NZ575344A - Fishing line bite detector device - Google Patents

Abstract

A fishing line bite detector device is disclosed. The device includes a rod-data-collector for use with a fishing rod and a hand-remote operatively connected together. The hand remote in use can be held separately from the rod data collector. The rod-data-collector and hand-remote include visual means, audio means, power means and recharging system (IPT), wireless communication means (RF),buttons for adjustability of rod-data-collector, programming means via software to control responses, a microprocessor to integrate device features and control software. The rod-data-collector has a real time data collecting means which is in the form of a solid state accelerometer, is used to relay real time data to the microprocessor which communicates said responses to the hand-remote which is adapted to receive such a signal and alert a user that a bite has been detected.

Description

Patents Form # 5 *10057419254* 57 5 3 44 NF.W ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 TITLE COMPLETE SPECIFICATION WITHOUT PROVISIONAL Fishing line bite detector device I, BAKER, Mark Robert Address: 83 Victoria Avenue, Waiuku, New Zealand, 2123 Nationality: A citizen of New Zealand do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statementl____ — i^&PRN°£ERnl -i _ b mak 2009 received] 192151 NZ_Cap_20090305_ 919_EHB.doc FEE CODE 1050 Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 Fishing line bite detector device The invention relates to a fishing line bite detector device for detecting a fish strike. The invention is directed particularly, but not solely, towards: a) Detecting whether there is a fish strike on the line b) Notifying the fisherman of said fish strike Background of Invention Traditionally, once bait and hook are placed at the end of a fishing line, the fisherman must 10 continuously man the line to make certain a fish strike is not missed.

Even if the line is continuously manned, it does not guarantee that the bait will not be taken without hooking the fish and without the fisherman detecting the strike. If this occurs, it can leave the fisherman manning a baitless line for long periods of time. This situation can be highly frustrating.

Manning a fishing line relies on being alert and not being distracted. This leads to many people refusing to take needed breaks as they do not want to miss a strike. It can be very boring and non productive waiting for a bite.

Currently, there are already various 'bite detectors' on the market, though all of these rely on mechanical strike triggers, tripped by changes in line tension.

Due to their mechanical aspects they are difficult to maintain and costly to manufacture. Background elements, such as currents, wind, and swell can easily false-trigger these mechanical bite detectors.

In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be 30 relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

G:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide an improved fishing line bite detector device and a 5 method of operating the device that will ameliorate some of the disadvantages and limitations of the currently known bite detectors; or at least provide the consumer with an improved selection.

Summary of Invention The invention includes two components which include a rod-data-collector for use with a fishing rod and a hand-remote operatively connected together whereby the hand remote in use can be held separately from the rod data collector, the rod-data-collector and hand-remote include visual means, audio means, power means and recharging system (IPT), wireless communication means (RF), buttons for adjustability of rod-data-collector, 15 programming means via software to control responses, a microprocessor to integrate device features and control software, and the rod-data-collector has a real time data collecting means which is in the form of a solid state accelerometer, is used to relay real time data to the microprocessor which communicates said responses to the hand-remote which is adapted to receive such a signal and alert a user that a bite has been detected.

Preferably the visual means of the rod-data-collector and hand-remote includes at least one LED which can light up and/or flash.

Preferably the rod-data-collector includes a water proof casing whereby the LED can 25 illuminate the entire rod-data-collector when the casing is fabricated from a plastics that allows light at least partially there through to be seen, Preferably the audio means includes at least one buzzer, also which is able to be turned off or on independently from LED's or tactile functions.

Preferably the tactile means includes a motor to cause vibration of the hand remote, also which is able to be turned off or on independently from LED's or audio functions, G:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 08 June 2009 .4.

Preferably the power means includes a rechargeable battery receives power though a inductive power transfer circuit.(IPT). Power is conducted though the casings via two magnetic coils that are located in close proximity so that no wires or mechanical contacts are 5 required, also the power means will charge rod-data-collector multiple times off a set of batteries in hand remote, also is used to control on off switching between the hand remote and rod-data-collector though charging or non-charging states thus enabling a non-mechanical on-off switch , the switching means has no moving parts to break and are not reliant on magnets, wires or first contact switching to work.

