GB2533955A

GB2533955A - Surveillance system

Info

Publication number: GB2533955A
Application number: GB1500275.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Arnfelt Jens; Waaben Jens; Stenderup Soren
Original assignee: VON HAYDEN FINANCE Ltd
Current assignee: VON HAYDEN FINANCE Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-08
Filing date: 2015-01-08
Publication date: 2016-07-13
Also published as: WO2016110700A1; GB201500275D0

Abstract

A surveillance system 1 comprising physically engaged modules 2 to form a network, each module comprising at least one transducer (fig.11, 100) for sensing the external environment and a wireless communication device (fig.11, 105). Interconnection of the modules to share both power and data may be made wirelessly or via a stacking connection interface comprising a physical, inductive or capacitive coupling mechanism which may be on both top and bottom faces of a housing. The housing may be cuboid with an array of indentations 7 on one of a top and bottom surface and projections on the other surface to allow engagement of the modules when stacked. Magnetic latching may provide further secure engagement of the modules. Modules may operate independently or as a stacked network and reconfigure their communication channels accordingly.The sensor may detect movement, sound, moisture, humidity, temperature, smoke or images. An audible alarm device may also be fitted.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GB1500275.1 RTM Date:27 May 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Wi-Fi Bluetooth iPhone iPad Mac Windows Apple Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

The present invention relates to surveillance and alarm systems, and in particular to surveillance and alarm systems comprising a number of sensing elements such as cameras, motion sensors and perimeter sensors, for example.

Many alarm systems are largely based on cabled services using old technologies that commonly require professional installation and centralized monitoring. Sensors typically detect intrusion into buildings or perimeters of a building's curtilage or other controlled area. Other alarm systems, especially those offered to the consumer / DIY market, are often based on wireless communication between a finite number of sensors etc and a central control box, none of which can easily be extended with new functionalities. Communication from the central control box to the user may often be through a wireless communications network such as Wi-Fi and/or GSM. These systems cannot generally be extended to use new technologies without substantial hardware and software replacement.

The sensors conventionally communicate with a central unit which in turn directs communication to an individual in charge of the system. Generally, the number and type of sensors that can be coupled to the central unit is finite often with limited capacity for expansion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular surveillance and alarm system which can be easily and adaptably distributed about a surveillance area.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a surveillance / alarm system module for use in a surveillance / alarm system network, the module comprising: at least one transducer for sensing an environmental condition external to the module; a wireless communication device for communication with other modules in the network; a first stacking connection interface configured to physically engage with another module in the network, the stacking connection interface further providing (i) physical electrical connections for electrical connection to another module when docked with the first stacking connection interface or (ii) an inductive / capacitive energy transfer device configured to transfer electrical energy to another module when docked with the first stacking connection interface.

The stacking connection interface may comprise a magnetic latching mechanism. The system module may include a second stacking connection interface, the first and second stacking connection interfaces being provided on bottom and top faces of the system module. The at least one transducer may comprise one or more of: a camera, a video camera, a movement detector, a sound detector, a moisture / humidity sensor, a smoke detector, a temperature sensor, an audible alarm device. The system module may include a wired communication interface for communication with other modules in the network, the wired communication interface being coupled to the stacking interface electrical connections. The stacking connection interface may comprise one of (i) an array of depressions in a generally planar surface and (ii) an array of projections from a generally planar surface. One of the first and second stacking connection interfaces may comprise an array of depressions in a generally planar surface and the other of the first and second stacking connection interfaces may comprise an array of projections from a generally planar surface. The array of depressions and the array of projections may be complementary to one another for stacking a series of modules in any order. The physical electrical connections may form part of some or all of the depressions and/or projections.

