GB2251780A

GB2251780A - Camera mounting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2251780A
Application number: GB9114194A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Kesteven Titley
Original assignee: KESTEVEN HARGREAVES Ltd
Current assignee: KESTEVEN HARGREAVES Ltd
Priority date: 1990-06-30
Filing date: 1991-07-01
Publication date: 1992-07-22
Also published as: GB9114194D0; GB9014604D0

Abstract

Apparatus for mounting a camera for use in a portable surveillance system comprises a support 11 for an image- receiving device and mounting means 12 secured to the support, the mounting means being adapted to be secured to various headgear, e.g. a helmet (Figs. 3 & 6), a soft peaked cap (Fig. 8), a headcloth (Fig. 11) or a turban (Fig. 13). Static apparatus comprises mounting a camera on a spike/tripod assembly which can be readily disassembled for easy carriage. These surveillance systems comprise apparatus adapted to mount a camera, a transmitter unit connected to the camera mounted by the apparatus to transmit images received by the camera and a remote receiver to receive the transmitted images. A cylindrically-shaped camera for use in the apparatus is described (Fig. 18). <IMAGE>

Description

CAMERA MOUNTING APPARATUS This invention relates to apparatus for mounting a camera, for example a video camera, for use in a portable surveillance system.

It is desirable, in some situations, for example riot control or army operations, to maintain a visual (and audio) record of events. Previously, operational commanders in field conditions have been tied to static inflexible hard wire systems, which do not allow rapid changes in positioning of surveillance assets.

The present invention has as its objective improved camera mounting apparatus.

In one aspect the invention may be considered to provide a camera mounting apparatus, comprising a support for an image-receiving device, and mounting means secured to the support, the mounting means being adapted to be secured to headgear.

In a preferred apparatus in accordance with the invention, the mounting means is adapted to be secured to headgear so that a camera carried by the support is directed forwardly of the headgear. Thus when the headgear is worn, the camera will be directed with its field of view in the same direction as the head of the wearer.

Preferably apparatus in accordance with the invention further comprises means for mounting a microphone; conveniently the microphone is directional and is mounted in the same direction as a camera in its mounting means.

A further aspect of the invention may be considered to provide a ground mounting apparatus for a camera, comprising a spike/tripod assembly.

Apparatus in accordance with the invention facilitates the provision of a fully portable surveillance system which will allow patrolling and security operations to adopt unpredictable offensive methods rather than the previous passive defensive mode.

A further aspect of the invention may be considered to provide a surveillance system comprising apparatus adapted to mount a camera, a transmitter unit connected to a camera mounted by the apparatus to transmit images received by the camera, and a remote receiver to receive the transmitted images.

Preferably a recorder is provided to record the images received. If desired a recorder may be connected directly to the camera to record images locally.

There now follows a detailed description, to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, of camera mounting apparatus embodying the invention. It will be realised that this apparatus has been selected for description to illustrate the invention by way of example.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first camera mounting apparatus embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the first camera mounting apparatus; Figure 3 is an illustration of the attachment of the first mounting apparatus to a Police Public Order/Security Role Helmet, by way of example; Figure 4 is a plan view of a second camera mounting apparatus embodying the invention; Figure 5 is a side view of the second camera mounting apparatus; Figure 6 is an illustration of the attachment of the second camera mounting apparatus to a Military Patrol Helmet, by way of example; Figure 7 is a plan view of a third camera mounting apparatus embodying the invention; Figure 8 is an illustration of the attachment of the third camera mounting apparatus to a peaked cap, by way of example;; Figure 9 is a plan view of a fourth camera mounting apparatus embodying the invention; Figure 10 is a side view of the fourth camera mounting apparatus; Figure 11 is an illustration of the attachment of a camera mounting apparatus beneath a headcloth; Figure 12 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is an illustration of the attachment of a camera mounting apparatus beneath a turban; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 and Figure 16 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 17 illustrates a fifth camera mounting apparatus, intended to be used as a static surveillance apparatus; and Figure 18 is a plan view of a camera suitable for use with the above camera mounting apparatus.

