Abstract: A system for transmitting images. The system comprises a first camera having a first camera module having a first sensor configured to capture a first image, the first image including a timestamp, an SD card configured to store the first image, a plurality of light-emitting diodes, a first display configured to display the first image, a first plurality of buttons associated with the first display, and a first communication module programmed to transmit the first image through a low-power communication network. The system further includes a home node configured to be powered by a second plurality of batteries. The home node includes a second communication module programmed to receive the first image from the first communication module over the low-power communication network, a second display configured to display the first image, and a second plurality of buttons associated with the second display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring data between a server and a system of cameras. One embodiment provides a low-power radio frequency (“RF”) network for a system of cameras. The network comprises a server configured to access information related to the system of cameras, wherein the server receives a signal indicating a user input, and a first camera of the system of camera. The first camera is configured to receive a status report from a second camera of the system of cameras, update a cache of the first camera based on the status report from the second camera of the system of cameras, and transmit the updated cache of the first camera to the server.

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: Systems and methods for transferring data between a server and a system of cameras. One embodiment provides a low-power radio frequency (“RF”) network for a system of cameras. The network comprises a server configured to access information related to the system of cameras, wherein the server receives a signal indicating a user input, and a first camera of the system of camera. The first camera is configured to receive a status report from a second camera of the system of cameras, update a cache of the first camera based on the status report from the second camera of the system of cameras, and transmit the updated cache of the first camera to the server.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a trail camera assembly. A trail camera assembly comprises a camera casing, a motion sensor configured to provide a motion signal associated with a detected presence of an animal, and a camera configured to take a picture. The trail camera assembly also includes a controller connected to the motion sensor and the camera, the controller including an electronic processor and a memory and configured to operate in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. When in the first operating mode, the controller takes a picture using the camera in response to the motion signal received from the motion sensor. The controller enters the second operating mode in response to a time threshold being reach. When in the second operating mode, the controller takes a picture using the camera in response to a time interval being satisfied.

Abstract: A system of cameras operable to transmit images over a short-range network and over a wide-area network. The system comprises a first camera including a first camera module including a first sensor for capturing a first image, and a first communication module programmed to transmit the first image through the short range network. The system further comprises a second camera including a second camera module including a second sensor for capturing a second image, and a second communication module programmed to receive the first image from the first communication module over the short range network. The second communication module is further programmed to transmit the first image through the wide area network. The system can further include a third camera including a third camera module having a third sensor for capturing a third image, and a third communication module programmed to transmit the third image through the short range network.

Abstract: A low-power radio frequency (“RF”) network for a system of cameras that allows for efficient transmission of images (e.g., thumbnail images) from one or more REMOTE cameras or nodes to a centralized HOME camera or node. The network includes a variety of power saving features to optimize the battery life of the REMOTE cameras while still effectively transmitting captured images through the network. The power saving features include network path optimization for message and data transmission, synchronization of the wake and sleep states for each node in the network, the transfer of images from a camera module to an RF module of a node during a sleep state, etc. The network is also configured or operable to be implemented in such a manner that nodes can be readily added or removed from the network with minimal user input and without sacrificing power savings or network message transmission efficiency.

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 gun stand comprising a base for supporting a gun and a ribbon of stiff material including a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion (e.g., having a curved lateral cross-sectional shape). A lock mechanism (e.g., movable between an engaged position and a released position) can be used to inhibit movement of the ribbon relative to the base. Preferably, the lock mechanism further includes a trigger for selectively moving the lock mechanism between the engaged and released positions. The gun stand can comprise two ribbons, each having a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. At least one of the ribbons can include a releasable securing mechanism (e.g., magnets) for securing the uncoiled portions of the ribbons to each other. A foot brace can be secured to a free end of the ribbon. A releasable attachment mechanism (e.g., a strap) can be provided to secure the gun to the gun stand.

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 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: 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: 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 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.