Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a stability control system for tightrope that enhances balance and safety of a person walking over a tightrope by providing a handheld means to the person, and automatically detects signs of instability or imbalance of the person’s body over the rope and accordingly redistribute the weight for counterbalancing the imbalance of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Walking on a tight rope requires exceptional balance, focus and physical coordination. It demands strong core muscles, steady foot placement, and precise body control to maintain stability on a narrow surface. Factors like wind, rope tension and height further add to the difficulty. Tight rope walking has been practiced for centuries in circus performances, acrobatics and extreme sports. It is also used in balance therapy and athletic training to improve stability and coordination.

[0003] Traditional methods for maintaining stability on a tightrope rely on tools like balancing poles or outstretched arms. A balancing pole helps lower the center of gravity and provides additional stability, but it requires significant strength and technique. Using outstretched arms to counterbalance weight shifts can be exhausting over time, leading to muscle fatigue. Training on low ropes or with safety harnesses helps beginners but it does not fully replicate real high altitude conditions.

[0004] US2012118666A1 discloses about an invention that relates to a rope climbing apparatus includes two spaced side members. Each side member has a climbing rope end and a tethering end. The climbing rope ends each include a pair of spaced apertures. The tethering ends each include a cooperative aperture. Two friction elements are disposed between the spaced side members. The friction elements are axially disposed between the pair of spaced apertures in the climbing rope end for receiving a rope there between the friction elements. A tether connector is axially disposed between the cooperative apertures in the tethering end for connecting a tether thereto. The climbing apparatus is useable as a brake while descending a rope through angular movement of the tethering end relative to the rope.

[0005] US9604087B2 discloses about an invention that relates to various apparatuses for rope-climbing and associated methods are provided. Embodiments include a circular loop of rope and a variable braking system allowing for a freely suspended rope-climbing experience a safe distance from the ground and at a speed variable to individual users.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems are available in the market that helps the user in balancing while walking over a tightrope. However, the systems mentioned in the prior arts are lacks in providing stability and control. In addition, the mentioned systems are incapable of enhancing user safety by providing cushioning to the user and detecting tension and vibration in rope to maintain safety while walking.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that is capable of automatically providing stability control and enhancing user safety by inflatable harness. Also, the system is capable of detecting tension and vibration in rope to maintain a secure walking.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing real-time stability control for a tightrope walker by automatically counterbalancing the imbalance of a user waling of over the tightrope, thereby improving balance and reducing the risk of falls.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of enhancing user safety by providing an inflatable harness that deploys upon detection of a fall, thereby reducing risk of injuries.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of detecting tension and vibration in the rope and accordingly adjusts rope tension to prevent slack and maintain a secure walking surface.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a stability control system for tightrope that is capable of enhancing balance and safety of a user traversing a flexible rope suspended between two supports by automatically counterbalance the weight distribution of the user while walking over the rope. Further, the system is capable of detecting walking speed of the user and accordingly generate audible instructions to notify the user to maintain an optimum speed.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a stability control system for tightrope, comprises of a rectangular plate having a pair of elongated handles at ends for a person to hold the plate while walking over a tightrope, a microphone embedded in the plate to provide voice command for activating the system, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed with one of the pole to capture and process images of the person, a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in the plate to extend/retract the plate for allowing the person to have better control and stability while walking on tightrope, an inertial measurement unit(IMU) integrated with the plate to monitor stability of the person while walking and includes but not limited to an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed system further comprises of a motorized slider arranged on the plate to provide movement to plurality of weighted blocks arranged on the slider for better control and smoother walking, a harness associated with the system that is worn by the person and internally configured with inflatable members to inflate the members for puffing the harness and reducing impact on the person, a motorized winch equipped with the rope to tighten the rope and a vibration sensor is integrated in the winch to detect vibration in rope, a speed sensor is installed on one of the pole to detect walking speed of the person and a battery is associated with the system for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the system.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a rectangular plate associated with a stability control system for tightrope;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a pair of poles associated with the proposed system; and
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a harness associated with the proposed system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a stability control system for tightrope that facilitates a user in walking over a tightrope in a safe manner by providing a handheld balancing means to the user that automatically counterbalance the imbalance of the user by redistributing the weight. Additionally, the proposed system is capable of providing a wearable means to the user that automatically gets puffed by detecting falling condition of the user.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a rectangular plate associated with a stability control system for tightrope and an isometric view of a pair of pole associated with the proposed system are illustrated, respectively, comprising a rectangular plate 101 having a pair of elongated handles 102 at ends, a microphone 103 embedded in the plate 101, a flexible rope 201 tied between two poles 202 associated with the system, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 203 installed with one of the pole, a motorized winch 204 equipped with the rope 201, a speaker 205 installed on one of the pole, a motorized drawer arrangement 104 integrated in the plate 101, a motorized slider 105 arranged on the plate 101, and plurality of weighted blocks 106 arranged on the slider 105.