Referring to Figure 1 to Figure 16, a support for an imagereceiving device comprises a first cylindrical tube, 11, preferably of shock proof stainless steel or lightweight plastic. A second such cylindrical tube, 10, parallel with the first, provides a support for a microphone. The microphone would suitably have three alternate positions, with it being either switched on, switched off or voiceactivated.

Referring to Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, mounting means, 12, consists of a side bracket with means 13, 14, and 15 designed for the mounting of the apparatus to headgear. By way of example, Figure 3 illustrates the attachment of this first camera mounting apparatus to the side of a Security Role Helmet, 17. Attachment means, 15, clips on to the face visor mounting, 16; one of the primary screws that attaches the face visor mounting, 16, to the helmet, 17, passes also through hole 14 of the mounting means, 12; and two further screws pass through holes 13 of the mounting means 12. It will be realised that fixing the apparatus in this way enables the protective face visor, 17a, to be raised and lowered without disturbing the view of the camera.

Figure 4, Figure 5, and Figure 6 illustrate a second camera mounting apparatus embodying the invention. Mounting means, 18, comprises a ring clip, such that attachment to the top of any Service Helmet, 19, can be made by an arrangement of personally adjusted bungee and hook fastenings, 20, as illustrated in Figure 6.

Figure 7 and Figure 8 illustrate a third camera mounting apparatus. Mounting means 40 comprises a buckle, welded at the top and bottom as shown so as to allow a nylon strap 41 to be threaded through it. The nylon strap 41 is secured around the headgear by means of easily adjustable peg 423 and hole 42b fastenings at the two ends of the strap 41.

The strap is secured in position further by threading one end through a loop 43 on the strap 41. The camera mounting apparatus is attached in this way to a soft peaked cap 44, as worn, for example, by traffic police, military guards and dog handlers. The nylon strap 41 is preferably transparent so that the colouring of the band around the cap, which may be important to identify the wearer, is not obscured.

Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrate a fourth camera mounting apparatus. Mounting means, 21, comprises a side bracket with means, 22, for attachment of the apparatus to headgear. The attachment of the apparatus to the side of a Service Helmet is by two screws that pass through holes 22.

A further tube may be attached to any of the camera mounting apparatus to mount an infrared light-emitting diode to illuminate targets at night.

It will be appreciated that many adaptations of the camera mounting apparatus may be made to render it suitable for attachment to any headgear. For example, the apparatus could be suspended suitably from a fireman's helmet.

Furthermore, with reference to Figures 11 to 14, the mounting apparatus could be worn beneath, for example, a headcloth or turban.

Figure 11 shows a camera mounting apparatus 60 worn beneath a headcloth 62. Evidently, the apertures of the support 64 for the image-receiving device, the support 66 for the microphone and support 68 for the infrared light-emitting diode would show through a small hole 70 in the headcloth.

A skull cap 72 of, for example, plastic or wicker could be worn underneath the headcloth 62, to which the apparatus would be mounted (see Figure 12).

Similarly, Figures 13 and 14 show a camera mounting apparatus 80 worn beneath a turban 82. Suitably, a plastic or wicker skull cap 84 is worn, with the camera mounting apparatus 80 located in a channel 86 in the cap 84, and fixed in position by means of retaining straps 88.

Similarly the channel 86 may be inclined at an angle so that the camera is angled slightly downwardly and is directed substantially to coincide with the visual field of a wearer, in the close to middle distance range. The turban 82 may then be wrapped around, thereby fixing the whole unit to the head. The mounting tubes of the apparatus 80 would likewise protrude from the turban.

In certain circumstances, it may be an important requirement to be able to rapidly change the camera being used in the mounting apparatus, for example changing from a colour to a black and white camera when moving from day to night vision requirements. The various camera mounting apparatus described above have the camera held in apparatus whereby the mounting means is permanently attached to the headgear. In order, therefore, to change the camera, the mounting means would need to be removed from the headgear.

Figure 15 and Figure 16 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention which would allow a rapid change-over of cameras without such a need to disassemble the mounting means from the headgear.

