Method of recording a sport event

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of recording a sport event. The method comprises the steps of: fixating a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device relative to each other, wherein the first mobile user device comprises a first camera and a first software application comprising an agent configuration, wherein the second mobile user device comprises a second camera and a second software application comprising an agent configuration; providing a third mobile user device comprising a third software application comprising a director configuration; transmitting the initiation signal from the third mobile user device to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device using the third software application to thereby initiate first and second video recordings using the first and second software applications; and merging the first video recording and the second video recording to generate a merged video of the sport event.

Description

[0001] METHOD OF RECORDING A SPORT EVENT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a method of recording a sport event at a sport area. The invention further relates to a recording system for generation of a merged video from a first video recording and a second video recording and a software application for a mobile user device. Additionally, the invention relates to a mount for receiving a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Professional sport events often enjoy the benefit of television broadcasting. However, this is typically not the case for amateur sport events due to the required costs and labour.

[0006] A challenge which generally has to be overcome is that a single camera does typically not sufficiently cover an entire sport area. As a result, either a camera must be panned and tilted to be directed towards a moving area of interest, or multiple cameras can be used from which a cropped or reduced view can be provided.

[0007] In recent years, dedicated sport camera assemblies for recording amateur sport events have grown in popularity, allowing amateur events and training sessions to be recorded, shared, and viewed by those having an interest. Such dedicated sport camera assemblies may for example have two image sensors which are directed at separate sub-sections of the sport area to thereby substantially cover the entire sport area. The videos recorded by the separate image sensors can then be merged, for example into a panoramic view, which can then be provided to a user in full or as a cropped view.

[0008] Even though such solutions significantly lower the threshold required for amateurs to record sport events and training sessions, the requirement of a dedicated sport camera assembly can nevertheless be a costly and cumbersome solution.

[0009] At present, mobile user devices having at least one camera, such as a smartphone, are becoming increasingly common and may thereby seem to offer a viable alternative to dedicated sport camera assemblies. However, videos recorded by several mobile user devices suffer from a lack of synchronization of the videos. Further, the optimal location from which a video is to be recorded may be out of reach from the user. Since videos are typically be recorded by amateurs, it is generally important that any solutions are simple in practice to employ.

[0010] Hence, there is a demand for simple solutions which improve utilization of mobile user devices for recording sport events.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] On the above background, it is an object of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a solution which simplify the provision of quality video recordings of sport events by means of mobile user devices. Further, it is an object of some embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a solution which simplify or improve synchronization of videos recorded form mobile user devices. Additionally, it is an object of some embodiments of the invention to provide a solution to recording videos with mobile user devices which are out of reach from the user.

[0013] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of recording a sport event at a sport area, the method comprising the steps of: fixating a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device relative to each other and relative to the sport area, wherein the first mobile user device comprises a first camera and a first software application, the first software application comprising an agent configuration in which the first mobile user device is configured to initiate a first video recording using the first camera upon receiving an incoming initiation signal, wherein the second mobile user device comprises a second camera and a second software application, the second software application comprising an agent configuration in which the second mobile user device is configured to initiate a second video recording using the second camera upon receiving the incoming initiation signal; providing a third mobile user device comprising a third software application, wherein the third software application comprises a director configuration in which the third mobile user device is configured to transmit the initiation signal; transmitting the initiation signal from the third mobile user device to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device using the third software application to thereby initiate the first video recording using the first software application and the second video recording using the second software application, wherein the first video recording is directed at a first sub-section of the sport area, wherein the second video recording is directed at a second subsection of the sport area intersecting the first sub-section; and merging the first video recording and the second video recording to generate a merged video of the sport event.

[0014] The present disclosure generally introduces the concept of recording a sport event using two separate mobile user devices controlled by a third mobile user device.

[0015] In the present disclosure, a mobile user device may typically be a smartphone, although other types of devices may also be used such as a tablet, a smartwatch, or another smart device such as smart head-wearable device.

[0016] A mobile user device which has a software application comprising an agent configuration in which the mobile user device is configured to initiate a video recording upon receiving an incoming initiation signal may also be referred to as an agent device. A mobile user device which has a software application comprising a director configuration in which the third mobile user device is configured to transmit an initiation signal may also be referred to as a director device.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, two separate agent devices are typically fixated relative to each other, and a director device transmits an initiation signal to the agent devices to initiate video recordings upon which a merged video is provided.

[0018] This procedure may facilitate a simple approach providing a merged video in which the video recordings are at least approximately temporally synchronized. Further, this procedure allows a user to be out of reach of the two mobile user devices which actually record the sport event. This is particularly advantageous in the context of recording sport events, in which it is often desirable to provide video recordings from a point of view which is elevated relative to the sport area to thereby provide a proper overview of the event.

[0019] The examples of the present disclosure typically rely on software applications of the mobile user devices. Such a software application may for example be a dedicated 'app' configured to run on a smartphone. The provision of software applications on each of the mobile user devices may facilitate communication, transmission and receival of the initiation signal, initiation of video recordings, and transmittal of the video recordings, for example to a remote processing system. Generally, communication among mobile user devices may for example be performed via one or more wireless networks such as a wireless personal area network, a wireless local area network, a cellular telecommunications network, or any combination thereof.

[0020] The three mobile user devices typically employed need not to be identical mobile user devices, but can be different devices, for example having different operating systems, different software applications, different hardware such as different cameras, or any combination thereof.

[0021] Preferably, the first mobile user device records at least one half of the sport area and the second mobile user device records at least another half of the sport area, such that the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device collectively record an entirety of the sport area.

[0022] Examples of the present disclosure rely on fixating a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device relative to each other and relative to the sport area, for example by means of one or more mounts. Since recorded videos are typically at least approximately temporally synchronized, the relative fixation allows the first video recording and the second video recording to be directly merged, for example into a panoramic view of the sport event. Thereby, a complete and simple solution for providing a video recording of at least reasonable quality is provided.

[0023] Examples of sport events at a sport area of relevance to the present disclosure are an association football event at an association football pitch, an American football event at an American football field, a handball event at a handball court, a rugby event at a rugby pitch, a basketball event at a basketball court, and a lacrosse event at a lacrosse field. An event can be a match event or a training event. These examples are non-exhaustive.

[0024] Generally, merging of the first video recording and the second video recording may occur at a remote processing device, such as at a server. From here, the merged video can be available to users, for example such that a user may access or view the video via a user device. Further, this merging may alternative occur on any of the first, second, and third mobile user devices. In addition, this merging may also occur on a user device of a user, where this user device is used to display or access the merged video.

[0025] According to examples of the present disclosure, the initiation signal is transmitted to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device simultaneously to thereby initiate recording of the first video recording and the second video recording simultaneously, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is performed based on the first video recording and the second video recording being initiated simultaneously.

[0026] Implementation of simultaneous initiation may generally simplify the procedure for recording the sport event, in particular the procedure for providing the merged video and the quality of the merged video.

[0027] According to examples of the present disclosure, the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device has a fixed relative distance and a fixed relative orientation while recording the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0028] According to examples of the present disclosure, the method comprises a step of: transmitting the first video recording and the second video recording to a remote processing system, wherein the remote processing system performs the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0029] Transmission to a remote processing system may ensure reduced power consumption of the mobile user devices. Further, this may facilitate further processing and distribution of the video recordings.

[0030] The remote processing system may comprise a digital storage for storing, e.g. video recordings, a computer program for processing the video recordings (for example a computer program configured to merge the video recordings), and the merged video. The computer processing system may further comprise a processing unit for processing the video recordings according to the computer program.

[0031] According to examples of the present disclosure, the merged video is a panoramic video.

[0032] A panoramic video may provide a proper overview of a sport area and a sport event. Generally, further processing of the panoramic video may be performed prior to transmission of a video to a user. For example, the panoramic video may be dynamically cropped to mimic panning, tilting, and / or zooming of a conventional camera controlled to follow a region of interest of the sport event or the sport area.

[0033] According to examples of the present disclosure, the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording comprises the sub-steps of: identifying an element portion of a physical element present in at least one of the first video recording and the second video recording, wherein the element portion is associated with a physical size; and stitching the first video recording and the second video recording based on an in-frame position of the element portion and the physical size of the element portion to obtain a panoramic video of the sport event.

[0034] Examples of the present disclosure identify that particular conditions which are often provided by sport events at a sport area can be utilized to improve merging and stitching of video recordings. In particular, a sport event at a sport area may often feature a physical element having an element portion associated with a physical size which can be used as a reference to improve stitching of the video recordings.

