TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a peripheral for an alarm system installation, a modular apparatus for assembly of a peripheral for an alarm system installation, and a method of assembling 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 of existing systems arise from the fact that in a peripheral of an alarm system there are different components, such as key pads, motion detectors or video systems, whose structure often differs, which requires different design versions for different devices. Also, different forms of powering the peripheral result in different requirements for mounting height, electronic equipment, or mechanical design of the peripherals, making the development and the product more expensive for the end customer.

Problems in existing systems arise mainly from the need to develop a periphery of an alarm system that is intrusion-resistant and can withstand (physical) manipulation and impact. For example, it is necessary to connect different components of a periphery, which requires mechanical means such as screws, which in turn can be seen and removed from the outside, for example by a housebreaker. Also, there must be ways to attach the periphery to a wall in such a way that the periphery cannot be easily removed by a housebreaker.

Further, there are problems with the design of the battery in battery-powered systems. The battery requires an elaborate design because, on the one hand, the battery pack requires a charging capability and, on the other hand, a connection to operate the peripheral. Also, the battery must be removable from the peripheral, for example, to charge the battery indoors or at a fixed charging station. For example, it may be necessary to charge the battery while it is installed in the device. Due to the complex design and high requirements, the battery unit can be very expensive for the customer. Also, the battery unit is a weak point in case of physical impact, for example, because electrical contacts can easily break off. Another issue is the installation of the periphery of an alarm system in places exposed to the weather, as this results in the requirement of waterproofing. However, the requirement for battery removability makes sealing difficult, especially at interfaces. The electronics can be damaged by rain and cause the security system to fail, for example. There is a need for solutions to make the housing of a peripheral watertight - while maintaining the above-mentioned requirements for the battery. The same applies to the housing of a battery pack, which must protect the inner battery cells from water penetration, for example.

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 flexibility in the form of power supply, waterproofing and design of mechanical resilience of a peripheral of an alarm system, 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 comprises a back unit, a front unit configured to be mounted to the back unit in such a manner to be supported by the back unit, wherein the front unit comprises power supply electronics, wherein the power supply electronics is configured to receive electrical power from a battery pack and/or an external power supply via connecting means of the front unit and/or the back unit.

According to a second aspect, a modular apparatus for assembly of a peripheral for an alarm system installation is provided. The apparatus comprises a front unit for the peripheral, the front unit comprising electronics including power supply electronics configured to receive electrical power via a back unit module, a first back unit module for supporting the front unit when attached thereto, a second back unit module for supporting the front unit when attached thereto, the second back unit module having a different functionality from, and/or at least one different size dimension from, the first back unit module, wherein the front unit is mountable selectively to either of the first and second back unit modules to form the peripheral. The front unit may be configured to receive power, directly or indirectly, via the back unit module to which it is assembled. According to a third aspect, a method of assembling a peripheral for an alarm system installation is provided. The method optionally uses the apparatus according to the second aspect. The method comprises selecting a respective rear module unit by choosing between a first back unit module and a second back unit module for the peripheral, the first and second back unit modules providing at least partly different functionalities from each other and/or differing in at least one size dimension, mounting to the selected back unit module a front unit for the peripheral, such that the front unit is supported by the selected back unit module, the front unit comprising electronics including power supply electronics. The front unit may be configured to receive power directly or indirectly via the back unit module to which it is assembled.

An effect of the technique of the present specification is to provide a peripheral for an alarm system installation, that may allow to be powered through a battery pack and/or external power supply. This results in various advantages.

A first advantage may be the modularity of the peripheral, since the peripheral can be operated with a battery or with an external power source. For this purpose, the front unit is designed in a special way so that the front unit may be combined with different embodiments of the back unit disclosed herein, whereby the design and functionality of the front unit may each be the same. Due to the high flexibility in the choice of energy source, the product may be cheaper for end customers and enable higher variability. Another advantage may be that the peripheral as disclosed herein eliminates the need for a multi-part peripheral assembly consisting of a conventional wall bracket and a main body. Greater flexibility and modularity may be achieved in that a back unit disclosed herein with various functionalities can be screwed to a wall and the front unit can be mounted to the back unit. The back unit can be exchanged by another back unit with different functionality, while the front unit may remain the same. Further, a battery can be provided with only one electrical contact which can be used for charging on the one hand when connected to a charger and for providing electrical energy to the peripheral on the other hand when connected to the internal electronics of the peripheral.This can further increase the resistance of peripherals to physical interventions but also the reliability as the number of error- prone electrical contacts may be reduced.

The technique of the present disclosures enables embodiments of the peripheral to be provided which may meet different conditions, for example the requirement of water tightness. For example, an option can be provided to seal a battery compartment against the ingress of water, so that, for example, a battery pack that contains individual battery cells does not need to be further elaborately sealed. For example, a way can be disclosed to keep the electrical contact between the battery and the front unit watertight without the need for elaborate precautions on the housing or on the back unit. This can be advantageous in terms of production costs and increase the safety of the system. For example, the embodiment revealed here simplifies sealing the system against the ingress of water. All in all, the system can offer advantages in terms of costs, flexibility in energy supply, and protection against manipulation and increasing the reliability of the peripheral.

