substantially fixed position with respect to the mount when the stem is inserted into the socket 412.
• the fixed position of the sensor body 410 has an azimuth angle that is about zero degrees from the stem. While in some embodiments, a stem can be inserted into the socket 412 in four different ways, at least two of the ways are consistent with the two different ways as described for FIG. 2A/B above.
• FIG. 5A and 5B show horizontal cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a security apparatus 500 set to two different azimuth angles.
• the security apparatus 500 may have a vertical cross-section that is similar to the security apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2A/B.
• the security apparatus 500 includes a sensor body 510 and a mount 520.
• the sensor body 510 includes a socket 512 recessed into back of the sensor body 510 with two substantially flat walls, a top wall (not shown) and a bottom wall 512B opposite from the top wall, and a concave rear- facing curved surface 512R between the top wall and the bottom wall.
• the shape of the concave rear-facing curved surface 512R may be a section of a cylinder with a given radius, a section of a sphere with a given radius, or some other shape, depending on the embodiment.
• the mount 520 includes a stem 522 formed to fit between the top wall and the bottom wall 512B of the socket 512.
• the shape of the end of the stem 522 may be a section of a cylinder with about the same radius as the cylinder used for the curved surface 512R of the socket 512, a section of a sphere with about the same radius as the sphere used for the curved surface 512R of the socket 512, or some other shape.
• the end of the stem 522 is variably positionable in the socket 512 to set the sensor body 510 at a plurality of azimuth angles between a first azimuth angle 542A and a second azimuth angle 542B.
• the sensor body 510 is pivotable on the stem 522 in a plane parallel to the stem 522 to set the azimuth angle.
• the azimuth angle 542A/B in at least some embodiments is measured between a centerline 530 of the stem 522 and a centerline 540 of a functional area of the sensor body 510.
• the first azimuth angle 542A is equal to about 45 degrees to the right of the stem
• the second azimuth angle 542B is equal to about 45 degrees to the left of the stem.
• the socket 512 includes a first magnetic material 513
• the end of the stem 522 includes a second magnetic material 528
• the stem 522 is held in the socket 512 by magnetic force.
• the first magnetic material 513 is a ferromagnetic material such as steel
• the second magnetic material 528 is a magnet. Any type of magnet can be used, depending on the embodiment, but in at least one embodiment, the second magnetic material 528 is a neodymium magnet. The strength of the magnet may vary between
• the magnet may be chosen to allow the stem 522 to be easily moved within the socket 512 or pulled from the socket 512 by a person, but still have enough force to keep the stem 522 from being easily moved in the socket 512 if bumped or subjected to normal building vibrations.
• the magnet used for the magnetic material 528 is chosen to exert about 5 pounds of force (about 20 newtons) between the mount 520 and the sensor body 510.
• the force used for this embodiment may be higher than the force used for the embodiment of FIG. 3A/B because the embodiment of FIG. 3A/B holds the stem 322 on all four sides and allows for less movement of the stem than the embodiment of FIG. 5A/B which only holds the stem 522 on two sides.
• FIG. 6A and 6B show horizontal cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment of a security apparatus 600 set to two different azimuth angles.
• the security apparatus 600 may have a vertical cross-section that is similar to the security apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2A/B.
• the security apparatus 600 includes a sensor body 610 and a mount 620.
• the sensor body 610 includes a socket 612 recessed into back of the sensor body 610 with two substantially flat walls, a top wall (not shown) and a bottom wall 612B opposite from the top wall, and a concave rear- facing curved surface 612R between the top wall and the bottom wall.
• the concave rear- facing curved surface 612R includes two or more magnets placed near the socket with a magnetic pole facing into the socket.
• the mount 620 includes a stem 622 formed to fit between the top wall and the bottom wall 612B of the socket 612.
• the end of the stem 622 is variably positionable in the socket 612 to set the sensor body 610 at a plurality of azimuth angles.
• the end of the stem 622 includes a magnetic material 628 which in some embodiments is a magnet with an opposite magnetic pole facing the end of the stem.
• the azimuth angle 642A/B in at least some embodiments is measured between a centerline 630 of the stem 622 and a centerline 640 of a functional area of the sensor body 610.
• the security apparatus 600 includes a first alignment mechanism to position the end of the stem 622 at a first location in the socket 612 to set the sensor body 610 to a first azimuth angle 642A of about 45 degrees
• the first alignment mechanism includes a first magnet 613A near the first location in the socket 612 to attract the magnetic material 628 in the stem.
• the security apparatus 600 includes a second alignment mechanism to position the end of the stem 622 at a second location in the socket 612 to set the sensor body 610 to a second azimuth angle 642B of about -45 degrees.
• the second alignment mechanism includes a second magnet 613B near the second location in the socket 612 to attract the magnetic material 628 in the stem.
• the security apparatus 600 includes a third alignment mechanism to position the end of the stem 622 at a third location in the socket 612 to set the sensor body 610 to a third azimuth angle of about 0 degrees
• the third alignment mechanism includes a third magnet 613C near the third location in the socket 612 to attract the magnetic material 628 in the stem.
• the magnetic material 628 includes a magnet with its north pole facing the socket.
• the first magnet 613A is placed near the socket 612 with its south pole facing into the socket 612
• the second magnet 613B is placed near the socket 612 with its south pole facing into the socket 612
• the third magnet 613C is placed near the socket 612 with its south pole facing into the socket 612
• FIG. 7A shows a vertical cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a security apparatus 700 with the stem 722 of the mount 720 held in the socket 712 by a snap-in mechanism.
• the security apparatus 700 includes a sensor body 710 with the socket 712 recessed into the back of 711 the sensor body 710. A portion of the back of the sensor body 711 including the socket 712 is shown in FIG. 7B.
• the socket 712 includes a slot 715 in the rear surface 712R of the socket 712 backed by a cavity 716.
• the slot 715 includes one or more detents, such as the first detent 717A, the second detent 717B, and the third detent 717C which may be wide points in the slot 715.
