Method and system for tracking camera with modular fresnel lens

Abstract

A cellular tracking camera system is disclosed, which may include: a housing; a mounting bracket for mounting the camera; a visible light sensor; an infrared sensor; and a plurality of Fresnel lenses, each operably mounted individually to or together with the infrared sensor, and focusing infrared light onto the infrared sensor from different directions. During operation, one of the Fresnel lenses may be mounted to or together with the housing. The housing may include a wireless transceiver that can communicate via a cellular network. The camera can communicate with a wireless communication device via the wireless transceiver. The camera can transmit images and / or video to the wireless device. The infrared sensor may include multiple elements. The camera may be powered by a solar cell mounted on or away from the camera. The visible light sensor may be activated when the infrared sensor detects a heated object.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] The entire contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 192,642, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ATRAIL CAMERAWITHMODULAR FRESNEL LENSES”, filed on March 4, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to tracking cameras. More particularly, certain embodiments of this disclosure relate to methods and systems for tracking cameras having modular Fresnel lenses. Background Technology

[0004] Conventional methods for tracking cameras can be costly, cumbersome, and / or inefficient; for example, they may be complex and / or time-consuming to implement and may limit battery life.

[0005] By comparing such systems with some aspects of this disclosure as set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings in the remainder of this application, the further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional methods will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Camera systems and methods are provided, substantially as shown in at least one of the accompanying drawings and / or described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings, as set forth more fully in the claims.

[0007] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of this disclosure, as well as details of the embodiments shown therein, will be more fully understood from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A tracking camera application according to an example embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A front view and a side view of a tracking camera according to an example embodiment of this disclosure are shown.

[0010] Figure 3 An exploded view of a cellular tracking camera with a modular Fresnel lens according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 An example Fresnel lens according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 The circuitry of a cellular tracking camera according to an example embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the configuration of a cellular tracking camera with a modular Fresnel lens according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to camera systems, and more specifically to camera systems utilizing modular Fresnel lenses.

[0015] Figure 1 A tracking camera application according to an example embodiment of this disclosure is shown. References Figure 1 The image illustrates a tracking camera 101, a tree 103, and a photographic target 105. In this example, a tree is used to mount the tracking camera 101, although any available fixed structure (such as a tree support, fence, post, or vine) is acceptable. The tracking camera 101 includes an infrared (IR) sensor for detecting passing animals and a visible light camera for capturing images and / or video of the sensed animals. The camera 101 also includes wireless communication capabilities for transmitting images and video to other devices and for receiving commands from those devices.

[0016] Images and / or videos can be stored in and / or transmitted from camera 101. Therefore, camera 101 may include, for example, a processor, wireless communication circuitry, memory, and storage devices. For instance, the infrared sensor in camera 101 may include a passive IR sensor with multiple elements, such that differential signals between the elements indicate movement of a target. In this way, camera 101 does not simply detect movement (such as a branch moving in the wind), but rather senses the movement of a heated object.

[0017] Tracking cameras can be mounted on different structures and at different heights, so that the captured images may or may not include the desired target depending on the camera's alignment. The field of view of an infrared sensor is typically narrower than that of a visible light camera, allowing it to sense targets only in specific areas. In an example embodiment, camera 101 may include a modular Fresnel lens that provides a configurable infrared sensing field of view. For example, if the user mounts camera 101 high, a downward-pointing Fresnel lens can be used. Similarly, if the tracking camera is mounted near the ground, a forward- or upward-pointing Fresnel lens can be used. Fresnel lenses typically include concentric rings, making the lens thinner and lighter than lenses required using conventional spherical lenses.

[0018] Figure 1Target directions 1, 2, and 3 are shown, where each target direction represents the viewing angle produced by a different Fresnel lens on the IR sensor in camera 101. If a Fresnel lens with a positive frontal view is mounted on camera 101, target direction 1 will result in no sensing of target 105, and if a downward-looking Fresnel lens is mounted, target direction 3 will also result in no sensing of target 105. A Fresnel lens with a smaller downward angle of view will result in target direction 2, sensing of target 105, allowing camera 101 to capture an image and / or video of target 105.

[0019] When users choose to suspend their cameras at different heights, setting them in the correct detection zone can be problematic for conventional cameras, especially when trying to capture animals. Camera 101 allows users to easily switch between different Fresnel lenses, giving them the ability to correctly select the detection zone for the height they choose to suspend the camera. This significantly increases the number of successfully captured images and / or videos.

