Abstract:
The invention disclosed provides an apparatus and method for a surveillance camera having various attributes which make it advantageous in security applications. The invention allows for the quick adjustment of camera angle or the removal of the camera frame assembly, supplies a solution for video distorting caused by ground looping, and can provide a video signal to devices which record, store, or transmit images via RF to a monitor in a remote location. The apparatus includes a shock absorbing functionality and a decoy plastic faceplate including a card reader or biometrics reader. The plastic faceplate can be imprinted with a design, message, and heat and/or pressure sensitive paint. The camera frame and mounting bracket are assembled together to allow easy adjustment of the camera angle through an arc path of up to 120° without dismantling the camera frame assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part claiming priority benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/602,661 entitled “Covert Camera Apparatus for a Doorframe and Method” filed on Nov. 21, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to an apparatus for covert surveillance. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for mounting a miniaturized camera in, on or near a doorframe or other structure and orienting the apparatus for conducting covert camera surveillance. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Currently there are many video surveillance devices in the marketplace that monitor given areas or situations. An essential function of a video surveillance system is to capture clear images of the subjects being monitored. Often the image captured is used to identify a perpetrator, and therefore the best image possible and from the most beneficial vantage point is of utmost importance. Concealed cameras generally offer the best opportunity to clearly identify perpetrators. 
         [0004]    Prior art efforts to discreetly monitor an area include miniaturizing a camera and positioning it in ordinary fixtures such as mannequins, light fixtures, clocks, smoke detectors, or door knobs. U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,499 to Gumpenburger discloses a miniaturized camera affixed to a height measurement strip mounted to the wall or doorframe near the exit of a convenience store. One problem with this system and other prior art systems is that they lack the capability to easily adjust and fine-tune the camera angle without the inconvenience and delay of dismantling the apparatus to make the adjustment. Further, the prior art camera angle adjustments are limited. 
         [0005]    Another problem with prior art video surveillance systems is ground looping. Ground looping occurs where there is a difference in potential voltage in the ground connection path between two pieces of equipment. In a video system, ground looping causes video hum that is usually observed as vertically moving horizontal bars slowly rolling through the video image. Video hum can also cause video distortion or even loss of the picture in severe cases. 
         [0006]    Another problem with prior art video capture systems is the susceptibility to damage from sudden shocks. The prior art systems are easily damaged and require repair or replacement if subjected to typical impact loads. Impact loads due to tampering and vandalism are common in areas where security cameras are typically deployed. Still further, in the prior art, it has been difficult to detect tampering with a camera from mere visual inspection. Usually, to detect tampering in prior art systems, it is necessary to check camera angles from a video monitor. Such a necessity many times causes lost video capture due to the delay between damage of the camera and discovery of the damage. Not only is replacing a damaged video capture system expensive, but while the system is being repaired or replaced, the user is without a video capture system and thus unprotected. 
         [0007]    As shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , it is known in the prior art to mount a lens of a miniaturized camera in a grommet supported by a pair of offset flanges. The tolerance between the hole in the grommet and the lens is sufficiently large to allow the camera to be easily moved. Angle adjustments in the lens are made in the prior art by using a tie wire fed through wire holes in the flanges and around the camera body. The wire is twist tightened to the opposite side of the desired camera sight line. The taught wire holds the camera to the desired angle. This method of altering the camera angle has not been entirely satisfactory because it lacks precision in defining camera angle and is prone to movement if the camera is subject to impact. The use of the tie wire has also not been satisfactory because it electrically connects the body of the camera with the external frame thereby allowing for an electrical ground loop. Further, the wire monitoring has not been satisfactory because it is easily misaligned by a shock on impact to the housing. 
         [0008]    While the prior art offers some rudimentary ability to position camera angle, none has addressed the ground loop potential and none has the capability to withstand an impact without damage or need for adjustment and without easy determination. 
         [0009]    It is then a goal of the present invention to provide a covert video surveillance system that produces high quality images. 
         [0010]    It is another goal of the present invention to provide a covert video surveillance system that is mounted to a doorframe or other structure without substantial modifications to the existing structure. 
         [0011]    It is another goal of the present invention to provide a covert video surveillance system, which includes a miniaturized camera mounted in a hingebly and removably mounted frame assembly. 
