Abstract:
This invention allows a video network camera to be mounted directly against a window or other transparent surface without any additional mounting hardware. The network camera can be mounted both inside and outside of a window without additional mounting hardware. A novel mounting apparatus in conjunction with an adjustable video sensor allows the user to quickly mount and make adjustments to the viewing angle of the network camera, thus reducing installation time and installation costs. In addition, the network camera can be mounted to walls, ceilings and other surfaces as necessary by using a second mounting assembly.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority to currently pending, co-pending, co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/725,844, filed on Dec. 2, 2003, having common inventor(s). 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates to camera mounting systems. More specifically, this invention relates to camera mounting systems for networked network cameras.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     A variety of network camera mounting systems are used to secure a network camera to a surface such as a wall, ceiling, or window. Typically, such systems require complex mounting and adjustment hardware. The mounting hardware is used to adjust the camera for the proper viewing angle. In addition, many of these systems require different mounting hardware depending on which direction the camera is facing, inward or outward, and these systems don&#39;t account for the need to flush mount a low profile camera to a window, nor do they typically provide special consideration for glare shielding for the window surface and/or interference from window coverings. Although these references may not constitute prior art, for general background material, the reader is directed to the following U.S. patent documents, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for the material contained therein: U.S. patent and patent application Nos.: 2003/0076441, 2003/0058363, 2003/0156836, 2003/0106971, 2003/0057339, 2003/0012571, 2003/0025802, 2002/0163588,2002/0179787, 2002/0162867, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,439,515, 6,392,693, 6,130,704, 6,115,068, 5,926,209, 5,802,412, 5,510,863, 5,426,476, and 5,137,238.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     It is desirable to provide a network camera mounting system that allows a network camera to be easily mounted and controlled over a network.  
         [0007]     Therefore, it is a general object of the present embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system with an adjustable video sensor assembly where the viewing angle can be adjusted manually, electronically, and/or mechanically either locally or remotely and where a low profile network camera can be flush to a window or transparent surface, flat mounted, or mounted to a wall, ceiling and the like.  
         [0008]     t is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system which has a mounting point which can be on the front, side, top, bottom, and rear, and rear bottom of the network camera.  
         [0009]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system which has a clip-on mounting point which holds a clip-on mounting assembly which can connect to a surface using a suction cup and the like.  
         [0010]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the mounting points connect to a mounting assembly by using threads, screws, snaps, rivets, plugs, Velcro, connectors, pins and/or the like.  
         [0011]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the mounting assembly connected to the network camera can be, but is not limited to a suction cup mounting assembly, a multi-purpose suction cup mounting assembly, a multi-purpose flat mounting assembly and/or a bracket mounting assembly.  
         [0012]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the adjustable video sensor can be adjusted remotely over a network.  
         [0013]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the video sensor assembly where the image sensor resolution and/or optics (wide angle) can be adjusted remotely over a network.  
         [0014]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide network camera system that can connect to a wireless network, a power line network (where data is networked over the power lines in a home, business, etc.), an acoustic network (where signals are sent acoustically), a wired network, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and/or an optical network (where the data is sent over an optical medium such as fiber).  
         [0015]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the network camera is weather proof.  
         [0016]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the camera is powered using solar power, battery power, AC and/or DC power.  
         [0017]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where a cover is connected to the rear of the network camera to hide the features of the camera and the camera itself.  
         [0018]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the video sensor assembly also includes a camera lens.  
         [0019]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the camera views images through a glare shield and/or a transparent medium.  
         [0020]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the glare shield is flush mounted to a window or transparent medium to avoid glare.  
         [0021]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the transparent medium is a window.  
         [0022]     It is a further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the network camera is connected to a network device that converts from one or more networking protocols to a second type of networking protocol and/or network.  
         [0023]     It a is further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the network camera is connected to a network device that can be a router, a switch, a hub, a bridge, a gateway, a power line adapter, and the like.  
