TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a peripheral for an alarm system installation.

BACKGROUND

Security installations that are or include security monitoring systems for monitoring premises, often referred to as alarm systems, typically provide a means for detecting the presence and/or actions of people at the premises, and reacting to detected events. Commonly such systems include sensors to detect the opening and closing of doors and windows to provide a secure perimeter to the premises, creating one or more protected interior spaces, movement detectors to monitor spaces (both within and outside buildings) for signs of movement, microphones to detect sounds such as breaking glass, and image sensors to capture still or moving images of monitored zones. Such systems may be self-contained, with alarm indicators such as sirens and flashing lights that may be activated in the event of an alarm condition being detected. Such installations typically include a control unit (which may also be termed a central unit), generally mains powered, that is coupled to the sensors, detectors, cameras, etc. (“nodes”), and which processes received notifications and determines a response. The central unit may be linked to the various nodes by wires, but increasingly is instead linked wirelessly, rather than by wires, since this facilitates installation and may also provide some safeguards against sensors/detectors effectively being disabled by disconnecting them from the central unit. Similarly, for ease of installation and to improve security, the nodes of such systems typically include an autonomous power source, such as a battery power supply, rather than being mains powered.

As an alternative to self-contained systems, a security monitoring system may include an installation at a premises, domestic or commercial, that is linked to a remote Central Monitoring Station (CMS) where, typically, human operators manage the responses required by different alarm and notification types. In such centrally monitored systems, the central unit at the premises installation typically processes notifications received from the nodes in the installation, and notifies the Central Monitoring Station of only some of these, depending upon the settings of the system and the nature of the detected events. In such a configuration, the central unit at the installation is effectively acting as a gateway between the nodes and the Central Monitoring Station. Again, in such installations the central unit may be linked by wires, or wirelessly, to the various nodes of the installation, and these nodes will typically be battery rather than mains powered.

Such security monitoring systems contribute to the safety and wellbeing of occupants of the protected premises, as well as safeguarding articles within the protected perimeter - which may of course not simply be limited to a house or dwelling, but may also extend to the grounds of the house, protected by a boundary fence and gate, for example.

Problems arise in existing systems which, for example, have a battery for power supply. While this increases the flexibility in mounting and ensures operation in the event of a power failure in the grid, it has disadvantages if the battery is removed by unwanted access or when the battery loses power and must be removed for charging. For example, a system failure can lead to undesirable security risks, since, for example, no longer security surveillance takes place. In an example, the failure of the system may lead to doors no longer being able to be opened or a building no longer being able to be entered because access control is disabled, even for authorized users. Also, to circumvent these problems, mains cannot always be provided in order to maintain the functionalities of the security periphery in the case the battery no longer provides power.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide enhanced security monitoring systems, and corresponding apps, methods and other implementations that improve the scope of security monitoring systems to address aspects of the problem of missing power supply when a battery does not supply power and no mains connection is available, as well as providing new functionality and methods.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, a peripheral for an alarm system installation is provided. The peripheral for an alarm system installation comprises a sensor device, a battery compartment configured to contain a main battery, wherein the main battery is configured to provide electrical power to the peripheral, and a backup battery configured to provide electrical power to the peripheral in a power backup mode. An effect of the technique of the present specification is to provide a peripheral for an alarm system installation, that may allow power supply in a power backup mode. This results in various advantages.

On the one hand, the main battery may be removed for charging from the peripheral without creating a security deficiency, e.g., by failing surveillance. This enables, for example, a seamless provision of the security system to be ensured, since the power supply may not only be based on one energy source. For example, such a backup battery may maintain further operation of the periphery in the event of manipulation of the peripheral, which for example has the aim of interrupting or switching off the power supply of the battery. Furthermore, it may be ensured, for example, that a building may still be able to be entered or left, since the access control may also be operated by the means of the backup battery, for example when the main battery is in low power mode or has been removed by the user for charging. The techniques described herein may increase the safety feeling of the inhabitants of a building, since for example, the charging state of the main battery does not always have to be monitored. For example, the inhabitants of the building or the user of the system may have more time to recharge the main battery, since the continuous operation of the peripheral may be ensured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing showing a peripheral for an alarm system installation in a perspective view;

Figure 2 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary first opening of a battery compartment of the peripheral;

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary sensor device of the peripheral in a front view; Figure 4 is a schematic drawing showing at an enlarged scale a detail of an exemplary electrical connection between the battery slider and the internal electrical connection of the peripheral;

Figure 5 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary wall tamper switch between a wall and the peripheral;

Figure 6 is a schematic drawing showing a functional embedding of the peripheral in a security monitoring system;

Figure 7 is a schematic drawing showing a front elevation of a stylised building with an external space which is monitored by a security monitoring system;

Figure 8 is a schematic part plan view of premises protected by a security monitoring system, together with other elements of the system;

Figure 9 shows schematically an architecture including a security monitoring system, a video entry arrangement, and an electrically controlled lock;

Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a video entry arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

References throughout the preceding specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "one example" or "an example", "one aspect" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", "one example" or "an example", "one aspect" or "an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a peripheral 10 for an alarm system installation in a perspective view.

