SYSTEMS FOR LEVELING AND ORIENTING TRAIL CAMERAS
Systems and methods are provided for leveling and orienting a trail camera when mounting the trail camera to a stationary object such as tree. For example, a trail camera includes a protective case to house a digital camera and electronic circuitry, and a display screen. The electronic circuitry comprises digital circuitry that is configured to sense a directional orientation and a level position of the trail camera and to generate directional orientation information and level position information. The display screen is configured to display the directional orientation and level position information to enable a user to directionally orientate the trail camera in a target direction and to vertically level the trail camera.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/971,931, filed on Feb. 8, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis disclosure relates generally to techniques for leveling and orienting trail cameras.
BACKGROUNDTrail cameras are cameras that are used for various purposes such as hunting or game surveillance. In general, trail cameras have weather-resistant, airtight camera housings, which are designed for extended and unmanned use outdoors to record images (e.g., still photographs or videos) of wildlife and game. While trail cameras can be useful to hunters for various purposes such as pre-season scouting to determine where game is located, capturing frameable images for collection, etc., most users of trail cameras do not know how to properly position a trail camera to capture good images. Indeed, hunters typically do not take into account the negative aspects of improper trail camera orientation and positioning. For example, users of trail cameras neglect to position their trail camera away from sun rays that emanate from eastern, western and southern directions, wherein excessive glare into the camera lens can result in white-washed or low-grade photo quality. Indeed, when sunlight directly or indirectly strikes the lens of the trail camera, the light is scattered, and sun flare is produced. The sun flare manifests itself in the captured images as sunbursts, circles and/or as a haze. In addition, excessive sun glare can result in constant tripping of a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor of the trail camera in the early morning and afternoon hours. In this regard, to avoid the negative effects of sun glare in the trail camera lens, it is desirable to position a trail camera south of the intended target imaging area and facing in a northerly direction. Furthermore, the unlevel positioning of a trail camera result in the generation of photographs with a tilted horizon, which can be displeasing to view and result in a non-picturesque image.
SUMMARYExemplary embodiments of the disclosure generally include systems and methods for leveling and orienting trail cameras when mounted to stationary objects such as trees.
For example, in one exemplary embodiment a trail camera comprises a protective case to house a digital camera and electronic circuitry, and a display screen. The electronic circuitry comprises digital circuitry that is configured to sense a directional orientation and a level position of the trail camera and to generate directional orientation information and level position information. The display screen is configured to display the directional orientation and level position information to enable a user to directionally orientate the trail camera in a target direction and to vertically level the trail camera.
In another embodiment, a trail camera comprises a protective case to house a digital camera and electronic circuitry, and a wireless communications system. The electronic circuitry comprises digital circuitry that is configured to (i) sense a directional orientation and a level position of the trail camera and to generate directional orientation information and level position information. The wireless communications system is configured to transmit the directional orientation and level position information of the trail camera to a remote computing device to display the directional orientation and level position information on the remote computing device.
These and other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described in further detail with regard to devices, systems, and methods for leveling and orienting trail cameras when mounting trail cameras to stationary objects such as trees.
The housing element 110 comprises sidewalls having flat portions 112 (or planar sidewall portions) and contoured portions 114, a flat bottom portion 116 (planar bottom portion), and a flat backside surface 118. The contoured portions 114 provide an ergonomic configuration that allows a user to readily hold the device 100 using a thumb and pointer finger. The bottom portion 116 further comprises an optional cut-out groove 150 which extends from one side to an opposing side of the housing element 110. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the planar sidewall portions 112 and flat bottom portion 116 provide surfaces which can be placed against flat surfaces of a trail camera housing for purposes of leveling the trail camera by viewing the bubble level 120 while maneuvering the trail camera into a level position. In addition, the compass 130 is utilized to ensure that the trail camera is facing in a target direction (e.g., northward direction).