[0023] The system disclosed herein comprises of two poles 202 developed to be positioned over a ground surface at a user-desired distance. A flexible rope 201 is tied between the poles 202. The poles 202 are made up of lightweight and durable material that includes but not limited to reinforced plastic or metal that offer strength and rigidity to the poles 202, making it resistant to mechanical stress and pressure. A rectangular plate 101 is associated with the system and having a pair of elongated handles 102 at ends that are accessed by a user to hold the plate 101 while walking over the tightrope.

[0024] The user is required to activate the system manually by pressing a button installed on the plate 101 and linked with an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the system. The button is a type of switch that is internally connected with the system via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conduction of electricity that tends to activate the system and vice versa.

[0025] After activation of the system, the user is required to access a microphone 103 embedded in the plate 101 to give input voice commands for initiating stability control while waking over the flexible rope 201. The microphone 103 receives the user voice commands and converts the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. Inside the microphone 103, a diaphragm made of plastic is present that moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm, which then moves a coil attached to the diaphragm in the same way in order to generate an electrical signal proportional to the sound. The electric signal from coil flows to an amplifier which amplifies the electrical signal. The amplified electrical signal is then sent to the microcontroller linked to the microphone 103.

[0026] Upon receiving and processing the signal from the microphone 103, the microcontroller recognizes the user input voice command and accordingly actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 203 integrated with a processer, and installed with one of the pole, to capture and process images of the user in order to detect height of the user. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 203 comprises of a high-resolution camera lens, digital camera sensor and a processor, wherein the lens captures multiple images from different angles and perspectives in vicinity of the body with the help of digital camera sensor for providing comprehensive coverage of the user.

[0027] The captured images then go through pre-processing steps by the processor integrated with the imaging unit 203. The artificial intelligence protocols integrated into the processor, including machine learning and computer vision protocols, optimize image processing by enhancing feature extraction and classification. The captured images undergo pre-processing steps such as adjusting brightness, contrast, and noise removal to enhance quality. These refined images are transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the processor in the form of electrical signals.

[0028] The microcontroller processes the received data to detect the height of the user. In accordance to the detected height of the user, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 104 integrated in the plate 101 to extend/retract the plate 101 for allowing the user to have better control and stability while walking on tightrope. The drawer arrangement 104 consists of a motor, hollow compartment and multiple compartments that are connected with sliders.

[0029] Upon actuation by the microcontroller, an electric current pass through the motor of the drawer arrangement 104 and energized the motor. The energized motor further actuates the compartments which are initially at the stowed condition to move in a successive manner within the hollow compartment and extends/ retracts length of the compartments. Simultaneously, each of the compartments having a fixed groove track, wherein upon actuation of the slider, the motor of the slider gets energized and provides a movement to the compartment to move in a linear direction on the groove track of the successive compartment as directed by the microcontroller to provide required extension/ retraction to the plate 101 as per the height of the user, to have better control and stability while walking on tightrope by providing more leverage to distribute weight, for improving balance and control over the tightrope.

[0030] Simultaneously, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which includes but not limited to an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer, integrated with the plate 101, monitor stability of the user while the user is walking over the rope. The accelerometer is configured to detect linear acceleration experienced by said person, providing data regarding movement variations and potential instability. The gyroscope measures angular velocity for detecting rotational movements and shifts in orientation that indicate loss of balance. The magnetometer working in conjunction with the accelerometer and gyroscope, determines directional positioning relative to the Earth's magnetic field, ensuring accurate spatial orientation of the user.