The two cylindrical tubes 10 and 11, supporting the microphone and the image-receiving device respectively, may have a member 45 attached, which is adapted to be slidingly received in use in a socket 48 attached to mounting means 49. The member 45 has two slots 47 to allow the centre portion 46 to bend outwardly slightly, which feature serves to lock the member 45 inside the socket 48. The socket 48 is of substantially rectangular transverse section and snugly receives the member 45, such that the member 45 can only be removed subsequently from the socket 48 by being physically forced out.

It will be realized, therefore, that the various mounting means with such a socket 48 can be permanently attached to the headgear, and the camera mounted in the apparatus can still be rapidly changed. The user is able to pull the member 45 from the socket 48 to remove one camera, and then mount a different camera simply by sliding member 45 of a different support holding a second camera into the socket 48.

Referring to Figure 17 in a further camera mounting apparatus, the camera, 33, is mounted on a spike/tripod assembly, preferably of stainless steel or plastic. The assembly comprises a central ground spike, 23, onto which three legs, 24, 25 and 26, are mounted, such that they form a stable tripod base for the apparatus, which is further balanced by a stabilizer, 29. Each of the tripod legs has at one end a cylindrical tube head, 28, adapted to slide onto the central spike. The top of the central spike, 32, is adapted to hold a camera, 33. The upper leg, 26, locks against structure 30, thereby preventing it from moving up the central spike, 23. The bottom leg, 24, is secured in position by means of a tightening screw, 27. The middle leg, 25, being restrained between the top and bottom legs is thereby also secured tightly in position.

Although a camera 33 may be positioned on top of the central spike 32 as illustrated, the various camera mounting apparatus described above may also be attached to the central spike 32, as illustrated in broken lines. The camera supporting apparatus 90 may be adapted to be slidingly received within a socket 92 in mounting means on the spike 32, by the same mechanism as that illustrated in Figures 15 and 16.

Furthermore, the apparatus comprises means to facilitate the easy carriage of the apparatus, when it is disassembled. Rod 31 is adapted so that the cylindrical tube heads 28 of the three legs, 24, 25 and 26, may slide onto it, and hang such that they are contained within structure 30. This illustrative apparatus is, therefore, adapted to be transported as a collection of individual components, which can be readily assembled into a camera mounting apparatus according to need.

With reference to Figure 18, a cylindrically-shaped camera could be designed, thereby adapted to be mounted within the cylindrical support tubes, with the lens filter 100, auto iris lens 102, camera 104 and motor 106 connected in linear alignment.

As an evidence collector, apparatus in accordance with the present invention is ideal as it can be easily and rapidly deployed. As the camera mounting apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 are carried on the various headgear shown, the user's hands are free from cumbersome video camera equipment, and the transmission of signals by microwave video link negates the requirement for the traditional two man camera/recorder team.

Desirably, the camera angle could be changeable by means of a ratchet adjustment mechanism, for example to ensure that the camera, carried by the support, can be adjusted to be directed forwardly of the headgear and retained in the adjusted position, even when the head of the wearer is bowed downwardly.

The various camera mounting apparatus secured to headgear may carry either a colour or black and white camera system.

A suitable colour camera is supplied under the designation WC-CD2, and is used for daytime work where evidence and detail requiring good coloured reproduction is a priority.

A suitable black and white camera is supplied under the designation KH19OR, and is designed for night use and use in low light levels. Both the colour and black and white systems employ small, robust cameras. The image-receiving device is preferably protected by weather and dust proof silicon rubber sleeves and encased in the low profile stainless steel or lightweight plastic supports. The supports may be finished in an anti-infrared paint.

The information recorded by the camera system is preferably transmitted to a remote Surveillance Control Unit. A transmitter, battery, and in the case of the colour camera, control box, may be carried either on a waist belt, in a back pack or distributed for concealment in a waterproof outer garment.

The transmitter has an audioport and a videoport, and may be built on a modular system. Desirably, the transmitter may have an access port to enable frequency changes to be made to - the transmitter by insertion of a crystal cartridge. For example, each set of transmitters could usefully be supplied with a number of frequency crystals pre-set to the customer's specific frequency requirements.

The transmitter may have a port connected to a remote infrared or acoustic sensor which switches it on and off, thereby conserving energy.