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 2-1 is a schematic drawing showing the peripheral for an alarm system installation with a battery compartment containing a battery pack;

Figure 2-2 is a schematic drawing showing the peripheral for an alarm system installation with exemplary connecting means;

Figure 3-1 is a schematic drawing showing the back unit of the peripheral for an alarm system installation comprising a sealing chamber;

Figure 3-2 is a schematic drawing showing the battery pack comprising a protruding member comprising second electrical connectors;

Figure 3-3 is a schematic drawing showing the peripheral containing the battery pack in the battery compartment; Figure 4 is a schematic drawing showing the back unit and the battery pack with a protruding edge for sealing the interface between battery pack and the back unit;

Figure 5-1 is a schematic drawing showing a lockslide comprising one or more pins;

Figure 5-2 is a schematic drawing showing the front unit mounted to the back using the lockslide;

Figure 6 is a schematic drawing showing a housing of the battery pack containing battery cells;

Figure 7 is a schematic drawing showing a functional embedding of the peripheral 10 in a security monitoring system;

Figure 8 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 9 is a schematic part plan view of premises protected by a security monitoring system, together with other elements of the system;

Figure 10 shows schematically an architecture including a security monitoring system, a video entry arrangement, and an electrically controlled lock;

Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a video entry arrangement;

Figure 12-1 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of the front unit, optionally attached to a back unit of the same dimension;

Figure 12-2 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of the front unit mounted to a back unit comprising a battery housing module and/or a lighting module;

Figure 12-3 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of the front unit mounted to back unit comprising an intercom module. 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 an aspect of the present invention.

According to the first aspect, the peripheral 10 for an alarm system installation comprises a back unit 11, a front unit 12 configured to be mounted to the back unit 11 in such a manner to be supported by the back unit, wherein the front unit 12 comprises power supply electronics 13, wherein the power supply electronics 13 is configured to receive electrical power from a battery pack 14 and/or an external power supply via connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 and/or via the back unit 11. The back unit 11 may comprise a back wall and side walls. In one example, a width of the back unit 11 may be greater than the width of the front unit 12 and the length of a back unit 11 may be greater than the length of the front unit 12, so that the side walls of the back unit 11 enclose at least a portion of the side surfaces of the front unit 12, as shown in Fig. 2-2. In an example, a circumference side surface of the front unit 12 may be completely surrounded by the circumference inner side surface of the back unit 11. This may be advantageous to protect the front 12 unit from external impacts and to support the front unit 12. In an example, the width of the front unit 12 may be greater than the width of the back unit 11 and the length of the front unit 12 can be greater than the length of the back unit 11, so that the front unit surrounds at least a portion of the back unit 1. Fig. 1 shows for example a back unit 11 in the form of a bathtub, wherein a first end of the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 and a second end of the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 are formed in the form of a semi- circular at the respective ends of the longitudinal extension. This may be advantageous for stabilizing the peripheral 10 and may be advantageous against physical impacts. For example, the power supply electronics 13 may be located at an upper end of the front unit 12 as exemplarily shown in Fig. 1. In an example, the power supply electronics 13 may be arranged in an enclosure which may be located on the back side 11 of the front unit 12 which faces the back unit 11 as exemplarily shown in Fig. 1. The power supply electronics 13 may be part of a comprehensive control electronics package that may provide further functions, which shall be explained in more detail later. The power supply electronics 13 may provide electrical power for further components of the front unit 12 and/or the back unit 11, and/or the control electronics.

In an embodiment, the back unit 11 may comprise a battery compartment 16 comprising a first opening 17 through which the battery pack 14 is inserted. Fig. 1 shows an example of the first opening 17, which may be located at one side of the back unit 11, wherein in an assembled state, the power supply electronics 13 of the front unit 12 may be arranged at an upper end of the front unit which may be opposite the first opening 17.

Fig. 2-1 and Fig. 2-2 show an example of the battery pack 14, which may be in the battery compartment 16, when the battery pack 14 has been inserted into the battery compartment 16 through the first opening 17. The battery compartment 16 may be a cavity between the inner side surfaces of the back unit, as shown in Fig. 2-1 and Fig. 2-2. The battery pack may be a housing containing one more single batteries or battery cells. The battery pack, i.e., the single batteries or battery cells, may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable.

In an embodiment, the battery pack 14 may comprise first electrical connectors 18. Fig. 1 shows an example of the first electrical connectors 18. The first electrical connectors 18 may be part of a protruding or embedded element attached on a first side of the battery pack 17 facing away from the back unit 11 and/or facing towards the first opening 17 when the battery pack is inserted in the battery compartment 16. For example, the protruding element may surround electrical contact points of the first electrical connectors 18 protectively. This can be advantageous to protect the first electrical connectors 18 from external influences, e.g. environmental influences or damage. The first electrical connectors 18 may also be arranged at another suitable point at the battery pack 14. In an embodiment, the connecting means 15 may be configured to be connected with the first electrical connectors 18 of the battery pack 14 when the battery pack 14 is inside the battery compartment 16. Fig. 2-2 shows an exemplary electrical connection between the front unit 12 and the battery pack 14 when the battery pack 14 is inside the battery compartment 16. For example, the connecting means 15 may be arranged at the lower end of the front unit 12, i.e. at the end of front unit 12, which is adjacent to the first opening 17. For example, when the battery pack 14 has been inserted into the battery compartment 16, the connecting means 15 may be connected electrically to the battery pack 14 via the first electrical connectors 18 to enable the power supply electronics 13 to receive electrical energy from the battery pack 14.