[0020] Once the Fresnel lens is fixed, camera 101 can be communicatively coupled to a wireless device (such as a mobile phone) via an application used to configure camera 101. This application can interact with the lens number selected by the user, showing the user what target area is being created while the camera is suspended. In this way, users can suspend their cameras at any height with customizable detection areas. The application allows the user to input the height of the camera and the selected lens, and then the detection area can be displayed in a live photograph so that the user can accurately know the location of their target.

[0021] Figure 2 A front view and a side view of a tracking camera according to an example embodiment of this disclosure are shown. References Figure 2 The camera 200 may include a housing 201, a Fresnel lens 203, a visible lens 205, an antenna 207, a solar cell 209, a power cord 211, and a mounting bracket 213.

[0022] The housing 201 may include a structural frame of plastic or other suitable lightweight material that houses and protects the Fresnel lens 203 and visible lens 205, as well as circuitry, batteries, image sensors, and IR sensors, from various factors (e.g., precipitation, wind, etc.). The antenna 207 may be coupled to the housing via an electrical connector on its surface, thereby providing enhanced transmission and reception capabilities for the wireless communication circuitry within the camera 200. The visible lens 205 can focus visible light onto an internal image sensor (such as a CCD or CMOS sensor).

[0023] In the example scenario, the Fresnel lens 203 can be modular, allowing it to be easily removed from the camera 200 and replaced with different Fresnel lenses to configure the angle of view and / or focal length. Each Fresnel lens can have a different ridge pattern, which has a different focusing range and / or orientation. For example, different Fresnel lenses 203 can be used for... Figure 1 Each target direction is shown in the diagram. In this way, camera 200 can be mounted in many different locations using mounting bracket 213, while still aiming at the IR sensor in the desired direction. Mounting bracket 213 may include a quick-release mechanism that allows camera 200 to be temporarily detached while leaving the mounting bracket on the support structure where camera 200 is mounted. Alternatively, the mounting bracket may be hinged to allow camera 200 to be further aimed.

[0024] The IR sensor behind the Fresnel lens 203 may include a passive IR sensor with multiple sensing elements, such that changes in the differential signal between the different elements can indicate the movement of a heated animal within the field of view of the Fresnel lens 203. The solar cell 209 may include a modular structure, which, depending on the availability of sunlight at the installation location, may be attached to the housing 201 using strips and / or threaded connectors in the housing 201, or mounted away from the housing 201. Furthermore, the power cord 211 may be of varying lengths (up to 6 feet to over 10 feet) to allow for further installation distances of the solar cell 209. Depending on the installation location of the solar cell 209, multiple different power cords 211 of varying lengths may be utilized. Additionally, for example, the power cord 211 may be wrapped with a protective sheath (such as braided wire) to prevent chewing by wild animals and / or damage from sunlight / weather.

[0025] In operation, camera 200 can be mounted on a structure such as a tree and activated using a wireless device such as a mobile phone. The camera can transmit a live view of images or video captured by a sensor behind visible lens 205 to the wireless device via antenna 207. Based on the specific Fresnel lens 203 and its known viewing angle and / or focal length, this range can be superimposed on the live view, allowing the user to see where the IR sensor is pointing relative to the visible field of view. Once the desired viewing area is configured, camera 200 can enter an operating mode that may include a low-power mode for the inactive visible light sensor, a standby mode for the communication circuitry, and sensing only the IR sensor.

[0026] When a febrile animal moves within the field of view / focal length of Fresnel lens 203, an IR signal can be sensed by an IR sensor behind Fresnel lens 203. The sensed motion can cause camera 200 to activate a visible light camera sensor behind visible lens 205 to begin capturing images and / or videos of the target. The image sensor can generate analog or digital signals, where analog signals can be converted into digital data that can be stored in camera 200. In some embodiments, the image sensor converts the received image into monochrome or multicolor pixel signals or data, which can be further processed by circuitry in housing 201. The image signal can be further processed, stored, and / or transmitted. In some embodiments, camera 200 can store and / or process images from pictures or images used in videos. In the case of video, camera 200 may also include a microphone for capturing sound for playback in the video.

[0027] Figure 3 An exploded view of a cellular tracking camera with a modular Fresnel lens according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. (Reference) Figure 3 The image shows a camera 300 including a Fresnel lens 303, a visible lens 305, lens supports 311A ​​and 311B, an IR sensor 313, and a sensor protector 315.