For illustrative purposes, a brief description will now be provided of various features and functionalities that can be implemented by the trail camera 200. As is known in the art, the PIR motion detector 240 comprises an infrared radiation sensor element and associated detection circuitry, which is mounted to a printed circuit board within the trail camera 200. The PIR motion sensor 240 is configured to detect thermal signatures of objects in a detection area in front of the trail camera 200 (by sensing the thermal infrared radiation emitted from such objects), and detecting motion of objects in the detection area in response to detecting relative changes in the thermal infrared radiation over the detection area. The lens element 242 of the PIR motion detector 240 is typically implemented as a Fresnel lens element. In this instance, the lens element 242 comprises a curved plastic element which comprises an array of Fresnel lenses, where each lens is configured to focus thermal infrared radiation which is captured in different detection zones within the detection area. The detection angle of the PIR motion detector 240 is primarily determined by the design of the Fresnel lens cover 242.
The trail camera 200 comprises a digital camera which is configured to capture digital images and digital video. The digital camera comprises a visible light imager and associated image processing circuitry that is mounted to the printed circuit board of the trail camera 200. The digital camera can be configured to capture single still digital images, bursts of still digital images, and/or video. The camera lens 220 is configured to focus light to the visible light imager within the housing 210. The camera lens 220 can be a fixed focal-length lens that provides a specific field of view, or the camera lens 220 can be a user-changeable lens that allows a user to change the lens to provide wide angle or narrow angle viewing, as desired.
The infrared LEDs 230 are configured to emit infrared light to provide light (e.g., flash illumination) for capturing digital images and/or digital video in low light or dark conditions (e.g., at night). When a digital image is captured or when a video is taken at night (or in low light conditions), the infrared LEDs 230 are activated to provide light for the exposure. The light sensors 222 (e.g., photodetectors) and associated light detection circuitry are configured to detect a level of ambient light in the environment and generate a control signal to cause the infrared LEDs 230 to be activated when the level of ambient light is below a given threshold level at a time when a digital image or video is being taken.
In some trail cameras, the infrared LEDs 230 are configured to emit a given wavelength of infrared light, which results in black and white images, or slightly tinted shades of green or red. For example, the infrared LEDs 230 can may be low-glow infrared LEDs or no-glow infrared LEDs, which emit infrared light at wavelengths that are above the visible light spectrum and cannot be readily seen by animals and thus, will not startle animals being photographed. Low-glow infrared flashes operate slightly above the visible light spectrum and emit infrared light at wavelengths in the range of about 732 nm to 850 nm, which can be seen by humans and animals as a faint red glow light. On the other hand, no-glow infrared flashes operate above the visible light spectrum and emit infrared light at wavelengths in the range of about 864 nm to 940 nm, which cannot be seen by humans and animals (e.g., providing a stealth flash). Some trail cameras utilize white-light LEDs which are configured to emit white light flash illumination for capturing color images and videos at night, but white flash illumination is not typically used as the white light can scare an animal and cause it to flee. The visible light imager that is used for the digital camera is configured to detect and capture infrared light at the wavelengths emitted by the low-glow or no-glow infrared LEDs 230 so that good quality images and videos can be captured at night under the flash illumination emitted from the infrared LEDs 230.
In general, the trail camera 200 is configured to operate in a “sleep state” or “stand-by mode” during times when no digital images or videos are being taken. When the PIR motion detector 240 detects motion, the trail camera “wakes up” and various functions are triggered. Such functions include, but are not limited to, detecting ambient light levels, activating the infrared LEDs 230 for flash illumination (if ambient light levels are low), activating the camera shutter, capturing one or more digital images or video under control of the camera electronics, storing the captured digital images or video on a SD (secure digital) card, etc. The trail camera then returns to stand-by mode until a next trigger event of the PIR motion detector 240.
The manufacturers of trail cameras provide protective cases with various types of mounting mechanisms, depending on the given design. For example, in some designs, a trail camera can be mounted to an object by bolting or screwing the protective case to the object (e.g., a tree or post). In other designs, a trail camera can be mounted to an object using a strap or chain, etc. wherein the trail camera is essentially strapped or chained to tree or post. With these mounting mechanisms, the protective cases are generally square or rectangular in shape and have flat sides. In this regard, the device 100 of
For example, as noted above, the compass 130 is utilized to determine which side of the object (e.g., tree or post) is facing the desired direction (e.g., northward direction) so that when the trail camera 200 is mounted to the object, the lens 220 of the camera is facing in the desired direction (e.g., northward direction). Next, when mounting the protective case 210 to the object, the bubble level 120 of the device 100 can be used to ensure that the protective case is placed in a level position before screwing, bolting, strapping, or otherwise securing the protective case 210 of the trail camera 200 to the object.