         [0012]    It is another goal of the present invention to provide a covert video surveillance system, which can withstand and absorb the shock from a perpetrator&#39;s attack. 
         [0013]    It is another goal of the present invention to provide a covert video surveillance system, which includes a camera frame assembly that has the ability to easily adjust the camera angle with durable precision and without disassembling the camera frame assembly. 
         [0014]    It is another goal of the present invention to provide a covert video surveillance system, which prevents ground loop interference. 
         [0015]    It is a further goal to provide a covert video surveillance system that can be easily adapted to meet a large number of deployment scenarios and further to be easily reconfigurable. 
         [0016]    It is a further goal to provide a covert video surveillance system with a mechanism to easily indicate tampering by visual inspection of the camera. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0017]    The invention provides an apparatus and method for a covert video surveillance system mounted to a doorframe or any structure where video monitoring is desired. The invention is designed to allow the apparatus to be easily and adjustably mounted without substantial modification to the structure of the doorframe or other mounting surface. The camera frame assembly and mounting bracket are designed to allow simple adjustments of the camera angle without dismantling the camera frame assembly and to withstand direct impact forces intended to damage the apparatus. The camera angle can be further adjusted an additional five degrees in any direction as a result of the flexible nature of the rubber-like grommet imparting a friction gripping action on the camera. The invention also utilizes the non-conductive nature of the rubber-like grommet to insolate the camera from ground looping and protect the image from video hum. The invention also provides a mechanism to allow easy reconfiguration of the camera body for different deployment situations and further provides a mechanism for easy detection of tampering or impact. 
         [0018]    The apparatus includes a mounting bracket formed in a U-shape with an oblong hole of constant width on each side, two mounting holes, and a pass through hole for the video and power cords of the camera and/or any other devices. The camera frame is attached to the mounting bracket via two bolts through the oblong holes. The bolts are adjustable by hand. The camera frame assembly is made up of the camera frame top, the camera frame bottom, the rubber-like grommet, a CCTV camera including a power cord and a video cable, shock absorbing dampers, and a plastic cover/faceplate. The camera frame top has a hole through its top surface flanked by two offset flanges. The flexible insulation grommet is mounted in the hole on the two flanges creating a space for mounting the camera. In one embodiment, the camera is positioned inside the flexible insulation grommet and held in place by friction. In another embodiment, threaded adjustments are provided. The camera frame bottom fits inside the camera frame top and is attached with four screws through the sides of each. In another embodiment, shock absorbing dampers are located inside the camera frame assembly and are attached to the plastic cover/faceplate and the camera frame bottom. The plastic faceplate is attached to the dampers by two flat head screws and is transparent directly over the lens of the camera. The faceplate not only serves to protect the camera lens, but also to conceal the apparatus. In an alternate embodiment, the invention utilizes a completely transparent faceplate in combination with interchangeable inserts. The inserts add to the covert nature of the device by functioning as signage or camouflage. 
