Optical Prey Score Calculator for Antler Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hunters face difficulties in determining whether a target animal meets regulatory requirements or qualifies as a trophy specimen due to challenges in estimating antler measurements from a distance, often requiring the animal to be killed for verification.
Innovation Solution
A digital optical device equipped with an optical sensor, processor, and memory that captures images, determines distances, calculates measurements, and automatically calculates a prey score based on these measurements, providing a preliminary score for hunters before the animal is killed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hunter kills the animal to determine antler measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time and loss of information about the animal's value before hunting occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device performs measurements and calculates prey scores in advance, before the animal is killed. The system captures images of the animal's antlers from a distance, processes these images to determine measurements, and calculates the prey score beforehand, allowing hunters to verify animal value prior to harvest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the animal's antlers and performs measurements on this digital replica rather than requiring physical measurement of the actual antlers after killing. The optical sensor captures an image, and the processor analyzes this digital copy to determine measurements and prey score.
2Loss of time
If a hunter estimates antler measurements from a distance, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual estimation with an automated optical measurement system. Instead of relying on the hunter's eye and hand to estimate measurements from a distance, the system uses an optical sensor to capture images and a processor to automatically measure antler dimensions with precision, even at remote distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary - a digital image - that serves as a mediator between the distant animal and the measurement process. The optical sensor captures the animal's appearance, the processor analyzes the image data to determine measurements, and this intermediary digital representation enables accurate measurement without physical contact or close proximity.
3Measurement precision
If a hunter manually measures antlers after killing the animal, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device performs the measurement and calculation functions automatically without requiring the hunter to manually measure the antlers. The system captures images, processes them to determine measurements, and calculates the prey score autonomously, freeing the hunter from the tedious manual measurement process while maintaining or improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated optical device: image capture, image processing, measurement calculation, and prey score determination are all combined in one device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate measuring tools and manual calculation processes, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes an optical sensor configured to capture a digital image of an animal within a view area, a processor coupled to the optical sensor, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to determine a distance to the animal, determine edges of the animal, and calculate measurements of selected portions of the animal in response to determining the edges and the distance. The memory further stores instructions that, when executed, cause processor to automatically calculate a prey score for the animal in response to calculating the measurements.