3D Event Data Generation Using Multi-Camera Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sports broadcasting and data streaming technologies lack comprehensive and detailed analysis of events, particularly in real-time, and fail to provide immersive viewer experiences due to limitations in video and audio streaming, and insufficient information for detailed game reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating and serving event data that includes 3-D data representing participants, using a network of camera units with detectors and signal processors to generate and process 3-D image and sound data, which is then made available over the internet for interactive and immersive viewing experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If video streaming is used to broadcast sporting events, then visual information is provided to viewers, but the data rate required is very high and performance deteriorates due to bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential visual information needed for sports broadcasting by using multiple cameras to capture specific angles and moments, rather than transmitting complete video feeds. This selective extraction reduces data transmission requirements while maintaining broadcast quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcasting system is segmented into multiple independent camera units, each capturing specific portions of the event. This allows parallel processing and transmission of divided visual information, improving overall transmission efficiency and reducing the burden on any single data stream.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive event data with 3-D information is collected using multiple camera units, then detailed analysis and immersive viewing experiences are enabled, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each camera unit is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both image capture and 3-D data generation simultaneously. The system uses universal processing algorithms that can handle multiple types of event data (video, audio, sensor information) through a single integrated processing framework, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified 3-D models and representations of participants and objects rather than processing complete raw sensor data. These copied representations maintain the essential 3-D information needed for immersive viewing while significantly reducing the computational complexity of data processing and storage.
3Loss of time
If real-time processing of multiple camera feeds is performed to generate 3-D data, then immediate event analysis is provided, but the processing time and computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration and synchronization of camera units before events begin. 3-D reconstruction algorithms are pre-configured and optimized for specific sports scenarios. This preliminary preparation enables faster real-time processing during actual events, reducing both processing time and computational power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent processes only the most critical 3-D data elements in real-time while delaying processing of less urgent information. This selective partial processing provides immediate event analysis capability with reduced computational demands, while still maintaining the option to process complete datasets when resources are available.
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
Enables the automatic broadcast of sporting events with comprehensive 3-D data, allowing viewers to choose perspectives and interact with the event, enhancing viewer engagement and providing detailed analysis for both entertainment and educational purposes.
Implementation Method 1
camera units configured and installed at an event venue to generate a plurality of images from waves which propagate from objects in the event including the at least one participant in a plurality of non-parallel detector planes
Implementation Method 2
The camera units include a plurality of detectors for measuring energy in the images in the detector planes to produce a plurality of signals obtained from different directions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for creating event data including 3-D data representing at least one participant in an event and making the event data available to be served is provided. The system includes a communications network. A plurality of camera units are coupled to the communications network. The camera units are configured and installed at an event venue to generate a plurality of images from waves which propagate from objects in the event and includes the at least one participant in a plurality of non-parallel detector planes spaced about the event venue. The camera units include a plurality of detectors for measuring energy in the images in the detector planes to produce a plurality of signals obtained from different directions with respect to the at least one participant and a plurality of signal processors to process the plurality of signals from the plurality of detectors with at least one control algorithm to obtain image data. A processor subsystem is coupled to the communications network to process the image data to obtain the event data including the 3-D data. A server, which includes a data engine, is in communication with the processor subsystem through the communications network. The server is configured to receive the event data including the 3-D data from the processor subsystem and to make the event data available to be served.