Modular floodlight system

Abstract

This document describes the technology related to a modular floodlight system. The modular floodlight system includes a floodlight unit with a main housing supporting multiple floodlights and a modular camera unit. The main housing includes a magnetic mount that magnetically secures the camera unit to a mounting surface and enables three-axis hinged connection of the camera unit relative to the main housing. The main housing also includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the camera unit and the floodlights. The floodlights are assembled to opposite sides of the main housing. Furthermore, the main housing includes a passive infrared sensor that extends and complements the motion detection capabilities of the camera unit. The modularity of the modular floodlight system allows the camera unit to be easily replaced with another modular unit, simplifies installation for consumers, and improves the reconfigurability of the modular floodlight system.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Floodlights are becoming a popular addition to home security systems. Many security systems include security cameras integrated with one or more floodlights. Such systems can incorporate sensors within the security camera for motion detection, which can then be used to trigger video recording and / or activate the floodlight. Some of these security cameras have a limited field of view (FOV) for their motion detection sensors. If the security system is mounted on a wall rather than in a corner, this limited FOV can result in blind spots on the sides of the security camera, where it cannot detect motion that could trigger video recording and / or activate the floodlight. Furthermore, depending on how the security camera is attached to the floodlight, it may have limited hinges, which can reduce the customizability of camera orientation and degrade the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This document describes the technology relating to a modular floodlight system. The modular floodlight system includes a floodlight assembly with a main housing supporting multiple floodlights and a modular camera system (e.g., a camera assembly). The main housing includes a magnetic mount that magnetically secures the camera assembly to a mounting surface and enables a three-axis hinge to the camera assembly relative to the main housing. The main housing also includes a power supply unit (PSU) that supplies power to the camera assembly and the floodlights. The floodlights are assembled to opposite sides of the main housing. Furthermore, the main housing includes a passive infrared (PIR) sensor that extends and complements the motion detection capabilities of the camera assembly. The modularity of the modular floodlight system allows the camera assembly to be easily replaced with another modular unit, simplifies installation for consumers, and enhances the reconfigurability of the modular floodlight system.

[0003] In some aspects, a modular floodlight system is described. The modular floodlight system includes a floodlight assembly having a main housing, a first lamp sub-assembly and a second lamp sub-assembly, a PIR lens, and a magnet mounting assembly. The main housing has a generally cylindrical outer shell whose central axis intersects opposite first and second ends of the main housing. The first and second lamp sub-assemblies are connected to the main housing on lateral sides of the outer shell that are generally parallel to the central axis. In various aspects, the main housing is positioned between the first and second lamp sub-assemblies, and each of the first and second lamp sub-assemblies includes a lamp housing having a generally cylindrical outer shell with a circular cap. The PIR lens is positioned on one side of the main housing and between the first and second lamp sub-assemblies. Furthermore, the PIR lens has a dome shape projecting from one side of the main housing and housing a plurality of PIR sensors configured to detect motion of objects within the field of view of the plurality of PIR sensors. The magnet mounting assembly is attached to the first end of the main housing. Furthermore, the magnet mounting assembly includes a front surface that defines a plane non-orthogonal to the central axis of the main housing. The magnet mounting also includes a magnet that provides magnetic force configured to act on the metal portion of the modular camera assembly to magnetically secure the modular camera assembly to the magnet mounting.

[0004] In some embodiments, the floodlight device further includes a mounting member having a flexible material forming a contact surface for mounting a camera device, the mounting member being positioned between a magnet and a front surface, and the contact surface being a concave surface complementary to the convex surface of the camera device.

[0005] In some implementations, the plane defined by the front surface is tilted at an angle relative to the central axis, which is a non-zero angle of up to about 45 degrees.

[0006] In some embodiments, the modular floodlight system further includes a camera device, wherein the camera device includes a housing having a generally cup shape with a circular closed end having a convex outer surface; and the camera device includes a three-axis hinge relative to the main housing when assembled to the magnet mounting assembly. In some of these embodiments, the camera device includes a metal portion inside the housing. Furthermore, or alternatively, in some of these embodiments, the three-axis hinge of the camera device pivots at the center of curvature of the convex outer surface of the camera device. Furthermore, or alternatively, in some of these embodiments, the three-axis hinge of the camera device includes slidable movement of the convex outer surface of the camera device housing on the magnet mounting assembly.

[0007] In some embodiments, the modular floodlight system further includes a power supply unit located within the main housing, configured to supply power to a first and second lamp assembly and a plurality of PIR sensors. In some of these embodiments, the modular floodlight system further includes a cable configured to connect the power supply unit to a camera device, enabling the power supply unit to supply power to the camera device. In some of these embodiments, the cable has a length sufficient to allow the camera device to have an inclination range generally between 0 and 60 degrees relative to the central axis of the main housing, where the camera device is aligned with the central axis at a tilt angle of 0 degrees and faces the direction between the central axis and the plurality of PIR sensors at a tilt angle of 60 degrees.

[0008] In some embodiments, the magnet mounting assembly enables the camera device to have a three-axis hinge. In some of these embodiments, the three-axis hinge includes a translation range of approximately 35 degrees to -35 degrees relative to the central axis of the main housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, the modular floodlight system further includes a wall panel configured to be mounted to a surface, wherein a first end of the main housing is assembled to the wall panel via a torsion locking mechanism formed by protrusions engaging holes or channels based on the torsional movement of the main housing about a central axis and relative to the wall panel.