• the stem 722 has a protrusion extending from the end of the stem 722 that includes a head 726 and a neck 724.
• the head 726 is adapted to be pushed through the slot 715 into the cavity 716 with the neck 724 extending through the slot 715.
• the head 726 is further adapted to not easily pull back through the slot 715, which may be accomplished by an arrowhead shape to the head 726.
• the neck 724 may be sized to fit tightly in the slot 715 so that there is a resistance to move the neck 724 out of one of the detents 717A-C.
• the head 726 and neck 724 may have a slot cut through them to allow them to more easily contract and expand.
• the sensor body 710 can then be positioned at various azimuth angles by sliding the neck 724 through the slot 715.
• An alignment mechanism such as one of the detents 717A-C, may be used to position the end of the stem 722 in a particular location in the socket 712 to set a particular azimuth angle.
• the alignment mechanism is a sub-socket, or deeper portion, , in the rear facing surface 712R of the socket 712 to hold the end of the stem
• the first detent 717A may be used to position the stem 722 at a first location in the socket 712 to set a first azimuth angle
• the second detent 717B may be used to position the stem 722 at a second location in the socket 712 to set a second azimuth angle
• the third detent 717C may be used to position the stem 722 at a third location in the socket 712 to set a third azimuth angle of about 0 degrees.
• the stem 722 may also be positionable between the first location in the socket 712 and the second location in the socket 712 to vary the azimuth angle.
• FIG. 8 shows a side view 801 and a top view 802, respectively, of detection pattern for an embodiment of a motion sensor 810.
• the detection pattern can also be thought us as monitored volumes of space by the motion sensor 810 in a room 800.
• Side view 801 shows a vertical planar cross-section of the room 800 as shown by the cross-section line A:A in top view 802.
• the motion sensor 810 is mounted on a wall of the room 800 at a height 815.
• the detection pattern of the motion sensor 810 is bounded on its top by functionality plane 818 which extends from the motion sensor 810 at an elevation of an angle 812 below horizontal so that the functionality plane 818 also forms the angle 812 with the floor at a distance 819 from the motion sensor 810.
• the motion sensor 810 is mounted at an azimuth angle 816 to set the coverage area of the detection pattern as shown in the top view 802.
• the motion sensor 810 monitors several tiers, or rows, of monitored volumes that project from the motion sensor 810 at different elevations.
• the monitored volumes without hatch lines such as monitored volume 864
• the monitored volumes with the hatch lines such as monitored volume 854
• the various tiers intersect the floor of the room 800 in arcs, as shown in the top view 802.
• the locations where the even numbered tiers hit the floor are shown without hatch lines, and the locations where the odd numbered tiers hit the floor are shown with hatch lines in the top view 802.
• the highest tier 850 which includes the monitored volume 854, is an odd numbered tier and includes monitored volumes 851-856.
• the next even numbered tier 860 includes monitored volumes 861-866.
• Additional alternating odd tiers 871, 873, 875, 877 and even tiers 872, 874, 876 each include a set of monitored volumes.
• the number of tiers and number of monitored volumes per tier shown in FIG. 8 are shown as an example, but any detection pattern can be used depending on the embodiment.
• a human 891 is shown in FIG. 8 moving through the room 800. As the human 891 moves through the room 800 in the direction 892, she passes through multiple monitored volumes of multiple tiers. At her initial location, the human 891 is intersecting monitored volume
• Infrared radiation generated by the warmth of her body is directed from the monitored volume 854 onto one or more detector elements in the motion sensor 810.
• the human 891 moves in the direction 892, she moves out of the monitored volume 854 and into monitored volume 864, followed by moving from monitored volume 864 into monitored volume
• the motion sensor 810 detects that the infrared radiation has moved between monitored volumes and can use that information to indicate that motion has been detected.
• the motion sensor 810 can then generate one or more of an audible indication, such as a siren or warning voice, a visual indication, such as turning on a light, or a actuating a strobe light or rotating light, generating an indication on a wired circuit, such as closing a switch or sending an ethernet message, and/or sending a radio frequency message, such as a message sent over a Wi- Fi (IEEE 800.11) network or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15) network.
• an audible indication such as a siren or warning voice
• a visual indication such as turning on a light, or a actuating a strobe light or rotating light
• generating an indication on a wired circuit such as closing a switch or sending an ethernet message
• a radio frequency message such as a message sent over a Wi- Fi (IEEE 800.11
• a combination of the elevation angle 812 of the functionality plane 818 of the motion sensor 810 and the mounting height 815 of the motion sensor 810 determine the distance 819 from the motion sensor 810 that the detection pattern extends. So if a constant distance 819 for the detection pattern is desired, if the height 815 changes, the elevation angle 812 of the functionality plane 818 needs to change to keep the distance 819 constant. If motion sensor 810 has a body and a mount as shown in FIG. 1 A-E or FIG. 2A/B, the orientation of the mount may be changed as the mounting height 815 is changed to keep a constant distance 819.
• the functionality plane extends 818 from the sensor body at an angle of about 27.5°.
• the distance 819 for the detection pattern to extend from the motion sensor 810 is about 16 feet (about 5 meters)
• a mounting height of about 9' 4" (about 2.8 meters) would extend the detection pattern to about 16 feet (about 5 meters) if the mount is attached to the wall in the first position
• a mounting height of about 7' 6" (about 2.3 meters) would extend the detection pattern to about 16 feet (about 5 meters) if the mount is attached to the wall in the second position.
• a is the elevation angle 812
• ⁇ is the distance 819
• h is the mounting height 815.
• the mount can be affixed to the vertical wall in the selected orientation at the mounting height and the stem of the mount inserted into the socket with the motion sensor body in an upright position.
• an azimuth angle 816 for the motion sensor body is also determined based on the target coverage area and the detection pattern of the motion sensor body. To set the azimuth angle, the end of the stem is inserted into the socket at an appropriate location in the socket to set the motion sensor body at the determined azimuth angle 816.
