Device for security camera

Abstract

The invention discloses a security camera and assembly. The security camera comprises a camera lens assembly; a lens tilt locking mechanism; and a gripping handle on which an LED is mounted. Embodiments include a lens tilt lock mechanism coupled to a camera lens assembly for setting a field of view (FOV) of a camera lens of the camera lens assembly. The grip handle is pivotally coupled to the camera lens assembly via a pivot mechanism. A grip handle having LEDs mounted thereon is pivoted to provide independent lighting control to the FOV without displacing the FOV. In further embodiments, the grip handle may also include an antenna embedded therein.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Security cameras are increasingly being deployed in homes, businesses, and public spaces. They are typically mounted on walls or ceilings to capture still images or videos within a specific environment. A camera's field of view (FOV) refers to what is visible through the camera lens. A camera's FOV can be negatively impacted by reflective surfaces. For example, moderately reflective surfaces or objects can cause hotspots within the camera's FOV. Hotspots are white clipped areas that are, in most cases, unrecoverable. These hotspots prevent the capture of useful image sectors.

[0002] Therefore, there is a need for an improved security camera that can minimize reflections in the camera's field of view (FOV). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] In the accompanying drawings, similar or identical reference numerals may be repeated to indicate corresponding or similar elements. These drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form a part of the specification and are used to further illustrate various embodiments including the concepts of the claimed invention and to explain various principles and advantages of these embodiments.

[0004] Figure 1A Depicted are security camera assemblies according to various embodiments.

[0005] Figure 1B Depicts enclosure according to various embodiments Figure 1A The housing of the security camera assembly.

[0006] Figure 2A Depicted is a side view of a security camera assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2B Depicted is a front view of a security camera assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 3C The angular positions of the illumination LEDs relative to the position of the lens optical axis are shown according to some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 3A The security camera assembly is depicted in a first illuminated position.

[0010] Figure 3B Depicted is the security camera assembly in a second illuminated position.

[0011] Figure 3C Depicted is the security camera assembly in a third lighting position.

[0012] Figure 4Depicted is a partially exploded view of a camera assembly including a camera lens and a housing, according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 5A A more detailed exploded view of a shield is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 5B A perspective view of a shield handle portion with an antenna embedded therein is shown according to further embodiments.

[0015] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B An image comparing movement of hot spots according to some examples is shown.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the sizes of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] System, apparatus, and method components have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] As mentioned previously, security cameras are often exposed to reflections that can negatively impact the image within the camera's field of view (FOV). Currently, the illumination light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used in security cameras are oriented in a fixed direction, aligned with the axis of the camera lens. Typically, the illumination is brighter in the center than toward the edges of the FOV. However, this fixed orientation of the LEDs can lead to illumination issues caused by light reflected from surrounding objects that are closer to the camera than the target area of ​​interest. These reflections can result in hot spots (also known as bright spots) that can affect useful image sectors.

[0019] Briefly, a security camera assembly for a security camera is provided herein. Embodiments include a security camera comprising a camera lens assembly, a lens tilt lock mechanism, and a grip handle having an LED mounted thereon. The lens tilt lock mechanism is coupled to the camera lens assembly and is used to set the field of view (FOV) of the camera lens of the camera lens assembly. The grip handle is pivotally coupled to the camera lens assembly, and the grip handle having the LED mounted thereon provides independent pivotal control of illumination of the FOV without shifting the FOV.

[0020] Embodiments also provide a security camera assembly with adjustable LED positioning for improved illumination of a target area. The security camera includes a lens assembly including a lens tilt lock mechanism for tilting and locking the camera lens into a locked camera lens position, thereby setting a fixed lens optical axis. The security camera also includes a plurality of illumination LEDs mounted to a base plate, and a pivot mechanism coupling the base plate to the lens assembly. The pivot mechanism pivots the base plate independently of the locked camera lens position, thereby providing adjustable positioning of the illumination LEDs along an LED illumination axis, independent of the lens optical axis. The adjustable LED positioning provides improved illumination of the target area that minimizes reflections from nearby objects.