[0010] In some embodiments, a corresponding lamp assembly in the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is connected to the main housing via a hinge that allows the corresponding lamp assembly to pivotally rotate about three axes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the modular floodlight system further includes a microcontroller unit configured to, in response to motion detected by a plurality of PIR sensors,: activate a first and a second lamp subassembly to provide light; and signal a camera device to activate the camera device's image sensor and begin capturing images or recording video.

[0012] A floodlight device is disclosed in various aspects. The floodlight device includes a main housing, multiple lamp sub-assemblies, a power supply unit, a magnet mounting assembly, and multiple PIR sensors. The main housing forms a generally cylindrical shell about a central axis. The shell has a first end for mounting a camera device. Furthermore, the shell has a second end opposite the first end, and this second end is used to assemble the main housing to a wall panel configured to be mounted to a surface. The multiple lamp sub-assemblies are attached to the main housing and configured to provide a wide illumination range to the environment of the floodlight device. The power supply unit is located within the main housing and configured to provide power to the multiple lamp sub-assemblies and the mounted camera device. The magnet mounting assembly is attached to the first end of the main housing. The magnet mounting assembly also includes a contact surface and a magnet that provides magnetic force, configured to act on a metal portion of the mounted camera device to magnetically secure the mounted camera device to the contact surface. The multiple PIR sensors are positioned near the lateral side of the main housing and between the first and second ends. Multiple PIR sensors have a PIR FOV, which can be used to supplement the camera PIR FOV of a camera system associated with a floodlight device.

[0013] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. This summary is intended to introduce the subject matter further described in the specific embodiments. Therefore, the reader should not regard this summary as a description of the essential features, nor as a limitation on the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The following describes in detail one or more aspects of the modular floodlight system. The same reference numerals are used to indicate the same elements in different instances in the description and figures:

[0015] Figure 1 An example implementation of a modular floodlight system and an exploded view of some of its components are shown;

[0016] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An example of a modular floodlight system supporting a camera device in different orientations;

[0017] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the lamp component;

[0018] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the main housing assembly of the floodlight unit;

[0019] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the magnet mounting components;

[0020] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of the PIR module in the image;

[0021] Figure 7 The FOV based on the PIR sensor is shown. Figure 1 An example implementation of the FOV of a floodlight device and a PIR sensor mounted in a camera device of the floodlight device;

[0022] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A front view of the floodlight installation in the image;

[0023] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the main housing of the floodlight unit along line 9-9;

[0024] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the wall panels;

[0025] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 The back side view of the cover plate;

[0026] Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 The rear isometric view of the wall panel in the middle; and

[0027] Figure 13 It shows Figure 1 A sectional view of the wall panel and an enlarged view of a portion thereof. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Overview

[0029] This document describes a technology involving a modular floodlight system. The modular floodlight system includes a floodlight unit (also referred to as an accessory unit) and a modular camera system (e.g., a modular camera unit, a camera unit). The floodlight unit includes a floodlight and a motion detection sensor used to activate the floodlight and the modular camera system. Furthermore, the floodlight unit includes a magnetic mount that magnetically secures the modular camera system to the floodlight unit. The modular camera system includes a camera unit with a circular outer surface that is magnetically mounted to a concave mounting surface of the floodlight unit, achieving a 3-axis hinged connection of the camera unit relative to the floodlight unit. The floodlight unit also provides power to the camera unit, the floodlight, and the PIR system on the floodlight unit to extend and complement the PIR capabilities of the modular camera system.

[0030] The modular floodlight system described herein offers a modular design that enables user-friendly installation and setup, convenient adjustment of the camera's positioning relative to the floodlight unit, expansion of the camera's PIR capabilities, and interchangeability of the camera units. The modular floodlight system also includes a compact structure that reduces its size while incorporating a power supply unit capable of powering the floodlight, PIR sensor, and camera unit. Furthermore, magnetic mounting provides increased articulation for the camera unit relative to the floodlight unit compared to many conventional floodlight systems.

[0031] Example operating environment and system

[0032] Figure 1 An exploded view 150 of an example embodiment of a modular floodlight system 100 and some of its components is shown. The modular floodlight system 100 may include a floodlight device 102 configured to communicate with and connect to a modular camera system (e.g., camera device 104) detachably assembled to the floodlight device 102. In various aspects, the camera device 104 is magnetically integrated into the modular floodlight system 100, the magnetism magnetically and detachably securing the camera device 104 to the floodlight device 102 (e.g., magnets within the floodlight device 102 act on metal portions (not shown) within the camera device 104). The camera device 104 includes a generally cup-shaped housing with a circular closed end and an image sensor at the opposite end. The floodlight device 102 may also include one or more lamp sub-assemblies 106 configured to provide a wide illumination range to the environment of the modular floodlight system 100. In the example, the floodlight assembly 102 may include a first lamp sub-assembly 106-1 and a second lamp sub-assembly 106-2. The wall panel 108 is configured to be attached to a wall, particularly to a junction box having wires connected to a power source. The wall panel 108 can be configured to accommodate different configurations of the junction box.

[0033] The floodlight assembly 102 includes a main housing 110 connected to a wall panel 108. In one example, the main housing 110 is secured to the wall panel via a torsion locking mechanism (e.g., formed by protrusions engaging with holes or channels and locked in place by torsional movement of the main housing 110 relative to the wall panel 108). The main housing 110 is a generally cylindrical shell, which may be formed from plastic via one or more injection molding techniques. The main housing 110 includes a first end (e.g., a front end for mounting a modular camera system) and a second end (e.g., a rear end for assembly to the wall panel 108). The shell may be generally cylindrical about a longitudinal axis intersecting the first and second ends. In some respects, the shell may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, elliptical, etc. A first lamp sub-assembly 106-1 and a second lamp sub-assembly 106-2 are respectively attached to opposite sides (e.g., lateral sides) of the main housing 110. In the illustrated example, the lateral side of the main housing 110 is the side of the main housing 110 that does not intersect with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder of the main housing 110.