In one embodiment, leveling can be performed by placing one of the planar sidewall portions 112 of the device 100 against one of the flat sidewall surfaces 210-2 of the protective case 210 of the trail camera 200, and viewing the bubble level 120 while maneuvering the protective case 210 of the trail camera 200 into a vertically level position (i.e., vertically level with respect to the sides of the protective case 210). Similarly, if desired, leveling can be performed by placing one of the planar sidewall portions 112 of the device 100 against a flat portion of the front side surface of the protective case 210 of the trail camera 200, and viewing the bubble level 120 while maneuvering the protective case 210 of the trail camera 200 into a vertical level position (i.e., vertically level with respect to the front and back sides of the protective case 210).
It is to be noted, however, that in some instances, an individual may mount the trail camera 200 to an object at an elevated position, and then have the front-side of the trail camera 200 pointing in a downwardly direction such that the front-side of the trail camera 200 is not vertically level. In this instance, the bubble level 120 can also be utilized to estimate or otherwise determine through delineated markings on the bubble level 120, the degree to which the front-side of the trail camera is non-level and the angle of downward direction to which the trail camera is directionally orientated. In any event, when the trail camera 200 is placed in a high position on or tree or post, and is facing downward, the front-to-back (vertical) level position is not as important as the side-to-side (horizontal) level position, as pointing the camera down at an angle diminishes the detection range, causing the intended target to be closer to the trail camera, which may bring unwanted attention to the flash illumination emitted from the infrared LEDs 230. It is preferable to place the trail camera 200 at a height of about 3 feet to about 4 feet from the ground, with both horizontal and vertical leveling.
In another embodiment, leveling can be performed by placing the flat bottom side 116 of the device 100 against the upper surface 210-1 of the protective case 210 of the trail camera 200 with the ends of the bubble level 120 facing the opposing sidewalls 210-2 of the protective case 210, and viewing the bubble level 120 while maneuvering the protective case 210 of the trail camera 200 into a vertically level position (i.e., vertically level with respect to the sides 210-2 of the protective case 210). In this instance, when the protective case 210 comprises a rib element or flange element on the upper surface 210-1 of the protective case 210, the flat bottom side 116 of the device 100 can be placed on the upper surface 210-1 of the protective case 210 with the cut-out groove 150 disposed over the rib or flange element so that the device 100 lays flat on the upper surface 210-1 of the protective case 210.
In other embodiments, as noted above, the adapter element 140 of the device 100 is configured for use with bracket-type trail cameras in which a bracket element is first mounted to a fixed object (e.g., a tree) and the trail camera is mounted to the bracket. The adapter element 140 allows an individual to directionally orientate and level a trail camera bracket prior to installing the trail camera to the bracket. Various types of camera mounts exist which include gimbal, ball bearings to provide additional angles on a longitude and latitude plane from a fixed position. Such mounts support trail cameras with threaded inserts allows the trail cameras to be rotate 360 degrees and be tilted up and down about 120 degrees, with simple designs of screwing the camera mounts directly into trees.
In particular,
In this configuration as shown in
As shown in
It is to be understood that the device 100 of
In another embodiment, a trail camera can be directionally orientated and leveled using bubble levels and a compass element that are integrated with the protective housing. For example,
In other embodiments of the disclosure, a trail camera can be designed with digital level and compass circuitry with proper user interfaces to allow users to directionally orientate and level the trail camera using digitally displayed level and directional orientation information. For example,
The processors 511 comprise one or more types of hardware processors that are configured to process program instructions and data to execute a native operating system (OS) and program code that is executed by the processor 511 to implements various functions of a trail camera. The processors 511 may comprise one or more central processing units (CPUs), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and other types of processors, as well as portions or combinations of such processors. The term “processor” as used herein is intended to be broadly construed so as to include any type of processor that performs processing functions based on software, hardware, firmware, etc.