[0028] The Fresnel lens 303 may have a linear / ridged pattern for configuring the focal length and sensing direction of the lens, as described above with respect to the Fresnel lens 203. Lens supports 311A ​​and 311B include a removable support 311A ​​and a fixed support 311B, with the Fresnel lens 303 disposed between them to provide a removable lens for the IR sensor 313. Additionally, the sensor protector 315 may include an IR-transparent material for protecting the IR sensor 313 when the Fresnel lens 303 is replaced. The Fresnel lens 303 may include a plastic or other flexible material that can be bent to provide a wider possible viewing angle. The visible light lens 305 may be used to focus visible light onto a visible light sensor (such as a CCD or CMOS sensor) for capturing images and / or video when the visible light sensor is activated. Activation may, for example, originate from user input, motion sensing via the IR sensor 313, or an activation signal from a wireless device.

[0029] For example, different Fresnel lenses can be used in camera 300, each with a different angle of view and / or focal length. For instance, if the camera is mounted at a high altitude above the ground, a downward-looking Fresnel lens can be used, or if it is desired to sense a target from a specific side, a specific Fresnel lens with such an angle of view can be used.

[0030] For example, the IR sensor 313 may include a semiconductor sensor having multiple elements, each configured to sense infrared electromagnetic radiation, and specifically to sense IR wavelengths corresponding to animal body temperature. Materials other than semiconductors are also possible, as long as they are capable of sensing infrared wavelengths.

[0031] Multiple elements in the IR sensor 313 enable motion sensing, where changes in the differential signal between the elements indicate the motion of a heated object.

[0032] Figure 4 An example Fresnel lens according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Reference Figure 4 The image shows a Fresnel lens 400 comprising a substrate 401 and a ridge 403. Fresnel lenses, initially used in lighthouses, enable large-aperture lenses to have short focal lengths without the mass and volume of conventional spherical lenses. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a Fresnel lens typically comprises separate sections of surfaces with the same or similar curvature, separated in a discontinuous manner. Ridge 403 represents adjacent surfaces that are effectively flattened from a “normal” lens, wherein the circular central region is the flattest and the adjacent surfaces slope gently downward at the outer edges, yet are vertically offset to form a plane lens.

[0033] In this example, the Fresnel lens 400 is, for instance, plastic, although other materials are possible depending on the desired flexibility and refractive index. The design of Fresnel lenses allows for virtually unlimited focal lengths and orientations within the same dimensions, in which… Figure 4 The middle lens measures approximately 2cm x 4cm and is 1mm thick.

[0034] Figure 5 The circuitry of a cellular tracking camera according to an example embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Reference Figure 5 The diagram shows circuitry 500 within a camera housing 510, which is substantially similar to the circuitry described above. Figure 2 The housing is described. For example, circuit 500 may include an IR sensor 513, a visible light sensor 515, a processor 520, a memory 530, an input terminal 550, an output terminal 560, a transceiver 570, a power supply circuit 580, and a solar cell 509. Various components of circuit 500 can be connected via one or more buses 540. Circuit 500 may be powered by one or more batteries in power supply circuit 580, which may also include a recharging circuit for when circuit 500 is connected to a power source such as solar cell 509 via power line 517, another battery, a power outlet, a charger, etc. Antenna 507 (essentially similar to the one described above) is also shown. Figure 2The antenna 207 described can be coupled to the transceiver 570 to increase wireless communication capabilities, and a Fresnel lens 503, a visible lens 505, wireless devices 521A and 521B, and a network 523 are also shown.

[0035] For example, processor 520 may include one or more of the following: central processing unit, digital signal processor, signal conditioner, controller, microcontroller, encoder, decoder, communication processor, graphics processor, etc. For example, processor 520 may also include analog-to-digital converter and / or digital-to-analog converter.

[0036] For example, wireless devices 521A and 521B may include a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet computer operable to wirelessly interact with circuit 500. In the illustrated example, wireless device 521A may be near the camera and communicate directly with circuit 500 via antenna 507, while wireless device 521B may be away from the camera and communicate with circuit 500 via network 523, which may include a cellular network such as 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, and / or the Internet. In this way, wireless device 521B can monitor images or videos captured by visible light sensor 515 from any location with cellular or Internet access.