         [0024]     It a is further object of an embodiment of this invention to provide a network camera and mounting system where the network camera is connected to a network device that can also provide power where the power is provided on the wire as for example, the data like power over Ethernet.  
         [0025]     These and other objects of this invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following drawings, detailed descriptions, and claims. In the present preferred embodiment of this invention, the network camera mounting system makes use of a simple, yet novel mounting system that allows a network camera to be easily mounted in different ways without requiring extra mounting hardware. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0026]     In order to show the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the present preferred embodiments of this invention, which are illustrated in the appended drawings, is described as follows. The reader should understand that the drawings depict only present preferred and best mode embodiments of the invention, and are not to be considered as limiting in scope. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is an exploded side view of the present preferred network camera.  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the present preferred wireless network camera with a suction cup mounting assembly.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the present preferred wired network camera with a suction cup mounting assembly which demonstrates the proper mounting for outdoor use.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is an angled view of the present preferred wired network camera with a suction cup mounted on the front of the network camera.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the present preferred wired network camera where the network camera is mounted on a window with a suction cup mounting assembly connected to the front of the network camera and where the network camera views information through the window or transparent medium.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the present preferred wired network camera where the network camera is mounted on a window with a suction cup mounting assembly and where the network camera views information through the window and a cover is placed over the back of the network camera.  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  an is angled view of the present preferred wired network camera with a suction cup mounting assembly connected to the back of the network camera.  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the present preferred wired network camera where the network camera is mounted on a window or other surface with a suction cup mounting assembly connected to the rear of the network camera and where the network camera views information away from the window or other surface.  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the present preferred network camera that is mounted with a bracket mounting assembly attached to the rear of the network camera.  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the present preferred network camera that is mounted with a bracket mounting assembly connected to the front of the network camera.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the present preferred network camera that is mounted with a multi-purpose suction cup mounting assembly that allows the network camera to view information through a window or transparent surface.  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the present preferred network camera that is mounted with a multi-purpose suction cup mounting assembly with the network camera mounted to a window or transparent surface.  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the present preferred network camera that is attached to a multi-purpose flat mounting assembly that allows the camera to be mounted on a surface.  
         [0040]      FIG. 14  is an angled view of the present preferred network camera that is attached to a multi-purpose flat mounting assembly that allows the camera to be mounted on a surface.  
         [0041]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of the present preferred network camera that is connected to a network device that switches between different types of protocols and/or networks.  
         [0042]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the present preferred network camera with a clip-on suction cup mounting assembly that can be clipped on to the network camera.  
         [0043]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the present preferred network camera with an attached clip-on suction cup mounting assembly. 
     
    
       [0044]     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0045]      FIG. 1  is an exploded side view of the present preferred network camera  300 . A front attachment point  102  which is connected to a front housing shell  103  fit together with a rear housing shell  104  which is connected to a rear attachment point  105  by pressing the front housing shell  103  and the rear housing shell  104  together with a housing shell gasket  118 . The front housing shell  103  and the rear housing  104  shell form a low profile housing. This way the network camera  300  interferes less with curtains blinds and/or other types of window coverings. The low profile housing also allows the network camera  300  to minimize the visual exposure behind curtains, blinds, and/or other types of window coverings and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the low profile housing uses two housing shells. However, in other envisioned embodiments, the housing shell can be made from one or more components to form a low profile housing. The housing shell gasket  118  is used to make the network camera  300  weather resistant or weather proof. A network and/or power interface  117 , along with an adjustable video assembly  114  is provided inside the housing shells  103 ,  104  when the unit is assembled. The network and/or power interface  117  is used to connect the network camera  300  to a network and/or to power the network camera  300 . Types of networks appropriate for use with the network camera  300  can be, but are not limited to Ethernet, wireless, wired, power line (a network over the power line like HomePlug), fiber optic, the Internet, a LAN, Power Over Ethernet (POE), and the like. Sources of electrical power which can power the network camera  300  can be, but are not limited to solar, batteries, AC, and DC.  