The memory 517 comprises various types of memory such as volatile random-access memory (RAM) (e.g., dynamic RAM), non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), or other types of memory, in any combination. The memory 517 comprises “system memory” which comprises volatile and/or non-volatile memory that is used to store application program instructions that are read and processed by the processors 511 to execute the trail camera OS and one or more programs or processes to implement the various functionalities of the trail camera, and to temporarily store data that is utilized and/or generated by the OS and application programs being executed by the processor. In addition, the memory 517 provides persistent memory to persistently store configuration and/or control settings of the trail camera, which are used to control and implement functions of the trail camera which are executed by, or under control of, the processors 511. The memory 517 can be implemented using a flash memory device, an SSD (solid state drive) device, or other types and combinations of non-volatile memory devices, which are suitable for the given application.
The visible light camera circuitry 512, and the PIR motion sensor circuitry 516 are implemented using known imagers and sensors (e.g., visible light imagers, thermal IR sensors, etc.), associated read-out circuitry, and IR sensor processing circuitry commonly implemented in trail cameras. The infrared LED driver circuitry 513 comprises, or is otherwise responsive to control signals generated by, light detection circuitry (e.g., photodetectors and associated control/detection circuitry) that is configured to detect a level of ambient light in the environment that is captured by the light sensors 222, and generate a control signal to cause the infrared LEDs 230 to be activated when the level of ambient light is below a given threshold level at a time when a digital image or video is being taken.
In some embodiments, the digital level circuitry 514 and digital compass circuitry 515 are implemented using commercially available, or proprietary state-of-the-art, digital level and orientation sensing technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the digital compass circuitry 515 is implemented using magnetic sensor technology or magneto-inductive technology which is configured to electronically sense and the earth's magnetic field to determine directional orientation. The digital level circuitry 514 can be implemented using, for example, any suitable electronic inclinometer sensor technology which is configured to electronically sense the inclination, slope or tilt of an object. For example, in some embodiments, an accelerometer sensor can be utilized to implement an electronic level using known techniques. In some embodiments, the digital level circuitry 514 is implemented to enable side-to-side leveling of the trail camera and front-to-back leveling of the trail camera.
In some embodiments, as shown in
For example,
It is to be understood that the type of level information and directional information that is displayed on the LCD screen 612 can vary depending on the resolution and/or size of the LCD screen 612. For example, some trail cameras have low grade, low resolution and small size LCD screens which are not designed to display images, and which are configured to display low resolution textual characters. In this regard, the direction information that is display on such LCD screens can be limited to, e.g., the textual direction information 706 of
In other embodiments of the disclosure, the device 100 of
In other embodiments of the disclosure, trail cameras are configured to allow users to wirelessly access and control their trail cameras through an application user interface that is rendered on a computing device or system apart from the trail camera. In such embodiments, the application user interface is configured with functionality that allows a user to wirelessly access directional orientation and level position information from the user's trail camera, and display or otherwise render such directional orientation and level position information on the user's computing device. For example,
More specifically,
The communications network 940 may comprise any known communications network such as, a global computer network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), an intranet, a satellite network, a telephone or cable network, a cellular network (e.g., 3G, 4G (LTE), 5G), a wireless network such as Wi-Fi or WiMAX, or various portions or combinations of these and other types of communications networks. In this regard, the term “network” as used herein is therefore intended to be broadly construed so as to encompass a wide variety of different network arrangements, including combinations of multiple networks possibly of different types, which enable wireless communications with the wireless trail camera 960.
The wireless trail camera 960 comprises a housing 970 (e.g., protective case), a visible light camera comprising a lens element 220, infrared LEDs 230 for flash illumination, light sensors 222, and a PIR motion detector 240 comprising, e.g., a Fresnel lens cover 242, similar to the exemplary trail camera embodiments discussed above. The wireless trail camera 960 comprises a back cover element 980 which is connected to the housing 970 by a hinge element 982. The back cover element 980 can be opened to access a camera power supply (e.g., batteries), control buttons (e.g., an on/off button), and status LEDs which provide status information of the wireless trail camera 960 regarding, e.g., battery power level, network connectivity, user account status, etc.
The wireless trail camera 960 further comprises an antenna 990 (and internal wireless transceiver circuitry, cellular modem, etc.) to enable wireless communication with the wireless trail camera 960. The type of antenna that is implemented will depend on the type of wireless connectivity (e.g., WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth, etc.) that is supported by the wireless trail camera 960. For example, in some embodiments, the antenna 990 comprise a multiband omnidirectional antenna that is coupled to the housing 970 using a suitable connector (e.g., N connector).
