Abstract: A system and method for creating small data size representations of images, created on the image detection device, over wireless connections when there is insufficient bandwidth to support detailed images is disclosed. Image data size is often too large to send over low-powered long-distance wireless connections. Image data must be dramatically reduced to enable use of the lowest-power longest-distance wireless platforms including LoRa with LoRaWAN. Common image compression algorithms include jpeg and mpeg that provide only moderate reductions in data size. The described invention reduces data size beyond jpeg compression by reducing targeted image objects to simple outlines, contours or vectors. Monitoring security, wildlife, agricultural and other natural events require images of objects including insects, crops, livestock, wildlife or intruders. Contours, outlines or vectors of targeted objects are often sufficiently recognizable to provide useful information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encouraging a citizen-based effort to collect and compile scientifically-valid biological information utilizing the popular appeal of camera-equipped birdhouses integrated with an electronic apparatus that collects biological and environmental data in a controlled and repeatable fashion suitable for contribution to a centralized database. The apparatus is used to monitor a wildlife nest, den or roost. The apparatus comprises a birdhouse with an electronic circuit for controlling an image sensor, motion detector, light detector and means of communicating with an Internet-connected computer or handheld device.

Abstract: An illuminated sign system is comprised of independent sign modules that may be used individually or associated with additional sign modules to form a sign matrix of variable size and shape. Individual sign modules are independently capable of displaying text or graphics stored in the sign module's memory or as entered by a user. Larger signs can be easily created in the field by connecting multiple sign modules together into a matrix. Control circuitry in the modules detects the presence of adjacent modules and shifts control of the matrix display to the module in a master position. The text or graphics on the module in the master position is preferably resized to fit the size of the matrix. A user can control the entire matrix by controlling the module in the master position.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting surveys of vocalizing wildlife by determining the direction species of wildlife that emit vocalizations is disclosed. The system includes a sound receiving unit (12) with a set of three microphones (14, 16, 18) for monitoring the vocalizations. The signals received by the microphones are supplied to an audio signal processing circuit (20) that produces a set of subtractive signals indicating the relative signal strength of the received signals and a digital signal representative of the period of the received vocalizations. The signals produced by the audio signal processing circuit are supplied to a central processing unit (22). The central processing unit calculates the frequency of the vocalization based digital signal representative of the period of the signal and based on a set of these signals determines the species that emitted the vocalizations.