MECHANICAL DEVICE FOR SWITCHING AN OPTICAL LENS FILTER FOR A CAMERA

Abstract

A camera having a mechanical device for selectively inserting an optical lens filter housed therein. The lens filter may be a day optical filter and a night optical filter selectively inserted into an optical path of the camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer. The device for switching an optical lens filter may include a series of gears and a filter bracket slidably disposed within a housing, which moves between a first position and a second position in order to selectively insert at least one optical lens filter into the optical path of the camera.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/400,483, filed Feb. 20, 2012, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/701,316, filed Feb. 5, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,120,831, issued Feb. 21, 2012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to a device for switching an optical lens filter, and more particularly to a camera having a mechanical device housed therein for selective switching between at least one optical lens filter, such as between a day and night optical lens filter, between a first position and a second position in order to selectively insert the optical lens filter into an optical path of the camera.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Game cameras are typically associated with hunters and the pursuit of big game animals, such as elk and deer. Game cameras have evolved from 35 mm film cameras into 6.0 megapixel digital infrared cameras. The primary purpose of a game camera is too capture an image of a deer or other game without invading its habitat and spooking the animal, giving hunters the ability to tell where game is located for pre-season scouting. The information tells hunters where to best place their blind or tree-stand.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to provide a device for selective and/or automated switching an optical lens filter for a camera.

[0007] It is further desirable to provide a device for selective switching between at least one optical lens filter, such as between a day and night optical lens filter, between a first position and a second position in order to selectively insert the optical lens filter into an optical path of a camera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In general, in a first aspect, the claimed invention relates to a device for switching an optical lens filter for a digital camera. The device includes a filter bracket housing having a channel and an optical path opening. The device also includes a filter bracket slidably disposed within the channel of the filter bracket housing. The filter bracket has at least one optical lens filter, along with a rack. In addition, the device includes a gearbox housing having a case and a cover. The case has at least one integral gearbox axle, and the cover has a motor housing. The gearbox housing further includes an axle opening. The device also includes a motor having a drive axle with a drive gear. The motor is disposed within the motor housing of the cover of the gearbox housing. Moreover, a first gear is rotatably disposed on the integral gearbox axle of the case of the gearbox housing. The first gear has outer cogs and inner cogs, with the outer cogs of the first gear engaging the drive gear. A second gear engages the inner cogs of the first gear, and a pinion gear has radially projecting cogs engaging the rack of the filter bracket. The device further includes an axle extending through the axle opening of the gearbox housing. The axle engages the second gear and the pinion gear. During operation of the device, rotational motion applied to the pinion gear is converted to linear motion of the filter bracket.

[0009] The optical lens filter of the device may be selected from a clear optical lens filter, an ultraviolet optical lens filter, a color correction optical lens filter, a color subtraction optical lens filter, a contrast enhancement optical lens filter, an infrared optical lens filter, a neutral density optical lens filter, a polarizing optical lens filter, a special effects optical lens filter, a day optical lens filter and/or a night optical lens filter.

[0010] In addition, the gearbox housing may be directly or indirectly joined to the filter bracket housing. Further, the first gear or the second gear or both may be a spur gear. The pinion gear may be disposed in the filter bracket housing, and the pinion gear may be disposed in a pinion gear recess of the filter bracket housing. Moreover, a terminal end of the axle opposing the pinion gear may be rotatably journaled to the case of the gearbox housing.

[0011] In general, in a second aspect, the claimed invention relates to a filter switching device. The device includes a filter bracket having a rack and at least one optical lens filter; a motor having a drive axle with a drive gear; a pinion gear engaging the rack; and a plurality of gears disposed intermediate of and engaging the drive gear and the pinion gear. Further, at least one of the gears and the pinion gear are axially spaced and coaxially aligned along an axle. The gears transmit rotational motion from the drive gear to the pinion gear, and the rotational motion applied to the pinion gear is converted to linear motion of the filter bracket.