Preferably the communication means includes wireless radio frequency data transfer RF, which transmits and receives data from both the hand remote and rod-data-collector and performs data error checking to ensure responses have been successfully received, also the communication means self adjusts signal strength to maximize battery life, and also supports 15 individual signatures addresses unique to each set of fishing line bite detectors enabling many fishing line bite detectors in the same area and also allows adjustability of rod-data-collector without having to touch anything.

Preferably the programming means includes a programmable microprocessor with in-circuit 20 programmability to allow software changes on a PCB, also the microprocessor which controls software algorithms and responses, and functions between RF, accelerometer, IPT, battery and other components on the PCB.

Preferably, the rod-data-collector and hand-remote include housings, which are adapted to 25 attach to each other to enable charging of the rod-data-collector using inducti ve power transfer (IPT).

Preferably the rod-data-collector alone is adapted to be able to attach to a mounting foot on a fishing rod and is mountable anywhere along the length of the rod and doesn't attach to the 30 fishing line enabling easy casting of the rod.

Preferably the rod-data-collector uses a solid state accelerometer which has three axis's and collects real time data from said axis's and relays said data to the microprocessor, whereby G:\192151NZ amd spec 8Jime09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 26 June 2009 the accelerometer has no moving parts, also does not require mechanical switching to activate.

Preferably the hand remote and rod-data-collector both have software controlling functions 5 of said devices, including, also adjusts RF transmission strength to save on battery life, also control the software controlling function adjustability of the device though the use of buttons, also assigns individual codes for RF, also controls audio- tactile, and the visual means to be used to indicate different functions, also monitors IPT for activity, also monitors battery voltages, and activates off-on switch.

Preferably the rod data collector unit includes software to utilize other design features, as follows; real time data received from the solid state accelerometer which is processed by software on the microprocessor and forms base lines over time allowing manipulation off said data into 15 responses, also software can adjust to allow to pick which axis to use in reference to vertical or horizontal positioning of fishing rod, also software can eliminate sideways variables in reference to wind, also is able to interpret said data in many different ways allow for different fishing styles, including using sinkers and lures.

In a second aspect a method of operating the fishing bit detector device includes the following steps: The response setting and communication address are factory set to a default value, Separation of the Rod-data-collector from the hand remote will automatically turn on 25 both units, The rod-data-collector is placed into a preinstalled mounting foot on the fishing rod, Simultaneous operation of buttons on the hand remote will initiate 'silent mode', 30 allowing setup, casting, and retrieval of the rod without audible triggering of buzzer on the hand remote, Hand remote buzzer indicates "silent mode' activation with long burst of alarm, G:\192151NZ amd spec 25June09 MCG.doc Received at IPONZ on 26 June 2009 Hand remote deactivates 'silent mode' after 4 minutes, visual means (LEDs) on both rod-data-collector and hand remote are active in 'silent mode', When cast or set, the rod will have a natural amount of movement in it according to conditions, "silent mode' deactivation is achieved by using buttons on hand remote simultaneously; hand remote will sound 4 short bursts to confirm, and LEDs on both rod-data-collector and hand remote initiate hand remote buzzer, response level of rod-data-collector is set using the hand remote buttons, the rod-data-collector and hand remote LEDs will flash in accordance to up or down sections, the buzzer will also mimic the LEDs if not in 'silent mode', When on the rod and triggered, the rod-data-collector will send wireless data to the hand remote, LEDs on both rod-data-collector and hand remote flash and buzzer of hand remote will sound (if not in 'silent mode').

Preferably the hand-remotes LED can also be used for several secondary applications: • LED will flash green when the hand-remote is charging the rod-data-collector, • LED will intermittently flash red to indicate the hand-remote running out of battery power, • LED will flash red at a higher frequency to indicate that the signal from the rod-data-collector cannot be found.

• The method of operating the fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the rod-data-collector is permanently sealed, and needs to be charged using inductive power transfer, the rod-data-collector will use its LED's to flash a pattern to indicate low battery power.

Preferably a very large number of units can be used independently within wireless range of each other, which is done by giving each device [1] a different communications address. Where by the devices address is changed by attaching the rod-data-collector and G:\192151NZ cmd spec 25Jun«09 MCG.doc Received at IPONZ on 08 June 2009 .7. hand-remote together and press buttons [35], [36] and [37] simultaneously, so that a new random address is selected.

