Patent Publication Number: US-9843704-B2

Title: Arrow with a camera

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Bows and arrows predate recorded history and are still popular today with hunting and sports enthusiasts. The basic elements of the bow and arrow have essentially remained unchanged throughout the years. Advancements in material, computer design, and technology, however, enable improvements to be made to the bow and arrow. Such improvements assist in increasing accuracy and efficiency of the bow and arrow and also aid in maintaining the popularity of archery. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial view of an arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial view of another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of an arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  is a top view of the arrow of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial view of another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is another arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram that shows electrical components that are connectable to, removable from, and interchangeable with an arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a method to wirelessly transmit an image from an arrow in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a computer system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One example embodiment is an arrow that includes an arrowhead, a shaft, a nock, and an internal cavity. The internal cavity includes a camera. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments include methods and apparatus directed to an arrow with one or more electronic devices. 
       FIG. 1  is an arrow  100  with an elongated body  110  that includes a point or an arrowhead  120  located at one end  125  and nock  130  located at an oppositely disposed end  135 . A cylindrical shaft  140  extends between the arrowhead  120  and nock  130  and includes a fletching  145  located adjacent to the nock  130 . An internal cavity  150  (shown in dashed lines) extends in one or more of the arrowhead  120 , nock  130 , and shaft  140 . 
     One or more electronic devices or electronic components  160  are located in the internal cavity  150 . The electronic devices or components can be located in one or more of the arrowhead, the shaft, the nock, and external locations, such as being connected to or mounted to an exterior surface of the arrowhead, the shaft, and/or the nock. 
     The electronic devices or components  160  include, but are not limited to, one or more of a camera and/or lens, a processor, a memory, an interface, a display, a transmitter, a power source (such as a battery, solar cells, or a thermocoupler), an antenna, a light source (such as a light-emitting diode (LED)), an accelerometer, a photodetector (such as a photodiode), a sensor, a receiver, a transceiver, a timer, a laser, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a switch, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip, a microphone, a speaker, a sound recorder, a data recorder, and other electronic device. 
       FIG. 2  is a partial view of an arrow  200  that includes a shaft  210  with threads  215  and an arrowhead  220  with threads  225  that removably connect the arrowhead to the shaft. The arrow  200  is shown with the arrowhead  220  and a partial view of the shaft  210 . 
     The arrowhead  220  includes an internal cavity  230  that encloses or houses one or more electronic components  240  (such as one or more of the electronic components discussed herein). By way of example, these electronic components include a camera  250  with a lens  255 , a transmitter  260 , and a battery  270 . These electronic components are electrically coupled or connected together. 
     A switch  275  controls power supplied from the battery  270  to the camera  250  and the transmitter  260 . For example, the switch is an on/off switch that a user manually moves to activate and de-activate the battery. As another example, the switch activates when an end  277  of the shaft  210  pushes against or touches the switch (e.g., when the shaft is connected with or engaged to the arrowhead). As yet another example, the switch is a channel selector for wirelessly transmitting images. 
     The arrowhead  220  includes an opening or window  280  through which the lens  255  is directed to capture images that are external to the arrow  200 . The lens  255  is positioned adjacent to or forms part of the window  280 , and the lens  255  can capture images through the window when the arrowhead is connected to and engaged with the shaft  210  in an assembled arrow. 
     The window  280  can be formed to have a sharp point to serve as a tip or point for the arrowhead  220 . Alternatively, the window  280  can be positioned near or adjacent to one or more sharp points, such as positioning the window adjacent to one or more sharp points of a broadhead arrow tip. 
     The transmitter  260  can include an antenna  290  and/or connect to the shaft  210  of the arrow. The shaft can be conductive and function as an antenna for the transmitter  260 . For instance, the shaft is made from a conductive material, such as aluminum, carbon fiber, etc. Further, the transmitter can be separate from the camera  250  or included in or with the camera. 
       FIG. 3  is an arrow  300  that includes a shaft  310  that removable connects to an arrowhead  320 . The arrow  300  is shown with the arrowhead  320  and a partial view of the shaft  310 . 
