WO2007129145A2

WO2007129145A2 - Home television expandable for wireless acquisition, and for user-selected viewing, of surveillance and security images

Info

Publication number: WO2007129145A2
Application number: PCT/IB2006/004237
Authority: WO
Inventors: Huitian Wu
Original assignee: Huitian Wu
Priority date: 2005-11-07
Filing date: 2006-11-07
Publication date: 2007-11-15
Also published as: WO2007129145A3

Abstract

Video signals arising from, and at, a variably selectable number of video surveillance cameras (191, 193, 195, 197) are wirelessly transmitted and conventionally multiplexed for viewing upon, most typically, a household television (11) that is normally used for viewing entertainment and educational programming. A modular video multiplexer (15), called a security module, is both easily mounted inside the television (11), and easily electrically connected to the television via a universal cable (17), by the owner-user, leaving nothing of the surveillance system showing externally at the television. Moreover, easy control of the video surveillance is completely integrated with control of the television (11), making the entire system user-friendly to assemble, expand, repair and operate.

Description

HOME TELEVISION EXPANDABLE FOR WIRELESS ACQUISITION, AND FOR USER-SELECTED VIEWING, OF SURVEILLANCE AND SECURITY IMAGES

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is descended from, and claims benefit of priority of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number 60/734,378 filed November 7, 2005, for SYSTEM FOR DIRECTLY PLUG CONNECTING DIVERSE PORTABLE MULTIMEDIA SOURCES OF TV SIGNALS, SUCH AS DVD PLAYERS OR TV RECEIVERS, TO A FLAT SCREEN TELEVISION IN ANY OF MULTIPLE POSITIONS, and U.S. Utility Patent Application serial number 11/413,940 filed April 28, 2006, for HOME TELEVISION EXPANDABLE FOR WIRELESS ACQUISITION, AND FOR USER-SELECTED VIEWING, OF SURVEILLANCE AND SECURITY IMAGES.

The present application is also related to U.S. Utility Patent Application serial number 11/413,942 for a TELEVISION BOTH HOUSING, AND CONNECTING VIA A UNIVERSAL INTERFACE TO, VARIOUS MODULAR MULTIMEDIA SOURCES, filed on and even date with the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally concerns (1) education and entertainment televisions that are functionally expandable and extendable to acquire and display surveillance and security images, (2) the physical and electrical interfaces to such expandable televisions, and (3) the packaging of a modular, television-based, education and entertainment system that also serves, under user control, to display surveillance and/or security images.

The present invention particularly concerns (1) education and entertainment televisions that add modules which wirelessly communicate with remote cameras in order to provide surveillance and/or security images to the television, (2) televisions that physically house, and that electrical connect through a universal interface, one or more optional modules that supply = from wireless connections to remote cameras ~ surveillance and security images to the televisions, and (3) education and entertainment televisions that optionally also integrally package, electrically connect, and functionally control modular security systems.

2. Background of the Invention

2.1 Display of Surveillance and Security Images on Regular Televisions

The present invention will be seen to concern particular methods, and interfaces, for (1) the acquisition of camera-generated surveillance and security images to regular, education and entertainment, home televisions, and (2) the display of the images so acquired.

It is generally known that surveillance and security images may be acquired to, and may be displayed on, normal household televisions that are otherwise used at other times for the viewing of educational and entertainment programming.

For example, ASD Lighting pic, Mangham Road, Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, Rotherham S61 4RJ, United Kingdom, produces an "ASD Smartwatch" surveillance system. This covert, low cost CCTV system (1) is both simple and easy to install and (2) uses a standard TV (and also any VCR) in the home. The "ASD Smartwatch" system is provided as a "ready to install" kit that includes each of a (1) maneuverable weatherproof camera, (2) 12 volt power supply, and (3) 20 meters of cable with a TV connection and a scart socket. With such installation and setup as is alleged by manufacturer ASD Lighting to be simple, the system provides for the display of camera surveillance - such as of pathways, patios and gardens — on a standard TV.