In an embodiment, the battery pack 14 may be configured to be charged via the first electrical connectors 18 of the battery pack 14 when the battery pack 14 is inside the battery compartment 16 or is removed from the battery compartment 16. In an example, the first electrical connectors 18 may be used for charging the battery pack 14 and for providing electrical energy to the power supply electronics 13. This may be advantageous with regard to the fact that in an example only one electrical connection, i.e. the first electrical connectors 18, may be required to charge the battery pack 14 on the one hand and to provide electrical energy to the power supply electronics 13 on the other. In an example, the first electrical connectors 18 may be found at a first end of battery pack 14, which is located adjacent to the first opening 17, when the battery pack 14 has been inserted into the battery compartment 16. This enables it to recharge the battery pack 14 by the means of an external energy source. In general, the battery pack 14 may be removeable through the first opening 17. In an example, the battery pack 14 for charging may be removed from battery compartment 16 through the first opening 17 and may be charged e.g. at another location or at a stationary energy source. After charging, the battery pack 14 may be inserted again through the first opening 17 into the battery compartment 16 and may be electrically connected with the power supply electronics 13 using the connecting means 15. In an example, the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 may disconnected from the first electrical connectors 18 of the battery pack 14 when the battery pack 14 is charged. In an example, the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 may be a male plug and the first electrical connectors 18 may be a female plug, as exemplarily shown in Fig. 1. For example, it may be advantageous that the first electrical connectors 18, which may be current-carrying depending on the charging state of the battery pack 14, may be a female plug to avoid electric shocks. In another example, the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 may be a female plug and the first electrical connectors 18 may be a male plug. In an example, the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 may comprise a cable with the male or female plug, optionally disposed in the region of the first opening 17 when the front unit 12 and back unit 11 are in assembled relation as mentioned above. The cable may be flexible so that the cable can be pushed aside when inserting the battery pack 14 through the first opening 17. In an example, a cable with a (e.g., female) plug may be connected to the battery pack 14 and a (e.g., male) plug may be fixedly connected to the front unit 12. This may be advantageous as the cable may not interfere when inserting the battery pack 14. In an example, the male plug and the female plug may be of the USB-C type or any other kind of connection type. The skilled person would appreciate the approach using at least one floating cable as described herein since one of the contacts may be attached to a cable the contact may not be sensitive for shock or impact. Forces acting on the electrical contacts in the event of a physical impact to the peripheral 10 may be reduced using a cable.

Fig. 3-2 is a schematic drawing showing the battery pack 14 comprising a protruding member 22 comprising second electrical connectors 19.

In an embodiment, the battery pack 14 may comprise second electrical connectors 19 configured to establish an electrical connection with the connecting means of the front unit 12 when the battery pack 14 is inserted into the battery compartment 16. In an example, the second electrical connectors 19 may be arranged at a second end of battery pack 14. In an example, the second end may be opposite the end of the battery pack 14, which is adjacent to the first opening 17. When the back unit 11 and the front unit 12 are in an assembled relation, the second end and/or the second electrical connectors 19 may be adjacent to the power supply electronics 13 of the front unit. For example, the battery pack 14 can be introduced into battery compartment 16 through the first opening 17 with the second end leading. Once the insertion of the battery pack 14 into the battery compartment 16 is at least partially complete, an electrical connection between the battery pack 14 and the power supply electronics 13 may be established.

Fig. 3-1 is a schematic drawing showing the back unit 11 of the peripheral 10 for an alarm system installation comprising a sealing chamber 20.

In an embodiment, the connecting means may be located inside a chamber 20 comprising a second opening 21, wherein the battery pack 14 comprises a protruding member 22 that comprises the second electrical connectors 19, wherein the electrical connection between the connecting means and the second electrical connectors 19 of the battery pack 14 is established when the protruding member 22 is inserted into the chamber 20 through the second opening 21 while the battery pack 14 is inserted in the battery compartment 16. In an example, the sealing chamber 20 may be arranged at a first end of the backing unit 11 , which is opposite the second end where the first opening 17 may be arranged. The sealing chamber 20 may comprise the second opening 21. The second opening 21 may be arranged at a height that corresponds to the height of the protruding member 22 of the battery pack 14 when the battery pack has been inserted into the battery compartment 16. For example, the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 may be arranged to be in electrical contact with the second electrical connectors 19 when the battery pack 14 has been inserted into the battery compartment 16. In an example, the second electrical connectors 19 may be arranged on an upper surface of the protruding member 22 facing the front unit 12, as exemplarily shown in Fig. 3-2 and Fig. 3-3. In an example, the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 may be arranged inside the sealing chamber 20 in the direction of the back unit 11. In an example, the connecting means 15 may enter the sealing chamber 20 through another opening of the sealing chamber 20 when the front unit 12 and the back unit 11 are assembled. For example, the second opening 21 may be a slot or circular hole, or may have a rectangular circumference. In an example, the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 may comprise pogo pins or contact springs and the second electrical connectors 19 of the battery pack 14 comprises contact pads. In general, the connecting means 15 and the second electrical connectors 19 may be designed to allow establishing an electrical connection between the battery pack 14 and the power supply electronics 13 when inserting the battery pack 14 into the battery compartment 16. In an example, when the front unit 12 and the back unit 11 are assembled and the battery pack 14 is inserted into the battery compartment 16, the sealing chamber 20 may form a sealed enclosure for the electrical connection between the battery pack 14 and the front unit 12 and the back unit 11.

In an embodiment, the protruding member 22 and/or the second opening 21 may comprise a sealing member 23 that may be configured to seal the interface between the second opening 21 of the chamber 20 and the battery pack 14, and optionally wherein a surface of the battery pack 14 and/or of the second opening 21 contacted by the sealing member 23 may be a continuous seamless surface. Fig. 3-2 exemplarily shows the arrangement of the sealing member 23 along the circumference of the protruding member 22 to seal the interface between the protruding member, i.e., the battery pack 14 and the sealing chamber 20, i.e., the back unit 11. In addition or alternatively, the another opening of the sealing chamber 20 through which the connecting means 15 may enter the sealing chamber 20 may comprise a sealing member to seal the interface between the sealing chamber 20 and the front unit 12. This may be advantageous in order to protect the power supply electronics 13 and especially the front device 12, for example, from the ingress of moisture and/or water, or other unwanted foreign objects. In addition or alternatively, the circumference of the second opening 21 may comprise a second sealing member 21. The sealing member 23 may include silicone or another material that may be suitable and/or may comprise water-repellent properties. Using a sealing chamber 20 may be advantageous with regard to a simplified sealing between the battery pack 14, the back unit 11, and the front unit 12 as the sealing area required is smaller than that required for sealing the entire battery compartment 16 and/or the entire circumferential interface between the back unit 11 and the front unit 12.