Brief Description The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a circuit block diagram of the rod-data-collector 10 Figure 2 is a schematic for the rod-data-collector Figure 3 is the rod-data-collectors PCB design in digital format Figure 4 A is a sketch of the rod-data-collector in a housing in use on a fishing rod Figure 4 B is sketch of the rod-data-collector and housing without the rod 15 Figure 4 C is a sketch of an end 'revealed' view from figure 4B Figure 4 D is a sketch of a rod mount Figure 4 E is a sketch of an end view from figure 4D G:\192151NZ amd spec 8June09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 Figure 5 is a circuit block diagram of the hand-remote Figure 6 is a schematic for the hand-remote Figure 7 is the hand-remote PCB design in digital format Figure 8 A is a sketch of the hand-remote housing.

Figure 8 B is a sketch of an end 'revealed' view from figure 8A Figure 8 C is sketch of the hand-remote coupled to the rod-data-collector without the rod Description of Drawings The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of 10 the invention, namely a fishing line bite detector device. The invention is in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.

A fishing line bite detector device [1] is made up two components, i.e.: a first component [2] as in figures 1-4, and a second component [3] as shown in figures 5-8. These components operatively interfit together to operate either separately and/or together to sense movement on the line and/or rod using one component [2] and then relay it to the other component [3], The first component [2] can be called and functions as a rod-data-collector which is mountable to a fishing rod to collect and process real time data. The second component [3] functions as a hand-remote as it is held in the hand of the user, and used to remotely relate data to the rod-data-collector (e.g. an FM transmission). The hand-remote [3] can be used to charge the battery power of the rod-data-collector [2].

Rod-data-collector [2]-rod mounted as shown in figures 1-4 The rod mountable rod-data-collector [2] comprises a waterproof rod mounted base including a housing [5], inside of which is a rod-data-collector circuit board or PCB [6] of 30 say for example 10mmx60mm.

The rod-data-collector [2] also has a real time data collecting means (in the form of a solid state accelerometer [7] 3 axis) to detect current variables in the line or rod, wind, waves, etc, O:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 visual means [8] ill the form of LED's (for example high brightness LED's) to provide a visual signal and power means [10] (most likely in the form of a portable battery) to provide power to enable the device [1] to work. The battery can be of say dimensions of 10mmx30mm and can be 2.4 Y rechargeable and include a battery sensing means and 5 limiter.

The rod-data-collector [2] is adapted to receive and relay information with the hand-remote [3]. For the hand remote [3], response is changed using one preset increment or decrement at a time. To achieve wireless transmission, the rod-data-collector [2] includes for example a 10 2.4 GHz transceiver [11] which is located on the PCB [6], The rod-data-collector [2] circuit board [6] also includes an electronic component of a microprocessing means for the main data processing in the form of an 8 bit microprocessor [12]. The microprocessor can include ISP to enable programming of the software 15 The rod-data-collector [2] also has a radio frequency (RF) micro controlling means in the form of a RF microcontroller -transceiver [11] to enable the control of RF stated functions.

The rod-data-collector housing [5] has a rod mounting means [14] which includes, for example, a clip type structure to enable removable fitting to a rod R if desired.

Other components of the rod-data-collector [2] include wireless charging circuitry or IPT (inductive power transfer-tuned circuit and IPT receiver regulator) [15] and an internal aerial [16] (for example including RF matching and balancing with antenna PCB track type or loop antenna 50R single ended) on the PCB [6], as shown in figure 3, an accelerometer for 25 supplying data , software on internal memory on microprocessor to manipulate said data and activate responses, LED [8] lights up on the end of the circuit board [6] which can fade out over time (e.g. 1 second until another movement is detected and/or can flash as short and sharp).

Other options of the rod-data-collector [2] include: long flashes or beeps from audio means [9] intermittently to indicate low power; and an automatic power down option if the battery is low (to conserve long term battery life and avoid complete discharge of the battery as this G:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 is not optimal for rechargeable batteries). The rod-data-collector [2] turns off and automatically starts charging if placed back in or on to the hand-remote [3], As shown in figure 4 C, the housing or casing [5] of rod-data-collector [2] (which can be any 5 shape), has the PCB [6] and batteries [10] located within. Also, as shown, the casing [5] includes rod fixing means [17], to enable the rod-data-collector [2] casing to be removably fixed to the rod [R]; and to hand-remote [3] fixing means [45], to enable the hand-remote [3] to also be removably fixed and operatively connected to the rod-data-collector [2], The rod mounting means, [14] includes an elongate body with an upper portion which can slidably interfit with the rod-data-collector [2] by way of rod fixing means [17] using a sliding male member in a slot type arrangement. Rod mounting means [14] includes a lower portion being a curved planar member which can be attached directly to the rod itself.

