U.S. patent application number 14/798315 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for systems and methods for monitoring and communicating fishing data.
The applicant listed for this patent is SPFM, L.P.. Invention is credited to Basil E. Battah, Robert Castaneda.
Application Number | 20150313199 14/798315 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54354164 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150313199 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castaneda; Robert ; et
al. |
November 5, 2015 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND COMMUNICATING FISHING
DATA
Abstract
A system for monitoring and communicating fishing data that
includes equipment for measuring and transmitting ambient
atmospheric condition data, measuring and transmitting ambient
aquatic condition data, a global positioning system (GPS) for
obtaining and reporting a GPS position, and a fishing lure having
fishing lure information storage for storing and reporting fishing
lure information. The system further includes a control unit
communicably coupled to the equipment which measures and transmits
the ambient atmospheric condition data, ambient aquatic condition
data, the GPS, and the fishing lure, and which is operably
associated with a database configured for receiving, storing, and
reporting the data and information associated therewith. Moreover,
the system further includes a display communicably coupled to the
control unit and configured for displaying one or more of the
ambient atmospheric condition data, the ambient aquatic condition
data, the GPS position, and fishing lure information reported by
the database.
Inventors: |
Castaneda; Robert; (San
Antonio, TX) ; Battah; Basil E.; (San Antonio,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SPFM, L.P. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54354164 |
Appl. No.: |
14/798315 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14728781 |
Jun 2, 2015 |
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14798315 |
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13920786 |
Jun 18, 2013 |
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14728781 |
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61660898 |
Jun 18, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01G 23/32 20130101;
A01K 93/00 20130101; A01K 61/95 20170101; A01K 65/00 20130101; A01K
93/02 20130101; A01K 91/06 20130101; G08B 3/10 20130101; H04R 1/028
20130101; Y02A 40/80 20180101; A01K 99/00 20130101; G06K 7/10366
20130101; G01B 7/02 20130101; A01K 97/20 20130101; Y02A 40/86
20180101; G01G 19/415 20130101; G01S 19/13 20130101; A01K 97/00
20130101; G01G 17/00 20130101; G06K 7/10415 20130101; A01K 85/01
20130101; G01S 19/14 20130101; G01G 19/60 20130101; G01S 5/0027
20130101; A01K 85/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 97/00 20060101
A01K097/00; A01K 99/00 20060101 A01K099/00; A01K 85/01 20060101
A01K085/01 |
Claims
1. A system for monitoring and communicating fishing data,
comprising: non-aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means for
measuring and transmitting ambient atmospheric condition data;
aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means for measuring and
transmitting ambient aquatic condition data; a global positioning
system (GPS) for obtaining and reporting a GPS position; a fishing
lure having fishing lure information storage means for storing and
reporting fishing lure information; a control unit communicably
coupled to said non-aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means,
said aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means, said GPS, and
said fishing lure information storage means, said control unit
having operably associated therewith database means configured for
receiving, storing and reporting one or more of said ambient
atmospheric condition data, said ambient aquatic condition data,
said GPS position, and said fishing lure information; and display
means, communicably coupled to said control unit and configured for
displaying one or more of said ambient atmospheric condition data,
said ambient aquatic condition data, said GPS position, and fishing
lure information reported by said database means.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said ambient atmospheric
condition data comprises data reflecting one or more of wind speed,
wind direction, air temperature, and barometric pressure.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said ambient aquatic condition
data includes aquatic audio, video, and still-image recordings.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said ambient aquatic condition
data comprises data reflecting one or more of water flow current
direction, water flow current speed, turbidity quality, water
temperature, and water depth.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said ambient aquatic condition
data further comprises data reflecting one or more of quantity of
dissolved Oxygen and pH level measurement.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein said ambient aquatic condition
data further comprises data reflecting one or more of zooplankton
and phytoplankton measurement.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said database means receives and
stores said ambient atmospheric condition data, said ambient
aquatic condition data, said GPS position, and said fishing lure
information in substantially real-time.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising triggering means for
triggering said database means to receive, store, and report said
ambient atmospheric condition data, said ambient aquatic condition
data, said GPS position, and said fishing lure information.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said control unit is coupled to
said non-aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means, said aqueous
ambient conditions monitoring means, said GPS, and said fishing
lure via a wireless connection comprising Bluetooth, WIFI, and
near-field communication (NFC).
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an aquatic speaker
which projects sounds that mimic an underwater ecosystem to attract
predatory fish.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising an aquatic light
communicably coupled to said control unit.
12. The system of claim 1, further comprising an aquatic sonar for
detecting one or more of aquatic life, aquatic structures, and
aquatic depth.
13. The system of claim 1, further comprising an automated cull
system, wherein said control unit and said database means are
communicably coupled to said cull system.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electric fish
length measurement system for measuring a fish length of a fish,
wherein said control unit and said database means are communicably
coupled to said electric fish length measurement system.
15. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electric fish
weighing system for measuring a fish weight of a fish, wherein said
control unit and said database means are communicably coupled to
said fish weighing system.
16. A method for monitoring and communicating fishing data,
comprising: measuring ambient atmospheric condition data with
non-aqueous ambient condition monitoring means; measuring ambient
aquatic condition data with aqueous ambient condition monitoring
means; obtaining and reporting a global positioning system (GPS)
position with a GPS; obtaining fishing lure information from
fishing lure information storage means of a fishing lure; and
receiving, storing, and reporting one or more of said ambient
atmospheric condition data, said ambient aquatic condition data,
said GPS position, and said fishing lure information with database
means operably associated with a control unit, said control unit
communicably coupled to said non-aqueous ambient conditions
monitoring means, said aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means,
said GPS, and said fishing lure information storage means.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said ambient atmospheric
condition data comprises data reflecting wind speed, wind
direction, air temperature, and barometric pressure.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein said ambient aquatic condition
data includes aquatic audio, video, and still-image recordings.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein ambient aquatic condition data
comprises data reflecting one or more of water flow current
direction, water flow current speed, turbidity quality, water
temperature, and a water depth.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein said ambient aquatic condition
data further comprises data reflecting one or more of a quantity of
dissolved Oxygen and a pH level measurement.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein said ambient aquatic condition
data further comprises data reflecting one or more of a zooplankton
or phytoplankton measurement.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein said database means receives
and stores said ambient atmospheric condition data, said ambient
aquatic condition data, said GPS position, and said fishing lure
information in substantially real-time.
23. The method of claim 16, further comprising triggering, with
triggering means, said database means to receive, store, and report
said ambient atmospheric condition data, said ambient aquatic
condition data, said GPS position, and said fishing lure
information .
24. The method of claim 16, further comprising broadcasting a sound
that mimics an underwater ecosystem from an aquatic speaker,
thereby attracting predatory fish.
25. The method of claim 16, further comprising emitting sonar
signals with an aquatic sonar for detecting one or more of aquatic
life, aquatic structures, and aquatic depth.
26. The method of claim 16, further comprising automatically
culling with an automated culling system, wherein said control unit
and said database means are communicably coupled to said cull
system.
27. The method of claim 16, further comprising measuring a fish
length of a fish with an electric fish length measurement system
communicably coupled to said control unit and said database
means.
28. The method of claim 16, further comprising measuring a fish
weight of a fish with an electric fish weight measurement system
communicably coupled to said control unit and said database means.
Description
STATEMENT OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims
priority to currently pending U.S. Nonprovisional Application Ser.
No. 14/728,781, titled "Multiple Mode Artificial Fishing lure" and
filed on Jun. 2, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part and claims
priority to currently pending U.S. Nonprovisional Application Ser.
No. 13/920,786, titled "Multiple Mode Artificial Fishing Lure" and
filed on Jun. 18, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/660,898, titled "Multiple Mode Artificial
Fishing Lure," filed Jun. 18, 2012.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and
methods for monitoring and communicating fishing data.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Early on, mankind relied on fishing as a means of survival.
However, over the years, fishing has evolved from solely a means of
survival to a sport. In addition to the reasons for fishing itself
having changed, so have the methods employed. While the first
fisherman may have relied on rudimentary spears, nets, or even
their bare hands to capture fish, today anglers heavily rely on
live bait, artificial lures, and a variety of technologies to
increase the likelihood of catching a fish, and increasing the size
of fish caught.
[0004] Currently, there are a variety of live bait available for
use, and even a much wider array of surprisingly sophisticated
fishing lures available to bolster the success of any fisherman.
These lures come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
This, in part, is a result of the fact that each size, shape, and
color scheme of a particular lure strongly affects the success or
failure of a fisherman under particular conditions. However, the
currently available technology is not configurable to have an
effective appearance and produce acoustical signals to entice
surrounding fish. Such acoustical signals alert fish to the lure
and help the fish determine lure location.
[0005] Additionally, current technology is not capable of being
programmed to mimic specific live bait species, as would be
advantageous in attracting fish who eat those live bait species.
Moreover, another problem with current bait and lures is the
inability to generate other aquatic life sounds and/or to monitor
aquatic life and report findings back to the angler. Such
information may assist the angler in determining whether conditions
are prime for fishing and/or what type of bait is best suitable for
the present conditions.