     The shaft  310  includes an elongated cylindrical internal cavity  330  that encloses or houses one or more electronic components  340  (such as one or more of the electronic components discussed herein). By way of example, these electronic components include a camera  350  with a lens  355 , a transmitter  360 , and a battery  370 . These electronic components are electrically coupled or connected together. The lens  355  connects or couples to the camera via a flexible cable  380  and extends to a window or opening  390  located in the arrowhead  320 . The arrowhead  320  includes a channel or hole  392  through which the flexible cable  380  inserts. 
       FIG. 4A  is a side view of an arrow  400  that includes a shaft  410  and an arrowhead  420  shaped as a broadhead arrow tip.  FIG. 4B  is a top view of the arrow  400 . Electronic components  430 A are located in an internal cavity  440 A (shown with dashed lines) of the arrowhead  420 , and electronic components  430 B are located in an internal cavity  440 B (shown with dashed lines) of the shaft  410 . 
     The internal cavity  440 A of the arrowhead  420  encloses or houses a wireless camera  450  and lens  455  that wirelessly transmit images that the camera captures. A base or shoulder  470  of the arrowhead  420  includes an opening or window  475  through which the lens  455  captures images that are external to the arrow  400 . 
     The internal cavity  440 B of the shaft  410  encloses or houses a battery  490 . When the arrowhead  420  engages with or connects to the shaft  410 , the battery  490  completes a circuit to power the camera  450 . For example, screwing the arrowhead  420  to the shaft  410  causes electrical contacts of the battery to engage electrical contacts of the camera  450 . Unscrewing the arrowhead  420  from the shaft  410  causes the electrical contacts to disengage. 
       FIG. 5  is an arrow  500  that includes a shaft  510  with an internal cavity  515  (shown with dashed lines) and an arrowhead  520  with an internal cavity  525  (shown with dashed lines). The arrow  500  is shown with the arrowhead  520  and a partial view of the shaft  510 . 
     Electronic components  530  are located in the cavity  515  of the shaft, and electronic components  540  are located in the cavity  525  of the arrowhead  520 . By way of example, the electronic components  530  include a display  550 , an LED  552 , a sensor  554 , and other electronic components  556 ; and the electronic components  540  include a battery  560 . 
     The shaft  510  and the arrowhead  520  engage together such that the electronic components  530  engage or come in contact with the electronic components  540 . This engagement causes the battery  560  to power the display  550 , the LED  552 , the sensor  554 , and the other electronic components  556 . 
     The shaft  510  includes a clear or transparent section  570  adjacent the LED  552 . Light from the LED  552  passes through the transparent section  570  and provides a visual indication that shaft  510  and the arrowhead  520  are properly or securely connected. The transparent section  570  and/or the LED can be colored in order to provide a shooter with the visual indication (such as providing a green light to indicate the electronic components are properly connected and functioning and a red light to indicate that the electronic components are not properly connected and functioning). For instance, this light visually indicates that a sensor or chip is properly functioning and that a wireless camera is on, capturing images, and transmitting these images. 
     The display  550  displays information from the sensor  554  and other electronic components  556 . The display can also display information received from another electronic device, such as an HPED in communication with the arrow. 
       FIG. 6  is an arrow  600  that includes a shaft  610  with an internal cavity  615  (shown with dashed lines), an arrowhead  620 , and a nock  630  that are removable from and connectable to the arrow  600 . The cavity  615  has an elongated cylindrical shape and extends a length of the shaft  610 . Electronic components  640  are located in the cavity  615  adjacent to the arrowhead  620 , and electronic components  645  are located in the cavity  615  adjacent to the nock  630 . 
     A stop  650  at one end of the shaft prevents the electronic components  640  from moving deeper into the cavity  615 , and a stop  655  at another end of the shaft prevents the electronic components  645  from moving deeper into the cavity  615 . By way of example, the electronic components  640  include a wireless camera, an LED, and a battery; and electronic components  645  include a wireless camera, an LED, and a battery. 
     An LED illuminates to indicate that the battery is connected to and is powering the wireless camera. The shaft  610 , arrowhead  620 , and/or nock  630  can include a window and/or transparent material to enable light to pass from an LED and through the arrow. For example, the nock  630  is made from a transparent or translucent material. When the nock illuminates, a shooter is visually notified that the camera is on and functioning. Illumination of the LEDs can also assist the shooter in tracking a flight path of the arrow and in locating the arrow after it is shot from a bow (e.g., assist a shooter in locating a lost arrow, locating an arrow shot in brush, locating an arrow at night, locating an arrow stuck in a moving target, etc.). 
