ES2956852A1 - Doorbell camcorder device (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Doorbell video camera device. A video doorbell camera device is provided that includes a camera capable of capturing video images, a first and a second RF transceiver, a processor coupled to the camera and the RF transceivers, and a memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, they cause it to function as the controller of a security surveillance system with an activated mode and a deactivated mode, and that it can receive event notifications, through the first RF transceiver, from one or more peripherals of alarm and, in the activated mode, in response to receiving an event notification from one of the alarm peripherals, transmitting an alert to a remote monitoring entity using the second RF transceiver; and, both in the activated mode and in the deactivated mode, transmit through the second RF transceiver the video images captured by the camera. The doorbell video camera device is preferably provided together with an electronically controlled lock, the instructions when executed by the processor causing the processor to also function as the controller of the lock and to exchange messages with the lock using the first transceiver. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

doorbell camcorder device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a doorbell video camera device configured to function as a controller of a security surveillance system, and to security surveillance systems that include such a doorbell video camera device.

Background

Breaking and entering, robbery, theft from premises and criminal damage to premises such as homes and businesses are problems that have troubled human society for centuries, and possibly for millennia. Perhaps surprisingly, burglar alarms have been around in some form since the 18th century, while the first electric burglar alarm was apparently patented in 1853 by the Reverend Augustus Russell Pope and sounded a bell if a door or window was opened. But most surprisingly, Pope's invention was quickly commercialized and used as the basis for a monitored alarm service in which signals from alarm installations were transmitted over telephone lines to personnel working at a remote control station.

In the 21st century the best security surveillance systems still involve remote monitoring of alarm events, but also include some element of video capture in protected premises with video captures related to the events sent to the surveillance station remote for review. These systems often require professional installation and a monthly or annual subscription payment, which can make these systems unattractive or unaffordable for some people, even if they are interested in having a home security system. Although cheaper, usually unmonitored, systems are available for both professional installation and DIY, in recent years many people have been attracted by the potential of providing a form of self-monitored video surveillance using motion-activated video cameras and video cameras. Doorbells that connect to cloud-based end systems, typically over Wi-Fi, to provide push alerts that include motion-activated video clips. These cameras also typically allow the homeowner to "check in" to view live video feeds of all the homes. cameras installed on the premises. Video doorbell cameras can also notify a homeowner of the presence at the front door of the monitored premises, allow them to respond to a doorbell and converse with a visitor through the doorbell.

Some suppliers of video doorbell cameras and related video cameras offer subscription services for video storage systems, and also provide hardware and equipment kits to add a system controller and alarm peripherals, such as door/window contact switches. , motion sensors, etc., which can be combined to allow the user to create a complete security surveillance system, which is usually installed following a DIY system. The user of these DIY security surveillance systems can also subscribe to a remote surveillance service, but this may entail costs not dissimilar to those of a professionally installed surveillance system, even though a system is unlikely to A DIY installed system offers the level of security that a professionally installed system offers. This perhaps explains why, in general, most people who install video doorbell cameras and home video cameras do not go for any type of security monitoring installation, but instead rely on motion-activated push notifications. The perceived difficulty of performing an effective DIY installation to create a professional-grade security surveillance system is also likely to be a deterrent.

Therefore, it is necessary to find a solution to the problem of offering a security surveillance system that is effective and easy to install, but that avoids at least some of the adoption barriers of existing solutions for some customers.

Summary

According to a first aspect, a doorbell video camera device is provided that includes a camera capable of capturing video images, a first and a second RF transceiver, a processor coupled to the camera and the RF transceivers, and a memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as the controller of a security surveillance system with one mode on and one mode off, and that:

receive event alerts, via the first RF transceiver, from one or more alarm peripherals and, in the activated mode, in response to receipt of an event alert from one of the alarm peripherals, transmit an alert to an remote surveillance entity using the second RF transceiver; and, in both on and off modes, transmit the video images captured by the camera through the second RF transceiver. By providing the functionality of a security surveillance system in a video doorbell camera device, it is possible to install a security surveillance system quickly, easily and cheaply, encouraging adoption and providing the basis for an upgrade path attractive for a complete remote surveillance system.

Optionally, the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause it to also function as a controller for an electronically controlled lock and to exchange messages with the lock using the first transceiver. By providing an electronic control lock in association with the specially configured doorbell video camera device, the user experience and convenience is further improved.

Optionally, the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to respond to a tamper message received from the lock by transmitting a tamper alert using the second transceiver (and also transmitting an alert in response to receiving an alert from the lock). lock). Preferably, in response to receiving the tamper message (or alert), the processor is also configured to: transmit an instruction, using the first transceiver, to activate a video camera independent of the security surveillance system to cause the independent video camera transmits the captured video for reception through the second transceiver; The processor is further configured to transmit the captured video received through the second transceiver.

Optionally, the processor is further configured to receive event alerts, via the second RF transceiver, from the independent video camera and, in the activated mode, in response to receipt of an event alert from the independent video camera. to transmit an alert to a remote monitoring entity using the second RF transceiver.

Optionally, the doorbell video camera device according to the first aspect is combined with an electronically controlled door-mounted lock, the lock including a lock transceiver for communication with the first transceiver of the doorbell video camera device. Preferably, the doorbell video camera device is configured to transmit a command to the lock, using the first transceiver, to allow the door to be opened. Optionally, the lock is configured to transmit a tamper signal, using the lock transceiver, if an attempt is made to remove the lock from the door. The controller of the security surveillance system may be notified (for example, by a user interface of the system or an application provided for system maintenance, etc.) if the door lock needs to be removed, so that the controller Don't end up sending a false alarm to the alarm center.

Preferably, in the doorbell video camera and combination lock device, the lock further comprises an accelerometer configured to function as a shock sensor, a processor of the lock and the accelerometer operating together as a shock detector to generate a tamper signal. of the lock in the event of an attempt to force or interfere with the lock, where the lock is configured to transmit any lock tampering signal using the lock's transceiver. Preferably, the lock processor and the accelerometer function together as a crash detector to generate an alert signal in the event of an attempt to force the door, and the lock processor is configured to transmit the alert signal using the transceiver. of lock. Under certain circumstances the alert may indicate an intrusion, but under other circumstances the alert may indicate tampering, potentially depending on the nature of the detected crashes, the regulatory regime, and the installation or configuration of the accelerometer and processor. If an intrusion is detected, it should be flagged as such, while an attack that is not sufficient to constitute an intrusion should preferably be flagged as a tamper event.

Such a lock can be configured to meet the requirements of EN 50131-2-8 Grade 2 (especially those relating to crash sensors and crash detection), meaning that the lock can be conveniently integrated in a grade 2 (or higher) security surveillance system without jeopardizing the system's classification. The grade or category of an intruder alarm system installed is an indication of the ease with which the system can be bypassed and the degree of security provided, both of which are important for insurance coverage. The grade of an alarm installation is dictated by the grade of the lowest-grade component of the system.

Optionally, the lock includes a magnetometer that is configured to detect the presence of one or more magnets located outside the lock but inside or attached to the door, the magnetometer generating the tamper signal as a result of a greater separation, between the magnetometer and the one or more magnets, caused by removal of the door lock. Preferably, the door is mounted in a frame, with at least one magnet associated with the frame to provide a magnetic field that is detected by a magnetometer in the lock to detect whether the door is open or closed, and the lock is configured to transmit warnings. door status to doorbell video camera device. Preferably, the lock includes an audio output device, and the doorbell video camera device is configured to respond to the reception of a chime activation event by transmitting, using the first transceiver, a chime signal to cause the lock to produce a chime sound using the audio output device.

Preferably, the lock processor is configured to indicate in the alerts and tamper signals the nature of the attack that resulted in the transmission of the signal. For example, it is desirable to distinguish between signals resulting from mechanical impact as a result of a forced attack on the door or door frame, those caused by attempts to pick the lock, and those caused by attempts to separate the lock. of the door. This information can be useful to distinguish between genuine attacks and false alarms, that is, to verify that a security alert can be transmitted to the police for action.

