2D Camera Sports Timing Using Marker Size at a Virtual Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision-based sports timing systems face challenges in accurately determining passing times for multiple participants while being cost-effective, easy to set up, and simple to use, due to the need for expensive 3D camera installations and prolonged setup times.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using 2D camera systems with image processing algorithms, including deep learning models, to detect markers on objects and determine passing times by monitoring marker sizes in video frames, eliminating the need for 3D imaging and reducing setup complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D camera systems with stereovision are used to determine depth information for timing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential timing information from 2D camera images by detecting marker sizes and positions, eliminating the need for complex 3D depth calculation while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for accurate timing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 2D camera images as simplified copies of the 3D scene, processing marker appearances in the 2D image plane to determine timing, thereby avoiding the computational and hardware complexity of true 3D stereovision
2Measurement precision
If 3D camera systems are installed along the track for vision-based timing, then measurement precision is improved, but setup time and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple 2D cameras instead of expensive 3D camera systems, reducing both the cost and the setup time required for installation while maintaining adequate timing precision through alternative measurement approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the timing measurement task into independent marker detection and size measurement operations, allowing for simpler hardware implementation and faster setup compared to installing complete 3D camera systems along the entire track
3Productivity
If multiple 3D camera systems are installed along the track for high-speed timing, then productivity is improved, but cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive 3D camera systems with inexpensive 2D cameras, significantly reducing the overall system cost while maintaining the ability to process multiple participants efficiently through software-based marker detection algorithms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately determines passing times with simple and efficient hardware, utilizing 2D cameras and image processing to detect markers, enabling fast setup and reducing costs compared to traditional 3D systems.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system using 2D camera systems with image processing algorithms, including deep learning models, to detect markers on objects and determine passing times by monitoring marker sizes in video frames
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for determining a passing time of an object passing a virtual timing line on a sports track, wherein the method includes the steps of receiving a sequence of video frames captured by at least one camera system, preferably a 2D camera system, each video frame being associated with a time instance and representing a picture of a sports track, the picture including an object moving on the sports track relative to, preferably towards, the camera system; detecting markers or marker features, for example a BIB or a symbol on the BIB, in at least part of the sequence of video frames, the markers or marker features being associated with the object moving relative to the camera system and determining a size of the detected markers or marker features, the size of the detected markers or marker features defining detected marker sizes; and, determining the passing time based on the detected marker sizes and the time instances associated with detected marker sizes, the determining including: comparing the detected marker sizes with a reference size, the reference size being indicative of a marker or a marker feature positioned at the virtual timing line.