The wired communication interface may comprise a power bus connected to an internal power source. The wired communication interface may comprise a data bus for data communication between docked modules. The system module may include a controller configured to switch a communication channel from the wireless communication device to the wired communication interface when the presence of another module docked to the module is detected. The system module may include a controller configured to register the module with an external control module. The module may comprise a cuboid housing and the array of depressions and/or the array of projections may comprise a rectangular array of four such features enabling stacking engagement of an adjacent module either in a contiguous overlay position or an overlapping position. The inductive/ capacitive energy transfer device may comprise a communication interface coupled to a data bus for data communication between docked modules. The system module may include a controller configured to switch a communication channel from the wireless communication device to the inductive / capacitive energy transfer device when the presence of another module docked to the module is detected.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a modular surveillance / alarm system comprising a plurality of modules to form a network, each module comprising: at least one transducer for sensing an environmental condition external to the module; a wireless communication device for communication with other modules in the network; a stacking connection interface on each module configured to physically engage with another module in the network, the stacking connection interface further providing (I) physical electrical connections to physically engaged modules or (ii) inductive / capacitive energy transfer between modules when physically engaged.

The stacking connection may interface each comprise a magnetic latching mechanism. Each module may comprise a cuboid housing having a top face and a bottom face. Each one of the top and bottom faces may have a said stacking connection interface comprising one or more depressions in a generally planar surface or one or more projections from a generally planar surface. Each module may be configured in one of a full size or a quarter size for interlocking engagement with adjacent modules via the depressions and projections of the top and bottom surfaces. Each module may be configured to share power and/or data with adjacent modules in the network via the physical electrical connections of the stacking connection interfaces when adjacent modules are docked to one another. The stacking connection interfaces may each comprise one or more depressions in a generally planar surface or one or more projections from a generally planar surface. The physical electrical connections may form part of one or more of the depressions and/or projections providing a wired communication interface between physically connected modules in a stack.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a modular surveillance / alarm system comprising: providing a plurality of modules to form a network, each module comprising at least one transducer for sensing an environmental condition external to the module; automatically interconnecting the plurality of modules to form the network using either a wireless communication channel device for communication with other modules in the network or a second communication channel via a stacking connection interface on each module configured to physically engage with another module in the network, the stacking connection interface providing said second communication channel by way of (i) physical electrical connections to physically engaged modules or (H) inductive / capacitive energy transfer between modules when physically engaged.

The step of automatically interconnecting the plurality of modules may comprise determining whether an adjacent module is coupled via the stacking connection interface and, if so, establishing network communication with that adjacent module using the wired communication via the stacking connection interface in preference to the wired communication. The method may include automatically reconfiguring the network communication channels when modules are stacked together and when modules are unstacked.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a collection of stacked modules of a modular stacking surveillance / alarm system; Figure 2 shows (a) a top view, (b) a bottom view, (c) a front view and (d) a perspective view of a low profile, full block size module which forms part of the system of figure 1; Figure 3 shows (a) a top view, (b) a front view, (c) a side view and (d) a perspective view of a base plate for the module of figure 2; Figure 4 shows (a) a top view, (b) a bottom view, (c) a front view and (d) a perspective view of a medium profile, full block size module which forms part of the system of figure 1; Figure 5 shows (a) a top view, (b) a bottom view, (c) a front view and (d) a perspective view of a high profile, full block size module which forms part of the system of figure 1; Figure 6 shows (a) a top view, (b) a front view, (c) a side view and (d) a perspective view of a base plate for the modules of figures 4 and 5; Figure 7 shows (a) a top view, (b) a bottom view, (c) a front view and (d) a perspective view of a low profile, quarter block size module which forms part of the system of figure 1; Figure 8 shows (a) a top view, (b) a bottom view, (c) a front view and (d) a perspective view of a medium profile, quarter block size module which forms part of the system of figure 1; Figure 9 shows (a) a top view, (b) a bottom view, (c) a front view and (d) a perspective view of a high profile, quarter block size module which forms part of the system of figure 1; Figure 10 shows (a) a top view, (b) a front view, (c) a side view and (d) a perspective view of a base plate for the modules of figures 7, 8 and 9; Figure 11 shows a schematic functional block diagram of a module of the system of figure 1; Figure 12 shows (a) a top view, (b) a front view, (c) a bottom view, (d) a side view, (e) a back view, (f) a front perspective view, and (g) a back perspective view of an alternative shape and configuration of stackable module of the modular stacking surveillance / alarm system; Figure 13 shows (a) a top view, (b) a front view, (c) a bottom view, (d) a side view, (e) a back view, (f) a front perspective view, and (g) a back perspective view of an alternative configuration of stackable module of the modular stacking surveillance / alarm 15 system.