Hand-remote [3] -base station remote as held by user- figures 5-8 The hand-remote [3] serves to receive the response data from the rod-data-collector [2], and give any combination of a visual, audible or tactile indication that there may be a fish strike. The hand-remote [3] is used to charge the rod-data-collector [2] using IPT. The hand remote 20 [3] is also used to adjust the response level on the rod-data-collector.

Like the rod-data-collector [2], the hand-remote [3] can be waterproof and include a housing [30] having a PCB or printed circuit board [31] therein, of say for example 80mmxl6mm.

The PCB would have control means [32] such as buttons [32] to control various functions 25 via the microprocessing means.

The PCB [31] also includes microprocessing means for the main data processing in the form of an 8 bit microprocessor [33], with ISP to enable programming of software, and radio frequency (RF) microprocessing means in the form of a RF microprocessor to enable the 30 control of RF stated functions. To achieve wireless transmission, the hand remote [3] includes for example a 2.4 GHz RF transceiver [34] which is located on the PCB [31].

G:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 F.HB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 Like the rod-data-collector [2], there will be a lighting or visual means [40] in the form of Bi colour LED's, and audio means [41] in the form a buzzer or beeper or vibrating means. The hand-remote [3] can also have wireless circuitry or IPT [32], (IPT includes IPT transmitter driver and IPT tuned circuit output), aerial(s) [43] (the aerials include RF matching and 5 balancing with antenna PCB track type or loop antenna 50R single ended) and power means [44] (e.g. 2x AA batteries with battery sensing, limiter and charger).

The hand-remote [3] casing [30] can be slotted [45] to allow the rod mounted fixing means [17] to slidably interfit together to allow charging of the rod-data-collector [2] which can 10 also be used to turn off/on the rod-data-collector [2].

Operation For the controlling means [32] there can be a button [35] to decrease response level of 15 software on rod-data-collector, a button [36] to increase response level of software on rod-data-collecor, a button [37] to enable the functionality of the aforementioned buttons and a combined press of all three buttons [35] [36] [37] can be used to enter and exit silent-mode.

The fishing line bite detector device [1] will show selected accelerometer response levels 20 when changed by the hand-remote [3] buttons [35] & [37], by flashing LED's [8] & [40] at say '1-10' times on both the rod-data-collector [2] and hand-remote [3], Also, the hand-remote [3] will beep short and sharp 1-10 times to indicate the 'level' selected, i.e. once for 'level 1', twice for 'level 2', three times for 'level 3', etc.

'Level 10' would indicate low response, required over software algorithms 'Level 5' would indicate mid response, required over software algorithms 'Level 1' would indicate high response, required over software algorithms For the rod-data-collector [2] and hand-remote [3], the LED's [8] & [40] can be programmed 30 to emit solid flashes for short durations (e.g. 0.1 second) during response adjustment. Hand-remote buzzer [41] will also beep in conjunction with its LED [40] turning on for 0.5 seconds to indicate when a maximum or minimum level is reached and adjustments cannot be made any further in that direction.

G:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 The device [1] is completely non mechanical, relying-on adjustable software with a receiver (rod mounted rod-data-collector [2]) and transmitter (hand remote [3]), The device [1] can be attached to a fishing rod without needing to worry about attaching the fishing line to the 5 device. Any line tension or background effects such as wind waves or current do not affect the working of the device. The hand-remote [3] is able to set the response of the rod mounted rod-data-collector [2] to a level above natural conditions of the waves, wind, etc.

The rod-data-collector [2] does not rely on line tension to sense fish strikes, but uses real 10 time data collected to formulate responses using software. The rod-data-collector software, which can generate algorithms to select appropriate actions, is adjustable to enable changes to core functions, levels, and responses. The device [1] is waterproof and has an automatic on-off feature which can be very useful when the device is not in use. The rod-data-collector [2] has mounting means enabling it be readily attached or removed to a fishing rod.