[0035] As an example, a sport event may be an association football match taking place at a football pitch. Here, a physical element can be a football goal, where a portion of the goal, such as a goal post or a crossbar, has a physical size which can be used as a reference to stich video recordings. Another example in relation to association football is the pitch itself, where the markings of the pitch can be used as reference. For example, the length of a boundary of the pitch (corresponding to a distance between corner flags) can be used, a size of a penalty area can be used, or a diameter of the centre circle can be used.

[0036] Based on such a reference element, merging of videos may be improved, for example to reduce artefacts in the resulting panoramic video of the sport event.

[0037] According to examples of the present disclosure, the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording comprises the sub-steps of: determining first feature points in the first video recording a second feature points in the second video recording, the first feature points and second feature points having a common set of feature points corresponding to feature points present in both the first video recording and the second video recording; identifying an element portion of a physical element present in at least one of the first video recording and the second video recording, wherein the element portion is associated with a physical size; estimating a feature location of one or more feature points of the common set, wherein the feature location is a representation of a physical location at the sport area relative to the first mobile user device and / or the second mobile user device, wherein the feature location is estimated based on an in-frame position of the element portion in one or more frames of any of the first video recording and the second video recording and based on the physical size of the element portion; and stitching the first video recording and the second video recording based on the feature location to obtain a panoramic video of the sport event.

[0038] One procedure to merge video is to utilize feature points.

[0039] Based on the position of the element portion and its physical size, the location of feature points in the videos can be estimated to obtain feature locations. Here, the estimated feature location is associated with a physical location at the sport area. For example, a feature location of a feature point may correspond to a particular spot on the sport area, such as a particular spot on a football pitch.

[0040] When the feature location of feature points of a common set of feature points of the video recordings have been estimated, this knowledge can be used to provide more accurate stitching of the video recordings. For example, an estimate of a feature location of feature points can improve the matching of these feature points used for stitching. Further, based on an estimate of a feature location of feature points, the fixed relative camera positioning and the fixed camera angle at which the video recordings have been recorded can be estimated, and based on the estimated relative camera positioning and angling, an improved stitching can be implemented.

[0041] According to examples of the present disclosure, the physical element has a fixed location relative to the sport area.

[0042] According to examples of the present disclosure, the feature location is estimated based on a relative element location of the physical element relative to the sport area.

[0043] According to examples of the present disclosure, the relative element location is provided based on an assumed location of the physical element relative to the sport area.

[0044] According to examples of the present disclosure, the step of fixating the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device comprises releasably fixating the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device in one or more mounts, preferably wherein the one or more mounts are configured to releasably fixate the first mobile user device at a first recording angle and the releasably fixate the second mobile user device at a second recording angle different from the first recording angle, wherein of each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to an upright direction is below 90 degrees, for example wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright direction is between 72 degrees and 88 degrees, for example between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, such as between 77 degrees and 83 degrees.

[0045] In the context of the method of the first aspect, the upright direction may be understood as a vertical direction.

[0046] According to examples of the present disclosure, the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is based on a set of mount angle parameters, the set of mount angle parameters comprising the first recording angle and the second recording angle of the mount and / or a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle of the mount.

[0047] According to examples of the present disclosure, the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is based on the set of mount angle parameters being predetermined prior to recording the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0048] According to examples of the present disclosure, the set of mount angle parameters is preprogrammed into a processing system, such as a remote processing system, wherein the processing system performs the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0049] According to examples of the present disclosure, the first mobile user device records at least one half of the sport area and the second mobile user device records at least another half of the sport area, such that the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device collectively record an entirety of the sport area.

[0050] According to examples of the present disclosure, no video recording from the third mobile user device is used to generate the merged video of the sport event.

[0051] According to examples of the present disclosure, only the first video recording and the second video recording are used to generate the merged video of the sport event.

[0052] According to examples of the present disclosure, the merged video represents a single view of the sport event across the entire sport area. According to examples of the present disclosure, the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device each has a horizontal orientation while recording the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0053] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a recording system for generation of a merged video from a first video recording and a second video recording, the recording system comprising : a sport area for hosting a sport event; a first mobile user device, the first mobile user device comprising a first camera and a first software application, the first software application comprising an agent configuration in which the first mobile user device is configured to initiate the first video recording using the first camera upon receiving an incoming initiation signal, wherein the first mobile user device is positioned at the sport area for recording the sport event and directed at a first sub-section of the sport area; a second mobile user device, the second mobile user device comprising a second camera and a second software application, the second software application comprising an agent configuration in which the second mobile user device is configured to initiate the second video recording using the second camera upon receiving the incoming initiation signal, wherein the second mobile user device is positioned at the sport area for recording the sport event and directed at a second sub-section of the sport area intersecting the first subsection; one or more mounts in which the first mobile user device and a second mobile user device are releasably fixated relative to each other and relative to the sport area; and a third mobile user device, the third mobile user device comprising a third software application, the third software application comprising a director configuration in which the third mobile user device is configured to transmit the initiation signal to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device to thereby initiate recording of the first video recording and the second video recording. Generally, examples of the second aspect of the present disclosure may provide advantages similar to those of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0054] According to examples of the present disclosure, the recording system further comprises a processing system such as a remote processing system, wherein any of the first mobile user device, the second mobile user device, and the third mobile user device is configured to transmit the first video recording and the second video recording to the processing system, wherein the processing system is configured to merge the first video recording and the second video recording to generate the merged video.

[0055] Transmission to a remote processing system may ensure reduced power consumption of the mobile user devices. Further, this may facilitate further processing and distribution of the video recordings.

[0056] According to examples of the present disclosure, the one or more mounts is one mount, the mount comprising a first device-receiving portion and a second device-receiving portion, wherein the first device-receiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the first mobile user device at a first recording angle, wherein the second device-receiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the second mobile user device at a second recording angle, wherein the first recording angle and the second recording angle are different.

[0057] Fixation of the mobile user devices by one or more mounts may ensure that the mobile user devices are maintained at fixed positions and angles relative to each other and relative to the sport area. Further, the provision of first and second recording angles which are different may ensure that suitable recording angles are provided for properly recording the sport event. For example, the one or more mounts may be positioned relative to the sport area such that the first mobile user device records at least one half of the sport area and such that the second mobile user device records at least another half of the sport area, such that the first and the second mobile user devices collectively record the entire sport area. This may, for example, be facilitated by one or more mounts configured to provide a first recording angle and a second recording angle which are fixed relative to each other to thereby ensure that the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device can record separate halves of the sport area.

[0058] According to examples of the present disclosure, the mount comprises a stand having an upright extension which positions the first device-receiving portion and the second devicereceiving portion at an elevated height relative to the sport area, wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright extension is below 90 degrees, for example wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright extension is between 72 degrees and 88 degrees, for example between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, such as between 77 degrees and 83 degrees.

[0059] The provision of recording angles relative to the upright extension which is slightly below 90 degrees can ensure that mobile user devices are provided with recording angles which can capture the entire sport area from an elevated height without the mobile user devices being placed too far away from the perimeter of the sport area.

[0060] According to examples of the present disclosure, a horizontal component of a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle is between 78 degrees and 118 degrees, for example between 83 degrees and 113 degrees, for example between 88 degrees and 108 degrees, such as between 93 degrees and 103 degrees.

[0061] The provision of a horizontal component of a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle in the above-exemplified intervals may ensure that the first and second mobile user devices are properly oriented to capture at least the separate halves of the sport area.

[0062] The horizontal component is transverse or perpendicular to the upright extension.

[0063] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a software application for a mobile user device, the software application comprising digital instructions which, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, cause the mobile user device to: provide an agent configuration in which the mobile user device initiates a video recording using a camera of the mobile user device upon receiving an incoming initiation signal from a separate director device communicatively linked to the mobile user device; provide a director configuration in which the mobile user device is configured to transmit an outgoing initiation signal to a separate agent device communicatively linked to the mobile user device such that the separate agent device initiates a video recording using a camera of the separate agent device; provide a device configuration switch, wherein the mobile user device is switchable between the agent configuration and the director configuration through the device configuration switch; and facilitate a recording procedure according to a recording system configuration of a recording system, the recording system comprising one or more system devices, the mobile user device being one of the one or more system devices, wherein the one or more system devices further comprises the separate director device when the mobile user device is in the agent configuration, wherein the one or more system devices further comprises the separate agent device when the mobile user device is in the director configuration.

[0064] Generally, the third aspect of the present disclosure may provide advantages similar to those of the first aspect and the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0065] In addition, the third aspect of the present disclosure introduces the prospect that a software application is switchable between the agent configuration and the director configuration, thereby enabling a large degree of flexibility. Given a number of mobile user devices, such as three mobile user devices, users of the system can freely configure, e.g., which of the mobile user devices are to be employed as agent devices, and which mobile user device are to be employed as a director device. Such a selection of devices may for example be based on camera quality, battery power, processing power, a desire of having agent devices which are similar to provide smooth video stitching, or some combination thereof.

