FAQs

Power Modes

OcuTrap is designed with multiple power modes to maximize battery life while maintaining functionality in the field. These modes ensure that the device can operate efficiently for extended periods while allowing users to interact when needed.

The power management system optimizes energy consumption by adjusting connectivity, sensor activity, and LED brightness based on usage. This allows for extended deployment without frequent battery replacements or recharges.

Quick Reference: OcuTrap has 6 power modes ranging from full operation to complete shutdown. The device automatically transitions between modes based on activity, battery level, and armed state.

Power Modes

1. Normal Power Mode

  • Description: This is the highest power state where OcuTrap is fully operational.
  • When Active: When the user is interacting with the device through commands or pressing buttons.
  • Indicators: LED at full brightness.

2. Low Power Idle Mode

  • Description: A power-saving mode where the device reduces energy consumption while waiting for user interaction.
  • When Active: After a period of inactivity in normal power mode.
  • Indicators: LED brightness is dimmed.

3. Low Power Armed Mode

  • Description: Same as Low Power Idle, but the trap is armed and ready to capture an animal.
  • When Active: When the trap is armed and waiting.
  • Indicators: LED brightness is dimmed.
  • Detection: The distance sensor continues monitoring for animals while using less power than full operation

Important: When in armed mode, the device will not enter hibernation unless a very low battery event occurs.

4. Sleep Mode

  • Description: A deeper power-saving state where most systems are powered down except essential wake functions.
  • When Active: Extended periods of inactivity without being armed.
  • Indicators: LED is powered off.
  • Power Consumption: Very low — most sensors disabled.
  • Wake Events: Button press, scheduled check-in, or incoming cloud command.

5. Armed Sleep Offline Mode

  • Description: A specialized armed mode that extends battery life further by periodically checking in with the cloud while keeping the internet disconnected in between. The trap remains armed and monitoring for captures even when offline.
  • When Active: When armed, but conserving power between check-ins, or when cellular connectivity is unavailable.
  • Check-In Interval: Every 20 minutes (fixed, cannot be changed by the user).
  • Power Consumption: Lower than Low Power Armed Mode due to reduced network usage.
  • Indicators: LED flashes at 3-second intervals.
  • Capture Behavior: If a capture occurs while offline, the trap will report it at the next check-in.

6. Hibernation Mode

  • Description: The lowest power state where the device is completely inactive. No communication is possible in this mode.
  • When Active:
    • If the battery is too low to continue operation.
    • If the power button is held down for 3+ seconds.
  • Power Consumption: Minimal.
  • Indicators: LED is powered off.
  • Recovery:
    • If due to low battery, the trap checks the battery about once an hour on its own and recovers automatically once voltage is back (for example after solar charging) — or replace/recharge the battery to bring it back sooner.
    • If due to a power button press, the user must press the power button to wake the device.

Note: In hibernation mode, OcuTrap cannot receive messages or send notifications.

Power Mode Transitions

Automatic Transitions:

  • Normal Power Mode → Low Power Idle Mode (after inactivity).
  • Low Power Idle Mode → Low Power Armed Mode (when armed).
  • Armed Sleep Offline → Cloud Check-in (every 20 minutes).
  • Any Mode → Hibernation (if low battery).

User-Controlled Transitions:

  • Power Button Press: Can wake the device from hibernation.
  • Sending a Command: Resets the idle timer and returns to normal power mode.

Battery & Power Alerts

To ensure users are aware of power status, OcuTrap sends battery warnings at:

  • 20% Battery – Low battery warning.
  • 10% Battery – Critical battery warning.
  • Hibernation – Final alert before shutdown.

These alerts help prevent unexpected downtime and allow users to take action before the device powers off.

Summary Table

Power ModeDescriptionLED StatusCan Receive Commands?Can Send Data?
Normal Power ModeFull power, user interactionFull brightness✅ Yes✅ Yes
Low Power Idle ModeReduced power while waitingDimmed✅ Yes✅ Yes
Low Power Armed ModeTrap is armed, waitingDimmed✅ Yes✅ Yes
Sleep ModeDeep sleep, most systems offOff✅ Yes (wakes on command)✅ Yes (when awake)
Armed Sleep OfflinePeriodic check-ins, no internet in betweenFlashing (3s)❌ No (Between check-ins)✅ Yes (During check-ins)
HibernationFully powered down, no communicationOff❌ No❌ No