In an example, the connecting means may be part of a protruding member, wherein the battery pack 14 may comprise a recess that may comprise second electrical connectors, wherein the electrical connection between the connecting means and the second electrical connectors of the battery pack 14 may be established when the protruding member is inserted into the recess while the battery pack 14 is inserted in the battery compartment 16. In an example, the connecting means of the front unit 12 may comprise contact pads and the second electrical connectors of the battery pack 14 may comprise pogo pins or contact springs. In an example, the protruding member and/or the recess comprises a sealing member configured to seal the interface between the second opening of the chamber and the battery pack, and optionally wherein a surface of the battery pack and/or of the second opening contacted by the sealing member is a continuous seamless surface.

In an example, the peripheral 10 may comprise a cover 24 configured to close the first opening 17 of the battery compartment 16. An example of the cover 24 is shown in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2 in a position closing the first opening 17. The cover 24 may be provided with a latching lever adapted to be pivoted between a latching and a release position, the latching lever locking the cover 24 at the back unit 11 when being in the latching position. The latching lever may comprise an actuating slot on the outside so that no dedicated tools are required to rotate it. Alternatively, the actuation slot may be designed so that the latching lever can only be rotated with a special tool corresponding to the actuation slot. This may be advantageous to prevent someone from opening the battery compartment 16 without the special tool. In an example, the peripheral 10 may comprise a tamper switch cooperating with the cover 24 and configured to change switching condition when the cover 24 is opened or closed by a user. In an example, the tamper switch may comprise a sensing protrusion that cooperates with the cover 24. In addition, or alternatively, the cover 24 may comprise an actuation protrusion that cooperates with the tamper switch. In any case, the cooperation is such that the tamper switch changes its switching condition when the cover is removed from the back unit 11. Alternatively or in addition, the tamper switch may be configured to change its switching condition when the latching lever is rotated. In an example, the tamper switch may be configured to send a tamper signal from the peripheral 10 to a center unit 34 (see Fig. 7) in order to indicate unauthorized attempt to remove the battery pack 14.

Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing showing the back unit 11 and the battery pack 14 with a protruding edge 14c for sealing the interface between battery pack 14 and the back unit 11.

In an embodiment, the battery pack 14 may comprise a first end 14a and a second end 14b, wherein the battery pack is inserted into the battery compartment through the first opening 17 with the first end 14a leading, and wherein the second end 14b comprises a protruding edge 14c that has a larger circumference than the first opening. When the battery pack 14 is inserted into the battery compartment 16 through the first opening 17, the protruding edge 14c may close the first opening 17 by overlapping the edge along the perimeter of the first opening 17. For example, the battery pack 14 with the protruding edge 14c may have the shape of a plug that closes the first opening 17. The first opening 17 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 pack 14 may correspond to the shape of the first opening 17. The cross-sectional shape of the battery pack and the battery compartment may be asymmetric such that there is only one possibility of inserting the battery pack into the battery compartment. This may be advantageous as it ensures a proper alignment of electrical connectors. Alternatively or in addition, the first end 14a may comprise a profile comprising one or more recesses, one or more protrusions, and/or one or more ribs to ensure the battery pack 14 is inserted into the battery compartment 16 in the correct alignment.

In an embodiment the first opening 17 and/or the battery pack 14 may comprise a sealing member 25 configured to seal the interface between the battery pack 14 and the back unit 11, and optionally wherein a surface of the first opening 17 and/or a surface of the battery pack 14 contacted by the sealing member 25 may be a continuous seamless surface. In an example, the sealing member 25a may be arranged along the circumference of the first opening 17. In an example, the sealing member 25b of the battery pack 14 may be arranged along the protruding edge 14c. In an example, the sealing member 25 may be configured to make the battery compartment 16 waterproof or to prevent the intrusion of other fine-grained foreign objects into the interior of the peripheral 10 or the battery compartment 16. In an example, at side surface of the battery pack 14, which faces away from the peripheral 10 when the battery pack 14 has been inserted into the battery compartment 16, a locking mechanism may be arranged to fix the battery pack 14 in the battery compartment 16. In addition or alternatively, a locking mechanism may be arranged within the battery compartment 16 which may hold the battery pack 14 within the battery compartment 16. In an example, this may be done by using movable pins or by using a snap lock. In an example, the battery pack 14 comprises a lid 26 at the side surfaces of the battery pack 14 for closing a complementary opening of the battery pack 14. In an example, the battery pack 14 may contain one or more single batteries or battery cells. These can be replaced, for example, through the opening which is closed with the lid 26. In an example, the peripheral 10 may optionally comprise a tamper switch cooperating with the battery pack 14 and configured to change switching condition when the battery pack 14 is removed by a user. In an example, the tamper switch may comprise a sensing protrusion that cooperates with the battery pack 14. In addition or alternatively, the battery pack 14 may comprise an actuation protrusion that cooperates with the tamper switch. In any case, the cooperation is such that the tamper switch changes its switching condition when the cover is removed from the back unit 11. In an example, the tamper switch may be configured to send a tamper signal from the peripheral 10 to the center unit 34 (see Fig. 7) in order to indicate unauthorized attempt to remove the battery pack 14.