[0037] Wireless devices 521A and 521B may include software (such as an application or “app”) operable to configure the camera and interact with it via circuitry 500. Based on the Fresnel lens 503 mounted to housing 510, the application can allow a user to monitor images or videos captured by visible light sensor 515 and also overlay the field of view of IR sensor 513 in camera setting modes.

[0038] For example, memory 530 may include one or more of the following: computer memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM, flash memory, solid-state memory, semiconductor memory, electromagnetic memory, optical memory, hard disk drive, memory stick, memory card, etc.). In some embodiments, memory 530 may include removable memory (such as a memory card for transferring memory contents from camera 101 / 200 to a computer or smartphone). The same or a different memory card can then be inserted back into camera 200. For example, memory 530 may store video, pictures, information, settings, and other data. Memory 530 may also store the initial, intermediate, and / or final results of calculations or algorithms executed by processor 520. Memory 530 may also store code, software, and / or instructions that can be executed and / or run by processor 520.

[0039] For example, input 550 may include one or more of the following:

[0040] Buttons, switches, touch-sensitive displays, microphones, etc., forming part of housing 501. Input 150 may also include commands received from external wireless devices (e.g., mobile phones). Applications on external devices can enable the configuration process of camera 200, during which images and / or videos captured by the camera using visible light sensor 515 can be transmitted to wireless device 521A, where overlays can be superimposed on the images / videos on wireless device 521A. This indicates the field of view of IR sensor 513, allowing the user to indicate which Fresnel lens 503 is installed and observe which area of ​​the visible field of view will have active IR motion sensing. IR sensor 513 may include multiple elements 513A, each including adjacent portions of infrared sensing material, each with different electrical connections, such that changes in the differential signal between elements 513A can indicate the movement of a febrile animal.

[0041] For example, output terminal 560 may include one or more of the following:

[0042] Touchscreen displays, screens, lights, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), speakers, lasers, etc. Additionally, data can be output via antenna 507 to one or more external wireless devices 521A and 521B.

[0043] Transceiver 570 may include one or more transceivers configured for wired and wireless communications. For example, transceiver 570 may be configured to connect to a cable or wire (such as an Ethernet cable, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), optical fiber, etc.). Transceiver 570 may also be configured to connect to one or more antennas (such as antenna 507) for wireless communications (such as cellular communications (3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, etc.), WiFi communications, IEEE 802.11 compliant communications, Bluetooth communications, WiMax communications, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communications, radio communications, etc.). In some embodiments, transceiver 570 may be configured to communicate directly (e.g., wired and / or wirelessly) with another device such as wireless device 521A (e.g., transceiver 570 in another camera or mobile phone / smartphone, tablet computer, storage device, etc.), or indirectly (e.g., via a base station, access point, cellular network, or the Internet) with another device such as wireless device 521B. In some embodiments, for example, transceiver 570 may include one or more of the following: signal conditioner, upconverter, downconverter, mixer, filter, amplifier, etc.

[0044] In operation, the user can place a Fresnel lens 503 in a camera, including circuitry 500. A wireless device, such as wireless device 521A, can communicate with transceiver 570 via antenna 507, thereby enabling Fresnel lens configuration of the camera. An application on wireless device 521A can assist in configuration by displaying the target area of ​​the selected lens at a selected height of the camera by obscuring the target area / trigger area of ​​the live image transmitted by transceiver 570. This can help users correctly set up their cameras to aim at the desired area.

[0045] When a specific Fresnel lens is fixed in the camera, the identification of Fresnel lens 503 can be indicated by the user by entering a code on a wireless device, by scanning a QR code corresponding to Fresnel lens 503, or automatically sensed by circuitry 500. In one example, configuration information can be sent from wireless device 521A to camera circuitry 500 via SMS message. In another example, the type of Fresnel lens can be automatically sensed by physical, electrical, or optical sensing of the lens. The camera can then be activated, and images and / or videos captured by visible light sensor 515 can be transmitted to wireless device 521A, where the indicated Fresnel lens causes wireless device 521A to cover the field of view of the specific Fresnel lens 503 on the wireless device display. In this way, cameras 101 / 200 can be oriented as needed for thermal / motion sensing and image / video capture in many different camera placements.