[0021] Another embodiment utilizes the pivoting handle by embedding the antenna in the pivoting handle.Embedding the antenna in the handle provides an optimized placement, which avoids detuning the antenna due to metal components.

[0022] Figure 1A A security camera assembly 100 formed in accordance with various embodiments is depicted. The security camera assembly 100 may be mounted on, for example, Figure 1B The security camera assembly 100 includes a camera lens assembly 102, which includes a lens tilt lock mechanism 104 for tilting and locking a camera lens 106 into a locked camera lens position, thereby setting the lens optical axis (shown in a later view). The security camera assembly includes a plurality of illumination LEDs 108 controlled by a pivot mechanism 110. The plurality of LEDs 108 may include, for example, infrared (IR) LEDs, white light LEDs, or other suitable illumination LEDs for illuminating a target area. According to an embodiment, the pivot mechanism 110 pivots the plurality of LEDs (along an LED illumination axis) independently of the locked camera lens position (locked lens optical axis) to improve illumination and minimize reflections. Independent adjustment of the LEDs is controlled via a shroud 112 coupled to the camera lens assembly 102, with the LEDs integrated into the shroud as part of a grip handle 114. Rotation of the grip handle 114 enables a user to control the LED position adjustment. The security camera assembly 100 includes a mounting base 116 , and for purposes of this application, the lens tilt lock mechanism 104 tilts the lens optical axis relative to the mounting base 116 .

[0023] In another embodiment (which will be described later in conjunction with Figure 5A and Figure 5B(See Figure 102 for details). Shield 112 may also include an antenna embedded as part of the grip handle. When the LED is pivoted, the antenna pivots. Placing the antenna within the grip handle keeps the antenna separated from internal metal components within the housing that could cause detuning. All pivot positions are configured to retain the LED 108 and antenna within the housing's dome when the cover is placed on the assembly.

[0024] Figure 1B Depicts an enclosure according to various embodiments. Figure 1A The housing of the security camera assembly 100 includes a security camera 150. The housing includes an upper housing portion 152 having a protective, removable cover with a transparent dome 154, and a lower housing portion 156 for receiving the base 116 of the security camera assembly 100. The security camera 150 can be surface-mounted within the lower housing portion 156 via the mounting base 116. The lower housing portion 156 can be attached to a ceiling or wall using screws, clips, or other suitable mounting devices. Thus, the lower housing portion and base 116 of the security camera 150 can be secured to a surface-mountable surface (wall or ceiling) while simultaneously adjusting the lens field of view (FOV) and the LED illumination. The protective cover is then secured to the mounted assembly. The LED 108 pivots within the transparent dome 154. Thus, the camera lens assembly 102 is set to the target FOV via the lens tilt lock mechanism 104, and the positioning of the LED 108 is adjusted using the grip handle 114 to control the pivot mechanism 110 to adjust the reflection in the FOV. Removal of the removable cover provides internal access to the lens tilt lock mechanism and the pivot mechanism for in-situ adjustments that can be made by the user.

[0025] Integrating the LED 108 within the gripping handle 114 within the transparent dome 154 of the housing allows the security camera 150 to maintain a compact size with a minimum of parts. Thus, the security camera assembly 100 advantageously can accommodate on-site adjustment of the FOV and independent adjustment of the illumination of the FOV to improve image quality.

[0026] Figure 2A A side view 200 of a security camera assembly is depicted, according to some embodiments. Figure 2B A front view 250 of a security camera assembly, according to some embodiments, is depicted. The LED 108 is integrated within a shroud 112 surrounding the camera lens assembly 102, and movement of the LED is controlled by the shroud's grip handle 114. Unlike previous configurations where the LED moves with the lens, the pivot mechanism 110 and grip handle with built-in LED enable adjustment of the LED position independently of the lens. The lens tilt lock mechanism 104 prevents the field of view (FOV) from shifting when the LED 108 is adjusted.

[0027] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 3C The angular position of the illumination LED is shown relative to the position of the lens optical axis 302 locked by the lens tilt lock mechanism 104. In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism 110 can be configured for continuous rotation or, as depicted in these figures, can have predetermined settings by using an engagement pin 210 and a pawl 212 positioned at predetermined degrees of rotation. For example, the pawl 212 of the shield can be rotated by the handle 114 to cross over the fixed engagement tab 404 ( Figure 4 ).