In an embodiment, the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 may be configured to be connected with an external power supply and wherein the external power supply may be a hardwired power supply. In an example, the back unit 11 may comprise an opening through which an electrical wire may be passed through. In an example, the connecting means 15 may comprise electrical clamps, for example screw clamps or clamps with push-in connection. In an example, the connecting means 15 configured to be connected with an external power supply may be formed as part of the power supply electronics 13. In an example, the opening 17 may be arranged on the back side of the back unit 11, with the back side facing a wall to which the peripheral 10 can be mounted. In an example, the hard-wired power supply may provide DC voltage. In an example, the aforementioned control circuit may be operated with DC voltage to enable functions of the front unit 12. For example, the required DC voltage may be provided by an electrical line. In an example, the power supply electronics 13 may comprise further components for processing the received electrical voltage/current, for example smoothing the voltage. In an example, the hard-wired power supply may provide AC voltage and wherein the power supply electronics may comprise a power adapter configured to receive the AC voltage and to output DC voltage. In an example, the aforementioned control circuit may be operated with DC voltage. In an example, the power supply electronics 13 may comprise a power adapter that may receive and process the AC voltage. For example, the power adapter may comprise components for transforming, rectifying, or smoothing the respective voltage. The power adapter may output a DC voltage for operating the control circuit, in order to enable the front unit 12 to perform various (hereinafter explained) functions. In an example, the external power supply may comprise a solar cell. In an example, the solar cell may output DC voltage. In an example, the power supply electronics 13 may comprise a solar charge controller circuit to output a suitable voltage to control circuit, even in the case of fluctuating voltage. In an example, a solar module may contain the electronics required for outputting a suitable voltage. In an example, the solar cell may be mounted to the front unit 12 or the back unit 11. In an example, the electronics for the solar cell may be located in the back unit 11 or in the front unit 12. In an example, the solar cell may be located at a different location than the peripheral 10. For example, the electrical energy from the solar cell may be transferred to the peripheral 10 via an electrical wire.

The following details refer to the Figs. 5-1 and 5-2. Fig. 5-1 is a schematic drawing showing a lockslide 29 comprising one or more pins. Fig. 5-2 is a schematic drawing showing the front unit mounted to the back using the lockslide.

In an embodiment, the back unit 11 and the front unit 12 may comprise each one or more mounting elements, optionally selected from hooks and/or eyes 27, 28, wherein a mounting element of the front unit may be configured to be adjacent a corresponding mounting element of the back unit 11 when the front unit 12 is mounted to the back unit 11. In an example, the one or more mounting elements 28 of the back unit 11 may be located at inner side surfaces of the back unit 11. In an example, the one or more mounting elements 27 of the front unit 12 may be located on a bottom side 12a of the front unit 12 facing the back unit 11. In an example, the front unit 12 may be mounted on the back unit 11 with bottom side 12a first. In an example, the one or more mounting elements 27 of the front unit 12 may be arranged adjacent to the one or more mounting elements 27 of the back unit 11. For example, the mounting elements may comprise openings, wherein an opening of one of the one or more mounting elements 27 of the front unit 12 form a common passage opening with the adjacent opening of the one of the one or more mounting elements 28 of the back unit 11 when the front unit 12 is mounted on the back unit 11. Fig. 5-2 shows as an example of how a mounting element 27 of the front unit 12 is adjacent to a mounting element 28 of the back unit 11 when the front unit 12 is mounted to the back unit 11.

In an embodiment, the peripheral 10 may comprise a lockslide 29 that may be movable arranged on a top side of the one or more mounting elements 28 of the back unit 11 and that comprises one or more pins 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d, wherein a pin 29d of the one or more pins 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d is configured to pass through aligned openings of adjacent mounting elements of the front and rear units, to lock the respective adjacent mounting elements together, when the lockslide 29 is moved from an unlocking position to a locking position. Fig 5-1 shows in more detail the one or more pins 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d attached to the lockslide 29. For example, the diameter of the one or more pins 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d may be smaller than the diameter of the openings of the one or more mounting elements 27 of the front unit 12 and/or of the one or more mounting elements 28 of the back unit 11. For example, an unlocking position may be a position of the lockslide 29 where the pins are not yet inserted into the openings of the one or more mounting elements 27, 28. In an example, the locking position may be a position in which the lockslide 29 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the peripheral 10 in a direction pointing away from the first opening 17 until one pin of the one or more pins 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d penetrates at least one mounting element 27 of the front unit 12 or at least one mounting element 28 of the back unit 11 and, correspondingly, at least partially at least one mounting element 28 of the back unit 11 or at least one mounting element 27 of the front unit 12, respectively. In an example, the lockslide 29 may be fixed to the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 in the locking position by locking means 30 such as a screw. In an example, one or more shafts comprising an inner thread may be arranged at the back unit 11, into which screws can be turned that are configured to fix the lockslide 29 in the locking position. In an example and as shown in Fig. 5-1 the lockslide 29 may be designed in the form of a sheet metal or a plate of any other material such as plastic. In an example, the one or more pins 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d may be attached to the surface 29e of the lockslide 29 facing the top side of the one or more hooks 28 of the back unit 11 by means of spot welding. In an example, the back unit 11 may comprise mounting means configured to allow the back unit 11 to be fixed to a wall. In an example, the mounting means may comprise one or more holes in the back side of the back unit 11 facing the wall, wherein the holes allow screws to be passed through the holes to attach the back unit 11 to the wall. In this way, the back unit 11 can avoid the need for a separate wall-mounting bracket, the back unit 11 serving as both a mounting bracket and at least a part of the main body. This functionality is enabled by the front unit 12 being mountable to the back unit 11 after the back unit 11 has been fastened to a wall. Avoiding the need for a separate wall backet can reduce costs by avoiding the need for separate components, and can also enhance the degree of integrality between the front unit and the supporting wall by a more direct fastening. The mounting can have high strength and excellent impact resistance. 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 back unit 11 comprises a locking element matching the counterpart, which may be locked into the counterpart.

Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing showing a housing 31 of the battery pack 14 containing battery cells.