Preferably, the lock processor is configured to indicate in the alert and tamper signals the sensor that has given rise to the transmission of the signal. This information can also be useful to discriminate between genuine attacks and false alarms, for example to discriminate between vibrations caused by an attack and vibrations caused by road or rail traffic or the impacts of a thrown soccer ball.

In a doorbell video camera device according to any variant of the first aspect, the memory may also store additional instructions for an alternative mode of operation in which the doorbell video camera device itself functions as a peripheral of an independent controller of a surveillance system. security, making additional instructions, when executed by the processor, that the processor:

exchange messages with the independent controller using the first transceiver, and transmit to the independent controller, through the second RF transceiver, the video images captured by the camera. Preferably, the processor is configured in the alternative mode of operation to respond to receipt of a wake-up event. of the chime by transmitting, through the first transceiver, a chime signal to the independent controller to cause an audio output device of the security surveillance system to produce a chime sound with respect to the chime activation event.

According to a second aspect, a premises security monitoring system installation is provided comprising a doorbell video camera device and a combination lock as disclosed above in combination with an installed alarm peripheral comprising a door contact/ window for detecting the status of a door or window, or a separate motion-activated video camera, the alarm peripheral including a transceiver for communication with the first transceiver of the doorbell video camera device.

According to a third aspect, a procedure for updating a security surveillance system installation that includes one or more alarm peripherals and a doorbell video camera device is provided according to the first aspect, the procedure comprising: reconfiguring the video camera device to stop your processor from functioning as the security surveillance system controller; provide an independent controller for the security surveillance system; configure the doorbell video camera device to function as a standalone controller peripheral; and register the alarm peripherals of the security surveillance system with the independent system controller.

In the method of the third aspect, reconfiguring the doorbell video camera device may comprise storing additional instructions in memory, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: exchange messages with the independent controller using the first transceiver , and transmit to the independent controller, through the second RF transceiver, the video images captured by the camera. The storage of additional instructions may, for example, be the result of a firmware update.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided an operating method of a doorbell video camera device, the device comprising a camera capable of capturing video images, a first and a second RF transceiver, a processor coupled to the camera and the transceivers. of RF, and a memory that stores instructions that when executed by the processor make it function as the controller of a security surveillance system with an activated mode and a deactivated mode, the procedure comprising: receiving event notifications, through the first RF transceiver, from one or more alarm peripherals; in the activated mode, in response to receiving an event notice from one of the alarm peripherals transmitting an alert to a remote monitoring entity using the second RF transceiver; and in both the activated mode and the deactivated mode transmit, through the second RF transceiver, video images captured by the camera.

The method of the fourth aspect may further comprise, in the activated mode, receiving an event notification, through the second RF transceiver, from a video camera independent of the security surveillance system, and in response transmitting a alerts a remote monitoring entity using the second RF transceiver.

According to a fifth aspect, a kit of parts is provided that includes:

a doorbell video camera device according to the first aspect; and an electronically controlled lock, including a lock transceiver for communication with the first transceiver of the doorbell video camera device.

In the parts kit of the fifth aspect, the electronically controlled lock may include a magnetometer that is configured to detect the presence of one or more magnets located outside the lock but inside a door in which the lock is mounted, generating the magnetometer the tamper signal as a result of increased separation, between the magnetometer and the magnet(s), caused by removal of the door lock.

In the kit of parts of the fifth aspect, a lock magnetometer may be coupled to a lock processor and configured to detect a magnetic field from a magnet associated with a frame that receives a door to which the lock is mounted, being the lock processor configured to detect a state of the door based on whether the door is open or closed, the door state being derived from signals received from the coupled magnetometer, and the lock being configured to transmit door state notices to the doorbell video camera device.

In the kit of parts of the fifth aspect, the lock preferably further comprises an accelerometer configured to function as a crash sensor, a processor of the lock and the accelerometer operating together as a crash detector to generating a lock tamper signal in the event of an attempt to tamper with or tamper with the lock, wherein the lock is configured to transmit any lock tamper signal using the lock transceiver. Preferably, the lock processor and the accelerometer function together as a crash detector to generate an alert signal in the event that an attempt is made to force the door, and the processor is configured to transmit the alert signal, using the transceiver of the lock. lock. In certain circumstances the alert may indicate an intrusion, but in other circumstances the alert may indicate tampering, potentially depending on the nature of the crash(es) detected, the regulatory regime, and the installation or configuration of the accelerometer and processor. If an intrusion is detected, it should be flagged as such, while an attack that is not sufficient to constitute an intrusion should preferably be flagged as a tamper event.

In the fifth aspect parts kit, the lock may be pre-installed on the door before it is installed on a building.

In the fifth aspect parts kit, the door may incorporate one or more magnets that are provided for tamper detection.

In the fifth aspect parts kit, the door is pre-installed in the frame before the door and frame are installed in a building, including the frame and the magnet that is provided for the derivation of door status information.

Brief description of the figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which

Figure 1 schematically shows a home with a doorbell video camera installation;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates the main components of a video doorbell camera device and a smart lock according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3 - schematically illustrates some construction details and arrangements of locks according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates several of the parts that form an installation and a system according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 5 schematically illustrates several of the parts that form another installation and a system according to another embodiment of the invention.

Specific description

Figure 1 schematically shows a home with a doorbell video camera device installation. A doorbell video camera device 100 is located next to the main entrance door 102, in this case the front door, of the house 104. The main door 102 is equipped with a "smart" lock 106 that can be locked and unlocked by signals. electrical control signals, received, for example, from a personal communication device 108 of the homeowner. For example, the doorbell video camera device 100 may cooperate with a backend service 110 that sends push alerts to the user's personal communication device 108 when the doorbell is pressed (or optionally when someone approaches the doorbell 100). To support such communications, the doorbell video camera device may use Wi-Fi to connect to a Wi-Fi router 112 that has a broadband connection 114 to the Internet 115, the backend service 110 sending push advertisements to a mobile network. public terrestrial network (PLMN) 116 by which notices are delivered to the user's personal communication device 108. The same communication path can be used to transmit live video (and sound) from the doorbell video camera device 100 to the user. A reverse communication path is also supported to allow the user to speak to a person at the doorbell 100, and also to allow the user to activate (i.e., release) the lock 106 to allow the person at the door to open the door. 102. Signals to activate (release) the lock may be passed to lock 106 directly, but preferably (in this configuration) are passed through doorbell video camera device 100 which in turn communicates with lock 106.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates the main components of a doorbell video camera device 100 and a smart lock 106, such as those shown in Figure 1, according to embodiments of the invention. A video doorbell camera device 100 includes a processor 200, which may be a microcontroller, with an associated memory 202 that stores program instructions ("software") that when executed on the processor 200 control the operation of the video doorbell camera device. 100. provides a pair of transceivers 204, 206. The first of the transceivers 204 supports Wi-Fi communication with a Wi-Fi access point (AP), such as the Wi-Fi router 112 of Figure 1, for communication of the video signals from the video camera 208 and the audio signals from the microphone 210. The second transceiver 206 supports a lower bandwidth channel that supports the transmission of control signals and event notifications from alarm peripherals such as the smart lock 106, external video cameras, door/window contacts (which detect the open or closed status of windows or doors), etc. Typically, the low bandwidth channel(s) can be provided using a suitable frequency allocated in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) bands, such as (in Europe) 868MHz. Preferably, communications on the low bandwidth channel(s) are encrypted. The main reason for using a low bandwidth transmission channel is to allow the use of transceivers (in alarm peripherals) that have low power consumption (and, in particular, lower power consumption than Wi-Fi transceivers). -Fi, which consume a lot of power), so that battery-powered alarm peripherals can achieve the minimum required battery life of 3 to 5 years. The transceivers 204 and 206 are coupled to an antenna array 212 that typically comprises (multiple) independent antenna elements for the two transceivers 204 and 206. One or both transceivers 204, 206 may support other transmission bands/protocols, such as BlueTooth (RTM) or BLE, for example.