In greater detail the "Smartwatch" system offers a high resolution camera (420 TVL) with a low light capacity of 0.2 lux, a camera specification pick up device, a 1/3" CCD, picture elements in the number of 512 (H) by 582 (V), a scanning system of 625 lines at 50 Frames/sec, a vertical frequency of 50 HZ, an internal synch, horizontal resolution of 420 Lines, and an O/P signal LVPP composite video into 75 ohms. No camera distortion, with linearity limited by lens and monitor, is claimed. A 12 v.d.c. power source provides 100 ma. current. The lens is a 3.6 mm / F 2.0. Operating temperature is from. -10⁰C to + 50⁰C

The "Smartwatch" surveillance kit realizes CCTV security at home or at work. Each kit comes complete with PIR Plus™ activated light fitting camera with 20 m. of camera cable; a "Smartwatch" control box, an auto recorder controller, a power cable with a scart lead, and a choice of camera PIR fittings.

At night the light is triggered by the PIR, providing illumination for the camera to see. Any scene, or anybody approaching the premises, can be recorded automatically on a user- supplied VCR. An audio alert is provided 24 hours a day, alleviating any need for constant video monitoring.

Thus permanent automatic 24 hour security is provided in a system is designed to work with a preexisting TV and VCR.

In operation, when a visitor/intruder approaches the surveilled premises, or house, he/she/it activates the PIR and camera. An audio buzzer sounds while TV is being watched. The viewer uses a supplied handset to gate an appropriate image to the TV in order to see who's there. The user may also initiate recording on a VCR if desired or required. Recording may be made to be automatic during absence, or sleep, of the owner/user.

Also offered by ASD Lighting is the "Smartwatch 4" kit with Picture Interrupt Facility. This picture interrupt facility of the "Smartwatch 4" kit can be set to automatically flash on the T. V. screen an image captured by any of the PIR cameras as they are triggered, enabling the user/owner to check who is approaching even while enjoying a T. V. program or video tape.

The "Smartwatch 4" kit includes a 4- way switcher, a power pack, an auto record controller and a scart lead. The "Smartwatch 4" can then have added up to four (4) of any of the camera PIR/light fittings options. The "Smartwatch 4" kit offers all the features of the "Smartwatch 1" kit with the added benefits of a 4-way switcher to permit the owner/user to monitor from up to four (4) camera fittings sequentially.

At night lighting may be triggered by the PIR, providing illumination for the camera to see. Anybody approaching the protected premises can be recorded automatically. An audio alert is again provided 24 hours a day, alleviating any need for constant video monitoring..

2.2 Video Multiplexers

The present invention will be seen to include modular devices that serve as video multiplexers.

Video multiplexers are known. For example, Appro offers four, nine and sixteen channel black and white, and color, video multiplexer units. These units reportedly offer high resolution, good playback picture quality, full duplex operation, built in video motion detection, and covert camera function.

The power consumption of a typical video multiplexer unit is 15 watts. Dimensions are about 430 mm (W) x 200 mm(D) x 44.4 mm (H). Weight is about 2.5 Kg The video inputs arise at 4, 9 or 16 cameras. There are two (2) video output signal ports. Refresh speed is 0 Frames/sec. Horizontal resolution is 1024 x 512 pixels. Video format is NTSC/PAL. The power supply is 2 volts

2.3 Wireless Video Cameras

The present invention will be seen to preferably employ wireless video cameras as surveillance and security cameras.

Wireless video cameras, including as are use in surveillance and security systems, are known.

2.4 A Modular Television

The present invention will be seen to be in part based upon a television that could be called modular, at least in its selectable incorporation of security features.

As explained in United States Patent number 6973411 for a Method for managing module-related information in modular system, a modular television receiver (hereinafter, referred to as a modular TV) is a television receiver that has adopted the structure of a personal computer and includes a base module, which processes A/V (audio/video) data, which provides the processed A/V data to a display device, and which provides an interface to the user. Such a modular system is implemented as in one or more functional blocks (i.e., modules) consisting of devices such as an NTSC (National television system committee) TV, a cable TV, a DSS (digital satellite service) TV, an Internet adapter, a digital video disc (a "DVD", also called a "digital versatile disc"), or a game adapter. These devices are connected to the base TV module through an interface means, and communicate with the base module.

The modular TV permits a number of individual A/V devices to be integrated into one system. It permits various electric home appliances having different functions to be connected to one another without the need of complicated external connection lines.

