SISTEMA MODULAR PARA UMA INSTALAÇÃO DE SISTEMA DE ALARME E PERIFÉRICO

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular system comprising a peripheral (3) for an alarm system installation and a plurality of different power blocks (10) for the peripheral (3), the different power blocks comprising at least one of a battery tray (10A), a set of rechargeable batteries (10B), and a mains powered power block (10C), the different power blocks (10) having the same dimensions and an identical power interface (28, 30), and the peripheral (3) having an accommodation (12) adapted to receive the different types of power blocks (10).

Description

DESCRIPTIVE REPORT “MODULAR SYSTEM FOR AN ALARM AND PERIPHERAL SYSTEM INSTALLATION”

[001] The invention relates to peripherals that are used in an alarm system installation.

[002] Peripherals are part of an alarm system used to protect a building. The term "building" here refers to small businesses and residences. These can be houses or apartments in a building.

[003] An alarm system installation typically comprises a central unit and one or more peripherals. The central unit is typically powered by the mains electricity and serves for external communication, for example to send an alarm call to an operations center. The peripherals communicate with the central unit and may, among other things, be sensors, cameras or communication interfaces through which a user can communicate with the central unit, for example, to arm or disarm the alarm system installation.

[004] For the same and only peripheral, there may be different use cases. Considering that the peripheral is a camera, it can be used in a building to capture images or videos when activated, the camera can be installed outdoors and capture images or videos when activated, or it can be installed as a surveillance camera that remains continuously active. Such different use cases require different power options.

[005] The objective of the invention is to provide a peripheral that addresses the stated need.

[006] In order to solve this objective, the invention, in one aspect, provides a modular system comprising a peripheral for an alarm system installation and a plurality of different power supply blocks for the peripheral. The different power supply blocks comprise a set of non-rechargeable batteries, a set of rechargeable batteries, and a power supply block powered by the mains electricity, the different power supply blocks having the same Petition 870220050281, dated 08 / 06 / 2022, pages 62 / 81 2 / 9 dimension and an identical power interface, and the peripheral having an accommodation adapted to receive the different types of power blocks.

[007] In another aspect, the invention provides a peripheral suitable for use in an alarm installation to protect a residence or small business, the peripheral comprising a removable power supply block, a rechargeable battery and battery charging electronic components, wherein the battery and electronic components are comprised in the removable power supply block. In some embodiments, the peripheral is a wireless camera.

[008] In both respects, the invention is based on the concept of using a peripheral that has no power source but is provided with accommodation to receive a power supply block. This allows combining the peripheral with a power supply block that is suitable for the particular use case. The peripheral can be used with a battery-based power supply block. A battery-based power supply block such as this can use a non-rechargeable battery or batteries (or, expressed differently, a single-charge chemistry), such as alkaline batteries. This may be a suitable solution if the peripheral is used indoors and is not frequently activated. If the same peripheral is used outdoors, or in a colder environment, or is frequently activated, a rechargeable battery or batteries (or, expressed differently, a multi-charge chemistry) may instead be used, for example, lithium batteries.A rechargeable power supply unit may include a set of circuits and connections that allow it to interface with an external, detachable charger, such as a solar charger or a mains charger. Alternatively, the peripheral can be used with a mains-powered power supply unit, so that “unlimited” electrical power is available. This can be particularly advantageous when the peripheral is continuously powered on, or powered on for long periods at a time, as may be the case for a surveillance camera. In such a use case, the mains-powered power supply unit may be additionally supplemented. Petition 870220050281, dated 08 / 06 / 2022, pp. 63 / 81 3 / 9 with a set of batteries, preferably a set of rechargeable batteries, to power the peripheral during periods when mains power is not available.

[009] The peripheral as such is the same for each use case, so fewer individual versions of the same single device need to be manufactured, resulting in cost savings. By locating all power functionality in the individual power blocks, the cost of the peripheral itself, i.e., the peripheral body not including the power blocks, can be reduced.

[010] It will be noticed that, in certain use cases, the charging circuitry is not required. Therefore, for this use case, the overall cost of the peripheral and the required battery pack can be reduced by not including such elements in the peripheral body. These costs are passed on to those power packs that correspond to use cases that require such elements.