• FIG. 9A-C show a three view orthographic projection of an embodiment of a mount 900 suitable for embodiments of a security apparatus.
• FIG. 9A shows a side view
• FIG. 9B shows a front view
• FIG. 9C shows a top view of the mount 900 in the first orientation.
• the mount includes a base 901 and a stem 902 extending from the base 901.
• the base 901 of this embodiment is configured to be attached to either a flat surface or an interior corner of two surfaces where the surfaces may be vertical walls.
• the base 901 includes two screw holes 905 A, 905B which can be used to attach the base 901 to either the flat surface or the interior corner.
• Other embodiments may use other mechanisms to attach the base 901 to the surface including, but not limited to, glue, nails, rivets, tape, double-sided sticky pads, magnetic attraction, or any other attachment mechanism. If the base 901 is attached to a flat surface, the back surface 903M of the base 901 is held flush against the wall that is coincident with the mounting plane of the mount 900. If the base 901 is attached to an interior corner of two surfaces that meet in the mounting plane of the mount with the normal vector of the mounting plane bisecting the interior corner, the left angled surface 903 L is held against one of the surfaces of the interior corner, and the right angled surface 903R is held against the other surface of the interior corner.
• the mount 900 is shown in the first orientation with the stem 902 sloping down, or extending from the base at an angle below a normal vector to the mounting plane.
• the first side 902A of the stem 902 is facing up, and the first screw hole 905A is above the stem 902.
• a first marking 909 A on the mount 900 is positioned to be upright if the mount 900 is affixed to a vertical surface in the first orientation.
• the mount 900 can also be attached to the vertical surface in a second orientation. In the second orientation, the first side 902A of the stem 902 is facing down, a second side of the stem 902 opposite from the first side 902A is facing up, and the second screw hole 905B is above the stem 902.
• a second marking 909B on the mount 900 is positioned to be upright if the mount is affixed to the vertical surface in a second orientation with the second side of the stem facing up.
• the first marking 909 A and the second marking 909B can be any type of marking but in at least one embodiment, the markings 909A/B indicate an elevation angle for the security apparatus if the mount is affixed to the wall.
• FIG. 9D shows an embodiment of a cover 980 to hide the base 901 and mounting screws of the mount 900 of FIG. 9A-C if the mount 900 is affixed to a flat surface.
• the cover 980 slides over the mount 900 with the stem 902 protruding through the hole 982. In some embodiments, the cover 980 may snap into place over the base 901 to keep the cover 980 in place.
• the sides of the cover such as the right side 983R, may cover the gap created by the angled surfaces 903L/R of the base 901.
• FIG. 9E shows an embodiment of a cover 990 to hide the base 901 and mounting screws of a mount 900 of FIG. 9A-C if the mount 900 is affixed in an interior corner.
• the cover 990 slides over the mount 900 with the stem 902 protruding through the hole 992.
• the cover 990 may snap into place over the base 901 to keep the cover 990 in place.
• the right side 993R and left side 993L of the cover 990 fit into the corner where the mount 900 is attached.
• FIG. 10 shows a flowchart 1000 of an embodiment of a method of mounting a motion sensor.
• the method starts to mount the motion sensor at block 1001 and a motion sensor body is obtained at block 1002.
• the motion sensor body includes a socket and a detection pattern with a functionality plane bounding the top of the detection pattern.
• the socket is recessed into a back side of the motion sensor body at a first angle from the functionality plane of the motion sensor body.
• the flowchart 1000 continues at block 1003 with obtaining a mount.
• the mount includes a base and a stem.
• the base is adapted to be affixed to a vertical wall in either a first orientation or a second orientation.
• a proximal end of the stem is attached to the base, and a distal end of the stem is formed to fit into the socket of the motion sensor body.
• the stem extends from the base at a second angle from horizontal.
• An orientation is selected at block 1004 to use to affix the mount to the vertical wall, from either the first orientation or the second orientation, based on a mounting height, a target coverage area, and the detection pattern of the motion sensor body.
• the mount is affixed on the vertical wall at block 1005 in the selected orientation at the mounting height.
• the stem is inserted into the socket with the motion sensor body in an upright position to situate the motion sensor body on the mount.
• the functionality plane of the motion sensor body is set at an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle plus the second angle if the mount is affixed to the vertical wall in the first orientation, and an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle minus the second angle if the mount is affixed to the vertical wall in the second orientation.
• the method also includes setting an azimuth angle.
• the flowchart 1000 includes optional block 1007 to determine an azimuth angle for the motion sensor body based on the target coverage area and the detection pattern of the motion sensor body, and positioning the end of the stem at an appropriate location in the socket at optional block 1008 to set the motion sensor body at the determined azimuth angle. The method concludes at block 1009.
• An example motion sensor includes a motion sensor body that includes a socket and a detection pattern with a functionality plane bounding the top of the detection pattern, wherein the socket is recessed into a back side of the motion sensor body at a first angle from the
• the functionality plane of the motion sensor body and the socket comprises a substantially flat top wall, a substantially flat bottom wall opposite from the top wall, and a rear-facing surface comprising a first magnetic material.
• the example motion sensor also includes a mount that includes a base and a stem, the base adapted to be affixed to a vertical wall in either a first orientation with a substantially flat first side of the stem facing up, or a second orientation with a substantially flat second side of the stem facing up, a proximal end of the stem attached to the base, and a distal end of the stem comprising a second magnetic material and formed to fit into the socket with the first and second sides in close proximity to the top and bottom walls of the socket, wherein the stem extends from the base at a second angle from horizontal and the first side is the opposite side of the stem from the second side.
• the functionality plane of the motion sensor body is set at an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle plus the second angle if the mount is affixed to the vertical wall in the first orientation, and the functionality plane of the motion sensor body is set at an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle minus the second angle if the mount is affixed to the vertical wall in the second orientation.
• the motion sensor body is set to a substantially fixed position with an azimuth angle of about zero degrees from the stem when the stem is inserted into the socket.
• the second angle is about 2.5 degrees.