The doorbell video camera device 100 also includes a doorbell activation device 214, which may comprise a mechanical switch or "doorbell push", and preferably one that provides a tactile response to activation. In known manner, the doorbell activation device 214 may be located together with a video camera lens 208, but may also be provided separately so that the video camera lens does not have to move when the doorbell activation device is activated. activation of doorbell 214.

The doorbell video camera device 100 preferably also includes (or may be connected to) a keypad 216 for entering digits (such as access codes or PINs). Preferably, keyboard 216 is a mechanical device that provides haptic feedback upon activation.

The doorbell video camera device 100 also includes a motion detection device 217 that can be used to activate the video camera for recording the doorbell. motion-activated video capture and motion signaling, although the video camera may be arranged to be always live to provide continuous surveillance. The motion detection arrangement may include one or more passive infrared sensors. The motion detection arrangement may use radar or ultrasound to determine the distance of an object (e.g., a person) to the doorbell video camera device, and this may be combined with passive infrared and/or other presence detection. types of presence detection. The video doorbell may have an associated app or online tool that allows the user to set activity zones, ranges, set sensitivities, etc., so that alerts regarding detected motion or presence are not transmitted, e.g. with respect to movement detected in public spaces (for example, by people walking on a sidewalk outside the premises, or vehicles passing on a road outside the protected premises).

The doorbell video camera device 100 preferably includes illumination 218 (in the form of one or more light sources), in particular infrared illumination, but optionally also illumination that provides visible light.

The doorbell video camera device 100 may also include a screen 219 for displaying messages and information to the user. Although it would be possible to include the keyboard function 216 on the display 219, using a touch-sensitive display, it is preferred to keep these functions independent and use a separate mechanical keyboard 216, both for durability and power consumption reasons.

The doorbell video camera device 100 also includes a speaker 220 to play a user's voice on the user device 108, for prompts by the processor 200, and to function as an alarm sound or siren upon a security event. alarm, as explained later. The provision of at least one speaker (two or more may be provided) together with at least one microphone (two or more may be provided) enables two-way audio between a person at the doorbell video camera device and another person, e.g. a designated user through a user device (for example, a smartphone with a doorbell video camera device application or a security surveillance system application). The presence of one or more microphones 210 also allows the use of voiceprint identification as a form of access control, so that, for example, an occupant of the facility or a trusted visitor (such as a nurse, a caretaker, a cleaner, etc.), who has stored a voiceprint into the system, you can access the home by speaking to the doorbell video camera device, which compares the given voice sample to known stored voice samples to identify the speaker. If the identified speaker is on a list of approved people, the doorbell video camera device sends an instruction to a smart lock on the corresponding access door so that the speaker can open the door and access the protected premises.

Preferably, the doorbell video camera device 100 also includes a near field communication (NFC) antenna 220 to enable near field communication with an NFC device, such as a dongle, smart watch, NFC sticker, or equipped mobile phone. suitably, for example, to authenticate a user and possibly to unlock an associated smart lock 106 to access protected premises.

The doorbell video camera device 100 is provided with a casing or an external box 221 to protect the doorbell components. Preferably, the housing 221 is provided with a tamper detection system 213 that functions to generate a tamper alert if the housing of the doorbell video camera device 100 is removed. Said tamper alert is preferably handled by the controller of the surveillance system. (the controller may be provided by the doorbell video camera device itself or by an independent entity), regardless of the activated state of the security surveillance system. Users (or owner(s) of the security surveillance system may have an application through which the controller of the security surveillance system can be pre-warned of a planned event that would otherwise be treated as an alarm event, so that the security surveillance system controller can be configured to ignore the expected event when it occurs. For example, it may be necessary to remove the housing 221 of the doorbell video camera device to replace a defective battery 226. Using the application, a user or service engineer can prevent the security surveillance system controller from processing the removal of the housing. casing as a tampering event that must be reported as an alarm event. The same principle also applies to the lock 106 and its tamper detection.

The doorbell video camera device 100 is preferably provided with a mains power supply 222 coupled to a power supply 224 including a rechargeable battery 226 (as an auxiliary power supply for use in the event of a mains failure). and a charging device 228 for managing charging of the rechargeable battery 226. Preferably, as shown, the doorbell video camera device 100 also includes an interface 230 (such as a micro USB port, a USB-C port, or a "light") to accept a low voltage (e.g. 5V or 20V) supply (e.g. from a power bank or external charger) which, in the absence of a mains supply (or in the event of power failure), mains power) can be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 226 on site, rather than having to remove the battery to recharge it, so that the doorbell video camera device can always be powered, which is an important consideration when the Doorbell video camera device also works as a controller for a security surveillance system. Before describing the use of the doorbell video camera device as a controller of a security surveillance system, we will first describe the lock 106 which, although not an essential part of the security surveillance system installation, is a highly desirable and Useful for a doorbell video camera device that functions as a controller for a security surveillance system.

Returning to the lock 106, this is shown installed in a door 240, with a cooperating strike plate 242 and in which at least one latch 244 is received. The lock 106 can be configured as a mortise lock, in which case the lock will typically include a latch or mortise bolt (not shown) in addition to latch 244. The provision of lock 106 as a mortise lock is particularly attractive if the lock is to be pre-installed on a door (or if the door is to be manufactured with elements recesses provided for on-site lock installation) rather than being installed later on a previously hung door as a replacement for an existing lock. However, in some cases it is desired, especially when replacing a surface mounted lock, to surface mount the lock 106 (on the protected, usually interior, side of the door 240) because installation is usually much easier. and quick if it is not necessary to create a cavity (mortise) inside the door to accept the new lock. In either case, the latch 224 may be housed in a cavity (mortise) within the door, but with a surface mounted lock the latch may also be external to the door. The lock 106 is provided with an actuator 246, which may be a solenoid or a motor, which operates the latch in the locked or unlocked positions, or which engages or disengages a clutch that engages or disengages a knob or handle 248 on the exposed side of the door and by which the latch can be retracted to the unlocked position allowing the door to be opened from the exposed (unprotected) side. Normally, if the lock 106 is provided with a clutch handle, the actuator will be a solenoid instead of a motor. The lock 106 may, of course, be provided with another handle or knob (not shown), on the protected side of the door 240, to operate the latch 244 to open and lock the door 240 from the protected (generally interior) side of door 240.

The lock 106 includes a power source 250 that includes a rechargeable battery 252, and a charging device 254 for managing the charging of the rechargeable battery 252. The charging arrangement may be coupled to a mains electricity supply, but to facilitate and simplify the inclusion of a 256 interface (such as a micro USB port, a USB-C port or a "light" socket) to accept a low voltage supply (e.g. 5V or 20V) may be preferred (e.g. example of a power bank or an external charger) which, in the absence of mains power (or in the event of mains power failure) can be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 252 on site, instead of having to remove the battery to recharge it, so that the lock 106 can always be powered.

The actuator 246 is coupled to and controlled by a processor 258, which has an associated memory 260 that stores program instructions ("software") that when executed on the processor 258 control the operation of the lock 106. The processor 258 may be a microcontroller. Also coupled to and controlled by processor 258 is a transceiver 262 that is configured to receive control signals and transmit event information to a security surveillance system controller (e.g., from doorbell video camera device 100). . These transmissions may be relatively low bandwidth (for example, compared to the video transmissions of the doorbell 100), so a low bandwidth channel is suitable, meaning that it can be used a low power consumption transceiver, thus facilitating an acceptably long battery life. For example, transceiver 262 can be configured to operate using a suitable frequency assigned in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) bands, such as (in Europe) 868MHz. Preferably, communications to and from the lock are encrypted.

The lock 106 preferably also includes a doorbell or speaker (more generally, a sound output device) 263 that is coupled to the processor 258. This doorbell can be used instead of, or in addition to, a separate doorbell that rings each time the doorbell activation device 214 of the doorbell video camera device is activated, with the processor 200 of the doorbell video camera device 100 configured to use the second transceiver 206 to transmit a labeled doorbell activation signal with a flag to which the lock processor 258 and/or the processor of an independent ringing device (not shown) responds by using an internal sound output device to ring in response to activation of the ringing device. ring 214.