[0066] The system devices are the mobile user devices which participate in the recording procedure, such as agent devices and director devices.

[0067] The recording system configuration may be a configuration in which the system comprises three system devices, three system devices comprising a director device in the director configuration and two agent devices in the agent configuration.

[0068] According to examples of the present disclosure, each of the one or more system devices execute a separate reproduction of the software application.

[0069] For example, each of the mobile user devices of the system devices can comprise the same or a similar 'app' configured to run on a smartphone, the app being the software application.

[0070] According to examples of the present disclosure, the digital instructions, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, further cause the mobile user device to: provide a user interface accessible by a user of the mobile user device. Through a user interface, a user may be able to toggle the device configuration switch, switch between system configurations, receive one or more tentative views from other system devices, initiate a recording by transmission of an initiation signal from a director device to one or more agent devices, or any combination thereof.

[0071] According to examples of the present disclosure, the device configuration switch is switchable via the user interface.

[0072] According to examples of the present disclosure, the digital instructions, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, further cause the mobile user device to: receive a tentative view from the separate agent device prior to transmitting the outgoing initiation signal, wherein the tentative view is a live recording of the camera of the separate agent device, wherein the tentative view is reproduced on the user interface of the mobile user device.

[0073] A tentative view from a separate agent device may assist users to align such an agent device, for example relative to a sport field and / or relative to another agent device.

[0074] According to examples of the present disclosure, the software application is configured to at least temporarily abstain from reproducing the video recording of the separate agent device on the user interface during the recording procedure.

[0075] An aim of examples of the present disclosure is to provide a recording procedure with the purpose of distributing video recordings, without necessarily reproducing the video recordings on, e.g., a director device from which the recording procedure has been initiated. By abstaining from reproducing video, battery consumption of can be significantly reduced.

[0076] The software application may be configured to at least temporarily abstain from reproducing the video recording of the separate agent device while the separate agent device is recording the video recording. The software application may be configured to abstain from reproducing the video recording of the separate agent device altogether. In other words, the software application may be configured to not show the video recording of the separate agent device at all (while the separate agent device is recording the video recording).

[0077] According to examples of the present disclosure, the digital instructions, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, further cause the mobile user device to: provide a self-recording configuration in which the mobile user device initiates a video recording using the camera of the mobile user device, wherein the mobile user device is switchable between the agent configuration, the director configuration, and the self-recording configuration through the device configuration switch.

[0078] In other words, the software application may provide three configurations between which the mobile user device is switchable, instead of only two configurations (the agent configuration and the director configuration).

[0079] The third configuration, the self-recording configuration, may be understood as a hybrid of the agent configuration and the director configuration, in the sense that a video recording may be initiated via this configuration as in the director configuration, while the mobile user device also provides a video recording itself as in the agent configuration.

[0080] The provision of a self-recording configuration thereby provides additional uses and possible recording system configurations. Thereby, an appropriate recording system configuration can be selected depending on, e.g., the number of mobile user devices available, the sport event, and the sport area.

[0081] According to examples of the present disclosure, when the mobile user device is in the self- recording configuration and the recording system comprises a separate agent device, the mobile user device transmits an outgoing initiation signal to a separate agent device communicatively linked to the mobile user device such that the separate agent device initiates a video recording using a camera of the separate agent device.

[0082] According to examples of the present disclosure, the recording system is switchable between at least two possible system configurations, wherein the recording system configuration is a selected system configuration.

[0083] By providing multiple system configurations, the system can be configured depending on, e.g., the number of mobile user devices available, the sport event, and the sport area.

[0084] According to examples of the present disclosure, the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system comprises three system devices, these three system devices comprising a director device in the director configuration and two agent devices in the agent configuration. In such a system configuration, two agent devices can thereby be controlled from a director device, for example such that the two agent devices can be positioned out of reach of a user, which is advantageous in the context of recording sport events, in which it is often desirable to provide video recordings from a point of view which is elevated relative to the sport area to thereby provide a proper overview of the event.

[0085] A configuration in which the recording system comprises three system devices, these three system devices comprising a director device in the director configuration and two agent devices in the agent configuration, may also be referred to as a first system configuration.

[0086] According to examples of the present disclosure, the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system consists of two system devices, these two system devices being a director device in the director configuration and an agent device in the agent configuration.

[0087] In comparison with a system configuration in which the recording system comprises three system devices, this system configuration can be applicable if only two system devices are available, while it is still necessary to provide a recording from a position which is out of reach of a user.

[0088] A configuration in which the recording system consists of two system devices, these two system devices being a director device in the director configuration and an agent device in the agent configuration, may also be referred to as a second system configuration.

[0089] According to examples of the present disclosure, the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system consists of two system devices, these two system devices being a self-recording device in the self-recording configuration and an agent device in the agent configuration.

[0090] In comparison with a system configuration in which the recording system comprises three system devices, this system configuration can be applicable if only two system devices are available, while it is still desirable to merge two video recordings, for example two video recordings having different orientations and / or positions relative to the sport area.

[0091] A configuration in which the recording system consists of two system devices, these two system devices being a self-recording device in the self-recording configuration and an agent device in the agent configuration, may also be referred to as a third system configuration. According to examples of the present disclosure, the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system consists of one system device, this one system devices being a self-recording device in the self-recording configuration.

[0092] In comparison with a system configuration in which the recording system comprises two or three system devices, this system configuration can be applicable if only one system device is available.

[0093] A configuration in which the recording system consists of one system device, this one system devices being a self-recording device in the self-recording configuration, may also be referred to as a fourth system configuration.

[0094] In examples of the present disclosure, the at least two possible system configurations are selected from the list of: the first system configuration, the second system configuration, the third system configuration, and the fourth system configuration.

[0095] In examples of the present disclosure, the at least two possible system configurations are at least three possible system configurations. In examples of the present disclosure, the at least two possible system configurations are at least four possible system configurations.

[0096] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a mount for receiving a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device, the mount comprising: a first device-receiving portion for releasably fixating the first mobile user device at a first recording angle; a second device-receiving portion for releasably fixating the second mobile user device at a second recording angle, wherein the first recording angle and the second recording angle are different; a mount-stand interface for connecting a stand having an upright extension, wherein the mount-stand interface defines an upright direction associated with the upright extension, wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright direction is below 90 degrees.

[0097] The provision of a mount in which mobile user devices are held at different recording angles below 90 degrees may ensure the mobile user devices held by the mount are provided with recording angles which can capture an entire sport area from an elevated height without the mobile user devices being placed too far away from the perimeter of the sport area.

[0098] According to examples of the present disclosure, each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright direction is between 72 degrees and 88 degrees, for example between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, such as between 77 degrees and 83 degrees.

[0099] According to examples of the present disclosure, a horizontal component of a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle is between 78 degrees and 118 degrees, for example between 83 degrees and 113 degrees, for example between 88 degrees and 108 degrees, such as between 93 degrees and 103 degrees.

[0100] The provision of a horizontal component of a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle in the above-exemplified intervals may ensure that the first and second mobile user devices are properly oriented to capture at least the separate halves of the sport area.

[0101] The horizontal component is transverse or perpendicular to the upright direction.

[0102] According to examples of the present disclosure, the mount comprises a top cover extending above and across the first device-receiving portion and the second device-receiving portion.

[0103] A top cover may shelter mobile user devices from weather such as rain. It may further prevent glare, e.g., from the sun. It may, for example, be implemented as a foldable rubber membrane or a plastic roof, optionally with joints for collapsing the mount.

[0104] According to examples of the present disclosure, the mount comprises: a first elastic fixation element for releasably fixating the first mobile user device at the first device-receiving portion; and a second elastic fixation element for releasably fixating the second mobile user device at the second device-receiving portion.

[0105] An elastic fixation element may for example be provided as an elastic band or a spring. Alternatively, a mobile user device may also be releasably fixated, e.g., by means of an assembly of one or more magnets, a screw-based fastener, or a snap fastening mechanism. According to examples of the present disclosure, the mount is rigid such that the first recording angle and the second recording angle are fixed relative to each other.

[0106] According to examples of the present disclosure, the mount comprises an adjustable joint pivotally connecting the first device-receiving portion and the second device-receiving portion, wherein the mount is switchable via the adjustable joint between: a recording configuration in which the first device-receiving portion is positioned to releasably fixate the first mobile user device at the first recording angle and in which the second device-receiving portion is positioned to releasably fixate the second mobile user device at the second recording angle; and a collapsed configuration in a distance between the first device-receiving portion and the second device-receiving portion is less than in the recording configuration.