[011] In this way, with the entire set of circuits required to support the power function located in the power supply block, the peripheral can only “see” the power / ground along with some indication of the type of power supply used (as discussed below).

[012] Various types of circuit assemblies to support the power function of a given power supply block can be used for different use cases. In one example, a Coulomb counter can be used to determine the power expenditure. In some embodiments, the Coulomb counter can be complemented by a thermistor to allow the effects of temperature on the remaining battery life to be considered. In a second example, charger and input protection functionality can be provided. In a third example, charger, input protection, and regulator functionality can be provided. In a fourth example, current and / or voltage regulator functionality, along with overvoltage and / or overcurrent protection functionality, is provided. Coulomb counter functionality and Petition 870220050281, dated 08 / 06 / 2022, pp. 64 / 81 The 4 / 9 thermistor from the first example can also be combined with the second, third, and fourth examples.

[013] In some embodiments, each power supply block comprises the set of circuits required to support the power function of that power supply block. In some embodiments, each power supply block comprising a rechargeable battery also comprises electronic components for regulating the charging of the rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, a battery tray is used that allows the user to slide out a tray from the peripheral containing the power supply block. This tray may include the batteries or the battery pack. For use cases where an always-on device (e.g., 220 V) is required, a block of the same size as the tray that may contain a multi-charge chemistry battery pack, integrated charger, and an interface for external power may instead be used.An always-on power supply block like this can be mounted on a tray, as described above, or used with a tray like this one.

[014] Preferably, each power supply unit has an identifier or identifier. The identifier makes available to the peripheral the information that the peripheral requires to determine which type of power supply unit is being used. This allows the peripheral or the central unit to determine, for example, the remaining operating time under battery power and to perform power management activities related to performance. To do this, it is necessary to know which power supply unit is inserted, and whether the power supply unit is being recharged or not. For example, if the peripheral's MCN, which can be detachably connected to a charger, receives information from the power supply unit that a charger is connected, then the peripheral can be configured to act as a mains-powered device.Alternatively, if the charger connection is removed, then battery saving behaviors may be initiated. For example, if the peripheral is a camera, it can take and transmit images to the central unit. Petition 870220050281, dated 08 / 06 / 2022, pages 65 / 81 5 / 9 lower resolution than would be the case when behaving as a device powered by the mains.

[015] The identifier can be implemented as at least one ID pin that cooperates with the peripheral. In one embodiment, the ID pin is mechanically encoded. This allows a user to provide the peripheral with information on whether alkaline or rechargeable batteries are provided in the battery tray. According to an alternative embodiment, the identification means is at least one electrical contact, for example a ground. In other embodiments, an EEPROM can be used to allow the type of power supply block to be identified. It is also possible that the identification means comprises a data bus, such as I2C, thus allowing the type of power supply block installed, as well as other information, to be made available to the peripheral.

[016] According to some embodiments of the invention, the peripheral comprises an anti-tamper switch. The anti-tamper switch allows a tamper signal to be sent from the peripheral to the central unit in the event of an unauthorized attempt to remove the power supply block. Preferably, the tamper is detected by the peripheral, as opposed to through the battery interface. In other embodiments, the tamper is detected through the battery interface.

[017] According to one embodiment, the tamper-evident switch cooperates with the power supply block. In this way, a tamper signal is sent when the power supply block is removed or partially removed from the peripheral without a prior authorization signal having been given.

[018] It is also possible that a locking arrangement is provided to connect the power supply block to the peripheral, the tamper-evident switch cooperating with the locking arrangement. The tamper-evident switch allows a tamper signal to be sent when there is an unauthorized attempt to unlock the power supply block.

[019] The power supply block powered by the mains may comprise Petition 870220050281, dated 08 / 06 / 2022, pages 66 / 81 6 / 9 a rechargeable battery to provide electrical power to the peripheral for some time after a mains power supply has been cut off or disconnected.

[020] In different power supply units of embodiments of the invention, different levels of communication are used between the peripheral itself and the different power supply units. In a simple set of non-rechargeable batteries, no communication may be necessary. The peripheral's MCU can be adapted to read the voltage of the power supply unit and, based on the profile loaded in its code, can estimate the remaining battery life. In use cases employing a power supply unit comprising a set of rechargeable batteries and an external charging connection, communication is employed between the peripheral and the power supply unit to inform the MCU whether, at any given time, it is operating on power from the charging connection or battery power, whether the battery is charging or not, instantaneous battery level, etc.When such communication is required, it can be combined with battery pack identification to minimize the number of pins required for the power interface.