The base, or TV, module in the modular TV system is required to maintain and manage module-related information, including the identification code of each module, drive programs, usage guides, or help messages, In this manner the modules operate smoothly and interface well with the user. For example, drive programs, which contain information necessary for the operation of modules, may frequently be varied in accordance with different needs, such as the need for correcting bugs or improving performance. The patented modular system can deliver this information to the appropriate modules. The modular TV system may thus effectively obtain updated module-related information, and may install this information within modules connected to the modular system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contemplates improvements to the viewing of surveillance, or security, video upon a television ~ most typically a household television ~ that is normally, and otherwise, devoted to education and entertainment viewing.

In the preferred system of the present invention video signals arising from, and at, a selectable number of video surveillance cameras are conventionally multiplexed for viewing upon, most typically, a household television that is normally used for viewing entertainment and educational programming. hi accordance with the improvements of the present invention, (1) the viewing of surveillance, or security, video is selectively enabled at the television (and not elsewhere) by the owner/user, normally by a use of the TV's remote control. Moreover, (2) the particular channel or channels of surveillance video to be viewed are likewise selected at the TV.

This (1) selective enablement of video surveillance viewing at the TV intentionally serves to make that this viewing is at the sole behest and initiation of the television owner/user, and is not foisted upon the owner/user during his/her viewing of the television as was the case with previous systems elevating security over normal television usage. This beneficially makes that — in a busy household where many events are detected by the security cameras each day — normal television viewing is not unduly interrupted, and the owner/user can invoke the viewing of security video upon the TV only when and where positively wanted, such as upon hearing a noise in the dead of night. Clearly the owner/user can also select surveillance channels of particular interest, such as an entrance area upon hearing a doorbell, or a continuous monitoring of children playing in some particular surveilled area.

Moreover, and furthermore, each of up to four (4) surveillance, or security, cameras are preferably wireless interconnected to a security unit, or video multiplexer, that is (1) modular in form. Furthermore, each (1) security module is (2) easily physically mountable to the TV, and (3) easily electrically connected to the TV.

Importantly, at least two (2) of these security modules preferably fit within the volume of the television. The television is most preferably of the flat screen type. It both fits and mounts at its rear surface, and electrically interfaces through a standard cable, the least two security modules.

Effectively the security function of the television is both (1) modular - and may be added or increased by the owner/user of the TV, either upon initial sale and installation or thereafter - and (2) concealed. The many obvious advantages such as (1) the ability to flexibly adapt a TV to desired security function (2) without ay attendant cables or clutter are joined by some advantages that are less obvious. An observer of the TV, or even of the single remote control to the system including the TV, cannot easily tell how many cameras are (wirelessly) connected. Should some number of surveillance cameras be detected by an intruder desiring to evade the system security, it cannot be determined as to whether other, concealed, cameras are also present. In simple terms, the same concealment that imparts elegance to the installed system also enhances its security.

In detail, and according to the modular construction of the system, at least two (2) security modules, and an associated one (1) to eight (8) surveillance or security cameras, may be easily, quickly and unobtrusively be connected to a single TV. Since the TV most typically has a large and flat screen, image resolution for even wide angle surveillance and security cameras is excellent, and the expense of any camera pan, tilt, and/or zoom may often be avoided.

Surveillance cameras and security modules may be added to the system after initial purchase. A failure in a surveillance camera of a security module does not affect the TV. Likewise, a surveillance camera of security module may be removed, repaired or replaced without any necessity to disconnect or transport the television.

In summary, the television video security system of the present invention accommodates the realities of the modern home. It is modular, simple, easy, quick, straightforward and exceptionally neat to install. It serves to leverage an oftentimes considerable asset of the home - a large-screen flat-screen high-resolution television - in a manner that realistically serves home security requirements. In simple terms, the system is neither so intrusive in its function, nor so demanding in its control, so as to induce frustration of its owner/user as to the essential purpose of the system. The system is well-balanced to the requirements, and to the environment, of a modern home. 1. A functionally-integrated television-based surveillance, or security, video system

Accordingly, in one of its aspects the present invention may be considered to be embodied in a functionally-integrated television-based surveillance, or security, video system.

The system includes (1) a plurality of surveillance cameras each for transmitting a video image of an associated scene; (2) a television for displaying at times educational and entertainment video programming, and, at other times, a camera video image of a scene; and (3) one or more video multiplexers, each receiving video images of a scene transmitted from an associated plurality of surveillance cameras and each controllable to gate a selected video scene image to the television for display by the television.

