Internet protocol security camera connected light bulb/system

• US 9,172,917 B1
• Filed: 06/19/2013
• Issued: 10/27/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kuna systems corporation
• Original Assignee: Kuna systems corporation
• Inventors: Fu, Sai-Wai, Huang, Haomiao
• Primary Examiner(s): SELBY, GEVELL V
• Application Number:
  US13/921,597
• Time in Patent Office: 860 Days
• Field of Search: 348/207.1, 348/211.2, 348/216.1, 348/373
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0478 by means of an image recording device, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0052 Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/50 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/54 Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 provided with illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/57 Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 via wireless transmission

Abstract

The present invention concerns an apparatus comprising an antenna module and a control module. The antenna module may be configured to connect and send data to a local network and a mobile handheld device through a wireless connection. The control module may be configured to provide (i) a physical connection to the antenna module, (ii) a power source to an external device, and (iii) a camera sensor to capture still and motion pictures and sounds of a surrounding environment of the apparatus. The pictures may be sent as the data through the wireless connection or through a mobile handheld device.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an antenna module configured to connect and send data to a network through a wireless connection; and

a control module configured to provide (i) a physical connection to said antenna module and (ii) a camera sensor to capture pictures of a surrounding environment of said apparatus, wherein (i) said pictures are sent as said data through said wireless connection, (ii) said control module controls turning on a light bulb by controlling a power source to said light bulb, (iii) said control module is fully enclosed within a base of a light fixture and (iv) said antenna module and said camera sensor are located outside of said base of said light fixture.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an interface display configured to allow a user to (i) view said pictures and (ii) send control signals to said control module.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said interface display is connected to said wireless connection.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said interface display is connected through an Internet Cloud service.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control module is configured to turn said light bulb on or off in response to said control signals from said interface display.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control module is further configured to adjust an intensity and a color of said light bulb.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said network comprises at least one of a Wi-Fi wireless network and a bluetooth wireless network.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pictures comprise either still pictures or video.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control module is further configured to (i) provide a first audio signal through a speaker and (ii) receive a second audio signal through a microphone.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus implements an indoor video camera and an outdoor intercom.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a lens for said camera sensor is located outside a light shade of said light fixture.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said physical connection is implemented as a cable.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said cable is rigid and bendable.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said cable is a telescopic gooseneck connector.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said cable connects to said light fixture using a hook and loop fastener.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said physical connection is implemented as a plug connector configured to be removably connected to said light bulb.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plug connector is configured as at least one of a USB connector and a mini-USB connector.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is configured to be implemented where said light bulb is integrated into said light fixture.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control module is further configured to send alerts to a home owner.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is configured to support both AC voltage and DC voltage.