Carousel Control With Video-Data Synchronization for Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carousel control systems in amusement parks struggle to reliably detect failures or irregularities, require complex and costly computing infrastructure, and are limited by data transmission constraints, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity, making it difficult to manage and maintain multiple carousels efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a control unit, transmission unit, and portable electronic device that processes and synchronizes data from multiple carousels, allowing on-site operators to analyze operational parameters and identify irregularities through interpolation, without relying on high-bandwidth internet, using devices like tablets or augmented reality visors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a control system transmits numerous operational parameters to remote servers, then comprehensive data analysis is improved, but data transmission complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data transmission by dividing parameters into two categories: critical parameters that are transmitted in real-time to remote servers, and non-critical parameters that are processed and analyzed locally at the carousel control unit. This segmentation reduces transmission volume while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary processing and analysis of operational parameters locally before transmission to remote servers. By pre-filtering and preparing data at the source, the system reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted, thereby simplifying infrastructure requirements while maintaining data completeness.
2Measurement precision
If the control system processes and transmits high volumes of data, then measurement precision is improved, but transmission time and delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits only the essential critical parameters in real-time to remote servers, while non-critical parameters are processed locally. This partial transmission approach maintains measurement precision for important parameters while reducing transmission time and avoiding delays associated with transferring large volumes of data.
3Ease of operation
If remote server management is implemented, then centralized control is improved, but dependency on internet connectivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel control unit performs self-processing and local analysis of operational parameters without requiring continuous internet connectivity. The system maintains centralized management capability while being able to operate autonomously when remote servers are inaccessible, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between local carousel operations and remote servers. It can process data locally and transmit to servers when connected, or operate independently when disconnected. This intermediary role enables the system to maintain centralized management benefits while reducing dependency on continuous internet connectivity.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple parameters are monitored and transmitted, then detection capability is improved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments parameter monitoring by identifying critical parameters that require real-time transmission to remote servers for comprehensive analysis, while non-critical parameters are processed locally at the control unit. This segmentation maintains failure detection capability while reducing overall data processing requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Control system for carousels, which comprises a carousel (2) provided with a control unit (3) for detecting operative parameters (P) of the carousel (2), and with a transmission unit (4) for transmitting a succession of acquired values (Va) of the aforesaid operative parameters (P). The control system also comprises a portable electronic device (5) provided with a video camera (6) for filming the carousel (2), and with a communication unit (7) for receiving, from the latter, the acquired values (Va) of the aforesaid operative parameters (P). The electronic device (5) comprises a processing unit (8) arranged for actuating the video camera (6) to film the carousel (2) in order to acquire a sequence of photograms (F) with sampling frequency which is greater than that of the acquired values (Va) of the operative parameters (P). The processing unit (8) is arranged for synchronizing the acquired values (Va) of the operative parameters (P) with the photograms (F) generated by the video camera (6), and for applying to the acquired values (Va) an interpolation function, which calculates interpolated values (Vi) of the operative parameters (P) that are then associated with corresponding photograms (F).