• Some example motion also include a first marking on the mount positioned to be upright if the mount is affixed to the vertical wall in the first orientation, and a second marking on the mount positioned to be upright if the mount is affixed to the vertical wall in the second orientation.
• the base is adapted to be affixed at an interior corner of the vertical wall.
• the socket further also includes a concave rear- facing curved surface between the top wall and the bottom wall, and the distal end of the stem is variably positionable in the socket to set the motion sensor body at a plurality of azimuth angles between a first azimuth angle and a second azimuth angle.
• Some example motion sensors also include a first alignment mechanism to position the distal end of the stem at a first location in the socket to set the motion sensor body to the first azimuth angle of about 45 degrees, a second alignment mechanism to position the distal end of the stem at a second location in the socket to set the motion sensor body to the second azimuth angle of about -45 degrees, and a third alignment mechanism to position the distal end of the stem at a third location in the socket to set the motion sensor body to a third azimuth angle of about 0 degrees.
• the first magnetic material comprises steel shaped to form the rear-facing surface of the socket
• the second magnetic material comprises a magnet. Any combination of elements described in this paragraph may be used in various embodiments.
• An example method of mounting a motion sensor includes obtaining a motion sensor body comprising a socket and a detection pattern with a functionality plane bounding the top of the detection pattern, wherein the socket is recessed into a back side of the motion sensor body at a first angle from the functionality plane of the motion sensor body, and obtaining a mount comprising a base and a stem, the base adapted to be affixed to a vertical wall in either a first orientation or a second orientation, a proximal end of the stem attached to the base, and a distal end of the stem formed to fit into the socket, wherein the stem extends from the base at a second angle from horizontal,
• the example method also includes selecting an orientation from the first orientation or the second orientation to use to affix the mount to the vertical wall based on a mounting height, a target coverage area, and the detection pattern of the motion sensor body, affixing the mount on the vertical wall in the selected orientation at the mounting height, and inserting the stem into the socket with the motion sensor body in an upright position
• the functionality plane of the motion sensor body is set at an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle plus the second angle if the mount is affixed to the vertical wall in the first orientation, and the functionality plane of the motion sensor body is set at an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle minus the second angle if the mount is affixed to the vertical wall in the second orientation.
• Some example methods also include determining an azimuth angle for the motion sensor body based on the target coverage area and the detection pattern of the motion sensor body, and positioning the end of the stem at an appropriate location in the socket to set the motion sensor body at the determined azimuth angle. Any combination of elements described in this paragraph may be used in various embodiments.
• An example security apparatus includes a sensor body comprising a socket, wherein the socket is recessed into the sensor body at a first angle from a functionality plane of the sensor body, the socket comprising a first wall and a second wall opposite from the first wall, and a mount comprising a base and a stem, the base adapted to be affixed at a mounting plane, a proximal end of the stem attached to the base, and a distal end of the stem formed to fit into the socket, wherein the stem extends from the base at a second angle from a normal vector that is perpendicular to the mounting plane and the stem comprises a first side and a second side opposite from the first side.
• the functionality plane of the sensor body is set at an angle from the normal vector equal to the first angle plus the second angle if the stem is inserted into the socket with the first side of the stem in close proximity to the first wall of the socket, and the functionality plane of the sensor body is set at an angle from the normal vector equal to the first angle minus the second angle if the stem is inserted into the socket with the first side of the stem in close proximity to the second wall of the socket.
• Some example security apparatuses also include a first marking on the mount positioned to be upright if the mount is affixed to a vertical surface in a first orientation with the first side of the stem facing up, and a second marking on the mount positioned to be upright if the mount is affixed to the vertical surface in a second orientation with the second side of the stem facing up.
• the base is adapted to be affixed at an interior corner of two surfaces intersecting in the mounting plane.
• Some example security apparatuses also include comprising a cover to hide the base of the mount.
• the first wall and the second wall are substantially flat, and a distance from the first wall to the second wall at an inside portion of the socket is less than a distance from the first wall to the second wall at an outside portion of the socket, and the first side and the second side are substantially flat sides and the stem is tapered from the distal end to the proximal end to fit into the socket.
• the sensor body is set to a substantially fixed position with respect to the mount when the stem is inserted into the socket.
• the fixed position of the sensor body has an azimuth angle that is about zero degrees from the stem.
• the sensor body is pivotable on the stem in a plane parallel to the stem.
• the first wall and the second wall of the socket are substantially flat, and the socket further comprises a curved rear-facing surface between the first wall and the second wall, and the first side and second side of the stem are substantially flat and are formed to fit into the socket in close proximity to the first and second wall of the socket when the distal end of the stem is inserted into the socket.
• the distal end of the stem is positionable at a first location in the socket to set the sensor body at a first azimuth angle from the stem, and the distal end of the stem is positionable at a second location in the socket to set the sensor body at a second azimuth angle from the stem.
• the curved rear-facing surface of the socket is shaped as a section of a cylinder with a given diameter
• the distal end of the stem is shaped as a section of a cylinder with a diameter about the same as the given diameter.
• the curved rear-facing surface of the socket is shaped as a section of a sphere with a given diameter
• the distal end of the stem is shaped as a section of a sphere with a diameter about the same as the given diameter.
• the distal end of the stem is variably positionable in the socket to set the sensor body at a plurality of azimuth angles between the first azimuth angle and the second azimuth angle.
• the first azimuth angle is equal to about 45 degrees to the right of the stem
• the second azimuth angle is equal to about 45 degrees to the left of the stem.
• Some example security apparatuses also include a first alignment mechanism to position the distal end of the stem in the first location in the socket, a second alignment mechanism to position the distal end of the stem in the second location in the socket, and a third alignment mechanism to position the distal end of the stem in a third location in the socket to set the sensor body at an azimuth angle of about 0 degrees from the stem.
• an alignment mechanism is used to position the distal end of the stem in the first location in the socket.