According to the first aspect, the peripheral 10 for an alarm system installation comprises a sensor device 12, a battery compartment 13 configured to contain a main battery 15, wherein the main battery 15 is configured to provide electrical power to the peripheral 10, and a backup battery 18 configured to provide electrical power to the peripheral in a power backup mode. The battery compartment 13 may comprise a back wall, side walls, and a front wall. In an example, the front wall may face the sensor device 12 and/or the sensor device 12 may be configured to be mounted to the front wall to form the peripheral 10. In an example, a width of the battery compartment 13 may be greater than the width of the sensor device 12 and the length of a battery compartment 13 may be greater than the length of the sensor device 12, so that the side walls of the battery compartment 13 enclose at least a portion of the side surfaces of the sensor device 12. In an example, a circumference side surface of the sensor device 12 may be completely surrounded by the circumference inner side surface of the battery compartment 11. This may be advantageous to protect the sensor device 12 from external impacts and to support the sensor device 12. In an example, the width of the sensor device 12 may be greater than the width of the battery compartment 13 and the length of the sensor device 12 may be greater than the length of the battery compartment 13, so that the sensor device 12 surrounds at least a portion of the battery compartment 13. In an example, the peripheral 10 may comprise power supply electronics to receive electrical power from the main battery 15 and/or the backup battery 18. In an example, the sensor device 12 may comprise at least a part of the power supply electronics. In an example, the battery compartment 13 may comprise at least a part of the power supply electronics.

In an embodiment, the power backup mode may be activated when the main battery 15 is not present in the battery compartment 13 or is in a low-power state. In an example, the power supply electronics may be configured to receive electrical power from the main battery 15 when the main battery 15 is present in the battery compartment 13 and/or provides a voltage about a predetermined threshold value. In an example, the main battery 15 may be in a low-power state when the voltage provided by the main battery 15 is equal to or below a predetermined threshold voltage. In an example, the predetermined threshold voltage may correspond to the voltage provided by the backup battery 18 in a power backup mode. In a power backup mode, the power supply electronics may be configured to receive electrical power from the backup battery 18.

In an example, the backup battery 18 may be configured to be recharged through the main battery 15 when the main battery 15 is present in the battery compartment 13 and is not in a low-power state. In an example, the backup battery 18 may be configured to receive electrical power from the main battery 15 when the main battery 15 provides a voltage that is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value. In an example, the power supply electronics may comprise a diode circuit and/or a comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage provided by the main battery 15 with the predetermined threshold value.

In an embodiment, the main battery 15 may be arranged on a battery slider 14, wherein the battery slider is inserted through a first opening 16 into the battery compartment 13. In an example, the main battery 15 may comprise one or more single batteries or battery cells, as shown in Fig. 1. The batteries are the power supply for the peripheral 10. In an example, the battery slider may be a housing containing the single batteries or battery cells. In an example, the battery slider 14 may comprise a first part and a second part configured to joint to each other by means of a locking mechanism and wherein the housing may contain one or more battery cells. In some cases, the battery cells would need to be replaceable so that the case may be configured to be opened and closed again. In an example, the locking mechanism may be a thread-screw connection. In an example, the battery slider 14 may comprise a sealing member located at an interface between the first part and the second part. In an example, the sealing member may comprise a gasket ring such as a o-ring. In an example, the circumference of the sealing member may have the shape of the cross section of the first part and/or the second part of the housing. The first opening 16 may have any geometric shape, for example a rectangle, an oblong hole, a polygon, or a circle. For example, a cross-sectional surface of battery slider 14 may correspond to the shape of the first opening 16. The cross-sectional shape of the battery slider 14 and the battery compartment 13 may be asymmetric such that there is only one possibility of inserting the battery slider 14 into the battery compartment 13. This may be advantageous as it ensures a proper alignment of electrical connectors.