Figure 1 shows a modular surveillance / alarm system 1 in which each module 2 is configured to implement one or more specific surveillance functions within the system and the various modules can be assembled into one or more stacks 3 or used singly as standalone modules within a network. The stacks 3 and separate modules 2 can be conveniently positioned at any suitable locations and functionality of the various modules as a whole system or network is maintained. Thus each module 2 can preferably operate within the network either physically separated from the other modules 2 in standalone configuration or, as shown in figure 1, in a reconfigurable stack 3.

The individual modules 2 communicate interactively with one another and directly or indirectly to a registered monitoring application or device. Preferably, the individual modules need no central control unit and can automatically form and reconfigure a network which can communicate with one or more registered monitoring applications or devices.

In preferred arrangements, a registered central monitoring application could be executed on a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer or other suitable user programmable device, or a base station having a suitable wireless communication channel.

In the arrangement of figure 1, each module 2 may be of various different sizes, but the sizes are proportioned so as to enable multiple modules to be readily stacked in various ways while maintaining a functional and aesthetically pleasing arrangement. In the example of figure 1, the stack 3 comprises: a pair of low profile full block modules 10; a medium profile full block module 11, a high profile full block module 12 and four low profile quarter-block modules 15. The expression "profile" generally refers to the height of the block, and the low, medium and high profile blocks preferably have respective heights in the ratio 1:2:4 such that they can be arranged in various combinations. More generally, other profiles or heights of block could be used. The expression "full block" generally refers to a basic unit area of a block, such as exemplified by modules 10, 11, 12 and the expression "quarter block" refers to a block 15 that has an area one-quarter the size of the full block modules 10, 11, 12. In this way, combining modules 2 in a stack 3 makes numerous configurations possible. Other block sizes, for example a half block size or a double block size could also be used.

Each block is therefore preferably cuboid in form, and more preferably square in top surface area or rectangular in top surface area defining two or more quarter blocks, for example. However, other shapes which can readily be used to form stackable building blocks could be adopted.

Each module 2 incorporates at least one, and preferably two, stacking connection interfaces 4 comprising either a top surface 5 or a bottom surface 6 (see figures 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 showing views of the bottom surfaces 6). Each stacking connection interface 4 is configured to physically engage with an adjacent module in the stack, thereby docking one module to another. In the example of figure 1, the stacking connection interface includes an engagement feature which is exemplified either by (i) a depression 7 in an otherwise generally planar top surface 8a, or (ii) a projection 9 (seen in figures 2 to 10) in an otherwise generally planar bottom surface 8b.

In the preferred arrangements shown, the engagement feature on the top surface 5 is a depression 7 and the engagement feature on the bottom surface 6 is a projection 9, although this could be reversed. In the preferred arrangements, the projections 9 can also serve as feet for the module.