• the alignment mechanism comprises a sub-socket or a detent in the rear-facing surface of the socket, a detent on the first or second wall of the socket, or a visible marking on the sensor body.
• security apparatus also includes a first magnet positioned near the distal end of the stem with a first magnetic pole facing the distal end of the stem, a second magnet placed near the first location in the socket with a magnetic pole opposite of the first magnetic pole facing into the socket, and a third magnet placed near the second location in the socket with a magnetic pole opposite of the first magnetic pole facing into the socket.
• the distal end of the stem is held in the socket by friction between first and second walls of the socket and first and second sides of the stem, or a snap-in mechanism.
• the socket comprises a first magnetic material
• the distal end of the stem comprises a second magnetic material
• the distal end of the stem is held in the socket by magnetic force.
• the first magnetic material comprises steel
• the second magnetic material comprises a magnet.
• the steel magnetic material snaps into a cavity on the back of the sensor body to form at least part of the socket.
• the magnet includes neodymium.
• the first magnetic material includes one or more magnets placed near the socket with a magnetic pole facing into the socket, and the second magnetic material includes a magnet with an opposite magnetic pole facing the distal end of the stem.
• the sensor body comprises a motion sensor with a fixed detection pattern. Any combination of elements described in this paragraph may be used in various embodiments.
• FIG. 11 A and 1 IB show oblique views from the front upper right and the rear lower left, respectively, of an embodiment of a camera 1100 having a camera body 11 10 and a mount 1120.
• the camera 1100 may be considered a type of security apparatus and other types of security apparatuses may be similarly used with the mount 1120.
• the mount 1120 is separable from the camera body 1110 and adapted to be affixed to a surface, such as a vertical wall, a ceiling, a flat surface, a pole, and/or a corner, depending on the embodiment.
• the camera body 1110 may include a top side 1115 which is positioned at the top of the camera body 1110 when the camera body 1110 is in an upright position and configured for normal functionality of the camera 1100.
• the camera body 1110 has a field of view extending from the camera body 1110 defining the image capture area which may be any field of view depending on the lens, the image sensor, and the general configuration of the camera body 1100.
• the field of view has a vertical viewing angle and a horizontal viewing angle, which are defined with the top side 1115 of the camera body 1110 oriented up. Either angle may be of any size with many embodiments having vertical and horizontal viewing angles ranging between about 10° and about 180°.
• a centerline of the viewing angles may be defined as the direction that the camera 1100 is pointed and may be used to calculate an elevation angle and an azimuth angle of the camera 1100 in some embodiments.
• the elevation angle may be defined as the deviation of the direction of the camera 1100 from horizontal.
• the azimuth angle may be defined as the angle that the camera 1100 is pointed projected onto a horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the azimuth angle is considered to be 0° if the camera is pointed in a direction that is perpendicular to a vertical wall on which the mount 1120 of the camera 1100 is attached.
• FIG. l lC shows a rear view of the embodiment of the camera body 1110 of FIG. 1 lA/B.
• the camera body 1110 includes a back side 1111 that in some embodiments faces away from the field of view of the camera 1100.
• a socket 1112 may be recessed into the back side 1111 of the camera body 1110.
• the socket 1112 includes as a concave curved surface 1112R which includes a first magnetic material.
• the first magnetic material such as steel, is shaped to form the concave curved surface 1112R and snapped into place in a cavity of the camera body 1110 to form the socket 1112.
• the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112 is shaped as a section of a sphere. While the socket 1112 is shown on the back side 1111 of the camera body 1110, other types of security apparatuses may also include a similar socket positioned anywhere on that security apparatus.
• the mount 1120 includes a base 1121 and a stem 1122 which may be separate pieces or may be formed together as a single article.
• the base 1121 is designed to be attached to a surface, such as a vertical wall. Any type of attachment can be used, according to the embodiment, including, but not limited to, glue, nails, tape, double-sided adhesive pads, magnetic attraction, or screws.
• a first screw hole 1125 A and a second screw hole 1125B in the base 1121 can be used with screws to affix the mount 1120 to the surface.
• the stem 1122 is attached to the base 1121.
• the end of the stem 1122 is formed to fit into the socket and includes a second magnetic material.
• the second magnetic material includes a magnet.
• the end of the stem 1122 is a distal end, a proximal end of the stem 1122 is attached to the base 1121, and the stem 1122 has four substantially flat sides tapered from the proximal end to the distal end.
• the end of the stem 1122 may be curved and may match the curve of the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112.
• the end of the stem is shaped as a section of a sphere with a diameter between about 100% and about 90% of the diameter of the spherical shape of the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112.
• the end of the stem 1122 has a surface area that in some embodiments is smaller than the surface area of the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112. In some embodiments, the surface area of the end of the stem 1122 is less than half of the surface area of the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112.
• the surface area of the end of the stem 1122 is less than 25% of the surface area of the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112 to allow for flexibility of positioning the end of the stem 1122 in the socket 1112 while still providing enough surface area contact to hold the camera body 1110 in position.
• FIG. 11A and FIG. 1 IB show the camera body 1110 in an upright position and the stem 1122 of the mount 1120 inserted into the socket 11 12 where it is held in place by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material with both the azimuth angle and elevation angle at about 0° with respect to the mount 1120.
• the stem 1122 can be inserted into the socket 1112 at different positions to set different orientations (azimuth/elevation angles) of the camera body 11 10.
• the field of view of the camera body 1110 is set to a first orientation if the stem 1122 is inserted into the socket 1 122 at a first position, and the field of view of the camera body 1110 is set to a second orientation if the stem 1122 is inserted into the socket 1112 at a second position.
• the first orientation has a first azimuth angle and a first elevation angle
• the second orientation has a second azimuth angel and a second elevation angle.
• the movement of the stem 1122 in the socket 1112 can vary both the azimuth angle and the elevation angle
• the movement of the resulting field of view can be said to have at least two degrees of freedom.
• Some embodiments may allow for additional degrees of freedom such as rotation of the field of view.
