Dual-Lens Imaging System for Rowing Stroke Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rowers and coaches face challenges in remotely observing and analyzing rowing strokes to identify inadequacies and communicate modifications effectively, and existing imaging systems fail to provide comprehensive visual records of rowing actions.

Innovation Solution

A dual-lens imaging system with parallel axes, capable of simultaneous image capture from opposing directions, is mounted on a rowing apparatus to record the rower and oar's actions, providing synchronized and timestamped images for detailed analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single imaging device is used to capture rowing stroke, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and completeness of rowing technique analysis is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverowing technique analysis precisionVSAvoidimaging device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent imaging devices, each capturing different views of the rowing stroke. The array of lenses captures images from multiple directions simultaneously, allowing comprehensive analysis of rowing technique without requiring a single complex device to perform all functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-view imaging to multi-dimensional imaging by positioning lenses at different locations and orientations. This captures spatial relationships and temporal sequences of rowing movements from multiple perspectives, enhancing measurement precision through dimensional expansion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple imaging devices are positioned at different locations to capture comprehensive rowing views, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and synchronization difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverowing stroke visualization accuracyVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple imaging devices are merged into a single integrated array of lenses mounted on the rowing apparatus. This combining approach maintains the benefits of multi-perspective imaging while reducing system complexity through unified mounting and synchronized operation from a single structural platform

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging array is mounted directly on the rowing apparatus at the pivot point, allowing it to move with the oar and automatically maintain optimal positioning. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex external mounting and synchronization systems, as the apparatus itself provides the stable reference frame

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the imaging device is mounted away from the pivot point to capture overall rowing motion, then the field of view is wider, but the measurement precision of oar and rower coordination decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoar-rower coordination accuracyVSAvoidfield of view area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system focuses on capturing high-quality local details of oar-rower coordination at the pivot point rather than attempting to capture the entire rowing environment. By positioning lenses at the critical pivot point, the system prioritizes measurement precision of key coordination points over broad field of view coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2353044B1Imaging system
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 YEPP AUSTRALIA
  • EP2353044B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2353044B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2353044B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging system comprising one or more imaging devices wherein each device comprises a lens or lenses which together form an array of lens wherein: the array includes two lenses; the two lenses face in opposing directions; the axes of the two lenses are substantially parallel; and the system is adapted to simultaneously capture and record images from the two lenses.