In addition, to support wireless connectivity and communication, the electronic system 1000 comprises cellular modem 1120, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card 1130, and a wireless transceiver 1140. In some embodiments, the cellular modem 1120 is utilized to enable cellular connectivity to the wireless trail camera 960 using a cellular communications network (e.g., Cellular 3G, 4G (LTE) and/or 5G cellular network service). The cellular modem 1120 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) card or PCI express (PCIe) card that plugs into a PCI or PCIe slot in the circuit board 1010. In other embodiments, a satellite modem is utilized instead of, or in addition to, the cellular modem 1120, to enable wireless communication using a satellite communications network.
The SIM card 1130 is implemented in conjunction with the cellular modem 1120 to enable wireless communication over a cellular communications network. The SIM card 1130 comprises an IC chip that is configured to store a unique identification number (e.g., ICCID), a phone number, and other information associated with the consumer. The ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card ID) is a globally unique serial number that uniquely identifies the SIM card 1130.
The wireless transceiver 1140 is implemented to enable wireless communication on a wireless local area network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network). The wireless transceiver 1140 can be implemented using standard or proprietary wireless protocols. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless transceiver 1140 implements one or more wireless networking standards in the 802.11 set of protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi 802.11). In some embodiments, the wireless transceiver 1140 implements other wireless protocols such as Bluetooth or near field communication (NFC) to enable short-range wireless communication with the wireless trail camera 960. It is to be understood that depending on the desired wireless capabilities, the wireless transceiver 1140 can be implemented in conjunction with, or in place of, the cellular modem 1120, to support wireless connectivity with the wireless trail camera 960.
In other embodiments, although not shown in
In some embodiments, unlike the embodiment shown in
During the registration process, the user will upload a camera identification code to the service provider 950, which uniquely identifies the wireless trail camera 960. For example, in some embodiments, the camera identification code will be a bar code which is accessible by opening the back cover 980 of the wireless trail camera 960. The bar code is any type of static one-dimensional or multi-dimensional bar code such as a UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode or a QR code (Quick Response Code), which uniquely identifies the wireless trail camera 960. In some embodiments, the camera identification code comprises a globally unique mobile equipment identifier (MEID) or International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), which uniquely identifies the wireless trail camera 960.
Furthermore, during the registration process, in embodiments where the wireless trail camera 960 supports cellular wireless communication, the user can select a given wireless data plan to enable wireless access and control of the trail camera 960 using cellular wireless communications. The type of wireless data plans will vary depending on the manufacture service provider of the trail camera. For example, the wireless data plans can be implemented based on, e.g., payment of a monthly fee, which can include unlimited data or a maximum allocated amount of data (e.g., downloaded images and/or video), etc. Some service providers can provide free wireless data plans for up to a certain number (e.g., 100) of downloaded images. The wireless data plan for a given wireless trail camera can be linked to the camera IMEI and/or the SIM card ICCID.
When the user account is established, images and videos can be transmitted from the wireless trail camera 960 directly to a computing device (e.g., tablet 910, smart phone 920, and/or laptop computer 930) of the user. The trail camera application 952 can be used for access to camera controls and image management. For example, a user can utilize the trail camera application 952 to perform functions such as (i) managing account settings and user preferences; (ii) monitoring data usage and data plans; (iii) adjusting and controlling various settings of the wireless trail camera, (iv) configuring settings for automatic transmission of captured images and/or videos (e.g., instant or delayed transmission); and (v) viewing and organizing captured images and videos.