The system further includes (3) a single, unitary, controller for the television, and of the educational and entertainment video programming shown thereon, that also serves to control (1) the one or more video multiplexers to gate to the television a selected video scene image and also (2) the television to selectively display this selected video image.

By this integration of control, both (1) the display of a selected video image, as well as (2) the educational and entertainment video, by the television is integral to the single, unitary, television controller. Moreover, control of the display of surveillance camera video images on the television is functionally integrated with the display of education and entertainment video programming upon the same television.

The plurality of surveillance cameras preferably transmit video wirelessly, and the video multiplexer receives this wireless video from the plurality of wireless surveillance cameras.

The preferably-wireless video multiplexer is preferably both (1) housed within the television, and (2) electrically connected to the television for receipt of the selected video scene image... This electrically connection is preferably by a cable that is also suitable to otherwise connect the television to an alternative source of video: namely, any of (1) multimedia players, including Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) players, (2) TV tuners and receivers, including local wireless receivers and cable receivers and satellite receivers, and (3) Internet television converter-tuners. 2 A television-based modular surveillance system

In another of its aspects the present invention is embodied in a television-based surveillance system that is modular in construction.

In this system a television displays at times educational and entertainment video programming, and, at other times, a camera video surveillance image of a scene.

One or more security modules fit within the volume of the television. Each receives the video of one or more surveillance cameras and selectively controllably provides a selected surveillance camera video image to the television.

A number of surveillance cameras each make a video image of an associated scene and transmit this scene video image to an associated security module,

Finally a controller of the one or more security modules selectively controls both that (1) a selected security module should supply a camera video image to the television for display thereon, and, when there is more than one surveillance camera video image, (2) which particular surveillance camera video image is selected for display.

The surveillance cameras preferably wirelessly transmit a scene video image to an associated security module, and the security module wirelessly receives these images transmitted by the plurality of surveillance cameras. Since the one or more security modules fit within the volume of the television, at such times as the plurality of wirelessly transmitting security cameras are remote from the television, it is then not visually detectable in or at the television when the television is displaying educational and entertainment video programming that the television can also display a selected surveillance camera video image. The television-based modular surveillance system is thus fairly said to be physically integrated with the television.

Moreover, and furthermore, the controller of the one or more security modules is preferably also the selfsame controller of the viewing of educational and entertainment programming upon the television. Control of both the television-based modular surveillance system, and of the television within the system, is fairly said to be functionally integrated.

3 A television-based modular surveillance system:

In still yet another of its aspect the present invention is embodied in a television- based modular surveillance system that is functionally integrated.

In the preferred system a television displays at times educational and entertainment video programming, and, at other times, a camera video surveillance image of a scene;

One or more security modules — each receiving the video of one or more surveillance cameras — selectively controllably providing a selected surveillance camera video image to the television.

A number of surveillance cameras each make a video image of an associated scene and transmit this scene video image to an associated security module.

Finally, a single, unitary, controller controls both (1) the one or more security modules for selectively controlling both that a selected security module should supply a camera video image to the television for display thereon, and, when there is more than one surveillance camera video image, which particular surveillance camera video image is selected for display, and, at such times as the viewing of a surveillance camera video image is not desired, and also (2) the television for the viewing of selected educational and entertainment programming.

Because of this common, unitary, control, of both the television-based modular surveillance system, and the television within the system, the system is fairly said to be functionally integrated.

At least one of the security modules is preferably physically located within the volume of the television. More preferably all of the one or more security modules are physically within the volume of the television.

Each of the several surveillance cameras preferably wirelessly transmits a scene video image to an associated security module. The security module then wirelessly receives these video images transmitted by the surveillance cameras. As before, since the one or more security modules are physically within the volume of the television, at such times as the plurality of wirelessly transmitting security cameras are remote from the television, it is then not visually detectable in and at the television when the television is displaying educational and entertainment video programming that the television can also display a selected surveillance camera video image. Thus, as before, the television-based modular surveillance system may be fairly said to be physically integrated with the television.

These and other aspects and attributes of the present invention will become increasingly clear upon study of the following drawings and accompanying specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a three-dimensional perspective view of preferred embodiment of the modular, television-based, wireless display surveillance and/or security system in accordance with the present invention there the television also serves to present education and entertainment programming.