         [0046]     The adjustable video sensor assembly  114  contains an image sensor  109 , a network camera lens  108  and positioning knob  110 . The image sensor  109  can take single pictures and/or full motion video. Images received on the image sensor  109  can be transmitted over the network interface  301  and/or antenna  201 . The positioning knob  110  is used to adjust the viewing angle of the image sensor  109  and the network camera lens  108 . The adjustable video sensor assembly  114  can also be adjusted (pan, tilt, and/or zoom) using motors, coils, or other devices which can be remotely controlled over a network. The adjustable video sensor assembly  114  can be augmented and/or substituted by either manual, mechanical or electronic adjustment capabilities of the sensor and associated electronics utilizing the resolution or the image sensor  109  to create the affects of pan, tilt, and/or zoom in conjunction with a wide angle network camera lens assembly  108 .  
         [0047]     A positioning knob cover  116  along with a positioning knob cover O ring  115  are used to seal and cover the positioning knob  110  from weather and/or moisture. The knob cover O ring  115  can also be a gasket or the like. The network camera lens assembly  108  sees through an opening in the front housing shell  103 . A glare shield  113  can be used to reduce glare that can be seen by the image sensor  109 . Glare can be caused when the network camera  300  is positioned close or flush to a window or other transparent medium, particularly at night. The glare shield  113  is designed to fit next the window or transparent medium. The glare shield  113  covers the hole  303  in the front housing shell  103 . A clear lens cap  111  along with the lens cap O ring  112  cover the hole  303  in the front housing shell  103 . The lens cap O ring  112  can also be a gasket and the like. The clear lens cap  111  and lens cap O ring  112  allows the network camera  300  to be weatherproof or weather resistant.  
         [0048]     A suction cup,  100  which is connected to a suction cup attachment  101 , which together forms a suction cup mounting assembly  125 . A surface bracket unit  107  and a surface bracket unit attachment  106  together along with the mounting screws  119  form a bracket unit mounting assembly  126 . The Surface bracket unit  107  and surface bracket unit attachment  106  operate together to form an adjustable angle for the mounting assembly  126 . The preferred embodiment uses threads on the suction cup attachment  101 , the mounting unit attachment  106  and the corresponding attachment points  102 ,  105 . However, in other envisioned alternative embodiments, other types of fastening devices can be used in place of screws such as but not limited to snaps, rivets, plugs, Velcro, connectors, pins, and the like. The suction cup mounting assembly  125  and the bracket mounting assembly  126  can be connected to either the front attachment point  102  or the rear attachment point  105 . The suction cup mounting assembly  125  and the bracket mounting assembly  126  can be directly connected to the housing shells  103 ,  104  without an attachment point  102 ,  105 . The housing shells  103 ,  104 , along with the adjustable video sensor assembly  114  and associated electronics, connectors, and cables contained within the shell form the network camera  300 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the present preferred wireless network camera  200  with a suction cup mounting assembly  125 . The adjustable video sensor assembly  114  can see through the network camera lens  108  protected by the glare shield  113 . The wireless network camera  200  communicates to a wireless network via an antenna  201 . The antenna  201  is a type of network interface. Types of wireless networks can be, but are not limited to 802.11 b, 802.11 a, 802.15(UWB), cellular, and the like. The wireless network camera  200  attaches to a surface such as a window via the suction cup mounting assembly  125  which is attached to the front attachment point  102 . The wireless network camera  200  can alternately be mounted via attachment points  102 ,  105 ,  117 ,  120 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the present preferred wired network camera  300  with a suction cup mounting assembly  125  which illustrates the protected, recessed network interface  301  possitioned downward to protect against weather. The cavity  305  protecting the network interface  301  is protected by a weather shield  302 . The network interface  301  can be, but is not limited to Ethernet, wireless, wired, power line (a network over the power line like HomePlug), fiber optic, the Internet, a LAN, Power Over Ethernet (POE),and the like. The gasket  118  fits between the two network camera shell halves  103 ,  104 , preferably all the way down to the lowest point  306  such that moisture would have to drip upwards to get to the connector.  
