Abstract: A system and method of operating a trail camera assembly. A trail camera assembly comprises a camera casing, a camera configured to take a picture, and a controller connected to the motion sensor and the camera. The controller is configured to operate the trail camera assembly in a first operating mode. The controller is configured to determine whether a time threshold is satisfied, the time threshold being a time of day. The controller is configured to compare, in response to the time threshold being satisfied, ambient light detected by the trail camera assembly to an ambient light threshold, and transition, in response to the ambient light satisfying the ambient light threshold, to a second operating mode. When in the second operating mode, the controller takes a picture at set time intervals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated camera assembly comprising a camera (e.g., a digital camera) having a field of vision and a detector for detecting a subject and triggering the camera. The detector has an adjustable field of view and includes a sensor (e.g., an IR sensor) having a maximum field of view, and a curtain for reducing the maximum field of view to an adjusted field of view. The curtain comprises at least two sections (e.g., opaque members) coupled to move together from a first position corresponding with the maximum field of view to a second position corresponding with the adjusted field of view smaller than the maximum field of view. Movement of the curtain relative to the sensor can be linear, pivotal, radial, or any other suitable movement.

Abstract: A system for managing scouting images, including a scouting camera configured to record and store images of subjects at a particular location and an image management device which has a processor that creates a predictive statement based on image content of the images stored on the scouting camera or copies thereof and a display conveying the predictive statement to a user, wherein the predictive statement indicates a portion of a future time period that subjects are most likely to be at the particular location as compared to remaining portions of the future time period.

Abstract: This document discloses a camera assembly and a method for driving an illumination assembly of the camera assembly. The camera assembly comprises a digital camera, a power source including a battery and a super capacitor, and an illumination element powered by the power source. A first converter (e.g., a DC/DC SEPIC converter) charges the super capacitor from the battery and a second converter (e.g., a DC/DC boost converter) has a voltage input connected to the power source and a voltage output connected to the illumination element. A controller is programmed to control whether the illumination element is powered by the battery, the super capacitor, or both. The super capacitor is used to drive the illumination assembly at a high power level (e.g., when taking a still image), and the battery is used to drive the illumination assembly at a low power level (e.g., when taking a video).

Abstract: A camera mounting bracket system for supporting a camera in a position determined by a user comprising a quick connect/disconnect mounting assemblage which includes a fastener-engaging channel and spring retaining clip for securing the mounting assemblage to a camera whereby the camera is able to be quickly connected/disconnected from the mounting assemblage.

Abstract: A protective case that resists fractures, punctures, deformations, and other failures for use with a wildlife surveillance system is provided. The protective case includes a cooperating base and cover. The base and cover define a cavity therebetween, which houses the wildlife surveillance system. The base and cover interlock with each other, providing multi-dimensional stability of the entire assemblage. In addition, the protective case is made from a material that can endure manipulations, handling, or attacks from various wildlife animals, including, e.g., bears and others.

Abstract: An automated camera assembly comprising a camera and a detector for triggering the camera, wherein the detector includes an adjustable field of view. The detector can include a sensor and a curtain for reducing a maximum field of view to an adjusted field of view. The curtain can include an opaque member movable relative to the sensor. The curtain can instead include a processor programmed to trigger the camera when the subject is within the adjusted field of view. The invention is also embodied in a method of adjusting a field of view of a detector. The method comprises detecting a first subject within a maximum field of view, triggering the camera after detecting the first subject within the maximum field of view, adjusting to an adjusted field of view, detecting a second subject within the adjusted field of view, and triggering the camera after detecting the second subject.

Abstract: A camera assembly including a camera that has an image-capturing device. The camera assembly also includes an illumination device that is coupled to the camera and that is adapted to illuminate a subject when the camera is capturing an image, and a control unit. The illumination device is capable of illuminating in at least two different peak wavelengths. The control unit automatically configures the camera assembly to use one or more of the at least two different wavelengths.

Abstract: A system for managing scouting images, including a scouting camera configured to record and store images of subjects at a particular location and an image management device which has a processor that creates a predictive statement based on image content of the images stored on the scouting camera or copies thereof and a display conveying the predictive statement to a user, wherein the predictive statement indicates a portion of a future time period that subjects are most likely to be at the particular location as compared to remaining portions of the future time period.