The lock 106 may be provided with a housing 259 through which the latch 244 and any mortise lock are free to protrude, the knob or handle 248 being, of course, exterior to the housing 259. Preferably, the housing is made of an industrial plastic material or a non-ferromagnetic material so as not to interfere with the operation of one or more magnetometers provided as part of the lock 106.

The lock 106 further includes a magnetometer 264 that is configured to detect and control a first magnetic field provided by a first magnet 266 that is fixedly mounted with respect to the frame 268 or other pillar against which the door 240 closes. magnetometer 264, or an additional magnetometer (not shown), is configured to detect and monitor a second magnetic field provided by a second magnet 270 that is attached to the door, preferably mounted inside the door, that is, between the protected face and the unprotected side of the door, although it is also possible to attach (for example, glue) a magnet to the face of the door (the face of the protected inner side (for example, the inside side) of the door). This second magnet 270 is external to the lock 106 and is provided so that the magnetometer configured to detect the magnetic field of the second magnet 270 can generate a tamper signal to indicate an attempt to remove the lock 106 from the door 240. Meanwhile, The magnetometer 264 configured to detect and monitor the first magnetic field provided by a first magnet 266 may provide a signal to indicate the state of the door, for example, whether the door 240 is open or closed. The processor 258 may be configured to generate an alert signal, which is transmitted to the controller of the security surveillance system, for example the enhanced video doorbell camera device according to aspects of the invention, to inform a surveillance service or the owner. /occupant of the house, in case the opening of the door is detected without the lock having been unlocked and/or the alarm has been deactivated, since this indicates that the door 240 has been forced.

The lock 106 further includes an accelerometer 275, which is also coupled to the processor 258, and which is configured to function as a knock sensor to provide the processor with signals to detect attempts to "pick" the lock, drilling into the lock cylinder and other mechanical attacks on the lock, as well as providing signals in case of attempts to break down the door (or force the lock open) with a sledgehammer or battering ram, for example. Preferably, processor 258 is configured to distinguish accelerometer signals generated as a result of a normal "I'm here!" on the door, from the signals generated as a result of much more forceful blows, which are characteristic of attempts to open the door by force. The provision of the accelerometer 275 provides a basis for certifying the lock as an alarm detector, or alarm peripheral, (for an alarm system of at least Grade 2 or Grade 3) according to EN 50131.

While the above description has been made in the context of the lock electronics being provided within a lock box together with the main mechanical elements thereof, the invention also contemplates alternative arrangements in which the lock electronics smart is provided in a separate unit from the lock box. For example, a mortise lock in which the main mechanical parts of the lock are provided within a recessed element in a door (preferably contained within a lock box within the door), a separate unit may be provided (preferably) in the protected (e.g. interior) face of the door to house the electronics of a smart lock, the independent unit being mechanically coupled to the mechanical parts of the lock within the door. This arrangement can be used to allow the smart lock functionality to be "adapted" to a previously installed lock, for example by removing the existing lock cylinder and replacing it with a new cylinder that provides a mechanical connection to the new freestanding unit. by which the lock can be locked or unlocked remotely. If the lock assembly has a latch, this can also be attached to the new standalone unit to allow a motor or other actuator (for example, a solenoid) to operate both the latch and the latch, potentially allowing the door to be opened. no contact. This approach is best understood with reference to Figure 3.

Figure 3A shows a mortise lock 300 installed in a mortise (cavity) formed within a door 302, viewed from the protected side, for example the interior, of the door. The lock includes a lock box 304, shown in sketch form, within which houses the latch 306 and a latch 308. The latch 306 is shown here retracted, so that only the free end of the latch can be seen in the front part 310 of the lock, in which state the door 302 can be opened from the closed position. The lock 300 is secured within the mortise by screws 312, 312' passing through the front end 310 into the door material. The lock can be locked and unlocked by virtue of the keyed cylinder 314, which is shown here extended from its hole 315 in the lock towards the interior side (the protected side) of the door. The cylinder shown is a European type cylinder in which a key operates a pin and hammer arrangement (of course, other types of cylinders are used and the invention is equally applicable to locks using these other types of cylinders) . At each end of the cylinder is a keyhole 316, and by inserting a correctly coded key into the keyhole 316 it is possible to rotate a rotating cam 318 having an integral tang 320 which, when installed in the lock, is effective to move the latch 306 in and out of the lock case 304, and therefore to unlock and lock the door 302 to an associated door frame (not shown). The free end of the latch enters an opening or "guard" in the door frame to lock the door in the closed position.

Cylinder 314 is secured in position in the lock by means of a retaining screw, not shown, which passes through an opening 322 in the front of the lock. It will be appreciated that the lock is shown without the usual cover plate that would normally cover the front part 310 of the lock. The latch 308 is opened and closed by a latch drive that engages a square section opening 324 in the latch (or in a latch driver within the lock). The latch may be attached to a handle or knob (one on each side of the door) by which the latch can be retracted. Latches are often spring-loaded so that they return to the indicated position, with the latch tongue protruding from the lock when pressure on the handle or knob is released. Sometimes the latch is coupled to be actuated by the cylinder, so that further rotation of the cylinder in one direction retracts the latch, and rotation in the opposite direction does the opposite, in which case there may be no latch handle, or a latch handle only on the protected side of the door.

Two European-type cylinders are shown in Figure 3A: on the left, a conventional cylinder 314 with a lock 316 at each end; on the right, a new cylinder 314' in which, instead of the lock on the protected side of the door, an elongated tongue 326 protrudes. The tongue 326 will be coupled to the mechanism of an assembly that includes the mechanism and electronics of a Electronic lock. This assembly, which will be described with reference to Figures 3B and 3C, will be installed in place of the shield 328 surrounding the hole 315 for the cylinder 314.

In Figure 3B, an assembly that includes the mechanism and electronics of an electronic lock is housed within a knob 330 that is fixed to the door 302 by means of a fixing plate 332 which in turn has been mounted on the door. instead of the shield 338. The fixing plate 332 is fixed to the inner face of the door by a pair of fixing screws 334. The fixing plate includes engaging portions, here shown in the form of projections 336, which may be shaped of flanges, which engage and lock in engagement with corresponding formations within the knob 330. The fixing plate 332 and the knob may be held together by one or more hidden fixing screws, each hidden in respective holes 338 a through the curved surface (here) of a first part 340 of the knob 330. The majority of the length of the knob forms a body 339 that extends over and receives the first (or inner) part 340.

Also indicated in Figure 3B is a set of one or more visual indicators 341, for example in the form of several RGB LEDs, by means of which a state of the electronic lock and/or a mode or a state of the lock can be indicated. same. Finally, Figure 3B shows one or more openings 342 formed in the main surface of the fixing plate 332. Each opening 342 provides a window through which the magnetic field of a magnet 270 can pass unobstructed. The magnet 270 may be mounted on the surface of the door within the window provided by an opening 342, or the fixing plate may be used as a template to allow a gap or hole to be formed (e.g., drilling, machining or carving ) into the door frame, so that a magnet can be inserted into the door body. If the hole or drilling is deep enough, the magnet can be embedded in the door and hidden under a wooden or plastic cover, possibly before attaching the fixing plate to the door. As noted, in this manner one or more magnets 270 may be mounted on the door to cooperate with the magnetometer(s) 264 of the electronic lock, as described with reference to Figure 2. It will be understood that the position of the opening(s) 342 with respect to the engaging portions 336, and the position of the complementary features of the assembly with respect to the accelerometer used to detect the magnetic field of the magnet 270, are chosen such that, when the assembly is mounted on the door, magnetometer 264 and magnet 270 are aligned for optimal sensitivity.