Figure 2, consisting of Figures 2a through 2d, are diagrammatic representations showing how a security module is show how a security module, and other modules, are both plugged to a television by a universal cable, and are later enclosed with the volume of the television, within the system of the present invention previously seen in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an electrical schematic block diagram of the system of the present invention previously seen in Figure 1.

Figure 4a is a diagram of a universal cable serving to connect, among other devices, a security module to a television base module in the system of the present invention, and Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view of the same cable showing that some conductors transmitting high frequency video signals are shielded.

Figure 5, consisting of Figures 5a through 5d, is a Table listing the organization and shielding of signals carried upon the forty-four (44) pins of the universal interface cable, called an "MGI Versabus" cable, previously seen in Figure 4, which cable serves to connect a security module, and other modules, to the television base module within the system of the present invention.

Figure 6, consisting of Figures 6a through 6c, is a Table listing the names and the types of signals carried upon the forty-four (44) pins of same universal interface cable, called an "MGI Versabus" cable, previously seen in Figures 4 and 5, which cable serves to connect a security module, and other modules, to the television base module within the system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A three-dimensional perspective view of preferred embodiment of a modular, television- based, wireless display surveillance and/or security system 1 in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 1. A television 11, preferably of the flat screen type, is shown in rear view with left and right access panels (later seen in Figure 2) removed.

A first modular unit 13 is physically mounted to the television 11 at the indicated position, and is electrically connected to plug jack 121 thereof by a standard, universal, cable 17. The first modular unit may be any of (1) a DVD player, (2) a DVR, (3) an interface to the Internet, (4) a wireless interface module, (5) still other modules, or, as is of particular importance to the present invention, (6) a security module.

There is yet another modular unit mounting and connection position on the television 11, as illustrated by the second modular unit 15, which is particularly illustrated to be, for sake of explanation of the invention, a security module 15. Thus either one, or two, (6) security modules may optionally be connected to the television 11, and may occupy either the illustrated positions of the first modular unit 13 or the second modular unit 15. (Other types of mountable and connectable modular units may likewise be mounted and connected in the positions, and in quantities either one or two, as required or desired.) The illustrated second modular unit 15 in the particular form of a security module 15 is again connected to the television 11 by a universal cable 17 (as will be further discussed in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4) that, in the case of the security module 15, connects to television plug jack 122.

The television 11 also presents an array of substantially standard connectors at its connector panel 14. It may thus already be recognized that the connectable modules 13, 15 — of which the security module 15 is or primary importance of the present invention — are substantially integrated with the television 11. Namely, these modules not only fit within the volume of television 11 (as will become more clear in Figure 2), but also electrically integrate with the television 11 in a manner not requiring those standard plug jack connectors of the connector panel 14. It was through the plug jacks of this connector panel 14 that, in previous surveillance and security systems, video surveillance signals (among other signals) might be connected to the television 11. (They may still be so connected to the television 11 in the system 1 of the present invention, but the properties of (1) physical, and (2) control, integration within the present invention are then lost.)

The security module 15 communicates, preferably wirelessly as illustrated, to up to four (4) wireless surveillance or security cameras 191-197. Both the security module 15 and the cameras 191-197 are normally always powered "ON". Since the television 11 may mount and connect up to two (2) security modules 15 each of which can itself connect to up to four cameras 191-197, the system 1 of the present invention may use and connect from one (1) to eight (8) total cameras.

A series of diagrammatic representations showing how the security module 15, and other modules, may be plugged to the television by the universal cable 17 is shown in Figure 2, consisting of Figures 2a through 2d. In a first step illustrated in Figure 2a a rear lid, or cover 111 is slid open. A module of any type, including a security module 15, is inserted and connected via the cable 17, is illustrated in the second and third steps of Figures 2b and 2c. Finally the cover 111 is restored, as illustrated in the fourth and final step of Figure 2d.

Clearly only minimal sophistication is required by the user to establish or upgrade the function(s) of his/her television 11, including in turning it into part of a modular system 1 in accordance with the present invention by the simple addition of a security module 15 and one or more wireless cameras 191-197. There are no externally visible units, cables or connectors. There is absolutely no clutter. Should it ever be necessary to seek repair for the system 1, if the television 11 is still operative, likely only the security module 15 and/or one(s) of the cameras 191-197 need be repaired or exchanged, a simple task normally accomplishable by the user-owner.