[0006] Additional frequently used fishing tools include a scale to
measure fish weight, and a ruler to measure fish length. These
tools are particularly important during fishing tournaments, where
limitations on either or both the fish length and fish weight may
be imposed on the anglers. Should an angler disobey these
regulations, whether intentional or unintentional, sanctions may
range from not counting a particular fish to total disqualification
of the angler from a tournament, and even to fines by local fish
and wildlife protection agencies.
[0007] Currently, fish are weighed by scales which are held in the
air by the angle while the fish dangles below such. However,
current scales fail to perform a number of valuable actions,
including obtaining a GPS position when weighing the fish.
Moreover, current scales fail to indicate when such weighing is
complete, thus requiring the angler to guess such while the fishing
is moving while coupled to the scale which results in a constant
change in the measured weight. Thus, the weight read by the angler
while the fish is moving may be more or less than the actual fish
weight.
[0008] Fish rulers as currently employed are typically rudimentary,
such as being engraved across an igloo or cooler, and the angler
must attempt to hold down the moving fish for measuring its length,
and then write down the measured length by hand. Such a method is
slow and introduces substantial possibility for error. Thus, it
would be advantageous to have an electronic fish length measurement
device which could quickly measure and automatically stores the
fish length. Additionally, similar to the fish scale, a similar
problem is lack of GPS knowledge and/or association of the fish
length with the location from which it was caught. Knowledge and
tracking of such GPS position may be vital to an angler in tracking
and remembering where each catch is made, thereby indicating where
optimal fishing conditions exist.
[0009] Further technology typically employed while fishing is a
cull system. As known to those skilled in the art, such a system
keep track of the fish onboard the boat. Such is advantageous, for
example, when a large fish is caught, the smallest of the fish
onboard will be culled and thrown back into fishing waters. Some
current cull systems typically include a "tag" that is coupled to
the fish and dials associated with each tag (possibly numbered or
varying in color) which can be manually manipulated to indicate
fish weight. However, such a system poses problems during night
time, and may require more time to locate the desired tag.
Moreover, current cull systems fail to keep track of any further
information other than the fish weight.
[0010] Additionally, while each of the above technologies exist
separately, there is no current system which enables communication
between, and thus combination of all to give the angler an overall
picture of what fishing conditions are like, what lures are working
best, and what fish are currently onboard. Thus, in view of the
above described limitations, a great need exists for a fishing
system with increased monitoring and communication abilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present disclosure introduces various illustrative
embodiments for systems and methods for monitoring and
communicating fishing data.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a
system for monitoring and communicating fishing data that includes
non-aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means for measuring and
transmitting ambient atmospheric condition data, an aqueous ambient
conditions monitoring means for measuring and transmitting ambient
aquatic condition data, a global positioning system (GPS) for
obtaining and reporting a GPS position, and a fishing lure having
fishing lure information storage means for storing and reporting
fishing lure information. The system further includes a control
unit communicably coupled to the non-aqueous ambient conditions
monitoring means, the aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means,
the GPS, and the fishing lure information storage means, the
control unit having operably associated therewith database means
configured for receiving, storing and reporting one or more of the
ambient atmospheric condition data, the ambient aquatic condition
data, the GPS position, and the fishing lure information. The
system additionally includes display means, communicably coupled to
the control unit and configured for displaying one or more of the
ambient atmospheric condition data, the ambient aquatic condition
data, the GPS position, and fishing lure information reported by
the database means.
[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a
method for monitoring and communicating fishing data which includes
measuring ambient atmospheric condition data with non-aqueous
ambient condition monitoring means, measuring ambient aquatic
condition data with aqueous ambient condition monitoring means,
obtaining and reporting a global positioning system (GPS) position
with a GPS, and obtaining fishing lure information from fishing
lure information storage means of a fishing lure. The method
further includes receiving, storing, and reporting one or more of
the ambient atmospheric condition data, the ambient aquatic
condition data, the GPS position, and the fishing lure information
with database means operably associated with a control unit, the
control unit communicably coupled to the non-aqueous ambient
conditions monitoring means, the aqueous ambient conditions
monitoring means, the GPS, and the fishing lure information storage
means.
[0014] The features and advantages of the present invention will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the
description of the preferred embodiments that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The following figures are included to illustrate certain
aspects of the present invention, and should not be viewed as an
exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of
considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and
function, as will occur to one having ordinary skill in the art and
the benefit of this disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a system for monitoring and communicating
fishing data, according to one or more embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 2A depicts a fishing lure, according to one or more
embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of electronics of
the fishing lure, according to one or more embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates a fish weighing system, according to one
or more embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 3B depicts an internal view of the fish weighing system
housing, according to one or more embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 3C is a rear-angled view of the fish weighing system
housing, according to one or more embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the fish weighing system,
according to one or more embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a fish length measurement system,
according to one or more embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the fish length measurement
system, according to one or more embodiments.
[0025] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate a base station and cull tags
associated with a cull system, according to one or more
embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 8A is a block diagram of the base station of the cull
system, according to one or more embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 8B is a block diagram of one of the cull tags of the
cull system, according to one or more embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram of an illustrative method for
controlling fishing hardware and displaying fishing information,
according to one or more embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B depict a visualization of various
screens of the application, according to one or more
embodiments.
[0030] FIGS. 11A-11C depict a floating bobber which generates
aquatic sounds, according to one or more embodiments.
[0031] FIG. 12 depicts a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit
of the floating bobber, according to one or more embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and
methods for monitoring and communicating fishing data.
[0033] As used herein, a "processor" may be comprised of, for
example and without limitation, one or more processors (each
processor having one or more cores), microprocessors, field
programmable gate arrays (FPGA's), application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs) or other types of processing units that may
interpret and execute instructions as known to those skilled in the
art.
[0034] As used herein, "memory" may be any type of storage or
memory known to those skilled in the art capable of storing data
and/or executable instructions. Memory may include volatile memory
(e.g., RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., hard-drives), or a
combination thereof. Examples of such include, without limitation,
all variations of non-transitory computer-readable hard disk
drives, inclusive of solid-state drives. Further examples of such
may include RAM external to a computer or controller or internal
thereto (e.g., "on-board memory"). Example embodiments of RAM may
include, without limitation, volatile or non-volatile memory, DDR
memory, Flash Memory, EPROM, ROM, or various other forms, or any
combination thereof generally known as memory or RAM. The RAM, hard
drive, and/or controller may work in combination to store and/or
execute instructions.
[0035] As used herein, an "application" may be any type of program
or code capable of being stored on memory and executed by one or
more processors.
[0036] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout the
various views and embodiments of a unit. The figures are not
necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have
been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative
purposes only. One of the ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
the many possible applications and variations based on the
following examples of possible embodiments. As used herein, the
"present disclosure" refers to any one of the embodiments described
throughout this document and does not mean that all claimed
embodiments must include the referenced aspects.
[0037] FIG. 1 depicts a system 100 for monitoring and communicating
fishing data, according to one or more embodiments. As depicted,
the system 100 includes an aquatic vessel, such as a boat 102
arranged in a body of water 104 for fishing. The system includes
various non-aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means 106 for
measuring and transmitting ambient atmospheric condition data. In
some embodiments, the non-aqueous ambient conditions monitoring
means 106 may include one or more pieces of equipment for measuring
ambient atmospheric condition data such as, for example and without
limitation, an anemometer for measuring wind speed, a wind vane for
wind direction, thermometer for air temperature, and/or a barometer
for measuring barometric pressure. In other embodiments, the
ambient atmospheric condition data monitored additionally or
alternatively includes solunar phase and tide-related information
(e.g., tide flow, tide level, etc.). Again, such atmospheric
condition data may each be measured by individual equipment, by
equipment capable of obtaining various measurements, or even by a
single piece of equipment capable of obtaining all measurements,
such as a weather station. Moreover, all technology may be analog,
digital, or a combination thereof.
[0038] The system 100 further includes aqueous ambient conditions
monitoring means 108 for measuring and transmitting ambient aquatic
condition data. In some embodiments, the aqueous ambient conditions
monitoring means 108 includes one or more pieces of equipment for
measuring ambient aquatic condition data such as, for example and
without limitation, a microphone for measuring aquatic audio sounds
and/or an aquatic-capable camera capable of capturing pictures,
video, and/or still images. In other embodiments, aqueous ambient
conditions monitoring means 108 may alternatively or additionally
include equipment for measuring ambient aquatic condition data such
as current direction, current speed, turbidity quality, water
temperature and/or water depth. In further embodiments, the ambient
aquatic condition data may alternatively or additionally include a
quantity of dissolved Oxygen, a pH level measurement, and/or a
zooplankton or phytoplankton measurement. As will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, advantageously, knowledge of one or more
as the above measurements enables an angler to determine if
conditions are appropriate for particular fishing desires, and may
increase the angler's likelihood and/or size of a catch.