Abstract: A camera mounting bracket system for supporting a camera in a position determined by a user comprising a quick connect/disconnect mounting assemblage which includes a fastener-engaging channel and spring retaining clip for securing the mounting assemblage to a camera whereby the camera is able to be quickly connected/disconnected from the mounting assemblage.

Abstract: A system for managing scouting images, including a scouting camera configured to record and store images of subjects at a particular location and an image management device which has a processor that creates a predictive statement based on image content of the images stored on the scouting camera or copies thereof and a display conveying the predictive statement to a user, wherein the predictive statement indicates a portion of a future time period that subjects are most likely to be at the particular location as compared to remaining portions of the future time period.

Abstract: A camera mounting bracket for supporting a camera in a position determined by a user comprising a quick connect/disconnect mounting assemblage that has a fastener-engaging channel for securing the mounting assemblage to a camera whereby the camera is able to be quickly connected/disconnected from the mounting assemblage.

Abstract: A filter-moving solenoid system for use with a camera is provided. The filter-moving solenoid system includes a solenoid and an armature that has at least first and second operative positions and at least first and second contact segments. A first contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a first operative position and a second contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a second operative position. The filter-moving solenoid system is configured so that the armature is self-stable in each of the first and second positions, allowing the filter to selectively remain fixed in such positions without requiring the solenoid to be energized in so doing.

Abstract: A filter-moving solenoid system for use with a camera is provided. The filter-moving solenoid system includes a solenoid and an armature that has at least first and second operative positions and at least first and second contact segments. A first contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a first operative position and a second contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a second operative position. The filter-moving solenoid system is configured so that the armature is self-stable in each of the first and second positions, allowing the filter to selectively remain fixed in such positions without requiring the solenoid to be energized in so doing.

Abstract: A protective case that resists fractures, punctures, deformations, and other failures for use with a wildlife surveillance system is provided. The protective case includes a cooperating base and cover. The base and cover define a cavity therebetween, which houses the wildlife surveillance system. The base and cover interlock with each other, providing multi-dimensional stability of the entire assemblage. In addition, the protective case is made from a material that can endure manipulations, handling, or attacks from various wildlife animals, including, e.g., bears and others.

Abstract: An enclosure for a wildlife surveillance system includes a base configured to support at least a portion of the surveillance system, and a cover coupled to the base. In addition, the enclosure includes a means for minimizing light generated by the surveillance system within the enclosure from interacting with the surveillance system. The means can be a foam insert disposed intermediate the surveillance system and an inside surface of the cover to minimize light reflected from the inside surface from interacting with the surveillance system. The enclosure can also include a cable having first and second opposed ends, and the base includes at least one cavity supported by the base and configured to receive at least one of the first and second opposed ends of the cable.

Abstract: An enclosure for a wildlife surveillance system includes a base configured to house the surveillance system, and a cover coupled to the base. In addition, the enclosure includes a locking assembly that secures the enclosure to a mounting structure. The locking assembly prevents removal of the enclosure from the mounting structure without opening the cover of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a cable having first and second opposed ends, and the base includes at least one cavity supported by the base and configured to receive at least one of the first and second opposed ends of the cable.

Abstract: An enclosure for a wildlife surveillance system includes a base configured to house the surveillance system, and a cover coupled to the base. In addition, the enclosure includes a locking assembly that secures the enclosure to a mounting structure. The locking assembly prevents removal of the enclosure from the mounting structure without opening the cover of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a cable having first and second opposed ends, and the base includes at least one cavity supported by the base and configured to receive at least one of the first and second opposed ends of the cable.

Abstract: An enclosure for a wildlife surveillance assembly includes a base configured to house a surveillance assembly and a cover coupled to the base with a hinge so as to permit rotating movement therebetween. In addition, the enclosure includes a locking assembly that secures the enclosure to a mounting structure. And prevents removal of the enclosure from the mounting structure without opening the cover of the enclosure. The base further preferably includes first and second compartments that are environmentally isolated from one another and includes openings to accommodate the locking assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a flexible cable having opposed ends, with an abutment coupled to one of the ends. A collar is slidably coupled to the flexible cable and adapted to be locked to the flexible cable at a desired position.