[0034] The floodlight assembly 102 may include a PIR module 112 and a PSU 114. The PIR module 112 is configured to detect movement within the range of the floodlight assembly 102. The PSU 114 is configured to supply power to one or more components, including the PIR module 112, the lamp sub-assembly 106, and the camera assembly 104. In this example, the PSU 114 supplies power to the camera assembly 104 via a cable 116 (e.g., a Pogo cable) with a connector 118 (e.g., a connector with Pogo pins) connected to the camera assembly 104.

[0035] The floodlight assembly 102 also includes an inner frame subassembly 120 and a magnet mount assembly 122. The magnet mount assembly 122 is configured to receive and support the camera assembly 104 via magnetic forces acting on metal portions (or portions) inside the camera assembly 104 via magnets within the assembly. The inner frame subassembly 120 is configured to shield the PSU 114 from the magnetic field associated with the magnetic forces generated by the magnets. As described further herein, the magnet mount assembly 122 includes a concave surface 124 for receiving a complementary convex outer surface of the circular closed end of the camera assembly 104. Because the outer surface of the camera assembly 104 is circular and magnetically attached to the concave surface 124 of the magnet mount assembly 122, the camera assembly 104 can be reoriented (e.g., rotated, tilted, translated) relative to the main housing 110 in three axes to redirect its field of view. Further details regarding... Figure 2 To be described.

[0036] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1Examples of modular floodlight systems 100 supporting camera devices 104 in different orientations (e.g., examples 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4, and 200-5). In example 200-1, the camera device 104 is magnetically mounted to the floodlight device 102 based on the action of magnets inside the main housing 110 on a metal portion (e.g., metal portion 202) located within the housing of the camera device 104. The main housing 110 of the floodlight device 102 includes a longitudinal axis (e.g., a central axis 204). In the illustrated examples, based on the assumption that the floodlight device 102 is mounted to a wall (not shown), the central axis 204 is generally horizontal. Therefore, the central axis 204 can be generally orthogonal to the surface (or wall panel 108) where the floodlight device 102 is mounted.

[0037] The magnet mount 122 includes a front surface 206 that defines a plane not orthogonal to the central axis 204 of the main housing 110. Instead, the front surface 206 is tilted to face a direction approximately 20 degrees below the central axis 204 or below a plane parallel to the central axis 204 (e.g., a horizontal plane) (e.g., axis 208 is perpendicular to the front surface 206). For example, axis 208 and central axis 204 form a tilt angle 210 of approximately 20 degrees. However, any suitable tilt angle 210 can be achieved, including non-zero angles up to approximately 45 degrees.

[0038] The tilt angle 210 of the front surface 206 relative to the central axis 204 of the main housing 110 is used in conjunction with the camera assembly 104 to provide a tilt range of approximately 0 to 60 degrees below the central axis 204 for a field of view (FOV) of approximately 130 degrees diagonally (e.g., 110 degrees horizontal and 56 degrees vertical). The tilt angle 210 is determined based on several factors, including the FOV of the image sensor of the camera assembly 104, the average height at which the camera assembly 104 is expected to be mounted above the ground by the user, the length of the cable 116, etc. For example, based on the assumption that the main housing 110 is mounted to a vertical wall, the camera assembly 104 may have a tilt range between 0 and 60 degrees below the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the length of the cable 116 is sufficient to allow the camera assembly 104 to rotate upward (towards the central axis 204) to have a tilt angle of 0 degrees and a translation angle of ±30 degrees relative to the central axis 204. Furthermore, the tilt angle 210 enables increased articulation of the camera device 104, allowing the user to guide or position the camera device 104 in a specific orientation. For example, the camera device 104 can be oriented such that the field of view (FOV) of the image sensor of the camera device 104 can be included directly below the main housing 110 and in the area near the wall where the main housing 110 is mounted.

[0039] Examples 200-2 and 200-3 illustrate the tilt range of the camera device 104 relative to the main housing 110 of the floodlight device 102. In example 200-2, the camera device 104 faces downward. The camera device 104 may tilt downward at an angle of approximately 60 degrees (e.g., angle 212) relative to the central axis 204 of the main housing 110. In example 200-3, the camera device 104 faces a generally horizontal direction or a direction generally parallel to the central axis 204 of the main housing 110.

[0040] Examples 200-3 and 200-4 illustrate the translation range of camera device 104 relative to the main housing 110 of floodlight device 102. In example 200-4, camera device 104 is rotated to the left of the illustration. In example 200-5, camera device 104 is rotated to the right of the illustration. When the camera device 104 is reoriented, the convex surface of the camera device 104 can slide on the concave surface 124 of the magnet mounting assembly 122, thereby causing magnets inside the magnet mounting assembly 122 to act on different portions or different metal portions of the metal portion 202 inside the camera device 104. In this way, the camera device 104 can be pivotally moved relative to a pivot point, which can be a location within the camera device (e.g., the center of curvature of the convex surface of the camera device). In particular, the three axes of the camera device 104 are hinged and pivot at the center of curvature of the convex outer surface of the camera device 104.

[0041] The translational range of the camera device 104 relative to the main housing 110 can be defined by a combination of one or more characteristics (e.g., radius of curvature, diameter, depth) of the concave surface 124 of the magnet mounting assembly 122 and the geometry of the mounting surface 216 of the camera device 104 itself—including the radius of curvature, diameter, and size (e.g., area) of the mounting surface 216. In the example, the camera device 104 may have a translational range of approximately 60 degrees to approximately -60 degrees relative to the central axis 204.