Figure 3C schematically shows a longitudinal section through assembly 330, fixing plate 332, lock case 304, door 302 and door frame. The assembly comprises knob 330 that fits over an inner portion 340. The inner portion 340 includes latch portions 350 that engage and lock in the latch with the latching portions 336 of the fixing plate 332. As shown, approximately half the length of the knob overlaps the interior portion 340, and the interior portion provides an enclosure or box for the electronics of the smart lock, although it will be appreciated that many configurations are possible. The tab 326 of the cylinder 314' extends through an opening in a printed circuit board 251 (or between a pair of printed circuit boards) that carries most of the electronic components of the smart lock, including the processor 258. , the memory 260, the RF transceiver 262, the magnetometers 264 and the accelerometer 275. As illustrated, two magnetometers are used, one for tamper detection using a magnetic field from a magnet mounted on the door 270, and the another 264' to detect the open state of the door using a magnetic field from a magnet mounted on the frame 266, although the same functionality can be provided using a single magnetometer. Connected to the processor, but optionally mounted outside of the printed circuit board 251, are the speaker/probe 263 and indicators 341.

The assembly includes a power supply with batteries 252, a charging device 254, together with a charging socket 256 (preferably at the bottom of the knob).

In the example shown in Figure 3C, the closure mechanism includes an electrically controlled actuator 246 (e.g., a motor or a solenoid) and an optional associated mechanism 352 that are configured to apply a rotary torque between the interior part 340 of the knob and the tongue 326, to rotate the cylinder 314' in the lock - to remove the latch 244 inside the lock box 304 or to extend the latch 244 from the lock box 304. Between the cam tongue 320 and The latch can be provided with a 354latch force transfer arrangement. Likewise, the lock may be configured such that rotation (over-rotation) of the cam 318 may also actuate the latch 308.

Although Figure 3 shows the arrangements suitable for a conventional door, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the same assembly and modified cylinder could equally be used in conjunction with a door (or French window, patio door, etc. or similar). that has a multi-point locking system (which typically has a minimum of 3 locking points that lock simultaneously when the mechanism is activated). They usually work in conjunction with a cylinder lock (for example, a European-type cylinder lock), although locking usually involves manually activating a door handle to engage the various locking points with their counterparts before the lock is blocked. Although this latching phase may require the application of excessive torque for the sensitive application of the described electronic lock addition (if for no other reason than the short battery life), the locking and unlocking step Other than engagement/disengagement operations could potentially be handled using a system as just described.

In an alternative arrangement, the smart lock is provided with an engaged handle or knob on each side of the door, the smart lock mechanism being configured to control the clutch arrangement to, in the unlocked condition, allow removal of the latch, and in the locked position to disengage the handles/knobs from the latch so that they are unable to remove the latch to unlock the door. It is also evident that, instead of providing the additional assembly in the form of a knob, a larger body that is not shaped like a knob (although potentially including a knob to facilitate opening the door) can be used to house the added mechanism, and said arrangement may be configured to include a powered latch actuator.

Next, we will consider the operation of the doorbell video camera device as a controller of a security surveillance system in the context of Figure 4.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a home security surveillance (home alarm) system 400 built around a doorbell video camera device 100 that functions as a controller for system 400. In the illustrated example, system 400 includes a lock intelligent 106, as described in Figure 2 and/or in Figure 3, so that the user of the system (for example, the owner of the home) can remotely unlock the door 240 to which the lock is connected 106 to admit a visitor, after having verified that it is a visitor through the video camera of the doorbell 100.

The system 400 includes alarm peripherals such as a door contact 402, for example on the back door 404 of the house, which may be a magnetic detection switch (such as a reed relay) that detects whether the door 404 is open or closed and transmitting an alert that is received by the second transceiver 206 (e.g. 868MHz) of the doorbell video camera device 100 and processed by the processor 200 to generate, if the system is activated, an alarm event signal that addresses to a remote alarm notification service (e.g., cloud-based) 110 and is transmitted by the first transceiver (e.g., Wi-Fi) 204 (the speaker of the doorbell video camera device It can also be activated immediately as a siren or to provide some other audible deterrent). The transmitted alarm event signal is received by the facility's Wi-Fi access point (AP) 112 and transmitted over a broadband connection to the Internet 115 and, therefore, to the alarm notification service based on cloud 110.

In the cloud-based alarm notification service 110, the identity of the security surveillance system (which may be that of the doorbell video camera device 100) that is included in the alarm event signal is checked against a database of registered system identity data to retrieve an address (e.g. a SIP address, a mobile phone number, an email address) corresponding to the identity of the registered alarm system. The alarm notification service 110 then sends a notification to the registered address so that the user receives, for example, a notification (e.g., a local notification) on his or her smartphone 108 or other personal electronic device, and/or an automated telephone call providing details of the alarm event, for example, the identity/type/location of the sensor (e.g. rear door contact sensor) that has been activated. A user who receives such a notice may request the transmission of video or images from the cameras 406, 406' installed on the premises (e.g. For example, a push notice may include one or more "action buttons" that, when activated by the user, cause the user device 108 to transmit an instruction to the alarm notification service 110 to send an instruction to the security surveillance system controller 400 (i.e., the doorbell video camera device processor). ) to transmit wake signals to wake up the cameras 406, 406" causing them to capture and send images and/or video. The security surveillance system controller 400 (i.e., the video doorbell device processor) receives these transmissions video using the first transceiver (Wi-Fi) 204, and the same transceiver is used to transmit the images/videos to the alarm notification service 110 through the access point 112 and the Internet 115. In turn, the service alarm notification system 110 transmits the images/videos to the user's device 108. The alarm notification service 110 is preferably configured to store (if the user has paid the necessary subscription fee) the images/videos captured in this way.

Each of the video cameras 406, 406' may, in effect, be a "stock" video camera (to keep costs down) that includes only one transceiver, and that transceiver may support Wi-Fi but not one channel. low bandwidth secondary. In such a case, the doorbell video camera device, in its capacity as system controller of the station security surveillance, must communicate with the cameras and receive communications from them only via Wi-Fi, that is, using the first transceiver 204 (either directly or through a backend-to-backend integration). However, it is preferred that the video cameras 406, 406' support both Wi-Fi and a second channel relevant to communication with the second transceiver 206 of the video doorbell camera device, and preferably this functionality is provided by the inclusion of a second transceiver in each of the cameras.

The user's device may also be programmed with a companion application that allows the user to send instructions to the doorbell video camera device (which functions as a controller for the security surveillance system) to cause activation of selected video cameras, so that The user can "check" the status of the house while away from it, and also to activate/deactivate the alarm system. The images and video from the cameras 406, 406', are preferably transmitted via Wi-Fi between the camera 406, 406' and the doorbell video camera device 100 - and therefore these images and video will be received by the first transceiver 204 which is also used for subsequent transmission to the access point 112. But, optionally, in some embodiments, the system may also be configured to send lower resolution images, and/or lower frame rate video using the channel low-bandwidth channel (e.g., 868MHz) that is received by the second transceiver, to be used as a backup in case the higher-bandwidth channel (e.g., Wi-Fi) goes down, with the device's processor doorbell camcorder configured to subsequently transmit the first image/video that arrives, and then subsequently transmit the corresponding higher resolution/higher frame rate image/video if it arrives.

Likewise, it is preferred that alerts be provided to the alarm notification service 110 (and subsequently to the user device 108) regarding alerts received from other alarm peripherals, such as motion-activated cameras 406, 406', and the window contact sensor (which may also or instead function as a window shock sensor) 408 which is associated with a window 410. Likewise, a tamper alert received from the door lock as a result of, for example, an attempt to separate the lock 106 from the door 240 or as a result of the lock's magnetometer detecting the opening of the door when the lock has not been unlocked, or the detection of a tampering event (such as an attempt to pick the lock or other attack on the lock) can be detected and notified by the accelerometer 275 of the smart lock, may be processed by the processor 200 of the doorbell video camera device and therefore notified to the user through the alarm notification service 110. Event notifications from alarm peripherals are generally provided through of a low bandwidth channel, for reception by the second transceiver 206 of the video intercom, since most of the simpler peripherals (for example, door contacts, motion sensors, shock sensors) do not They require a high bandwidth channel (for example, they don't require something like Wi-Fi), but they do need to be low cost and have a very long battery life, so each of them will generally contain a single transceiver, and that configured for communication with the second transceiver 206. As already mentioned, alarm peripherals in the form of video cameras benefit from the provision of a high bandwidth channel, such as Wi-Fi , because the timely transmission of good quality video images (in color, with high resolution and an acceptable frame rate) requires quite high bandwidth, and therefore video camera peripherals will almost always include a transceiver Wi-Fi and, consequently, will almost always be powered primarily by the mains (but with a battery backup). Although the Wi-Fi transceiver could be used for the transmission of event notification signals, which would be received by the doorbell video camera device via the first transceiver 204, it is preferred (budget permitting) to provide video cameras that can notify events using a low bandwidth channel (for reception by the second transceiver 206) and preferably including an additional transceiver to allow this (although, of course, a single multifunction transceiver could be used instead). By providing the video camera peripherals with both narrowband and broadband communication capabilities, we make it easier and more convenient to upgrade from a system like the one in Figure 4 to the improved system in Figure 5, such as will be described later, and is also made more energy efficient.