[0107] The provision of an adjustable joint such that the mount is switchable between a recording configuration and a collapsed configuration may permit simple and easy transportation of the mount.

[0108] According to examples of the present disclosure, the adjustable joint has a snapping mechanism configured to pivotally latch the mount in the recording configuration.

[0109] A snapping mechanism may ensure that the adjustable joint is actually latched in the preferred recording configuration, and not accidentally put into another unintended configuration which do not provide the correct recording angles.

[0110] According to examples of the present disclosure, the mount comprises a stand connected to the mount-stand interface and having an upright extension corresponding to the upright direction defined by the mount-stand interface.

[0111] According to examples of the present disclosure, the mount comprises a third devicereceiving portion for releasably fixating one or more auxiliary batteries for to be connected to the first mobile user device and / or the second mobile user device.

[0112] Since a sport event can last long relative to the battery power consumption of a mobile user device recording a video recording, one or more auxiliary batteries may advantageously be combined with the mount and the mobile user devices releasably fixated therein. Prior to initiating a recording of a sport event, one or more auxiliary batteries may be arranged in the mount at a third device-receiving portion and may be connected to the first mobile user device and / or the second mobile user device such that these can record the sport event with a reduced risk of power depletion. An example of an auxiliary battery for a mobile user device is a power bank.

[0113] According to examples of the present disclosure, the first device-receiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the first mobile user device in a horizontal configuration and the second device-receiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the second mobile user device in a horizontal configuration.

[0114] Generally, a mount according to the fourth aspect may be used in the method according to the first aspect, and in the recording system according to the second aspect.

[0115] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of recording a sport event at a sport area, the method comprising the steps of: fixating a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device relative to each other and relative to the sport area, wherein the first mobile user device comprises a first camera, wherein the second mobile user device comprises a second camera, wherein the step of fixating the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device comprises releasably fixating the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device in a mount according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first mobile user device is releasably fixed in the first device-receiving portion of the mount, wherein the second mobile user device is releasably fixed in the second device-receiving portion of the mount; recording a first video recording using the first camera of the first mobile user device and a second video recording using the second camera of the second mobile user device, wherein the first video recording is directed at a first subsection of the sport area, wherein the second video recording is directed at a second sub-section of the sport area intersecting the first sub-section; and merging the first video recording and the second video recording to generate a merged video of the sport event, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is based on a set of mount angle parameters, the set of mount angle parameters comprising the first recording angle and the second recording angle of the mount and / or a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle of the mount. Hence, according to the fifth aspect, the first video recording and the second video recording are obtained with the mobile user devices fixated in a mount, where these video recordings are then merged based on mount angle parameters of the mount. By taking into account the geometry of the mount, improved and simplified merging of the video recordings may be performed. By taking into account the recording angles provided by the mount, stitching of video recordings with less prominent stitching artefacts may be possible. Moreover, processing of the videos to, e.g., extract the relative angles at which the videos were recorded can be reduced or avoided. The first video recording and the second video recording are preferably recorded while the first and second mobile user devices are fixated in the mount. Under the fifth aspect, a third mobile user device is not necessarily required. If no third mobile user device is used, the video recordings may be initiated via the first mobile user device and / or the second mobile user device. A set of mount angle parameters may comprise just a single parameter, for example the different between the first recording angle and the second recording angle.

[0116] According to examples of the present disclosure, the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is based on the set of mount angle parameters being predetermined prior to recording the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0117] That is, the set of mount angle parameters is not extracted by, e.g., processing of the first and second video recordings. Instead, it is, e.g., preprogrammed or preset. For example, the first recording angle and the second recording angle may simply be hardcoded into a processing system which performs the merging of the video recordings, or the set of mount angle parameters is provided from a user of the mount to a processing system prior the merging of the video recordings.

[0118] According to examples of the present disclosure, the set of mount angle parameters is preprogrammed into a processing system, such as a remote processing system, wherein the processing system performs the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0119] According to examples of the present disclosure, only the first video recording and the second video recording are used to generate the merged video of the sport event.

[0120] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0121] Embodiments of the invention will now be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a recording system for generation of a merged video according to examples of the present disclosure,

[0122] Fig. 2a-d illustrate a method of recording a sport event at a sport area according to examples of the present disclosure,

[0123] Fig. 3a-b illustrate recording angles of relevance for examples of the present disclosure,

[0124] Fig. 4a-c illustrate different views of a mount according to examples of the present disclosure,

[0125] Fig. 5a-d illustrate different views of another mount according to example of the present disclosure, and

[0126] Fig. 6 illustrates a software application for a mobile user device and its implications according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0127] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0128] Fig. 1 illustrates a recording system 1 for generation of a merged video according to examples of the present disclosure. More specifically, the recording system 1 is for generation of a merged video from a first video recording and a second video recording from respective mobile user devices 3a, 3b positioned to record respective video recordings of respective sub-sections 6a, 6b of a sport event at a sport area 2.

[0129] The system 1 comprises a sport area 2 for hosting the sport event. In the present illustration, the sport area 2 is illustrated as an association football field (also referred to as a soccer field). In the present example, the sport event can hence be an association football event, such as a football match or a training session.

[0130] The system further comprises a first mobile user device 3a positioned at the sport area 2, for example next to the sport area 2.

[0131] The first mobile user device 3a comprises a first camera via which the first mobile user device 3a can record a video recording. The first mobile user device 3a is positioned at a fixed position relative to the sport area such that the first camera can record a sport event at the sport area. The first mobile user device 3a is positioned and angled such that a first subsection 6a of the sport area 2 is captured by the first camera. The first mobile user device 3a further comprises a first software application. In other words, the first mobile user device 3a is configured to run or execute a first software application. This first software application has an agent configuration in which the first mobile user device 3a is configured to initiate a first video recording using the first camera upon receiving an initiation signal 7.

[0132] In addition, the system 1 further comprises a second mobile user device 3b. This second mobile user device 3b is also positioned at a fixed position relative to the sport area 2, but at a slightly different position relative to the first mobile user device 3a, and at a different angle.

[0133] The second mobile user device 3b comprises a second camera via which the second mobile user device 3b can also record a video recording. The second mobile user device 3b is positioned and angled such that a second sub-section 6b of the sport area 2 is captured by the second camera. The second sub-section 6b intersects the first sub-section 6a. Preferably, the first sub-section 6a and the second sub-section 6a includes the entire sport area 2 as indicated in Fig. 1 by the dashed lines representing the areas of view of provided by the respective cameras of the two mobile user devices 3a, 3b.

[0134] In similarity with the first mobile user device 3a, the second mobile user device 3b comprises a second software application, i.e., the second mobile user device 3b is configured to run or execute a second software application. The second software application also has an agent configuration in which the second mobile user device 3b is configured to initiate a second video recording using the second video camera upon receiving an initiation signal 7.

[0135] In the present example, the two mobile user devices 3a, 3b are releasably fixated relative to each other and relative to the sport area 2 by respective mounts (not illustrated).

[0136] The recording system 1 additionally comprises a third mobile user device 3c. In contrast to the first and second mobile user devices 3a, 3b, this third mobile user device 3c, is not at a fixed position and angle relative to the sport area 2. The third mobile user device 3c may for example be carried by a user during at least a part of the sport event.

[0137] The third mobile user device 3c comprises a third software application. In other words, the third mobile user device 3c is configured to run or execute the third software application. The third software application has a director configuration in which the third mobile user device is configured to transmit an initiation signal 7. In practice, the third mobile user device 3c is communicatively coupled to the first mobile user device 3a and the second mobile user device 3b, such that the third mobile user device 3c can transmit this initiation signal 7 to the first and second mobile user devices 3a, 3b.

[0138] The devices 3a, 3b, 3c may for example be communicatively coupled via a wireless personal area network, or a wireless local area network.

[0139] In this example, the initiation signal 7 is transmitted from the third mobile user device 3c to the first and second mobile user device 3a, 3b, upon receiving an input from a user via a user interface of the third software application on the third mobile user device 3c.

[0140] Upon receiving this input, the third mobile user device 3c then transmits the initiation signal 7 to the first mobile user device 3a and the second mobile user device 3b. When the first mobile user device 3a receives the initiation signal 7, the first mobile user device initiates a first video recording via the first camera, and when the second mobile user device 3b receives the initiation signal 7, the second mobile user device initiates a second video recording via the second camera.

[0141] Thereby, the user can control when to start the two video recordings of the respective cameras of the respective mobile user devices 3a, 3b.