[0046] Once positioned and oriented, when the camera senses a heated target using the IR sensor 513, the visible image from the visible image sensor 515 can be part of the input 550 and processed by the processor 520. The processor 520 can store the image signal in the memory 550. In some embodiments, the processor 520 can receive analog signals from the visible image sensor 515 and convert them into digital signals (such as pixel data that can be stored in the memory 530). In some embodiments, the processor 520 can receive image signals from the visible image sensor 515 and convert the image signals into an image (e.g., picture) format or a file or video format or file. When the camera is in video mode, sound can be converted into an audio signal by the microphone of the input 550, and then combined (e.g., synchronized) by the processor 520 with the video image received from the visible image sensor 515 before being stored in the memory 550 and / or transmitted to the wireless devices 521A and / or 521B.

[0047] In another example scenario, for instance, memory 550 includes removable memory (such as a memory card) that can be removed from the camera and inserted into a computer to view images or play videos. In some embodiments, output 560 or transceiver 570 includes a data port, such that a computer can be connected to the camera and images and / or videos can be downloaded or streamed to the computer for storage and / or viewing. In another example, transceiver 570 can be used to transmit images and / or videos to a computer via a wired connection (e.g., an Ethernet link) and / or a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth link). For example, images and / or videos can be streamed or downloaded to a computer.

[0048] In the example scenario, output 560 may include a display, or a display may be connected to output 560 or transceiver 570. Processor 520, which may include a graphics processor and / or graphics accelerator, may be used with the display to show images and / or video stored in memory 530. For example, output 560 may also include a speaker to play back sound from the stored video.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the configuration of a cellular tracking camera with a modular Fresnel lens according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The process begins at step 601, in which the Fresnel lens can be coupled to the camera, followed by step 603, in which the camera is mounted in the desired location using a mounting bracket.

[0050] In step 605, the camera can be activated using a button, switch, touchscreen, or via a wireless device communicating with the camera. For example, the type of Fresnel lens can be indicated by the user through an ID number entered on a wireless device coupled to the camera, by scanning a QR code or barcode, or by automatic sensing by the camera.

[0051] In step 607, the camera can transmit live view video from the visible light sensor to the wireless device, where the field of view of the IR sensor can be overlaid on the image, for example, in a frame of the image or in shadow. The user can accept the camera and IR sensor configuration, or adjust the camera position to a more desired orientation using the current Fresnel lens, or couple a different Fresnel lens if the desired visible light and IR field of view are unacceptable.

[0052] In step 611, once the target is accepted, the camera's configuration mode and the wireless device's configuration mode can be discontinued, followed by step 613, in which the camera can enter a low-power mode, where only the IR sensor circuitry is active, and the visible light sensor and communication and processing circuitry are in standby mode. These de-energized circuits can be intermittently re-energized as needed. Once the heated object crosses the IR field of view, the visible light sensor can begin recording images and / or video for storage and / or transmission.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a method and system for a cellular tracking camera are described, which may include: a housing; a mounting bracket for mounting the camera; a visible light sensor; an infrared sensor; and a plurality of Fresnel lenses, each operably mounted individually to or together with the infrared sensor, and focusing infrared light onto the infrared sensor from different directions. During operation, one of the plurality of Fresnel lenses may be mounted to or together with the housing.

[0054] The housing may include a wireless transceiver that communicates via a cellular network. The camera may communicate with a wireless communication device via the wireless transceiver. The camera may transmit images and / or video to the wireless device. The infrared sensor may include multiple elements. The camera may be powered by a solar cell mounted on or located away from the camera. A visible light sensor may be activated when the infrared sensor detects a heated object. The Fresnel lens may include plastic. The camera may include one or more antennas coupled to the housing.

[0055] This method and / or system can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. This method and / or system can be implemented in a centralized manner or in a distributed manner in at least one computing system, wherein different components are distributed across several interconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing system or other device suitable for performing the methods described herein is appropriate. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a general-purpose computing system having a program or other code that, when loaded and executed, controls the computing system to perform the methods described herein. Another typical implementation may include an application-specific integrated circuit or chip. Some implementations may include a non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., flash drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, etc.) on which one or more lines of machine-executable code are stored, thereby enabling the machine to perform the processes described herein.