         [0019]    In yet another embodiment, a pressure sensitive paint is used in connection with the faceplate to visually display evidence of tampering or impact. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1   a  is a section view showing a Prior Art video camera supported by a grommet and secured by wire mounted on flanges. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1   b  is a section side view of Prior Art taken along line  1   b - 1   b  of  FIG. 1   a  showing camera angle adjustments via wire. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an assembled covert camera apparatus. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the components of a covert camera apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4   a  is a plan view of an assembled covert camera apparatus. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4   b  is a section view of the camera frame assembly showing shock absorbing dampers. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5   a  is an elevation view of an assembled covert camera apparatus depicting the camera&#39;s sight line perpendicular to the mounting surface. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5   b  is an elevation view of an assembled covert camera apparatus depicting the camera&#39;s sight line adjusted  600  from center. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6   a  is a plan view of a camera frame top. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6   b  is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a camera frame top. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a section view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6   a  depicting an alternative preferred embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a section view taken along  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6   a  depicting an alternative preferred embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an assembled covert camera apparatus including a magnetic card reader. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of camera frame assembly showing closed cell plastic shock absorbing foam. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of camera frame assembly showing shock absorbing rubber washers. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an assembled covert camera apparatus including a transparent faceplate and a changeable insert. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13   a  is a section view of the apparatus with a changeable insert. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13   b  is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a transparent faceplate and a frictionally mounted changeable insert. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment including a lenticular lens and a various set of displayed messages. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0040]    In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  shows covert camera apparatus  200  is comprised of camera frame assembly  210  and mounting bracket  220 . Covert camera apparatus  200  is mounted anywhere surveillance is required. For example, the apparatus may be mounted on a door frame or a bank teller&#39;s station as a name plate holder. Covert camera apparatus  200  may also be employed in situations such as drive through pharmacies and automated teller machines. Covert camera apparatus  200  is compact and light to facilitate mounting discreetly and without substantial modifications to the mounting surface. In the preferred embodiment, mounting bracket  220  is formed in a U-shape and is made of ⅛ in. thick metal such as steel or aluminum alloys. In other embodiments, the various frames and covers could be made of rigid plastic. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows mounting bracket  220  in greater detail. The mounting bracket is comprised of mounting bracket base  330  and two mounting bracket sides  326 . In the preferred embodiment mounting bracket base  330  is approximately 6¼ inches long. Two mounting bracket sides  326  are perpendicular to mounting bracket base  330  and are approximately 1¼ inches long. Mounting bracket base  330  has two mounting holes  322  located along its lengthwise centerline and approximately 1 inch from each mounting bracket side  326 . In the preferred embodiment, mounting holes  322  are ⅛ inch in diameter, but can be any size sufficient to receive mounting screws capable of securely supporting mounting bracket  220  and camera frame assembly  210 . Mounting bracket base  330  also has hole  324  for power cord and video cable  312  of camera  306 . Camera  306  provides a video feed for many different devices capable of displaying, recording, storing, or transmitting images via RF to a monitor in a remote location. In the preferred embodiment, hole  324  is approximately ¾ inch in diameter and is located along the lengthwise center line of mounting bracket base  330  and approximately 1¼ inch from mounting bracket side  326  but can be located anywhere on mounting bracket base  330 . 
         [0043]    Mounting bracket sides  326  each are provided with a single slotted adjustment hole  328 . Each slotted adjustment hole  328  is an oblong hole of constant width located on the lengthwise centerline of each mounting bracket side  326  and in the preferred embodiment is approximately ¾ inch long and ¼ inch wide beginning approximately 3/16 inch from the open end of mounting bracket side  326 . Bolt  314  and two washers  327  are used to secure camera frame assembly  210  to mounting bracket  220  through each slotted adjustment hole  328 . Rubber washer  329  is made of rubber or similar flexible compressible material and is used on the inside surface of mounting bracket side  326 . Bolt  314  is capable of being tightened or loosened by hand. 
         [0044]    Camera frame assembly  210  houses camera  306  and provides gross adjustments for the sight line of camera  306 . Camera frame assembly  210  can be adjusted by loosening bolts  314  and rotating camera frame assembly  210  about the center axis of bolts  314 . About 120 degrees of camera rotation about the longitudinal axis of the apparatus can be achieved in the preferred embodiment. Camera frame assembly  210  can also be adjusted about its latitudinal axis by loosening bolt  314  and sliding camera frame assembly  210  within slotted adjustment hole  328 . About 25 degrees of camera rotation about the latitudinal axis can be achieved. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  also shows camera frame top  302 , camera frame bottom  304 , camera  306  including power cord and video cable  312 , grommet  308 , and faceplate  310 . Camera frame top  302  and camera frame bottom  304  are both formed generally in the shape of a five sided oblong box. 