[021] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the power supply block, when installed in the peripheral, forms part of the external housing of the device.

[022] The peripheral can, in particular, be a camera that captures images or videos when activated.

[023] The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, Figure 1 schematically shows an alarm system installation with a peripheral device. Figure 2 schematically shows a top view of the peripheral. Figure 3 shows the peripheral from Figure 2 with three different types of power supply blocks. Figure 4 shows part of the peripheral from Figure 3 equipped with a first type of power supply block installed. Petition 870220050281, dated 08 / 06 / 2022, pages 67 / 81 7 / 9 Figure 5 shows the first step in removing the power supply block from the peripheral. Figure 6 shows a second step in removing the power supply block from the peripheral. Figure 7 shows part of the peripheral from Figure 3 with a different type of power supply block, and Figure 8 shows the peripheral from Figure 7 with the power supply block partially removed.

[024] Figure 1 shows a residential alarm system installation in a building 1. The residential alarm system installation comprises a central unit 2 which is typically powered by the mains electricity and serves for external communication, for example, to send an alarm call to an operations center. Other functionality may also be implemented.

[025] The alarm system installation additionally comprises one or more peripherals. The peripherals communicate with the central unit and can be supplied with electrical power in different ways, depending on the use case.

[026] An example of such a peripheral is a camera 3 that can capture sound by means of a microphone 4 and images and / or videos by means of a lens 5.

[027] Electrical power for peripheral 3 is provided by a power supply block schematically shown 10 which is received in a housing on peripheral 3. As shown in figure 3, different types of power supply blocks are available, which can all be installed, depending on the use case, on the same and single peripheral.

[028] As an example, power block 10 could be a 10A battery tray that can accept alkaline batteries or rechargeable batteries.

[029] As a further example, power supply block 10 may be a set of rechargeable batteries to be installed in peripheral 3.

[030] As a further example, power supply block 10 may be a power supply block powered by the mains power supply 10C which, potentially, also Petition 870220050281, dated 08 / 06 / 2022, pages 68 / 81 8 / 9 includes a rechargeable battery.

[031] All different types of power blocks have (at least approximately) the same dimensions and an identical power interface, the power interface of the power blocks 10 cooperating with the contacts on the peripheral to provide electrical power.

[032] In figures 4, 5 and 6, peripheral 3 is shown with a power supply block. 10A, which is a battery tray.

[033] The 10A battery tray is received in a housing 12 (see, in particular, figure 6), with the housing 12 being closed by a cover 18.

[034] The cover 18 has a locking lever 20 to reliably connect the cover 18 to the peripheral housing 3, or to close the cover 18 in relation to the peripheral housing 3. On the cover 18, there is arranged an anti-tamper flap 22 which cooperates with an anti-tamper switch 24 provided in the peripheral. If the anti-tamper flap is moved in relation to the anti-tamper switch 24, which would occur, for example, if the cover 18 were removed or partially withdrawn from the peripheral, without prior communication to the peripheral authorizing the removal of the cover 18, a tamper signal is sent from the peripheral to the central unit. Alternatively, the tamper may be triggered when the anti-tamper flap is rotated in relation to the anti-tamper switch 24.

[035] The 10A battery tray can hold a plurality of 26 alkaline batteries, for example, AA size. Alternatively, rechargeable batteries of the same size can be used.

[036] Figure 6 also shows a power interface consisting of a power contact 28 and a grounding contact 30, which are provided to transmit electrical power to the peripheral 3.

[037] On the 10A battery tray, an identification means 32 is provided. This is formed as a mechanical pin that can be moved between a first and a second position. The position to the left (visible in figure 6) indicates that alkaline batteries are used. If rechargeable batteries are used, the means of Petition 870220050281, dated 08 / 06 / 2022, pages 69 / 81 9 / 9 identification 32 is moved to the right. This allows peripheral 3 to understand, through an appropriate sensor, what type of batteries are present and to calculate the correct remaining power supply accordingly.