In an embodiment, the peripheral 10 may further comprise a first cover 17 configured to close the first opening 16. In an example, the first cover 17 may be either hinged and screwed or just screwed to the battery compartment 13. In an example, the first cover 17 may be a first latching arrangement for the battery slider 14. In an example, the first cover 17 may be advantageous to protect the first opening 16 and the inner space of the battery compartment 13 from outer impact. In an example, the first opening 16 and the first cover 17 may be arranged in a bottom portion of the battery compartment 13, as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary first opening 16 of a battery compartment of the peripheral.

In an embodiment, the peripheral 10 may further comprise a first tamper switch 19 cooperating with the first cover 17 and configured to change switching condition when the first cover 17 is opened or closed by a user. In an example, the first tamper switch 19 may comprise a sensing protrusion that cooperates with the first cover 17. In addition, or alternatively, the first cover 17 may comprise an actuation protrusion that cooperates with the tamper switch 19. In any case, the cooperation is such that the tamper switch 19 changes its switching condition when the cover is removed from the battery compartment 13. In an example, the tamper switch 19 may be configured to send a tamper signal from the peripheral 10 to a center unit 27 (see Fig. 5) in order to indicate unauthorized attempt to remove the first cover 17.

In an embodiment, the backup battery 18 can be removed through the first opening 16 or can be removed through a second opening, wherein the first cover 17 is configured to close the second opening or the second opening is closed by a second cover. In an example, the main battery 15 and the backup battery 18 may be accessed through the same opening, e.g., the first opening 16. In an example, the backup battery 18 may be arranged adjacent to the main battery 15. In another example, the backup battery 18 may be arranged between a back wall of the battery compartment 13 and the battery slider 14 or between a front wall of the battery compartment 13 and the battery slider 14. In an example, the backup battery 18 may be arranged adjacent to a first end of the battery compartment 13 being opposite the first opening 16. In an example the backup battery 18 may be arranged in a space between the battery compartment 13 and the sensor device 12. In an example, the backup battery 18 may be arranged inside the sensor device 12. In an example, the backup battery 18 can be accessed through a second opening separate from the first opening. In an example, the second opening may be covered by the first cover 17. In another example, the backup battery is permanently integrated in the power supply electronics. In an example, the peripheral 10 may further comprise a second tamper switch cooperating with the second cover and configured to change switching condition when the second cover is opened or closed by the user. In an example, the second tamper switch may comprise a sensing protrusion that cooperates with the second cover. In addition, or alternatively, the second cover may comprise an actuation protrusion that cooperates with the second tamper switch. In any case, the cooperation is such that the second tamper switch changes its switching condition when the second cover is removed from the battery compartment 13. In an example, the second tamper switch may be configured to send a tamper signal from the peripheral 10 to the center unit 27 (see Fig. 5) in order to indicate unauthorized attempt to remove the second cover.

In an embodiment, the backup battery 18 may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. In an example and as mentioned before, the backup battery 18 may be configured to be recharged by the main battery 15 when the main battery 18 is not in a lower power state. In an example, the backup battery 18 can be removed through the first opening 16 or the second opening as explained before and can be recharged using, e.g., an external charger. In an example, the backup battery may remain in an integrated state and may be charged by connecting an external power supply to the backup battery 18.