[0031] The accelerometer detects acceleration by measuring changes in capacitance or piezoelectric response due to motion. When the user moves, internal microstructures shift, causing variations in electrical charge or capacitance. These changes are processed by the microcontroller, which calculates acceleration along multiple axes.

[0032] The gyroscope measures angular velocity by detecting rotational movement around predefined axes. The gyroscope operates using a vibrating structure or optical methods to sense changes in orientation. When the user rotates, Coriolis forces cause the internal vibrating element to shift, altering its motion pattern. This shift is detected by sensors and processed into angular velocity data. The microcontroller interprets this information to determine tilt, rotation speed, and directional stability.

[0033] The magnetometer detects magnetic field variations to determine directional orientation. The magnetometer operates using magneto-resistive, Hall-effect, or fluxgate sensing techniques to measure Earth's magnetic field strength and direction. When exposed to a magnetic field, internal sensing elements generate proportional electrical signals, which are processed to calculate heading and position. The microcontroller analyzes these signals to determine orientation of the user relative to magnetic north.

[0034] The microcontroller analyze data received from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer, for determining deviations in stability of the user while walking over the rope. Upon detection of significant instability, or imbalance of the user’s body over the rope, the microcontroller actuates a motorized slider 105 arranged on the plate 101, to provide movement to multiple weighted blocks 106 arranged on the slider 105, in a specific direction as evaluated by the microcontroller, for counteracting the detected imbalance and redistributing weight, allowing for better control and smoother walking over the rope.

[0035] The motorized slider 105 used herein consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation, the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the members which results in sliding of the members for providing movement to the weighted blocks 106 in the specific direction for counteracting the detected imbalance and redistributing weight, allowing for better control and smoother walking over the rope.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3, an isometric view of a harness associated with the proposed system is illustrated, comprising a harness 301 associated with the system and internally configured with inflatable members 302.

[0037] Prior to walking over the rope, the user is required to wear a harness 301 associated with the system. The harness 301 is internally configured with inflatable members 302. In case the IMU unit detect falling of the user, the microcontroller actuates an inflating unit integrated in the harness 301, to inflate the members for puffing the harness 301 and reducing impact on the person.

[0038] The inflating unit used herein consist of an air compressor, which upon actuation extracts the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air and which is further injected in the inflatable members 302. The inflatable members 302 are laminated of multiple thin polymeric films, when air is inserted in the member by means of air compressor, the films are puffed and the members becomes soft for providing cushioning to the user and reducing risk of injuries to the user in case of falling.

[0039] The imaging unit 203 continuously monitors the tension in the rope, and in case the tension in the rope recedes beyond a threshold limit, the microcontroller actuates a motorized winch 204 equipped with the rope, to tighten the rope, to allow the user to walk safely on the rope. The motorized winch 204 includes a DC motor and a spindle shaft wrapped with the rope. On actuation by the microcontroller, the motor transmits torque to the spindle, causing the spindle to rotate at a controlled speed. The wrapped rope is anchored to the winch 204 hooks, and as the winch 204 rotates, an appropriate length of the rope winds up to tighten the rope, for allow the user to walk safely on the rope.

[0040] Simultaneously, a speed sensor installed on one of the pole, detect walking speed of the user. The speed sensor consists of a magnet, coil, and electronic processing unit. As the user moves, the magnet passes by the coil, generating an electrical signal due to electromagnetic induction. The frequency of the signal corresponds to the user speed. The electronic unit converts this signal into a readable output. Additionally, optical sensors use a light source and photodetector, where the interruption of light by the moving plate 101 is measured. These components work together to detect changes in speed, allowing real-time monitoring of the walking speed of the user.

[0041] The microcontroller processes the signals received from the speed sensor in order to detect walking speed of the user and in case the detected speed is exceeding an allowable limit, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 205 installed on one of the pole to generate audible instructions to notify the user to maintain an optimum speed. The speaker 205 used herein is water-proof and capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels.

[0042] The speaker 205 consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data. The digital audio data is converted into analog electrical signals. Further the analog signal is amplified by an amplifier and the amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker 205. The core of the audio unit is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user’s ear to get notified to maintain an optimum speed.

