GB2296150A

GB2296150A - Surrveillance systems

Info

Publication number: GB2296150A
Application number: GB9425512A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen James Tonks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-12-17
Filing date: 1994-12-17
Publication date: 1996-06-19
Also published as: GB9425512D0

Abstract

A surveillance system (10) comprises a camera (12) such as a P.C.B. camera and a cable (14) connected between the camera (12) and modulating means (16) incorporated in video apparatus (18), such as a television set, to enable an image viewed by the camera (12) to be displayed on a screen (20) of the television set (18). <IMAGE>

Description

Surveillance Systems The present invention relates to surveillance systems, and particularly but not exclusively to domestic surveillance systems.

Conventional surveillance systems, such as closed circuit T.V. systems, require dedicated apparatus which is often expensive and often considered unsightly, particularly for domestic use.

In this specification the term video apparatus means any apparatus associated with the production and transmission of video signals, and includes satellite receivers, video recorders/players, televisions, distribution amplifiers and similar apparatus.

According to the present invention there is provided a surveillance system comprising a camera, modulating means incorporated in video apparatus and connected to the camera by connected means to enable an image viewed by the camera to be displayed on a screen.

Preferably the connecting means is a single cable and is preferably operable to carry simultaneously both electrical power to, and video signals from, the camera.

Preferably the cable is a co-axial cable. Preferably the cable is inductively coupled to an electrical power source.

Preferably the cable is capacitively coupled between the camera and the apparatus. Preferably the screen is provided on a television set.

Preferably the modulating means adapts the said apparatus to enable the apparatus to process video signals received from the camera to be viewable on the screen. Preferably the modulating means is operable to produce a modulated signal from a video signal produced by the camera. Preferably the modulating means modulates a carrier at a frequency to which a television receiver can be tuned. The said frequency may be a conventional broadcast frequency, such as a U.H.F.

frequency.

Preferably the modulating means is cooperable with components, such as electronic circuitry, within the video apparatus to enable the said processing of the video signals. The modulating means may comprise capacitors and/or inductors, and may be a U.H.F.

modulator.

Preferably the components in the apparatus comprise one or more R.F. (radio frequency) modulator(s) and/or scart socket(s), or parts thereof.

Preferably a socket is provided on the apparatus to enable, desirably releasable, connection of the cable thereto. The socket is preferably on the modulating means. The socket may be a scart socket.

Preferably the power to the camera is provided by the power supply to the apparatus to which the camera is connected.

The camera may be a printed circuit board camera, and preferably a 12 volt D.C. printed circuit board camera. The camera preferably comprises a socket for releasable connection of the cable thereto. The camera is preferably mountable on a fixture. A bracket may be provided to which the camera is attachable, and which is mountable to a fixture.

The apparatus may comprise a satellite receiver, video recorder/player or television set.

Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise an amplifier, such as a distribution amplifier, to enable an image viewed by a camera to be observable on a plurality of screens.

Preferably the video signal or the modulated signal is provided to video recording apparatus to enable one or more images viewed by the camera to be recorded.

Preferably the system is arranged to display an image viewed by the camera on a pre-selected channel of a conventional television set pre-tuned to the frequency of the modulated signal, such that selection of that channel on the television set by a user displays the image on the screen and enables observation of the image viewed by the camera.

The system may comprise a plurality of cameras to enable different images to be selectively displayed and observed. Preferably switching means is provided to enable an observer to selectively switch between cameras to observe the image viewed by the selected camera.

Alternatively or additionally, means may be provided to enable a plurality of images viewed by different cameras to be displayed simultaneously.

Preferably the system is operable with other features of the said apparatus to which it is connected, such as a timing facility for example on video recording apparatus to enable recordal of images viewed by the camera at preselected time periods.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for a surveillance system comprising a camera, means to connect the camera to video apparatus, and modulating means incorporating into the video apparatus to adapt the apparatus for use with the camera, such that connection of the camera to the apparatus enables an image viewed by the camera to be displayed on a screen.

Preferably the camera is substantially as defined above. Preferably the connecting means is substantially as defined above. Preferably the modulating means is substantially as defined above. The screen may be comprised in a television set.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided satellite receiver apparatus comprising modulating means substantially as described above.

A further aspect of the present invention provides video recording apparatus comprising modulating means substantially as described above.

The invention also provides television apparatus comprising modulating means substantially as described above.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided an amplifier, such as a distribution amplifier, comprising modulating means substantially as described above.

