Wildlife Camera Optical Zoom for Reduced Animal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wildlife cameras with digital zoom capabilities need to be placed close to the subject, which often spooks animals due to noise, emissions, and electromagnetic fields, compromising image quality and detection.
Innovation Solution
A wildlife camera with optical zoom capability and optional electromagnetic and radio frequency shielding, allowing placement further away from the subject while maintaining image quality and reducing electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is placed close to the wildlife to capture clear images, then image quality is improved, but the wildlife detects the camera through noise, electromagnetic fields, and visual presence, causing them to alarm or spook
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a remote motion sensor positioned away from the camera - that detects wildlife presence and triggers the camera remotely. This mediator allows the camera to remain hidden while still capturing images when wildlife are present, resolving the contradiction between close proximity for image quality and distance for animal undetectedness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/optical proximity (camera close to subject) with electromagnetic and optical remote triggering mechanisms. The motion sensor detects wildlife through electromagnetic fields or optical means from a distance, and this remote detection signal triggers the camera without requiring the camera itself to be close to the wildlife, thus maintaining image quality while avoiding animal alarm
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera is placed at a greater distance from the wildlife to reduce detection, then wildlife alarm is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to distance
Solution Approach 1:
The remote motion sensor acts as an intermediary that enables distant triggering. By positioning the motion sensor away from the camera and using it to detect wildlife presence remotely, the system can trigger the camera from a distance without the camera itself needing to be close to the wildlife, thus maintaining both distance for animal undetectedness and image quality through the lens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection and capture functions into separate components: the motion sensor handles detection from a distance, while the camera handles capture with optical zoom capability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently - the sensor for distant detection and the camera for quality imaging - resolving the contradiction between distance and image quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices transmit data wirelessly to enable remote monitoring, then operational versatility is improved, but electromagnetic field emissions increase the likelihood of wildlife detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wireless transmission function from the camera housing and places it in an external box positioned away from the camera and wildlife. This separation removes the source of electromagnetic field emissions from proximity to the wildlife, allowing wireless communication capability to be maintained while minimizing electromagnetic interference that could alert animals
Solution Approach 2:
The external box acts as an intermediary that handles wireless data transmission separately from the camera system. By using this intermediate device for communication functions, the camera can remain close to wildlife for optimal imaging while the separate box handles wireless transmission from a distance, reducing electromagnetic field exposure to wildlife
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
Enables photography from a greater distance without alarming wildlife, enhancing image quality and reducing detection by animals.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to a wildlife camera having optical zoom lens capabilities
Implementation Method 2
the game cameras of the invention optionally comprise Radio Frequency (RF) and/or Electromagnetic Radiation (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.