Security devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

A device may include a processor. A device may include a non-transitory computer-readable memory connected to the processor. A device may include a network component connected to the processor. A device may include an alarm component connected to the processor. A device may include a motion sensor connected to the processor, wherein the motion sensor is configured to detect motion and convert the detected motion to motion data, and transmit the motion data to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive the motion data, analyze the motion data, and based on the motion data, the processor is configured to store the motion data to the non-transitory computer-readable memory, activate the alarm component, transmit information via the network component to another device, or any combination thereof.

Description

SECURITY DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODSCROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority to U. S. Provisional Application No.63 / 730,655, filed on December 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD

[0002] The following disclosure relates to providing security to an indoor space or other areas.BACKGROUND

[0003] Unwanted intrusion into a private space happens too frequently, all over the world. For example, a person who rents a room in a hotel, a motel, or a house, generally appreciates that certain other people can access that rented room. These certain other people can include the owner, the manager, room service providers, maids, cleaners, maintenance people, and others. Generally, in a hotel room for example, the renter can rely on using a “Do Not Disturb” sign to request privacy. That is, by hanging a paper sign on the door handle, the renter expects that certain people will not enter that rented room. However, it is possible that certain other people can and may access the rented hotel room regardless of such a request, with reasonable justification or with nefarious intent. And if they do access the rented hotel room, the renter generally may not have any idea of the trespass to their expected privacy. As another example, a college student who lives in a dorm, or someone who shares a house with other people, can hope that the other people will respect her privacy and not access her room when she is not present. Yet again, it is possible that other people can and may access her room without her permission and / or knowledge. And if other people do access her room, she may not have any idea of the trespass.SUMMARY

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to apparatuses for securely storing mobile electronic devices, wherein once secured, the access to the stored mobile electronic devices fortheir use becomes limited. Once securely stored, an external device is required to unlock the apparatuses to grant access to the mobile electronic devices.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device including: a processor; a non-transitory computer-readable memory connected to the processor; a network component connected to the processor; an alarm component connected to the processor; and a motion sensor connected to the processor, wherein the motion sensor is configured to detect motion and convert the detected motion to motion data, and transmit the motion data to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive the motion data, analyze the motion data, and based on the motion data, the processor is configured to store the motion data to the non-transitory computer-readable memory, activate the alarm component, transmit information via the network component to another device, or any combination thereof.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device, further including: a wireless GPS transceiver configured to assess movement and alert the user via cell phone application.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device, further including: a connector portion configured to be affixed to a surface of a door, a window, a cabinet, and / or a moveable object to be monitored.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device, further including: a smoke sensor.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device, further including: a carbon monoxide sensor.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device, further including: a carbon dioxide sensor.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device, further including: an air quality sensor.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device, further including: a humidity sensor.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device, further including: a temperature sensor.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a portable device, further including: a remotely operable camera.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of example embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example configuration of a system according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example configuration of a system according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an exemplary device according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrate an exemplary method, according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrate an exemplary method, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary device according to some embodiments.

[0022] Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A portable motion and hazardous air sensing system is disclosed. The system described herein can provide numerous advantages for users from all walks of life, enhancing the safety and security of both personal and real property. Onebenefit can be enhanced safety. Such system can provide a robust mobile safety mechanism capable of promptly detecting and alerting users to potentially hazardous circumstances. Additionally, such system can offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing users to oversee personal and real property and respond to incidents in real-time, even when they are off-site. The system can be very cost¬ efficient, as it can automate data collection and compliance monitoring, thereby reducing the effective costs of securing property while improving overall vigilance and user experience. Seamless integration can be another advantage, as the system can wirelessly integrate with existing infrastructure and services, and can be attached and removed in seconds, minimizing efforts and maximizing effectiveness. Furthermore, the device can be highly portable, weighing only a few ounces, battery-operated, and easily fitting in the palm of the hand. Further, the system can provide customizable reporting, offering users comprehensive reports on specific alerting activities and property conditions, which enables timely and informed decision-making for proactive management. Overall, this system can provide a reliable and efficient solution for enhancing safety and security.