[0142] In the present example, the first and second mobile user devices 3a, 3b continuously transmit the video recording to a remote processing system wirelessly. At the remote processing system, the first video recording of the first mobile user device 3a and the second video recording of the second mobile user device 3b are merged to provide a merged video which provides a view of the sport event across the entire sport area 2.

[0143] In alternative examples of the present disclosure, the entire first video recording and the entire second video recording are captured before merging the video recordings. Merging of the video recordings may be performed by the first mobile user device, by the second mobile user device, by the third mobile user device, by a remote processing system, or by a combination thereof.

[0144] In alternative examples of the present disclosure, the third mobile user device 3c provides an initiation signal 7 only to one of the two other mobile user devices 3a, 3b, for example to the first mobile user device 3a. In such examples, first mobile user device 3a then forwards the initiation signal 7 to the second mobile user device 3b such that each of the first and second mobile user devices 3a, 3b receives the initiation signal 7. The mobile user devices 3a, 3b having software applications comprising the agent configuration may also be referred to as agent devices 4, and the mobile user device 3c having a software application comprising the director configuration may also be referred to as a director device 5.

[0145] Fig. 2a-d illustrate a method of recording a sport event at a sport area 2 according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0146] A first step of the method is illustrated in Fig. 2a. Here, a first mobile user device 3a and a second mobile user devices 3b are fixated relative to each other and relative to the sport area 2. This fixation may be preceded by adjusting positions and angles of the mobile user devices 3a, 3b to ensure that the devices 3a, 3b are provided with proper recording angles. This adjustment prior to fixation is indicated in Fig. 2a by arrows. The fixation to a relative position and angle between the first and second mobile user devices 3a, 3b may optionally be at least partially facilitated by one or more mounts.

[0147] The first mobile user device 3a comprises a first camera and a first software application, the first software application comprising an agent configuration in which the first mobile user device 3a is configured to initiate a first video recording using the first video camera upon receiving an incoming initiation signal 7. Similarly, the second mobile user device 3b comprises a second camera and a second software application, the second software application comprising an agent configuration in which the second mobile user device 3b is configured to initiate a second video recording using the second video camera upon receiving the incoming initiation signal 7.

[0148] Another step of the method is illustrated in Fig. 2b. Here, a third mobile user device 3c is provided, the third mobile user device 3c comprising a third software application comprising a director configuration in which the third mobile user device is configured to transmit the initiation signal 7. Fig. 2b further illustrates transmission of the initiation signal 7 from the third mobile user device 3c to the first mobile user device 3a and the second mobile user device 3b using the third software application. Thereby, a first video recording is initiated using the first software application, and a second video recording is initiated using the second software application. The first video recording is directed at a first sub-section of the sport area 2 and the second video recording is directed at a second sub-section of the sport area 2 different from and intersecting the first sub-section.

[0149] The outcome of this procedure is illustrated in Fig. 2c. The first mobile user device 3a has recorded a first video recording 8a, and the second mobile user device 3b has recorded a second video recording 8b. The first video recording 8a contains a recording of a portion of the sport event which takes place in the first sub-section of the sport area, and the second video recording 8b contains a recording of a portion of the sport event which takes place in the second sub-section of the sport area.

[0150] Another step of the method is illustrated in Fig. 2d. Here, the first video recording 8a and the second video recording 8b are merged to generate a merged video 9 of the sport event. The merged video 9 thereby contains a recording of the entire sport event, in contrast to the first and second video recordings 8a, 8b which only contain recordings of respective portions of the sport event.

[0151] A merging of a first video recording 8a and a second video recording 8b may for example be performed based on determining feature points in the first video recording 8a and determining feature points in the second video recording 8b and matching common feature points present in the two video recordings 8a, 8b to thereby stitch the video recordings 8a, 8b and provide a merged video 9. Alternatively, a merging of a first video recording and a second video recording can be based on a set of mount angle parameters, this set being indicative of the geometry of a mount into which the first and second mobile user devices 3a- b are fixated, and thereby indicative of recording angles of these devices.

[0152] The merged video 9 can be a panoramic view. Alternatively, the merged video 9 can be a spatially segmented video composed of at least a segment comprising the first video recording 8a and a segment comprising the second video recording 8b.

[0153] Fig. 3a-b illustrate recording angles 10, 10a, 10b of relevance for examples of the present disclosure.

[0154] Fig. 3a provides a side view of a mobile user device 3 positioned at a sport area 2 to capture a portion of a sport event at the sport area by using the camera of the mobile user device. Typical examples of the present disclosure involve two mobile user devices 3, but for the sake of simplicity, a single mobile user device 3 is illustrated.

[0155] The mobile user device 3 is positioned at an elevated position relative to the level of the sport area 2. Further, the mobile user device has a specific recording angle 10. Namely, the recording angle is not parallel to the level of the sport area 2.

[0156] In practice, the recording angle 10 can be quantified relative to an upright direction 11 perpendicular to the level of the sport area 2, i.e., relative to a vertical direction. This is also illustrated in Fig. 3a. The recording angle 10 of the mobile user device 3 is extended by a dotted line in the left-hand direction where it intersects an arrow indicative of the upright direction 10. This intersection defines the angle relative to the upright direction 12. Preferably, this angle is below 90 degrees, for example 80 degrees.

[0157] The position and the recording angle 10 of the mobile user device 3 may be provided by a mount configured to provide, for example, a specific recording angle and a specific vertical elevation.

[0158] Fig. 3b provides a top view of two mobile user devices 3a, 3b, the first mobile user device 3a having a first recording angle 10a and the second mobile user device 3b having a second recording angle 10b.

[0159] The figure illustrates a horizontal component 13 of a difference between the first recording angle 10a and the second recording angle 10b. This horizontal component 13 is measured in a plane parallel to the level of the sport area and / or in a plane perpendicular to an upright or vertical direction.

[0160] The horizontal component 13 is preferably within a range from 78 degrees to 118 degrees, for example at 98 degrees. The magnitude of the horizontal component 13 may be provided by a mount configured to hold the two mobile user devices 3a, 3b at specific respective recording angles 10a, 10b.

[0161] Fig. 4a-c illustrate different views of a mount 14 according to examples of the present disclosure. Fig. 4a illustrates a front view of the mount 14 holding two mobile user devices 3a, 3b and attached to a stand 18, Fig. 4b illustrates a rear view of the mount 14, and Fig. 4c illustrates a top view of the mount 14 in a collapsed configuration.

[0162] The illustrated mount 14 comprises a first device-receiving portion 15a for releasably fixating a first mobile user device 3a at a first recording angle, and a second device receiving portion of releasably fixating a second mobile user device 3b and a second recording angle different from the first recording angle.

[0163] Accordingly, a first camera 16a of the first mobile user device 3a held at the first devicereceiving portion 15a has an orientation corresponding to the first recording angle, and a second camera 16b of the second mobile user device 3b held at the second device-receiving portion 15b has an orientation corresponding to the second recording angle.

[0164] The device receiving portions 15a, 15b each have a spring-loading slidable clamping member. A mobile user device can be releasably fixated into a device receiving portion by sliding this clamping member upwards until a gap sufficient for the relevant mobile user device has been established, inserting the mobile user device into this gap, and gently releasing the clamping member, upon which the clamping member will clamp the mobile user device, thereby releasably fixating it.

[0165] The mount 14 further comprises a mount-stand interface 17 to which a stand 18 having an upright extension is connected. Thereby, the mount-stand interface 17 defines an upright direction associated with the stand 18. In this particular example the mount-stand interface 17 is a cavity having a cylindrical shape for receiving a cylindrical stand 18, wherein the axis of the cylindrical shape defines the upright direction. Relative to this upright direction, the first recording angle and the second recording angle, provided by the device-receiving portions 15a, 15b, is below 90 degrees.

[0166] In addition, the mount 14 comprises an adjustable joint 19 which pivotally connects the first device-receiving portion 15a and the second device receiving portion 15b. Via this adjustable joint 19, the mount is switchable between a recording configuration and a collapsed configuration as illustrated in Fig. 4c. The positioning of the device-receiving portions 15a, 15b when the mount 14 is in the recording configuration is illustrated by dashed lines. Further, arrows indicated how the device-receiving portions 15a, 15b can be pivotally shifted back and forth to thereby switch the mount 14 between the recording configuration and the collapsed configuration. Figs. 4a and 4b both illustrate the mount 14 in the recording configuration.

[0167] In the recording configuration, the first device-receiving portion 15a is positioned to releasably fixate the first mobile user device 3a in the first recording angle, and the second device-receiving portion is positioned to releasably fixate the second mobile user device 3b in the second recording angle.

[0168] In the collapsed configuration illustrated in Fig. 4c, the distance between the first devicereceiving portion and the second device-receiving portion is less than in the recording configuration. Thereby, simple and easy transportation of the mount 14 is enabled.