In a quarter block module, e.g. modules 15, 16, 17 exemplifying respectively low profile, medium profile and high profile modules as seen in figures 7, 8 and 9, only one of the engagement features 7 or 9 is provided in each stacking connection interface 4 surface, preferably centrally located in the square area surface 8a or 8b. In a full block module, e.g. modules 10, 11, 12, four engagement features are provided in each stacking connection interface 4 surface 8a, 8b in an array, preferably a regular array, preferably in a rectangular array, and preferably with one engagement feature 7, 9 located centrally in each quadrant of the square surface 8a, 8b. This is so that the engagement features 7, 9 will be suitably located not only for: (i) stacking full block modules 10, 11, 12 in exact overlying relation to one another (e.g. with the four vertical sides of the modules all in respective alignment with one another) as exemplified by the two low profile modules 10 in figure 1, but also (ii) stacking other full block modules 10, 11, 12 in overlapping relation to one another (e.g. with only two vertical sides of the modules in respective alignment with one another) as exemplified by the high profile module 12 on top of low profile module 10 and medium profile module 11 in figure 1, and also OD stacking one to four quarter block modules 15 on top of one full block module as exemplified by the four quarter block modules 15 on top of high profile full block module 12 in figure 1.

It will be understood that this arrangement of engagement features also admits convenient stacking of half block modules and double block modules, for example.

The complementary nature of the depressions 7 and projections 9 and their positioning in the regular arrays enables the stacking of a series of like modules in any order.

The depression and projection engagement features 7, 9 could be formed in the manner of pegs and corresponding holes or other profiled feature enabling mechanical inter-engagement or detent action limiting relative movement in at least two dimensions.

The engagement features, such as depressions 7 and projections 9, may have any degree n of rotational symmetry, i.e. where rotation by an angle of 360°/n does not change the shape of the feature about an axis of engagement. For example, the engagement features could have only one degree of rotational symmetry by providing a shape which allows only one orientation around a vertical axis (orthogonal to the plane of the stacking connection interfaces 4 / top and bottom surfaces 5, 6 / top and bottom surfaces 8a, 8b) for the engagement features to properly engage. As a further example, the engagement features could have four degrees of rotational symmetry allowing them to properly engage at 0, 90, 180, 270 degree positions around the vertical axis. As a further example, the engagement features could be completely circular and thus allow any orientation around the vertical axis for proper engagement.

Status lights 16 or other visual display feature(s) may be provided on the front of each module. Providing orientation specific engagement features could be used to ensure that certain features, such as visual display features or sensor faces, are maintained in alignment for the different modules 2 in a stack 3.

With reference to figures 3, 6 and 10, the modules 2 may be formed from a unitary top portion comprising the top and four sides, while the base may comprise a base plate 30, 31 or 32 defining the bottom surface 8b and the projections 9. The base plates may be generally of common design for the respective full block modules 10, 11, 12 or quarter block modules 15, 16, 17. Various modifications to the internal surfaces of the base plates 30, 31, 32 may be envisaged to support various internal components, such as pegs 34 which may serve as printed circuit board mounting posts.

In a preferred arrangement, the stacking connection interfaces 4 each include a magnetic latching mechanism enabling the modules 2 to be detachably locked together. Preferably the magnetic latching mechanism provides sufficient attractive force between modules that they can be lifted together as a unit, but prised apart when the stack 3 is to be reconfigured or the modules 2 more generally distributed within a surveillance area. The magnetic latching mechanism may be provided by complementary magnetic structures 120, 121 as seen in figure 11, which may be disposed in, on, or adjacent to the top and bottom surfaces 8a, 8b. Other mechanical latching mechanisms may be used instead of, or as well as, a magnetic latching mechanism. Preferably, the latching mechanism enables the modules to be assembled into stacks, and separated from stacks without the use of tools.

With further reference to figure 11, each of the modules 2 may be a surveillance module, generally including at least one transducer / sensor 100, 101 suitable for sensing at least one environmental condition external to the module 2. The transducers 100, 101 may generally be responsive to light, movement, sound or temperature, for example. Such transducers 100, 101 may comprise any of: a camera; a video camera; a movement detector, such as a passive infra-red sensor; a sound detector, such as a glass-break detector; a moisture or humidity sensor, e.g. for detecting water leaks; a smoke detector; a gas detector such as a CO detector or a CO2 detector or a hydrocarbon detector; a fire detector, e.g. a heat sensing / thermal imaging device; a temperature sensor. The cameras may be conventional or infra-red cameras, or a combination of both.

