Drone Camera Positioning for AI Sailboat Rule Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sailboat racing rule enforcement systems face challenges in ensuring reliable and cost-effective rule enforcement, particularly at high speeds, due to limitations in performance data accuracy and the prohibitions in one-design sailboats, as well as the difficulty in monitoring fast-moving boats.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based system using a drone to capture video of racing sailboats, with AI analysis to determine rule violations, independent of boat positions, and utilizing racecourse marks for camera positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If performance data instruments are used on one-design sailboats, then measurement precision of race parameters is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to prohibitions on certain instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera system as an intermediary device that captures visual data of the sailboats and racecourse. This camera-based intermediary provides position and movement information without requiring complex performance instruments on the boats themselves, thus improving measurement capability while avoiding the complexity and restrictions associated with traditional performance data instruments on one-design sailboats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical performance measurement instruments (speedometers, GPS receivers, wind instruments) with an optical camera system. The camera captures visual information that can be processed to determine boat positions, speeds, and racecourse markings, substituting the mechanical measurement system with an optical one that avoids the restrictions placed on traditional instruments in one-design classes.
2Measurement precision
If GPS data is used to determine position or speed, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to create visual copies or images of the sailboats and racecourse environment. Instead of using GPS receivers that continuously transmit signals consuming power, the camera captures static or short-duration visual data that can be processed to determine position and movement, achieving measurement precision without the continuous power consumption associated with GPS data transmission.
3Speed
If sailboats operate at high speeds above 30 knots, then racing performance is improved, but reliability of performance data and umpire monitoring decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves as a reliable intermediary that can capture clear visual data even when boats move at high speeds. By using optical capture rather than onboard instruments that may struggle with foiling and high-speed dynamics, the system maintains reliable measurement of boat positions and movements regardless of whether boats are traveling at 10 knots or 30+ knots, thus improving reliability while allowing high racing speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sailboat racing rule enforcement includes a camera for recording video of at least one racing sailboat; a mobile computing device for controlling the camera; a GPS antenna for resolving a current position of the camera; a processor for determining a desired position of the camera based on a GPS position selected from a group including a position of a mark of a race course, a position of a racing sailboat, a position of two racing sailboats, a position of reference marks on the sailboat, and combinations of these; an electric motor for moving the camera from the current position to the desired position to record a video of at least one racing sailboat; and software including Al for analyzing the video of the at least one racing sailboat for racing rule violations.