Abstract:
The invention disclosed provides an apparatus and method for a doorframe mounted covert video surveillance system. The surveillance system can be implemented in any location where monitoring passage through a door is desired. 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 mounting bracket, a camera frame assembly, a non-conducting rubber-like grommet, a miniaturized camera, shock absorbing functionality, and a decoy plastic faceplate including a card reader or biometrics reader. The mounting bracket can be mounted on, in, or near a doorframe or similar structure without substantial modification to the doorframe or structure. 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:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    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 and orienting the apparatus for conducting covert camera surveillance. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Currently there are many video surveillance devices in the marketplace that monitor given areas or situations. Some surveillance systems attempt to be discreet and hide their image capturing functionality and others are in plain sight in an effort to deter unwanted activity in the first place. Whether or not a camera is hidden, 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. 
         [0003]    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 the other prior art systems is that they lack the capability to easily adjust and fine-tune the camera angle without having to dismantle the apparatus to make the adjustment. If the prior art camera angle can be adjusted without disassembling the apparatus, the adjustments are limited to minimal fixed positions. 
         [0004]    Another problem with prior art video capture systems is the possibility of ground looping. Ground looping occurs where there is a difference in potential voltage in the ground connection path between two pieces of equipment like a camera and a video monitor. 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 tearing of the picture in severe cases. 
         [0005]    Another problem with prior art video capture systems is the susceptibility to damage from sudden shocks. The prior art systems are easily damaged and would require repair or replacement if subjected to typical assailant forces. 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. 
         [0006]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , 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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    It is then a goal of the present invention to provide a covert video surveillance system that produces high quality images. 
         [0009]    It is another goal of the present invention to provide a covert video surveillance system that is mounted to a doorframe without substantial modifications to the existing structure. 
         [0010]    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. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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. 
         [0013]    It is another goal of the present invention to provide a covert video surveillance system, which prevents ground loop interference. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0014]    The invention provides an apparatus and method for a doorframe mounted covert video surveillance system. The invention is designed to allow the apparatus to be easily and adjustably mounted without substantial modification to the structure of the doorframe. 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 protecting the image from video hum. 
         [0015]    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 both by hand and by tool. The camera frame assembly is made up of the camera frame top, the camera frame bottom, the rubber-like grommet, the camera itself 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 rubber-like 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 rubber-like 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. The faceplate helps disguise the apparatus by resembling an EXIT sign, CAUTION sign, STEP sign, or other message appropriate for the situation requiring the covert surveillance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1A  is a top view showing a Prior Art video camera supported by a grommet and secured by wire mounted on flanges. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  is a sectional side view of Prior Art taken along line  1 B- 1 B of  FIG. 1A  showing camera angle adjustments via wire. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an assembled covert camera apparatus. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the components of a covert camera apparatus. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a sectional plan view of camera frame assembly showing shock absorbing dampers. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5A  is a plan view of an assembled covert camera apparatus depicting the camera&#39;s sight line perpendicular to the mounting surface. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5B  is a plan view of an assembled covert camera apparatus depicting the camera&#39;s sight line adjusted 60° from center. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6A  is a plan view of a camera frame top. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6B  is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a camera frame top. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is vertical sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6A  depicting the adjustable positioning of a camera in a close tolerance flexible grommet. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken along  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6A  depicting how camera sight line may be adjusted. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an assembled covert camera apparatus including a magnetic card reader. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a sectional plan view of camera frame assembly showing closed cell plastic shock absorbing foam. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a sectional plan view of camera frame assembly showing shock absorbing rubber washers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0031]    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. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  shows covert camera apparatus  200  is comprised of camera frame assembly  210  and mounting bracket  220 . Covert camera apparatus  200  is mounted on a doorframe anywhere surveillance is required. The apparatus is mounted over the door or beside the door and the camera angle is easily adjusted to ensure the most advantageous camera sight line. Covert camera apparatus  200  is compact and light to facilitate mounting discreetly and without substantial modifications to the doorframe. In the preferred embodiment, mounting bracket  220  is formed in the shape of a U and is made of ⅛ in. thick metal such as steel or aluminum but in other embodiments, could be made of plastic. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows mounting bracket  220  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 (not shown) capable of securely supporting mounting bracket  220  and camera frame assembly  210 . Mounting bracket base  330  also has pass-through hole  324  where power cord and video cable  312  of camera  306  can pass through on the way to a power source and a video receiving device. Camera  306  can provide 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, pass through 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  that facilitates the pass through of power cord and video cable  312 . Mounting bracket sides  326  each have one hinge hole  328 . Each hinge 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 are used to secure camera frame assembly  210  to mounting bracket  220  through each hinge hole  328 . Washer  327  is a standard metal washer and is used on the outside surface of mounting bracket side  326 . Rubber washer  329  is made of rubber or similar shock absorbing material and is used on the inside surface of mounting bracket side  326 . In addition to a standard tool interface, bolt  314  is capable of being tightened or loosened by hand without the use of tools via an enlarged head with non-slip serrations. This manual capability aids the adjustable and removable functionality of camera frame assembly  210 . Camera frame assembly  210  houses camera  306  and determines the sight line of camera  306 . Camera frame assembly  210  and therefore the camera angle can be easily adjusted by loosening bolts  314  and rotating camera frame assembly  210  along the center axis of bolts  314 . A full 120 degrees of camera angle rotation can be achieved in this manner. Additionally, camera frame assembly  210  can be adjusted laterally by loosening bolt  314  and sliding camera frame assembly  210  along the length of the oblong shape of hinge hole  328  on one side or the other. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  also shows the components of camera frame assembly  210  as 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 in the shape of five sided oblong boxes. 
         [0035]    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 pass through hole  324  located on mounting bracket base  330 . Thus the placement of cable hole  316  depends on the location of pass through hole  324  and vice versa. Damper holders  319  and  321  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  and 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 strung 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 bolt  314  and frame bottom assembly holes  318  are threaded to receive assembly screws  346 . 
         [0036]    In the preferred embodiment, camera  306  is a miniaturized color charge-coupled device camera approximately 1⅛ inch wide, 1⅛ inch long, and ¾ inch tall. 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 a circular shape with an approximate diameter of 1 inch, is approximately ¼ inch thick, and is made of rubber. The rubber material not only helps absorb sudden shocks that may be applied to covert camera apparatus  200  but also insolates camera  306  from possible ground loop problems. Recess  336  surrounds grommet  308  at grommet&#39;s  308  vertical midpoint. In the preferred embodiment, recess  336  is approximately ⅛ inch deep all the way around grommet  308  and 1/16 inch thick. Grommet  308  can be made of any rubber-like material that is non-conductive and flexible and can also be square or rectangular in shape. Because grommet  308  is made of a non-conductive material, grommet  308  will prevent the possibility of ground looping. Ground looping occurs where there is a difference in potential voltage in the ground connection path between two pieces of equipment like a camera and a video monitor. The ground potential of the system and the doorframe can be different. Grommet  308  provides insulation from camera frame assembly  210 . Ground looping causes the video image to be poor. Grommet  308  holds camera  306  securely in place using friction and is attached to camera frame top  302  by inserting offset mounting flanges  340  into recess  336 . 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 grommet  308  allows for minor camera angle adjustments up to approximately five degrees in any direction. To adjust the camera angle, the cylindrical portion of camera  306  is slightly repositioned in the center hole of grommet  308 . 
         [0037]    In the preferred embodiment, camera frame top  302  and camera frame bottom  304  are made of the same material as mounting bracket  220  but 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 four side surfaces forming the sides of the oblong box shape. In the preferred embodiment, the overall length of camera frame top  302  is approximately 6 inches. The two major sides of camera frame top  302  run the length of camera frame top and are therefore approximately 6 inches in length also. 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 . All frame top assembly holes  348  are approximately located on the lengthwise centerline of the major sides and 1¼ inch from the ends of the minor sides. 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 . 