A module 2 may comprise one or more output devices 102, 103, for example an audible alarm unit 103, such as a siren, or a controller 102 for an external functional device such a lighting unit, a central heating system controller, a household appliance, a domestic appliance such as a coffee machine or washing machine or other remotely operable device. The controller 102 may communicate with a controlled device by wireless or wired channel. A module 2 may comprise a power supply unit 104. The power supply unit 104 may include a rechargeable battery or other alternative independent power source for powering the module 2 when it is not electrically connected to an external power source.

A module 2 may comprise a communication device 105a for communication over a long range wireless communications channel 106a such as the cellular telephone network. A module 2 may comprise a communication device 105b for communication over a medium range wireless communication channel 106b such as a wifi network. A module 2 may comprise a communication device 106c for communication over a short range wireless communication channel 106c such as a Bluetooth connection. The wireless communication device or devices may generally be referred to with the reference numeral 105.

At least one wireless communication device 105 in a module 2 is configured to communicate with other modules 2 in the surveillance system or network 1. Wireless communication between modules in a network may use any suitable wireless communication standard / wireless meshing protocol, e.g. using the 802.15.4 standard for the physical layer and media access control, for any module within range, or may use a local wifi router module.

Each module 2 has a housing 20 with co-operating profiles as discussed above. However, each housing 20 is configured with suitable features to enable any transducer or transducers 100, 101 incorporated within to sense the external environment. A video surveillance module may therefore include one or more camera apertures or windows in the housing (not shown). Other sensors may require windows or apertures or grilles appropriately disposed for the transducer(s) to receive light, infrared or ultraviolet energy, sound, air and airborne particulates or gases.

Each module 2 may include a wired communication interface 108, 109 for communicating with other modules 2 in a stack 3. Each module may include a wired communication device 107 coupled to the wired communication interface 1081 1091 for example by way of a data bus 110. Each wired communication interface 108, 109 is provided by way of physical electrical connectors 111, 112 integrated into the stacking connection interfaces 4. In the preferred arrangement as shown in figures Ito 10, the physical electrical connectors 111, 112 are disposed on or in the engagement features exemplified by depressions 7 and projections 9 (see, e.g. figure 2) such that when modules 2 are docked together using one or more of the engagement features, an electrical connection is made between modules via the stacking connection interface 4.

The data bus 110 may be a high speed data bus for moving significant quantities of data, e.g. between a camera module and a storage module. One or more modules 2 may be configured to be able to transfer such data from a module 2 or stack 3 via Ethernet or USB connections.

The power supply unit 104 of each of the modules 2 may also be coupled to the physical electrical connectors 111, 112 by way of a power bus 113. In a preferred arrangement, the electrical connectors 111, 112 for either or both of the wired power bus 113 and the data bus 110 may be surface contacts on the feet of the module 2 exemplified by the projections 9 and corresponding surface contacts in the depressions 7 / recesses on the tops of the modules 2.

The data bus 110 and / or the power bus 113 may be integrated with one another. The data bus and power bus may be, for example, an I20 or CAN bus.

Each of the modules may also include a processor 115 for providing control functions, data processing functions and communication functions for the module.

In use, the modules 2 may generally communicate with one another and with an external registered monitoring device 150 or control module, e.g. using the wireless communication device 105. When the modules 2 are stacked together in stacks 3, in a preferred arrangement they switch to communication between modules using the wired communication device 107 via data bus 110. In this way, the wireless communication device can be shut down, or partially shut down, to conserve power. The direct, wired communication also provides a more secure communication channel.