[0039] The system 100 further includes a database means, for
example and without limitation, database 110, configured for
receiving, storing, and reporting data. For example, in one
embodiment, the database 110 receives and stores the
above-discussed ambient atmospheric condition data and ambient
aquatic condition data. As known to those skilled in the art, the
database 110 may be hosted on any variety of computer or portable
device (e.g., PDA, tablet, or smartphone). Thus, in one embodiment,
the database 110 may be arranged on or coupled to the boat 102. In
alternative embodiments, the database 110 may be a server,
including a "cloud" hosted server. Communications with the database
110 may be in a variety of forms, including but not limited to,
wired communications, wireless communications (e.g., near-field
communication, Bluetooth, WIFI, RF, cellular network
communications, and the like), or a combination thereof. Moreover,
in further embodiments, transmissions to and from the database 110
may be in "real-time" or substantially real-time, where the
measurements are uploaded at a time period close to the time of
measurement. Alternatively, the measurements may be stored locally
on either the measuring device or a temporary storage (e.g., a
handheld device, portable memory device such as a USB memory stick,
or local memory on the boat 102), and then uploaded to the database
110 at a later point in time, for example, when the angler arrives
closer to land or at home and is able to connect the storing device
to the internet for upload.
[0040] In some embodiments, a "forum" may be arranged, where the
angler may enable sharing of the database 110 information to a
select group of friends, or alternatively to all for seeing current
fishing conditions and results. Similarly, should others elect to
do the same, the angler may advantageously be able to receive
others information and adjust fishing tactics (e.g., lure type or
fishing location) accordingly for optimum fishing conditions.
[0041] The system 100 further includes a global positioning system
or unit (GPS) 110 for obtaining and reporting a GPS position. The
GPS position is additionally saved in the database 110 and
typically associated with at least a portion of the ambient
atmospheric condition data and ambient aquatic condition data. As
will be discussed in further detail below, such association of data
is advantageous to the angler in order to determine, track, and
remember for the future, where, when, and the conditions that
surround particular or optimum fishing.
[0042] The system 100 further includes a fishing lure 112.
Referring now to FIG. 2A, depicted is the fishing lure 112,
according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the
fishing lure 112 may include a sound emitting means 114, for
example and without limitation, a speaker capable of emitting
sounds which replicate aquatic species or aquatic life in general.
Advantageously, for example, such means may emit sounds replicating
bait or distressed fish, thus attracting and catching larger
predator fish with the one or more hooks 204 coupled to the fishing
lure 112.
[0043] In one embodiment, the sound emitting means 114 may be
arranged within a water proof inner capsule 200 of the fishing lure
112, but still capable of transmitting sound externally to the
fishing lure 112. In alternative embodiments, the sound emitting
means 114 may be water-resistant or waterproof and be partially or
fully exposed to the water. The inner capsule 200 houses
electronics 202 (described in detail below) for controlling the
sound emitting means 114. In further embodiments, the lure may
include one or more pieces of equipment (not shown) for also
measuring ambient aquatic conditions.
[0044] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of the electronics
202 of the fishing lure 112, according to one or more embodiments.
As depicted, the electronics 202 include a controller 206, antenna
208, aquatic measuring equipment 210, memory 212, and a power
source 214, all of which are electrically coupled together, either
directly or indirectly, via one or more busses (not shown).
Moreover, the electronics 202 are electrically coupled to the sound
emitting means 114, thereby enabling control of output thereto.
[0045] The memory 212 is capable of storing one or more sounds
capable of being executed by the controller 206 and output by the
sound emitting means 114. The fishing lure 112 may be controlled by
a user and communicated with via the fishing lure antenna 208 (or
other alternative communication means, such as a 3.5 mm aux
connection, a USB, mini-USB, micro-usb connection, or the like). In
some embodiments, the fishing lure antenna 208 may communicate with
a second antenna 120 coupled to the boat, or a remote device 122
via any variety of near-field communication and/or wireless
technology, including but not limited to, Bluetooth, WIFI, RF,
cellular network communications, and the like, including a
combination thereof. The aquatic measurement equipment 210 may be
one or more of the above-discussed equipment associated with the
aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means 108. The power 214 may
be one or more batteries which individually or in combination
provide power to the electronics 202.
[0046] In some embodiments, the fishing lure includes a fishing
lure information storage means for storing and reporting fishing
lure information. The fishing lure information may include, for
example and without limitation, the lure type, color, style, SKU,
etc. In one embodiment, the memory 212 may act as the fishing lure
information storage means and communicate the fishing lure
information via the antenna 208. In another embodiment, the fishing
lure information storage means may be the lure antenna 208 itself,
such as when the antenna 208 is an RFID chip as known to those
skilled in the art. The RFID chip is programmed with the fishing
lure information and may communicate with the second antenna 120
which is capable of reading the RFID chip, thereby obtaining the
fishing lure information.
[0047] Referring now back to FIG. 1, the system 100 further
includes a control unit 116. Similar to discussed above, the
control unit may be an onboard computer, tablet, hand-held PDA, or
a smart phone, or the like. The control unit 116 is communicably
coupled (e.g., wired, wirelessly, or a combination thereof) to the
non-aqueous ambient conditions monitoring means 106, the aqueous
ambient conditions monitoring means 108, the GPS unit 111, and the
fishing lure 112 (e.g., via fishing lure antenna 208 and antenna
120). Thus, the control unit 116 is capable of both sending data to
(i.e., controlling) the various devices, and receiving data from
(i.e., reading) the various devices accordingly. The control unit
116 is further coupled to the database 110, thereby enabling
transfer and receipt of information therewith. In some embodiments,
the database 110 may directly communicate with the non-aqueous
ambient conditions monitoring means 106, the aqueous ambient
conditions monitoring means 108, the GPS unit 111, and the fishing
lure 112. In other embodiments, all or some of the information may
be communicated via the control unit 116.
[0048] Moreover, in further embodiments, the system 100 includes a
display means 118 communicably coupled to the control unit 116. The
display means 118 may be any technology capable of providing a
display of information as known to those skilled in the art. In one
embodiment, the display means may be in close proximity to the
control unit 106, such as when both are integrated together in a
single device, such as a tablet, hand-held PDA, or a smart phone,
or the like. Alternatively, in other embodiments, such as depicted,
the display means 118 and the control means 116 may be individual
components as the display means 116 may be a monitor display which
the angler can see, but the control unit 116 is arranged within the
hull of the boat (or possibly offsite in other embodiments). In any
regard, as the display means 118 is communicably coupled to the
control unit 116 and capable of displaying one or more of the
ambient atmospheric condition data, ambient aquatic condition data,
GPS position, and fishing lure information (e.g., type, color,
sounds currently stored thereon, etc.).
[0049] In other embodiments, the system 100 further includes
various additional fishing-related equipment and hardware. In one
embodiment, the system 100 includes the remote device 122. In some
embodiments, the remote device 122 may be synonymous with the
display means 116, for example if the display means 116 is a cell
phone running an application for performing the abilities described
and discussed herein. Moreover, the remote device 122 may include a
trigger means or button (including a hardware and/or software "soft
button", for example, as may be employed with a mobile application)
that enables angler to "trigger" or take a "snap shot" or request
that information be stored at a certain point in time. Further,
such point in time may be when a fish catch is automatically
detected by the fishing lure 112 and/or remote device 122. Data to
be stored upon such an occurrence may include one or more of the
ambient atmospheric condition data, ambient aquatic condition data,
GPS position, and fishing lure information (e.g., information about
the fishing lure, such as the type, color, sounds stores, etc.
and/or information obtained by the fishing lure 112 via the aquatic
measurement equipment 210).
[0050] Further embodiments alternatively or additionally include an
aquatic speaker 124 for projecting sounds which mimic an underwater
or aquatic ecosystem to attract predatory fish. Such sounds may
replicate more than simply bait fish, for example, such may be the
sounds of the water, the tides or current, other aquatic creatures.
Advantageously, the aquatic speaker 124 may be individually or in
combination with the sound emitting means 114 to mimic an aquatic
ecosystem desirable to fish and increase the likelihood of a
catch.
[0051] Similarly, in even further embodiments, the system 100
includes an aquatic light 126 for attracting fish and fish bait.
The aquatic light 126 may be constructed of a variety of
technologies, including regular light bulbs or LED, and may
similarly be a variety of sizes, colors, and hue depending on what
would best attract the desired type of fish for a fishing excursion
or tournament. In some embodiments, the light 126 may be a
stand-alone device, while in others, the light 126 may be
temporarily or permanently coupled to the boat 102 in any known
method to those skilled in the art. In further embodiments, the
light may be controlled via the control unit 116 and/or remote
device 122.
[0052] In other embodiments, the system 100 may alternatively or
additionally include an aquatic sonar 128 as known to those skilled
in the art which emits and receives sonar signals. Such sonar
signals may be employed to detect, for example, aquatic life,
aquatic structures, aquatic depth, and the like. Such may be
advantageous to enable the angler to have further real-time
information, possibly viewed via the display means 118 or the
remote device 122, regarding both the aquatic life on the seabed
and fish in an immediate area to the boat 102.
[0053] In further embodiments, the system 100 includes an automated
cull system 130 configured to indicate to the angler which fish to
cull. Described in more detail below, briefly, in one embodiment,
the cull system 130 includes a base station, a plurality of cull
tags, a GPS system, and a database. Some of the system 100
components may double to also be considered part of the cull system
130. For example, the cull system 130 GPS may employ GPS 111, and
the cull system 130 database may employ database 110. As known to
those skilled in the art, a cull system assists the angler in
keeping track of statistics associated with fish in the live well,
such as fish weight and length. Thus, it would be advantageous to
have the automated cull system 130 which stores such statistics and
automatically determines, and indicates to the angler, which fish
to cull. This saves the angler time in culling the proper fish and
returning to fishing.
