Camera-Operating Device

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to remotely located cameras and to controls for automatically depressing the shutter and advancing the film in such cameras.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various types of shutter release and film advance mechanisms have been utilized heretofore for actuating the controls on a remote, frequently hidden camera. These types of cameras are frequently used as security or surveillance cameras in banks or other high-security regions. It is desirable in these types of cameras to be able to take a sequence of pictures rapidly and quietly so that the intruder or robber is unaware that the photographs are being taken and that a sufficient number of photographs are taken so that at least one or more of the shots are available to provide good identification of the person photographed. Since a large number of these cameras may be installed at any one location, it is also desirable that the mechanism be easily maintained and inexpensive to manufacture. Various types of camera actuators heretofore known are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,180,316 and 3,672,269, and French Pat. No. 86.190. Generally, these devices have not been satisfactory because of the difficulties in maintenance, speed of operation, and unsuitability for modern camera shutter release and film advance mechanisms.

It is an object of this invention to provide a remote shutter control and film advance mechanism which is inexpensive to manufacture and rapid and quiet in operation.

It is another object of this invention to provide a remote shutter and film advance mechanism which uses inexpensive electrical controls for its operation.

Basically, these objects are obtained by providing a motor housing which is mounted adjacent the camera and facing the camera shutter button and film advance lever, and providing plate means on the motor shaft having, first, shutter button release means extending toward the camera and, second film advance lever means extending toward the camera with suitable electrical control means which will rotate the plate means in one direction first to depress the shutter button and release the film, then to reverse the direction of the plate means to move the film advance lever and advance the film, and finally to again reverse the plate means to return it to a home or start position, where it automatically repeats the cycle or rests until ready to be reactivated. In the preferred embodiment, the shutter release button is engaged by a ramp, and the film advance lever by a post on the plate means, with control of the extent of rotation of the plate means and direction of rotation being provided by switches and switch actuators around the plate means and on the plate means.

The controls and position of the shutter button actuating mechanism and film advance mechanism are such that numerous automatic repetitive high-speed and quiet cycles can be made without the need for manual intervention. Furthermore, the mechanism is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and operate at minimum maintenance time and expense.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a typical hidden camera installation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective of a remote camera installation embodying the principles of the invention and with parts broken away for clarity.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the camera actuator.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken generally along the lines 4--4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a detailed fragmentary section taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the typical hidden camera installation sets the camera into a frame 10 which is hidden behind a picture or the like and contains a bracket 12 for holding the camera and a motor housing 14 which holds a reversible motor and electrical circuitry for operating and controlling the motor. The motor housing 14 and camera C are so positioned that the camera shutter button B and film advance lever L are closely adjacent the operating controls on the motor housing, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The motor has a shaft 16 on which is fixed a generally circular plate 18. Fixed to the plate is a ramp 20 and a film lever advance post 22. As best shown in FIG. 4, the ramp slants outwardly so that upon counterclockwise rotation of the plate 18, the ramp engages the shutter release button, depressing the button to take the picture and release the film for advancing. Upon reverse rotation of the plate 18, the post 22 moves into engagement with the film advance lever L to cock the lever and advance the film. Then the plate is reversed again so that the post moves away from the film advance lever, allowing it to return; and either the cycle will repeat itself to take a sequence of pictures or the plate will come to a home position, ready to be initiated again.

It is important in operating the mechanism that the plate be rotated or oscillated through controlled distances to assure complete actuation of the shutter button and film advance lever, but be rapid enough to take a rapid sequence of photographs. In the preferred embodiment, the plate is provided with first and second switch actuators 30 and 32 fixed to the plate 18. A home or start switch 34 and operating switches 36 and 38 are circumferentially spaced around the plate. The switches are connected through conventional circuitry to allow energization of the motor from a remote switch, such as in a cash drawer or guard station, as is well known. The plate then rotates in the counterclockwise direction to depress the shutter button B until the switch actuator 30 engages switch 38. The switch 38 is positioned to stop the plate 18 after the button has been fully depressed and the film released. Actuating switch 38 also reverses the motor until the post 22 advances the film advance lever and switch actuator 32 engages switch 36. Switch 36 is positioned to reverse the motor again after the film advance lever has been fully advanced until switch actuator 30 reaches the home switch 34. In normal operation, the switch actuator 30 will reset the cycle to repeat itself until a sequence of pictures has been obtained, but may also be used to de-energize the motor until a new signal is sent from the remote warning switch location.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limied to the specific embodiment illustrated in the drawing.