     The shaft  610  also includes a window, hole, or opening  680  that includes a display  690 . The display has a semi-circular or curved configuration that extends fully around or partially around a body of the arrow such that the shape of the display emulates a shape of the body of the shaft. An exterior surface of the display is flush with the exterior surface of the arrow, and a smooth transition occurs from the body of the arrow to the display. As such, the display does not protrude from the body since such a protrusion could disrupt a flight path of the arrow or disrupt launching of the arrow from a bow. The display displays information captured with the electronic devices and/or information from another electronic device, such as an HPED in communication with the arrow. 
       FIG. 7  is an arrow  700  that includes a shaft  710 , an arrowhead  720 , and a nock  730 . The arrowhead  720  includes an internal cavity  740  (shown with dashed lines) with electronic components  750  that include a wireless camera, a battery, and other electronic components. A lens  755  connects to the wireless camera with an elongated cable  760 . The cable  760  extends through an opening, hole, or window  770  that is located in the body of the arrowhead  720 . The lens  755  and cable  760  are attached or fixed to the arrowhead  720  to prevent them from disengaging or loosening from the arrowhead while the arrow is in use (e.g., while the arrow is being shot from a bow or impacted on a target). For instance, an adhesive or glue adheres the lens and/or cable to an exterior surface of the arrow. 
       FIG. 8  is an arrow  800  that includes a shaft  810 , an arrowhead  820 , and a nock  830 . The shaft  810  includes an internal cavity  840  (shown with dashed lines) with electronic components  850  that include a wireless camera, a battery, and other electronic components. A lens  855  connects to the wireless camera with an elongated cable  860 . The cable  860  extends through an opening, hole, or window  870  that is located in the body of the shaft  810 . The lens  855  and cable  860  are attached or fixed to the shaft  810  to prevent them from disengaging or loosening from the shaft while the arrow is in use (e.g., while the arrow is being shot from a bow or impacted on a target). 
       FIG. 9  shows an arrow  900  that includes a shaft  910 , an arrowhead  920 , and a nock  930 . The arrow  900  includes an internal cavity  940  (shown with dashed lines) with electronic devices  950  that include a wireless camera, a battery, and other electronic components. Two lenses  955 A and  955 B connect to the camera with cables  960 A and  960 B. The cables  960 A and  960 B extend through openings, holes, or windows  970 A and  970 B that are located in the body of the arrow  900 . For illustration, lenses  955 A and  955 B are directed to a front direction or shooting direction of the arrow. 
       FIG. 10  shows an arrow  1000  that includes a shaft  1010 , an arrowhead  1020 , and a nock  1030 . The arrow  1000  includes an internal cavity  1040  (shown with dashed lines) with electronic components  1050  that include a wireless camera, a battery, and other electronic components. Two lenses  1055 A and  1055 B extend into or see through openings, holes, or windows  1070 A and  1070 B that are located in the body of the arrow  1000 . For illustration, these openings  1070 A and  10706  are located in the arrowhead  1020 , and the lenses  1055 A and  10556  are directed to a front direction or shooting direction of the arrow. 
     Lenses  1055 A and  10556  are positioned in or adjacent to the windows  1070 A and  1070 B. As one example, the lenses themselves protrude into the windows such that the lenses are exposed to the ambient environment and form an exterior surface of the arrowhead. The lenses can be provided with a clear protective coating to prevent scratches or breakage. As another example, the lenses are positioned next to the windows that are transparent to enable the lenses to capture images through the windows. These windows can also be formed of a strong material to protect the lenses (e.g., protect the lenses from scratches, breakage, or other damage when the arrow impacts a target). 
       FIG. 11  shows an arrow  1100  that includes a shaft  1110 , an arrowhead  1120 , and a nock  1130 . The arrow  1100  includes an internal cavity  1140  (shown with dashed lines) with electronic components  1150  that include a wireless camera, a battery, and other electronic components. A first lens  1155 A connects to a cable  1160 A and extends from the electronic components  1150 , and a second lens  1155 B connects to a cable  1160 B and extends from the electronic components  1150 . The lenses  1155 A and  11556  and cables  1160 A and  11606  extend into and through openings, holes, or windows  1170 A and  11706  that are located in the body of the arrow  1100 . For illustration, lens  1155 A is directed to a front direction or shooting direction of the arrow to capture images in front of the arrow, and lens  1155 B is directed to a back direction or opposite the shooting direction of the arrow to capture images behind the arrow. 
