SECURITY CAMERA DEVICE

Abstract

SECURITY CAMERA DEVICE Security camera device (10) intended for outdoor use, comprising: a housing (12) having a first end (22), a second end (24) and a generally cylindrical elongated portion (26) between the first and second ends, the first end (22) generally being rounded (for example, dome-shaped) and the second end (24) generally being flat; a camera contained within the housing, a camera lens (36) positioned on the elongated portion (26) towards the second end (24) of the housing, an external protector (40) configured to fit onto the second end (24) of the housing without covering the lens, the protector comprising an upper portion (42) dimensioned to fit onto the second end (24) of the housing, and a lip (44) projecting from the upper portion to shield the camera lens from rain and / or direct sunlight.Figure to be published for the abridged version: FIG. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: SECURITY CAMERA DEVICE

[0001] This description relates to a security camera device, specifically but not exclusively for outdoor use.

[0002] The aesthetic design of a security camera plays an important role in customer satisfaction, particularly in the home, but also for small businesses. Security cameras often include one or more detectors in addition to a visible camera lens. Designing a camera for outdoor use that is as aesthetically pleasing as an indoor camera, while also being suitable for an outdoor environment, remains a technical challenge.

[0003] Overall, the description presents a security camera device comprising:

[0004] -a housing having a first end, a second end, and an elongated part between the first and second ends, the first end generally being rounded (for example dome-shaped), and the second end generally being flat (generally in contrast to the first end),

[0005] - a camera contained within the housing, a camera lens positioned on the elongated part towards the second end of the housing,

[0006] -an external protector configured to fit over the second end of the housing without covering the lens, the protector comprising a top portion sized to fit over the second end of the housing, and a lip projecting from the top portion to provide protection for the camera lens.

[0007] The device may include any one or a combination of the following features: a. The rim can extend from one end of the upper part. b. The external protector can be configured to provide protection against sun and / or rain. c. The external protector may include silicone. d. The upper part can be designed to provide an exact fit on the second end of the housing. e. the upper part can be designed so as to allow the external protector to be removably attached to the housing at the second end. f. The external protector can be configured to fit over the second end without covering the first end of the housing. g. The external protector and the housing may include profiles that adjust to align the orientation of the protector with the housing, possibly so that the rim portion overhangs the camera lens. h. the elongated part of the casing may include a generally cylindrical shape, (ii) i. The elongated portion of the housing may include a groove or indentation towards the second end. Optionally, the bottom of the groove or indentation is generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the housing. j. The device may further include at least one element selected from: (i) an electronic circuit for the camera unit; (ii) an electronic circuit for wireless communication; (iii) a detector, possibly an infrared detector or a radar detector; (iv) an audio transducer, possibly a loudspeaker, a siren and / or a microphone; (v) a battery compartment for receiving a battery; (vi) a battery. k. The device can be configured for outdoor use.

[0008] In various embodiments, the external protector can provide protection for the camera lens from rain and / or direct sunlight when the device is intended for outdoor use. At the same time, the external protector does not need to significantly compromise the device's attractive aesthetics and streamlined shape, thus promoting customer satisfaction. The device can optionally be used without the external protector. The device's attractive aesthetics and streamlined shape also allow for its use indoors (optionally without the external protector).

[0009] A non-restrictive embodiment is now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective view of a security camera device, illustrating a housing without an external protector.

[0011] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view showing the camera device of safety of the [Fig.1] equipped with an external protector.

[0012] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view of the device of [Fig.2]

[0013] [Fig.4] is a schematic front view of the device of [Fig.2].

[0014] With reference to the drawings, a security camera device 10 is illustrated. The device 10 is particularly suitable for outdoor use, at home and / or in the premises of a small business.

[0015] The device 10 comprises a housing 12 containing a camera unit (one lens of which is illustrated by 36), an electronic circuit, and optionally a battery or a battery compartment for removably receiving a battery or battery pack. The housing 10 may optionally include an opening portion 20 ([Fig.1]) to facilitate access to the battery or battery compartment.

[0016] As best seen in [Fig. 1], the housing 12 comprises a first end 22, a second end 24, and an elongated portion 26 between the ends 22 and 24. The elongated portion 26 may generally be cylindrical. The elongated portion 26 does not need to be strictly cylindrical. The present example includes an indentation and / or groove 28, defined by inclined surfaces 30 and 32 defining a V-shaped or C-shaped recess or indentation. The bottom of the indentation / groove 28 is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device 10.

[0017] The first end 22 is generally rounded, for example dome-shaped. The second end 24 is generally flat and, for example, generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of the device 10.

[0018] During use, the device 10 is intended to be used in a generally vertical orientation, with the first end 22 pointing downwards and the second end pointing upwards. The device 10 further optionally includes a wall-mounting portion 34 ([Fig. 3]), for example, a wall-mounting bracket. The wall-mounting portion 34 may be integrated into the housing or be a separate component to which the housing 12 is attached and / or may be attached.

[0019] The housing 12 carries a lens 36 belonging to, or intended for, the camera unit. The lens 36 is positioned towards the second end 24 of the housing. In the present example, the lens 36 is positioned at the groove 28, for example on one of the inclined surfaces 30 or 32. The position of the lens 36 may present a field of view inclined generally downwards or at least partially downwards, allowing the device 10 to be adapted for installation in a raised position.