[0054] Similarly, in even further embodiments, the system 100
includes an electric fish length measuring system 132 for measuring
the length of the fish when caught. Described in more detail below,
briefly, in one embodiment, the fish length measuring system 132
includes a housing having a processor arranged therein, a baseplate
coupled to the housing and communicably coupled to the processor,
wherein the baseplate employs an electronic fish length measuring
means which generates a fish length measurement, and a display
means coupled to the housing and communicably coupled to the
processor for displaying the measured fish length. In further
embodiments, the fish length measuring system 132 is communicably
coupled with the system 100 (e.g., to control unit 116), and thus
capable of storing measurements in the database 110. Moreover, such
measurements may automatically be associated with the fish caught,
thus enabling use by the cull system 130 in determining which fish
to cull.
[0055] In other embodiments, the system 100 includes an electric
fish weighing system 134 for measuring the weight of a fish when
caught. Described in more detail below, briefly, in one embodiment,
the fish weighing system 134 includes a housing having a processor
arranged therein and coupled to a handle means enabling an angler
to hold the housing in the air while weighing the fish. The housing
is further coupled to a fish holding means and a scale for
measuring and generating a fish weight. In some embodiments, some
of the system 100 components may double to also be considered part
of the fish weighing system 134. For example, in some embodiments,
the fish weighing system 134 includes a GPS system (e.g., GPS 111)
and a database (e.g., database 110). Advantageously, the GPS
position can be associated with the fish weight and the caught fish
and be stored in the database 110. Moreover, such may be
communicated to the cull system 130 as further input for
determining which fish to cull.
[0056] Overall, advantageously, the system 100 is capable of not
only obtaining and indicating data pertaining to aqueous and
non-aqueous conditions, but further capable of storing such
information for tracking and future use. Moreover, in further
embodiments, the system (e.g., software executed by the control
unit 116 or remote device 122) may record fish catches, and store
such in the database 110 with various associated information, such
as the various aqueous and non-aqueous conditions.
[0057] In exemplary operation according to at least one embodiment,
the angler may employ the non-aqueous ambient condition monitoring
means 106 and the ambient condition monitoring means 108 to measure
one or more of the aqueous and non-aqueous ambient conditions
previously discussed, thereby enabling the angler to determine
where optimal fishing may be located and/or what type of fishing
lure 112 to use (and sound to emit therefrom). The angler may
additionally employ the aquatic speaker 124 to broadcast one or
more sounds that mimic an underwater ecosystem and/or an aquatic
light, thereby attracting predatory fish. The angler may further
employ the aquatic sonar 128 for emitting and receiving sonar
signals, thereby enabling detection of aquatic life, aquatic
structures, and/or aquatic depth.
[0058] The angler may additionally or alternatively base such
choices off data obtained from other users in a forum, and/or data
stored on the database 110. Control of such may be performed via
the control unit, and obtained data (whether from the database 110
or aqueous or non-aqueous ambient condition monitoring means, 108
and 106, respectively) may be displayed via the display means 118
and/or the remote device 122. Such obtained data may further be
stored in the database 110 for future use and recall.
[0059] The angler may control the fishing lure 112 and/or receive
information from the fishing lure 112 while fishing. The angler may
have a device on the boat 102 capable of communicating with the
fishing lure 112, such as an onboard computer, tablet, hand-held
PDA, or a smart phone, or the like, possibly communicating with the
fishing lure 112 via the antenna 120 or remote device 122. Thus,
for example, the angler may obtain a desired sound to be output
from the database 110 (FIG. 1) and communicate such sound to the
fishing lure 112 via the fishing lure antenna 208 to change which
sound is output through the sound emitting means 114. For example,
the angler may change which bait fish sound is being output in
attempting to attract different or larger fish. Similarly, the
angler could receive aquatic information acquired by the aquatic
measuring equipment 210 back from the fishing lure 112 (e.g., water
temperature) and adjust which sound is output or which type of lure
should be used to maximize chances of catching a fish. Such
obtained measurements may also be uploaded to the database 110.
[0060] Upon catching a fish, the system 100 may perform a variety
of actions. For example, in one embodiment, the remote device 122
may automatically detect a catch has occurred, while in other
embodiments, the angler may press a button (hard or "soft" button)
on the remote device 122 to alert the system 100 a catch has
occurred. In either case, the system then records part or all
currently monitored data (e.g., ambient atmospheric and ambient
aquatic condition data, and/or GPS position, and/or fishing lure
information) and associate such with the fish.
[0061] Moreover, after a catch, the angler may employ the fish
length measurement system 132 to measure the fish length and/or
fish weighing system 134 to measure the fish weight. Either or both
of which may additionally be associated with the fish and stored in
the database 110.
[0062] FIG. 3A illustrates a fish weighing system 300, according to
one or more embodiments. As depicted, the fish weighing system 300
includes a housing 302 having a processor 310 arranged therein, the
housing 302 coupled to a fish holding means 306. In one embodiment,
as depicted, the housing 302 may additionally be coupled to a
handle means 304, thereby enabling an angler to hold the fish
weighing system 300 to weigh small to medium size fish. In other
embodiments, the housing 302 may be coupled to larger objects
(e.g., a boat, dock, building, or the like (not shown)) for
weighing large fish or big game fish which may possibly weigh
hundreds of pounds. The fish weighing system 300 further includes a
scale 308 coupled to the housing 302 and the fish holding means
306, thereby enabling measurement and generation of a fish
weight.
[0063] For embodiment including the handle means 304, such may be
any means known to those skilled in the art which enables the
angler to hold the fish weighing system 300 in the air with the
fish coupled to the fish holding means 306, thereby enabling
measurement of the fish weight. For example and without limitation,
the handle means 304 may be constructed from nearly at material,
including a plastic, rubber, or metal; may be flexible (bendable)
or inflexible; and in some embodiments, may be wider at the top or
have a "T" handle for the user to hold the fish weighing system. In
other embodiments, the handle means 304 may simply be a circular
loop (not shown), possibly directly coupled to the housing 302.
[0064] The fish holding means 306 may be any means known to those
skilled in the art which enables holding the fish while being
weighed. In some embodiments, as depicted, the fish holding means
306 may be a lip grip or pair of clamps for arranging around the
fish jaw. In other embodiments, the fish holding means 306 may be
as simple as a hook capable of being arranged around the fish
jaw.
[0065] The fish weighing system 300 further includes a scale 308
coupled to the housing 302 and the fish holding means 306, thereby
enabling measurement and generation of the fish weight, and
communication of such to the processor. In various embodiments, the
scale may be wholly or partially encompassed within the housing
302, or not arranged therein at all (e.g., on the back of the
housing 302 or below the housing 302), so long as the scale 308 is
arranged such that it is capable of measuring the fish weight of
the fish as coupled to the fish holding means 306.
[0066] Briefly referring to FIG. 3B, depicted is an internal view
of the housing 302, according to one or more embodiments. As
depicted, the housing 302 includes, among other things, the
processor 310, a global position system (GPS) 312, a communication
means 314, and a speaker 316. In other embodiments, as described
above, the housing 302 may further partially or wholly include the
scale 308.
[0067] The GPS 312 is configured to obtain and report a GPS
position which may be associated with the measured fish weight upon
a catch occurring. The communication means 314 is any means known
to those skilled in the art capable of communicating information
between the fish weighing system 300 and a storage device. Such
communication means 314 may be, for example and without limitation,
a wireless communication means (e.g., WIFI, Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC
(near field communication), and the like) or a wired communication
means (e.g., communication via a USB port, mini-USB port, micro-USB
port, etc.). In some embodiments, the storage device (not shown)
may be the database 110 (FIG. 1) or a computer (including hand held
and tablet devices) capable of storing the measured fish weight. In
other embodiments, the fish weighing system 300 is communicably
coupled to an automated cull system (e.g., cull system 130), either
directly via any of the communication means 314, or indirectly, for
example, via the database 110. Resulting therefrom, the cull system
130 is capable of obtaining the measured fish weight and indicating
to the angler which fish to cull based at least in part
thereon.
[0068] The speaker 316 is communicably coupled to the processor 310
and employed for at least one of indicating the progress of
measuring the fish weight and/or indicating when measurement of the
fish weight is complete. Such indications may be any variety of
audible sounds, including different sounds which represent
different progress and/or completion, or emitting such progress
and/or completion in a language (e.g., emitting "progress 50%
complete" or "weighing complete").
[0069] Referring now back to FIG. 3A, the fish weighing system 300
further includes a display screen 318 coupled to the housing 302
and communicably coupled to the processor 310. The display screen
318 displays the measured fish weight and the GPS position, either
individually or simultaneously. In other embodiments, the display
screen 318 may further display other information, such as the time
and date, and/or progress of and/or completion of weighing the
fish. As contemplated herein, all of the aforementioned may be
displayed simultaneously on a single "screen", or individually on
"multiple screens" which may be rotated through.
[0070] In some embodiments, the display screen 318 may be a touch
screen, thereby not requiring additional buttons to control
functionality thereof. Alternatively, the display screen 318 may be
controlled via one or more buttons 320 (three depicted). The
button(s) 320 may perform one or more functional aspects of the
fish weighing system 300, such as controlling or changing the
display screen 318 or commanding the fish weighing system 300 to
store the measured fish weight to the storage device.