         [0051]     The adjustable video sensor assembly  114  can see through the network camera lens  108  protected by the glare shield  113 . The network camera  300  communicates through a wire to a network via the network and/or power interface  117 . The network can be directly wired such as Ethernet or via additional units to make up a wired, wireless, power line communications, IR, etc. The network camera  300  attaches to a surface (not shown) via the suction cup mounting assembly  125  or via any of the attachment points  102 ,  105 ,  117 ,  120 . The network and/or power interface  117  points downward to minimize the moisture can enter the network camera  300 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 4  is an angled view of the present preferred wired network camera  300  and network camera mounting system with a suction cup mounting assembly  125  on the front  410  of the network camera  300 . The suction cup mounting assembly  125  is mounted on the front  410  of the network camera  300  at the front attachment point  102 . The network camera lens  108  sees through the glare shield  113 . The network camera  300  attaches to a surface (not shown) via the suction cup mounting assembly  125 . This allows the network camera  300  to view information through a transparent surface (not shown) on which the network camera  300  is attached.  
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the present preferred wired network camera  300  where the network camera  300  is mounted on a window or transparent medium  500  with a suction cup mounting assembly  125  connected to the front  510  of the network camera  300  and where the network camera  300  views information through a window or transparent medium  500 . The network camera  300  is mounted to a window  500  or other transparent medium by the suction cup  100  which is connected to the front attachment point  102  via the suction cup attachment  101 . This allows the network camera  300  to be mounted flush to the window or transparent medium  500 . The suction cup attachment  101  screws into the front attachment point  102 . However, in other envisioned alternative embodiments, other types of fastening devices can be used in place of threads/screws such as snaps, rivets, plugs, Velcro, connectors, pins, and the like. The glare shield  113  mounts flush to the window or transparent medium  500  and is used to reduce or eliminate glare reflected by the window or transparent medium  500  or from other typical sources which is seen by the image sensor  109  and via the network camera lens  108 . The positioning knob  110  is used to change the viewing angle of the image sensor  109  which allows the network camera  300  to properly view an image.  
         [0054]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the present preferred wired network camera  300  and network camera mounting system where the network camera  300  is mounted on a window or transparent medium  500  with a suction cup mounting assembly  125  and where the network camera  300  views information through the window or transparent medium  500  and a cover  600  or  601  is placed over the back  610  of the network camera  300 . The network camera  300  is mounted to a window or other transparent medium  500  by the suction cup mounting assembly  125  which is connected to the front attachment point  102 . The suction cup attachment  101  screws into the front attachment point  102 . However, in other envisioned alternative embodiments, other types of fastening devices can be used in place of threads/screws such as, but not limited to snaps, rivets, plugs, Velcro, connectors, pins, and the like. The glare shield  113  is used to reduce or eliminate glare from the window  500  seen by the image sensor  109 . The positioning knob  110  is used to change the viewing angle of the image sensor  109  which allows the network camera  300  to properly view image. A flush mounting back cover  600  or a back cover  601  are used to decorate, effectively conceal, or cause the network camera  300  including the positioning knob  110  and the rear attachment point  105  to not be visually obvious. The flush mounting back cover  600  snaps on to the network camera  300 . The back cover  601  connects to the network camera  300  at the rear attachment point  105 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 7  is an angled view of the present preferred wired network camera  300  with a suction cup mounting assembly  125  connected to the back  710  of the network camera  300 . The suction cup mounting assembly  125  is mounted on the back  710  of the network camera  300 . The image sensor  109  sees through the network camera lens  108  and the glare shield  110 . The network camera  300  attaches to a surface (not shown) via the suction cup mounting assembly  125 . The suction cup mounting assembly  125  is connected to the network camera  300  at the rear attachment point  105 . This allows the network camera  300  to view information away from a surface (not shown) on which the network camera  300  is attached.  