[0012] The device may also include a lens filter housing having an optical path opening. The filter bracket can be slidably disposed within the lens filter housing. Further, the optical lens filter may be selected from a clear optical lens filter, an ultraviolet optical lens filter, a color correction optical lens filter, a color subtraction optical lens filter, a contrast enhancement optical lens filter, an infrared optical lens filter, a neutral density optical lens filter, a polarizing optical lens filter, a special effects optical lens filter, a day optical lens filter and/or a night optical lens filter.

[0013] The rack may include a linear series of projecting teeth disposed longitudinally along the outer terminal edge of the filter bracket. In addition, the device can include a gearbox housing having a case and a cover. The gearbox housing can have an integrated, fixed gearbox shaft, an axle opening and/or a motor housing. Moreover, an axle may extend through the axle opening of the gearbox housing, with the axle engaging with one of the gears and the pinion gear. The gear and the pinion gear may be axially spaced and coaxially aligned along the axle. Further, a terminal end of the axle opposing the pinion gear can be rotatably journaled to the case of the gearbox housing.

[0014] The plurality of gears of the device may be a plurality of spur gears or a first gear engaging with a second gear, where the first gear or the second gear or both can a spur gear. The first gear can include outer cogs and inner cogs. The outer cogs of the first gear can engage the drive gear, the inner cogs of the first gear can engage the second gear, and the second gear can engage the pinion gear. In addition, the second gear and the pinion gear can be axially spaced and coaxially aligned along a rotatable axle.

[0015] In general, in a third aspect, the claimed invention relates to a digital game scouting camera. The camera includes a plurality of gears disposed in a gearbox housing. The camera also includes a motor comprising a drive axle with drive gear engaging a first of the gears. The motor is disposed in the gearbox housing. The camera also includes a filter bracket housing having an optical path opening, and the filter bracket housing is joined directly or indirectly to the gearbox housing. Further, a pinion gear is disposed in the filter bracket housing, with the pinion gear and a second of the gears rotatably engaged with an axle. The camera also includes a filter bracket slidably disposed within the filter bracket housing. The filter bracket includes at least one optical lens filter and a rack, with the rack engaging the pinion gear. During operation of the camera, the gears transmit rotational motion from the drive gear to the pinion gear, and the rotational motion applied to the pinion gear is converted to linear motion of the rack.

[0016] The first of the gears of the camera may be rotatably disposed on a gearbox axle integrated into the gearbox housing. The first of the gears can include an outer set of cogs and an inner set of cogs, with the outer set of cogs engaging the drive gear. The second of the gears may engage the inner set of cogs of the first of the gears. The axle engaging the pinion gear and the second of the gears can extend out of the gearbox housing through an axle opening and into the filter bracket housing. Moreover, the rack can include a linear series of projecting teeth disposed along a longitudinally terminal edge of the filter bracket. In addition, the gearbox housing of the camera can include a case and a cover. The motor may be disposed within a motor housing of the gearbox housing. Furthermore, the second of the gears and the pinion gear may be axially spaced and coaxially aligned along the axle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera disclosed herein;

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera as shown in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera of FIG. 1 with the optical lens filter in a first position;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera of FIG. 1 with the optical lens filter in a second position;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example of a mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera disclosed herein;

[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera as shown in FIG. 5;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera of FIG. 5 with an optical lens filter in a first position;

[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera of FIG. 5 with the optical lens filter in a second position;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an example of a process flow of a control circuit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera disclosed herein;

[0026] FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic of an example of a control circuit having a directional driving circuit and a protection circuit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera disclosed herein; and

[0027] FIG. 11 is an electrical schematic of an example of a control circuit having a directional driving circuit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera disclosed herein.

[0028] Other advantages and features will be apparent from the following description, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The devices and methods discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use this invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting in scope.

[0030] While the devices and methods have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be noted that many modifications may be made in the construction and the arrangement of the structural and function details disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the devices and methods are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification.