[0169] Fig. 5a-d illustrate different views of another mount 14 according to example of the present disclosure. Fig. 5a illustrates an angled view of the front and bottom of the mount 14, Fig. 5b illustrates an angled view of the rear and top of the mount 14, Fig. 5c illustrates an elastic band 32 of the mount 14, and Fig. 5d illustrates an angled view of the front of the mount 14 holding two mobile user devices 3a, 3b. As for the mount illustrated in Figs. 4a-c, the mount illustrated in Figs. 5a-d comprises first and second device-receiving portions 15a, 15b for releasably fixating respective first and second mobile user devices 3a, 3b at respective different recording angles.

[0170] In the present mount 14, mobile user devices are releasably fixated by means of an elastic band 32 at each of the device-receiving portions 15a, 15b. Figs. 5a-b illustrate the mount without the presence of elastic bands, and Fig. 5c illustrates an elastic band 32 attachable at a device-receiving portion 15a, 15b of the mount 12.

[0171] The elastic band is attachable via hooking members 33 of the mount 14 positioned on opposite sides of each of the device receiving portions 15a, 15b. When an elastic band 33 is attached to two such hooking members 33 on opposite sides of a device-receiving portion 15a, 15b, a mobile user device 3a, 3b can be releasably fixated to that device-receiving portion 15a, 15b by that elastic band 33.

[0172] The presence of a grab member 35 on the elastic band assists the user to latch the elastic band onto a hooking member 33 to thereby fixate the mobile user device 3a, 3b.

[0173] Fig. 5d illustrates the mount 14 holding two mobile user devices 3a, 3b, each comprising a respective camera 16a, 16b. The two illustrated mobile user devices 3a, 3b are different mobile user devices 3a, 3b, which is evident from the scale of the two devices 3a, 3b in the illustration. Respective apertures / openings in the mount provide the cameras 16a, 16b with a view of, e.g., a sport area.

[0174] In this example, the mount 14 is rigid such that the first recording angle and the second recording angle are fixed relative to each other.

[0175] Fig. 6 illustrates a software application for a mobile user device 3a and its implications according to examples of the present disclosure. In the figure, a mobile user device 3a executing the software application is illustrated in combination with relevant hardware elements in a hardware level 21 and relevant digital software elements provided by the software application in a software level 31.

[0176] The hardware level elements comprise a camera 16, a digital storage 22, a processing unit, and communication interfaces 24a, 24b. The digital storage 22 at least partially stores digital instructions of the software application. The digital instructions of the software application are executed by a processing unit 23 to thereby run the software application. This causes the mobile user device 3a to provide an agent configuration 25, to provide a director configuration 26, to provide a device configuration switch 28, and to facilitate a recording procedure by a recording system. Further, this may optionally cause the mobile user device 3a to provide a self-recording configuration 27, to provide a system configuration switch 29, to provide a graphical user interface 30, and to communicate with external devices such as one or more other mobile user devices 3b, 3c and / or a remote processing system 20.

[0177] The via device configuration switch 28, the mobile user device is switchable between the agent configuration 25, the director configuration 26, and, optionally, the self-recording configuration 27. Optionally, the mobile user device may be switchable between the agent configuration 25, the director configuration 26, and, optionally, the self-recording configuration 27 via a system configuration switch 29.

[0178] The system configuration switch 29 controls the configuration of both the relevant mobile user device 3a as well as configurations of other mobile user devices 3b, 3c which may optionally be part of a recording system of one or more mobile user devices 3a, 3b, 3c. Thereby, the system configuration switch 29 also constitutes a type of device configuration switch, since it switches a configuration of the device 3a potentially in combination with switching configurations of other devices 3b, 3c.

[0179] A device configuration switch 28 and a system configuration switch 29 can, for example, be switched based on user input via a graphical user interface 30 and / or via a switching signal from another device 3b, 3c.

[0180] In the agent configuration 25, the mobile user device 3a initiates a video recording using the camera 16 upon receiving an incoming initiation signal 7 from a separate director device communicatively linked to the mobile user device 3a, i.e., from a separate mobile user device 3b, 3c in a director configuration.

[0181] In the director configuration 26, the mobile user device 3a is configured to transmit an outgoing initiation signal 7 to one or more separate agent devices communicatively linked to the mobile user device 3a, i.e., to one or more separate mobile user devices 3b, 3c, each in an agent configuration.

[0182] In the self-recording configuration 27, the mobile user device 3a is configured to initiate a video recording using the camera 16 of the mobile user device 3a. Optionally, the mobile user device may further be configured to transmit an outgoing initiation signal 7 to a separate agent device.

[0183] The mobile user device 3a communicates to separate mobile user devices 3a, 3b via a first communication interface 24a. Via this communication interface 24a, the initiation signal can be transmitted and / or received. Moreover, in some examples, switching signals can be transferred between mobile user devices 3a, 3b, 3c such that the configuration of the individual device can be controlled via another device, for example to switch between possible system configuration, thereby providing a selected system configuration.

[0184] Further, in some examples, video recordings can be transferred between mobile user devices 3a, 3b, 3c via this communication interface 24a.

[0185] Optionally, the mobile user device 3a may further communicate to a remote processing system 20 via a second communication interface 24b. Such a communication interface 24b can be used to transmit one or more video recordings to the remote processing system 20, for example to thereby merge a first video recording and a second video recording to generate a merged video of a sport event using the remote processing system 20.

[0186] Hence, by having one or more mobile user devices 3a, 3b, 3c, each device being configured to execute a separate reproduction of the software application, these mobile user devices can be used to facilitate a recording procedure of a recording system, for example to thereby record a sport event at a sport area. The individual mobile user devices thereby each constitute an individual system device of the recording system.

[0187] List of figure references:

[0188] 1 recording system

[0189] 2 sport area

[0190] 3 mobile user device

[0191] 4 agent device

[0192] 5 director device

[0193] 6 sub-section

[0194] 7 initiation signal

[0195] 8 video recording

[0196] 9 merged video

[0197] 10 recording angle

[0198] 11 upright direction

[0199] 12 angle relative to upright direction

[0200] 13 horizontal component

[0201] 14 mount

[0202] 15 device-receiving portion

[0203] 16 camera

[0204] 17 mount-stand interface

[0205] 18 stand 19 adjustable joint

[0206] 20 remote processing system

[0207] 21 hardware level

[0208] 22 digital storage 23 processing unit

[0209] 24 communication interface

[0210] 25 agent configuration

[0211] 26 director configuration

[0212] 27 self-recording configuration 28 device configuration switch

[0213] 29 system configuration switch

[0214] 30 user interface

[0215] 31 software level

[0216] 32 elastic band 33 hooking member

[0217] 34 supporting member

[0218] 35 grab member

[0219] LIST OF NUMBERED EMBODIMENTS

[0220] 1. A method of recording a sport event at a sport area, the method comprising the steps of: fixating a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device relative to each other and relative to the sport area, wherein the first mobile user device comprises a first camera and a first software application, the first software application comprising an agent configuration in which the first mobile user device is configured to initiate a first video recording using the first camera upon receiving an incoming initiation signal, wherein the second mobile user device comprises a second camera and a second software application, the second software application comprising an agent configuration in which the second mobile user device is configured to initiate a second video recording using the second camera upon receiving the incoming initiation signal; providing a third mobile user device comprising a third software application, wherein the third software application comprises a director configuration in which the third mobile user device is configured to transmit the initiation signal; transmitting the initiation signal from the third mobile user device to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device using the third software application to thereby initiate the first video recording using the first software application and the second video recording using the second software application, wherein the first video recording is directed at a first sub-section of the sport area, wherein the second video recording is directed at a second subsection of the sport area intersecting the first sub-section; and merging the first video recording and the second video recording to generate a merged video of the sport event.

[0221] 2. A method according to embodiment 1, wherein the initiation signal is transmitted to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device simultaneously to thereby initiate recording of the first video recording and the second video recording simultaneously, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is performed based on the first video recording and the second video recording being initiated simultaneously. 3. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device has a fixed relative distance and a fixed relative orientation while recording the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0222] 4. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method comprises a step of: transmitting the first video recording and the second video recording to a remote processing system, wherein the remote processing system performs the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0223] 5. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the merged video is a panoramic video.

[0224] 6. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording comprises the sub-steps of: identifying an element portion of a physical element present in at least one of the first video recording and the second video recording, wherein the element portion is associated with a physical size; and stitching the first video recording and the second video recording based on an in-frame position of the element portion and the physical size of the element portion to obtain a panoramic video of the sport event.