When the security module 15 is electrically connected to the television 11, it is both automatically identified to the television 11. Control of the video multiplexing function of the security module 15 will be integrated, replete with on-screen displays, with the control, normally and preferably by use of an infrared controller, of the television 11. The manner as to how this is done is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is an electrical schematic block diagram of the system 1 of the present invention that was previously seen in Figure 1. The television 11, two security module 15 (as well as other modules), and the cable 17 and its plug jacks 121, 122 may each readily be located. Importantly to the automated identification of the security module 15, it produces a signal of .7 to 1.0 volts on a particular signal line and pin — signal line "Module Identity Signal" and pin 33 as may be seen in the Table of Figure 6c - that is detected by an analog-to-digital converters ADl or AD2 (as the case may be) within the television 11. This signal is of a different voltage level for modules of other types (as indicated in the Table of Figure 6c).

The granularity, or step- wise accuracy, of the analog-to-digital converters within the TV 11 are such that they will each produce a unique digital signal output - indicative of a connected security module 15 — when, and only when, so connected to a security module 15. This digital signal output serves, via a conventional table look-up circuit, to branch the microprocessor-based control of the television 11 to, when a security function is otherwise selected at the television's hand-held remote controller (not shown), to branch the television 11 into an on-screen display of available surveillance/security functions.

Certain screen displays appear on television 11 in selection of a security module if more than one be present, and a camera (video) input to the security module.. A higher-level display screen (not shown) is first accessed, and then subsequent screens are selected by remote control.

The physical form of a universal cable 17 serving to connect, among other devices, a security module 15 to a base TV module 11 is shown in Figure 4, consisting of Figure 4a and Figure 4b.

The universal interface between the television base module 11 and, among other modules, the security module 15 realized by the universal interface cable 17 is listed in the Tables of Figure 5 (consisting of Figures 5a through Figure 5c) and Figure 6 (consisting of Figures 6a and 6b). Selections made in response to the screen display cause the television base module 11 to send a signal upon the UART interface of signal lines/pins 31, 32 and 34 as do cause the security module 15 to gate the video signal of a selected camera 191- 197 (shown in Figures 1 and 3) to the television 11, where it is displayed. Thus the control of the display of surveillance and/or security video is completely integrated with normal control of the television 11 for the presentation of educational and entertainment video from diverse source.

The Table of Figures 5 and 6 lists the signals carried upon the forty-four (44) pins of the universal interface cable 17, called an "MGI Versabus" cable. The Table of Figure 5 shows, along with Figure 4b, that various radio frequency (rf) signals must be shielded in the cable. The Table of Figure 6 lists the actual signals that are carried on this universal cable, with serves to connect diverse modular sources of video as well as security cameras (though a security module) to the television 11. Thus, to state again, the universal interface cable 17 serves not only to connect a security module 15 to the television 11, but also still other modules. This is part of the subject of the related patent application for a TELEVISION BOTH HOUSING, AND CONNECTING VIA A UNIVERSAL INTERFACE TO, VARIOUS MODULAR MULTIMEDIA SOURCES.

In accordance with the preceding explanation, various alterations and adaptations of the system of the present invention will be obvious to a practitioner of the digital video system arts. The cameras 191-197 could have alternatively been connected to the security module 15 by video cables. Provision could be made for more than two security modules 15, or more than four cameras 191-197 per security module. Surveillance or security images could be caused upon the detection of certain conditions to automatically appear on the screen of television 11, and./or several images could be made to sequence — all as is standard in video surveillance and security systems.

The system of the present invention will be recognized to primarily be directed to harmonious packaging of system component, full functional integration, and, most of all, ease of system assembly and use by its owner-user. Accordingly, the following claims should be interpreted broadly, and not solely in accordance with that particular systems embodiment within which the present invention has been taught.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 A surveillance, or security, video system CHARACTERIZED IN THAT a plurality of surveillance cameras each transmit video image of an associated scene; a television displays at times educational and entertainment video programming, and, at other times, a camera video image of a scene; and one or more video multiplexers, each receiving video images of a scene transmitted from an associated plurality of surveillance cameras, are each controllable to gate a selected video scene image to the television for display by the television; and a single, unitary, controller for the television, and of the educational and entertainment video programming shown thereon, also serves to control (1) the one or more video multiplexers to gate to the television a selected video scene image and also (2) the television to selectively display this selected video image; wherein control of both (1) the display of a selected video image, as well as (2) the educational and entertainment video, by the television is integral to the single, unitary, television controller; wherein control of the display of surveillance camera video images on the television is functionally integrated with the display of education and entertainment video programming upon the same television.