         [0046]    The base surface of camera frame bottom  304  has cable hole  316  and damper holders  319  and  321 . Cable hole  316  is approximately ¾ inch in diameter and located such that when camera frame bottom  304  is secured adjacent to mounting bracket  220 , cable hole  316  is concentrically aligned with hole  324  located on mounting bracket base  330 . Damper holders  319  and  321  in the preferred embodiment comprise short threaded cylindrical standoffs rigidly secured to the inside frame of camera frame bottom  304 . The damper holders are located such that when camera frame bottom  304  and camera frame top are secured together, damper holders  319  are concentrically aligned with faceplate holes  344 . Damper holder  321  is concentrically aligned with camera hole  342 . In the preferred embodiment, damper holders  319  and  321  are threaded to receive a damper base bolt. The base surface of camera frame bottom  304  also has two tie-down holes  317 . Tie-down holes  317  are used to secure power cord and video cable  312  to the base surface of camera frame bottom  304 . In the preferred embodiment, tie-down holes  317  are located approximately ½ inch from each other and within approximately ½ inch from cable hole  316 . A cable tie (not shown) or other securing means is threaded through the two tie-down holes  317  and over power cord and video cable  312  securing power cord and video cable  312  to camera frame bottom  304 . Perpendicular to the base surface of camera frame bottom  304  are four side surfaces forming the sides of the oblong box shape. In the preferred embodiment, the overall length of camera frame bottom  304  is approximately 5⅞ inch. The two major sides of camera frame bottom  304  are approximately 4½ inch long and are centered along the length leaving approximately ⅝ inch open space on each end between them and the minor sides. In the preferred embodiment, the overall width of camera frame bottom  304  is 1⅝ inch. The two minor sides of camera frame bottom  304  are approximately 1⅜ inch wide and are centered along the width leaving approximately ⅛ inch open space on each end between them and the major sides. Each major side has two frame bottom assembly holes  318  and both minor sides have one frame bottom bolt hole  320 . Frame bottom assembly holes  318  are both approximately located on the lengthwise centerline of the major sides and ½ inch from the sides of the major sides. One frame bottom bolt hole  320  is located in the approximate middle of each minor side. Frame bottom bolt holes  320  are threaded to receive bolts  314 . Frame bottom assembly holes  318  are threaded to receive assembly screws  346 . 
         [0047]    In the preferred embodiment, camera  306  is a miniaturized color charge-coupled device camera contained in a compact package having dimensions of approximately 1⅛ inch wide, 1⅛ inch long, and ¾ inch tall; part no. ______, available from Samsung, Inc. of China. The cylindrical portion of camera  306  that houses the lens is approximately ½ inch in diameter. The cylindrical portion of camera  306  fits snugly into a centered circular hole approximately ½ inch in diameter in grommet  308 . In the preferred embodiment, grommet  308  is generally cylindrical with an approximate diameter of 1 inch. The grommet is approximately ¼ inch thick, and includes an annular indention  336  in the outside surface of its circumference. In the preferred embodiment, the grommet is made of natural rubber or silicon rubber. The rubber material absorbs impact loading that may be applied to covert camera apparatus  200  and electrically insolates camera  306  from possible ground loop problems. In the preferred embodiment, annular indention  336  is approximately ⅛ inch deep. In other embodiments the grommet can have outside peripheral shapes that are square or rectangular in shape. Because grommet  308  is made of a non-conductive material, grommet  308  prevents ground looping. 
         [0048]    Grommet  308  is attached to camera frame top  302  through a fraction fit between annular indention  336  and mounting flanges  340 . In order to accommodate a friction fit, the inside diameter of the hole in the grommet is approximately 1 mm smaller than the outside diameter of the camera lens. The smaller diameter of the hole in the grommet is an advance over the art because it facilitates a stable support for the camera lenses by frictional engagement. The flexibility of the friction fit allows for minor camera angle adjustments up to approximately five degrees in any direction. 
         [0049]    In the preferred embodiment, camera frame top  302  and camera frame bottom  304  are made of a light aluminum or steel alloy of approximately 1/16 inch thick. The top surface of camera frame top  302  has faceplate holes  344  and camera hole  342  flanked by two offset mounting flanges  340 . In one embodiment, camera hole  342  and mounting flanges  340  are located in the center of camera frame top  302 . In another embodiment, camera hole  342  flanked by mounting flanges  340  is located off center to accommodate additional devices such as a card reader. Camera hole  342  and mounting flanges  340  are offset below the top surface of camera frame top  302  approximately ⅛ inch. Perpendicular to the top surface of camera frame top  302  are minor sides  361  and  363  and major sides  362  and  364 . Together the long sides and the short sides form four sides of an oblong box shape. In the preferred embodiment, the overall length of camera frame top  302  is approximately 6 inches. In the preferred embodiment, the overall width of camera frame top  302  is 1¾ inch. The two minor sides of camera frame top  302  are approximately 1½ inch wide and are centered along the width leaving approximately ⅛ inch open space on each end between them and the major sides. Each major side has two frame top assembly holes  348  and both minor sides have one frame top bolt hole  350 . One frame top bolt hole  350  is located in the approximate middle of each minor side. The overall dimensions of camera frame top  302  are slightly larger than those of camera frame bottom  304 . When assembled, camera frame bottom  304  fits inside of camera frame top  302 . 