[0028] Figure 3A The security camera assembly is depicted in a first lighting position, pivoted to an angular rotation of (negative) -10 degrees relative to the lens optical axis 302. This view shows that at -10 degrees of rotation, the LED is offset at a negative rotation relative to the lens optical axis 302. In this 0 degree position, the LED 108 is parallel to the lens optical axis 302.

[0029] Figure 3B The security camera assembly is depicted in a second lighting position. In this 0 degree position, the LED 108 is parallel to the lens optical axis 302.

[0030] Figure 3C The security camera assembly is depicted in a third lighting position. The figure shows that at +10 degrees of rotation, the LED 108 is offset in a positive rotation relative to the lens optical axis 302.

[0031] Likewise, while this configuration illustrates -10, 0, and +10 degree rotation increments relative to the fixed lens optical axis 302, it should be understood that other degrees of rotation may be used. The increments may be controlled via detents or continuous rotation. Adjusting the illumination via the pivoting grip 114 on which the LED 108 is mounted provides the user with adjustable control over reflections in the FOV. This adjustment can advantageously be performed in the field to optimize security lighting and minimize reflections for each target area.

[0032] Figure 4A partially exploded view 400 of a security camera assembly including a camera lens assembly 102 and a shroud 112 is depicted, according to some embodiments. This view shows the lens tilt lock mechanism 104 coupled to the camera lens assembly 102. The lens tilt lock mechanism 104 can be formed by a thumbscrew with or without a locking washer. View 400 also shows an engagement tab 404 extending from the engagement pin 212 that is part of the pivot mechanism 110 of the other views. The shroud 112 can be mounted to the camera lens assembly 102 via a coupling device, such as a screw 402, a snap, or other suitable attachment device.

[0033] When the shroud 112 is mounted to the camera lens assembly 102, the lens tilt lock mechanism 104 can be used to set the lens optical axis for a desired field of view (FOV) of the target image area. The FOV is set relative to the mounting base 116. When the shroud 112 is mounted, the engagement tab 404 extending from the engagement pin 210 cooperatively aligns with the detent 212 to form the pivot mechanism 110 of the previous figure. The grip handle 114 of the shroud 112 enables a user to control the pivot mechanism 110 to adjust the angular position of the LED 108. The shroud 112, including the integrated LED 108, pivots independently of the lens tilt lock mechanism 104 of the camera lens assembly 102, which advantageously enables the FOV to be set and the illumination to be adjusted without shifting the FOV.

[0034] Figure 5A A more detailed exploded view of the shroud 112 aligned with the camera lens assembly 102, according to some embodiments, is shown. In the exploded view 500, the shroud 112 is divided into various subsections, including a front section 502, a gap pad 504, a lenslet 506, a substrate 508 on which the LEDs 108 are mounted, and a shroud handle section 510. The shroud handle section 510 provides a control mechanism for gripping the handle 114.

[0035] The front portion 502 can be formed, for example, from a hard plastic configured to surround the perimeter of the camera lens assembly 102 and can include an integrated heat sink 512 for dissipating heat from the LED 108. The base plate 508 of the shroud 112 can be formed from a printed circuit board (PCB) or other suitable substrate material, upon which the LED 108 and lenslet 506 are mounted. The lenslet 506 can be selected to provide additional control over the beam angle. For some applications, the beam angle of the lenslet 506 can be selected for spot lighting; for other applications, the lenslet can be selected for flood lighting. The shroud handle portion 510 includes sidewalls 514 extending therefrom. One sidewall includes a detent 212 and a through-hole 516 that align with and engage the engagement tab 404 and engagement pin 210 of the camera lens assembly 102, respectively, thereby forming the pivot mechanism 110 described previously. The portions of the shroud 112 can be assembled using a combination of snap-fit ​​and screws or other known attachment mechanisms.