[0043] Further, a vibration sensor integrated in the winch 204, detect vibration in rope caused by movement of the user. The vibration sensor comprises of a piezoelectric element, mass-spring assembly, and an electronic circuit. When the rope experiences vibrations, the mass-spring system within the sensor oscillates, exerting pressure on the piezoelectric element. This element generates an electrical signal proportional to the intensity and frequency of the vibrations. The microcontroller processes the signals in order to detect vibration in rope, caused by movement of the person, and in case the detected vibration exceeds a threshold limit, the microcontroller regulates functionality of the winch 204 to tighten the rope for minimizing vibration and prevent falling of the user.

[0044] Lastly, a battery is installed within the system which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the system a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the system is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the system i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the system from one place to another as per the requirement.

[0045] The present invention works best in the following manner, where two poles 202 are developed to be positioned over ground surface. The rectangular plate 101 having pair of elongated handles 102 are accessed by the user to hold the plate 101 while walking over the tightrope. The user access the microphone 103 to give input voice commands for initiating stability control while waking over the flexible rope 201. Based on which the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 203 detect height of the user and accordingly the motorized drawer arrangement 104 extend/retract the plate 101 for allowing the user to have better control and stability while walking on tightrope. Simultaneously, the inertial measurement unit (IMU) monitor stability of the user while the user is walking over the rope. Accordingly, the motorized slider 105 provide movement to multiple weighted blocks 106 in the specific direction for counteracting the detected imbalance and redistributing weight for allowing better control and smoother walking over the rope. In case the IMU unit detect falling of the user, the inflating unit inflate the inflatable members 302 for puffing the harness 301 and reducing impact on the person. Further, the motorized winch 204 tightens the rope to allow the user to walk safely on the rope. Simultaneously, the speed sensor detects walking speed of the user and accordingly the speaker 205 notify the user to maintain optimum speed.

[0046] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A stability control system for tightrope, comprising:
i) a rectangular plate 101 having a pair of elongated handles 102 at ends, that are accessed by a person to hold said plate 101 while walking over a tightrope, wherein a harness 301 associated with said system that is worn by said person for ensuring safety of said user during walking;
ii) a microphone 103 embedded in said plate 101 that is accessed by said person to provide voice command for activating said system, for initiating stability control while waking over a flexible rope 201 tied between two poles 202;
iii) a microcontroller installed in said plate 101 and linked with said microphone 103, actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 203 integrated with a processer, installed with one of said pole, to capture and process images of said person, respectively to detect height of said person;
iv) a motorized drawer arrangement 104 integrated in said plate 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller, to extend/retract said plate 101 for allowing said person to have better control and stability while walking on tightrope by providing more leverage to distribute weight, thereby improving balance and control over said tightrope;
v) an inertial measurement unit(IMU) integrated with said plate 101 to monitor stability of said person while walking over said rope and in case of detection of signs of instability or imbalance of said person’s body over said rope, said microcontroller actuates a motorized slider 105 arranged on said plate 101, to provide movement to plurality of weighted blocks 106 arranged on said slider 105, in a specific direction as evaluated by said microcontroller, in view of counteracting said detected imbalance and redistributing weight, allowing for better control and smoother walking over said rope;
vi) an inflatable member 111, internally configured with said harness, wherein an inflating unit is integrated in said harness 301 that are actuated by said microcontroller on detection of falling of said user via said IMU unit, to inflate said members for puffing said harness 301 and reducing impact on said person, thereby reducing risk of injuries; and
vii) a motorized winch 204 equipped with said rope that is actuated by said microcontroller on receding of tension in said rope beyond a threshold limit as detected by said imaging unit 203, to tighten said rope, to allow said person to walk safely on said rope.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a speed sensor is installed on one of said pole to detect walking speed of said person and in case detected to be exceeding an allowable limit, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 205 installed on one of said pole to generate audible instructions to notify said user to maintain an optimum speed.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vibration sensor is integrated in said winch 204 to detect vibration in rope, caused by movement of said person and in case detected to be exceeding a threshold limit, said microcontroller regulates functionality of said winch 204 to tighten said rope for minimizing vibration.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inertial measurement unit (IMU) includes but is not limited to an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said system for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said system.