         [0050]    In the preferred embodiment, faceplate  310  is approximately 5¾ inches in length and 1½ inches wide. Faceplate  310  is made of a transparent, shock resistant plastic and is approximately 3/16 inch thick. The thicker faceplates may be deployed where tampering is a particular danger. Faceplate  310  has two faceplate mounting holes  352  and lens hole  354 . The underside of faceplate  310  coated with a flat black paint except for lens hole  354 . Lens hole  354  acts as a window for the line of sight of the camera. Faceplate mounting holes are used to secure the faceplate to the camera frame top and to hold in place dampers  402 . Lens hole  354  is not a hole through the material; rather lens hole  354  is a small circular transparent area that allows camera  306  to capture images through faceplate  310 . In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of lens hole  354  is approximately ¼ inch. In other embodiments, faceplate  310  can be designed to resemble an EXIT sign, CAUTION sign, or other insignia such as a ruler or a mirrored surface. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , light emitting diodes  311  can be embedded in faceplate  310  and programmed to scroll signs or banners across its surface as is known in the art. The LEDs can also emit infrared light to enable the camera to function in dark conditions. Faceplate  310  is attached to camera frame top  302  and dampers  402  with two flathead faceplate screws  351 . Faceplate mounting holes  352  are countersink holes to allow faceplate screws  351  to sit flush with faceplate  310 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  shows shock absorbing fluid dampers  402  mounted inside camera frame assembly  210 . The dampers are provided to absorb impact shock to the faceplate. Damper  402  includes chamber  404  in which resides movable piston  406 . Piston  406  is attached to piston rod  408 . Piston rod  408  projects through end-wall  410 . Chamber  404  is filled with a viscous damper fluid such as mineral oil or glycerin. Holes  413  within the piston head allow for the damper fluid to move from one end of the cylinder to the other as the piston head moves. Seal  412  is provided in end-wall  410  surrounding piston rod  408 . Stop rings  415  are rigid disks attached at a predetermined position on the piston rod. The stop rings prevent removal of the faceplate by prying. Spring  414  is positioned around piston rod  408  in between the top surface of chamber  404  and inside surface of camera frame top  302  to bias the piston in an extended position. Spring  414  can also be housed inside chamber  404  beneath piston  406  in order to bias the piston in the extended position. 
         [0053]    Dampers  402  are secured to the bottom surface of camera frame top  302  by faceplate screws  351 . Dampers  402  are held in position by damper base bolts  416  in the damper holder  319  located on camera frame bottom  304 . 
         [0054]    Damper  420  is positioned under camera  306 . Damper  420  is held in place by damper base bolt  418  in damper holder  321  located under camera  306 . Piston rod  422  contacts the bottom surface of camera  306  via piston ball  424  located on the end of piston rod  422 . Piston ball  424  is a non-metallic substance in the preferred embodiment to prevent electrical connection of the piston with the camera body. The piston ball is positioned to deflect downwardly and slide along the bottom of the camera. The piston ball is also configured to also allow the camera bottom to pivot without losing contact with it. 