• Other embodiments may have only a single degree of freedom, such as to vary only the azimuth angle (as shown in FIG. 1 A-E).
• FIG. 1 ID - 11G show side views of the embodiment of the camera 1100 of FIG. 1 1A/B mounted on a vertical wall 1102 and set to different elevation angles.
• the base 1121 of the mount 1120 is attached to the vertical wall 1102 in all of FIG. 1 ID - 11G. While four different elevation angles are shown, embodiments may allow for any number of elevation angles to be set for the field of view for the camera body 1110 within any range, although in at least one embodiment, the elevation angles may range from about -45° to about 45°. In another embodiment, the elevation angles may range between from -30° to about 0°, and in yet another embodiment, the elevation angle may be fixed.
• the stem 1122 of the mount 1120 is inserted into the socket 11 12 at a first position. Because of the curved shape of the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112, the camera body 1110 is set to a first orientation, which in FIG. 1 ID has an elevation angle 1150D of about 45° with the azimuth angle not shown in the side view.
• the elevation angle 1150D in this embodiment is measured between the centerline 1140 of the field of view of the camera body 1110, and a horizontal plane as represented by the dashed line.
• the stem 1122 of the mount 1120 is inserted into the socket 11 12 at a second position. Because of the curved shape of the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112, the camera body 1110 is set to a second orientation, which in FIG. 1 IE has an elevation angle 1150E of about -45° with the azimuth angle not shown in the side view.
• the elevation angle 1150E in this embodiment is measured between the centerline 1140 of the field of view of the camera body 1110, and a horizontal plane as represented by the dashed line.
• the stem 1122 of the mount 1120 is inserted into the socket 11 12 at a third position. Because of the curved shape of the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112, the camera body 1110 is set to a third orientation, which in FIG. 1 IF has an elevation angle
• the elevation angle 115 OF in this embodiment is measured between the centerline 1140 of the field of view of the camera body 1110, and a horizontal plane as represented by the dashed line, which is parallel to the centerline 1140 in the third orientation.
• the stem 1122 of the mount 1120 is inserted into the socket 1112 at a fourth position.
• the camera body 1110 is set to a fourth orientation, which in FIG. 11G has an elevation angle 1150G of about -30° with the azimuth angle not shown in the side view.
• the elevation angle 1150G in this embodiment is measured between the centerline 1140 of the field of view of the camera body 1110, and a horizontal plane as represented by the dashed line.
• FIG. 11H and 1 IJ show top views of the embodiment of the camera 1100 of FIG. 11A/B mounted on a vertical wall 1102 and set to different azimuth angles.
• the base 1121 of the mount 1120 is attached to the vertical wall 1102 in both of FIG. 11H and 11 J. While two different azimuth angles are shown, embodiments may allow for any number of azimuth angles to be set for the field of view for the camera body 1110 within any range, although in at least one embodiment, the azimuth angles may range between about -45° to about 45°, and in another embodiment, the azimuth angle may be fixed.
• the stem 1122 of the mount 1120 is inserted into the socket 11 12 at a fifth position.
• the camera body 1110 is set to a fifth orientation, which in FIG. 11H has an azimuth angle 1160H of about 45° with the elevation angle not shown in the top view.
• the azimuth angle 1160H in this embodiment is measured between the centerline 1140 of the field of view of the camera body 1110, and a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall 1102 as represented by the dashed line.
• the stem 1122 of the mount 1120 is inserted into the socket 1112 at a sixth position.
• the camera body 1110 is set to a sixth orientation, which in FIG. 1 IJ has an azimuth angle 1160 J of about -45° with the elevation angle not shown in the top view.
• the azimuth angle 1160 J in this embodiment is measured between the centerline 1140 of the field of view of the camera body 1110, and a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall 1102 as represented by the dashed line.
• the possible range of the azimuth angle may be dependent upon the elevation angle and/or the possible range of the elevation angle may be dependent upon the azimuth angle.
• the socket 1112 and stem 1122 are configured to allow elevation and azimuth angles ranging from about -45° to about 45°. But as the absolute value of one of the angles increases, the possible range of the other angle decreases. So for example, if the azimuth angle is set to 45°, the elevation angle may not be variable at all and may be limited to about 0°.
• the elevation angle may have a possible range that is less than the full range of -45° to 45°, but much greater than 0°, such as about -20° to about 20°, and if the azimuth angle is set to about 0°, the elevation angle may have its full range of about - 45° to about 45°.
• the camera body 1110 is held in place by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material when the stem 1122 of the mount 1120 inserted is into the socket 1112.
• some embodiments provide a high friction surface on at least one of the end of the stem 1112 or the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112.
• a high friction surface is any surface treatment that increases the coefficient of friction between two surfaces compared to the coefficient of friction between a smooth end of the stem 1122 with nothing covering its raw material, and the concave curved surface 1112 with a smooth surface and nothing covering its raw material.
• the coefficient of friction is increased by at least 50% which are referred to as very high friction surface treatments.
• the high friction surface can be any type of treatment of the surface on the end of the stem 1122 and/or the concave curved surface 1112. In some
• a texture is added to the surface of the raw material.
• the texture can be created in many different ways, depending on the embodiment and the type of material. Non-limiting examples of creating a texture include etching the surface of the material after it is formed, or, if the material is molded, texturing the mold used to form the stem 1122 or the socket 1112.
• a high friction coating may be added to the end of the stem 1122 and/or the concave curved surface 1112R of the socket 1112.
• An example of a high friction coating is a rubberized paint
• a textured coating such as a texturized powder coat or a texturized paint, may be applied to create a high-friction surface. Some embodiments may use a combination of textured surface, high friction coating, and/or textured coating to create the high friction surface.
• the field of view of the camera body 1110 is set to a first orientation if the stem 1122 is inserted into the socket 1112 at a first position, the field of view of the camera body 1110 is set to a second orientation if the stem 1122 is inserted into the socket 1112 at a second position, and the field of view of the camera body 1110 is set to a third orientation if the stem 1122 is inserted into the socket 1112 at a third position.