         [0056]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the present preferred wired network camera and network camera mounting system  300  where the network camera  300  is mounted on a window or other medium  800  with a suction cup mounting assembly  125  connected to the rear  820  of the network camera  300  and where the network camera  300  views information away from the window or other medium  800 . For this embodiment, the window or other medium  800  need not be transparent. The network camera  300  is mounted to a window or other medium  800  by the suction cup  100  which is connected to the rear attachment  105  via the suction cup attachment  101 . The suction cup attachment  101  screws into the rear attachment point  105 . However, in other envisioned alternative embodiments, other types of fastening devices can be used in place of threads/screws such as snaps, rivets, plugs, Velcro, connectors, pins, and the like. The clear lens cap  111  is used to keep the network camera  300  weatherproof/weather resistant and too allow the network camera  300  to properly view information. The positioning knob  110  is used to change the viewing angle of the video sensor  108  which allows the network camera  300  to properly view an image.  
         [0057]      FIG. 9  is side view of the present preferred network camera  300  that is mounted with a bracket mounting assembly  126  attached to the rear  920  of the network camera  300 . The bracket mounting assembly  126  is connected to the network camera  300  via the rear attachment point  105 . The bracket mounting assembly  126  connects to a wall, ceiling, floor, and the like. The bracket mounting assembly  126  is connected to the rear attachment point  105  which is connected to the network camera  300 . This allows the viewing angle of the network camera  300  to be adjusted with the bracket mounting assembly  126  and/or the positioning knob  110  so the network camera  300  can view information in the opposite direction as the bracket mounting assembly  126 . The bracket mounting assembly  126  still allows the network camera  300  to be mounted flush to a window or transparent surface (not shown).  
         [0058]      FIG. 10  is side view of the present preferred network camera  300  that is mounted with a bracket mounting assembly  126  connected to the top of the network camera  300 . The bracket mounting assembly  126  is connected to the network camera  300  via the top attachment point  1203 . The bracket mounting assembly  126  connects to a wall, window, ceiling, floor, and the like. The bracket mounting assembly  126  is connected to the top attachment point  1203  which is connected to the network camera  300 . This allows the viewing angle of the network camera  300  to be adjusted with the bracket mounting assembly  126  and/or the positioning knob  110  so the network camera  300  can view information in different directions.  
         [0059]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the present preferred network camera  300  that is mounted with a multi-purpose suction cup mounting assembly  1202  that allows the network camera  300  to view information through a window or transparent surface  1300 . The multi-purpose suction cup mounting assembly  1202  includes a suction cup  125 , the multi-purpose mounting bracket  1200  and the attachment screw  1201 . The suction cup assembly  125  connects to the multi-purpose mounting bracket  1200 . The present preferred embodiment uses threads to screw suction cup assembly  125  into the multi-purpose mounting bracket  1200 . The attachment screw  1201  connects to the multi-purpose mounting bracket  1200 . Both the suction cup  125  and the attachment  1201  screw can be connected using a variety of methods, but are not limited to snaps, rivets, plugs, Velcro, connectors, pins, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the multi-purpose suction cup mounting assembly  1202  connects to the top attachment point  1203  by screwing the attachment screw  1201  into the top attachment point  1203  and then snapping the top of attachment screw  1201  into the multi-purpose mounting bracket  1200 . This allows the network camera  300  to be mounted to a window, transparent surface and the like  1300 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the present preferred network camera  300  that is mounted with a multi-purpose suction cup mounting assembly  1202  with the network camera  300  mounted to a window or transparent medium  1300 . The multi-purpose suction cup mounting assembly  1202  connects to the window or transparent medium  1300  by suctioning to the window or transparent medium  1300 . The multi-purpose suction cup mounting assembly  1202  which is connected to the network camera  300  at the top connection point  1203  holds the network camera  300  so that the glare shield  113  is against the window or transparent medium  1300  which reduces glare into the network camera  300 . The user then can adjust the viewing angle of the network camera  300  by moving the positioning knob  110 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the present preferred network camera  300  that is attached to a multi-purpose flat mounting assembly  1401  that allows the network camera  300  to be mounted on a surface (not shown). The multi-purpose flat mounting assembly  1401  includes the attachment screw  1201 , the multi-purpose mounting bracket  1200  and the attachment foot  1400 . The attachment screw  1201  screws into the bottom rear attachment point  120  on the network camera  300  and then snaps into the multi-purpose mounting bracket  1200 . The attachment foot  1400  connects into the multi-purpose mounting bracket  1200 . This allows the multipurpose flat mounting assembly  1401  to hold the network camera  300  upright on a flat, angled, or somewhat level surface and the like (not shown).  