         [0055]    The piston can be displaced by impact to the faceplate. After displacement, spring  414  returns to the extended piston  406  position in the minimum time possible without oscillation. The spring and damper combination in the preferred embodiment is chosen to have spring and damper coefficients that provide for critical damped behavior. Overdamped behavior is also preferable in situations where repeated impacts are less likely. 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  also shows faceplate skirt  430 . Faceplate skirt  430  is made of rubber or flexible plastic and is attached along the circumference of faceplate  310 . The faceplate skirt is designed to slide along the outside of the camera housing in order to allow for movement of the faceplate with respect to the housing. Faceplate skirt  430  is used to form a barrier to dust, debris and moisture. Faceplate skirt  430  can also be adapted to serve as a weather seal for outdoor use. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show an elevation view of the camera apparatus.  FIG. 5   a  depicts the orientation of camera frame assembly  210 . In this configuration, 0° from center, camera sight line  502  is perpendicular to faceplate  310  and to mounting bracket  220 .  FIG. 5   b  depicts the orientation of camera frame assembly  210  rotated along the central axis of bolts  314  60° from center. The present invention is capable of adjusting the orientation of camera frame assembly through any angle between zero degrees and sixty degrees either direction for a range of motion of about 120 degrees. 
         [0058]      FIG. 6   a  shows a top view of camera frame top  302  with grommet  308  and camera  306  in place.  FIG. 6   b  shows a top view of another embodiment of camera frame top  302  including device pass-through hole  602  and additional faceplate holes  344 . Device pass-through hole  602  is located behind where the additional device (not shown) would be mounted and is sized appropriately to allow the pass-through of the necessary cables and power cords connected to the device. Accordingly, the locations of camera hole  342 , mounting flanges  340 , and faceplate holes  344  are adjusted as shown to accommodate the additional device. 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  shows the assembled apparatus including the attachment of card reader  902 . Accordingly, the locations of lens hole  354  and faceplate mounting holes  352  are adjusted as shown to accommodate the addition of card reader  902 . In the preferred embodiment, if faceplate  310  is enabled to send active messages, such as with a series of light emitting diodes, messages can be displayed. For example, a clock display, an “Entry Allowed” message, an “Entry Denied” message or other messages can be displayed or scrolled across the faceplate with the aid of a digital computer as is known in the art. 
         [0060]    In additional embodiments, different security devices can be attached to the apparatus. Different devices such as thumbprint readers, iris scanners, voice recognition sensors or motion detectors can be implemented. 
         [0061]      FIG. 7  is a section view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6   a  depicting camera sight line  502  adjusted approximately five degrees. The friction fit between the camera and the grommet allows camera  306  to be slightly adjusted in any direction while seated in grommet  308 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  is a section view taken along  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6   a  depicting an alternate embodiment. A set of two adjustable turnbuckles are provided which rigidly fix the angle of the camera in the grommet but provide for rotation about two axes of the camera. The turnbuckles can be used with or without the spring damper mechanisms. The turnbuckles include a set of pivot point screws  804  and  814 ; a pair of oppositely threaded eyelet bolts  801  and  802 , and  811  and  812 ; two turnbuckle bodies  806  and  816  and tabs  808  and  818 . Pivot point screw  804  attaches threaded eyelet bolt  801  to one side of camera  306 . Pivot point screw  814  attaches threaded eyelet bolt  811  to an adjacent side of camera  306 . The threaded end of eyelet bolts  801  and  811  are inserted into turnbuckle bodies  806  and  816  respectively. Eyelet bolts  802  and  812  are also inserted into the turnbuckle bodies  806  and  816  and are further attached to camera frame bottom  304  through tabs  808  and  818  respectively. 
         [0063]    Varying the overall length of each turnbuckle tilts camera  306  in various directions. The cooperation of the turnbuckles provides a means of adjustment of the camera in two orthogonal planes up to approximately five degrees in any direction in the preferred embodiment. The eyelet bolts and turnbuckle bodies can be made of plastic to prevent electrical contact between the camera and the enclosure. In an alternate embodiment, the eyelet bolts and tabs may be coated with a rubber covering to insulate them from the enclosure. In an alternate embodiment, tabs  808  and  818  may be on an internal surface of the camera frame. 
         [0064]    In other embodiments of the present invention such as shown in  FIG. 10 , a layer of closed cell plastic shock absorbing foam  1002  is secured between faceplate  310  and the top surface of camera frame top  302 . In still other embodiments as shown in  FIG. 11 , shock absorbing rubber washers  1102  and  1104  are secured by faceplate screws  351  and located between faceplate  310  and the top surface of camera frame top  302 . The foam and washers may be used in any embodiment of the invention to add additional impact resistance and weather resistance. 