[0031] Referring to the figures of the drawings, wherein like numerals of reference designate like elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIGS. 1 through 4, a camera (not shown) having a mechanical device for switching an optical lens filter 10 is housed therein. As will be appreciated, the camera can be any suitable photographic device, such as a digital game scouting camera. The device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera 10 includes a housing 94 with an opening 80 through which the optical path of the camera may pass. Slidably disposed within the housing 94 is a filter bracket 70 that moves between a first position (FIG. 3) and a second position (FIG. 4) in order to selectively insert the optical lens filter 18 into the optical path of the camera. As exemplified, the housing 94 may include a recessed gear box enclosure 108 and a recessed sliding channel 110 within which the filter bracket 70 moves. By way of illustration only, the optical lens filter 18 may be a day optical lens filter 18a and a night optical lens filter 18b secured to the slidable filter bracket 70 within openings 82a and 82b. In addition to openings 82a and 82b, the filter bracket 70 may include an elongated, rack-like channel 96 having an axial series of projecting teeth 98.

[0032] As can be seen from the exploded view of FIG. 2, motor 72, which may be electric, hydraulic or other rotating power supply, has an axle 78 and may be housed within a motor housing 74 that is secured to the housing 94 by way of a suitable fastener, such as shown with screws 78. The motor 72 is mounted within the motor housing 74 using a motor bracket 76. During operation, the rotational energy of the axle 78 of the motor 72 is converted to linear movement of the filter bracket 70 for selectively inserting the day optical lens filter 18a (FIG. 4) or the night optical lens filter 18b (FIG. 3) over opening 80 in the housing 14 and into the optical path of the camera. For example and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4, a pair of spur gears 84 and 86 may be rotatably mounted on the housing 14 by way of housing axles 88 and 90 located within the recessed gear case 108. The axle 78 of the motor 72, the housing axle 88 forming the axis of rotation of the spur gear 84 and the housing axle 90 forming the axis of rotation of the spur gear 86 are aligned in parallel. The spur gear 86 has an inner cog 92 engaged with the axial series of teeth 98 in the channel 96 of the filter bracket 70. The spur gear 86 also includes an outer cog 100 engaged with an inner cog 102 of the spur gear 84. The spur gear 84 includes an outer cog 104, which is engaged with a drive gear 106 secured to the axle 78 of the motor 72.

[0033] During operation, the motor 72 rotates the axle 78 having the drive gear 106; the rotational energy of the drive gear 106 causes the spur gear 84 to rotate about the housing axle 88; the rotational energy of the spur gear 84 is transmitted to the spur gear 86, causing it to rotate about the housing axle 90; this rotational energy of the spur gear 86 is converted to linear movement of the filter bracket 70 within the slide channel 110 of the housing 94 between the first position illustrated in FIG. 3 and the second position illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, a housing 112 of the device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera 10 may include an opening 114 through which the optical path of the camera may pass. Slidably disposed within the housing 112 is a filter bracket 116 that moves between a first position (FIG. 7) and a second position (FIG. 8) in order to selectively insert the optical lens filter 18 into the optical path of the camera. As exemplified, the housing 112 may include a recessed sliding channel 118 within which the filter bracket 116 moves. The filter bracket 116 may include a day optical lens filter 18a and a night optical lens filter 18b secured within openings 120a and 120b. In addition to openings 120a and 120b, the filter bracket 118 may include a rack 122 having an axial series of projecting teeth.

[0035] A gear box housing 124, attached to the housing 112, includes a gear box case 126 and a gear box cover 128 secured thereto, such as by way of screws 130. The gear box case 126 includes a housing axle 152 about which a spur gear 144 rotates. In addition, the gear box case 126 includes an opening 154 which an axle 156 extends therethrough. Within the gear box cover 128, a motor bracket 132 secures a motor 134 to a motor housing 136.

[0036] The motor 134 includes an axle 138 having a drive gear 140. The drive gear 140 is engaged with an outer cog 142 of the spur gear 144, while an inner cog 146 of the spur gear 144 is engaged with an outer cog 148 of a spur gear 150. The axis of rotation of the spur gear 150 is secured to the axle 156, which extends from within the gearing box housing 124, through the opening 154 therein, and into the housing 112 where it includes an output gear 158. The output gear 158 is engaged with the rack 122 of the filter bracket 116.