Method of operation Depending on what type of fishing you are doing and where, methods of operation and techniques may vary and include: • Separate the rod-data-collector [2] from the hand-remote [3] (The rod-data-collector [2] will automatically turn on at this point).

• Place rod-data-collector [2] into a preinstalled mounting foot on the fishing rod [R].

• Press and hold hand-remote [3] buttons [35], [36] and [37] simultaneously for a period of 2 seconds (This will initiate 'Silent-Mode' - Allowing you to set up and cast your rod without audible triggering) • To confirm silent-mode has been activated, the hand-remote [3] buzzer [41] will sound for 1 second, followed by the LED's [8] and [40] on both the hand-remote [3] 30 and rod-data-collector [2] flashing once.

G:V192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 • If desired, the hand remote [3] can be set to automatically deactivate silent-mode after 4 minutes. Visual means or trigger indicators [8] and [40] are still active during silent mode • Cast or set your line in the water and setup your rod [R] to desired conditions. The rod [R] will have a natural amount of movement in it according to the conditions.

• Turn the hand-remote [3] beeper [41] back on (deactivate silent-mode) by pressing buttons [35], [36] and [37] simultaneously for 2 seconds.

• To confirm silent-modes deactivation, the hand-remote [3] buzzer [41] will sound 4 times in quick succession, followed by the LED's on both the hand-remote [3] and rod-data-collector [2] flashing 4 times.

• Set the response level using the hand-remote [3] buttons [35] and [36] to the level above natural conditions. These buttons will not work unless button [37] is held down during adjustment. This is to prevent accidental adjustments. The hand-remote [3] LED [40] will produce visual patterns to indicate what the response level is set to once button [37] has been released. If silent mode is not activated the buzzer [41] will imitate the LED patterns • The rod-data-collector [2] is left on the rod [R], and if triggered the rod-data-collectors [2] LED will flash, as well as the unit sending wireless data to the hand-remote [3].

• Assuming the hand-remote [3] is in wireless range of the rod-data-collector [2], upon receiving said data string flashing of the LED [40] and sounding of the buzzer [41] will ensure.

• Silent-mode may be activated when retrieving your line to prevent audible triggering. The software may also be changed at the factory to automate this process.

• The hand-remotes [3] LED [40] is also used for several secondary applications. 1) LED will flash green when the hand-remote [3] is charging the rod-data-collector [2].

G:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 2) LED will intermittently flash red to indicate the hand-remote running out of battery power. 3) LED will flash red at a higher frequency to indicate that the signal from the rod-data-collector [2] cannot be found.

• A very large amount of devices [1] can be used independently within wireless range of each other. This is done by giving each device [1] a different communications address. To change the devices [1] address you must attach the rod-data-collector [2] and hand-remote [3] together and press buttons [35], [36] and [37] simultaneously. This will choose a new random address.

• The rod-data-collector [2] is permanently sealed, and needs to be charged using inductive power transfer. The rod-data-collector [2] will use its LED [8] to flash a pattern to indicate low battery power. At this point it is suggested that you attach the rod-data-collector [2] to the hand-remote [3], This will result in the hand-remotes [3] LED [40] flashing green, indicating the rod-data-collector [2] is being charged.

Advantages a) Detects the vast majority of fish strikes on the line. b) Notifies the fisherman. c) Saves on bait. d) Improves catch rate. e) Enables one to have breaks during fishing. f) No need to constantly man a line. g) Easy to hear or see any notification h) Can do other things while fishing. i) Modest cost. j) Waterproof. k) Easy to install and use 1) Is Portable. m) Battery powered. n) Can be fitted to any fishing rod. o) Is non mechanical - no moving parts.

O:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 p) Is programmable. q) Is not affected by background movement. r) Is not affected by fishing line tension. s) Can be used with any rod angle. t) Is lightweight. u) Has automatic on-off switch. v) Has built in charger to enable wireless charging of the rod-data-collector, w) Has adjustable software for different fishing styles and types of fishing, x) Has rod mounting means. y) Able to work in both free spool and non free spool fishing. z) Attaches to a rod without using the line in detection. aa) Sound plus visual alarm. bb) Adjustable levels of response. cc) Rechargeable battery on rod-data-collector. dd) Able to have many units working in same area without data interference, ee) Rechargeable batteries available for hand-remote. ff) Adjustable software. gg) The fishing rod is not limited to 1 fixed position. hh) Will work in different fishing styles. ii) Software can consistently adjust to varying conditions. jj) Can replace one component [2] or [3] without replacing the other. kk) Able to pick even the smallest amount of movement. 11) Ability to control three axis and disregard unneeded variables.