         [0038]    In the preferred embodiment, faceplate  310  is approximately 5¾ inches in length and 1½ inches wide. Faceplate  310  is made of a transparent, unbreakable plastic and is approximately 1/16 inch thick. The underside of faceplate  310  is to be coated flat black except for lens hole  354 . Faceplate  310  has two faceplate mounting holes  352  and lens hole  354 . Faceplate mounting holes are also used 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 and the top surface of faceplate  310  is dark in color with no writing. In other embodiments, to employ covert tactics, faceplate  310  can be designed to resemble an EXIT sign, CAUTION sign, or any number of messages. Electrical light emitting diodes  311  can be embedded in faceplate  310  and programmed to scroll signs or banners across its surface. 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 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  shows shock absorbing fluid dampers  402  mounted inside camera frame assembly  210 . Damper  402  includes cylinder  404  in which piston  406  is displaceable. Piston  406  sits at the end of piston rod  408  which projects through end-wall  410 . Holes  413  within the piston head allow for fluid to move from one end of the cylinder to the other. Seal  412 , which seals off piston rod  408 , is provided in end-wall  410 . Stop ring  415  is provided to prevent removal of the faceplate by prying. Spring  414  is positioned around piston rod  408  in between the top surface of chamber  404  and bottom surface of camera frame top  302 . Spring  414  can also be housed inside chamber  404 . The piston is displaced by impact to the faceplate. After displacement, spring  414  moves piston  406  back into its original position. Dampers  402  are secured to the bottom surface of camera frame top  302  by faceplate screws  351 . The bottom end of dampers  402  are held in position by inserting damper base bolts  416  into damper holders  319  located on camera frame bottom  304 . An additional damper  420  is positioned under camera  306 . Damper  420  is held in place by inserting damper base bolt  418  into damper holder  321  located under camera  306 . Piston rod  422  is held in place by and 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 configured to also allow the camera bottom to pivot without losing contact. Dampers  402  and  420  can absorb the shock applied directly to faceplate  310  by those attempting to damage the unit or by sudden impacts received purely by accident. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  also shows faceplate skirt  430 . Faceplate skirt  430  is made of rubber or plastic and is attached along the circumference of faceplate  310 . Faceplate skirt  430  is used to conceal the space between the bottom surface of faceplate  310  and the top surface of camera frame top  302  when dampers  402  and  420  are in their resting positions. Faceplate skirt  430  can also be adapted to serve as a weather seal for outdoor use. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a side view of the present invention assembled.  FIG. 5A  depicts the orientation of camera frame assembly  210  as parallel to mounting bracket  220 . In this configuration, camera sight line  502  is perpendicular to faceplate  310  and to mounting bracket  220 .  FIG. 5B  depicts the orientation of camera frame assembly  210  rotated along the central axis of bolts  314  sixty degrees 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 equal to 120 degrees. To adjust the camera sight line angle, loosen bolts  314  on each end of covert camera apparatus  200  and rotate camera frame assembly along the central axis of bolts  314 . When desired angle is reached tighten bolts  314  by hand or with a tool. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6A  shows a top view of camera frame top  302  with grommet  308  and camera  306  in place.  FIG. 6B  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. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6A  depicting camera sight line  502  adjusted an additional approximate five degrees. The flexible nature of grommet  308  allows camera  306  to be slightly adjusted in any direction while seated in grommet  308 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is a magnified sectional view taken along  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6A  depicting how camera sight line  502  may be adjusted while seated in grommet  308 . A set of two adjusting means are provided which accurately and rigidly fix the angle of the camera in the grommet. The adjusting means can be used with or without the spring damper mechanisms. Two adjusting means are each comprised of a pivot point screw  804  and  814 ; a pair of oppositely threaded eyelet bolts  801  and  802 , and  811  and  812 ; a threaded collar  806  and  816 ; and a tab  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 threaded collars  806  and  816  respectively. Eyelet bolts  802  and  812  are inserted into the other ends of collars  806  and  816  respectively and are further attached to camera frame bottom  304  through tabs  808  and  818  respectively. Varying the overall length of each adjusting means tilts camera  306  while seated in grommet  308 . The length of each adjusting means is increased or decreased by rotating collar  806 . Each pair of eyelet bolts is threaded opposite to each other. Accordingly, rotating collar  806  either forces both eyelets out of collar  806  thus increasing the length of the adjusting means, or forces both eyelets into collar  806  thus decreasing the length of the adjusting means. The combination of the two adjusting means perpendicularly related to each other located on adjacent sides of camera  306  allows camera angle  502  to be adjusted up to approximately five degrees in any direction. The eyelet bolts, threaded collars, and tabs 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 camera frame top in orthogonal positions to impart the required movement and positioning of camera  306 . 
         [0045]    Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 9 .  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. 
         [0046]    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 if the need arises. 
         [0047]    In other embodiments of the present invention such as shown in  FIG. 10 , 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. 
         [0048]    The preferred method of use of the present invention requires the steps of first attaching mounting bracket  220  in a desired location. The location can be anywhere in, on, or around the doorframe that will 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. 
         [0049]    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 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.