In an example, the sensor device 12 may comprise a back side facing the battery compartment 13 and a ball joint assembly on the back side. In an example, the ball joint assembly may be configured to be mounted on the battery compartment 13. In an example, the ball joint assembly can preferably be locked to a specific position by a locking means, such as a screw. Such an arrangement could be arranged to allow the sensor device 12 to be orientated substantially freely in relation to the battery compartment 13 in one, two or three axes of rotation about the joint. In the second example, the battery compartment 13 may be joint together with a pin joint assembly 30 (see Fig. 1). The ball joint assembly has the benefit of being more flexible, i.e., allowing the position of the sensor device 12 to be adapted to the specific application by tilting and rotating the sensor device 12. Both the ball assembly and the pin assembly have the benefit of not being affected if the battery slider 14 needs to be removed. In another example, the sensor device 12 may be configured to be mounted on the battery compartment 13 by locking means, such as a screw or a click mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary sensor device 12 of the peripheral 10 in a front view. In an embodiment, the sensor device 12 may comprise at least a camera 31 comprising an image capture function and/or a video stream function. In an example, the video stream function of the camera 31 may be configured to be deactivated when the power backup mode is activated. In an example, the video stream function may consume a lot of electrical power. When a power backup mode is activated the backup battery 18 is configured to provide the electrical power for the peripheral 10. In general, the backup battery 18 has to to bridge the time needed to recharge the main battery or until the main battery 15 is replaced when being in a low-power state. In an example, the backup battery 18 may have not the same charging capacity as the main battery 15. Therefore, deactivating energy-intensive functionalities of the sensor device 12 such as video streaming may be advantageous to extend the time until the backup battery 18 also comes in a low-power state. In an example, the backup battery 18 may be configured to provide electrical power for a duration of at least 12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, or 48 hours starting from the point of time when the power backup mode is activated.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 12 comprises at least a motion detector. In an example, the camera and/or the motion detector may be beneficial to detect movements or presence etc. within a defined area. In an example, the battery compartment 13 and/or the sensor device 12 may comprise an infrared light module. The infrared light module may illuminate whatever is in front of the camera. In an example, the infrared light module and/or the motion detector may comprise an infrared detector operating in a conventional manner to detect presence and movements of objects emitting infrared radiation. In an example, the battery compartment 13 and/or the sensor device 12 may comprise a light module configured to indicate an operating state or a warning signal to a user. In an example, the tamper signal from the tamper switch of the first cover 17 or the second cover may result in a corresponding light signal. In an example, the light signal may indicate when the first cover 17 or the second cover has been opened or the battery slider 14 has been removed. In an example, the light module may indicate the operating state and/or the charging state of the main battery 15. In an example, the light module may indicate when the peripheral 10 is in a switched off state or non-operating state.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 12 may comprise at least an electronic key reader. In an example, the peripheral 10 may be part of a security monitoring system. In an example, the electronic key reader may be configured to authenticate the user to the system through, e.g., reading information on a chip card or mobile device. This may be required to allow a user to access a building or a room and/or may be required to deny access to a building or a room.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 12 may comprise a magnetic field detector configured to detect changes in a magnetic field provided by a separated magnetic coil component. In an example, an object with (ferro) magnetic properties may change the provided magnetic field. In an example, a (temporal) change in the magnetic field may be detected so that, for example, damage to a window, or unwanted access to a building or room can be detected by using tools or other objects. In a subsequent process, an alarm may be triggered on the basis of a detection.

In an embodiment, the peripheral 10 may further comprise a user interface 20. In an example, the user interface may comprise at least a keypad, a touch-sensitive or physical button, a touchscreen, a microphone and/or a loudspeaker. For example, the peripheral 10 may be a device for controlling access to a building or room. For example, two people may communicate with each other via the loudspeaker and/or the microphone. For example, an access code may be entered by the user via the keypad (as shown in Fig. 3), for example to authenticate to the system. For example, the access code can further be entered via the touchscreen.

Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing showing at an enlarged scale a detail of an exemplary electrical connection between the battery slider 14 and the internal electrical connection of the peripheral 10.

In an embodiment, the battery slider 14 may be provided with two contact surfaces 21, each of the contact surfaces 21 being contacted by a contact spring 22, wherein said contact surfaces 21 and contact springs 22 are configured to create an electrical contact between the main battery 15 and the peripheral 10. The relative movement between the battery slider 14 and the contact springs 22 each time the battery slider 14 is removed and inserted, make sure that there is always a reliable electrical connection between the contact surfaces and the contact springs 22. The contact surfaces 21 may be arranged on the underside of the battery slider 14 facing the back wall of the battery compartment 13. In an example, the contact springs 22 may be held stationary within the battery compartment 13 and may engage with the contact surfaces 21 to establish an electrical connection. Alternatively, the battery compartment 13 may comprise pogo pins to establish an electrical connection with the contact surfaces 21 of the battery slider. In an example, the battery compartment comprises contact surfaces or contact pads and the battery slider may comprise contact springs or pogo pins. In an example, the contact springs 22 may be bent wire springs which allows giving the contact springs 22 a three-dimensional shape particularly suitable for being arranged in the limited space within the battery compartment 13 of the peripheral 10.

In an example, the peripheral 10 may further comprise a latching arrangement 24 securing the battery slider 14 within the battery compartment 13. Returning to Fig. 2, in an example, the first cover 17 and the latching arrangement 24 may have to be removed before the battery slider 14 can be withdrawn from the battery compartment 13. In an example, the latching arrangement 24 may be a spring arm engaging at the battery slider 14 as shown in Fig. 2. In an example, the spring arm is arranged behind the first cover 17. In an example, the spring arm 24 may have to be manually pressed so as to be moved out of the way of the battery slider 14 before the battery slider 14 can be withdrawn from the battery compartment 13. Thus, it is ensured that the combination of steps necessary, cannot be performed within a predetermined time period so that the tamper switch may generate a signal to be sent to the central unit 27 before the power supply to the peripheral 10 is disconnected. In an example, the battery slider 14 may have two removal tabs 25 and the spring arm is arranged between the removal tabs 25 so that an operator needs both hands to remove the battery slider 14. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the first cover 17. In an example, the first cover 17 and/or the second cover is provided with a locking lever 26 adapted to be pivoted between a latching and a release position, the locking lever 26 locking the first cover 17 or the second cover, respectively, at the battery compartment 13 when being in the latching position. In a latching position, the locking lever 26 may reliably connect the first cover 17 or the second cover to the battery compartment 13. When the locking lever 26 has been pivoted to a release position, the first cover 17 or the second cover, respectively, can be removed from the battery compartment 13 so that access to the battery slider 14 is possible.