Further, when the modules 2 are in standalone use, each may rely on its own power supply unit 104. As discussed above, the power supply unit 104 may be any suitable power source, such as a disposable battery, a rechargeable battery unit, a solar cell / array, a fuel cell, or a mains power supply or various combinations thereof. The specification of the power supply unit 104 for a module 2 may vary according to the module type and/or function. Some surveillance module types may require greater capacity power supplies than others, according to the transducer / sensor demand and other components therein. When the modules 2 are stacked together in stacks 3, preferably they share a common power source by way of power bus 113 and the electrical connectors 111, 112 of the wired communication interface 108, 109.

The sharing of power sources between modules in a stack may operate according to any power optimisation strategy or algorithm. For example, a module with high power capacity may automatically share power with low capacity modules. A module that currently has a mains power supply available may automatically make power available to all other modules in the stack. The status of power availability can be communicated on the power bus 113 or on the data bus 110. A module may use this status information to determine whether to use power on the power bus for a high demand activity such as recharging its own power source, or merely for maintenance to conserve its own power supply. Providing at least one module in a stack with a mains power supply may eliminate or reduce the need for individual module charging devices.

The modules 2 are preferably able to fully reconfigure themselves for wired or wireless communication, and for self-powered or shared power supply automatically upon detection of their current standalone or stacked configuration, without interruption of the surveillance function being carried out, without requiring any power interruption or reboot or other intervention by a user.

The stacks 3 and modules 2 preferably dynamically decide how best to communicate with a registered monitoring application device 150 of the system, e.g. through an existing VVi-Fi network or through a GSM module. If a Wi-Fl channel is not installed and/or if there is a need for enhanced transmission redundancy or range, other channels may be used by providing a module with GSM, Bluetooth, USB or Ethernet connectivity, which will fit with any other module 2 or stack 3 and thereby form a gateway for the network.

The number of modules 2 in a network is not limited and provides an opportunity to configure a bespoke surveillance system to match a user's exact needs and budget. The network of stacks and modules provide the surveillance function and can eliminate any single point of failure due to multiple redundancies in the network. The monitoring application device 150 could be implemented as module 2 itself, which can be incorporated directly into the stack 3 or used remotely.

The system is preferably controlled from the control application 150, which may execute on any suitable platform or device such as iPhone / iPad / Mac / Android smartphones or 15 Windows / Apple computers.

Preferably, the system is not dependent on real time communication with the control / monitoring application software to function as configured. The system can alert a system operator either via messages to the control software, by sound, by light or by other means, when it senses anything out of the ordinary that could constitute an alarm or warning condition. Alarm or warning conditions may include sound and movement as an early sign of intrusion, to changes in temperature which may indicate a fire, for example. The control software may monitor and act on alerts in configurable ways, regardless of where the system operator is, and inform the operator via SMS and / or via sound and light locally to the network / event. Other actions may include shutting off magnetically actuated water valves when water / moisture is sensed on a floor, for example.

Modules may be configured to transmit regular "presence" and "status" messages through the system, and update the control application, indicating that the modules are functional and connected. If a predefined series of signals or presence / status messages are missing, the control application may issue an alert and indicate graphically which module in a network is missing, or may indicate that all communication to the network is lost.

Modules may be installed and registered to a network and control / monitoring application by registration with the control application. In a preferred arrangement, this registration process may include scanning a barcode on each module to be associated with a surveillance / monitoring network with for example, a smart phone running the control / monitoring application, using the smart phone camera. After registration, the network of modules in the system can be controlled using the registered application / device. After registration, the control application may automatically activate and configure a security key in each module. This may be configured to enable the module to securely communicate with the other modules and stacks in the network previously registered to the control application and put the modules into a default operation mode.

Other security features may be incorporated into the modules. For example, the modules may be configured, e.g. in the processor 115 software, to be capable of remote deactivation by the control / monitoring application 150 in the event of theft of or other compromise such as tampering or unauthorized use / interference. This may operate using similar principles to mobile telephone SIM card locking.