[0042] The tilt range can also be defined by one or more characteristics of the concave surface 124 of the magnet mounting assembly 122 in combination with the geometry of the mounting surface 216 of the camera device. In some cases, the tilt range can also be defined by the length of the cable 116 that electrically connects the camera device 104 to the PSU 114.

[0043] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1An exploded view 300 of the lamp assembly 106 is shown. The lamp assembly includes a hinge 302 having a rounded end 304, which can be used in conjunction with a ball cap 306 and a ball cover 308 to form a hinge (such as a ball joint) that can pivotally move on up to three different axes. The ball cover 308 is connected to a bracket 310, which is connected to a lamp housing 312. In all respects, the ball cover 308 is fastened (e.g., threaded) to the bracket 310. As the ball cover 308 is fastened to the bracket 310, the ball cover 308 provides a compressive force on the ball cap 306, which in turn provides a clamping force on the rounded end 304 of the hinge 302. Thus, a user can loosen the ball cover 308 to move the lamp assembly 106 around the hinge 302 and relative to... Figure 2 The main housing 110 is pivotally repositioned. The bracket 310 can be attached to the lamp housing 312 via one or more fasteners 314 (e.g., screws). To prevent water ingress, a rubber seal can be positioned between the bracket 310 and the lamp housing 312. Furthermore, the hinge 302 (and the rounded end 304) are hollow. For example, the hinge 302 can define a hole coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the hinge 302 to allow a wire to pass through. In some embodiments, the seal can be positioned around the wire and within the hole in the hinge 302 to prevent water ingress. The seal can be glued inside the hole in the hinge 302 to hold the seal in place.

[0044] The lamp housing 312 has a generally cup shape with an open end and a rounded closed end. In the illustrated example, the lamp housing 312 is a generally cylindrical shell with a rounded cap. The lamp housing 312 may be plastic and formed by injection molding. Furthermore, the lamp sub-assembly 106 includes a heat sink 316 disposed inside the lamp housing 312. The shape of the heat sink 316 is generally complementary to the inner surface of the lamp housing 312 (e.g., generally cylindrical with a rounded end). The heat sink 316 also defines a cavity housing various components, including a thermal interface material 318, a light-emitting diode (LED) plate 320, and a reflector 322. The LED plate 320 includes an LED array 324 for providing light. The reflector 322 is used to reflect the light provided by the LED array 324. A seal 326 (e.g., an O-ring) may be included to prevent water ingress between the lens 328 and the lamp housing 312. The lens 328 may be any suitable lens for a floodlight.

[0045] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1An exploded view 400 shows the main housing assembly 402 of the floodlight unit 102. The main housing assembly 402 includes an inner frame subassembly 120, a PSU 114, a PIR module 112, cables 116, and a main housing 110. In various aspects, the main housing assembly 402 also includes a rubber seal 404 and a gasket 406. The rubber seal 404 provides a water seal between the main housing 110 and the wall panel 108. Figure 1 (Middle). Washer 406 covers a portion of a hole in the main housing 110 through which a wire (not shown) enters the main housing 110 from the power source.

[0046] The inner frame subassembly 120 includes an inner frame 408 with a magnet shielding member 410. The inner frame 408 may be a generally cylindrical housing having an open end and opposing closed ends to define a recessed region within the housing. The magnet shielding member 410 may have a disc-shaped shape and is supported within the recessed region of the inner frame 408. The magnet shielding member 410 is positioned between the PSU 114 and the magnet mounting assembly 122. Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram) to help protect the PSU 114 from the magnetic field generated by the magnet in the magnet mounting assembly 122. The inner frame subassembly 120 may also include a gasket 412 to provide a watertight seal between the inner frame 408 and the main housing 110. The inner frame subassembly 120 may also include a gasket 414 to provide a watertight seal between the inner frame 408 and the main housing 110. Figure 1 A watertight seal is provided between the magnet mounting components 122.

[0047] PIR module 112 includes a PIR bracket 416 having a surface for mounting a PIR board 418 filled with a microcontroller unit (MCU) 420. The MCU 420 can be communicatively connected to a plurality of PIR sensors 422 and configured to operate the PIR sensors 422. The MCU 420 can also be communicatively connected to a lamp assembly 106 and a mounted device (e.g., a camera device 104). PIR sensors 422 are attached to a PIR flexible member 424, which is assembled to the PIR bracket 416. In this way, the PIR bracket 416 is positioned between the MCU 420 and the PIR flexible member 424. A PIR lens 426 covers the PIR sensor 422 and is attached to the PIR bracket 416 (e.g., the PIR lens 426 has a bowl-shaped design forming a cavity to accommodate the PIR sensor 422 and the PIR flexible member 424). A gasket 428 can be positioned between the PIR lens 426 and the PIR bracket 416. Another washer 430 can be positioned between the PIR lens 426 and the main housing 110. The main housing 110 includes a hole on its bottom side through which the PIR lens 426 is positioned. In this way, the PIR lens 426 is attached to the inner surface of the main housing 110, and the PIR sensor 422 (positioned inside the PIR lens 426) is positioned outside the cylindrical housing of the main housing 110.

[0048] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view 500 of the magnet mounting assembly 122 is shown. The magnet mounting assembly 122 includes a front cover 502, a mounting member 504, a magnet 506, a magnet shield 508, and a magnet bracket 510. In various aspects, the magnet shield 508 is attached to the magnet bracket 510 via an adhesive 512 (e.g., pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA)). The magnet bracket 510 may be attached to the front cover 502 via one or more fasteners 514 (e.g., screws). The magnet bracket 510 defines a cavity that accommodates the mounting member 504, the magnet 506, and the magnet shield 508.