In an example, the battery compartment 13 may comprise mounting means configured to allow the battery compartment 13 to be fixed to a wall. In an example, the mounting means may comprise one or more holes in the back side of the battery compartment 13 facing the wall, wherein the holes allow screws to be passed through the holes to attach the battery compartment 13 to the wall. In an example, the mounting means may comprise a snap-on fastener or a locking fastener, wherein, for example, a counterpart may be screwed to the wall and the back side on the outer side of the battery compartment 13 may comprise a locking element matching the counterpart, which may be locked into the counterpart.

Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary wall tamper switch 29 between a wall and the peripheral 10.

In an embodiment, the peripheral 10 may comprise a wall tamper switch 29 configured to change switching condition when the peripheral 10 is removed from the wall to which the peripheral 10 was mounted. In an example, the peripheral 10 may be struck by the wall during a violent break-in or otherwise removed. In an example, the sensor device 12 may comprise a camera or motion detector as already explained so that a potential burglar may be interested in removing the sensor device 12 from the wall to which the peripheral 10 is mounted. Fig. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the wall tamper switch 29 comprising two current-carrying contacts, whereby an electrical circuit is interrupted when one of the two contacts is disconnected and an electrical circuit is interrupted.

Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing showing a functional embedding of the peripheral 10 in a security monitoring system.

In an embodiment, the peripheral 10 may further comprise a control circuit configured to send a power backup mode signal to a central unit 27 indicating that a power backup mode is activated. In an example, the control circuit or the power supply electronics may comprise an electronic sub-circuitry configured to detect when the voltage of the main battery 15 is below a predetermined threshold value and/or when the backup battery 18 provides electrical power to the peripheral 10. In an example, the control circuit or the power supply electronics may comprise a comparator or any other suitable logic which outputs the power backup mode signal. In an example, the control circuit may comprise a communication interface which may be configured to communicate with the central unit 27 or with a backend 28. In an example the communication interface may be configured to communicate by means of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), near field communication, or using a cellular network. In an example, the peripheral 10 may be part of a security monitoring system which is described later.

In an embodiment, the central unit 27 may be configured to send data to the backend 28 and to receive data from the backend 28, wherein the data is at least related to unauthorized attempt to open the first cover 17 or the second cover, and/or the removing of the peripheral 10 from the wall. In an example, the tamper switch of the first cover 17, the tamper switch of the second cover, and/or the wall tamper switch 29 may send signals to the central unit 27 when a switching condition of the respective tamper switch has been changed. In an example, the signal may be forwarded to a backend 28 for further analyzing or processing. In an example, the backend may provide signals to warn user about an unauthorized access attempt. In an example, the data is further related to the image capture function and/or the video stream function of the sensor device 12. In an example, the backend 28 may evaluate the image data of the camera and perform e.g. authentication of a user on the basis of the evaluation. For example, various authentication methods, such as matching biometric data with a data storage of the backend 28, may be performed. In an example, hazardous situations, such as a break-in, may be detected in the image data by means of pattern recognition, for example by means of machine learning. In an example, a warning may be provided to a mobile device of a user by the backend 28. In an example, the image data may be provided to a (mobile) device of the user without further processing or evaluation.

The peripheral 10 according to the aforementioned embodiments may be part of a security monitoring system which will be described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. In an example, the peripheral 10 may comprise a video doorbell 106, a first and/or second video camera 112, a keypad 110, and/or at least parts of a video entry arrangement 510 as described hereinafter.

Fig. 7 shows a view of the front of a premises 100 protected by a security monitoring system. The premises, here in the form of a house, have an exterior door, here front door, 102. The door gives access to a protected interior space. The security monitoring system secures at least part of a perimeter to the premises 100, and the door constitutes an exterior closure 102 in the secure perimeter giving access to a protected interior space 200 of the premises. A lock 104 on the exterior door is optionally electrically controlled so that it can be locked and unlocked remotely. To the side of the door, on the facade of the house, is a first video camera in the form of a video doorbell 106 which looks out from the facade of the premises so that anyone approaching the door along the path 108 can be seen, and in particular when a visitor stands at the door their face should clearly be visible. In an example, the peripheral 10 according to the aforementioned aspects may comprise the video doorbell 106. The video doorbell includes an actuator, e.g., a push button, for a visitor to indicate their presence at the closure. The video doorbell also includes an audio interface to enable bidirectional audio communication with a visitor at the closure 102.