A still further aspect of the present invention provides a method of modulating video signals, the method comprising generating video signals corresponding to an image viewed by a camera, sending the video signal to modulating means remote from the camera and operable to provide a modulated signal corresponding to the video signal to enable reproduction of the image on a screen.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a surveillance system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a surveillance system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a surveillance system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a surveillance system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is a provided a surveillance system 10 comprising a camera 12, a means 14 connected between the camera 12 and modulating means 16 incorporated in video apparatus 18 (in the form of a television set), to enable an image viewed by the camera 12 to be displayed on a screen 20 of the television set 18.

In more detail, the camera 12 is a 12 volt D.C.

printed circuit board camera, which is mounted on a fixture (not shown), such as a wall, and orientated to view a desired area. For example, the camera may be mounted to monitor an entrance to a building, such that the entrance can be observed through the camera, as will be described later. Mounting brackets (not shown) or similar means may be provided to facilitate mounting of the camera.

The connecting means 14 comprises a co-axial cable that is releasably connected to the camera 12 by a socket (not shown) provided in the housing of the camera 12. The cable 14 is also releasably connected to the television set 18 by an appropriate socket (not shown).

The sachet and associated circuitry provides capacitive coupling to the modulating means 16.

The modulating means 16 receives base video signals sent from the camera 12 down the cable 14, to produce corresponding modulated signals. The base signals would not normally be able to be viewed on a conventional domestic television set designed to receive broadcast television signals for instance at U.H.F.

frequencies. However, the modulated signal produced by the modulating means 16 is at a frequency to which a conventional television set 18 can be tuned. This allows the screen 20 to reproduce the image viewed by the camera 12.

In use therefore, the camera 12 is mounted to view a predetermined area, and sends video signals encoding the image viewed, down the cable 14 to the modulating means 16. Simultaneously, electrical power is carried by the cable 14, from the power supply (not shown) for the television set 18, to the camera 12. The cable 14 is inductively coupled to the power supply.

The television set 18 is tuned on a particular channel to the frequency of the modulated signels produced by the modulating means 16. Thus, when that channel is selected and the modulated signals decoded, the image viewed by the camera 12 is reproduced and displayed on the screen 20 for observation by a user.

One particular application of the system 10 according to the present invention, is as a building surveillance system, for example for a domestic property. The system 10 enables the occupant of the building in which the system 10 is installed to survey for example the entrance thereto, by simply selecting the appropriate channel on the television 18. This has clearly significant safety implications. For example, when a knock is heard at the door to the property, the occupant(s) can see who is knocking without having to open the door. Moreover, the system 10 does not involve any significantly visible additional hardware, which is another distinct advantage, particularly when installed for use in domestic properties.

Fig. 2 shows a surveillance system 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This system 110 comprises a camera 112 connected to modulating means 116 by a cable 114, each of these components being substantially the same as those described above. The modulating means 116 however is located inside video recording apparatus (VCR apparatus) 122. The apparatus 122 is connected to a television set 118 by a conventional connecting cable 124.

This system 110 operates in generally the same way as the system 10. The image viewed by the camera 112 is sent as a base by the camera video signal down the cable 114 to the modulating means 116. The modulating means 116 in the VCR apparatus 122 use these signals to modulate a relatively high frequency signal to which the television set 118 can be tuned, to enable the image viewed by the camera 112 to be reproduced and displayed on the screen 120 when the appropriate channel on the television 118 is selected. An advantage of incorporating the modulating means 116 in video recording apparatus 122, is that it enables the images viewed by the camera 112 to be recorded on video tape for later viewing. This provides an additional security feature.

Referring to Fig. 3, this shows a surveillance system 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The system 210 comprises a camera 212 connected to modulating means 216 by a single co-axial cable 214, generally as above. The modulating means 216 however is located in satellite signal receiving apparatus 226. The satellite receiver apparatus 226 is connected to a satellite dish 228 by a cable 224 in conventional manner, and also to a television set 218 via video recording apparatus 222, again in conventional manner. It is to be appreciated that the satellite receiver apparatus 226 can be connected directly to the television set 218.

The system 210 is operable in generally the same manner as described above, and allows images viewed by the camera 212 to be reproduced and observed on the screen 220 of the television set 218.

Referring to Fig. 4, this shows a surveillance system 310 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A camera 312 is connected to modulating means 316 by a single cable 314 substantially as described above. The modulating means 316 is incorporated in a television distribution amplifier 330, which in turn is connected via appropriate connecting cables 332 to a plurality of television sets 318.

This system 312 thereby enables images viewed by the camera 312 to be observed on any one or more of a plurality of televisions 318. This may be particularly useful, for example, in a small housing complex etc.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, the modulating means may be attached to the outside of the video apparatus. A plurality of cameras may be provided, to enable a plurality of areas to be observed using one or more of the above systems. Switching means may be provided to enable the views observed by different cameras to be displayed, either simultaneously or one at a time.