     Lenses  1155 A and  11556  are positioned through the openings  1170 A and  11706  and mounted, attached, and/or engaged with a body of the arrow. For example, the cables  1160 A and  11606  are flexible and bend or curve from the internal cavity  1140 , through the openings  1170 A and  1170 B, and to the ambient environment. 
       FIG. 12  shows an arrow  1200  that includes a shaft  1210 , an arrowhead  1220 , and a nock  1230 . The arrow  1200  includes an internal cavity  1240  (shown with dashed lines) with a first set of electronic components  1250 A located at or adjacent to the arrowhead  1220  and a second set of electronic components  1250 B located at or adjacent to the nock  1230 . The electronic components  1250 A and  1250 B include a camera, battery, and other electronic components. A first lens  1255 A connects to a cable  1260 A and extends from the electronic components  1250 A, and a second lens  1255 B connects to a cable  1260 B and extends from the electronic components  1250 B. The lenses  1255 A and  1255 B and cables  1260 A and  1260 B extend into and through openings, holes, or windows  1270 A and  1270 B that are located in the body of the arrow  1100 . Lens  1255 A extends through the shaft  1210 , and lens  1255 B extends through the nock  1230 . For illustration, lens  1255 A is directed to a front direction or shooting direction of the arrow to capture images in front of the arrow, and lens  12556  is directed to a back direction or opposite the shooting direction of the arrow to capture images behind the arrow. 
       FIG. 13  is an arrow  1300  that includes a shaft  1310 , an arrowhead  1320 , and a nock  1330 . The arrow  1300  includes an internal cavity  1340  (shown with dashed lines) that includes one or more electrical components  1350  and includes an external body or surface  1360  that includes one or more electrical components  1370 . The arrow includes electrical components that are external to a body of the arrow and electrical components that are internal to the body of the arrow. Example embodiments discussed herein provide examples of electrical components. 
     The arrow  1300  includes one or more shock absorbers  1380  that are located with, on, and/or adjacent to the electrical components  1350 . The shock absorber  1380  absorbs and dissipates energy from the impact of the arrow on an object in order to protect the electrical components  1350  that are included with or enclosed in the arrow. Examples of a shock absorber include, but are not limited to, a spring, foam, rubber, gel, liquid, gas, polymer, composites, and other materials or apparatus that dampen, cushion, and/or absorb energy. 
     By way of example, a shock absorber is placed in front of the electronic components to protect the electronic components from damage when the arrow impacts an object after flight. For instance, the shock absorber is placed inside the shaft closer to the arrowhead than the electronic components that are also placed inside the shaft. As another example, a shock absorber is coated or lined along an interior surface of an arrow with a hollow shaft, hollow arrowhead, or hollow nock. This coating or lining protects the electronic components while housed in the arrow. As another example, the electronic components are housed or included in a package, and this package is covered or surrounded with the shock absorber. The package is then placed inside of the arrow or mounted to a surface of the arrow. As another example, the electronic components are sandwiched between shock absorbers. For instance, the shock absorber is positioned in a cylindrical hollow shaft of the arrow. The electronic components are assembled into an elongated cylindrical package or assembly, and this package is positioned in the shaft next to the shock absorber. An additional shock absorber is positioned in the shaft such that the shock absorbers engage each end of the package. 
     Some electrical components can be partially enclosed or housed in the hollow cavity of the arrow.  FIG. 13  shows an electrical component  1390  in which part of the electrical component is included in the internal cavity  1340 , and part of the electrical component is external to the internal cavity. A portion of the electrical component  1390  extends through a hole, opening, or window  1392  in the arrow. The electrical component  1390  extends through this opening to the ambient environment. Further, part of the electrical component extending to the exterior of the arrow can be connected or engaged with an exterior surface of the arrow, such as being connected to the shaft or arrowhead. 