A typical network of modules 2 may be distributed around a surveillance area such as a house. Here multiple sensing capability is required at a location, then the modules can be stacked; elsewhere if only a single sensing capability is required, the modules may be used in standalone configuration. For example, a user may wish a hallway to include a PIR sensor module, a camera module and a smoke detector module in one stack. In a lounge area the user may decide to use a PIR sensor, a smoke detector and an alarm module in a stack. In a bedroom, the user may decide to use only a CO detector and an alarm module. The user may decide to use a wifi / GSM communication module for relaying network information to a cellular telephone network in a standalone mode in a relatively non-obvious or inaccessible location to reduce risk of interference therewith.

As stated earlier, each module may be cuboid in form, but other shapes which can readily be used to form stackable building blocks could be adopted. An example of a circular profile module 40 is shown in figure 12. In a preferred arrangement, the module 40 may be provided as a control module that distributes security keys to other modules in the stack, e.g. for system set-up. Once suitably programmed with a security key from the control module 40, the other modules in the stack may then be separated from one another and/or redistributed, and will maintain their authorisation for communication with one another. Other modules which do not have the appropriate security key can be rejected from a system.

The initial system set-up using the control module 40 could be via personal computer or other computing device coupled to the control module 40 by way of a USB-type connector 45. Other forms of connector could be used. If the module shown in figure 12 is used as a control module, it may be configured with only one stacking connection interface 4, on the bottom surface 6 which can physically engage with an adjacent module in the stack 3. The top surface 44 may be planar. The control module 40 might be provided for use only during set-up of reprogramming / reconfiguring the system, e.g. when it is desired to add new modules 2 to a system 1 or to delete modules from a system 1. This could require a factory or hard reset of a module prior to reprogramming, for example.

Other security features could be incorporated into the system, such as the ability to carry out a remote factory reset or disablement of any module in the event that it is stolen or its integrity compromised.

Figure 13 shows an altemative quarter block module similar to that shown in figure 7, but further including an external interface such as a USB port 55 on a back surface. This module may be provided as a hardwired input / output module 50 for the system. The USB port 55 can be used for any input / output function for the modules 2 in a system 1 or a stack 3, including reprogramming, downloading surveillance data, charging modules in the stack, etc. Other forms of connector than USB or mini-USB or micro-USB could be used.

The modules of figures 12 and 13 could be provided in any of the low profile, medium profile or high profile formats.

The wired communication interface 108, 109 may be replaced with an inductive / capacitive energy transfer interface which is configured to transfer power and/or data between two modules via the stacking connection interfaces when the modules are docked. In this respect, the inductive / capacitive energy transfer device may be considered as an equivalent to the wired communication interface in being operable only when the two modules are docked, using the stacking connection interface. In this respect, the inductive / capacitive energy transfer device may be described as a proximity energy transfer device which operates over a distance of the order of the thickness of the module housing walls and / or the vertical dimensions of the engagement features, e.g. over the range of less than 5 cm or less than 1 cm or less than 1 mm spacing between the modules.