[0225] 7. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording comprises the sub-steps of: determining first feature points in the first video recording a second feature points in the second video recording, the first feature points and second feature points having a common set of feature points corresponding to feature points present in both the first video recording and the second video recording; identifying an element portion of a physical element present in at least one of the first video recording and the second video recording, wherein the element portion is associated with a physical size; estimating a feature location of one or more feature points of the common set, wherein the feature location is a representation of a physical location at the sport area relative to the first mobile user device and / or the second mobile user device, wherein the feature location is estimated based on an in-frame position of the element portion in one or more frames of any of the first video recording and the second video recording and based on the physical size of the element portion; and stitching the first video recording and the second video recording based on the feature location to obtain a panoramic video of the sport event.

[0226] 8. A method according to any of embodiments 6-7, wherein the physical element has a fixed location relative to the sport area.

[0227] 9. A method according to any of embodiments 7-8, wherein the feature location is estimated based on a relative element location of the physical element relative to the sport area.

[0228] 10. A method according to embodiment 9, wherein the relative element location is provided based on an assumed location of the physical element relative to the sport area.

[0229] 11. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the step of fixating the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device comprises releasably fixating the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device in one or more mounts, preferably wherein the one or more mounts are configured to releasably fixate the first mobile user device at a first recording angle and the releasably fixate the second mobile user device at a second recording angle different from the first recording angle, wherein of each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to an upright direction is below 90 degrees, for example wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright direction is between 72 degrees and 88 degrees, for example between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, such as between 77 degrees and 83 degrees.

[0230] 12. A method according to embodiment 11, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is based on a set of mount angle parameters, the set of mount angle parameters comprising the first recording angle and the second recording angle of the mount and / or a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle of the mount.

[0231] 13. A method according to embodiment 12, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is based on the set of mount angle parameters being predetermined prior to recording the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0232] 14. A method according to any of embodiments 12-13, wherein the set of mount angle parameters is preprogrammed into a processing system, such as a remote processing system, wherein the processing system performs the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0233] 15. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first mobile user device records at least one half of the sport area and the second mobile user device records at least another half of the sport area, such that the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device collectively record an entirety of the sport area.

[0234] 16. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein no video recording from the third mobile user device is used to generate the merged video of the sport event.

[0235] 17. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein only the first video recording and the second video recording are used to generate the merged video of the sport event.

[0236] 18. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the merged video represents a single view of the sport event across the entire sport area.

[0237] 19. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device each has a horizontal orientation while recording the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0238] 20. A recording system for generation of a merged video from a first video recording and a second video recording, the recording system comprising: a sport area for hosting a sport event; a first mobile user device, the first mobile user device comprising a first camera and a first software application, the first software application comprising an agent configuration in which the first mobile user device is configured to initiate the first video recording using the first camera upon receiving an incoming initiation signal, wherein the first mobile user device is positioned at the sport area for recording the sport event and directed at a first sub-section of the sport area; a second mobile user device, the second mobile user device comprising a second camera and a second software application, the second software application comprising an agent configuration in which the second mobile user device is configured to initiate the second video recording using the second camera upon receiving the incoming initiation signal, wherein the second mobile user device is positioned at the sport area for recording the sport event and directed at a second sub-section of the sport area intersecting the first subsection; one or more mounts in which the first mobile user device and a second mobile user device are releasably fixated relative to each other and relative to the sport area; and a third mobile user device, the third mobile user device comprising a third software application, the third software application comprising a director configuration in which the third mobile user device is configured to transmit the initiation signal to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device to thereby initiate recording of the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0239] 21. A recording system according to embodiment 20, wherein the recording system further comprises a processing system such as a remote processing system, wherein any of the first mobile user device, the second mobile user device, and the third mobile user device is configured to transmit the first video recording and the second video recording to the processing system, wherein the processing system is configured to merge the first video recording and the second video recording to generate the merged video.

[0240] 22. A recording system according to any of embodiments 20-21, wherein the one or more mounts is one mount, the mount comprising a first device-receiving portion and a second device-receiving portion, wherein the first device-receiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the first mobile user device at a first recording angle, wherein the second devicereceiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the second mobile user device at a second recording angle, wherein the first recording angle and the second recording angle are different. 23. A recording system according to embodiment 22, wherein the mount comprises a stand having an upright extension which positions the first device-receiving portion and the second device-receiving portion at an elevated height relative to the sport area, wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright extension is below 90 degrees, for example wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright extension is between 72 degrees and 88 degrees, for example between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, such as between 77 degrees and 83 degrees.

[0241] 24. A recording system according to any of embodiments 22-23, wherein a horizontal component of a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle is between 78 degrees and 118 degrees, for example between 83 degrees and 113 degrees, for example between 88 degrees and 108 degrees, such as between 93 degrees and 103 degrees.

[0242] 25. A software application for a mobile user device, the software application comprising digital instructions which, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, cause the mobile user device to: provide an agent configuration in which the mobile user device initiates a video recording using a camera of the mobile user device upon receiving an incoming initiation signal from a separate director device communicatively linked to the mobile user device; provide a director configuration in which the mobile user device is configured to transmit an outgoing initiation signal to a separate agent device communicatively linked to the mobile user device such that the separate agent device initiates a video recording using a camera of the separate agent device; provide a device configuration switch, wherein the mobile user device is switchable between the agent configuration and the director configuration through the device configuration switch; and facilitate a recording procedure according to a recording system configuration of a recording system, the recording system comprising one or more system devices, the mobile user device being one of the one or more system devices, wherein the one or more system devices further comprises the separate director device when the mobile user device is in the agent configuration, wherein the one or more system devices further comprises the separate agent device when the mobile user device is in the director configuration. 26. A software application according to embodiment 25, wherein each of the one or more system devices execute a separate reproduction of the software application.

[0243] 27. A software application according to any of embodiments 25-26, wherein the digital instructions, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, further cause the mobile user device to: provide a user interface accessible by a user of the mobile user device.

[0244] 28. A software application according to embodiment 27, wherein the device configuration switch is switchable via the user interface.

[0245] 29. A software application according to any of embodiments 27-28, wherein the digital instructions, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, further cause the mobile user device to: receive a tentative view from the separate agent device prior to transmitting the outgoing initiation signal, wherein the tentative view is a live recording of the camera of the separate agent device, wherein the tentative view is reproduced on the user interface of the mobile user device.

[0246] 30. A software application according to any of embodiments 27-29, wherein the software application is configured to at least temporarily abstain from reproducing the video recording of the separate agent device on the user interface during the recording procedure.

[0247] 31. A software application according to any of embodiments 25-30, wherein the digital instructions, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, further cause the mobile user device to: provide a self-recording configuration in which the mobile user device initiates a video recording using the camera of the mobile user device, wherein the mobile user device is switchable between the agent configuration, the director configuration, and the self-recording configuration through the device configuration switch.

[0248] 32. A software application according to embodiment 31, wherein, when the mobile user device is in the self-recording configuration and the recording system comprises a separate agent device, the mobile user device transmits an outgoing initiation signal to a separate agent device communicatively linked to the mobile user device such that the separate agent device initiates a video recording using a camera of the separate agent device.

[0249] 33. A software application according to any of embodiments 25-32, wherein the recording system is switchable between at least two possible system configurations, wherein the recording system configuration is a selected system configuration.

[0250] 34. A software application according to embodiment 33, wherein the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system comprises three system devices, these three system devices comprising a director device in the director configuration and two agent devices in the agent configuration.

[0251] 35. A software application according to any of embodiments 33-34, wherein the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system consists of two system devices, these two system devices being a director device in the director configuration and an agent device in the agent configuration.

[0252] 36. A software application according to any of embodiments 33-35, wherein the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system consists of two system devices, these two system devices being a self-recording device in the self-recording configuration and an agent device in the agent configuration.

[0253] 37. A software application according to any of embodiments 33-36, wherein the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system consists of one system device, this one system devices being a self-recording device in the self-recording configuration.

[0254] 38. A mount for receiving a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device, the mount comprising : a first device-receiving portion for releasably fixating the first mobile user device at a first recording angle; a second device-receiving portion for releasably fixating the second mobile user device at a second recording angle, wherein the first recording angle and the second recording angle are different; a mount-stand interface for connecting a stand having an upright extension, wherein the mount-stand interface defines an upright direction associated with the upright extension, wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright direction is below 90 degrees.

[0255] 39. A mount according to embodiment 38, wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright direction is between 72 degrees and 88 degrees, for example between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, such as between 77 degrees and 83 degrees.

[0256] 40. A mount according to any of embodiments 38-39, wherein a horizontal component of a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle is between 78 degrees and 118 degrees, for example between 83 degrees and 113 degrees, for example between 88 degrees and 108 degrees, such as between 93 degrees and 103 degrees.