         [0065]    Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  shows the assembled apparatus including transparent faceplate  1210  and an interchangeable insert  1202  mounted under transparent faceplate  1210 . In this embodiment, transparent faceplate  1210  is completely transparent. The transparency of faceplate  1210  permits insert  1202  to be visible through faceplate  1210 . Insert  1202  is constructed of a thin layer of flexible plastic such as polystyrene or PVC but can also be constructed of laminated paper or cardboard. In a preferred embodiment, insert  1202  has the same length and width dimensions as transparent faceplate  1210 , and a thickness that is approximately half that of transparent faceplate  1210 . Insert  1202  includes lens hole  1206 . Lens hole  1206  is an approximately ¼ inch diameter hole and allows a camera mounted in the camera frame assembly underneath to capture images through transparent faceplate  1210 . In this example, insert  1202  is shown with the word “STEP” inscribed on it to accommodate mounting of the device next to a set of stairs on a school bus. Of course, any message or design may be printed on the insert. Multiple inserts can be provided with any desired words, phrases or images printed thereon and easily swapped out as the need arises. If transparent faceplate  1210  is enabled to send active messages, such as with a series of light emitting diodes, the signage on insert  1202  may be positioned such that the LEDs work in conjunction with the printed words or symbols to display various messages. 
         [0066]    Insert  1202  may also be provided with a heat sensitive paint. The heat sensitive paint can be used to indicate a fire condition on one side or the other of a doorframe or be arranged to indicate the temperature of the unit in Arabic numbers. Examples of heat sensitive paint are shown in Pressure and Temperature Sensitive Paints by Tianshu Liu and John P. Sullivan (Springer 2004), incorporated herein by reference. In yet another embodiment, insert  1202  may be imprinted with a pressure sensitive paint which reflects evidence of tampering by changing color with the pressure between the insert and the frame is varied. Examples of pressure sensitive paints are shown in Dual Luminophore Pressure-Sensitive Paint—I. Ratio of Reference to Sensor Giving a Small Temperature Dependency, by G. E. Khalil, C. Costin, J. Crafton, G. Jones, S. Grenoble, M. Gouterman, J. B. Callis and L. R. Dalton in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 97, Number 1, 1 Jan. 2004, pp. 13-21(9), incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0067]    In another embodiment, to facilitate the interchangeability of insert  1202 , removable adhesive laminates may be affixed to a reusable insert. In another embodiment, insert  1202  replaces the closed cell plastic shock absorbing foam shown in  FIG. 10  or the shock absorbing rubber washers shown in  FIG. 11 . In yet another embodiment, the closed cell plastic shock absorbing foam can be imprinted with the message. 
         [0068]      FIG. 14  shows another alternate embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a camera, unit  1504 , is fitted with a faceplate  1503  which includes a lenticular lens  1502 . Behind the lenticular lens is a printed interchangeable insert  1505  designed to work in cooperation with lenticular lens  1502 . A lenticular lens, as known in the prior art, is a type of Fresnel lens which can be arranged to provide the illusion of different pictures when viewed from different viewing angles. An example of a lenticular lens and image providing this capability can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,870 to Gottfried. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,870 is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0069]    In the current embodiment of the invention, insert  1505  is printed with a pattern to reflect three messages from different viewing angles in front of camera  1504 . Directly within the camera field of view, denoted in  FIG. 14  as area  1506 , the insert is printed to reflect the message “CORRECT POSITION”. The view of the camera face from area  1506  is shown as faceplate appearance  1514 . In the viewing area  1510  to the left of camera  1504 , insert  1505  is printed so that when viewed through lenticular lens  1502 , it projects the message “MOVE RIGHT”. The appearance of the camera in area  1510  is shown as faceplate appearance  1516 . In the area designated  1508  to the right of camera  1504 , the insert  1505  in conjunction with lenticular lens  1502  shows the message “MOVE LEFT”. The appearance of the “MOVE LEFT” message on the face of the camera is shown in the figure as faceplate appearance  1512 . 
         [0070]    This particular embodiment is useful in applications of the security camera in security portals and other secured areas where the subject of the camera is aware of the camera. One skilled in the art will recognize that the advantage of this embodiment is that the subject is instructed to move into the correct camera field of view without the necessity for verbal instructions by an operator or feedback from a video display. One skilled in the art will further recognize that any set of messages or displays may be included on insert  1505  which provide for changing messages through lenticular lens  1502  in other embodiments. 