Variations Throughout the description of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprising" and "comprises", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

The rod-data-collector [2] has the option of having rechargeable batteries and wireless charging ability or IPT from the hand-remote [3], G:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 16 April 2009 The hand-remote [3] can include a wireless charger unit fitted so it will charge the rod-data-collector [2] automatically when both are stored back in the casing. The hand-remote [3] can be for example powered by two standard replaceable AA batteries. Though the rod-data-5 collector [2] is shown having only a flashing light with no audio means, other options such as audio means can be included if desired.

To assist in any transmission of signals an aerial is included. The housing can be also be made from material that allows light there-through whereby depending on what is required the light from the LED's can light up the whole casing. Other components and parts as commonly used to enable certain parts to work and interact with another are also include though possibly not mentioned such as for example filtering, decoupling balancing, ISP or SPI, impedance matching IPT power stage, IPT wave shaper, are also included.

Other means of fixing the receiver to the transmitter and the receiver to the rod [R] are also equally possible such as be hook and loop or brackets or by click and hold or interference mount etc. Additionally the shape of the housings can be varied to suit both looks and functionality as required.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described.

G:\192151NZ final amd spec 8Apr09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 26 June 2009 What I claim is:

Claims (18)

1. Claim 1: A fishing line bite detector device, the device includes a rod-data-collector for use with a fishing rod and a hand-remote operatively connected together whereby the hand remote in use can be held separately from the rod data collector, the rod-data-collector and 5 hand-remote include visual means, audio means, power means and recharging system (IPT), wireless communication means (RE),buttons for adjustability of rod-data-collector, programming means via software to control responses , a microprocessor to integrate device features and control software, and the rod-data-collector has a real time data collecting means which is in the form of a solid state accelerometer, is used to relay real time data to 10 the microprocessor which communicates said responses to the hand-remote which is adapted to receive such a signal and alert a user that a bite has been detected.
2. Claim 2: The fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the visual means of the rod-data-collector and hand-remote includes at least one LED which can light 15 up and/or flash.
3. Claim 3: The fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the rod-data-collector includes a water proof casing whereby, the LED can illuminate the entire rod-data-collector when the casing is fabricated from a plastics that allows light at least partially 20 there through to be seen.
4. Claim 4: The fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 3 wherein, the audio means includes at least one buzzer , also is able to be turned off or on independently from LED's or tactile functions. 25
5. Claim 5: The fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the tactile means includes a motor to cause vibration of the hand remote, which is able to be turned off or on independently from LED's or audio functions. 30
6. Claim 6: The fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 5 wherein, the power means includes a rechargeable battery which receives power though an inductive power transfer circuit (IPT), power is conducted though the casings via magnetic coils that are G:\192151NZ amd spec 25June09 MCG.doc Received at IPONZ on 08 June 2009 -18- located in close proximity so that no wires or mechanical contacts are required, also the power means will charge rod-data-collector multiple times off a set of batteries in hand remote also is used to control on-off switching between the hand remote and rod-data-collector though charging or non-charging states thus enabling a non-mechanical on-off 5 switch so that the switching means has no moving parts to break and are not reliant on magnets, wires or first contact switching to work.
7. Claim 7: The fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 6 wherein, the communication means includes wireless radio frequency data transfer RF, which transmits 10 and receives data from both the hand remote and rod-data-collector and performs data error checking to ensure responses have been successfully received, also the communication means self adjusts signal strength to maximize battery life, and also supports individual signatures addresses unique to each set of fishing line bite detectors enabling several fishing line bite detectors in the same area and, also allows adjustability of rod-data-collector 15 without having to touch anything.
8. Claim 8: The fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 7 wherein, the programming means includes a programmable microprocessor with in-circuit programmability to allow software changes on a PCB, also the microprocessor which 20 controls software algorithms and responses, and functions between RF, accelerometer, IPT, battery and other components on the PCB.