     The electrical components  1370  are included in a housing that has a pointed and/or sharp tip  1394 . By way of example, the tip  1394  has a conical shape or other shape to assist the housing in passing into and/or through the target. The tip and the housing further provide an aerodynamic shape during flight of the arrow, and this shape helps to ensure that the housing does not come dislodged from the arrow upon impacting a target. 
     Alternatively, the housing of electrical components can be designed to disengage from the arrow upon impacting the target. For instance, a snap fit connection connects the housing of the electrical components to the arrow. The electrical components include a GPS transmitter that transmits a location of the housing. When the arrow passes through a target, the housing disengages from the arrow and becomes lodged or embedded in the target so the GPS signal tracks a location of the target. 
     Consider an example in which the arrow encloses a wireless camera, transmitter, and battery. These electrical components are too large to fit completely inside of the internal cavity of the arrow. As such, a body of the arrow includes an opening or end through which a portion of these electrical components extends. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram that shows electrical components  1400  that are connectable to, removable from, and interchangeable with an arrow  1410 . By way of example, these electrical components include cameras  1420  (shown as camera  1 , camera  2 , . . . camera W), lenses  1430  (shown as lens  1 , lens  2 , . . . lens X), power sources or batteries  1440  (shown as battery  1 , battery  2 , . . . battery Y), and other electrical components  1450  (shown as electrical comp  1 , electrical comp  2 , . . . electrical comp Z). Example embodiments discussed herein provide examples of electrical components. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow includes a wireless camera and a lens. After the arrow impacts a target, the lens of the camera becomes scratched or damaged. The damaged lens is removed from the camera and replaced with a new lens. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow includes a battery that powers one or more electrical components. After a period of time, the battery loses its charge or becomes weak. The weak or depleted battery is removed from the arrow and replaced with a new or fully charged batter. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow includes a non-waterproof camera. A hunter desires to use the arrow for sports fishing. The non-waterproof camera is replaced with a waterproof camera so the camera can capture and transmit images after being shot into the water. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow includes a camera with an outdoor macro-lens that is design to be used during daytime. A hunter desires to use the arrow for hunting at night. The outdoor macro-lens is replaced or exchanged with an infrared lens or a thermal lens designed for nighttime use so the camera can capture and transmit images during nighttime. Captured images are transmitted to an HPED or a wearable electronic device. 
       FIG. 15  is a method to wirelessly transmit an image from an arrow. 
     Block  1500  states capture an image with a camera that is enclosed inside a body of an arrow. The camera captures images that are external to the arrow while the arrow is in flight and/or after the arrow impacts a target. 
     Block  1510  states wirelessly transmit the image with a transmitter to an electronic device. For example, the images transmit to another electronic device, a computer, a handheld portable electronic device (HPED), storage or memory, a server, a network, etc. 
     Consider an example in which the arrow has an elongated cylindrical body with a hollow shaft that forms an elongated cylindrical cavity. This cavity includes and houses a battery and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip that transmits information to an external electronic device. For instance, the RFID chip sends an identification and/or location signal. The external electronic device receives this signal and provides a global positioning system (GPS) coordinate of a location of the arrow. This coordinate assists a shooter in locating an arrow after it is shot from a bow. 
     Consider an example in which the arrow includes a thermographic camera that transmits infrared images to an HPED that is external to the arrow. These images are displayed on the HPED and assist a shooter in finding targets at night and aligning the arrow with the target while the arrow is mounted to the bow. 