[0071] In further embodiments, the fish weighing system includes a
measurement completion indication means for indicating if measuring
of the fish weight is complete. Such means may be, for example and
without limitation, the display screen 318 and/or emitting audible
sounds from the speaker 316 as mentioned above. The display screen
318 may indicate, the progress of obtaining the fish weight and/or
when such measuring is complete.
[0072] In other embodiments, alternatively or in addition to the
display screen 318, the fish weighing system 300 may include one or
more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 322 (two depicted) which indicate
the progress of weighing the fish and/or indicating whether such
weighing is complete. In one embodiment, a single multi-color LED
322 may be employed, thereby enabling a change in color (or varying
colors) to indicate progress of weighing. For example, the LED 322
may be yellow if weighing is in progress, wherein the LED 322 may
turn green when weighing is complete. In other embodiments,
multiple LED's 322 may be employed, where each is a different
color. Thus, for example, one of the LED's 322 may be yellow and
active only when weighing is in progress, whereas the other LED 322
may be green and active only when weighing is complete.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 3C is a rear-angled view of the fish
weighing system housing 302, according to one or more embodiments.
In particular, depicted is one embodiment of the communication
means 314, wherein a wired communication means is employed. Such
may be, for example, a USB port, Micro-USB port, mini-USB port, or
the like which enables transfer of the fish weight and associated
GPS position from the fish weighing system 300 to a storage device.
Such embodiments of wired communication means may also function to
power and/or charge a battery (not shown) of the fish weighing
system 300. In other embodiments, alternatively or in addition
thereto, a pair of charging prongs 324 may be coupled to the
housing 302 (as depicted, coupled to the back of the housing 302)
which enable wall or socket charging of the battery (if capable of
being recharged). Such charging prongs 324 may be hingedly coupled
to the housing 302, thereby enabling retractability of such
charging prongs 324 into the housing when not in use, thereby
prevent possible damage to the charging prongs 324 when not in
use.
[0074] FIG. 4 is a block diagram 400 of the fish weighing system
300, according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the
diagram 400 includes the processor 310 and a memory 402 (both
defined above) for storing and executing programs associated with
the various functionality and hardware associated with the fish
weighing system 300 and described herein. The block diagram 400
further includes a battery 404 for powering some or all of the
various hardware, including but not limited to, the processor 310,
scale 308, GPS 312, communication means 314, speaker 316, display
screen 318, and LEDs 322. Additionally included is the power or
charging means 324 and/or 314 (where the communication means can
double as the charging means, such as various USB-type ports
discussed herein). In further embodiments, the processor 310,
memory 402, scale 308, GPS 312, communication means 314, speaker
316, display screen 318, buttons 320, LEDs 322, battery 404, and
charging means 314 and/or 324 are electrically and/or communicably
coupled via one or more busses 406.
[0075] In exemplary operation, the memory 402 may store, and the
processor 310 may execute, a program configured to perform various
functions with the aforementioned hardware. For example and without
limitation, in some embodiments, the program may obtain a fish
weight from the scale 308, wherein the measured fish weight is
stored in the memory 402. While obtaining the fish weight, the
program may employ a means for indicating the progress and/or the
completion of obtaining the fish weight. In some embodiments, such
means may be the display screen 318, while in other embodiments,
the means may alternatively or additionally be the LED(s) 322
(including one or more colored LEDs 322). In further embodiments,
the progress and/or completion of such measuring may be indicated
via the speaker 316.
[0076] The processor 310 may further execute the program to obtain
a GPS position via the GPS 312, and, upon completion of measuring
the fish weight, the GPS position and fish weight are displayed via
the display screen 318. Moreover, the processor 310 may associate
the GPS position with the fish weight and store such in a storage
device. The storage device may be local memory 402, or in further
embodiments, be the database 110 being communicated with via the
communication means 314, or a combination thereof. Moreover, in one
embodiment, the fish weighing system 300 may be indirectly
communicably coupled with the database 100 via an application
running on a wireless device and acting as an intermediary or
central control program.
[0077] In some embodiments, the processor 310 may execute code
which measures the amount of inactive time of the fish weighing
system (i.e., no weight on the scale 308, no buttons 320 bushed or
activity on the display screen 318) and turn off the fish weighing
system 300 after a predetermined amount of time has expired.
[0078] FIG. 5 illustrates a fish length measurement system 500,
according to one or more embodiments. As depicted, the system 500
includes a housing 502 having a processor 504 arranged therein. The
system further includes a baseplate 506 coupled to the housing 504
and communicably coupled to the processor 504. The base plate 506
employs an electronic fish length measuring means which detects the
presence and/or proximity of a fish 508 when arranged on the
baseplate 506, and transmits corresponding signal(s) to the
processor 504.
[0079] In some embodiments, the electronic fish length measuring
means may be the base plate 506 itself, wherein the base plate 506
is a capacitive surface capable of detecting one or more capacitive
points (e.g., similar to how a typical touch screen, including
tablet and smart phone touch screens, operates). The capacitive
surface may transfer raw signals to the processor 504 for
interpretation and determination of the fish length, or
alternatively may employ intermediate chips or processors (not
shown) to partially or wholly interpret such raw signals, thereby
sending converted signals and/or a final fish length determination
signal to the processor 504. For example, according to one
embodiment and as depicted, the fish 508 is arranged on the
baseplate 506. The front end or head of the fish is arranged at a
first location 510a and the rear end or tail of the fish 508 is
arranged at a second location 510b. The base plate 506 detects
capacitance changes in at least the first location 510a and second
location 510b, and sends signals accordingly to the processor 504
which then determines the length therebetween (and thus, the length
of the fish) is a fish length L. Of course, one of skill in the art
will appreciate that, in another embodiment, the fish 508 may be
arranged directly adjacent to the housing 502 or abut the housing
502, accordingly making the first location 510a adjacent to or abut
the housing 502.
[0080] In other embodiments, the electronic fish length measurement
means may be comprised of one or more sensor(s), depicted as a
first sensor 512a and a second sensor 512b, arranged on or within
the baseplate, and which operate based on change of one or more of
any electrical signals (e.g., current, voltage, magnetic field,
capacitance, and the like) as known to those skilled in the art.
For example, the first sensor 512a and second sensor 512b may be
capacitive sensors or hall effect sensors capable of detecting the
proximity of a fish thereto when arranged on the base plate 506.
The processor 504 may then receive signals from the first sensor
512a and second sensor 512b, and compute the length of the fish
based thereon. Similar to above, such signals may be raw or
converted signals.
[0081] The fish length measurement system 500 further includes a
display means 514 coupled to the housing 502 and communicably
coupled to the processor 504, thus capable of displaying the
measured fish length. The display means 514 can be any means
capable of displaying obtained measurements and fish lengths. For
example and without limitation, the display means 514 may be an LCD
or touch screen.
[0082] In further embodiments, the fish length measurement system
500 further includes a global positioning system (GPS) 516 which
obtains and reports a GPS position. The GPS 516 is arranged within
the housing 502 and communicably coupled to the processor 504, thus
configured to transmit the GPS position obtained thereto. Resulting
therefrom, the display means 514 is capable of displaying the GPS
position, either individually or in combination with the other
information (e.g., time, date, fish weight).
[0083] In other embodiments, the fish length measurement system 500
includes the database 110 (FIG. 1). The processor 504 associates
the fish length measurement with other desirable information
pertaining to the fish and then stores such in the database 110. In
one embodiment, the GPS position obtained with the GPS 516 may also
be associated with the fish length measurement and stored in the
database 110.
[0084] In even further embodiments, the fish length measurement
system 500 includes an automated cull system, such as those
discussed and described herein (e.g., the automated cull system 130
of FIG. 1). Advantageously, with the fish length stored in the
database 110, the automated cull system may automatically determine
and indicate to the user which fish to cull based on such.
Moreover, in other embodiments, the fish length measurement system
500 may include the fish weighing system 300. Similarly, the fish
weight obtained therefrom may be stored in the database 110,
thereby enabling the automated cull system 130 to determine which
fish to cull based on both the measured fish weight and fish
length.
[0085] In one embodiment, the fish length measurement system 500
includes one or more cameras 518 (one depicted) capable of
capturing images of the fish 508 while being measured on the base
plate 506. As depicted, the camera 518 is communicably coupled to
the processor 504, thereby enabling transfer of captured images
thereto. In one embodiment, the camera 518 may be supported by one
or more arms 520. The arm 520 may be coupled to the housing 502,
the baseplate 506, or be free-standing. The camera 518 may be
positioned directly over the fish 508 or at an angle, so long as
the camera 518 is capable of capturing an image of the fish 508 in
the direction a while arranged on the baseplate 506. In further
embodiments, the camera 518 (or an additional camera) may be
coupled to the housing 502 such that a picture is captured in the
direction .beta.. In even further embodiments, the camera 518 may
be a stand-alone camera, or possibly coupled to a mobile device,
such as a cell phone, tablet, pda, etc. and communicably coupled
(wired or wirelessly as described herein) to the processor 504
and/or database 110 for transfer of the picture thereto.