• the field of view of the camera body 1110 varies with at least two degrees of freedom between the first orientation, the second orientation, and the third orientation.
• FIG. 12A and 12B show cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a security apparatus 1200 set to two different angles.
• FIG. 12A/B may represent vertical or horizontal cross-sectional views, but will be discussed as vertical cross-sectional views herein, so that FIG. 12A shows a first elevation angle 1252A and FIG. 12B shows a second elevation angle 1252B.
• the security apparatus 1200 includes a sensor body 1210 and a mount 1220.
• the sensor body 1210 includes a socket 1212 recessed into back of the sensor body 1210 with a concave rear-facing curved surface 1212R.
• the shape of the concave rear-facing curved surface 1212R may be a section of a sphere with a given radius, or some other shape, depending on the embodiment.
• the socket 1212 is shaped to appear circular if viewed from the back as shown in FIG. 11C.
• the mount 1220 includes a stem 1222 formed to fit into the socket 1212.
• the end of the stem 1222 is variably positionable in the socket 1212 to set the sensor body 1210 at a plurality of elevation angles between a first elevation angle 1252A and a second elevation angle 1252B as well as a plurality of azimuth angles.
• the shape of the end of the stem 1222 may be a section of a sphere with about the same radius as the cylinder used for the curved surface 1212R of the socket 1212, or some other shape, as long as it allows for placement within the socket 1212 to vary both the azimuth and elevation.
• the elevation angle 1252A/B in at least some embodiments is measured between a centerline 1230 of the stem 1222 and a centerline 1240 of a functional area of the sensor body 1210.
• the first elevation angle 1252A is equal to about 45 degrees
• the second elevation angle 1252B is equal to about -45 degrees.
• the socket 1212 includes a first magnetic material 1213, the end of the stem 1222 includes a second magnetic material 1228, and the stem 1222 is held in the socket 1212 by magnetic force.
• the first magnetic material 1213 is a ferromagnetic material such as steel
• the second magnetic material 1228 is a magnet. Any type of magnet can be used, depending on the embodiment, but in at least one embodiment, the second magnetic material 1228 is a neodymium magnet. The strength of the magnet may vary between
• the magnet may be chosen to allow the stem 1222 to be easily moved within the socket 1212 or pulled from the socket 1212 by a person, but still have enough force to keep the stem 1222 from being easily moved in the socket 1212 if bumped or subjected to normal building vibrations.
• the magnet used for the magnetic material 1228 is chosen to exert about 5 pounds of force (about 20 Newtons) between the mount 1220 and the sensor body 1210.
• Some embodiments may include an alignment mechanism to encourage the location of the stem 1222 at specific locations within the socket 1212.
• the end of the stem 1222 may include an indentation to engage with a plurality of with protrusions located at specific places in the socket 1212, and in other embodiments, the end of the stem 1222 may include a protrusion to engage with a plurality of indentations on the socket 1212.
• the socket 1212 includes at least one indentation shaped to accept the end of the stem 1222 to provide one or more pre-defined orientations of the sensor body.
• embodiments may include other types of alignment mechanisms.
• FIG. 13A and 13B show cross-sectional views of yet another alternative embodiment of a security apparatus 1300 set to two different orientations.
• FIG. 13A/B may represent vertical or horizontal cross-sectional views or a cross-sectional view in some other plane, so the angles 1362A/B discussed could represent azimuth angles, elevation angles, or some other orientation between the centerline 1330 of the stem 1322 and the centerline 1340 of the body 1310.
• An orientation can be represented as a combination of a particular azimuth angle at a particular elevation angle.
• the body 1310 includes a socket 1312 that includes a first magnetic material.
• the magnetic material may include one or more magnets 1313A-C.
• the mount 1320 includes a base 1321 and a stem 1322 that includes a second magnetic material and is formed to fit into the socket 1312.
• the base 1321 is adapted to be attached to a surface.
• screw holes 1325A/B may be used to attach the base 1321 to the surface, but other embodiments may use other attachment mechanisms.
• the stem 1322 is variably positionable in the socket 1312 to set the body 1310 at a plurality of orientations (a plurality of azimuth angles and a plurality of elevation angles), a plurality of azimuth angles or a plurality of elevation angles with respect to the mount 1320.
• the second magnetic material in the stem 1322 may be a ferromagnetic material such as steel in some embodiments.
• the stem 1322 is constructed from steel. When the stem 1322 is inserted into the socket 1312, the body 1310 is held in place by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material.
• the socket 1312 has a concave curved surface shaped as a section of a sphere with a given diameter and an end of the stem 1322 is shaped as a section of a sphere with a diameter that is about the same to a little bit smaller than given diameter.
• the end of the stem 1322 has a surface area at least as large as a surface area of the concave curved surface of the socket 1312 and may be at least a hemisphere in size or larger.
• the entire stem 1322 may constitute the end of the stem 1322 and be shaped as a section of a sphere.
• FIG 13A shows the stem 1322 inserted into the socket 1312 at a first position to create a first orientation 1362 A for the body 1310.
• the first orientation 1362 A can be represented as a first elevation angle and a first azimuth angle.
• FIG 13B shows the stem 1322 inserted into the socket 1312 at a second position to create a second orientation 1362B for the body 1310.
• the second orientation 1362B can be represented as a second elevation angle and a second azimuth angle.
• FIG. 14 shows a flowchart 1400 of an embodiment of a method of mounting a security apparatus.
• the security apparatus may be a camera, a motion sensor, or any other type of security apparatus.
• the method starts to mount the security apparatus at block 1401 and a security apparatus body having a field of view is obtained at block 1402.
• the security apparatus includes a socket that includes a concave curved surface with a first magnetic material.
• the flowchart 1400 continues at block 1403 with obtaining a mount having a second magnetic material.
• the mount is affixed to a surface, such as a wall, a ceiling, a post, or any other type of surface that allows the security apparatus to be positioned as desired.