     Consider an example in which a camera is mounted inside a cavity of an arrow or mounted to an external body of the arrow. This camera has two lenses. A first lens is pointed to capture images from a point-of-view of the arrowhead, and a second lens is pointed to capture images from a point-of-view of the nock. During flight of the arrow and after impact upon a target, the arrow simultaneously transmits and/or stores images from the first and second lenses. For instance, these images appear on a display of an HPED so a shooter or user can see images in front of the arrow and images behind the arrow. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow includes a body with an internal cavity that houses a photosensor that detects ambient light external to the arrow. The photosensor activates an electrical component or device, such as a light emitting diode (LED), in response to detecting ambient light conditions. For instance, the photosensor activates when the ambient light conditions become dark, such as activating after sunset. The LED assists the shooter in locating the arrow and automatically activates after sunset. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow includes a body with an internal cavity that houses a sensor or detector, such as a light dependent resistor, a light sensitive switch, photosensor, photodiode, photodetector, piezoelectric sensor, or other device that measures temperature, pressure, strain, light, acceleration, location, or force). This sensor or detector activates and provides a signal to another electrical device. For instance, a piezoelectric sensor senses impact of the arrow on a target and activates an RFID chip to transmit a location signal to an HPED or activates an LED in a nock of the arrow to illuminate. Further, the sensor or detector can be positioned in the arrow in order to activate when the arrow becomes embedded in a target or passes through the target. For instance, when the arrowhead is embedded inside of a target or passes through the target, activate an LED, an RFID chip, or a GPS chip. As another example, activation of the electrical component can occur when the arrow is launched from the bow. For instance, the sensor or detector senses or determines acceleration of the arrow from the bow and automatically triggers or activates the electrical component or device. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow has a nock and arrowhead that removably connect to and detach from a shaft of the arrow with a snap-fit connection, tapered connection, or threaded connection. A power source activates when the arrowhead and/or nock connects to the shaft. This power source then powers an electrical component housed in or connected to the arrow. For instance, a battery activates when the arrowhead connects to the shaft and powers one or more of a camera, a transmitter, a receiver, an LED, an RFID chip, a GPS chip, a sensor, a detector, and another electrical component. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow has a nock that includes an electrical component, such as a pressure sensor, pressure switch or micro-switch, or touch sensor or touch switch. This electrical component activates when the bowstring is positioned in the nock and/or when a shooter grips opposite sides of the nock, such as when the shooter positions the arrow in the bow or the bowstring and readies the arrow for launch. Activation of this electrical component in turn activates one or more of a power source, a camera, a transmitter, a receiver, an LED, an RFID chip, a GPS chip, a sensor, a detector, and another electrical component. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow includes a translucent or transparent nock with an internal cavity that houses or includes one or more electrical components. These electrical components activate when a shooter grips the nock or inserts a bowstring between the grooves of the nock. For instance, a switch detects a force of the bowstring in the nock and automatically activates an LED that illuminates the nock. The nock remains illuminated for a set period of time or until turned off. 
     Consider an example in which the arrow has a nock that illuminates. A hunter shoots an animal or prey (such as a deer) that runs or hides after being hit with the arrow. Illumination of the nock provides the hunter with a visible location of the arrow. Light from the nock would assist the hunter in finding the arrow and/or animal, especially if the ambient light were low such as at dusk, dark, deep woods, or heavy brush. 
     Consider an example in which the arrow has a tracking device embedded or housed inside a body of the arrow, such as a GPS chip, an RFID chip, a transmitter, or a tiny tracking device. A hunter shoots an animal or prey (such as a deer) that runs or hides after being hit with the arrow. Alternatively, the hunter misses and loses the arrow in the woods or heavy brush. The tracking device automatically activates upon impact of an object or launch from the bow. An HPED receives a signal from the tracking device and assists the hunter in locating the arrow. For instance, the HPED provides a current and real-time coordinate position of the arrow. 
     Consider an example in which the arrow has a tracking device and a temperature detector or sensor embedded or housed inside a body of the arrow. A hunter shoots a warm-blooded animal or prey (such as a deer) that runs or hides after being hit with the arrow. The temperature sensor activates the tracking device when the arrow hits the warm-blooded animal and the sensor senses a temperature different between the ambient temperature and the animal. The hunter wears a wearable electronic device with a display (such as electronic glasses or an electronic watch) that receives a signal from the tracking device and assists the hunter in locating the arrow. 
     Consider an example in which the arrow includes a window and one or more electronic devices enclosed in an internal cavity of a body of the arrow. These electronic devices include a display that project into or forms the window. Data captured with the electronic devices is displayed on the display. For instance, the display has a curved configuration that forms part of an external surface of the body of the arrow. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow has a hollow shaft that encloses a wireless camera and battery. A lens of the camera projects through a body of the shaft so the camera can capture images in front of the arrowhead. The camera transmits video images in real-time to a shooter that wears a wearable electronic device (WED). These images display on a display of the WED and enable the shooter to watch the flight of the arrow as it leaves the bow, travels through the air, and impacts a target. This video of the arrow is stored in memory for playback, transmission, editing, etc. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow has a first lens that captures images in front of the arrow, and a second lens that captures images behind the arrow. After the arrow launches toward a target, the shooter sees in real-time video from the first lens showing the arrow approaching and hitting the target and real-time video from the second lens showing the shooter immediately after shooting the arrow from the bow. 
