Multi-camera imaging system for equine motion tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion monitoring systems for equines face challenges in capturing clear and continuous video recordings of a horse's physical attributes while moving, as they often require manual operation, result in inconsistent video quality, and struggle to maintain the subject within the camera's field of view, leading to incomplete anatomical examinations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera imaging system with movable and stationary image capture devices configured to capture video streams from various directions, a controller to track the horse's motion, and sensors to maintain relative distances, enabling continuous and clear recordings of the horse's physical attributes from multiple angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single camera is mounted to a support with a fixed wide zoom lens, then the subject can be kept within the camera's field of view while moving around in the predefined area, but the subject will appear too small on the viewing screen to allow close examination of the subject's anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single camera function into multiple cameras, each responsible for capturing video from a specific direction (first, second, third, and fourth directions). This segmentation allows each camera to use a longer focal length for detailed views while the collective system maintains comprehensive field of view coverage through multiple perspectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-camera viewpoint to a multi-dimensional observation system by positioning cameras in multiple directions (front, back, left, right) around the predefined area. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous detailed examination of the subject's anatomy from various angles while maintaining complete area coverage.
2Measurement precision
If a single camera is mounted to a support with a longer focal length for detailed view, then close examination of the subject's anatomy is possible, but the subject will come in and out of the field of view and continuous recording cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple camera feeds from different directions into a unified monitoring system. The controller receives video streams from all cameras and can switch between them or combine them to ensure continuous recording of the subject's anatomy details without the subject leaving the field of view, as each camera captures a different aspect of the subject's movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Each camera in the system serves multiple functions: capturing detailed anatomical views, tracking subject movement, and providing continuous coverage from its specific direction. The controller provides universal functionality by managing all cameras, switching between feeds, and ensuring continuous recording regardless of the subject's position in the predefined area.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to capture video from various directions, then comprehensive examination of the subject's anatomy is possible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple cameras. It receives video streams from all cameras, processes the data, and produces comprehensive assessments. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain detailed and comprehensive examination capabilities while the controller handles the coordination and integration, reducing the operational complexity for the user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If camera operators are used to capture video recordings, then flexible and adaptive recording is possible, but the cost and practicality for long sessions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by using the controller to automatically manage multiple cameras, track the subject, and capture video recordings without requiring human camera operators. The controller autonomously switches between cameras and adjusts recording parameters based on subject movement, maintaining the adaptability and flexibility that operators would provide while significantly improving cost efficiency and productivity for long recording sessions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging system is provided, the imaging system is configured to generate video streams of a moving target in a predefined area, the imaging system comprising: first and second image capture devices configured to be movable and to capture first and second video streams of the moving target from a first direction; third and fourth image capture devices configured to be movable and to capture third and fourth video streams of the moving target from a second and third directions, the second and third directions being substantially opposite to one another and substantially perpendicular to the first direction; a fifth image capture device configured to be stationary and to capture a fifth video stream of the moving target from a fourth direction, the fourth direction being substantially perpendicular to the first to third directions; and a controller configured to move the first to fourth image capture devices along with the moving target in the predefined area.