[0037] During operation, the axle 138 of the motor 134 rotates the drive gear 140, causing the spur gear 144 to rotate, which in turn causes the spur gear 150 to rotate. The rotation of the spur gear 150 is transmitted through the axle 156 to the output gear 158. The rotational energy of the output gear 158 is converted by the rack 122 to linear movement of the filter bracket 116 along and within the sliding channel 118 of the housing 112. This linear movement of the filter bracket 116 of the device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera 10 enables the selective switching between the day optical lens filter 18a (FIG. 7) or the night optical lens filter 18b (FIG. 8) being inserted into the optical path of the camera, such as in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from the user or timer.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 11, a control circuit 160, such as exemplified in FIG. 10 or 11, may be utilized to determine the position of and to move the filter bracket 70/116 between the first position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7 and the second position illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8. The control circuit 160 may be composed of a directional driving circuit with or without a protection circuit. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the control circuit 160 includes both the directional driving circuit, which includes both a forward directional driving circuit 162 and a reverse directional driving circuit 164, and a forward protection circuit 166 and a reverse protection circuit 168, while FIG. 11 exemplifies the control circuit 160 without the protection circuits 166 and 168. As illustrated for purposes of exemplification only and not by way of limitation, the forward directional driving circuit 162 and the forward protection circuit 166 include resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 and transistors Q3 and Q5, and the reverse directional driving circuit 164 and the reverse protection circuit 168 include resistors R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 and R12 and transistors Q3 and Q5. The forward protection circuit 166 may be composed by resistor R5 and transistor Q5, while the reverse protection circuit 168 may be composed by resistor R10 and Q6, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Transistors Q1 and Q7 may be for a forward directional power switching circuit 170 that allows the motor 72/134 to run in a forward direction, while transistors Q2 and Q8 may be for a reverse directional power switching circuit 172 that allows the motor 72/134 to run in a reverse direction.

[0039] The device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera 10 may include an image sensor (not shown) that detects the environmental luminance. The image sensor is electrically connected to the control circuit 160, which may also include a suitable processor 174, such as a digital signal processor or micro-controller unit. If the detected luminance is greater than a predetermined value, the control circuit 160 will enter a daytime mode. In the daytime mode, the optical lens filter 18a may cover the opening 80/114 and be in the optical path of the camera (FIGS. 4 and 8). If the detected luminance is less than the predetermined value, the control circuit 160 will enter a nighttime mode. In the nighttime mode, the optical lens filter 18b may cover the opening 80/114 and be in the optical path of the camera (FIGS. 3 and 7).

[0040] The processor 174 will provide either a forward directional control signal (MF) or a reverse directional control signal (MR) according to the detected luminance. For example, the forward directional driving circuit 162 may be activated with MF=1 and MR=0, while the reverse directional driving 164 circuit may be activated with MF=0 and MR=1, with 1 representing the predetermined value for high luminance and 0 representing the predetermined value for low luminance. By way of further example, when MF=1 and MR=0, the transistors Q4 and Q6 are electrically disconnected, resulting in transistors Q2 and Q8 also being electrically disconnected, such that the reverse directional power switching circuit 172 is disconnected. Transistors Q3 and Q5 are electrically connected resulting in transistors Q1 and Q7 being electrically connected; in this state, the forward directional power switching circuit 170 is electrically connected resulting in a positive voltage between positive to negative terminals of the motor 72/134. This voltage causes the motor 72/134 to rotate in the forward direction and move the optical lens filter 18a into the optical path of the camera. Should MF=0 and MR=1, the transistors Q3 and Q5 would be disconnected, along with transistors Q1 and Q7, in order to disconnect the forward directional power switching circuit 170. Transistors Q4 and Q6 are electrically connected, resulting in transistors Q2 and Q8 to also be electrically connected so that the reverse directional power switching circuit 172 is active. A negative voltage is applied between the negative to positive terminals of the motor 72/134, causing the motor 72/134 to rotate in the reverse direction and move the optical lens filter 18b into the optical path of the camera.