[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate several example embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a security system 100 according to some embodiments. The security system 100 includes a security device 102 connected via a network 104 to another device 106. A detailed example of the security device 102 is shown in FIGS. 2-4 and details are provided below. Examples of the network 104 include, for example, the internet, a cellular network, a satellite network, short range network (e.g., Bluetooth), WiFi, LiFi, radio band, etc. The network 104 can include various other computers, servers, communication components, etc. Examples of the device 106 include, for example, a mobile smart device, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a personal computer, etc. The security device 102 includes one or more sensor(s), such as, a motion sensor 110, a camera 112, a smoke sensor 114 (a.k.a. smoke detector), a carbonmonoxide sensor 116 (a.k.a. CO detector), a carbon dioxide sensor 118 (a.k.a. CO2detector), a thermal sensor 118 (e.g., measures ambient temperature), and a GPS 120. In some examples, the GPS 120 can be referred to as a GPS transceiver. Although not shown, the security device 102 can also include a humidity sensor (e.g., measures ambient humidity). Although not shown, it is understood that the security device 102 is a smart device that includes a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable memory, a network component, and necessary circuitry such that these components are all connected and configured to operate with data detected from the one or more sensor(s), and to process and / or operate certain actions based on programmed determinations resulting from the detected data. According to some embodiments, an Al agent operated via the processor makes certain decisions based on the collected data to determine which actions are to be taken. Some examples of the actions include, for example, sounding an alarm via a speaker component (which would be a part of the security device 102), activating a light component (which would be a part of the security device 102), connecting to a remote device to send an alert, recording a video or image(s) and storing them to the local memory and / or transmit to a remote server or device, sending a text message to a predetermined number (e.g., 911, 311, or a personal phone number), sending an email, etc. Although not shown, it is understood that the security device 102 includes a power source (e.g., battery, rechargeable battery, etc.) to power the processor and the other components and circuitry to be operable for a certain amount of time without being connected via a wired power source, according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows another schematic diagram of a security system 200 according to some embodiments. The security system 200 includes a security device 102, which is the same or similar to the one shown in FIG. 1, connected via a network 202 to a server 204. The server 204 is connected via the same or a different network 206 to remote device 106. Examples of the networks 202, 206 include, for example, the internet, a cellular network, a satellite network, short range network (e.g., Bluetooth), WiFi, LiFi, radio band, etc. The networks 202, 206 caninclude various other computers, servers, communication components, etc. Examples of the device 106 include, for example, a mobile smart device, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a personal computer, etc. The security system 200 inciudes configurations for the security device 102 to communicate data to the server 204 so that the transmitted data is stored on the server 204. This way, the device 106 can communicate with the server 204 without necessarily having to connect to the security device 102. Further, the server 204 can be configured with significantiy more memory and / or capabilities, the security device 102 can interact with the server 204 to view more data than the security device 102 is capable of storing locally. Further, the server 204 can be configured to provide additional functionalities for the device 106 to interact with, such as using the server 204 to communicate with authorities and / or other parties (e.g., police, EMT, fire department, landlord, management of a hotel, etc.).

[0027] FIGS. 3-5 show an exemplary diagram of a mobile (i. e., portable) device 300 configured for detecting motion. The device 300 includes a body 302 containing the necessary circuitries, a power source, a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable memory, and sensor(s). A motion sensor 304 is provided at a front of the body 302. For example, the front can be defined as being the part of the body 302 that would be facing away from a wall, a door, or other fixture of a room when the device 300 is installed. One or more lights 306 (e.g., LED lights) is also provided at the front of the body 302 and are configured to provide an alarm and / or illumination. According to some embodiments, a camera 308 with a lens (e.g., a digital camera) is also positioned at the front of the body 302. This way, the camera 308 is able to capture image(s) and / or video if and / or when it is activated. For example, initially, the camera 308 can be deactivated (e.g., to provide privacy), but when the device 300 is activated and the motion sensor 304 detects motion, the camera 308 can automatically be activated to be viewable via a remote device (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, PC, etc.). Further, according to some embodiments, the activation of the camera 308 can be not automatic, but may require activation via the remote device (e.g., by using a specialized user interface). Further, according to some embodiments, the decision to activate thecamera 308 can be made at the server, and the remote device can access the server to review any recorded image(s) and / or video. The camera 308 can be configured to detect temperature and / or heat. The camera 308 can be configured for night vision.