[038] If, as an alternative to the 10A battery tray, a set of 10B rechargeable batteries is used as a power pack, the power pack, as such, has the same dimensions as the 10A battery tray and has the same power interface. It is the entire power pack that must be placed in a charger for recharging, rather than removing the individual batteries from the battery tray.

[039] In figures 7 and 8, a 10C power supply block is used, which is a power supply module powered by the mains. It is also locked into the peripheral housing by means of the locking lever 20.

[040] A 33 charger is integrated into the 10C power supply block. Instead of the cable shown here, a socket for connecting a cable can be used as an alternative.

[041] The power supply block 10C is here provided with some rechargeable batteries 34 which provide some reserve power for the peripheral 3 in case the mains power supply is interrupted for some time. In other embodiments, a mains-powered power supply module like this does not comprise rechargeable batteries.

[042] The 10C power supply block is provided with two electrical contacts 36 which form a means of identification, in particular, an interface for a data bus, such as i2c.

Claims

1. Modular system for an alarm system installation, comprising an alarm peripheral (3) and a first-type power supply block and a second-type power supply block, the modular system characterized in that the peripheral comprises an accommodation (12) adapted to receive the first-type power supply block and further adapted to receive, in place of the first-type power supply block, a second-type power supply block, the peripheral (3) comprising an electrical interface adapted to connect with each of the first-type power supply block and the second-type power supply block when installed in the peripheral (3), the peripheral (3) further comprising means (32;36) to determine whether a connected power supply block is a first-type power supply block or a second-type power supply block, the first-type power supply block being a battery power supply block and the second-type power supply block being a mains-powered power supply block (10C), wherein the circuitry required to support the power function for at least one of the power supply blocks is associated with that respective power supply block.; 2. Modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first type power supply block and the second type power supply block (10) have the same dimensions and identical power interfaces (28, 30).

3. Modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that the power interface comprises electrical contacts (28, 30) for grounding and power, and a means of identification (32; 36).

4. Modular system according to claim 2, characterized in that the identification means is implemented as at least one ID pin (32).

5. Modular system according to claim 3, characterized in that the ID pin (32) is mechanically coded.

6. Modular system according to claim 2, characterized in that the means of identification is at least one GPIO contact. Petition 870260011822, dated 06 / 02 / 2026, page 17 / 19 2 / 3 7. Modular system according to claim 2, characterized in that the identification means (36) comprises a data bus, such as i2c.

8. Modular system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral (3) comprises an anti-tamper switch (24).

9. Modular system according to claim 7, characterized in that the tamper-evident switch (24) cooperates with the power supply block (10).

10. Modular system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by a locking arrangement (20) being provided for connecting the power supply block (10) to the peripheral (3), the tamper-evident switch (24) cooperating with the locking arrangement (20).

11. Modular system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mains-powered power supply unit (10C) comprises a rechargeable battery (34).

12. Modular system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral (3) is a camera.

13. Modular system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first type of power supply block is a set of alkaline batteries or a set of lithium batteries.

14. Modular system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first type of power supply block is a set of rechargeable batteries.

15. Modular system according to claim 14, characterized in that the set of rechargeable batteries is adapted to be connected to a solar panel.

16. Modular system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second type of power supply block additionally comprises a rechargeable battery.

17. Peripheral (3), in particular, to be used as part of the modular system as defined in any of the preceding claims, Petition 870260011822, dated 06 / 02 / 2026, page 18 / 19 3 / 3 peripheral (3) characterized by comprising an accommodation (12) adapted to receive one of a first-type power supply block and further adapted to receive in place of the first-type power supply block a second-type power supply block, further comprising an electrical interface adapted to connect with each of the first-type power supply block and the second-type power supply block when installed in the peripheral (3), the peripheral (3) further comprising means (32; 36) for determining whether a connected power supply block is a first-type power supply block or a second-type power supply block.

18. Peripheral (3) according to claim 17, characterized in that it is suitable for use in an alarm installation to protect a residence or small business, the peripheral (3) comprising a removable power supply block, a rechargeable battery and battery charging electronic components, wherein the battery and the electronic components are comprised in the removable power supply block.

19. Peripheral (3) according to claim 18, characterized in that the peripheral (3) is a wireless camera.

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