[0041] If both MF and MR equaled 0, then the transistors Q1, Q3, Q5 and Q7 of the forward directional driving circuit 162 and the forward directional power switching circuit 170 and the transistors Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8 of the reverse driving circuit 164 and the reverse directional power switching circuit 172 would be electrically disconnected resulting in no voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the motor 72/134 of the device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera 10. In this state, the motor 72/134 is in a non-working status and leaves the optical lens filter 18 in its existing position. The same may be true in an unusual status where both MF and MR equaled 1; in particular, transistors Q3 and Q5, along with transistors Q4 and Q6 would be electrically disconnected, deactivating both the forward and the reverse directional power switching circuits 170 and 172, respectively. No voltage would pass across the terminals of the motor 72/134 and the filter bracket 70/116 would remain in its existing position.

[0042] The protection circuits 166 and/or 168 illustrated in FIG. 10 are not typically activated during the directional driving circuits 162 and/or 164. During power up, the output signal of the processor 174 is typically not sufficiently stable, causing the MF and MR to both equal 1. Without the protection circuits 166 and/or 168, the forward and the reverse directional power switching circuits 170 and 172 would be simultaneously electrically connected, resulting in a short circuit between the power supply (Vdd) and the ground (GND) of the processor 174 by transistors Q1 and Q8 and transistors Q2 and Q7 all being simultaneously electrically connected. The large voltage surge causes the transistors to malfunction. The protection circuits 166 and/or 168 ensure that the proper directional control signal (MF and/or MR) is provided for the power switching circuit 170 and/or 172, prevent the control circuit 160 from working on an unusual status, and protect the driving components (e.g., the motor 72/134).

[0043] It will be appreciated that the device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera 10 may include any type of optical lens filter 18 typically used in photography; for example and not by way of limitation, the optical lens filter may be clear, ultraviolet, color correction, color subtraction, contrast enhancement, infrared, neutral density, polarizing, special effects or other type of photography or videography optical filter or a combination thereof. For example and not by way of limitation, the device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera 10 may utilize a day and a night optical lens filter as discussed infra, a clear optical lens filter and a day optical lens filter, or a clear optical lens filter and a night optical lens filter.

[0044] Whereas, the devices and methods have been described in relation to the drawings and claims, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A device for switching an optical lens filter for a digital camera, said device comprising: a filter bracket housing comprising a channel and an optical path opening; a filter bracket slidably disposed within said channel of said filter bracket housing, said filter bracket comprising at least one optical lens filter, said filter bracket further comprising a rack; a gearbox housing comprising a case and a cover, said case comprising one integral gearbox axle, said cover comprising a motor housing, said gearbox housing further comprising an axle opening; a motor comprising a drive axle, said drive axle having a drive gear, said motor disposed within said motor housing of said cover of said gearbox housing; a first gear rotatably disposed on said integral gearbox axle of said case of said gearbox housing, said first gear having outer cogs and inner cogs, said outer cogs of said first gear engaging said drive gear; a second gear engaging said inner cogs of said first gear; a pinion gear comprising radially projecting cogs engaging said rack of said filter bracket; and an axle extending through said axle opening of said gearbox housing, said axle engaging with said second gear and said pinion gear.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least one optical lens filter is selected from the group consisting of a clear optical lens filter, an ultraviolet optical lens filter, a color correction optical lens filter, a color subtraction optical lens filter, a contrast enhancement optical lens filter, an infrared optical lens filter, a neutral density optical lens filter, a polarizing optical lens filter, a special effects optical lens filter, a day optical lens filter or a night optical lens filter.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein rotational motion applied to said pinion gear is converted to linear motion of said filter bracket.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said gearbox housing is directly or indirectly joined to said filter bracket housing.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said first gear or said second gear or both further comprise a spur gear.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said pinion gear is disposed in said filter bracket housing.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said pinion gear is disposed in a pinion gear recess of said filter bracket housing.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein a terminal end of said axle opposing said pinion gear is rotatably journaled to said case of said gearbox housing.