[0086] In further embodiments, the fish length measurement system
500 includes a communication means 522. The communication means 522
may be, for example and without limitation, a wireless
communication technology (e.g., WIFI, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.), a
wired technology (e.g., communication via a USB port, mini-USB
port, micro-USB port, etc.), or a combination thereof. The
communication means 522 enables communication between the fish
length measurement system 500 and any device in which may desire or
benefit from knowledge of the measured fish weight, such as, for
example and without limitation, the database 110, cull system 130,
and fish weight measurement system 300.
[0087] FIG. 6 is a block diagram 600 of the fish length measurement
system 500, according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated,
the diagram 600 includes the processor 504 and a memory 602 (as
defined herein) for storing and executing programs associated with
the various functionality and hardware associated with the fish
length measurement system 500 and described herein. The diagram 600
further includes a power supply 604 for powering the various
hardware, including but not limited to, the processor 504,
baseplate 506 (including any sensors employed), the display means
514, the GPS 516, and the communication means 522. The power supply
604 may be in the form of a power input, such as a wall-plug, or
may be a battery, either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. In one
embodiment, the power supply 604 may be a battery capable of being
wirelessly recharged (e.g., via inductance). In further
embodiments, the processor 504, memory 602, baseplate 506, display
means 514, GPS 516, communication means 522, and power supply 604
are electrically and/or communicably coupled via one or more busses
606.
[0088] Referring now back to FIG. 5, in exemplary operation,
according to one or more embodiments, the angler arranges the fish
508 on the baseplate 506, thereby generating capacitive
measurements via the base plate 506 (and in some embodiments, the
first sensor 512a and second sensor 512b). The capacitive
measurements may be translated or converted from raw to scaled data
prior to arriving at the processor 504, or such may be performed by
the processor 504. Upon receiving such measurements, the processor
504 determines the fish length and may store the fish length in
memory 602. Additionally, the processor 504 may display the fish
length via the display means 514. Moreover, the processor 504 may
associate the fish length with the fish 508, and transmit such
information to the database 110 via the communication means 522 for
future recall.
[0089] In further embodiments, the system 500 may further obtain a
fish weight with a fish weighing system, such as the fish weighing
system 300. The measured fish weight may be associated with the
fish 508, along with the fish length and GPS position, and stored
in the database 110. Additionally, in other embodiments, a camera
518 may obtain a picture of the fish 508 arranged on the base plate
506 during weight measurement, and such picture may also be
associated with the fish and stored in the database 110. In some
embodiments, the camera 518 may be operated via an application
running on a mobile device.
[0090] In other embodiments, the system 500 obtains a GPS position
via the GPS 516. The GPS position may be displayed via the display
means 514, and further associated with the determined fish length.
Such may then be transmitted to the database 110 via the
communication means 522. Advantageously, such enables an angler to
later determine which locations resulted in optimal fishing (i.e.,
obtaining the heaviest fish) and return to that location.
[0091] In further embodiments, where the system 500 includes an
automated cull system 130, the information stored in the database
110 such as the fish weight and fish length may be distributed to,
and employed by the automated cull system 130 in determining which
fish to instruct the angler to cull. Advantageously, the angler no
longer needs to mentally or physically log the readings of their
catch, as this can be done electronically and automatically. In
addition to ease of use, this also saves time, allowing the angler
to return to fishing quicker.
[0092] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate a base station and cull tags
associated with the cull system 130, according to one or more
embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the cull system 130
includes a base station 702 which is communicably coupled to cull
tags 704a,b (depicted in FIG. 7C as a first cull tag 704a and a
second cull tag 704b) associated with fish 706a,b (depicted as a
first fish 706a and a second fish 706b). Upon catching a fish
706a,b, one of the cull tags 704a,b is associated therewith in a
variety of manners discussed below, and the fish 706a,b and cull
tag 704a,b are placed in the live well 708 during continued fishing
and/or for transport.
[0093] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the base station 702,
according to one or more embodiment. The base station 702 includes
a processor 710 and a base station display means 712 communicably
coupled thereto. The base station display means 712 displays
information regarding which fish 706a,b to cull and/or information
associated with one or more of the fish 706a,b. For example and as
depicted, the base station display means 712 may be a plurality of
light emitting diodes (LEDs) 714a-d (depicted as a first LED 714a,
second LED 714b, third LED 714c, and fourth LED 714d). Each of the
LEDs 714a-d may be associated with one of the cull tags 704a,b. For
example, the first LED 714a may be associated with the first cull
tag 704a, the second LED 714b may be associated with the second
cull tag 704b, wherein the third and fourth LED 704c,b, are not
associated with any cull tags and are unused, but available for
association with additional cull tags that may be employed by the
angler in the future with additional catches. It will be
appreciated that more or less than four LEDs 704a-d may be employed
in alternative embodiments.
[0094] The processor 710 indicates which fish to cull by activating
at least one of the LEDs 714a-d. For example, to indicate the
angler should cull the first fish 706a, the processor may activate
the first LED 714a. The angler may then locate the first cull tag
704a associated with the first fish 706a, thereby being able to
cull the first fish 706a. Such activation may be, for example and
without limitation, permanent until the angler deactivates such,
may be for a predetermined period of time, flashing the first LED
714a on and off at a predetermined rate, and/or changing the color
of the first LED 714a (if the first LED 714a is a multi-color LED
or capable of such).
[0095] In one embodiment, the base station display means 710 may
alternatively or additionally include a digital display (not
depicted) capable of displaying information associated with one or
more of the fish 706a,b associated with the cull tags 704a,b. Such
information may include, for example and without limitation, the
fish 704a,b weight, length, and GPS location where caught.
[0096] The base station 702 further includes a base station
communication means 716 communicably coupled to the processor 710.
The base station communication means 716 may be any variety of
wired and/or wireless technologies (e.g., near-field communication,
Bluetooth, WIFI, RF, cellular network communications, and the
like), or a combination thereof. The base station communication
means 716 may be employed to communicate with a variety of other
devices, including but not limited to the database 110 for storing
and retrieving information associated with the fish 706a,b, and
sending information or commands to the cull tags 704a,b as
described in detail below.
[0097] The base station further includes a global positioning
system (GPS) 718 for obtaining and reporting a GPS position. The
GPS 718 is communicably coupled to the processor 710, thereby
enabling the processor 710 to associate the obtained GPS position
with a fish 706a,b upon being caught, and storing such in the
database 110 as well. In some embodiments, the GPS 718 is arranged
within the base station 702. In other embodiments, it may be
arranged external to the base station 702 but still communicably
coupled to the processor 710.
[0098] Additionally, in some embodiments, the base station 702
further includes a speaker 720 communicably coupled to the
processor 710. Thus, the processor 710 may audibly indicate to the
user which fish to cull via the speaker 720 alternatively or in
addition to indications via the base station display means 712.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 7C, illustrated is the cull tags
704a,b associated with a fish 706a,b as arranged in water 722
within the live well 708, according to one or more embodiments. In
one embodiment, as depicted, each cull tag 704a,b includes a cull
tag display means 724a,b (depicted as a first cull tag display
means 724a and a second cull tag display means 724b) and a cull tag
wireless transceiver 726a,b (depicted as a first cull tag wireless
transceiver 726a and a second cull tag wireless transceiver 726b).
More specifically, as depicted, the first cull tag 704a includes
the first cull tag display means 724a and first cull tag wireless
transceiver 726a, and the second cull tag 704b includes the second
cull tag display means 724b and second cull tag wireless
transceiver 726b.
[0100] In some embodiments, the cull tag display means 724a,b may
be an LED which may be activated by the processor 710 via a signal
received through the cull tag wireless transceiver 726a,b. In
further embodiments, the LED may be a multi-color LED (i.e., an LED
capable of emitting multiple colors) and activated to be a
particular color, thereby indicating which fish 706a,b to cull. In
other embodiments, the cull tag display means 724a,b may be a
display (e.g., an LCD) capable of displaying formation associated
with the fish 706a,b, such as the fish weight, length, and/or GPS
location caught.
[0101] In one embodiment, the cull tag 704a,b, is associated with
the fish 706a,b via a hook or clamp arranged through, under, and/or
around the fish lip or jaw as known to those skilled in the art.
However, as such is intrusive to the fish 706a,b, trauma and shock
may be caused, sometimes even killing the fish before the angler's
return to shore after fishing during a tournament. In other
embodiments, as depicted, the cull tag 704a,b is associated with
the fish 706a,b via a net 728a,b (depicted as a first net 728a
coupled to the first cull tag 704a, and a second net 728b coupled
to the second cull tag 704b). The net 728a,b encompasses the fish
706a,b such that the fish 706a,b is capable of swimming freely
therein and liquid can pass therethrough. Advantageously, such
enables quick culling of the fish 706a,b, but prevents damage,
harm, and shock to the fish 706a,b as it can swim freely within the
net 728a,b and very little, if any, bleeding or trauma is caused to
the fish's lip or jaw.
[0102] In other embodiments, the system may include the electronic
fish weighing system 134 for measuring the fish weight, wherein the
electronic fish weighing system 134 is communicably coupled to the
base station 702, for example, via the base station communication
means 716. In further embodiments, the system may include the
electronic fish length measurement system 132 for measuring the
fish length. The electronic fish length measurement system 132 may
also be communicably coupled to the base station 702, for example,
via the base station communication means 716. The fish weight
and/or fish length may be associated with the fish and stored in
the database 110 for later recall, for example, to be used in
determining which fish to cull.
