3D Swing Tracking for Handheld Sporting Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective systems for tracking the three-dimensional trajectory of handheld sporting implements like baseball bats, cricket bats, or golf clubs during swings, which is crucial for improving athletic performance and injury prevention.
Innovation Solution
A system using multiple cameras captures video images from different positions to identify motion regions and candidate locations in two-dimensional space, approximating a three-dimensional trajectory of the implement's head and shaft, enabling precise tracking and analysis of the swing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras with different positions are used to capture video images, then measurement precision of three-dimensional trajectory is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional video images to three-dimensional trajectory reconstruction by using multiple cameras positioned at different locations. The system captures 2D images from multiple viewpoints and synthesizes them into 3D spatial coordinates, enabling accurate trajectory tracking in three-dimensional space while managing the complexity through structured calibration and coordinate transformation methods.
2Reliability
If multiple cameras with different positions are used to capture video images, then reliability of swing analysis is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by establishing coordinate systems for each camera and determining transformation matrices before actual swing analysis. This pre-computation of camera parameters and spatial relationships enables reliable 3D trajectory reconstruction during operation without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If motion regions and candidate locations are identified in video images, then measurement precision of implement position is improved, but loss of time in processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video image processing into distinct stages: motion region detection, candidate location identification within motion regions, and final position determination. By dividing the complex processing task into manageable segments with specific focus areas, the system achieves precise implement position measurement while reducing overall processing time through targeted analysis rather than exhaustive frame-wide examination.
Data Source
AI summary
A path and/or orientation of object approaching an athlete is tracked using two or more cameras. At least two sets of images of the object are obtained using at least two different cameras having different positions. Motion regions within images are identified, and candidate locations in 2D space of the object are identified within the motion region(s). Based thereon, a probable location in 3D space of the identifiable portion is identified, for each of a plurality of instants during which the object was approaching. A piecewise 3D trajectory of at least the identifiable portion of the object is approximated from the probable locations in 3D space of the object for multiple instants during which the object was approaching the athlete. A graphical representation of the 3D trajectory of the object is incorporated into at least one of the sets of images.