[0049] The magnet shield 508 supports the magnet 506 within the recessed area to cover the back and sides of the magnet 506 and prevents the magnetic field generated by the magnet 506 from reaching the PSU 114 (e.g., located on the opposite side of the magnet shield 508 opposite to the magnet 506). Figure 1 (As shown). The magnet shield 508 does not cover the front of the magnet 506.

[0050] Mounting member 504 includes a flexible material that forms a contact surface for mounting camera device 104. In various aspects, mounting member 504 provides a flexible concave surface (e.g., concave surface 124) between magnet 506 and the mounted device (e.g., camera device 104). Concave surface 124 may be complementary to a convex outer surface of camera device 104. Mounting member 504 may have a flat surface opposite concave surface 124, wherein the flat surface abuts magnet 506.

[0051] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view 600 of the PIR module 112 is shown. As shown, the PIR sensors 422 are oriented offset from each other by 60 to 90 degrees, so that the PIR sensors 422 are far apart from each other. This 60 to 90-degree directional offset provides an overall FOV with a horizontal angular range of approximately 180 degrees. Therefore, when the floodlight device 102 ( Figure 1 When the PIR sensor 422 is mounted on the wall, the overall FOV of the PIR sensor 422 includes the area near the left and right sides of the wall close to the floodlight unit 102. Figure 7 An example of the FOV of the PIR sensor 422 is shown in the figure.

[0052] To prevent noise, the PIR sensor 422 is grounded and includes a shield. A substrate 602 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) is added beneath each PIR sensor 422 to ground the pins of the PIR sensor 422. In the example, each PIR sensor 422 includes four pins on its back side. The substrate 602 is mounted to a flexible printed circuit (FPC) via one or more surface mount technologies (SMT) and serves as a spacer with the shield for the PIR sensor 422. Furthermore, conductive adhesive may be positioned on the back side of the PIR sensor 422 (e.g., between the PIR sensor and the substrate 602) to ground the PIR sensor 422 and its pins. An additional shield 604 may be added to the grounded sidewall of the PIR sensor 422. The additional shield 604 may comprise a generally cylindrical metal tube positioned around the sidewall of the PIR sensor 422. Grounding and shielding the PIR sensor 422 in this manner significantly reduces the impact of noise on the performance of the PIR sensor 422.

[0053] An ambient light sensor 606 may be included on a PIR bracket 416 and positioned between PIR sensors 422. In this configuration, the ambient light sensor 606 is directed forward (e.g., horizontally aligned with the central axis 204 of the main housing 110) and tilted downward at an angle to the central axis 204 of the main housing 110.

[0054] Figure 7The FOV based on PIR sensor 422 is shown. Figure 1 An example embodiment 700 shows the field of view (FOV) of a floodlight device 102 and a camera device 104 with a PIR sensor mounted within the floodlight device 102. The camera device 104 may have a built-in PIR sensor for detecting motion within the camera's PIR FOV (e.g., a first PIR FOV 702), which is typically about 120 degrees for a single PIR sensor. The PIR sensor 422 on the floodlight device 102 (from...) Figure 6 And positioned behind the PIR lens 426, it has a wider PIR FOV than the first PIR FOV 702 (e.g., the second PIR FOV 704). For example, the second PIR FOV 704 may have an angular range of approximately 180 degrees (horizontal). Furthermore, the second PIR FOV 704 may have a vertical FOV of approximately 30 degrees. In the example, if the floodlight device 102 is mounted at a height ranging from 1.8 to 3 meters (m), the PIR sensor 422 can detect a person walking (e.g., 0.9 m / s) at a distance of approximately 7.6 m from the PIR sensor 422. Continuing with this example, the PIR sensor 422 has a range of approximately 7.6 m at a zero-degree translation (relative to the central axis 204 of the main housing 110) and a range of approximately 4.5 m at a 180-degree translation (relative to the central axis 204).

[0055] Because the PIR sensor 422 has a wider PIR FOV than the modular camera system (e.g., camera assembly 104), the floodlight assembly 102 extends the PIR capabilities of the modular camera system. In this way, the PIR sensor 422 of the floodlight assembly 102 can detect motion outside the first PIR FOV 702 of the camera assembly 104, and based on the motion detection by the PIR sensor 422, the MCU 420 can then activate (e.g., turn on) the LEDs in the lamp subassembly 106 to provide light to the environment around the floodlight assembly 102. Furthermore, the floodlight assembly 102 can signal the camera assembly 104 to activate its image sensor and begin capturing images or recording video of the scene viewed through the camera lens of the camera assembly 104. This can help the camera assembly 104 predict objects moving into the FOV of the image sensor by initiating video recording before the object enters the FOV of the image sensor. This extended PIR FOV (e.g., a second PIR FOV 704) provided by the PIR sensor 422 of the floodlight assembly 102 provides a consistent and wide FOV for motion detection for both the lamp sub-assemblies 106 of the floodlight assembly 102 and the pivotally movable and modular camera assembly 104. Therefore, the camera assembly 104 can be reoriented (as referenced). Figure 2(as described), without leaving blind spots in the PIR FOV, because the second PIR FOV 704 maintains coverage of the area outside the first PIR FOV 702.

[0056] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 The figure shows a front view 800 of the floodlight assembly 102. As shown, hinges connecting each lamp sub-assembly 106 to the main housing 110 allow the lamp assembly 106 to pivotally move along up to three axes of rotation. Therefore, the hinges allow the lamp assembly 106 to be easily adjusted by the consumer.