     Consider an example in which an arrow has a hollow shaft that encloses tiny speakers. A shooter shoots the arrow at a target but the arrow becomes lost. Sounds emanate from the speakers and assist the shooter in locating the arrow. For instance, the arrow repeatedly emits a beeping sound or other audible sound. Further, the arrow can communicate with the shooter through an HPED, WED, or other electronic device. These electronic devices can control which sounds emanate from the speakers (e.g., a user selecting from a list of different sounds to emanate at the arrow). Additionally, the shooter can speak into a microphone at the electronic device and have these sounds transmitted to the arrow and speakers in real-time. 
     Consider an example in which several hunters are hunting together in a group. Each hunter has a bow with an arrow having a wireless camera. The hunters wear a WED that enables them to see real-time images that are being captured from each of the arrows of each of the hunters. For instance, hunter A views video being captured from his own camera, then switches or also views video being captured from hunter B and hunter C. 
     The optical lens can be different types and interchangeable with the camera. By way of example, the lens include, but are not limited to, a macro lens, micro lens, a zoom lens, a process lens, an infrared lens, an ultraviolet lens, a wide-angle lens, etc. Further, a single arrow can include multiple different lenses (e.g., an arrow that includes a macro lens and an infrared lens). 
     In example embodiments, the lens can be directed to a front direction or shooting direction of the arrow. As such, the lens captures images of the flight path or trajectory path after the arrow is launched from the bow. For example, the lens is pointed to align with the arrowhead, and the camera captures images of the flight path of the arrow and its target. The lens can also be directed to a back direction that is opposite to the shooting direction of the arrow. As such, the lens captures images away from the flight path or trajectory path after the arrow is launched from the bow. For example, the lens is pointed to align with the nock, and the camera captures images that occur behind the arrow as the arrow flies to the target (e.g., captures images of the shooter that just shot the arrow). Captured images are wirelessly transmitted to another electronic device, such as a computer or handheld portable electronic device (HPED). These images can also be stored in the camera. 
     The window is formed from or includes one or more of metal, glass, ceramic, polymer, composites, transparent material or coating, and/or translucent material or coating. As one example, the window is formed from a high-strength transparent material. For instance, an optically clear strong transparent polymer glass composite includes one or more polymers combine with glass fibers to form a fiber glass reinforced plastic (FRP) with an optical transparency of clear glass. 
     Such a composite is optically clear, impact resistant, lightweight, strong, and inexpensive to manufacture. A glass ribbon-reinforced transparent polymer composite provides low distortion, good optical transparency, and mechanical strength over a wide range of temperatures. As another example, the window is formed from one or more layers of polycarbonate and glass. As another example, the window is formed from a transparent aluminum-based ceramic, such as aluminum oxynitride. 
     The addition of electronic components can alter a forward of center (FOC) point or balance point of the arrow. The electronic components can be positioned inside the cavity at a location that minimizes a change to the FOC point or balance point. Additionally, this additional weight can be offset or countered by changing a design of the shaft, providing some electronic components on one side of the FOC point or balance point and other electronic components on another side of the FOC point or balance point, adding weight to an end of the shaft, reducing weight of the arrowhead, etc. 
     The electronic components can fit inside and be removable from different portions of the arrow, such as fitting inside the arrowhead, the shaft, and/or the nock. The electronic components can also be integrally formed with and not removable from the different portions of the arrow, such as being integrally formed with the arrowhead, the shaft, and/or the nock. 
     The electronic components can be shaped as a portion of the arrow or housed in an assembly that emulates a size and shape of the arrow. For example, one or more electronic components are housed in an assembly that has a housing or structure that is sized and shaped as a nock for the arrow. This nock removably connects to or engages with the shaft of the arrow. As another example, one or more electronic components are housed in an assembly that has a housing or structure that is sized and shaped as an arrowhead for the arrow. This arrowhead removably connects to or engages with the shaft of the arrow. As another example, electronic components (such as a wireless camera, lens, and battery) are housed in an assembly that has an elongated cylindrical shape. This cylindrical assembly has a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of a shaft of the arrow. As such, the cylindrical assembly slides into the shaft of the arrow and is housed therein. 