As is conventional, the video doorbell preferably includes an infrared light source to illuminate whatever is in front of the video doorbell. Optionally, as shown, the facade of the house also carries an external keypad 110 by means of which a user can disarm the security monitoring system, and unlock the lock 104. In an example, the peripheral 10 may comprise the external keypad 110. Also shown is an optional second video camera 112 which is coupled to a presence and/or movement detector 114. In an example, the peripheral 10 may comprise the second video camera 112. The detector may optionally be a thermal detector, for example a PIR sensor. The second video camera 112 may be arranged when the security monitoring system is armed, to capture video of the front of the house and the private area, e.g. the garden, in front of the house and signal an alarm event to a controller of the security monitoring system. As with the doorbell camera, the second video camera is preferably provided with an audio interface 116 to enable bidirectional audio communication with anyone observed by the second video camera. Although the first video camera is illustrated in the form of a video doorbell, the first video camera may additionally or alternatively have the features described above for the second video camera, whether or not plural video cameras are used.

Fig. 8 is a schematic part plan view of a premises 100 protected by security monitoring system according to an aspect of the invention, together with other elements of the system, corresponding generally to the premises of Fig. 7. The front door 102, with electrically controlled lock 104, leads into the protected interior space 200 of the premises. Each of the windows 202, and the rear door 204 is fitted with a sensor 206 to detect when they are opened. Each of the sensors 206 includes a radio transceiver to report events to a controller, or central unit 208 of the security monitoring system. In an example the central unit 208 may serve as the central unit 27 of Fig. 6. If one of the sensors 206 is triggered when the system is armed, a signal is sent to the central unit 208 which in turn may signal an alarm event to a remote central monitoring station 210 which may serve as the backend 28 of Fig. 6. The central unit 208 is connected to the remote central monitoring station 210 via the Internet 212, either via a wired or a wireless connection. Also wirelessly coupled to the central unit 208 are the video doorbell 106, the electrically controlled lock 104, and if present the second video camera 112, its associated presence and/or movement detector 114 (although the latter may be integral with the second video camera 112) and the audio interface 116. These items, and the sensors 206, are preferably coupled to the central unit 208 using transceivers operating in the industrial scientific and medical (ISM) bandwidths, for example a sub-gigahertz bandwidth such as 868 MHz, and the communications are encrypted preferably using shared secret keys. The security monitoring system may also include other sensors within the protected interior space, such as an interior video camera 214 and associated movement detector 216 (which again may be integral with the camera 214), and each of the interior doors 218 may also be provided with a sensor 206 to detect the opening/closing of the door. Also shown in Fig. 8 are a user device 220, preferably loaded with an appropriate app - as will be described later, and a public land mobile network (PLMN) by means of which the central monitoring station 210, and the central unit 208, may communicate with the user device 220.

Operation of the security monitoring system may be controlled by one or more of: the controller 208, the remote monitoring station 210, and a security monitoring app installed on the user device 220. For example, the remote monitoring station 210, if provided, may receive one or more signals from any of the first camera and/or video doorbell 106, the second camera 112, the keypad 110, the sensors 206 and/or 520 (described in more detail later). The remote monitoring station 210 may transmit commands for controlling any one or more of: the arm state of the alarm system (e.g. armed or unarmed); commanding a tripped alarm state to be signaled by the alarm system (e.g. by triggering one or more sirens to generate alarm noise); commanding a lock state of the door lock 104 (e.g. locked or unlocked), commanding operation of one or more functions of the video doorbell 106, commanding operation of one or more cameras to transmit images to the remote monitoring unit. Communication with the remote monitoring station 210 may pass through the controller 208, as described above. In other embodiments without the remote monitoring station 210, or should communication with the remote monitoring station 210 be interrupted, operation of the alarm system may be controlled by the controller 208. In yet other embodiments, the controller 208 may be omitted, and the individual peripheral devices may communicate directly with the remote monitoring station 210.

The security monitoring system app is installed on a user device 220, here shown as a smartphone, although of course it could be almost any kind of electronic device, such as a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet such as an iPad, a smart watch, or even a television. The security monitoring system may further comprise an audio interface to enable audio communication with a visitor at the closure, the controller 208 being configured to enable the remote monitoring centre 210 to use the audio interface to speak to the visitor.