[0057] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 The main housing 110 of the floodlight assembly 102 is shown in a cross-sectional view 900 along line 9-9. As shown, the main housing 110 of the floodlight assembly 102 includes: a compact structure that provides a size reduction compared to some conventional floodlight structures; a modular structure with a magnetic mount that enables three-axis hinge (e.g., rotation about three axes in a Cartesian coordinate system) for the modular camera system; and a PIR FOV for expansion of the modular camera system. The floodlight assembly 102 can also provide line power to the modular camera system.

[0058] like Figure 9 As shown (and as Figure 2 As described in [the text], the front surface 206 of the magnet mounting assembly 122 defines a plane inclined at an angle relative to the central axis 204, the angle being generally within the range of 10 to 30 degrees (e.g., 20 degrees) below the central axis 204. Furthermore, a magnet bracket 510 is attached to the inner surface of the front cover 502 and supports a magnet shield 508 within a recessed area of ​​the magnet bracket 510. The magnet 506 is supported by the magnet shield 508 and is at least partially positioned within the magnet shield 508. The magnet 506 and the magnet shield 508 are positioned between the magnet bracket 510 and the inner surface of the front cover 502. Additionally, a mounting member 504 is positioned between the magnet 506 and the front cover 502 and provides for mounting the camera device 104 (from [the text]). Figure 1 The contact surface of the magnet 506. Behind the magnet support 510 (e.g., between the back side of the magnet support 510 and the PSU 114) is the inner frame 408 and the magnet shield 410. Therefore, both the magnet shield 508 and the magnet shield 410 are located between the magnet 506 and the PSU 114 to protect the PSU 114 from the magnetic field generated by the magnet 506.

[0059] The PIR bracket 416 is positioned within the main housing 110 and below the PSU 114. A PIR plate 418 is located between the PSU 114 and the PIR bracket 416. As described, the PIR bracket 416 is positioned within a hole in the main housing 110 and supports the PIR sensor 422 in orientation for both transmitting and receiving PIR signals from the environment surrounding the main housing 110. The PIR lens 426 increases the FOV of the PIR sensor 422 and also protects it from debris, dust, and moisture. The PIR lens 426 can be any suitable IR translucent lens, including Fresnel lenses.

[0060] Due to the torsion lock formed between the main housing 110 and the wall panel 108, the cable of the PSU 114 (e.g., wire 902) may be squeezed during installation due to cable torsion. To prevent the wire 902 from being squeezed, a shrink tube 904 is implemented around a portion of the wire 902 near the second end of the main housing 110. The shrink tube 904 can be any suitable material (e.g., heat-shrinkable material) that provides rigidity to protect the wire 902 from being squeezed when the main housing 110 is assembled to the wall panel 108 (via the torsion lock mechanism). In all respects, the shrink tube 904 can cover any suitable length of wire 902, including lengths generally in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm.

[0061] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1An exploded view 1000 of wall panel 108 is shown. Wall panel 108 includes a decorative panel 1002 and a cover plate 1004. Decorative panel 1002 has a disc-shaped form with a front side and a back side (e.g., front side 1006 and back side 1008) and is configured to attach to a surface (e.g., a wall or a junction box in a wall). Decorative panel 1002 includes a mounting washer 1010 that is assembled to decorative panel 1002 and generally covers the periphery of decorative panel 1002, including at least a portion of the front side 1006 and the back side 1008, respectively. Mounting washer 1010 has a generally annular shape with a C-shaped cross-section for covering the edge of decorative panel 1002. In addition, mounting washer 1010 includes a front outer side 1012 that abuts the cover plate 1004 and forms a watertight seal with the cover plate 1004 when wall panel 108 is assembled. Mounting gasket 1010 also includes a rear outer side 1014, which is configured to abut and seal against a surface (e.g., a wall) when the panel 108 is mounted to the surface. Decorative panel 1002 can be attached to the junction box via any suitable fastener including fastener 1016. Furthermore, by positioning fastener 1016 in arcuate groove 1020, decorative panel 1002 is configured to be rotatably adjusted ±45 degrees about a central axis (e.g., central axis 1018) to accommodate different configurations of the junction box. In all aspects, cover 1004 is fastened to decorative panel 1002 via fasteners (e.g., fastener 1022).

[0062] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A rear-side view 1100 of a cover plate 1004. The cover plate 1004 includes a rear-side surface 1102 and an edge 1104 extending from the rear-side surface 1102. The edge 1104 is configured to... Figure 10 The mounting gasket 1010 is interfaced to create a watertight seal. Edge 1104 includes a notch (e.g., notch 1106) to allow drainage. Cover 1004 includes a peripheral wall 1108 surrounding the back surface 1102 to create a recessed area to receive and support the mounting gasket 1010. Peripheral wall 1108 defines an orifice (e.g., drain orifice 1110) that provides a path for drainage from cover 1004. When mounted to a wall, cover 1004 can be oriented such that notch 1106 is located at the lowest point of edge 1104 and drain orifice 1110 is located at the lowest point of peripheral wall 1108, allowing water to drain due to gravity.