[0028] The body 302 can have one or more air passages 310 to allow ambient air to pass therethrough, so that certain sensor(s) within the body 302 can detect one or more anomalies. For example, these certain sensor(s) can include a smoke detector, a CO detector, a CO2detector, humidity level, air quality (e.g., amount of pollution in the air often measured with the Air Quality Index), etc. Additional sensors, such as a thermometer can also be included within the body 302 according to some embodiments.

[0029] A port 312 can be positioned on the body 302 for charging the power supply. The same port 312 (e.g., as a USB-C port) can be used to download image(s) and / or video, as well as any data-logs recorded by the device 300.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, another air passage 314 is positioned at the bottom of the body 302, so that air can flow into the body 302 via air passage 314, flow over the sensor(s) within the body 302, and them exit the body 302 via the air passage 310 positioned at the top of the body 302 (opposite side from the air passage 314).

[0031] Additional information about the device 300 can be displayed via a status indicator 316. The status indicator 316 can provide information about the device 300 quickly to the user. For example, the status indicator 316 can display network connection status and / or network connection strength. For example, the status indicator 316 can provide power level of the power supply.

[0032] The port 318 can be a speaker port for sounding an alarm and / or for transmitting voice (e.g., when the user is using her smart phone to operate the device 300, the user can speak into her smart phone and communicate with those near the device 300 as she views what is happening in real-time via the camera 308).

[0033] A retainer 320 is configured to connect with the body 302 of the device 300, such that the body 302 can be disconnected from the retainer 320. The retainer 320 includes two or more limbs 322 (FIG. 4 shows four limbs) configured with spring-tension end portions 324 configured to engage mated concave portions 326 of the body 302. That is, the end portions 324 are configured to connect to the mated concave portions 326 via mechanical and / or frictional engagements.According to some embodiments, magnetic engagement can be used. FIG. 4 shows the retainer 320 connected to the body 302. FIG. 5 shows the retainer 320 disengaged with the body 302. The limbs 322 come together to a central body 328 of the retainer 320. And the back of the central body 328 includes a connecting portion 330 that is configured to connect, or affix, the retainer 320 to a fixture (e.g., the wall, the door, etc.). For example, the connecting portion 330 can be an adhesive pad. According to some embodiments, the retainer 320 includes two limbs 322, and the body 302 includes two mated concave portions 326. According to some embodiments, the retainer 320 includes three limbs 322, and the body 302 includes three mated concave portions 326. According to some embodiments, the retainer 320 includes four limbs 322, and the body 302 includes four mated concave portions 326. According to some embodiments, a device does not include any concave portions.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 600 of how some embodiments of the security device can operate. The device's sensor(s) detects an anomaly 602, where the anomaly can be motion, heat, humidity, CO, CO2, etc. The detected motion can be something that is in front of the device or the device itself being moved (e.g., the device is connected to a door, and the door is opened).

[0035] Once the anomaly has been detected, the processor of the device activates an alarm 604 based on the type of the anomaly detected. Then, the processor can initiate an alert protocol 606. An example of the alert protocol include, sending a communication to a remote device (e.g., sending an alert to the user’s smart phone).