The ability of the doorbell video camera device to detect presence (e.g., using a PIR sensor and/or radar, or by using the camera) allows the doorbell video camera device itself to function as an alarm peripheral of the system. In this way, when the system is activated, the video intercom can communicate an alert just as when another alarm peripheral is activated. Although this may only be appropriate in certain circumstances (especially those dictated by the likelihood of false alarms caused by "safe" actors), it is a potentially valuable option.

The processor 200 of the doorbell video camera device 100, as the controller of the security surveillance system, is also configured to check the status of the peripherals, including the quality of the communication channel, the battery status of the peripherals , etc.

It is contemplated that the doorbell video camera device with security surveillance system controller functionality, in addition to being adapted to existing homes, will also be installed in newly built homes, preferably together with the smart lock as described with reference to Figure 2, together with at least one alarm peripheral, preferably in the form of a video camera with motion detection, such as 406, 406', and preferably another alarm peripheral in the form of a door contact to detect the state ( open or closed) of the back door (or other secondary access door to the premises). This system could be installed at a relatively low cost, and the lock 106 and its door magnet 270 could, for example, be installed at the factory - or at least the door could be prepared at the factory for on-site installation of the lock 106 and the door magnet 270. The first occupant of the home would then benefit from the improved security of a professionally installed alarm, albeit with a subset of all the possible features of such a system, and in particular without a service professional surveillance. The design and configuration of the doorbell video camera device and alarm peripherals - including the smart lock 106 - are such that, once a use-based security surveillance system is installed, such as that schematically illustrated in Figure 4, upgrading the system to include professional surveillance via a remote alarm monitoring center (CRA) can be done quite easily. Of course, this upgrade may also be attractive to an occupant who has already installed a system like the one shown in Figure 4. This upgrade will be discussed below with reference to Figure 5.

Figure 5 corresponds generally to Figure 4, since it is based on the assumption that a system such as that illustrated in Figure 4 has been improved to include the advantages of professional supervision through a remote alarm receiving center 502. The security surveillance system 500 differs from the system 400 of Figure 4 in that it includes an independent alarm control unit 504 that is configured to control the security surveillance system 500, rather than relying on the doorbell video camera device to act as controller. The doorbell video camera device 506 of system 500 can be, and preferably is, the doorbell video camera device 100 that controlled system 400, but with its processor reconfigured (e.g., through a appropriate reprogramming or system updates) to function (at least in part) as a peripheral that reports to the alarm control unit 504 instead of continuing to act as a controller of the system 400.

The present disclosure therefore contemplates an initial installation comprising a video doorbell camera device as described above, which functions as the controller of a security surveillance system preferably including a lock, such as the lock described above with reference to Figures 2 or 3, and at least one other installed alarm peripheral comprising a door/window contact for detecting the status of a door or window, or a separate motion-activated video camera, the alarm peripheral including a transceiver for communication with the first transceiver of the doorbell video camera device. And the present disclosure further contemplates a procedure comprising upgrading said initial installation by introducing an independent alarm control unit 504 that is configured to control the security surveillance system 500, and reconfiguring the doorbell video camera device. so that its processor is reconfigured to function (at least in part) as a peripheral that reports to the alarm control unit 504 instead of continuing to act as the system controller 400. Once the system is updated, the video camera device The doorbell can act as a system control interface, so that a user (e.g., an occupant) can send from it activation/deactivation and lock/unlock commands that are received and executed by the independent alarm control unit 504 .

The alarm control unit 504 includes, like the doorbell video camera device described with reference to Figure 2, a processor 510, which may be a microcontroller, with an associated memory 512 that stores program instructions ("software ") which when executed by the processor 510 control the operation of the alarm control unit 504 and the security surveillance system 500. At least one pair of transceivers 514, 516 is provided. One of the transceivers 514 supports the Wi-Fi communication, and the alarm control unit is configured to function as an access point of a Wi-Fi network (having a first SSID dedicated to the security monitoring system) that can operate in parallel with another network Wi-Fi (which has a second SSID) that can support "home Wi-Fi needs", such as supporting video streaming services (e.g. Netflix, Amazon Prime, RTM), working on house, etc. The alarm control unit 504 is configured to receive video signals from the video cameras 406, 406' using the first of the transceivers 514. The second transceiver 516 supports a lower bandwidth channel that supports the transmission of control signals and event notifications from alarm peripherals such as the doorbell video camera device 506, the smart lock 106, the video cameras 406, 406' (if contain the relevant functionality, otherwise event notifications, etc. are received via Wi-Fi) door/window contacts such as 402 and 408, etc. Typically, the low bandwidth channel(s) can be provided using a suitable frequency allocated in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) bands, such as (in Europe) 868MHz. Preferably, communications on the low bandwidth channel(s) are encrypted. The main reason for using a low bandwidth transmission channel is to allow the use of transceivers (in alarm peripherals) that have low power consumption (and, in particular, lower power consumption than Wi-Fi transceivers). -Fi, which consume a lot of power), so that battery-powered alarm peripherals can achieve the minimum required battery life of 3 to 5 years. The transceivers 514 and 516 are coupled to a suitable antenna arrangement (not shown) which typically comprises (multiple) independent antenna elements for the two transceivers 514 and 516. One or both transceivers 514, 516 may support other bands/protocols. transmission, such as BlueTooth (RTM) or BLE, etc. Preferably, at least one transceiver is provided that is configured or configurable to communicate using 4G or 5G (or using any other suitable PLMN data protocol) to communicate with the ARC 502, for example, in the event of power loss in the facilities or the loss of wired Internet connection 115, for example, as a result of the deliberate action of a criminal.

The alarm control unit 504 is preferably configured to operate at least in an "armed away" mode, in which the security of the perimeter of the premises is monitored by door and window sensors, such as the door sensor 402, the smart lock 106 and window sensors 408, and in which at least one presence sensor monitors the interior of the premises. For example, the internal presence sensor may be a passive infrared sensor that may or may not be associated with a video camera. Additionally or alternatively, internal presence can be detected using so-called Wi-Fi detection, in which the alarm control unit runs a Wi-Fi detection algorithm and the doorbell video camera device and/or some other Wi-Fi node -Static Fi (or hotspot) acts as an illuminator for Wi-Fi detection. The alarm control unit 504 is also preferably configured to operate in a disabled mode in which the internal presence is not monitored and in which the alert signals received from the door and window sensors are largely ignored by the control unit alarm 504. But the alarm control unit 504 is preferably configured to respond to tamper signals from, for example, the lock 106, or other alarm peripherals, even in the disabled mode - because criminals and other intruders They can take advantage of the disabled state to attempt to sabotage or disable the peripherals and other components of the system 500. The alarm control unit 504 is preferably also configured to operate in at least one "home activated" mode, in which the internal presence is not generally supervised (or at least the alerts received regarding the detected presence are ignored by the alarm control unit 504), but in which the security of the perimeter or part of the perimeter is monitored, so that the Event signals regarding detected door and window openings are alerted and possibly also reported as alarm events (optionally after allowing time for an on-site user to mark the detected event as a false alarm, for example by entering a security code). security in a user interface, or by presenting a dongle, token or mobile phone, for example in an NFC interface).

