Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed to share images observed through an optical device and display data through the optical device. An input/output device may be positioned in an optical path of the optical device. The input/output device may include a beam splitter to redirect a portion of a beam of light traveling along the optical path of the optical device to an imaging device. The beam splitter may also combine the beam of light with another beam of light generated by a display device.

Abstract: A fishing lure including a printed circuit board (PCB), a frame coupled to the PCB, and a foam body formed within the frame, wherein the foam body substantially surrounds the PCB. Different polycarbonate outer shells may be attached the frame to alter the appearance of the lure.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a transparent lure body having one or more optical windows that operate as lenses for one or more digital cameras mounted within the transparent lure body. The transparent lure body is shaped like a fish, and the optical windows/digital cameras are located at positions that correspond with the eyes of the fish. Annular eye pieces can be mounted over the optical windows to enhance the appearance of the lure. A reflective shroud, patterned to imitate the body surface of a fish, is mounted within the transparent lure body. Light emitting devices within the transparent lure body can be controlled to emit different colored light through the transparent lure body. Detachable bills/fins can be coupled to the transparent lure body to control the movement of the fishing lure through the water.

Abstract: A fishing contest is implemented by entering a plurality of lures in the fishing contest, receiving fishing data used to judge the fishing contest from the plurality of lures, and determining a winner of the fishing contest in response to the received fishing data. Each lure includes a memory that stores a unique identifier value. This unique identifier value is stored in a database when the lure is entered in the contest. The fishing data that later becomes associated with the lure during the course of fishing (e.g., fish size, time the fish was caught, ambient conditions) is subsequently downloaded along with the unique identifier. The unique identifier stored in the data base is compared with the unique identifier downloaded with the fishing data to verify the fishing data. The verified fishing data is analyzed at the end of the contest to determine a winner.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a transparent lure body having one or more optical windows that operate as lenses for one or more digital cameras mounted within the transparent lure body. The transparent lure body is shaped like a fish, and the optical windows/digital cameras are located at positions that correspond with the eyes of the fish. Annular eye pieces can be mounted over the optical windows to enhance the appearance of the lure. A reflective shroud, patterned to imitate the body surface of a fish, is mounted within the transparent lure body. Light emitting devices within the transparent lure body can be controlled to emit different colored light through the transparent lure body. Detachable bills/fins can be coupled to the transparent lure body to control the movement of the fishing lure through the water.

Abstract: An improved fishing system that records ambient conditions existing at or around the time a fish is caught. The fishing system includes a lure which records ambient conditions, including time, date, depth, temperature, ambient light, an underwater picture of a hooked fish and water quality. After catching a fish, the recorded data is transmitted from the lure to a handheld control unit. The handheld control unit is also capable of recording location (via GPS), fish weight, water quality, and an out-of-water picture of the fish. The data stored by the handheld control unit is transmitted (via a wireless or wired network) and recorded in an Internet database. The lure can also be controlled to release a hook that becomes irretrievably stuck in an underwater obstruction. The path of the lure in the water can also be controlled.

Abstract: A fishing contest is implemented by entering a plurality of lures in the fishing contest, receiving fishing data used to judge the fishing contest from the plurality of lures, and determining a winner of the fishing contest in response to the received fishing data. Each lure includes a memory that stores a unique identifier value. This unique identifier value is stored in a database when the lure is entered in the contest. The fishing data that later becomes associated with the lure during the course of fishing (e.g., fish size, time the fish was caught, ambient conditions) is subsequently downloaded along with the unique identifier. The unique identifier stored in the data base is compared with the unique identifier downloaded with the fishing data to verify the fishing data. The verified fishing data is analyzed at the end of the contest to determine a winner.