[0063] then, Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 Rear isometric view 1200 of the wall panel 108. As shown, cover plate 1004 is shaped to define a recessed area supporting decorative panel 1002. Mounting gasket 1010 is located on the front side 1006 of decorative panel 1002 (in... Figure 10 (middle) and the back surface 1102 of the cover plate 1004 (in Figure 11 A watertight seal is provided between the wall panel 1002 and the wall (or junction box). The mounting gasket 1010 is also configured to provide a watertight seal between the wall panel 1002 and the wall (or junction box). Therefore, the mounting gasket 1010 provides a watertight seal on both the front side 1006 and the back side 1008 of the wall panel 1002. Furthermore, the mounting gasket 1010 includes a plurality of drainage channels 1202 (e.g., recessed areas) for draining water in the event of water entering the wall panel 108. The drainage channels 1202 are defined on the rear outer side 1014 of the mounting gasket 1010. Additionally, the mounting gasket 1010 includes a channel 1204 that connects at least some of the drainage channels 1202 along the periphery of the mounting gasket 1010 (e.g., near the edge). Therefore, if the wall panel 108 rotates about a central axis (e.g., central axis 1018), water may exit the wall panel 108 due to gravity via the drainage channels 1202 and the channel 1204. The drain trough 1202 and channel 1204 can have any suitable depth, including depths generally in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm (e.g., 1.0 mm depth).

[0064] Although the illustrated example includes three drain channels 1202, any suitable number of channels, including one, two, three, four, etc., can be implemented. For the purposes of discussion, three drain channels 1202 are described, for example, one intermediate channel and two outer channels. In all respects, at least one of the drain channels 1202 (e.g., the outer channel) includes a sidewall 1206 that is not orthogonal to the edge (e.g., edge 1208) of the mounting washer 1010. Instead, the sidewall 1206 is oriented to reduce the likelihood of water entering through the drain channel 1202 when the panel 108 is rotated about 45 degrees about the central axis 1018 (depending on the configuration of the junction box to which the panel 108 is mounted). However, in the event that water does enter one of the drain channels 1202, the water can drain from the adjacent drain channel 1202 via one or more channels in the channel 1204 or via the central region (e.g., central region 1210) of the mounting washer 1010. In all respects, water can be discharged through the drain channel 1202 and / or the channel 1204 and through the drain hole 1110 in the cover plate 1004 to leave the interior of the cover plate 1004.

[0065] Figure 13 It shows Figure 11A cross-sectional view 1300 of the wall panel 1002 and an enlarged view 1302 of its portion 1304 are shown. In the enlarged view 1302, a gap 1306 (e.g., a spacing) is defined between the periphery 1308 of the decorative panel 1002 and the inner surface 1310 of the peripheral wall 1108 of the cover plate 1004. The gap 1306 is implemented to allow drainage. A similar gap (e.g., gap 1312) for drainage can be defined between the mounting gasket 1010 and the inner surface 1310 of the peripheral wall 1108 of the cover plate 1004. Gap 1306 and 1312 can be of any suitable size, including sizes generally in the range of 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm (e.g., 0.33 mm).

[0066] Water may enter the central area 1210 of the wall panel due to uneven mounting surfaces (e.g., the wall around the junction box) or improper user installation. Therefore, the drain channel 1202 and the passage 1204 provide a path for water to exit in the event of water ingress.

[0067] While the technical use and apparatus of the modular floodlight system have been described, it should be understood that the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, specific features and methods are disclosed as illustrative ways in which the modular floodlight system can be implemented.

[0068] Here are some examples:

[0069] A modular floodlight system includes: a floodlight assembly comprising: a main housing having a generally cylindrical outer shell, the central axis of which intersects opposite first and second ends of the main housing; a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly connected to the main housing via lateral sides of the outer shell generally parallel to the central axis, the main housing being positioned between the first and second lamp assemblies, each of the first and second lamp assemblies including a lamp housing having a generally cylindrical outer shell with a circular cap; and a passive infrared PIR lens positioned on the main housing. On one side of the housing and between the first and second lamp sub-assemblies, the PIR lens has a dome shape that protrudes from that side of the main housing and accommodates a plurality of PIR sensors configured to detect motion of objects within the field of view of the plurality of PIR sensors; a magnet mounting assembly is attached to a first end of the main housing, the magnet mounting assembly including: a front surface that defines a plane non-orthogonal to the central axis of the main housing; and a magnet that provides magnetic force configured to act on a metal portion of the modular camera system to magnetically attach the modular camera system to the magnet mounting assembly.

[0070] The floodlight assembly may further include a mounting component with a flexible material forming a contact surface for mounting a modular camera system; the mounting component may be positioned between a magnet and a front surface; and the contact surface may be a concave surface complementary to the convex surface of the modular camera system.

[0071] The plane defined by the front surface can be tilted relative to the central axis by an angle of inclination, which is generally in the range of 1 degree to 30 degrees.

[0072] The modular floodlight system may further include a modular camera system, wherein: the modular camera system includes a generally cup-shaped housing with a circular closed end; the circular closed end has a convex outer surface; and the camera assembly includes a 3-axis hinge relative to the main housing when assembled into the magnet mounting assembly.

[0073] Modular camera systems can include metal components inside the housing.

[0074] The 3-axis hinge of the modular camera system allows it to pivot at the center of curvature of the convex outer surface of the camera assembly.

[0075] The 3-axis hinge of the modular camera system can include the slidable movement of the convex surface of the modular camera system housing on the magnet mounting assembly.

[0076] The modular floodlight system may further include: a power supply unit located within the main housing, configured to provide power to the first and second lamp sub-assemblies and a plurality of PIR sensors.

[0077] The modular floodlight system may further include a cable configured to connect a power supply unit to the modular camera system, enabling the power supply unit to provide power to the modular camera system.

[0078] The cable can be long enough to allow the modular camera system to have an inclination range of approximately 0 to 60 degrees relative to the central axis of the main housing; when the inclination angle is 0 degrees, the modular camera system can be aligned with the central axis; and when the inclination angle is 60 degrees, the modular camera system can face the direction between the central axis and the PIR sensor.

[0079] Magnet mounting components enable modular camera systems to have 3-axis hinges.