[0103] In exemplary operation, while fishing, the angler catches
and weighs the fish 706a,b along with obtaining the fish length.
The fish weight may be associated with the fish 706a,b and stored
in the database 110 for later recall. The angler also associates
one of the cull tags 704a,b with the fish 706a,b via any of the
variety of means discussed above (e.g., via a hook, clamp, net, or
the like), and the places the fish 706a,b and associated cull tag
704a,b in the live well 708 (FIG. 7A).
[0104] Upon the angler reaching the catch limit or needing to cull
a fish 706a,b, the angler may employ the automated fish culling
system 130. The processor 710 determines which fish 706a,b to cull
based on at least the fish weight. The fish weight may be obtained
via the fish weighing system 134, recalled from memory, and/or
downloaded from the database 110. The processor 710 indicates which
fish 706a,b to cull via the base station display means 712. Thus,
the processor may activate, for example and without limitation, the
first LED 714a, thereby indicating to cull the first fish 706a. The
first LED 714a may be a particular color, thereby indicating to
cull the same color cull tag 704a. Moreover, the processor 710 may
employ the speaker 720 to also audibly indicate that the angler
should cull the first fish 706a.
[0105] The processor 710 may also indicate which fish 706a,b to
cull via the cull tag display means 724a,b. For example, in
addition to indicating to cull the first fish 706a via the first
LED 714a of the base station display means 712, the processor 710
may further indicate to cull the first fish 706a via a
communication signal between the base station communication means
716 and the first cull tag wireless transceiver 726a of the first
cull tag 704a, thereby activating the first cull tag display means
724a. In further embodiments, the processor 710 may alternatively
or additionally indicate which fish 706a,b to cull via
communication with an application running on a mobile device
communicably coupled to the base station 702.
[0106] Advantageously, such a system would enable the angler to
more efficiently and effectively fish. This is due to the angler
being automatically notified of which fish to cull, thereby not
having to manually review or determine the weight of each fish
which consumes valuable fishing time. Moreover, the automation of
the cull system 130 being able to recall fish weights and/or
retrieve them from the database 110, and then automatically
determining which fish 706a,b to cull further saves the angler
time. Additionally, the visual notifications of the base station
display means 712 (and possibly the cull tag display means 724a,b
too) and/or audible notifications from the speaker 720 make very
clear which fish needs to be culled. The visual notifications of
the cull tag display means 724a,b also further assist the angler in
identifying the proper cull tag 704a,b, thereby further the
angler's chance of culling the proper fish the first time.
[0107] FIG. 8A is a block diagram 800 of the base station 702 of
the cull system 130, according to one or more embodiments. As
illustrated, the diagram 800 includes the processor 710 and a
memory 802 (as defined herein) for storing and executing programs
associated with the various functionality and hardware associated
with the base station 702 and described herein. The diagram 800
further includes a power supply 804 for powering one or more of the
various hardware, including but not limited to, the processor 710,
the base station display means 712, the base station communication
means 716, the GPS 718, and/or the speaker 720. The power supply
604 may be in the form of a power input, such as a wall-plug, or
may be a battery (including a connection to the battery onboard the
boat 102), either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The processor
710, memory 802, power supply 804, base station display means 712,
base station communication means 716, GPS 718, and speaker 720 are
electrically and/or communicably coupled via one or more busses
806.
[0108] FIG. 8B is a block diagram 850 of one of the cull tags
704a,b of the cull system 130, according to one or more
embodiments. As illustrated, the diagram 850 includes a processor
852, a memory 854 (as defined herein) for storing and executing
programs associated with the various functionality and hardware
associated with the cull tags 704 and described herein. The diagram
850 further includes a power supply 856 for powering one or more of
the various hardware, including but not limited to, the processor
852, cull tag display means 724a,b, and/or the cull tag wireless
transceiver 726a,b. Moreover, all of the aforementioned are
electrically and/or communicably coupled via one or more busses
858.
[0109] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram of an illustrative method 900
for controlling fishing hardware and displaying fishing
information, according to one or more embodiments. At block 902,
the method 900 includes running an application on a computing
device having display means for displaying the application, wherein
the application is configured to display and control a fishing lure
configuration of a fishing lure. In various embodiments, the
computing device may be, for example and without limitation, a
computer integrated with a boat, a mobile device (e.g., cellular
telephone, iPad, tablet computer, and the like), or could be a
remote device such as a "dongle" which includes a display screen
and limited control and command keys.
[0110] At block 904, in one embodiment, a connection is established
between the computing device and a system which includes the
fishing lure, wherein the fishing lure has a fishing lure
configuration which comprises one or more sounds resembling the
prey of a fish capable of being emitted by sound emitting means of
the fishing lure.
[0111] In further embodiments, the system includes a non-aqueous
ambient conditions monitoring means such as the non-aqueous ambient
conditions monitoring means 106 (FIG. 1) for measuring and
transmitting ambient atmospheric condition data, and an aqueous
ambient conditions monitoring means such as the aqueous ambient
conditions monitoring means 108 for measuring and transmitting
ambient aquatic condition data. The system further includes a
global positioning system (GPS) for obtaining and reporting a GPS
position. In such an embodiment, the method may further include
storing one or more of the ambient atmospheric condition data, the
ambient aquatic condition data, the GPS position, and the fishing
lure information of the fishing lure in a database means via the
application, wherein the database means is configured for
receiving, storing, and reporting one or more of the ambient
atmospheric condition data, the ambient aquatic condition data, the
GPS position, and the fishing lure configuration.
[0112] In some embodiments, the application predicts a preferable
fishing lure configuration based on the GPS position and
corresponding geographic data, including but not limited to, data
corresponding to the GPS position, previous fishing catches,
weather conditions, etc. The predicted fishing lure configuration
may include indication of the type of lure which is likely to
produce best results, and/or, in some embodiments, a configuration
of the lure's light or LED eyes (e.g., activated and/or blinking in
a particular pattern, rate, or brightness) and/or sound to be
downloaded to the lure and emitted from the lure speaker. The
application may then display such a prediction to the angler who
may elect to employ the configuration, thereby downloading the
configuration from the computing device and programming the fishing
lure therewith. Of course, such a recommended configuration may be
altered or rejected by the angler based on personal experience,
knowledge, and fishing skills.
[0113] In further embodiments, the application indicates the
fishing conditions to the angler based on the GPS position via the
computing device display as a color-based system. For example and
without limitation, the display may include a scale with various
colors or a blended color scheme, such as green, yellow, and red,
wherein an indicator indicates most preferable fishing conditions
by pointing to the green portion of the scale, moderate or somewhat
favorable fishing conditions by pointing to the yellow portion of
the scale, and unfavorable or undesirable fishing conditions by
pointing to the red portion of the scale. In another embodiment, an
LED may change colors to indicate the fishing conditions. In even
further embodiments, a numeric scale-based system may be employed.
For example, a low value (e.g. 1) may represent a least favorable
fishing conditions, a medium value (e.g. 5) may represent a more
favorable fishing condition, and a high value (e.g. 10) may
represent very favorable fishing conditions. Of course, those
skilled in the art will appreciate the various other embodiments,
including other color schemes and scale ranges and interpretations
that may be employed and are contemplated herein.
[0114] At block 906, the fishing lure configuration is updated via
the application. In one embodiment, the sounds are pre-downloaded
on the lure memory 212 at the time of manufacturing, thus updating
the fishing lure configuration of the fishing lure merely enables
or disables (e.g., via a "key") one or more of the sounds to be
emitted via the sound emitting means. In other embodiments,
updating the fishing lure configuration actually downloads one or
more sounds to the fishing lure memory, or, alternatively or in
addition thereto, sounds may be removed from the fishing lure
memory.
[0115] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, one or more of the
ambient atmospheric condition data, ambient aquatic condition data,
and GPS position may be stored in the database means (e.g.,
database 110). Additionally, information associated with the
fishing lure may also be stored in the database. In one embodiment,
the application enables the angler to input a note (such as the
actual weather, fishing conditions, boat type, other equipment
used, etc.), associate the note with the type of lure employed and
geographic location, and store the note in the database.
[0116] In further embodiments, the application establishes a
connection with an electric fish length measurement system, such as
electric fish length measurement system 132 (FIG. 1). The
application may display the measured fish length to the angler,
while additionally associating the fish length with the caught fish
and storing the fish length in the database means. Similarly, in
other embodiments, the application may alternatively or
additionally establish a connection with an electric fish weighing
system, such as the electric fish weighing system 134 (FIG. 1). The
application may display the measured fish weight to the angler,
while additionally associating the fish weight with the caught fish
and storing the fish weight in the database means. Moreover,
alternatively or additionally thereto, in further embodiments, the
application establishes a connection with a cull system, such as
the cull system 130 (FIG. 1). The application may determine and
indicate to the user which fish to cull based on the previously
measured weight of each fish.
[0117] FIG. 10A depicts a visualization of a first screen 1000 of
the application, according to one or more embodiments. In one
embodiment, the first screen 1000 represents a "home page" and
includes various options for operating the application and
configuring a fishing lure. For example, as depicted, the first
screen 1000 includes a sound library function 1002 that enables an
angler to select from sounds which may already be programmed on the
fishing lure or available in the application for download to the
fishing lure. Additionally, a "buy sounds" function 1004 enables
the angler to buy additional pre-recorded sounds from others or
possibly a database of available sounds. Upon selection of a sound
for the fishing lure to emit, the angler may apply such a selection
by "syncing" the lure via a synchronization function 1006.