Other embodiments are intentionally within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A surveillance / alarm system module for use in a surveillance / alarm system network, the module comprising: at least one transducer for sensing an environmental condition external to the 5 module; a wireless communication device for communication with other modules in the network; a first stacking connection interface configured to physically engage with another module in the network, the stacking connection interface further providing (i) physical electrical connections for electrical connection to another module when docked with the first stacking connection interface or (ii) an inductive / capacitive energy transfer device configured to transfer electrical energy to another module when docked with the first stacking connection interface.
2. The system module of claim 1 in which the stacking connection interface comprises a magnetic latching mechanism.
3. The system module of claim 1 further including a second stacking connection interface, the first and second stacking connection interfaces being provided on bottom 20 and top faces of the system module.
4. The system module of claim 1 in which the at least one transducer comprises one or more of: a camera, a video camera, a movement detector, a sound detector, a moisture / humidity sensor, a smoke detector, a temperature sensor, an audible alarm device.
5. The system module of claim 1 further including a wired communication interface for communication with other modules in the network, the wired communication interface being coupled to the stacking interface electrical connections.
6. The system module of claim 1 in which the stacking connection interface comprises one of (i) an array of depressions in a generally planar surface and (ii) an array of projections from a generally planar surface.
7. The system module of claim 3 in which one of the first and second stacking connection interfaces comprises an array of depressions in a generally planar surface and the other of the first and second stacking connection interfaces comprises an array of projections from a generally planar surface.
8. The system module of claim 7 in which the array of depressions and the array of projections are complementary to one another for stacking a series of modules in any order.
9. The system module of claim 6 or claim 7 in which the physical electrical connections form part of some or all of the depressions and/or projections.
10. The system module of claim 5 in which the wired communication interface comprises a power bus connected to an internal power source.
11. The system module of claim 5 or claim 10 in which the wired communication interface comprises a data bus for data communication between docked modules.
12. The system module of claim 11 further including a controller configured to switch a communication channel from the wireless communication device to the wired communication interface when the presence of another module docked to the module is 20 detected.
13. The system module of claim 1 further including a controller configured to register the module with an external control module.
14. The system module of claim 6 or claim 7 in which the module comprises a cuboid housing and the array of depressions and/or the array of projections comprise a rectangular array of four such features enabling stacking engagement of an adjacent module either in a contiguous overlay position or an overlapping position.
15. The system module of claim 1 in which the inductive / capacitive energy transfer device comprises a communication interface coupled to a data bus for data communication between docked modules.
16. The system module of claim 15 further including a controller configured to switch a communication channel from the wireless communication device to the inductive / capacitive energy transfer device when the presence of another module docked to the module is detected.
17. A modular surveillance / alarm system comprising a plurality of modules to form a network, each module comprising: at least one transducer for sensing an environmental condition external to the module; a wireless communication device for communication with other modules in the network; a stacking connection interface on each module configured to physically engage with another module in the network, the stacking connection interface further providing (i) physical electrical connections to physically engaged modules or (ii) inductive / capacitive energy transfer between modules when physically engaged.
18. The system of claim 17 in which the stacking connection interfaces each comprise a magnetic latching mechanism.
19. The system of claim 17 in which each module comprises a cuboid housing having a top face and a bottom face, each one of the top and bottom faces having a said stacking connection interface comprising one or more depressions in a generally planar surface or one or more projections from a generally planar surface, each module being configured in one of a full size or a quarter size for interlocking engagement with adjacent modules via the depressions and projections of the top and bottom surfaces,
20. The system of claim 17 in which each module is configured to share power and/or data with adjacent modules in the network via the physical electrical connections of the stacking connection interfaces when adjacent modules are docked to one another
21. The system of claim 17 in which the stacking connection interfaces each comprise one or more depressions in a generally planar surface or one or more projections from a generally planar surface, and the physical electrical connections form part of one or more of the depressions and/or projections providing a wired communication interface between physically connected modules in a stack.
22. A method of operating a modular surveillance / alarm system comprising: providing a plurality of modules to form a network, each module comprising at least one transducer for sensing an environmental condition external to the module; automatically interconnecting the plurality of modules to form the network using either a wireless communication channel device for communication with other modules in the network or a second communication channel via a stacking connection interface on each module configured to physically engage with another module in the network, the stacking connection interface providing said second communication channel by way of (i) physical electrical connections to physically engaged modules or (ii) inductive / capacitive energy transfer between modules when physically engaged.
23. The method of claim 22 in which the step of automatically interconnecting the plurality of modules comprises determining whether an adjacent module is coupled via the stacking connection interface and, if so, establishing network communication with that adjacent module using the wired communication via the stacking connection interface in preference to the wired communication.
24. The method of claim 22 further including automatically reconfiguring the network communication channels when modules are stacked together and when modules are unstacked.