[0036] In the completed assembly, a user can pivot the LED 108 to a selected position using the gripping handle 114 at the front portion 502 or by gripping the sidewalls 514 of the gripping portion 510 or by gripping the shroud handle portion 510. The angle of rotation of the LED 108 causes a corresponding rotation of the pawl 212 of the portion 510, which enables the pawl to engage the engagement tab 404 of the camera lens assembly 102.

[0037] In additional embodiments, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Also shown is an antenna 520 embedded within the apex (cover) of the shroud handle portion 510. The antenna can be, for example, a flexible substrate antenna coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) 522 having an Internet of Things (IoT) chip integrated thereon. Power and signals are supplied to the antenna 520 and PCB 522 via a set of wires (not shown) connected to a processor board located at the base of the camera housing. Wireless communication can be performed over a low frequency band using a wireless protocol to send data from the security camera to a smart hub of the system including external sensors. For optimal antenna performance, the placement of the antenna 520 is preferably maintained at least a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 mm) from any metal objects within the security camera assembly. When the LED 108 pivots, the antenna 520 pivots accordingly. The range of pivotal motion of the pivot mechanism 110 (formed by the engagement pin 210, engagement tab 404, and pawl 212) is preferably configured to be adjustable to maintain the desired performance through ( Figure 1B ) LED lighting of the transparent dome 154 and also maintains the position of the antenna 520 within the dome. In other words, (reference Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B) For optimal illumination and optimal antenna performance, the pivoting of the shield 112 is configured to retain the LED 108 and antenna 520 within the transparent dome 154 and ( Figure 1B 108. This configuration is maintained to prevent obstruction of illumination of the LED 108 and to prevent detuning of the antenna 520 by the metal portion of the housing.

[0038] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B A simulated image showing the movement of a comparative hotspot according to some examples is shown. The simulation was performed using ray tracing software, a technique used to represent the propagation of an optical wavefront through an optical system, resulting in a total irradiance plot of the incident flux. The distance to the target was set to 70 meters (a variable number based on the installation situation). The horizontal axis represents the horizontal distance from the optical center of the lens in millimeters (0mm-135846mm), and the vertical axis shows the vertical distance from the optical center in millimeters (0mm-135857mm) and the optical power per square meter (W / m 2 Image 602 shows the results of an optical simulation with the LED tilted 10 degrees from the lens optical axis. Image 604 shows the results of an optical simulation with the LED tilted 10 degrees from the lens optical axis. In image 602, hotspot 606 is identified in the center of image frame 608. In image 604, with the LED pivoted 10 degrees, hotspot 606 has moved away from the center of image frame 608. If the LED is pivoted 15 degrees, for example, hotspot 606 can move completely outside of image frame 608.

[0039] Thus, a security camera is provided that incorporates an LED into a pivoting grip handle that advantageously allows for on-site illumination adjustment. Angle adjustment of the LED, independent of the lens optical axis, helps reduce external reflections, which minimizes and reduces hot spots. The grip handle with internal mounting of the LED allows the security camera to maintain a compact size without adding external parts. Removal of the removable cover provides internal access to the lens tilt lock mechanism and pivot mechanism for on-site adjustment. Further embodiments provide for placement of the antenna within the pivoting grip handle, which advantageously keeps the antenna away from internal metal components that could cause detuning.

[0040] In the foregoing description, specific embodiments have been described. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings. Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more apparent should not be construed as key, required, or essential features or elements of any or all claims. The present invention is limited solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims issued.

[0041] In addition, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. can be used only to distinguish an entity or action from another entity or action, without requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions. The terms "include", "comprising", "having", "having", "containing" or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions, so that the process, method, article or device comprising, having, containing, containing a list of elements not only include those elements, but can also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such processes, methods, articles or devices. Elements prefixed by "include ... one", "having ... one", "comprising ... one", "containing ... one" do not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising, having, containing, containing the element without more constraints. Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, the terms "one" and "an" are defined as one or more. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about," or any other variations thereof are defined as approximate to what one of ordinary skill in the art understands, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the terms are defined as within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1%, and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term "one of," without a more restrictive modifier (such as "only one of"), and when applied herein to two or more subsequently defined options (such as "one of A and B"), should be interpreted to mean the presence of any one of the listed options alone (e.g., A alone or B alone), or any combination of two or more of the listed options (e.g., A and B together).