It is envisaged that the power source, for example, 12 volt nickel cadmium batteries, could be designed to include a mechanism to indicate the power state, for example a lightemitting diode display with three colour changes as the battery discharges. The standard multicell battery could be further changed to include a spring loaded fuse holder and twist on/off switch located on top of the battery, with a right-angled 4 pin XCR power off take socket connecting to the transmitter. Presently, all 4 pin XCR plugs are straight, so that the wiring is not directed downwardly, which increases the overall height of the battery assembly.

If a right-angled 4 pin XCR plug was to be developed, this would decrease the overall height of the battery assembly, so reducing the overall equipment profile.

The static camera mounting apparatus utilises a black and white camera system, as it is envisaged that the system will be deployed by both day and night. A suitable camera is the black and white camera SUPER MICRO, which has high sensitivity to light and to near infrared for twilight vision, and features a wide-angled auto iris lens for general surveillance work. The camera is secured in a steel weatherproof housing to endure "field use".

A microwave video system is used with a transmitter and receiver efficiently designed to optimise battery life in mobile applications. The transmission system is compatible with all broadcast standards (PAL, SECAM, NTSC) irrespective of line/frame frequency or colour encoding.

The transmitter is phase-locked to a stable crystal reference, eliminating frequency drift problems due to temperature or other environmental variations. The receiver employs an IF in the VHF band to provide enhanced image frequency rejection and a SAW IF filter gives adjacent channel rejection. The transmitter/receiver system can be placed in the 1.1 to 2.5 GHz band, although as a microwave system, the achievable range is dependent on the positioning and gain of the antennae employed, together with local topography and atmospheric conditions.

It is envisaged that a short whip antenna could be used, fitted to the helmet. A large antenna fitted to the transmitter would be impractical due to its size and vulnerability to be knocked. Furthermore the transmitter/receiver system would work most effectively with the antenna positioned at the highest point of the apparatus to ensure no interference from the body. A strip of metal could suitably be fixed over the top of the headgear with a connecting flat metal ground plane having the antenna fixed thereto, in the case of the Police Helmet. On various other types of headgear, the antenna could suitably be mounted directly on the camera mounting apparatus. Rebroadcast facilities are available to complement the basic system and to extend its range.

The information provided by the video system may be recorded for evidential or training purposes on the Surveillance Control Unit (SCU). This can be supplied either as a portable hand-held or attache case-sized SCU for mobile use, or as a permanently-installed base station SCU. There could suitably be a facility for an alarm to be activated at the base station SCU when the camera starts to transmit, to notify persons present to watch the screen.

These SCUs offer advantages of choice of deployment in terms of time, space and grouping over the traditional cable-connected permanently-installed CCTV systems.

Claims

1. A camera mounting apparatus comprising a support for an image-receiving device and mounting means secured to the support, the mounting means being adapted to be secured to headgear.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the mounting means is adapted to be secured to headgear so that a camera carried by the support is directed forwardly of the headgear.

3. Apparatus according to either one of Claims 1 and 2 further comprising means for mounting a microphone.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 3 wherein the microphone is directional and is mounted in the same direction as the camera in its mounting means.

5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising means for mounting an infrared light-emitting diode.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims made of stainless steel.

7. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 made of plastics.

8. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 constructed arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. A ground mounting apparatus for a camera which, when assembled, comprises a spike and tripod assembly and means for supporting a camera wherein the tripod leg members are adapted to be slidingly received on the central spike and secured thereto.

10. Apparatus according to Claim 9 adapted to be transported as a collection of individual components comprising means to facilitate the carriage of the apparatus.

11. Apparatus according to either one of Claims 9 and 10 made of stainless steel.

12. Apparatus according to either one of Claims 9 and 10 made of plastics.

13. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 12 constructed arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A surveillance system comprising apparatus adapted to mount a camera, a transmitter unit connected to the camera mounted by the apparatus to transmit images received by the camera and a remote receiver to receive the transmitted images.

15. A surveillance system according to Claim 14 wherein a recorder is provided to record the images received.

16. A surveillance system according to Claim 15 wherein information recorded by the camera is transmitted to either a portable or a permanently-installed surveillance control unit.