[0080] The 3-axis hinge may include a translation range of approximately 35 degrees to -35 degrees relative to the central axis of the main housing.

[0081] The modular floodlight system may further include a wall panel configured to be mounted to a surface, wherein a first end of the main housing is assembled to the wall panel via a torsion locking mechanism formed by protrusions engaging holes or channels based on the torsion movement of the main housing about a central axis and relative to the wall panel.

[0082] The respective lamp components in the first and second lamp sub-assemblies can be connected to the main housing via hinges that allow the respective lamp components to pivotally rotate about three axes.

[0083] The modular floodlight system may further include a microcontroller unit, wherein the microcontroller unit is configured to, in response to motion detected by one or more PIR sensors,: activate a first lamp subassembly and a second lamp subassembly to provide light; and signal a modular camera system to activate the image sensor of the modular camera system and begin capturing images or recording video.

Claims

1. A modular floodlight system (100), comprising: Floodlight assembly (102) includes: The main housing (110) has a cylindrical outer shell, the central axis (204) of which intersects with the opposite first and second ends of the main housing (110); A first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly (106-1, 106-2) are connected to the main housing (110) on a lateral side of the housing parallel to the central axis (204). The main housing (110) is positioned between the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly (106-1, 106-2). Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly (106-1, 106-2) includes a lamp housing (312). A passive infrared PIR lens (426) is positioned on one side of the main housing (110) and between the first lamp sub-assembly and the second lamp sub-assembly (106-1, 106-2). The PIR lens (426) has a dome shape to accommodate a plurality of PIR sensors (422) configured to detect motion of objects within the field of view of the plurality of PIR sensors (422). The modular floodlight system (100) is characterized by: A magnet mounting component (122) is attached to a first end of the main housing (110), the magnet mounting component (122) comprising: Front surface (206), the front surface (206) defining a plane that is not orthogonal to the central axis (204) of the main housing (110); and A magnet (506) provides magnetic force, which is configured to act on the metal portion (202) of the modular camera assembly (104) to magnetically secure the modular camera assembly (104) to the magnet housing (508), wherein: The lamp housing (312) of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly (106-1, 106-2) each has a cylindrical outer shell with a circular cap; and The dome shape of the PIR lens (426) protrudes from one side of the main housing (110).

2. The modular floodlight system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The floodlight device (102) further includes a mounting component (504) having a flexible material forming a contact surface (124) for mounting a modular camera device (104). The mounting component (504) is positioned between the magnet (506) and the front surface (206); and The contact surface (124) is a concave surface that complements the convex outer surface of the modular camera device (104).

3. The modular floodlight system (100) of claim 1, wherein, The plane defined by the front surface (206) is tilted at an angle (210) relative to the central axis (204), the angle (210) being a non-zero angle of up to 45 degrees.

4. The modular floodlight system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a modular camera device (104), wherein: The modular camera device (104) includes a housing having a cup shape with a circular closed end; The circular closed end has a convex outer surface; and The modular camera device (104) includes a 3-axis hinge relative to the main housing (110) when it is assembled to the magnet mount (122).

5. The modular floodlight system (100) of claim 4, wherein, The modular camera device (104) includes a metal portion (202) inside the housing.

6. The modular floodlight system (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The three axes of the modular camera device (104) are hinged and pivot at the center of curvature of the convex outer surface of the modular camera device (104).

7. The modular floodlight system (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The three-axis hinge of the modular camera device (104) includes the slidable movement of the convex outer surface of the housing of the modular camera device (104) on the magnet mount (122).

8. The modular floodlight system (100) according to claim 3, further comprising a power supply unit (114) positioned within the main housing (110), wherein, The power supply unit (114) is configured to provide power to the first lamp sub-assembly and the second lamp sub-assembly (106-1, 106-2) as well as the plurality of PIR sensors (422).

9. The modular floodlight system (100) of claim 8 further includes a cable (116) configured to connect the power supply unit (114) to the modular camera device (104) so ​​that the power supply unit (114) can provide power to the modular camera device (104).

10. The modular floodlight system (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The cable (116) has a length sufficient to allow the modular camera device (104) to have an inclination range between zero and 60 degrees relative to the central axis (204) of the main housing (110); When the tilt angle (210) is zero degrees, the modular camera device (104) is aligned with the central axis (204); and When the tilt angle (210) is 60 degrees, the modular camera device (104) faces the direction between the central axis (204) and the plurality of PIR sensors (422).

11. The modular floodlight system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The magnet mount (122) enables the modular camera device (104) to have a 3-axis hinge.

12. The modular floodlight system (100) according to claim 11, wherein, The three-axis hinge includes a translation range of 35 degrees to -35 degrees relative to the central axis (204) of the main housing (110).

13. The modular floodlight system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a wall panel (108) configured to be mounted to a surface, wherein, The first end of the main housing (110) is assembled to the wall panel (108) via a torsion locking mechanism formed by a protrusion that engages with a hole or channel based on the torsion movement of the main housing (110) about the central axis (204) and relative to the wall panel (108).

14. The modular floodlight system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The respective lamp components in the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly (106-1, 106-2) are connected to the main housing (110) via hinges (302) that enable the respective lamp components to pivot about three axes.

15. The modular floodlight system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a microcontroller unit (420), wherein, The microcontroller unit (420) is configured to respond to motion detected by the plurality of PIR sensors (422): Activate the first lamp sub-assembly and the second lamp sub-assembly (106-1, 106-2) to provide light; and A signal is sent to the modular camera device (104) to activate the image sensor of the modular camera device (104) and begin capturing images or recording video.

Images