     The electronic components can be made and/or sold separately from the arrow or components of the arrow. Alternatively, the electronic components can be made and/or sold with the arrow or with components of the arrow. For example, an arrowhead is made and assembled to include a wireless camera. Users purchase the arrowhead with the camera already installed in or with the arrowhead. As another example, a nock is made and assembled to include an electronic component (such as an LED). Users purchase the nock with the electronic component already installed in or with the nock. 
       FIG. 16  shows a computer system or electronic device system  1600  that includes a handheld portable electronic device (HPED)  1610 , a computer  1620 , a server  1630 , a wearable electronic device (WED)  1640 , and a bow  1650  and arrow  1660 . One or more elements in the system  1600  can communicate with each other through one or more networks  1670 . Blocks and/or methods discussed herein can be executed with the computer system and/or elements within the computer system. 
     The HPED  1610  includes a processor  1612 , a memory  1614 , a display  1616 , and other electrical components  1618 . The computer  1620  includes a processor  1622 , a memory  1624 , a display  1626 , and other electrical components  1628 . The server  1630  includes a processor  1632 , a memory  1634 , a display  1636 , and other electrical components  1638 . The wearable electronic device  1640  includes a processor  1642 , a memory  1644 , a display  1646 , and other electrical components  1648 . The arrow  1660  includes example embodiments discussed herein. 
     By way of example, the electronic devices shown in  FIG. 16  include, but are not limited to, handheld portable electronic devices (HPEDs), wearable electronic glasses, watches, wearable electronic devices, portable electronic devices, computing devices, electronic devices with cellular or mobile phone capabilities, digital cameras, desktop computers, servers, portable computers (such as tablet and notebook computers), handheld audio playing devices (example, handheld devices for downloading and playing music and videos), personal digital assistants (PDAs), combinations of these devices, devices with a processor or processing unit and a memory, and other portable and non-portable electronic devices and systems. 
     The wearable electronic device is a portable electronic device that is worn on or attached to a person. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, electronic watches, electronic necklaces, electronic clothing, head-mounted displays, electronic eyeglasses or eye wear (such as glasses in which augmented reality imagery is projected through or reflected off a surface of a lens), electronic contact lenses (such as bionic contact lenses that enable augmented reality imagery), an eyetap, handheld displays that affix to a hand or wrist or arm (such as a handheld display with augmented reality imagery), and HPEDs that attach to or affix to a person. 
     The networks  1670  can include one or more of the internet, an intranet, an extranet, a cellular network, a local area network (LAN), a home area network (HAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), public and private networks, etc. 
     The processor (such as a central processing unit, CPU, microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) controls the overall operation of memory (such as random access memory (RAM) for temporary data storage, read only memory (ROM) for permanent data storage, and firmware). The processor communicates with memory and performs operations and tasks that implement one or more blocks of the flow diagrams discussed herein. The memory, for example, stores applications, data, programs, algorithms (including software to implement or assist in implementing example embodiments) and other data. 
     In some example embodiments, the methods illustrated herein and data and instructions associated therewith are stored in respective memory or storage devices, which are implemented as computer-readable and/or machine-readable storage media, physical or tangible media, and/or non-transitory storage media. These storage media include different forms of memory including semiconductor memory devices such as DRAM, or SRAM, Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memories (EPROMs), Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memories (EEPROMs) and flash memories; magnetic disks such as fixed, floppy and removable disks; other magnetic media including tape; optical media such as Compact Disks (CDs) or Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs). Note that the instructions of the software discussed above can be provided on computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium, or alternatively, can be provided on multiple computer-readable or machine-readable storage media distributed in a large system having possibly plural nodes. Such computer-readable or machine-readable medium or media is (are) considered to be part of an article (or article of manufacture). An article or article of manufacture can refer to any manufactured single component or multiple components. 
     Method blocks discussed herein can be automated and executed by a computer, computer system, user agent, and/or electronic device. The term “automated” means controlled operation of an apparatus, system, and/or process using computers and/or mechanical/electrical devices without the necessity of human intervention, observation, effort, and/or decision.