[0020] With reference to Figs. 2 to 4, the device 10 further includes an external protector 40, specifically for use when the device 10 is intended for outdoor use. The external protector 40 is configured to fit onto the second end 24 of the housing 12, without covering the lens 36. The external protector 40 includes an upper portion 42 dimensioned to fit onto the second end 24 of the housing 12, and a rim portion (or lip) 44 projecting from the upper portion 42. The rim portion 44 provides at least some additional protection for the lens 36, for example, to shield the lens 36 from rain and / or direct sunlight.

[0021] The rim portion 44 can extend from a lower end of the upper portion 42, for example like the brim of a hat. The rim portion 44 can partially curve around the housing 12, for example in a direction circumferential, and / or the rim portion 44 may be partially curved in a longitudinal direction relative to the housing. The rim portion 44 may have an arched and / or partially crescent-shaped profile, for example, which increases in size and / or height towards its center. The upper portion 42 may have a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the second end 24 of the housing 12, such as a typically cylindrical housing shape, possibly providing an exact or tight fit on the second end 24.

[0022] The upper portion 42 and the rim portion 44 can be formed entirely from a single piece. The outer protector 40 can be at least partially flexible, or it can generally be rigid. The outer protector 40 can be made of any suitable waterproof material, for example, plastic or silicone. The housing 12 can itself generally be waterproof, and / or (optionally additional) waterproofing can be provided by the outer protector 40.

[0023] The housing 12 and the outer protector 40 may include profiles that adjust to align the orientation of the protector 40 with the housing 12. For example, the protector 40 is aligned with the rim portion 44 extending to overhang the position of the camera lens 36. In the illustrated example, the housing 12 includes a prominence, for example a rib, near the second end 24 which adjusts to a corresponding element 48 ([Fig.3]) of the outer protector 40.

[0024] The device 10 may further optionally include at least one detector, for example, a radar detector or an infrared detector (e.g., a passive infrared (PIR) detector). In addition, or alternatively, the device 10 may include at least one audio transducer, for example, an audio transmitter (e.g., a siren or a loudspeaker) and / or an audio receiver (e.g., a microphone). The detector and the transducer may optionally be positioned at or near the first end 22 of the housing 12. In the present example, a detector window or a lens 50 for the detector is integrated into the first end 22 of the housing. The window / lens 50 is shown as being slightly recessed relative to the surface of the housing 12. This recess may help to protect against rain and / or promote the drainage of moisture from the surface of the window / lens 50.Also in the present example, a portion of acoustically permeable grid 52 for the audio transducer is positioned towards the first end 22, for example, near the window / lens 50.

[0025] The protector 40 can provide protection, in particular, for the lens 36 against rain and / or sunlight when the device 10 is intended for outdoor use. The protector 40 does not significantly compromise the pleasing aesthetics and streamlined shape of the device 10. In certain modes of In its design, the external protector 40 can optionally be removable and / or adjustable to the housing 12, allowing the device to adapt to its environment. If the device 10 is to be used outdoors in an exposed position, the protector 40 can be adjusted to protect the lens 36 from rain and / or sunlight, as described above. If the device 10 is to be used outdoors in a sheltered position, the device can optionally be used with or without the protector 40. The same device 10 can also be used indoors, for example, without the protector 40.

[0026] It should be emphasized that the preceding description is merely an illustration of a preferred embodiment and does not limit the scope of the invention. Numerous modifications can be made without departing from the scope and / or principles of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Security camera device (10) comprising: -a housing (12) having a first end (22), a second end (24), and an elongated portion (26) between the first and second ends, the first end (22) generally being rounded, and the second end (24) generally being flat; -a camera contained in the housing, a lens (36) of the camera positioned on the elongated portion (26) towards the second end (24) of the housing; -an external protector (40) configured to fit onto the second end (24) of the housing without covering the lens, the protector comprising an upper portion (42) dimensioned to fit onto the second end (24) of the housing, and a lip (44) projecting from the upper portion to provide protection for the camera lens.

2. Device of claim 1, wherein the rim (44) extends from one end of the upper part.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the external protector (i) is configured to provide protection against at least one selected from sun and rain, and / or (ii) comprises silicone.

4. Device of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the upper part (42) is designed (i) to have an exact fit on the second end of the housing, and / or (ii) to allow the external protector to be removably attached to the housing (12) at the second end.

5. Device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the external protector is configured to fit over the second end without covering the first end (22) of the housing (12).

6. Device of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the outer protector and the housing (12) comprise profiles that adjust each other to align the orientation of the protector with respect to the housing (12), optionally so that the rim portion (44) overhangs the camera lens.

7. A device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated portion (26) of the housing (12) comprises at least one of: (i) a generally cylindrical shape, (ii) a groove or an indentation towards the second end, possibly in which the bottom of the groove or indentation is generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the housing (12).

8. A device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises at least one of the following selected from: (i) an electronic circuit for the camera unit; (ii) an electronic circuit for wireless communication; (iii) a detector, optionally an infrared detector or a radar detector; (iv) an audio transducer, optionally a loudspeaker, a siren and / or a microphone; (v) a battery compartment for receiving a battery; (vi) a battery.

9. Device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first end is generally dome-shaped.

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