9. A filter switching device, comprising: a filter bracket having a rack and at least one optical lens filter; a motor having a drive axle, said drive axle having a drive gear; a pinion gear engaging said rack; and a plurality of gears disposed intermediate of and engaging said drive gear and said pinion gear; wherein at least one of said gears and said pinion gear are axially spaced and coaxially aligned along an axle; wherein said gears transmit rotational motion from said drive gear to said pinion gear; and wherein said rotational motion applied to said pinion gear is converted to linear motion of said filter bracket.

10. The device of claim 9 further comprising a lens filter housing having an optical path opening, and said filter bracket slidably disposed within said lens filter housing.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein said at least one optical lens filter is selected from the group consisting of a clear optical lens filter, an ultraviolet optical lens filter, a color correction optical lens filter, a color subtraction optical lens filter, a contrast enhancement optical lens filter, an infrared optical lens filter, a neutral density optical lens filter, a polarizing optical lens filter, a special effects optical lens filter, a day optical lens filter or a night optical lens filter.

12. The device of claim 9 wherein said rack further comprises a linear series of projecting teeth disposed longitudinally along said outer terminal edge of said filter bracket.

13. The device of claim 9 further comprising a gearbox housing having a case and a cover.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein said gearbox housing further comprises an integrated, fixed gearbox shaft and an axle opening.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein said gearbox housing further comprises a motor housing.

16. The device of claim 14 further comprising an axle extending through said axle opening of said gearbox housing, and said axle engaging with one of said gears and said pinion gear.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein said gear and said pinion gear are axially spaced and coaxially aligned along said axle.

18. The device of claim 13 wherein a terminal end of said axle opposing said pinion gear is rotatably journaled to said case of said gearbox housing.

19. The device of claim 9 wherein said plurality of gears further comprises a plurality of spur gears.

20. The device of claim 9 wherein said plurality of gears further comprises a first gear engaging with a second gear.

21. The device of claim 20 wherein said first gear or said second gear or both further comprise a spur gear.

22. The device of claim 20 further comprising said first gear having outer cogs and inner cogs, said outer cogs of said first gear engaging said drive gear, said inner cogs of said first gear engaging said second gear, and said second gear engaging said pinion gear.

23. The device of claim 20 wherein said second gear and said pinion gear are axially spaced and coaxially aligned along a rotatable axle.

24. A digital game scouting camera, comprising: a plurality of gears disposed in a gearbox housing; a motor comprising a drive axle, said drive axle having a drive gear engaging a first of said gears, said motor disposed in said gearbox housing; a filter bracket housing comprising an optical path opening, said filter bracket housing joined directly or indirectly to said gearbox housing; a pinion gear disposed in said filter bracket housing, said pinion gear and a second of said gears rotatably engaged with an axle; and a filter bracket slidably disposed within said filter bracket housing, said filter bracket comprising at least one optical lens filter, said filter bracket further comprising a rack, said rack engaging said pinion gear; wherein said gears transmit rotational motion from said drive gear to said pinion gear; and wherein said rotational motion applied to said pinion gear is converted to linear motion of said rack.

25. The camera of claim 24 wherein said first of said gears is rotatably disposed on a gearbox axle integrated into said gearbox housing, said first of said gears having an outer set of cogs and an inner set of cogs, said outer set of cogs engaging said drive gear, said second of said gears engaging said inner set of cogs of said first of said gears.

26. The camera of claim 24 further comprising said axle engaging said pinion gear and said second of said gears extending out of said gearbox housing through an axle opening and into said filter bracket housing.

27. The camera of claim 24 wherein said rack further comprises a linear series of projecting teeth disposed along a longitudinally terminal edge of said filter bracket.

28. The camera of claim 24 wherein said gearbox housing includes a case and a cover.

29. The camera of claim 28 wherein said motor is disposed within a motor housing of said gearbox housing.

30. The camera of claim 24 wherein said second of said gears and said pinion gear are axially spaced and coaxially aligned along said axle.

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