The alarm control unit 504 is operatively coupled to a remote Alarm Receiving Center (ARC) 502, preferably by both a wired connection (e.g., broadband) and one or more wireless connections (e.g., SigFox (RTM), PLMN using, for example, GPRS, LTE, 4G or 5G). The alerts received by the alarm control unit 504 and that fit the profile of possible "alarm events" (based on one or more of the identity of the sensor providing the alert, the nature of the alert, the activated status of the alarm installation 500, the time of day, the day of the week, etc.) are communicated to the CRA 502 together with the identity of the alarm installation 500. If the notification is associated with images or video, for example because the activated sensor was a camera or was associated with a camera, then the images/video can also be sent to the CRA. Typically, ARC human operators will review the reported event and attempt to verify that it is an actionable alarm event, based, for example, on the content of the images/videos, sounds received from facility microphones, or in interactions with a user on site (for example, through a user interface at the monitored facility). If a reported event is verified as an actionable event (e.g. burglary, fire, etc., or medical emergency), an alert is issued to local police and/or other emergency response personnel/service (e.g. For example, firefighters, paramedics, etc.). Additionally, the CRA may contact a registered user or other human contact (family member, support person, caregiver, etc.) by sending a push (or other) notification to a user device 108, for example, using a technique as described above.

In a system such as that illustrated in Figure 4, the doorbell video camera device 506 communicates events to the alarm control unit 504 and receives control signals from it, preferably using a low bandwidth channel through the second transceiver 516. The higher bandwidth of a Wi-Fi channel, provided by the first transceiver, is preferably used for the transmission of images / videos from the doorbell video camera device to the control unit 504, transmitting the unit control the images/videos to the CRA 502 and, optionally, to a user device such as 108 through a backend service 110 that sends push alerts to the user's personal communication device 108 when the doorbell is pressed (or optionally when someone approaches doorbell 100). To support such communications, the control unit 504 may use its broadband connection 114 to the Internet 115, and the backend service 110 sends push advertisements to a public land mobile network (PLMN) 116 through which the advertisements are delivered to the communication device. personal communication 108 of the user. The same communication path can be used to transmit live video (and sound) from the doorbell video camera device 100 to the user. A reverse communication path is also supported to allow the user to speak to a person at the doorbell 100, and also to allow the user to activate (i.e., release) the lock 106 to allow the person at the door to open the door 102. Signals to activate (release) the lock are transmitted to lock 106 through control unit 504 which communicates with lock 106.

The doorbell video camera device's video camera, processor, and software are preferably configured to capture and transmit (on demand, or as needed) Full HD (e.g., 1080p) video.

The system controller, whether provided by the doorbell video camera device 100 or by the alarm control unit 504, is preferably configured to respond to the entry of a "duress code" on the keypad of the doorbell video camera device. doorbell alerting the CRA 502, in the case where the controller is the control unit 504, or alerting designated persons through calls (for example, SIP calls) or announcements, preferably in each case providing images or video captured at the time when the duress code was entered (and perhaps from 30 seconds or more before the duress code was entered). A duress code is a code (for example, a PIN) that can be used to disable the security surveillance system, or to access the premises, or both, but which is in addition to a "normal" access code. . The idea is that, under normal circumstances, normal code will be used, and the use of This code does not give rise to any special notice. But in the event that a user is threatened (for example, by an aggressive partner or ex-partner, a thief or some other type of criminal) and is forced to enter the protected premises, the user enters the duress code instead of the normal code, thus signaling the existence of a condition of duress. Upon receiving a duress notice, CRA operatives can contact police or other security personnel to allow for intervention. Likewise, if the duress notice is received by a friend, neighbor, or family member (for example, in the case where the doorbell video camera device acts as a controller for the security surveillance system), that person can intervene or involve the police to intervene.

The system controller, whether provided by the doorbell video camera device 100 or by the alarm control unit 404, is preferably configured to allow access to the protected premises (for example, by unlocking the lock 106 and disarming the system or ignoring, at least temporarily, a door open signal with respect to the corresponding access door) based on facial identification, that is, recognizing the face of a visitor as corresponding to the face of a stored identity (the controller stores, or has access to a facial recognition data store for one or more known identities to which access must be provided).

The system controller, whether provided by the doorbell video camera device 100 or by the alarm control unit 504, is preferably configured to allow access to the protected premises (for example, by unlocking the lock 106 and disabling the system or ignoring, at least temporarily, a door open signal with respect to the corresponding access door) based on the recognition of a QR code, for example, a dynamic QR code, which is presented to the camera of the security device. doorbell video camera – for example, by a visitor (or occupant) displaying a QR code on the screen of the phone or other wearable device (such as a smartwatch). Preferably, any QR code generated by or in association with the system (for example, by a relevant back-end system or by the user's doorbell video camera device or system application) has a limited lifespan of 24 hours or less (shorter lifetimes can also be used, e.g. 12 hours, 6 hours, 4 hours), to improve system security.

Condominium variant

In condominiums and other residential complexes where multiple housing units are accessed through a common space that is protected against unauthorized access by a locked common entrance, it is not unusual for each housing unit to have a terminal. intercom coupled to a common intercom unit located on the unprotected side of the common entrance. These intercom systems are often equipped with video so that the occupant of a home can see the face of a visitor at the common entrance before deciding whether to admit him or her into the common area. If it is decided to admit the visitor, the resident operates a control, for example by pressing a button, on his or her intercom unit, which is effective in releasing the lock on the secure communal door so that the visitor can access the protected communal space (e.g. (for example, the lobby or reception). Subsequently, of course, the visitor will present himself at the entrance of the residential unit, where he may have to ring the residential unit doorbell, if the resident is not waiting for him with the unit door already open. In this case, even if a resident installs a video doorbell camera device and a smart lock on the entry door of his or her individual residential unit, the resident cannot grant a visitor access to the unit remotely, unless the visitor is able to somehow circumvent the security of the secure community entrance. It will be appreciated that it is generally not possible for individual residents to add additional hardware or equipment to the community entrance, so it is not possible for a user to add their own video doorbell camera device to the secure community entrance.

In one aspect, the present disclosure offers a solution to this problem by providing an adapter in the intercom unit of a residential unit for secured communal entry, the adapter being coupled to both the intercom unit and the controller of a video camera device. doorbell of the residential unit, or to a controller of a security surveillance system of the residential unit, the controller being arranged both to activate a smart lock on the entrance door of the residential unit and to communicate with a user terminal, such as such as a smartphone, through which a user can remotely activate the lock to grant the visitor access to the residential unit. The adapter in the intercom unit of the residential unit allows a user to unlock the community entrance lock, even when the user is away from home, and preferably also allows a remote user to see and chat with visitors at the entrance protected community. Preferably, the adapter includes an RF transceiver for communication with the controller (using, for example, a narrowband transceiver of the controller, for example 868MHz or similar, although the use of a wider band transmission channel, such as Wi-Fi, is also possible. Since the units Intercoms are typically mains powered, the intercom adapter should have a ready power supply, and since security surveillance system controllers are also typically mains powered, the higher power consumption inherent in use Wi-Fi instead of a low bandwidth protocol (such as a low bandwidth 868MHz channel) should not be a problem.

The same approach can also be used to allow a resident to grant a visitor access to a secure space - such as a back garden - that is protected by a lockable entrance, such as a gate or gate, that is equipped with a smart lock and is also provided with an intercom that connects to an intercom unit within the residence. By adding an adapter that works between the internal intercom unit and the controller of a video doorbell camera device in the residential unit, a user away from home can communicate with a visitor at the locked entrance (for example, the door of the garden) and view it, and can remotely activate the lock on the lockable entrance to grant the visitor access to the protected space (for example, the rear garden). This can be useful when deliveries or pick-ups need to be made to the protected (external) space while the resident is away, but can also be useful to allow a resident to grant access to a security guard, so that he can make an inspection in the door. Of course, this approach works equally well for any electrified gate or similar barrier.