[0118] As discussed above, in one embodiment, such sounds are
downloaded from the application to the lure, thereby updating the
fishing lure memory (e.g. memory 212 of FIG. 2B). In another
embodiment, the sounds are pre-downloaded on the lure memory 212 at
the time of manufacturing, whereby the synchronization function
1006 may transmit a "key" to the lure, thereby unlocking one or
more sounds available to be emitted by the lure.
[0119] The angler may alternatively have previously saved
configurations which may be easily accessible via a "tackle box"
function 1008. As discussed above, the fishing lure may
additionally have light (e.g., one or more LEDs), thus
configurations may include both a sound portion and a light
configuration portion which are downloaded to the lure upon
synchronization.
[0120] As discussed above and herein, the system 100 may include a
variety of monitoring equipment, including but not limited to, the
aqueous ambient condition monitoring means 108, the non-aqueous
ambient condition monitoring means 106, the GPS 111, the fish
length measurement system 132, the fish weighing system 134, and
others. Measurements from one or more of the monitoring equipment
may be recorded in the computing device or a database 110
communicably coupled thereto. Thus, in some embodiments, such a
recording may be performed via the angler employing a record
function 1010. Alternatively or in addition thereto, such a
recording may be automatically performed upon the system
determining a catch has been made, thereby saving the angler time
and worry about recording the data associated with the fish
caught.
[0121] FIG. 10B depicts a visualization of a second screen 1050 of
the application, according to one or more embodiments. As depicted,
the second screen 1050 is representative of the synchronization
function 1006 of FIG. 10A. Thus, the second screen 1050 depicts a
picture 1052 of the actual lure being used, along with various lure
characteristics 1054. Moreover, the second screen 1050 enables
selection of one or more sounds 1056 to be configured to the lure
upon synchronization (either by download of the sound or of an
associated key as described above). The second screen 1050 may
additionally include indicators 1058a-c (depicted as a first
indicator 1058a, second indicator 1058b, and third indicator 1058c)
which may change appearance (color, shape, etc.) to illustrate
whether or not the associated sound is downloaded or has
synchronized with the lure. As depicted, the "EBS Original" sound
is synchronized as indicated by the first indicator 1058a, but the
other sounds are not synchronized. The second screen 1050 also
includes a power function 1060 for controlling whether the lure is
on or off.
[0122] It will be appreciated that a variety of functions as known
to those skilled in the art but not discussed may be employed and
are contemplated herein.
[0123] FIGS. 11A-11C depict a floating bobber 1102 for use while
fishing which generates aquatic sounds, according to one or more
embodiments. In one embodiment, as depicted, the floating bobber
1102 is partially floating within a body of water 104 and is
coupled to a fishing pole via a first fishing line 1104 and further
coupled to the fishing lure 112 via a second fishing line 1106. In
some embodiments, the first fishing line 1104 and the second
fishing line 1106 may be the same fishing line. In any event, due
to the floating bobber 1102 being coupled with both the fishing
pole and the fishing lure 112, the floating bobber 1102 and the
fishing lure 112 are typically cast together. The second fishing
line 1106 may be a particular length, thereby enabling the fishing
lure 112 to reside a predetermined depth d below the surface of the
water 104, which may be advantageous to catching a particular type
of fish. One of skill in the art will appreciate that, in some
embodiments, the fishing lure 112 may be live bait, cut bait,
worms, and/or artificial fishing lures.
[0124] The floating bobber 1102 is comprised of a floating bobber
body 1108 having a hollow body interior 1110, thus capable of
floating on or near the surface of the water 104.The floating
bobber 1102 includes an electronic circuit (detailed below in FIG.
11B) within the body interior 1110, the electronic circuit having a
speaker 1108 for emitting one or more aquatic sounds, including
sounds resembling the prey of a fish, thereby attracting fish to
the area near the floating bobber 1102 and the fishing lure 112.
The sounds emitting from the speaker 1108 may work in conjunction
with any sounds emitting from the fishing lure 112 to attract
predatory fish.
[0125] FIGS. 11B and 11C depict various embodiments of the floating
bobber 1102. For example, FIG. 11B depicts a floating bobber 1102
of the type typically referred to as a "popping cork" by those
skilled in the art. Such an embodiment typically includes a
plurality of top beads 1114 (e.g., plastic beads) arranged above
the floating bobber body 1108, and additional plurality of bottom
beads 1116 arranged therebelow, where the bottom beads 1116 are
heavier than the top beads 1114, thereby creating noises and
jerking the fishing lure 112 in a movement resembling fish prey.
FIG. 11C depicts an embodiment having a "3-way swivel" 1118 as
known to those skilled in the art which couples together the first
fishing line 1104 from the fishing pole, the second fishing line
1106 to the fishing lure 112, and a third fishing line 1120 to the
floating bobber 1102. However, regardless of the floating bobber
1102 type or configuration as depicted in FIGS. 11A-C, or any other
configuration known to those skilled in the art, the floating
bobber 1102 assists and attracts predatory fish by emitting sound
from the speaker 1108 arranged therein.
[0126] FIG. 12 depicts a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit
1122 of the floating bobber 1102, according to one or more
embodiments. The electronic circuit 1122 includes a controller 1124
having a memory (not shown) capable of storing one or more aquatic
sounds, including but not limited to sounds resembling the prey of
a fish. The controller 1124 is operationally coupled to the speaker
1112 which emits the one or more sounds, thereby attracting
predatory fish to the area near the floating bobber 1102 and
fishing lure 112. The sounds may be stored on the memory of the
controller 1124 at the time of manufacturing or may alternatively
be downloaded to the controller 1124 by an angler via a floating
bobber communication means which may employ a variety of
technologies. Such technologies may include, for example, wire
transfer (e.g., a USB, mini-USB, micro-usb connection, or the like)
or wireless transfer (e.g., near-field communication, Bluetooth,
WIFI, RF, cellular network communications, and the like), as
depicted, via a wireless transceiver 1126 operationally coupled to
the controller 1124 and capable of both sending and receiving
information. The controller 1124, speaker 1112, and/or wireless
transceiver 1126 are powered, either individually or in
combination, by one or more power sources 1128.
[0127] The speaker 1112 may be activated via activation means,
thereby emitting one of the sounds stored on the controller 1124
memory. One exemplary activation means, as depicted, includes
employing electrodes 1130a,b (depicted as a first electrode 1130a
and a second electrode 1130b), wherein the electrodes 1130a,b are
arranged such that they become electrically coupled via water when
the floating bobber 1102 is arranged within the body of water 104.
Advantageously, this automatically begins emission of sound from
the speaker 112 when the floating bobber 1102 is arranged within
the water and stops emission of such when the floating bobber 1102
is removed from the water, thereby preserving the power source 1128
when not in use.
[0128] The floating bobber 1102 further includes a control means
operationally coupled to the controller 1124 for changing which of
the one or more sounds is generated by the speaker 1112. For
example, and as depicted, the control means is an electrode 1132.
Activation of the electrode 1132, for example by physical touch,
sends a signal to the controller 1124, thereby changing which of
the sounds is to be generated by the speaker 1112. In other
embodiments, the control means may be a mobile device (not
depicted) having an application running thereon which communicates
with the floating bobber 1102 via the floating bobber
communications means (e.g., the wireless transceiver 1126), thereby
enabling wireless control of the floating bobber 1102 and which
song is generated by the speaker 1112.
[0129] In other embodiments, the floating bobber 1102 further
includes non-aqueous ambient condition monitoring means 1134
operationally coupled to the controller 1124. The non-aqueous
ambient condition monitoring means 1134 may be capable of obtaining
non-aqueous measurements, for example and without limitation, air
temperature and barometric pressure. In further embodiments, the
floating bobber 1102 further includes aqueous ambient condition
monitoring means 1136 operationally coupled to the controller 1124.
The aqueous ambient condition monitoring means 1136 may be capable
of obtaining aqueous measurements, for example and without
limitation, water temperature, turbidity, water pH, oxygen level,
and the like. Such aqueous and non-aqueous measurements may be
communicated back to the angler via the communication means,
including real-time (or near-real-time) transmission of such
measurements via the wireless transceiver 1126.
[0130] Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain
the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are
inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are
illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and
practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those
skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein.
Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of
construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the
claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular
illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined,
or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope
and spirit of the present invention. The invention illustratively
disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any
element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any
optional element disclosed herein.
[0131] All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some
amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper
limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling
within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every
range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or,
equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from
approximately a-b") is closed herein is to be understood to set
forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range
of values.
[0132] Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary
meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the
patentee. Moreover, the articles "a" or "an," as used in the
claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the
element that it introduces. As used herein the term "and/or" and
"/" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the
associated listed items. While compositions and methods are
described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including"
various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also
"consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and
steps.
[0133] It will be understood that the sizes and relative
orientations of the illustrated elements are not shown to scale,
and in some instances they have been reduced or exaggerated for
purposes of explanation. Additionally, if there is any conflict in
the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more
patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by
reference, the definitions that are consistent with this
specification should be adopted.
* * * * *