[0056] Although this method and / or system has been described with reference to certain implementations, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and equivalents can be made without departing from the scope of this method and / or system. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that this method and / or system be limited to the specific implementations disclosed, but rather that this method and / or system will include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera system, comprising: camera; as well as Multiple Fresnel lenses; The camera includes: Visible light sensor; A visible light lens is operable to provide a visible field of view for the visible light sensor; Infrared sensor; and A lens among multiple Fresnel lenses is mounted to or together with the infrared sensor and is operable to guide infrared light in the sensor's field of view to the infrared sensor; Each of the plurality of Fresnel lenses is operable to: It can be installed separately from the infrared sensor or installed together with the infrared sensor; and When installed on or with the infrared sensor, infrared light is guided from the field of view specific to the corresponding lens to the infrared sensor; and The camera is operable to: A visual depiction of the sensor field of view of the infrared sensor or a lens mounted with the infrared sensor is superimposed on an image and / or video captured according to the visible field of view of the visible light sensor, so that the user can see the area that the sensor field of view points to relative to the visible field of view. The camera receives, via its wireless transceiver, a QR code or barcode associated with the infrared sensor or a lens mounted with the infrared sensor from a wireless device; and Based on the received QR code or barcode, a visual depiction of the sensor field of view of the lens is presented.

2. The camera system of claim 1, wherein, The wireless transceiver is capable of operating to communicate via a cellular network.

3. The camera system of claim 1, wherein, The camera is operable to present a visual depiction of the sensor's field of view to a wireless device via the camera's wireless transceiver.

4. The camera system of claim 3, wherein, The camera is operable to transmit images and / or videos captured according to the visible field of view to the wireless device.

5. The camera system of claim 1, wherein, The infrared sensor comprises multiple components.

6. The camera system of claim 1, wherein, The camera is powered by a solar cell mounted on or away from the camera.

7. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein, The visible light sensor is activated when the infrared sensor detects a heat-generating object in the sensor's field of view provided by a lens mounted to or together with the infrared sensor.

8. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein, The Fresnel lens comprises plastic.

9. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein, The camera system includes one or more antennas.

10. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein, The visual depiction includes a depiction of the sensor field of view of a lens mounted to or together with the infrared sensor on top of an image and / or video captured in accordance with the visible field of view.

11. A method for remote imaging, the method comprising: A camera is used to identify a lens from among multiple Fresnel lenses, the lens being mounted to or together with the camera's infrared sensor; The infrared light in the sensor's field of view is guided to the infrared sensor using a lens mounted to or together with the infrared sensor; and A visual depiction of the sensor field of view, which is mounted to the infrared sensor or a lens mounted with the infrared sensor, is superimposed on an image and / or video captured according to the visible field of view of the camera, so that the user can see the area that the sensor field of view points to relative to the visible field of view. and Identifying the lens includes scanning a QR code or barcode associated with the lens and identifying the lens based on the scanned QR code or barcode.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Presenting the visual depiction includes wirelessly transmitting the visual depiction from the camera to a wireless device.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising wirelessly transmitting from the camera to the wireless device images and / or videos captured by the camera within the visible field of view.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising capturing an image and / or video in response to the infrared sensor detecting a heat-generating object in the sensor's field of view provided by a lens mounted to or together with the infrared sensor.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The visual depiction includes a depiction of the sensor field of view of a lens mounted to or together with the infrared sensor on top of an image and / or video captured in accordance with the visible field of view.

16. A method for remote imaging, the method comprising: A camera is used to identify a lens from among multiple Fresnel lenses, the lens being mounted to or together with the camera's infrared sensor; The infrared light in the sensor's field of view is guided to the infrared sensor using a lens mounted to or together with the infrared sensor; and The visual depiction of the sensor field of view of the lens is superimposed on the image and / or video captured according to the visible field of view of the camera, so that the user can see the area pointed to by the sensor field of view relative to the visible field of view; and The camera wirelessly receives QR codes or barcodes associated with the infrared sensor or a lens mounted on or with the infrared sensor; and The identification of the lens includes identifying the lens based on the received QR code or barcode.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The visual depiction includes a depiction of the sensor field of view of a lens mounted to or together with the infrared sensor on top of an image and / or video captured in accordance with the visible field of view.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Presenting the visual depiction includes wirelessly transmitting the visual depiction from the camera to a wireless device.

19. The method of claim 18, comprising wirelessly transmitting from the camera to the wireless device images and / or videos captured by the camera in accordance with the visible field of view.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising capturing an image and / or video in response to the infrared sensor detecting a heat-generating object in the sensor's field of view provided by a lens mounted to or together with the infrared sensor.

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