         [0071]    Returning to  FIG. 12 , transparent faceplate  1210  is mounted to the camera frame assembly with faceplate screws  351  through faceplate mounting holes  1204 . Faceplate screws  351  also pass through insert  1202  to secure insert  1202  between the camera frame assembly and transparent faceplate  1210 . The location of faceplate mounting holes  1204  and lens hole  1206  may vary with the intended use of the apparatus and can be further adjusted to accommodate different security devices attached to the apparatus. 
         [0072]    In practice, to change the interchangeable insert from one to another, faceplate screws  351  are removed and transparent faceplate  1210  and insert  1202  are detached from the camera frame assembly. A different insert is then repositioned on the camera frame assembly and covered by transparent faceplate  1210 . Faceplate screws  351  are inserted through faceplate mounting holes  1204  and the concentrically aligned insert mounting holes and tightened. 
         [0073]    Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b . Faceplate  1410  is transparent and includes guide  1416  and stanchions  1412 . Faceplate  1410  is mounted to camera frame top  302  with a pair of faceplate screws  351  through faceplate mounting holes  1404 . Guide  1416  is an abutment and standoff that runs the length of faceplate  1410  along one edge of faceplate  1410  and is adjacent to the top surface of camera frame top  302 . Guide  1416  is generally the same thickness as faceplate  1410  and extends perpendicularly from faceplate  1410  for a depth equal to the thickness of insert  1402 . Stanchions  1412  have a depth equal to the thickness of insert  1402 . In conjunction with guide  1416 , stanchions  1412  maintain a gap between faceplate  1410  and the top surface of camera frame top  302 . Insert  1402  is housed in the gap created by guide  1416  and stanchions  1412 . Faceplate  1410  also includes access indention  1414 . Access indention  1414  is generally a semicircular shaped cutout. Access indention  1414  exposes insert  1402  below faceplate  1410  so that insert  1402  may be easily grasped and removed from underneath faceplate  1410  without unmounting faceplate  1410 . Insert  1402  is sized to fit underneath faceplate  1410  and in between stanchions  1412  and guide  1416 . Therefore, the overall length of insert  1402  is less than the length of faceplate  1410  and the overall width of insert  1402  is less than the width of faceplate  1410 . 
         [0074]    Insert  1402  can be easily removed from the unit by grasping the portion exposed by access indention  1414  of faceplate  1410 . The length of insert  1402  is approximately the same as the distance between stanchions  1412  and in the preferred embodiment, is approximately five inches. Insert  1402  is frictionally held in place between the top surface of camera frame top  302  and the underside of faceplate  1410 . Additionally, stanchions  1412  and guide  1416  help properly align insert  1402  so that lens hole  1406  is concentrically aligned over the camera mounted in camera frame top  302 . Guide  1416  prevents the insert from sliding out the other side of faceplate  1410 . Stanchions  1412  and guide  1416  ensure lens hole  1406  is properly aligned over the camera mounted in camera frame top  302 . 
         [0075]    The preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 14  may be used where the signage displayed is changed frequently. In situations such as a bank teller where the frequent message change is often limited to two different messages (“open” and “closed”), the two messages may be imprinted on opposite sides of the same insert. 
         [0076]    The preferred method of use of the present invention requires the steps of first attaching mounting bracket  220  in a desired location on a mounting surface. The mounting surface should provide an advantageous camera sight line and still be discreet. The easily adjustable nature of covert camera apparatus  200  allows the option of numerous locations because the sight line of camera  306  can be easily corrected. After connecting the power cords and video cables to a power source and video recording or video display device, the next step is securing camera frame assembly  210  mounting bracket  220 . Verifying the camera sight line on the video display source ensures the apparatus is capturing the desired field of view. Adjusting the camera angle by loosening but not removing the bolts securing camera frame assembly  210  to mounting bracket  220  and rotating camera frame assembly to the desired angle is the final step. Adjusting the camera angle by the internal adjusting means fine tunes the camera sight line. 
         [0077]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that many of the discussed embodiments may be used in combination with one another. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.