Ski Boat Pylon Mount for Automatic Skier Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recording water ski runs from a boat are unreliable and dependent on the skill of the person operating the video camera, as the skier is often only partially visible due to side-to-side movement, especially with longer ski ropes.
Innovation Solution
A pylon mount for a video recording device that pivots with the ski rope, allowing the device to automatically track the skier's movement, compatible with smartphones and cameras, and requiring no manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a video camera is mounted in a fixed position on the ski boat, then the device structure is simple, but the skier is visible for only part of the ski run
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon mount is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation in response to the skier's movement. The mount pivots about a vertical axis and can be positioned at different locations along the pylon, transforming the static camera system into a dynamic tracking system that maintains the skier in frame throughout the run
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the ski rope as a feedback mechanism to detect skier position and automatically adjust the camera mount orientation. As the skier moves side-to-side, the rope tension and angle change, which is transmitted to the pylon mount to automatically orient the camera toward the skier without manual intervention
2Extent of automation
If an individual manually manipulates the video recording device, then the skier can be kept centered in the frame, but the recording quality depends on the skill of the individual
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon mount system is self-regulating and automatically tracks the skier without requiring manual operation. The mechanical connection between the ski rope and the mount creates a self-adjusting system where the mount automatically orients itself toward the skier's current position, eliminating the need for skilled manual manipulation while ensuring consistent tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous mechanical feedback through the ski rope provides real-time information about skier position, enabling the system to automatically adjust and maintain reliable skier centering throughout the run regardless of operator skill level
3Area of stationary object
If a wide angle lens is used to maintain the skier in frame, then the field of view is increased, but the skier is still often not fully visible during side-to-side movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a static wide-angle lens to cover the entire movement range, the system dynamically repositions the camera orientation to follow the skier. The pylon mount pivots to keep the skier centered in the frame, allowing the use of a standard lens while maintaining consistent skier visibility throughout side-to-side movement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for mounting a video recording device to the pylon of a ski boat such that the video recording device tracks the motion of the skier during a ski run in response to movement of the ski rope.