In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the trail camera application 952 is configured to provide one or more user interfaces which allow a user to activate the digital level circuitry 514 and/or the digital compass circuitry 515 when mounting the wireless trail camera 960 to a fixed object (e.g., tree), and have camera levelness information and directional orientation information wirelessly transmitted in real-time from the wireless trail camera 960 to the user's computing device (e.g., smart phone) as the user is setting the wireless trail camera into proper position (e.g., strapping the wireless trail camera to a tree). For example, in some embodiments, the trail camera application 952 is configured to render and display the directional orientation information and camera levelness information on a display screen of the user's computing device (e.g., smart phone) in the same or similar manner as shown in
In some embodiments, the levelness and directional orientation information can be wirelessly transmitted from the wireless trail camera 960 to the user's computing device using Bluetooth or NFC. In this instance, it is assumed that the computing device (e.g., smart phone) that is being utilized by the user to set the wireless trail camera 960 in position is in close proximity to the wireless trail camera 960 such that the trail camera 960 and user computing device can be wirelessly linked using Bluetooth or NFC to enable wireless transmission of the levelness and directional orientation information from the wireless trail camera 960 to the user's computing device without the need to utilize the cellular or Wi-Fi communications network. In instances where the trail camera 960 and/or user computing device do not implement Bluetooth or NFC, the camera levelness and directional orientation information can be wirelessly transmitted from the wireless trail camera 960 to the user's computing device over the cellular or WiFi communications network.
Following the initial mounting of the trail camera, when the user is located remote from the wireless trail camera 960, the user can utilize the trail camera application 952 to obtain current, real-time information regarding the camera levelness and camera directional orientation information to ensure that the wireless trail camera remains in the desired position. For instance, overtime, the wireless trail camera may slightly or significantly move out of position due to, e.g., the loosening of the camera mounting strap, the camera being hit by flying debris in wind, etc. In this manner, the user can remotely track the positioning of the wireless trail camera to ensure that the trail camera remains relatively level, etc.
Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be made therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A trail camera, comprising:
- a protective case to house a digital camera and electronic circuitry, wherein the electronic circuitry comprises digital circuitry that is configured to sense a directional orientation and a level position of the trail camera and to generate directional orientation information and level position information; and
- a display screen configured to display the directional orientation and level position information to enable a user to directionally orientate the trail camera in a target direction and to vertically level the trail camera.
2. The trail camera of claim 1, wherein the directional orientation information is displayed as a virtual compass.
3. The trail camera of claim 1 wherein the directional orientation information is displayed in text form.
4. The trail camera of claim 1, wherein the level position information is displayed using at least one virtual bubble level.
5. The trail camera of claim 4, wherein the at least one virtual bubble level comprises (i) a first virtual bubble level which indicates a side-to-side levelness of the trail camera and (ii) a second virtual bubble level which indicated a front-to-back levelness of the trail camera.
6. The trail camera of claim 4, wherein the level position information is displayed using a virtual bulls eye bubble level.
7. The trail camera of claim 1, further comprising wireless communications system configured to transmit the directional orientation and level position information of the trail camera to a remote computing device.
8. The trail camera of claim 7, wherein the wireless communications system comprises a cellular modem.
9. The trail camera of claim 7, wherein the wireless communications system comprises a wireless transceiver which is configured to communicate with a wireless local area network.
10. The trail camera of claim 7, wherein the wireless communications system comprises Bluetooth.
11. A trail camera comprising:
- a protective case to house a digital camera and electronic circuitry, wherein the electronic circuitry comprises digital circuitry that is configured to (i) sense a directional orientation and a level position of the trail camera and to generate directional orientation information and level position information; and
- a wireless communications system configured to transmit the directional orientation and level position information of the trail camera to a remote computing device to display the directional orientation and level position information on the remote computing device.
12. The trail camera of claim 11, wherein the wireless communications system comprises a cellular modem.
13. The trail camera of claim 11, wherein the wireless communications system comprises a wireless transceiver which is configured to communicate with a wireless local area network.
14. The trail camera of claim 11, wherein the wireless communications system comprises Bluetooth.
15. The trail camera of claim 11, wherein the directional orientation information is displayed as a virtual compass.
16. The trail camera of claim 11, wherein the directional orientation information is displayed in text form.
17. The trail camera of claim 11, wherein the level position information is displayed using at least one virtual bubble level.
18. The trail camera of claim 17, wherein the at least one virtual bubble level comprises (i) a first virtual bubble level which indicates a side-to-side levelness of the trail camera and (ii) a second virtual bubble level which indicated a front-to-back levelness of the trail camera.
19. The trail camera of claim 11, wherein the level position information is displayed using a virtual bulls eye bubble level.
20. The trail camera of claim 11, wherein the one or more imagers comprises a visible light imager.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 15, 2020
Publication Date: Aug 12, 2021
Inventor: John T. Buck (Elmont, NY)
Application Number: 16/929,242