Different types of camera may be used. It is to be appreciated that a plurality of systems, or parts of such systems may be used in conjunction with each other.

The camera may have a power supply other than that of the apparatus.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A surveillance system comprising a camera and modulating means incorporated in video apparatus and connected to the camera by connecting means to enable an image viewed by the camera to be displayed on a screen.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, in which the connecting means is a single cable.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the connecting means is operable to carry simultaneously both electrical power to, and video signals from, the camera.

4. A system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the cable is a coaxial cable.

5. A system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, in which the cable is inductively coupled to an electrical power source.

6. A system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, in which the cable is capacitively coupled between the camera and the apparatus.

7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the screen is provided on a television set.

8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the modulating means adapts the said apparatus to enable the apparatus to process video signals received from the camera to be viewable on the screen.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8, in which the modulating means is operable to produce a modulated signal from a video signal produced by the camera.

10. A system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, in which the modulating means modulates a carrier at a frequency to which a television receiver can be tuned.

11. A system as claimed in claim 10, in which the frequency is a conventional broadcast frequency.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11, in which the frequency is a U.H.F.

frequency.

13. A system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 12, in which the modulating means is cooperable with one or more components, such as electronic circuitry, within the video apparatus to enable the said processing of the video signals.

14. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the modulating means comprises capacitors and/or inductors.

15. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the modulating means is a U.H.F. modulator.

16. A system as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, in which the component(s) in the apparatus comprise one or more R.F. (radio frequency) modulator(s) and/or scart socket(s), or parts thereof.

17. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a socket is provided on the apparatus to enable connection of the cable thereto.

18. A system as claimed in claim 17, in which the socket is on the modulating means.

19. A system as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, in which the socket is a scart socket.

20. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the power to the camera is provided by the power supply to the apparatus to which the camera is connected.

21. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the camera is a printed circuit board camera.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21, in which the camera is a 12 volt D.C.

printed circuit board camera.

23. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the camera comprises a socket for releasable connection of the cable thereto.

24. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the camera is mountable on a fixture.

25. A system as claimed in claim 24, in which a bracket is provided to which the camera is attachable, and which is mountable to a fixture.

26. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the apparatus comprises a satellite receiver, video recorder/player and/or television set.

27. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the apparatus comprises an amplifier, such as a distribution amplifier, to enable an image viewed by a camera to be observable on a plurality of screens.

28. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the video signal or the modulated signal is provided to video recording apparatus to enable one or more images viewed by the camera to be recorded.

29. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the system is arranged to display an image viewed by the camera on a pre-selected channel of a conventional television set pre-tuned to the frequency of the modulated signal, such that selection of that channel on the television set by a user displays the image on the screen and enables observation of the image viewed by the camera.

30. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the system comprises a plurality of cameras to enable different images to be selectively displayed and observed.

31. A system as claimed in claim 30, in which switching means is provided to enable an observer to selectively switch between cameras to observe the image viewed by the selected camera.

32. A system as claimed in claim 30 or claim 31, in which means is provided to enable a plurality of images viewed by different cameras to be displayed simultaneously.

33. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the system is operable with other features of the said apparatus to which it is connected, such as a timing facility for example on video recording apparatus to enable recordal of images viewed by the camera at preselected time periods.

34. A kit for a surveillance system comprising a camera, means to connect the camera to video apparatus, and modulating means incorporated into the video apparatus to adapt the apparatus for use with the camera, such that connection of the camera to the apparatus enables an image viewed by the camera to be dispayed on a screen.

35. A kit as claimed in claim 34, in which the camera is substantially as defined in any of claims 1 to 33.

36. A kit as claimed in claim 34 or claim 35, in which the connecting means is substantially as defined in any of claims 1 to 33.

37. A kit as claimed in any of claims 34 to 36, in which the modulating means is substantially as defined in any of claims 1 to 33.

38. A kit as claimed in any of claims 34 to 37, in which the screen is comprised in a television set.

39. Satellite receiver apparatus comprising modulating means substantially as defined in any preceding claim.

40. Video recording apparatus comprising modulating means substantially as defined in any of claims 1 to 38.

41. Television apparatus comprising modulating means substantially as defined in any of claims 1 to 38.

42. An amplifier, such as a distribution amplifier, comprising modulating means substantially as defined in any of claims 1 to 38.

43. A method of modulating video signals, the method comprising generating video signals corresponding to an image viewed by a camera, sending the video signal to modulating means remote from the camera and operable to provide a modulated signal corresponding to the video signal to enable reproduction of the image on a screen.

44. A surveillance system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

45. A kit for a surveillance system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

46. Satellite receiver apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

47. Video recording apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

48. Television apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

49. An amplifier substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

50. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

51. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.