CV Bridle Position Sensing for Stage Collision Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stage motion automation systems lack precise real-time position feedback and obstacle detection for mobile elements, requiring complex setup and calibration, and are prone to collisions due to imprecise control and interference from other moveable objects.

Innovation Solution

Employing computer vision cameras to capture images and convert them into position data for mobile elements, using a control system to direct movement and avoid obstacles, with redundant camera views for enhanced accuracy and collision prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors and tracks are used for mobile element position detection, then position feedback is provided, but setup time increases and precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection precisionVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical track-based sensor systems with computer vision cameras that capture images and algorithmically determine mobile element positions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical tracks embedded in the stage, significantly reducing setup time while providing precise real-time position feedback through image processing and coordinate transformation algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy of the physical stage environment through computer vision imaging. Cameras capture visual information that is processed to generate digital position data, effectively copying spatial relationships into a digital domain where precise measurements can be made without physical intervention during setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If RF positioning systems are used, then position calculation is enabled, but positioning accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces RF-based positioning systems with computer vision-based positioning. The camera system captures high-resolution images that are processed to determine precise positions of mobile elements, achieving superior accuracy compared to RF triangulation without requiring multiple transmitters distributed across the stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If active beacons are mounted on payloads for tracking, then position tracking is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile elements themselves serve as the tracking targets without requiring additional active beacons. The computer vision cameras capture images of the mobile elements directly, and their positions are determined through image processing. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate beacon systems while maintaining reliable tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning of guide track elements is required, then mobile element control precision is improved, but setup complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for precisely positioned physical guide tracks by using computer vision cameras mounted on mobile elements. The cameras capture images of the stage environment, and software algorithms calculate positions and guide movement without requiring any physical reference structures to be precisely installed during setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Manufacturing precision

If direct position feedback control is implemented, then mobile element control precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements direct position feedback control using computer vision cameras that continuously capture images of mobile elements. The captured images are processed to determine real-time positions, which are then fed back to the control system to adjust and maintain precise positioning. This closed-loop feedback mechanism achieves high control precision while keeping the system relatively simple compared to traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250272867A1CV bridle monitor and mobilator sensing system
Publication Date: 2025.08.28 TAIT TOWERS MANUFACTURING LLC
  • US20250272867A1 patent drawing
  • US20250272867A1 patent drawing
  • US20250272867A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for monitoring the position of a mobile element on a performance stage in real time including a computer vision camera that captures images while the mobile element moves into multiple positions about the stage and converts the images to position data, and control system directing movement of the mobile element using position data.