Pylon-Mounted Camera Assembly with Breakaway Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pylon-mounted cameras suffer from limited image quality due to RF signal compression, lack of control over video parameters, latency, equipment overheating, and safety concerns due to limited space and frequent installation requirements, which affect their reliability and operational time.
Innovation Solution
A high-definition pylon-mounted camera assembly using wired electrical and optical cables for image transmission, with a break-away connector for safety and a molded, high-density foam pylon for increased impact resistance, allowing for real-time video adjustment and permanent installation without frequent earthwork, reducing equipment volume and overheating issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless RF transmitters and receivers are used to convey camera images, then the camera assembly is portable and easy to install, but image quality is reduced due to compression and latency occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the camera unit from the transmission equipment, allowing the camera to be portable while the high-bandwidth optical transmission equipment remains stationary at the receiver end. This segmentation enables wireless portability without compromising image quality through compression.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical intermediary system is introduced between the camera and the final reception point. The camera captures high-definition images and transmits them via optical cables directly to the receiver, eliminating the need for RF compression while maintaining portability through the modular camera design.
2Measurement precision
If more equipment is housed in the pylon to enable wired high-definition camera operation, then image quality improves, but the pylon space for impact-reducing foam decreases making players more vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides equipment between the pylon-mounted camera unit and external stationary equipment (power supplies, optical transmitters). This segmentation minimizes the equipment volume within the pylon, preserving foam space for player safety while enabling wired high-definition operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves equipment from the three-dimensional constrained pylon space to external locations in other dimensions (ground level, adjacent structures). This dimensional relocation reduces pylon equipment volume while maintaining full wired HD functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wires are buried and removed from below the playing surface for each use, then the camera can be frequently deployed, but maintenance costs increase and the playing surface is repeatedly disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
Conduits are pre-installed in the playing surface during initial field construction or renovation. These permanent conduits allow camera cables to be routed through the field structure without repeated excavation, enabling frequent camera deployment while avoiding ongoing field disturbance and maintenance costs.
4Volume of moving object
If small batteries are used in wireless assemblies to fit inside the pylon, then the camera fits in limited space, but operational time is limited and frequent recharging is required
Solution Approach 1:
The battery and power management equipment are extracted from the pylon-mounted camera unit and relocated to external stationary power supplies. This extraction eliminates the need for small, limiting batteries while providing continuous power through wired connections, significantly extending operational time.
Data Source
AI summary
Wired portable or permanent pylon-mounted, single or multiple camera assemblies providing high-definition images, remote video parameter adjustment, real time imaging, lower camera mounting, microphone use, no overheating problems, longer run times, and installation and removal without disturbing field surface. Pylon is molded from high-density, impact resistant foam, integrated with a break-away connect providing for non-destructively breaking and remaking electrical connections. Increased content of high impact, resistant material provides player and pylon protection. Camera wiring extends internally to integral connecting base fitted with magnets for quick and accurate mating with stationary turf base. Wires in turf carry signals from camera to a fiber optic transmitter that powers the pylon cameras, converts the electrical signals to optical signals, and receives control signals converting them to electrical signals. Thousands of meters range optical signals converted back to electrical high-definition video signals by fiber optic receiver and recorded by replay devices for instant viewing.