[0036] FIG. 7 shows another flow-chart of methods 700 according to some embodiments. The method 700 includes the security device’s motion sensor(s) detecting a motion 702. Then, the processor of the security device activates the camera and begins recording image(s) and / or video 704. Then, the image(s)and / or video are saved to the local non-transitory computer-readable memory or transmitted to a server where the information is stored at the server side 706. Then, the processor can initiate an alert protocol 708. An example of the alert protocol include, sending a communication to a remote device (e.g., sending an alert to the user’s smart phone).

[0037] FIG. 8 shows another exemplary diagram of a mobile (i. e., portable) device 800 configured for detecting motion. The device 800 includes a body 802 containing the necessary circuitries, a power source, a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable memory, and sensor(s). A motion sensor 804 is provided at a front of the body 802. For example, the front can be defined as being the part of the body 802 that would be facing away from a wall, a door, or other fixture of a room when the device 800 is installed. A portion 806 of the device 800 includes one or more lights (e.g., LED lights), which is provided at the front of the body 802 and are configured to provide an alarm and / or illumination. According to some embodiments, a camera 808 with a lens (e.g., a digital camera) is also positioned at the front of the body 802. This way, the camera 808 is able to capture image(s) and / or video if and / or when it is activated. For example, initially, the camera 808 can be deactivated (e.g., to provide privacy), but when the device 800 is activated and the motion sensor 804 detects motion, the camera 808 can automatically be activated to be viewable via a remote device (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, PC, etc.). Further, according to some embodiments, the activation of the camera 808 can be not automatic, but may require activation via the remote device (e.g., by using a specialized user interface). Further, according to some embodiments, the decision to activate the camera 808 can be made at the server, and the remote device can access the server to review any recorded image(s) and / or video. The camera 808 can be configured to detect temperature and / or heat. The camera 808 can be configured for night vision.

[0038] The body 802 can have one or more air passages 810 to allow ambient air to pass therethrough, so that certain sensor(s) within the body 802 can detect one or more anomalies. For example, these certain sensor(s) can include a smoke detector, a CO detector, a CO2 detector, humidity level, etc. Additional sensors,such as a thermometer can also be included within the body 802 according to some embodiments.

[0039] Various components and features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5 can also be included in the device 800.

[0040] Further, similar to the device 300 shown in FIG. 3, a retainer 320 can be configured to connect with the body 802 of the device 800, such that the body 802 can be disconnected from the retainer 320. The retainer 320 includes two or more limbs (e.g., see FIG. 4, which shows four limbs) configured with springtension end portions configured to engage with an outer surface feature(s) of the body 802.

[0041] In FIG. 8, a lip portion 812 which extends radially away (or outward from a center of the body 802), has at least a portion of a surface that is configured to engage with the end portion(s) of the retainer 320. That is, the end portions of the retainer 320 are configured to engage with the lip portion 812 (or lip portions) via mechanical and / or frictional engagements. The lip portion 812 can be arranged along a circumference of the body 802, either fully or only partially. According to some embodiments, magnetic engagement can be used. According to some embodiments, a device does not include any lip portions.

[0042] The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and / or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order Illustrated or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0043] The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodimentsdisclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and “having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A portable device comprising:a processor;a non-transitory computer-readable memory connected to the processor;a network component connected to the processor;an alarm component connected to the processor; anda motion sensor connected to the processor,wherein the motion sensor is configured to detect motion and convert the detected motion to motion data, and transmit the motion data to the processor,wherein the processor is configured to:receive the motion data,analyze the motion data, andbased on the motion data, the processor is configured to:store the motion data to the non-transitory computer- readable memory,activate the alarm component,transmit information via the network component to another device, orany combination thereof.

2. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising:a wireless GPS transceiver configured to assess movement and alert a user via cell phone application.

3. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising:a connector portion configured to be affixed to a surface of a door, a window, a cabinet, and / or a moveable object to be monitored.

4. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising: a smoke sensor.

5. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising:a carbon monoxide sensor.

6. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising:a carbon dioxide sensor.

7. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising:an air quality sensor.

8. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising:a humidity sensor.

9. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising:a temperature sensor.

10. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising:a remotely operable camera.

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