[0257] 41. A mount according to any of embodiments 38-40, wherein the mount comprises a top cover extending above and across the first device-receiving portion and the second devicereceiving portion.

[0258] 42. A mount according to any of embodiments 38-41, wherein the mount comprises: a first elastic fixation element for releasably fixating the first mobile user device at the first device-receiving portion; and a second elastic fixation element for releasably fixating the second mobile user device at the second device-receiving portion.

[0259] 43. A mount according to any of embodiments 38-42, wherein the mount is rigid such that the first recording angle and the second recording angle are fixed relative to each other.

[0260] 44. A mount according to any of embodiments 38-42, wherein the mount comprises an adjustable joint pivotally connecting the first device-receiving portion and the second devicereceiving portion, wherein the mount is switchable via the adjustable joint between: a recording configuration in which the first device-receiving portion is positioned to releasably fixate the first mobile user device at the first recording angle and in which the second device-receiving portion is positioned to releasably fixate the second mobile user device at the second recording angle; and a collapsed configuration in a distance between the first device-receiving portion and the second device-receiving portion is less than in the recording configuration.

[0261] 45. A mount according to embodiment 44, wherein the adjustable joint has a snapping mechanism configured to pivotally latch the mount in the recording configuration.

[0262] 46. A mount according to any of embodiments 38-45, wherein the mount comprises a stand connected to the mount-stand interface and having an upright extension corresponding to the upright direction defined by the mount-stand interface.

[0263] 47. A mount according to any of embodiments 38-46, wherein the mount comprises a third device-receiving portion for releasably fixating one or more auxiliary batteries for to be connected to the first mobile user device and / or the second mobile user device.

[0264] 48. A mount according to any of embodiments 38-47, wherein the first device-receiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the first mobile user device in a horizontal configuration and the second device-receiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the second mobile user device in a horizontal configuration.

[0265] 49. A method of recording a sport event at a sport area, the method comprising the steps of: fixating a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device relative to each other and relative to the sport area, wherein the first mobile user device comprises a first camera, wherein the second mobile user device comprises a second camera, wherein the step of fixating the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device comprises releasably fixating the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device in a mount according to any of embodiments 38-48, wherein the first mobile user device is releasably fixed in the first device-receiving portion of the mount, wherein the second mobile user device is releasably fixed in the second device-receiving portion of the mount; recording a first video recording using the first camera of the first mobile user device and a second video recording using the second camera of the second mobile user device, wherein the first video recording is directed at a first subsection of the sport area, wherein the second video recording is directed at a second sub-section of the sport area intersecting the first sub-section; and merging the first video recording and the second video recording to generate a merged video of the sport event, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is based on a set of mount angle parameters, the set of mount angle parameters comprising the first recording angle and the second recording angle of the mount and / or a difference between the first recording angle and the second recording angle of the mount.

[0266] 50. A method according to embodiment 48, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is based on the set of mount angle parameters being predetermined prior to recording the first video recording and the second video recording.

[0267] 51. A method according to any of embodiments 48-49, wherein the set of mount angle parameters is preprogrammed into a processing system, such as a remote processing system, wherein the processing system performs the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording. 52. A method according to any of embodiments 48-50, wherein only the first video recording and the second video recording are used to generate the merged video of the sport event.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of recording a sport event at a sport area, the method comprising the steps of: fixating a first mobile user device and a second mobile user device relative to each other and relative to the sport area, wherein the first mobile user device comprises a first camera and a first software application, the first software application comprising an agent configuration in which the first mobile user device is configured to initiate a first video recording using the first camera upon receiving an incoming initiation signal, wherein the second mobile user device comprises a second camera and a second software application, the second software application comprising an agent configuration in which the second mobile user device is configured to initiate a second video recording using the second camera upon receiving the incoming initiation signal; providing a third mobile user device comprising a third software application, wherein the third software application comprises a director configuration in which the third mobile user device is configured to transmit the initiation signal; transmitting the initiation signal from the third mobile user device to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device using the third software application to thereby initiate the first video recording using the first software application and the second video recording using the second software application, wherein the first video recording is directed at a first sub-section of the sport area, wherein the second video recording is directed at a second subsection of the sport area intersecting the first sub-section; and merging the first video recording and the second video recording to generate a merged video of the sport event.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the initiation signal is transmitted to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device simultaneously to thereby initiate recording of the first video recording and the second video recording simultaneously, wherein the step of merging the first video recording and the second video recording is performed based on the first video recording and the second video recording being initiated simultaneously.

3. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the merged video is a panoramic video.

4. A recording system for generation of a merged video from a first video recording and a second video recording, the recording system comprising: a sport area for hosting a sport event; a first mobile user device, the first mobile user device comprising a first camera and a first software application, the first software application comprising an agent configuration in which the first mobile user device is configured to initiate the first video recording using the first camera upon receiving an incoming initiation signal, wherein the first mobile user device is positioned at the sport area for recording the sport event and directed at a first sub-section of the sport area; a second mobile user device, the second mobile user device comprising a second camera and a second software application, the second software application comprising an agent configuration in which the second mobile user device is configured to initiate the second video recording using the second camera upon receiving the incoming initiation signal, wherein the second mobile user device is positioned at the sport area for recording the sport event and directed at a second sub-section of the sport area intersecting the first subsection; one or more mounts in which the first mobile user device and a second mobile user device are releasably fixated relative to each other and relative to the sport area; and a third mobile user device, the third mobile user device comprising a third software application, the third software application comprising a director configuration in which the third mobile user device is configured to transmit the initiation signal to the first mobile user device and the second mobile user device to thereby initiate recording of the first video recording and the second video recording.

5. A recording system according to claim 4, wherein the one or more mounts is one mount, the mount comprising a first device-receiving portion and a second device-receiving portion, wherein the first device-receiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the first mobile user device at a first recording angle, wherein the second device-receiving portion is configured to releasably fixate the second mobile user device at a second recording angle, wherein the first recording angle and the second recording angle are different.

6. A recording system according to claim 5, wherein the mount comprises a stand having an upright extension which positions the first device-receiving portion and the second devicereceiving portion at an elevated height relative to the sport area, wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright extension is below 90 degrees, for example wherein each of the first recording angle and the second recording angle relative to the upright extension is between 72 degrees and 88 degrees, for example between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, such as between 77 degrees and 83 degrees.

7. A software application for a mobile user device, the software application comprising digital instructions which, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, cause the mobile user device to: provide an agent configuration in which the mobile user device initiates a video recording using a camera of the mobile user device upon receiving an incoming initiation signal from a separate director device communicatively linked to the mobile user device; provide a director configuration in which the mobile user device is configured to transmit an outgoing initiation signal to a separate agent device communicatively linked to the mobile user device such that the separate agent device initiates a video recording using a camera of the separate agent device; provide a device configuration switch, wherein the mobile user device is switchable between the agent configuration and the director configuration through the device configuration switch; and facilitate a recording procedure according to a recording system configuration of a recording system, the recording system comprising one or more system devices, the mobile user device being one of the one or more system devices, wherein the one or more system devices further comprises the separate director device when the mobile user device is in the agent configuration, wherein the one or more system devices further comprises the separate agent device when the mobile user device is in the director configuration.

8. A software application according to claim 7, wherein the digital instructions, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, further cause the mobile user device to: provide a user interface accessible by a user of the mobile user device.

9. A software application according to claim 8, wherein the device configuration switch is switchable via the user interface.

10. A software application according to any of claims 8-9, wherein the software application is configured to at least temporarily abstain from reproducing the video recording of the separate agent device on the user interface during the recording procedure.

11. A software application according to any of claims 7-10, wherein the digital instructions, when the software application is executed by the mobile user device, further cause the mobile user device to: provide a self-recording configuration in which the mobile user device initiates a video recording using the camera of the mobile user device, wherein the mobile user device is switchable between the agent configuration, the director configuration, and the self-recording configuration through the device configuration switch.

12. A software application according to any of claims 7-11, wherein the recording system is switchable between at least two possible system configurations, wherein the recording system configuration is a selected system configuration.

13. A software application according to claim 12, wherein the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system comprises three system devices, these three system devices comprising a director device in the director configuration and two agent devices in the agent configuration.

14. A software application according to any of claims 12-13, wherein the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system consists of two system devices, these two system devices being a director device in the director configuration and an agent device in the agent configuration.

15. A software application according to any of claims 12-14, wherein the possible system configurations comprise a configuration in which the recording system consists of two system devices, these two system devices being a self-recording device in the self-recording configuration and an agent device in the agent configuration.

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