• the stem is inserted into the socket at a first position at block 1405 to set the field of view of the security apparatus body to a first orientation.
• Magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material holds the security apparatus body in the first orientation at block 1406.
• the method also includes changing the orientation of the security apparatus.
• the flowchart 1400 includes optional block 1407 to move the security apparatus body to place the stem into the socket at a second position to set the field of view of the security apparatus body to a second orientation, and the security apparatus is held in the second orientation by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material at optional block 1408.
• the method concludes at block 1409.
• An example camera includes a camera body having a field of view and comprising a socket that includes a concave curved surface comprising a first magnetic material and a mount comprising a base and a stem attached to the base, the base adapted to be affixed to a surface, and an end of the stem comprising a second magnetic material and formed to fit into the socket.
• the field of view of the camera body is set to a first orientation if the stem is inserted into the socket at a first position, and the field of view of the camera body is set to a second orientation if the stem is inserted into the socket at a second position.
• the field of view of the camera body is set to a third orientation if the stem is inserted into the socket at a third position.
• the field of view of the camera body varies with at least two degrees of freedom between the first orientation, the second orientation, and the third orientation.
• the first orientation comprises a first azimuth angle and a first elevation angle
• the second orientation comprises a second azimuth angel and a second elevation angle.
• the concave curved surface of the socket is shaped as a section of a sphere with a given diameter
• the end of the stem is shaped as a section of a sphere with a diameter between about 100% and about 90% of the given diameter.
• the end of the stem has a surface area at least as large as a surface area of the concave curved surface of the socket.
• the first magnetic material comprises one or more magnets
• the second magnetic material In some example cameras the first magnetic material comprises steel shaped to form the concave curved surface of the socket, and the second magnetic material comprises a magnet.
• the end of the stem has a surface area of less than half of a surface area of the concave curved surface of the socket.
• the end of the stem is a distal end, a proximal end of the stem is attached to the base, and the stem has four substantially flat sides tapered from the proximal end to the distal end.
• Some example cameras also include a high friction surface on at least one of the end of the stem or the concave curved surface of the socket. In some example cameras the high friction surface includes a textured surface, a high friction coating, or a textured coating. Any combination of elements described in this paragraph may be used in various embodiments.
• An example method of mounting a security apparatus includes obtaining a security apparatus body having a field of view and comprising a socket that includes a concave curved surface comprising a first magnetic material, obtaining a mount having a stem comprising a second magnetic material, affixing the mount to a surface, and inserting the stem into the socket at a first position to set the field of view of the security apparatus body to a first orientation.
• the security apparatus body is held in the first orientation by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material.
• Some example methods also include moving the security apparatus body to place the stem into the socket at a second position to set the field of view of the security apparatus body to a second orientation.
• the security apparatus body is held in the second orientation by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material.
• the security apparatus may be a camera, a motion sensor, or any other type of security apparatus. Any combination of elements described in this paragraph may be used in various embodiments.
• An example security apparatus includes a body comprising a socket that includes a first magnetic material, and a mount comprising a stem that is formed to fit into the socket and includes a second magnetic material.
• the body if the stem is inserted into the socket, the body is held in place by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material.
• the body is set to a substantially fixed position with respect to the mount when the stem is inserted into the socket.
• the stem is variably positionable in the socket to set the body at a plurality of azimuth angles or a plurality of elevation angles with respect to the mount.
• the stem is variably positionable in the socket to set the body at a plurality of azimuth angles and a plurality of elevation angles with respect to the mount.
• the plurality of azimuth angles include azimuth angles of about 45 degrees and about -45 degrees and the plurality of elevation angles includes elevation angles of about 0 degrees and about -30 degrees.
• Some example security apparatuses also include a first magnet positioned in the stem with a first magnetic pole facing away from the mount, a second magnet placed in a first location in the socket with a magnetic pole opposite of the first magnetic pole facing into the socket, and a third magnet placed in a second location in the socket with a magnetic pole opposite of the first magnetic pole facing into the socket.
• the body if the stem is inserted into the socket with the first magnet in close proximity to the second magnet, the body is positioned at a first orientation with respect to the mount, and if the stem is inserted into the socket with the first magnet in close proximity to the third magnet, the body is positioned at a second orientation with respect to the mount.
• the first magnetic material comprises steel
• the second magnetic material comprises a magnet.
• the steel magnetic material snaps into a cavity on the back of the body to form at least a part of the socket.
• the socket comprises a concave curved surface shaped as a section of a sphere with a given diameter, and an end of the stem is shaped as a section of a sphere with a diameter between about 100% and about 90% of the given diameter.
• the end of the stem has a surface area at least as large as a surface area of the concave curved surface of the socket.
• the end of the stem comprises at least a hemisphere.
• the socket comprises a concave curved surface and an end of the stem has a surface area of less than half of a surface area of the concave curved surface of the socket.
• the socket comprises a concave curved surface and the mount comprises a base attached to a proximal end of the stem and adapted to be attached to a surface.
• a distal end of the stem is formed to fit in the socket and the distal end of the stem has a surface area of less than half of a surface area of the concave curved surface of the socket, and the stem extends from the base and has four substantially flat sides tapered from the proximal end to the distal end.
• Some example security apparatuses also include a high friction surface on at least one of the end of the stem or the concave rear surface of the socket.
• the high friction surface includes a textured surface, a high friction coating, or a textured coating. Any combination of elements described in this paragraph may be used in various embodiments.
• a monitored volume may refer to a single monitored volume, two monitored volumes, or any other number of monitored volumes.
• the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
• the term “coupled” includes direct and indirect connections. Moreover, where first and second devices are coupled, intervening devices including active devices may be located there between.

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• 2015
  • 2015-05-14 EP EP15803490.0A patent/EP3149717B1/de active Active
  • 2015-05-14 DK DK15803490.0T patent/DK3149717T3/da active
  • 2015-05-14 WO PCT/US2015/030692 patent/WO2015187326A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2015-05-14 CN CN201580040285.4A patent/CN107004332B/zh active Active

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