It should be noted that smart garden gate locks are often not motorized, in the sense that the lock cannot allow the latch to be pulled back to release the lock as a result of remote activation, but rather such locks They are typically "clutched" locks in which a knob or handle is coupled to the latch by means of an electrically controlled clutch. In the safe state, the clutch is configured to disengage the handle from the latch, so that the handle or knob can be turned or moved without affecting the latch. But when the clutch can also be activated so that the handle and latch are connected, which means that the rotation of the knob or the operation of the handle allows the latch to be inserted into the lock in order to open the barrier (gate or door). . Such locks also find application in the entrance doors of residential properties, and the present disclosure contemplates the activation of the clutches of such locks, as well as the activation of the motors of the motorized locks, in all relevant embodiments of the invention.

Claims (27)

1. A video doorbell camera device that includes a camera capable of capturing video images, a first and a second RF transceiver, a processor coupled to the camera and the RF transceivers, and a memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as the controller of a security surveillance system with an activated mode and a deactivated mode, and to: receive event notifications, through the first RF transceiver, from one or more peripherals alarm and, in the activated mode, in response to receiving an event notification from one of the alarm peripherals, transmits an alert to a remote monitoring entity using the second RF transceiver; and, in both on and off modes, transmit video images captured by the camera via the second RF transceiver. 2. The video doorbell camera device of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to also function as a controller of an electronically controlled lock and to exchange messages with the lock using the first transceiver. 3. The doorbell video camera device of claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to respond to a tamper message received from the lock that transmits a tamper notice using the second transceiver. . 4. The doorbell video camera device of claim 3, wherein, in response to receiving the tamper message, the processor is also configured to: transmit an instruction, using the first transceiver, to activate an independent video camera of the security surveillance system to cause the independent video camera to transmit the captured video for reception through the second transceiver; and the processor being further configured to transmit the captured video received through the second transceiver. 5. The doorbell video camera device of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to receive event notifications, via the second RF transceiver, from the independent video camera and, in the activated mode, in response to the reception of an event notification from the independent video camera, transmit an alert to a remote monitoring entity using the second RF transceiver. 6. The doorbell video camera device of any of claims 2 to 5 in combination with an electronically controlled door-mounted lock, the lock including a lock transceiver configured to communicate with the first transceiver of the doorbell video camera device. . 7. The combination doorbell video camera device and lock of claim 6, wherein the doorbell video camera device is configured to transmit a command to the lock, using the first transceiver, to allow the door to be opened. 8. The doorbell video camera and lock device combination of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the lock is configured to transmit a tamper signal, using the lock's transceiver, if the lock is removed from the lock. door. 9. The combination doorbell video camera and lock device of claim 8, wherein the lock includes a magnetometer that is configured to detect the presence of one or more magnets located outside the lock but inside or attached to the door. , the magnetometer generating the tamper signal as a result of a greater separation, between the magnetometer and the one or more magnets, caused by the removal of the door lock. 10. The doorbell video camera and lock device combination of claim 9, wherein the door is mounted on a frame, at least one magnet is associated with the frame to provide a magnetic field that is detected by a magnetometer of the lock. to detect whether the door is open or closed, and the lock is configured to transmit door status notices to the doorbell video camera device. 11. The doorbell and lock video camera device combination of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the lock further comprises an accelerometer configured to function as a shock sensor, a lock processor and the accelerometer operating together. as a shock detector to generate a lock tamper signal in the event that an attempt has been made to force or interfere with the lock, wherein the lock is configured to transmit any lock tamper signal using the transceiver of the lock. lock. 12. The doorbell video camera device and lock combination of any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the lock includes an audio output device, and the doorbell video camera device is configured to respond to the reception of a chime activation event by transmitting, using the first transceiver, a chime signal to cause the lock to produce a chime sound using the audio output device. 13. The doorbell video camera device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory also stores additional instructions for an alternative mode of operation in which the doorbell video camera device itself functions as a peripheral of a controller independent of a security monitoring system, making additional instructions, when executed by the processor, that the processor: exchange messages with the independent controller using the first transceiver, and transmit to the independent controller, through the second RF transceiver, the video images captured by the camera. 14. The doorbell video camera device of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured in the alternative mode of operation to respond to the reception of a doorbell activation event by transmitting, using the first transceiver, a signal to the independent controller to cause an audio output device of the security surveillance system to produce a chime sound with respect to the doorbell activation event. 15. A premises security surveillance system installation comprising a doorbell video camera device and a lock combination of any one of claims 6 to 12 in combination with an installed alarm peripheral, comprising a door contact/ window for detecting the status of a door or window, or a separate motion-activated video camera, the alarm peripheral including a transceiver for communication with the first transceiver of the doorbell video camera device. 16. A method of improving a security surveillance system installation that includes one or more alarm peripherals and a doorbell video camera device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: reconfigure the doorbell video camera device so that its processor stops functioning as a security surveillance system controller; provide an independent controller for the security surveillance system; configure the doorbell video camera device to function as a standalone controller peripheral; and Register the alarm peripherals of the security surveillance system with the independent system controller. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein reconfiguring the doorbell video camera device comprises storing additional instructions in memory, the additional instructions causing the processor, when executed by the processor: exchange messages with the independent controller using the first transceiver, and transmit to the independent controller, through the second RF transceiver, the video images captured by the camera. 18. A method of operation of a video doorbell camera device, the device comprising a camera capable of capturing video images, a first and a second RF transceiver, a processor coupled to the camera and the RF transceivers, and a memory which stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as the controller of a security surveillance system with an activated mode and a deactivated mode, comprising the procedure: receiving event notifications, through the first transceiver RF, from one or more alarm peripherals; in the activated mode, in response to receiving an event notice from one of the alarm peripherals transmitting an alert to a remote monitoring entity using the second RF transceiver; and, in both the activated mode and the deactivated mode, transmit, through the second RF transceiver, the video images captured by the camera. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising, in the activated mode, receiving an event notification, through the second RF transceiver, from a video camera independent of the security surveillance system, and in response transmitting a alerts a remote monitoring entity using the second RF transceiver. 20. A parts kit that includes: a doorbell video camera device according to claim 1; and an electronically controlled lock, the lock including a lock transceiver for communication with the first transceiver of the doorbell video camera device. 21. The parts kit of claim 20, wherein the electronically controlled lock includes a magnetometer that is configured to detect the presence of one or more magnets located outside the lock but inside a door on which the lock is mounted. lock, the magnetometer generating the tamper signal as a result of a greater separation, between the magnetometer and the one or more magnets, caused by the removal of the lock from the door. 22. The parts kit of claims 20 or 21, wherein a lock magnetometer is coupled to a lock processor and is configured to detect a magnetic field from a magnet associated with a frame that receives a door in the the lock is mounted, the lock processor being configured to detect a state of the door based on whether the door is open or closed, the state of the door being derived from signals received from the coupled magnetometer and the lock being configured to transmit Door status notices to doorbell video camera device. 23. The kit of parts of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the lock further comprises an accelerometer configured to function as a shock sensor, a processor of the lock and the accelerometer operating together as a shock detector to generate a lock tamper signal in the event of an attempt to tamper with or interfere with the lock, wherein the lock is configured to transmit any lock tamper signal using the lock transceiver. 24. The parts kit of claim 23, wherein the lock processor and the accelerometer function together as a crash detector to generate an alert signal in the event that an attempt is made to attack the door by force, and the processor is configured to transmit the alert signal using the lock's transceiver. 25. The kit of parts of any one of claims 21 to 24, dependent on claim 21, wherein the lock is pre-installed on the door before the door is installed in a building. 26. The kit of parts of any one of claims 22 to 25, dependent on claim 21, wherein the door incorporates one or more magnets that are provided for tamper detection. 27. The kit of parts of claim 25 or claim 26, dependent on claim 22, wherein the door is preinstalled in the frame before the door and the frame are installed in a building, the frame including the magnet provided for derivation of door status information.