Externally Attachable Triggering Device for Trail Camera Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trail cameras with passive infrared sensors have limited detection ranges, often failing to capture objects that are too far away or stationary, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for photography.
Innovation Solution
An externally attachable triggering device that includes a heat generating member (HGM) and a receiving node, allowing remote sensors to communicate with the camera's sensor system, increasing the detection range and reliability by generating heat to trigger the camera when a signal is detected, even if the object is outside the standard detection range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive infrared sensor is used to trigger the camera, then the camera can automatically detect and photograph moving objects, but the detection range is limited and objects too far away cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote sensor node as an intermediary that detects objects at distances beyond the camera's native sensor range. This remote node communicates with the camera trigger device, which then activates the camera. The intermediary extends the effective detection range while maintaining reliable triggering through a multi-component system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the detection function from the camera by placing sensors at remote locations and transmitting signals to the camera trigger. This spatial dimensionality change allows detection at distances far beyond what a co-located sensor could achieve, effectively extending the detection range without compromising trigger reliability.
2Reliability
If the sensor is positioned close to the camera, then the triggering is reliable, but the field of view is limited and objects outside the sensor range are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection and photography functions into separate components. Remote sensor nodes are positioned independently to cover different areas of the field of view, while the camera remains stationary. This segmentation allows each sensor to monitor specific zones, collectively covering the entire field of view while maintaining reliable triggering communication with the camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system becomes universal by accepting trigger signals from multiple remote sensor nodes positioned at different locations. The camera can be triggered by any sensor detecting motion in its field of view, making the system adaptable to objects at various positions and distances, thereby expanding field of view coverage while maintaining triggering reliability.
3Length of moving object
If remote sensors are used to extend detection range, then objects beyond standard range can be detected, but system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger device acts as an intermediary that simplifies the remote sensing system. Instead of requiring direct integration between remote sensors and camera, the trigger device receives signals from remote sensors and handles camera activation. This intermediary layer reduces system complexity by providing a standardized interface between the extended sensing network and the camera system.
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 solution enhances the detection range and reliability of trail cameras, enabling them to capture objects beyond the standard detection range, reduces false alarms from local moving objects, and allows for remote triggering without modifying the camera, thus improving the effectiveness of trail camera use.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generating member (HGM) disposed adjacent to the sensor, the HGM responding to a received signal by generating heat
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a camera having a first sensor configured to trigger the camera to take a photograph, a trigger device configured to couple to the camera, and a remote sensor node. The trigger device includes a heat generating member (HGM) disposed adjacent to the first sensor, a receiving node communicatively coupled to the HGM, and a housing configured to house at least one of the heat generating member and the receiving node. The remote sensor node is communicatively coupled to the receiving node, and includes a second sensor configured to detect an object in the field of view of the camera.