The security monitoring system preferably further comprises a first video camera arranged to observe a space in front of the exterior of the closure, the controller 208 being configured to enable the remote monitoring centre 210 to use the first video camera to observe the visitor.

Conveniently, the first video camera may be a video doorbell, which is convenient both in terms of the location of the camera, and the co-location of the video and audio interfaces, along with the actuator, and in terms of the visual performance of the camera - as video doorbells are typically very well placed to capture images of people at the door. Conveniently, the video doorbell includes the audio interface, as this is likely to be well located from the point of view of performance, and it may also reduce installation complexity and time.

Preferably, the security monitoring system further comprise a second video camera arranged to observe the protected interior space behind the closure, the controller being configured to enable the remote monitoring centre to use the second video camera to observe any visitor within the protected interior space.

Although use of a doorbell video camera for the purpose of observing the visitor, and the doorbell audio interface as a means to speak with a visitor at the door are preferred, it will be appreciated that the actuator, the external video source, and the external audio interface may all be provided in free-standing components to implement embodiments of the invention. Thus, although it is preferred for the first video camera, if used, to be the video camera of a video doorbell, because of the generally ideal location of such a camera in terms of surveying the space in front of the front door 102, it is also possible to use a different video camera installation, such as that shown as 112, which also observes the space in front of the front door. Unlike most video doorbells, which typically do not show a view of the exterior face of the front door itself, a video camera installation such as that shown schematically in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 as 112 may provide a view not only of the space in front of the front door, but also of the door. As previously described, the video camera installation 112 includes, or has an associated, presence and/or motion detector 114, such as a PIR or other thermal sensor, with the camera 112 typically only being turned on when the sensor detects movement and/or a presence within its field of view. It is also possible to make use of a different form of video camera installation, such as a surveillance camera installation. Typically, a surveillance camera installation does not require a movement/presence sensor, rather when the surveillance camera is activated it may continuously monitor the area under surveillance, typically streaming images continuously or every few seconds to a monitoring location. Such a surveillance camera may also operate under the control of a security monitoring system according to an aspect of the invention, the controller 208 of the security monitoring system may transmit a signal to cause the surveillance camera to capture images and may transmit the captured images to the controller 208, and to forward the captured images for checking remotely, e.g., at the central monitoring station 210 or at a user device 220.

Alternative embodiments will now be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows schematically an architecture in which a security monitoring system, shown generally as 500, is coupled to a video entry arrangement 510, an electrically controlled lock, such as the lock 104 of Figs. 7 to 10, and a remote monitoring station 210. The peripheral 10 may comprise at least parts of the video entry arrangement 510. The security monitoring system 500 may include a security monitoring system controller 208, together with a collection of various sensors 520, including an external video camera 112, an internal video camera 214, a closure status sensor 206 for the closure (e.g. door 102) which is locked by electrically controlled lock 104, and an admittance zone sensor 216 - an example of which is the motion sensor 216 shown in Fig. 9, but more generally this is a sensor of any form to detect presence within a zone to which a visitor such as a delivery person, or the like, may be admitted.

Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a video entry arrangement 510, such as that shown in Fig. 9. The peripheral 10 may comprise at least parts of the video entry arrangement. Conveniently, the video entry arrangement 510 may take the form of a video doorbell. The video entry arrangement 510 may include a video entry arrangement controller, 600, including a processor 602, and a memory 604, which controls operation of the video entry arrangement - if necessary in association with the central unit 208 (if present) and/or the central monitoring station 210 if present and contactable. An RF transceiver 606 may be provided for communication with the central unit 208 (if present), and/or the central monitoring station 210, and optionally with other nodes of the security monitoring system (for example an electronic door lock if fitted). The video entry arrangement 510 also may preferably include a power supply unit which may be mains powered, or D.C. powered from an external source (which itself may be mains powered), and which preferably includes at least battery backup but may be only battery powered. Also provided may be an audio interface 610, preferably comprising both an input device 612, and an output device 614, a video camera, 620, and an actuator, or bell push, 630, all of which are operatively coupled to the controller 600.

Embodiments:

1. A peripheral 10 for an alarm system installation, comprising a sensor device 12; a battery compartment 13 configured to contain a main battery 15, wherein the main battery 15 is configured to provide electrical power to the peripheral 10; and a backup battery 18 configured to provide electrical power to the peripheral in a power backup mode.

2. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 1, wherein the power backup mode is activated when the main battery 15 is not present in the battery compartment 13 or is in a low-power state.

3. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 2, wherein the main battery is in a low- power state when the voltage provided by the main battery is equal to or below a predetermined threshold voltage.

4. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 2 or 3, the backup battery is configured to be recharged through the main battery 15 when the main battery 15 is present in the battery compartment 13 and is not in a low-power state.

5. The peripheral 10 according any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the main battery 15 is arranged on a battery slider 14, wherein the battery slider is inserted through a first opening 16 into the battery compartment 13.

6. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 5, further comprising a first cover 17 configured to close the first opening 16. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 6, wherein the first opening 16 and the first cover 17 are arranged in a bottom portion of the battery compartment 13. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 6 or 7, further comprising a first tamper switch 19 cooperating with the first cover 17 and configured to change switching condition when the first cover 17 is opened or closed by a user. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 8, wherein the first tamper switch 19 comprises a sensing protrusion that cooperates with the first cover 17. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the first cover 17 comprises an actuation protrusion 23 that cooperates with the first tamper switch 19. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 6 to 10, wherein the backup battery 18 can be removed through the first opening 16 or can be removed through a second opening, wherein the first cover 17 is configured to close the second opening or the second opening is closed by a second cover. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 11, further comprising a second tamper switch cooperating with the second cover and configured to change switching condition when the second cover is opened or closed by the user. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 12, wherein the second tamper switch comprises a sensing protrusion that cooperates with the second cover. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the second cover comprises an actuation protrusion that cooperates with the second temper switch. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 8 to 14, wherein the first tamper switch 19, and/or the second tamper switch are configured to send a tamper signal from the peripheral 10 to the center unit 27 in order to indicate unauthorized attempt to open the first cover 19 or the second cover, respectively. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the backup battery 18 is a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor device 12 comprises a back side facing the battery compartment 13 and a ball joint assembly on the back side, wherein the ball joint assembly is configured to be mounted on the battery compartment 13. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor device 12 is configured to be mounted on the battery compartment 13 by locking means, such as a screw or a click mechanism. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor device 12 comprises at least a camera comprising an image capture function and/or a video stream function, wherein the video stream function of the camera is configured to be deactivated when the power backup mode is activated. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the backup battery 18 is configured to provide electrical power for a duration of at least 12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, or 48 hours starting from the point of time when the power backup mode is activated. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor device 12 comprises at least a motion detector. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the battery compartment 13 and/or the sensor device 12 comprises an infrared light module. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the battery compartment 13 and/or the sensor device 12 comprises a light module configured to indicate an operating state or a warning signal to a user. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor device 12 comprises at least an electronic key reader. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor device 12 comprises a magnetic field detector configured to detect changes in a magnetic field provided by a separated magnetic coil component. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a user interface 20, wherein the user interface comprises at least a keypad, a touch-sensitive or physical button, a touchscreen, a microphone, and/or a loudspeaker. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 5 to 26, wherein the battery slider 14 is provided with two contact surfaces 21, each of the contact surfaces 21 being contacted by a contact spring 22, wherein said contact surfaces 21 and contact springs 22 are configured to create an electrical contact between the main battery 15 and the peripheral 10. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 27, wherein the contact springs 22 are bent wire springs. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 5 to 28, further comprising a latching arrangement 24 securing the battery slider 14 within the battery compartment 13. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 29, wherein the latching arrangement 24 is a spring arm engaging at the battery slider 14. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 30, wherein the spring arm is arranged behind the first cover 17. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 30 or 31, wherein the battery slider 14 has two removal tabs and the spring arm is arranged between the removal tabs 25. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiment 6 to 32, wherein the first cover 17 and/or the second cover is provided with a locking lever 26 adapted to be pivoted between a latching and a release position, the locking lever 26 locking the first cover 17 or the second cover, respectively, at the battery compartment when being in the latching position. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the battery compartment comprises mounting means configured to allow the battery compartment 13 to be fixed to a wall. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 34, wherein the mounting means comprises one or more holes in the back side of the battery compartment 13 facing the wall, wherein the holes allow screws to be passed through the holes to attach the battery compartment 13 to the wall. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 34 or 35, further comprising a wall tamper switch 29 configured to change switching condition when the peripheral 10 is removed from the wall to which the peripheral 10 was mounted. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a control circuit configured to send a power backup mode signal to a central unit 27 indicating that a power backup mode is activated. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 37, wherein the central unit 27 is configured to send data to the backend 28 and to receive data from the backend 28, wherein the data is at least related to unauthorized attempt to open the first cover 19 or the second cover, and/or the removing of the peripheral 10 from the wall. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 37 or 38, wherein the data is further related to the image capture function and/or the video stream function of the sensor device 12.