9. Claim 9: The fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 8 wherein, the rod-data-collector and hand-remote include housings, which are adapted to attach to each other to 25 enable charging of the rod-data-collector using inductive power transfer (IPT).
10. Claim 10: The fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 9 wherein, the rod-data-collector alone is adapted to be able to attach to a mounting foot on a fishing rod and is mountable anywhere along the length of the rod and doesn't attach to the fishing line 30 enabling easy casting of the rod.
11. Claim 11: The fishing line bite detector as claimed in claim 10 wherein the rod-data-collector uses a solid state accelerometer which has three axis's and collects real time data GA192151NZ amd spec 8June09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 08 June 2009 -19- from said axis's and relays said data to the microprocessor, whereby the accelerometer has no moving parts, also does not require mechanical switching to activate.
12. Claim 12: The fishing line bite detector as claimed in claim 11 wherein the hand remote and 5 rod-data-collector both have software controlling functions of said devices, including, also adjusts RF transmission strength to save on battery life, also the software controlling function controls adjustability of the device though the use of buttons, also assigns individual codes for RF, also controls audio- tactile, and the visual means to be used to indicate different functions, also monitors IPT for activity, also monitors battery voltages, and 10 activates off-on switch.
13. Claim 13: The fishing line bite detector as claimed in claim 12 wherein the rod data collector unit includes software to utilize other design features, as follows: real time data received from the solid state accelerometer which is processed by software on 15 the microprocessor and forms base lines over time allowing manipulation off said data into responses, also software can adjust to allow to pick which axis to use in reference to vertical or horizontal positioning of fishing rod, also software can eliminate sideways variables in reference to wind, also is able to interpret said data in many different ways allow for different fishing styles, including using sinkers and lures. 20
14. Claim 14: A method of operating the fishing line bite detector device of claim 1, the method includes the following steps: The response setting and communication address are factory set to a default value, 25 Separation of the Rod-data-collector from the hand remote will automatically turn on both units The rod-data-collector is placed into a preinstalled mounting foot on the fishing rod , 30 Simultaneous operation of buttons on the hand remote will initiate 'silent mode', allowing setup, casting, and retrieval of the rod without audible triggering of buzzer on the hand remote, G:\192151NZ amd spec 8June09 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ on 26 June 2009 -20- Hand remote buzzer indicates "silent mode' activation with long burst of alarm, Hand remote deactivates 'silent mode' after 4 minutes, visual means (LEDs) on both rod-data-collector and hand remote are active in 'silent mode', When cast or set, the rod will have a natural amount of movement in it according to conditions, "silent mode' deactivation is achieved by using buttons on hand remote simultaneously; hand remote will sound 4 short bursts to confirm, and LEDs on both rod-data-collector and hand remote initiate hand remote buzzer, response level of rod-data-collector is set using the hand remote buttons, the rod-data-collector and hand remote LEDs will flash in accordance to up or down sections, the buzzer will also mimic the LEDs if not in 'silent mode', When on the rod and triggered, the rod-data-collector will send wireless data to the hand remote, LEDs on both rod-data-collector and hand remote flash and buzzer of hand remote will sound (if not in 'silent mode'),
15. Claim 15: The method of operating the fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the hand-remotes LED can also be used for several secondary applications: 1) LED will flash green when the hand-remote is charging the rod-data-collector, 2) LED will intermittently flash red to indicate the hand-remote running out of battery power, 3) LED will flash red at a higher frequency to indicate that the signal from the rod-data-collector cannot be found.
16. Claim 16: The method of operating the fishing line bite detector device as claimed in claim 15 wherein a number of devices can be used independently within wireless range of each other, which is done by giving each device a different signature communications address, whereby the devices address is changed by attaching the rod-data-collector and G:\192151NZ amd spec 25June09 MCG.doc Received at IPONZ on 08 June 2009 -21 - hand-remote together and press buttons simultaneously, so that a new random address is selected
17. Claim 17: A fishing line bite detector device, substantially as herein described with 5 reference to the accompany drawings.
18. Claim 18: The method of operating the fishing line bite detector device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompany drawings. W — // Avers f / Attorneys for the Applicant \y BAKER, Mark Robert 15 G:\192151NZ amd spec 8Junc09 EHB.doc