In an example, the battery pack 14 may comprise a housing 31, wherein the housing 31 may comprise a first part 31a and a second part 31b configured to joint to each other by means of a locking mechanism and wherein the housing may contain one or more battery cells 32. 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 respective ends of the first part 31a and the second part 31b which contact each other when the first part 31a and the second part 31b are joined to each other, may be shaped like a kind of flange as exemplarily shown in Fig. 6. In an example and as exemplarily shown in Fig. 6 the screws may be placed in the corners which do not add to width or height of the housing 31. This may be advantageous in regard to robustness, production costs and ease of production, as not every housing 13 has to be subjected to a sealing functionality check. In an example, the battery pack 14 may comprise a sealing member 33 located at an interface between the first part 31a and the second part 31b. 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 33 may have the shape of the cross section of the first part 31a and/or the second part 31b of the housing 31. In an example, the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 may comprise a backup battery configured to provide electrical power to the power supply electronics 13, when the power supply electronics 13 does not receive electrical power from the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply. In an example, the backup battery may be arranged in the back unit 11 or in the front unit 12. In an example, the power supply electronics 13 may be configured to receive electrical energy from the back-up battery at the moment of a voltage drop at the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply. In an example, the power supply electronics 13 may Tbe configured to receive electrical energy from the back-up battery at the moment of a voltage drop at the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply. In an example, the power supply electronics may be configured to receive electrical power from the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply when the battery pack 14 is present and/or provides a voltage about a predetermined threshold value and/or the external power supply provides a voltage about a predetermined threshold voltage. In an example, the power supply electronics 13 may be configured not to receive electrical power from the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply when the voltage provided by the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply 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 when providing electrical power to the peripheral 10. In an example, the backup battery may be configured to be recharged through the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply when the battery pack 14 is present and provides a voltage that is higher than the predetermined threshold value. In an example, the backup battery may be configured to receive electrical power from the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply when the battery pack 14 provides a voltage that is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value. In an example, the power supply electronics 13 may comprise a diode circuit and/or a comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage provided by the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply with the predetermined threshold value.

In an example, the backup battery 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 time of the voltage drop.

In an example, the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 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 may result in a corresponding light signal. In an example, the light signal may indicate when the cover 24 has been opened or the battery pack 14 has been removed. In an example, the light module may indicate the operating state and/or the charging state of the battery pack 14. In an example, the light module may indicate when the peripheral 10 is in a switched off state or non-operating state. In an example, the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 may comprise an infrared light module. In an example, the infrared light module may comprise an infrared detector operating in a conventional manner to detect presence and movements of objects emitting infrared radiation.

Fig. 7 is a schematic drawing showing a functional embedding of the peripheral 10 in a security monitoring system.

In an example, the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 may comprise a communication interface configured to communicate with a remote resource. 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 example, the front unit 12 may comprise at least a camera comprising an image capture function and/or a video stream function. In an example, the aforementioned infrared light module may illuminate whatever is in front of the camera. In an example, the front unit 12 may comprise 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 front unit 12 may comprise at least an electronic key reader. In an example, the electronic key reader may be configured to authenticate the user 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 example, the front unit 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 example, the peripheral 10 may comprise a user interface. In an example, the user interface may comprise at least a keypad, a touch-sensitive or physical button, a touchscreen, microphone and/or a loudspeaker. For example, the peripheral 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, for example to authenticate to the system. For example, the access code can also be entered via the touchscreen.

To return to Fig. 7, the peripheral 10 may be part of a security monitoring system. In an example, the central unit 34 is configured to send data to the backend 35 and to receive data from the backend 35, wherein the data is at least related to unauthorized attempt to open the cover 24 or remove the battery pack 14. In an example, the tamper switch of the cover 24 and/or the tamper switch of the battery pack 14 may send signals to the central unit 34 when a switching condition of the respective tamper switch has been changed. In an example, the signal may be forwarded to a backend 35 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 may be further related to the image capture function and/or the video stream function of the camera. In an example, the backend 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, 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. In an example, the image data may be provided to a (mobile) device of the user without further processing or evaluation.

According to the second aspect, the modular apparatus for assembly of a peripheral 10 for an alarm system installation comprises a front unit 12 for the peripheral 10, the front unit 12 comprising electronics including power supply electronics 13 configured to receive electrical power (for example, directly or indirectly via a back unit 12 module), a first back unit module for supporting the front unit 12 when attached thereto, a second back unit module for supporting the front unit 12 when attached thereto, the second back unit module having a different functionality from, and/or at least one different size dimension from, the first back unit module, wherein the front unit 12 is mountable selectively to either of the first and second back unit modules to form the peripheral 10. The front unit 12 can be configured to receive power directly or directly via the back unit module to which it is assembled. In an example, a kit may be provided where the different back units provide electrical power to the peripheral 10 in different ways and/or provide different functionalities according to the aforementioned embodiments of the peripheral 10. This may be advantageous to establish a modularity of the peripheral 10. Various back units could be advantageous for the end customer. In an example, the front unit 12 may be configured to be mounted to different back units.

According to the third aspect, the method of assembling a peripheral for an alarm system installation, the method optionally using the apparatus according to the second aspect, comprises selecting a respective rear module unit by choosing between a first back unit module and a second back unit module for the peripheral, the first and second back unit modules providing at least partly different functionalities from each other and/or differing in at least one size dimension, mounting to the selected back unit module a front unit 12 for the peripheral 10, such that the front unit 12 is supported by the selected back unit module. The front unit can comprise electronics including power supply electronics 13. The front unit 12 may be configured to receive power directly or indirectly via the back unit module to which it is assembled. In an example, the method may further comprise a step, before the mounting step, of securing the selected rear module unit to a support, optionally, a structural wall.

In an example, at least one, optionally both, of the first and second rear unit modules may be or may comprise one or more of: a battery housing module, a module with a removable battery, a module with a removable battery pack, a non-battery -housing module, a wall mounting module, a wall-mounting battery-housing module, a wall-mounting non-battery-housing module, a lighting module, an infra-red lighting module, an intercom module. By way of example, a back unit without a battery may be slimmer or thinner than a back unit having a larger volume to accommodate a battery.

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. 8 to 11. 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. 8 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. 9 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. 8. 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 34 of Fig. 7. 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 35 of Fig. 7. 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. 9 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. 8 and Fig. 9 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. 10 and Fig. 11. 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. 1 to 4, 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. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a video entry arrangement 510, such as that shown in Fig. 10. 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.