2. The surveillance, or security, video system in accordance with claim 1 FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the plurality of surveillance cameras transmit video wirelessly; and the video multiplexer receives wireless video from the plurality of wireless surveillance cameras.

3. The surveillance, or security, video system in accordance with claim 2 FURTHER . CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the wireless video multiplexer is both housed within the television, and electrically connected to the television for receipt of the selected video scene image..

4. The surveillance, or security, video system in accordance with claim 3 FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the wireless video multiplexer is electrically connected to the television by a cable that is also suitable to otherwise connect the television to an alternative source of video.

5. The surveillance, or security, video system in accordance with claim 4 FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the cable that is suitable to connect the television to video other sources of video is so suitable to connect the television to video arising from any of

(1) multimedia players, including Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) players,

(2) TV tuners and receivers, including local wireless receivers and cable receivers and satellite receivers, and

(3) Internet television converter-tuners.

6 A television-based modular surveillance system CHARACTERIZED IN THAT a television displays at times educational and entertainment video programming, and, at other times, a camera video surveillance image of a scene; one or more security modules, fitting within the volume of the television, each receives the video of one or more surveillance cameras and selectively controllably provides a selected surveillance camera video image to the television; a plurality of surveillance cameras each make a video image of an associated scene and transmit this scene video image to an associated security module; and a controller of the one or more security modules selectively controls both that a selected security module should supply a camera video image to the television for display thereon, and, when there is more than one surveillance camera video image, which particular surveillance camera video image is selected for display.

7. The television-based modular surveillance system according to claim 6 FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the plurality of surveillance cameras are wirelessly transmitting a scene video image to an associated security module; the security module is wirelessly receiving images transmitted by the plurality of surveillance cameras; and since the one or more security modules fit within the volume of the television, at such times as the plurality of wirelessly transmitting security cameras are remote from the television, it is then not visually detectable in the television at such times as the television is displaying educational and entertainment video programming that the television can alternatively display a selected surveillance camera video image; wherein the television-based modular surveillance system is said to be physically integrated with the television.

8. The television-based modular surveillance system according to claim 6 FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the controller of the one or more security modules is also the controller of the viewing of educational and entertainment programming upon the television; wherein control of both the television-based modular surveillance system, and of the television within the system, is said to be functionally integrated.

9 A television-based modular surveillance system CHARACTERIZED IN THAT a television displays at times educational and entertainment video programming, and, at other times, a camera video surveillance image of a scene; one or more security modules each receive the video of one or more surveillance cameras and selectively controllably provide a selected surveillance camera video image to the television; a plurality of surveillance cameras each make a video image of an associated scene and transmit this scene video image to an associated security module; and a single, unitary, controller controls both (1) the one or more security modules for selectively controlling both that a selected security module should supply a camera video image to the television for display thereon, and, when there is more than one surveillance camera video image, which particular surveillance camera video image is selected for display, and, alternatively at such times as the viewing of a surveillance camera video image is not desired, also (2) the television for the viewing of selected educational and entertainment programming; wherein control of both the television-based modular surveillance system, and the television within the system, is said to be functionally integrated.

10. The television-based modular surveillance system according to FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT at least one of one or more security modules is physically within the volume of the television.

11. The television-based modular surveillance system according to claim 9 FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT all the one or more security modules are physically within the volume of the television.

12. The television-based modular surveillance system according to claim 11 FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the plurality of surveillance cameras are wirelessly transmitting a scene video image to an associated security module; the security module is wirelessly receiving images transmitted by the plurality of surveillance cameras; and since the one or more security modules are physically within the volume of the television, at such times as the plurality of wirelessly transmitting security cameras are remote from the television, then it is not visually detectable in and at the television at such times as the television is displaying educational and entertainment video programming that the television can also, alternatively, display a selected surveillance camera video image; wherein the television-based modular surveillance system is said to be physically integrated with the television.