Optical Zoom Wildlife Camera for Low-Detection Remote Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wildlife cameras with digital zoom capabilities often spook game animals due to noise, electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions, and the need to be placed close to the target, compromising image quality and detection.
Innovation Solution
A wildlife camera with optical zoom capabilities and optional electromagnetic and radio frequency (EMR) dampening materials, allowing placement further away from the target while maintaining image quality and reducing EMF detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is placed closer to the wildlife to be photographed, then the image quality is improved, but the likelihood of detection and spooking wildlife increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical zoom lens system as an intermediary mechanism that allows the camera to capture detailed images of wildlife from a distance without requiring physical proximity. The optical zoom lens acts as a mediator between the camera sensor and the wildlife subject, enabling close-up photography while maintaining the camera's remote positioning to avoid spooking the animals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a direct physical proximity approach to a remote positioning approach combined with optical magnification. By changing the dimensional relationship from close physical contact to distant positioning with optical enhancement, the system achieves both good image quality and reduced wildlife disturbance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera is placed farther from the wildlife, then the likelihood of detection and spooking is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical zoom lens serves as an intermediary that bridges the distance gap between the remotely positioned camera and the wildlife subject. It enables the camera to maintain its distant position for avoiding detection while still capturing high-quality images through optical magnification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical zoom to dynamically change the focal length parameter of the lens, allowing the camera to magnify the image of the wildlife subject. This parameter change enables the camera to capture detailed images from a distance, resolving the contradiction between distance and image quality.
3Length of stationary object
If digital zoom is used to magnify the image, then the camera can be placed farther away, but the image quality deteriorates due to noise and loss of detail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital zoom (which uses software processing and results in degraded image quality) with an optical zoom system (which uses physical lens mechanisms). This substitution maintains image quality by using actual optical magnification through glass elements rather than digital image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical zoom lens system acts as an intermediary that provides true optical magnification, allowing the camera to be positioned farther from the target while maintaining image quality. The optical lens physically magnifies the light before it reaches the sensor, unlike digital zoom which merely enlarges pixel data.
4Ease of operation
If electromagnetic field emissions are generated by the camera, then the camera can operate with wireless communication, but the wildlife may detect and be spooked by the EMF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies EMF dampening materials that convert or absorb the harmful electromagnetic field emissions into heat or trapped energy within the materials. This transforms the problematic EMF that could spook wildlife into a contained energy form, allowing wireless communication to function while minimizing wildlife disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The EMF dampening materials act as an intermediary barrier between the camera's wireless transmission systems and the surrounding environment. These materials absorb or block electromagnetic fields, creating a shield that prevents EMF from reaching wildlife while allowing the camera to maintain its wireless communication capabilities.
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
The camera can be placed farther from wildlife, minimizing detection and spooking, while maintaining high-quality images and reducing EMF emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The camera includes an optical zoom lens capable of providing a variable zoom ratio
Implementation Method 2
The camera optionally includes electromagnetic and/or radio frequency (EMR) dampening materials
Implementation Method 3
The camera optionally includes electromagnetic and/or radio frequency (EMR) dampening materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally pertains to a motion sensing camera for monitoring and photographing wildlife and more specifically pertains to such a wildlife camera with optical zoom capability that allows one to photograph game animals from a greater distance, reducing the likelihood of alarming game animals being photographed/filmed. The wildlife surveillance camera also optionally comprises EMF and/or RF shielding material that substantially reduces the electromagnetic field generated by said camera.