Fig. 12-1 to Fig. 12-3 illustrating various exemplary embodiments of the peripheral 10. As shown in Figs. 12-1 to 12-3 the back unit 11 may have different lateral/longitudinal dimension or size from the front unit 12, and may define a foot print of different size. In an example, the circumference of the back unit 11 may be larger than circumference of the front unit 12. In an example, the circumference of the back unit 11 matches the circumference of the front unit 12, as shown in Fig. 12-1. In an example, the back unit 12 may have a front surface or facia portion where the back unit 11 is not covered by the front unit 12. This front facia may have additional components, such as a screen, a light, or a keypad, as exemplarily shown in Fig. 12-2 and Fig. 12-3. In an example, the front unit 12 may stack on front of the back unit 11. In an example, the front unit 12 may be partly embedded into a recess or hollow of the back unit 11. In an example, the recess or hollow may be part of the battery compartment 16. In an example, the different back units 11 may provide different functionalities. In an example and as exemplarily shown in Fig. 12-2, the back unit 11 may be or may comprise a battery housing module or a lighting module. In an example and as exemplarily shown in Fig. 12-3 the back unit 11 may be or may comprise an intercom module. The back unit 11 may functionally cooperate with the front unit 12.

Embodiments:

1. A peripheral 10 for an alarm system installation, comprising a back unit 11 ; a front unit 12 configured to be mounted to the back unit 11 in such a manner to be supported by the back unit, wherein the front unit 12 comprises power supply electronics 13, wherein the power supply electronics 13 is configured to receive electrical power from a battery pack 14 and/or an external power supply via i connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 and/or ii the back unit 11. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 1, wherein the back unit 11 comprises a battery compartment 16 comprising a first opening 17 through which the battery pack 14 is inserted. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the battery pack 14 comprises first electrical connectors 18. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 1, 2, or 3, wherein the connecting means 15 are configured to be connected with the first electrical connectors 18 of the battery pack 14 when the battery pack 14 is inside the battery compartment 16. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the battery pack 14 is configured to be charged via the first electrical connectors 18 of the battery pack 14 when the battery pack 14 is inside the battery compartment 16 or is removed from the battery compartment 16. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 5, wherein the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 is disconnected from the first electrical connectors 18 of the battery pack 14 when the battery pack 14 is charged. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 3 to 6, wherein the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 is a male plug and the first electrical connectors 18 is a female plug. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 3 to 6, wherein the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 is a female plug and the first electrical connectors 18 is a male plug. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the connecting means 15 of the front unit 12 comprises a cable with the male or female plug, optionally disposed in the region of the first opening when the front unit 12 and back unit 11 are in assembled relation. The peripheral 10 according to embodiments 1, 2, 3, or 5, wherein the battery pack 14 comprises second electrical connectors 19 configured to establish an electrical connection with the connecting means of the front unit 12 when the battery pack 14 is inserted into the battery compartment 16. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 10, wherein the connecting means are located inside a chamber 20 comprising a second opening 21, wherein the battery pack 14 comprises a protruding member 22 that comprises the second electrical connectors 19, wherein the electrical connection between the connecting means and the second electrical connectors 19 of the battery pack 14 is established when the protruding member 22 is inserted into the chamber 20 through the second opening 21 while the battery pack 14 is inserted in the battery compartment 16. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the connecting means of the front unit 12 comprises pogo pins or contact springs and the second electrical connectors 19 of the battery pack 14 comprises contact pads. The peripheral 10 according to embodiments 10, 11, or 12, wherein the protruding member 22 and/or the second opening 21 comprises a sealing member 23 configured to seal the interface between the second opening 21 of the chamber 20 and the battery pack 14, and optionally wherein a surface of the battery pack and/or of the second opening contacted by the sealing member is a continuous seamless surface. The peripheral 10 according to embodiments 1, 2, 3, or 5, wherein the connecting means are part of a protruding member, wherein the battery pack 14 comprises a recess that comprises second electrical connectors, wherein the electrical connection between the connecting means and the second electrical connectors of the battery pack 14 is established when the protruding member is inserted into the recess while the battery pack 14 is inserted in the battery compartment 16. 15. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 14, wherein the connecting means of the front unit 12 comprises contact pads and the second electrical connectors of the battery pack 14 comprises pogo pins or contact springs.

16. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the protruding member and/or the recess comprises a sealing member configured to seal the interface between the second opening of the chamber and the battery pack, and optionally wherein a surface of the battery pack and/or of the second opening contacted by the sealing member is a continuous seamless surface.

17. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 2 to 16, further comprising a cover 24 configured to close the first opening 17 of the battery compartment 16.

18. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 17, further comprising a tamper switch cooperating with the cover 24 and configured to change switching condition when the cover 24 is opened or closed by a user.

19. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 18, wherein the tamper switch comprises a sensing protrusion that cooperates with the cover 24.

20. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the cover 24 comprises an actuation protrusion that cooperates with the tamper switch.

21. The peripheral 10 according to embodiments 2 to 20, wherein the battery pack 14 comprises a first end 14a and a second end 14b, wherein the battery pack is inserted into the battery compartment through the first opening 17 with the first end 14a leading, and wherein the second end 14a comprises a protruding edge 14c that has a larger circumference than the first opening.

22. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 2 to 21, wherein the first opening 17 and/or the battery pack 14 comprises a sealing member 25 configured to seal the interface between the battery pack 14 and the back unit 11, and optionally wherein a surface of the first opening and/or a surface of the battery pack contacted by the sealing member is a continuous seamless surface.

23. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the battery pack 14 comprises a lid 26 at the side surfaces of the battery pack 14 for closing a complementary opening of the battery pack.

24. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a tamper switch cooperating with the battery pack 14 and configured to change switching condition when the battery pack 14 is removed by a user.

25. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 24, wherein the tamper switch comprises a sensing protrusion that cooperates with the battery pack 14.

26. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 24 or 25, wherein the battery pack 14 comprises an actuation protrusion that cooperates with the tamper switch.

27. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 6 to 14, wherein the tamper switch is configured to send a tamper signal from the peripheral 10 to a center unit 34 in order to indicate unauthorized attempt to remove the battery pack 14.

28. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the connecting means of the front unit is configured to be connected with an external power supply and wherein the external power supply is a hard-wired power supply.

29. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 28, wherein the hard-wired power supply provides DC voltage.

30. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 28, wherein the hard-wired power supply provides AC voltage and wherein the power supply electronics comprises a power adapter configured to receive the AC voltage and to output DC voltage.

31. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 28, wherein the external power supply comprises a solar cell. 32. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 31, wherein the solar cell is mounted to the front unit 12 or the back unit 11.

33. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the back unit 11 and the front unit 12 comprises each one or more mounting elements 27, 28, optionally selected from hooks and/or eyes, wherein a mounting element of the front unit is configured to be adjacent a corresponding mounting element of the back unit 11 when the front unit 12 is mounted to the back unit 11.

34. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 33, wherein the one or more mounting elements 28 of the back unit 11 are located at inner side surfaces of the back unit 11.

35. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 33 or 34, wherein the one or more mounting elements 27 of the front unit 12 are located on a bottom side 12a of the front unit 12 facing the back unit 11.

36. The peripheral 10 according to embodiments 33, 34, or 35, further comprising a lockslide 29 that is movable arranged on a top side of the one or more mounting elements 28 of the back unit 11 and that comprises one or more pins 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d, wherein a pin 29d of the one or more pins 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d is configured to pass through aligned openings of adjacent mounting elements of the front and back units, to lock the respective adjacent mounting elements together, when the lockslide 29 is moved from an unlocking position to a locking position.

37. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 36, wherein the lockslide 29 can be fixed to the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 in the locking position by locking means 30 such as a screw.

38. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 36 or 37, wherein the lockslide 29 is designed in the form of a sheet metal or a plate of any other material such as plastic. 39. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 36, 37, 38, wherein the one or more pins 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d are attached to the surface 29e of the lockslide 29 facing the top side of the one or more hooks 28 of the back unit 11 by means of spot welding.

40. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the back unit 11 comprises mounting means configured to allow the back unit 11 to be fixed to a wall.

41. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 40, wherein the mounting means comprises one or more holes in the back side of the back unit 11 facing the wall, wherein the holes allow screws to be passed through the holes to attach the back unit 11 to the wall.

42. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the battery pack 14 comprises a housing 31, wherein the housing 31 comprises a first part 31a and a second part 31b configured to joint to each other by means of a locking mechanism and wherein the housing contains one or more battery cells 32.

43. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 42, wherein the locking mechanism is a thread-screw connection.

44. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 42 or 43, wherein the battery pack comprises a sealing member 33 located at an interface between the first part 31a and the second part 31b.

45. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 comprises a backup battery configured to provide electrical power to the power supply electronics 13, when the power supply electronics 13 does not receive electrical power from the battery pack 14 and/or the external power supply.

46. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 comprises a light module configured to indicate an operating state or a warning signal to a user. 47. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 comprises an infrared light module.

48. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the back unit 11 and/or the front unit 12 comprises a communication interface configured to communicate with a remote resource.

49. The peripheral 10 according any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the front unit 12 comprises at least a camera comprising an image capture function and/or a video stream function.

50. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the front unit 12 comprises at least a motion detector.

51. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the front unit 12 comprises at least an electronic key reader.

52. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the front unit 12 comprises a magnetic field detector configured to detect changes in a magnetic field provided by a separated magnetic coil component.

53. The peripheral 10 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a user interface, wherein the user interface comprises at least a keypad, a touch-sensitive or physical button, a touchscreen, microphone and/or a loudspeaker.

54. The peripheral 10 according to any one of embodiments 17 to 53, wherein the central unit 34 is configured to send data to the backend 35 and to receive data from the backend 35, wherein the data is at least related to unauthorized attempt to open the cover 24 or remove the battery pack 14.

55. The peripheral 10 according to embodiment 54, wherein the data is further related to the image capture function and/or the video stream function of the camera. Modular apparatus for assembly of a peripheral 10 for an alarm system installation, the apparatus comprising: a front unit 12 for the peripheral 10, the front unit 12 comprising electronics including power supply electronics 13 configured to receive electrical power via a back unit 12 module; a first back unit module for supporting the front unit 12 when attached thereto; a second back unit module for supporting the front unit 12 when attached thereto, the second back unit module having a different functionality from, and/or at least one different size dimension from, the first back unit module, wherein the front unit 12 is mountable selectively to either of the first and second back unit modules to form the peripheral 10, and optionally wherein the front unit 12 configured to receive power via the back unit module to which it is assembled. A method of assembling a peripheral for an alarm system installation, the method optionally using the apparatus of embodiment 60, the method comprising: selecting a respective rear module unit by choosing between a first back unit module and a second back unit module for the peripheral, the first and second back unit modules providing at least partly different functionalities from each other and/or differing in at least one size dimension; mounting to the selected back unit module a front unit 12 for the peripheral 10, such that the front unit 12 is supported by the selected back unit module, the front unit comprising electronics including power supply electronics 13, and optionally wherein the front unit 12 configured to receive power via the back unit module to which its assembled. The method according to embodiment 61 , further comprising a step, before the mounting step, of securing the selected rear module unit to a support, optionally, a structural wall. Apparatus according to embodiment 60, or a method according to embodiment 61 or 62, wherein at least one, optionally both, of the first and second back unit modules is or comprises one or more of: a battery housing module; a module with a removable battery; a module with a removable battery pack; a non-battery -housing module; a wall mounting module; a wall-mounting battery-housing module; a wall-mounting non-battery-housing module; a lighting module; an infra-red lighting module; and/or an intercom module.