         [0062]      FIG. 14  is an angled view of the present preferred network camera  300  that is attached to a multi-purpose flat mounting assembly  1401  that allows the network camera  300  to be mounted on a surface (not shown). The multi-purpose flat mounting assembly  1401  is attached to the network camera  300 . This allows the network camera to set on a surface (not shown) and view information through the network camera lens  108  and trough the glare shield  113 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of the present preferred network camera  300  that is connected to a network device  1500  that switches between different types of protocols and/or networks. The network camera  300  is connected to a network device  1500  such as a hub, switch, bridge, router, gateway that converts from one or more protocols to one or more different protocols and/or networks. The conversion may occur at various levels in the Open System Interconnect model such as the physical layer, the data link layer, the network layer, the session layer, the transport layer, the application layer and the like. Another example can be a power line adapter that converts a protocol to second protocol that runs over the power lines in a home or business. The network device  1500  then connects to a second network  1501  that is using one or more different networking protocol. Examples of other types of networks can be, but are not limited to Ethernet, wireless (802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11l, 802.11e, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.15.3a, 802.15.4, 802.16 and the like), power line (HomePlug, HomePlug A/V and the like), fiber optic (FDDI, Sonnet and the like), T1, T3, Telephone networks, and the like.  
         [0064]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the present preferred network camera  1603  with a clip-on suction cup mounting assembly  1602  that can be clipped on to the network camera  1603 . In the present preferred embodiment, the suction cup mounting assembly  1600 , screws into the clip-on mounting assembly  1601 , to form the clip on suction cup mounting assembly  1602 . However, in other envisioned embodiments, other types of fastening devices can be used in place of screws/threads such as snaps, rivets, plugs, Velcro, connectors, pins, and the like. Other types of connection devices can screw into the clip-on mounting assembly such as those described  FIGS. 1-14  and the like. The clip-on suction cup mounting assembly  1602  then slides over the clip-on attachment point  1604  which secures the clip-on suction cup mounting assembly  1602  to the network camera  1603 .  
         [0065]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the present preferred network camera  1603  with an attached clip-on suction cup mounting assembly  1602 . The clip-on suction cup mounting assembly  1602  has been slid over the clip-on attachment point  1604  which secures the clip-on suction cup mounting assembly  1602  to the network camera  1603  by exerting pressure on the network camera  1603 . The clip-on suction cup mounting assembly  1602  is made of a flexible spring material or compression material and the like which allows the clip-on suction cup mounting assembly  1602  to secure the network camera  1603 .  
         [0066]     Each of the previously described and other envisioned embodiments of this invention can be constructed using a variety of materials, such as plastics, metals, composites, and the like. In addition, each of the embodiments can be machined, molded, and the like.  
         [0067]     The described embodiments of this invention are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not as restrictive. Although specific diagrams are provided, the invention is not limited thereto. The scope of this invention is, therefore, indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.