[0042] Similarly, in this document, expressions such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "one or more of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, XZ, etc.). Similar logic may be applied to any occurrence of "at least one of..." and "one or more of..." expressions with respect to two or more items.

[0043] A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" can have several different meanings, depending on the context in which they are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupled, or connected can have mechanical or electrical meanings. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupled, or connected can indicate that two elements or devices are connected to each other directly, or to each other through an intermediate element or device via electrical elements, electrical signals, or mechanical elements, depending on the particular context.

[0045] An abstract of the disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is understood that the abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This approach of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the appended claims, the inventive subject matter does not encompass all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A security camera assembly, comprising: Camera lens assembly; a lens tilt locking mechanism coupled to the camera lens assembly for setting a field of view (FOV) for a camera lens of the camera lens assembly; as well as A grip handle having an LED mounted thereon is pivotally coupled to the camera lens assembly via a pivot mechanism, the grip handle with the LED mounted thereon providing independent pivotal control of illumination of the FOV without shifting the FOV.

2. The security camera assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A housing having a removable cover with a transparent dome, the camera lens assembly being mounted inside the housing, wherein the removable cover provides user access to the lens tilt locking mechanism and a grip handle for making on-the-spot adjustments of reflections within the FOV.

3. The security camera assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: a mounting base coupled to the camera lens assembly, the lens tilt locking mechanism setting a lens optical axis for the FOV of the camera lens, the FOV being set relative to the mounting base; and The grip handle allows the LED mounted thereon to pivot along an LED illumination axis that is adjusted relative to the lens optical axis of the camera lens.

4. The security camera assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The grip handle includes a first side wall and a second side wall extending therefrom, the first side wall and the second side wall respectively including a first substrate and a second substrate on which the LED is mounted.

5. The security camera assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a small lens covering each LED.

6. The security camera assembly of claim 1, wherein: Pivoting the grab handle with the LED mounted thereon provides adjustable control of the reflection in the FOV.

7. The security camera assembly of claim 1, wherein: The pivot mechanism includes a pawl positioned at a predetermined degree of rotation.

8. The security camera assembly of claim 1, wherein: The pivot mechanism provides continuous rotation.

9. The security camera assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: An antenna is embedded within the grip handle.

10. The security camera assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: An antenna is embedded within the grip handle, the antenna pivoting in response to the grip handle being pivoted.

11. A security camera comprising: a housing having a removable cover with a transparent dome; a mounting base coupled within the housing; a camera lens assembly having a camera lens extending therefrom, the camera lens assembly coupled to the mounting base; a lens tilt lock mechanism coupled to the camera lens assembly for setting a lens optical axis for a field of view (FOV) of the camera lens, the FOV being set relative to the mounting base; a shroud coupled to the lens assembly, the shroud comprising: a plurality of LEDs mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB); a pivot mechanism for pivoting the PCB to adjust positions of the plurality of LEDs; and The plurality of LEDs are pivoted relative to the lens optical axis by a predetermined degree.

12. The security camera according to claim 11, wherein: The security camera is a surface mountable security camera, and wherein the mounting base couples the surface mountable security camera to a ceiling or a wall.

13. The security camera according to claim 11, wherein: The shield further includes a gripping handle, and the gripping handle controls the pivoting mechanism to adjust the position of the plurality of LEDs.

14. The security camera according to claim 13, wherein: Pivoting the grip handle on which the plurality of LEDs are mounted provides adjustable control of reflections in the FOV.

15. The security camera according to claim 13, further comprising: An antenna is embedded within the grip handle.

16. The security camera according to claim 13, further comprising: An antenna is embedded within the grip handle, the antenna pivoting in response to the grip handle being pivoted.

17. The security camera of claim 11, further comprising a small lens covering each LED.

18. The security camera according to claim 11, wherein: The pivot mechanism comprises: A detent on the shroud and a corresponding engagement tab on the camera lens assembly.

19. The security camera according to claim 11, wherein: Removing the removable cover provides internal access to the lens tilt lock mechanism and the pivot mechanism for field adjustment.

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