Multiscopic Game Camera for 3D Whitetail Antler Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing and scoring whitetail deer populations rely on subjective estimates and are prone to errors due to the difficulty in obtaining accurate, scalable images from game cameras, which limits the effectiveness of deer population management.
Innovation Solution
A multiscopic game camera system using two or more cameras, either mounted on drones or in stationary positions, captures 2-D images to generate 3-D data models of whitetail deer antlers, allowing for precise measurements and scoring using accepted criteria, such as the Boone and Crockett Club scoring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-based cameras are used to capture images of whitetail deer, then the setup is simple and cost-effective, but the images lack accurate scale information making scoring unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
A known-size reference object (such as a scoring board or calibration target) is placed in the scene alongside the deer. This reference serves as an intermediary that provides scale information, allowing the camera to capture both the deer and a measurable reference in the same frame. The reference object's known dimensions enable accurate conversion of pixel measurements to real-world dimensions, resolving the scale ambiguity without requiring complex 3D reconstruction equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying solely on 2D image plane measurements to incorporating depth information through multiple camera angles or aerial perspectives. By capturing images from above (aerial view) or multiple ground-based angles, the system reconstructs three-dimensional antler measurements from two-dimensional images, enabling accurate scoring without direct physical measurement.
2Productivity
If aerial surveys with drones are used to capture images over large areas, then population monitoring efficiency increases, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drone-based camera system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can conduct aerial population surveys across large areas, capture high-resolution images for individual deer identification, and simultaneously provide the aerial perspective needed for accurate 3D antler measurement. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate ground-based scoring operations and population monitoring into a single platform, improving productivity while managing complexity through integration.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to generate 3-D data models for accurate scoring, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple camera views (from drones or ground-based positions) are merged into a unified 3D data model through photogrammetric processing. The system combines images from different angles and perspectives, automatically aligning and integrating them to reconstruct the three-dimensional geometry of the antlers. This merging process extracts precise measurements without requiring physical contact with the deer, achieving high measurement precision while managing complexity through automated computational methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system provides accurate and reliable antler scoring and population management by minimizing guesswork, enabling more effective deer population management and reducing errors in estimating deer populations.
Implementation Method 1
These 2-D images are used to generate a three-dimensional (3-D) data model of the whitetail deer antlers. Using techniques such as photogrammetry, the 3-D data model is then used to obtain measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A game scoring camera system is disclosed for capturing images of game animals for the purpose of scoring the antlers using an accepted scoring method. One or more cameras are used in a multiscopic arrangement for capturing two-dimensional (2-D) images which are then converted to three-dimensional (3-D) data models, the resulting 3-D data models being used for determining measurements of various antler structures for calculating a score for the set of antlers captured in the images, the score being based on existing antler scoring systems. Some embodiments include one or more cameras, each being mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone, for capturing images during an aerial survey of game animals located within a particular area. Other embodiments include at least two cameras mounted in a stationary configuration for capturing images of game animals located within a particular area.