AR Putt Prediction Overlay With Pre-Calibrated 3D Green Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for augmenting golf broadcasts with putt predictions are cumbersome, requiring lengthy calibration and are limited to fixed camera perspectives, often obstructed by players, and lack accuracy in trajectory overlays.
Innovation Solution
A method using a broadcast camera to overlay accurate putt predictions by generating a virtual 3D mesh of the putting green topography, calculating ball trajectories, and aligning this mesh with the camera's field of view using optically visible cues, eliminating the need for complex calibration and specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is calibrated and tracked in 3D space to overlay ball trajectories, then accurate trajectory overlays can be achieved, but the calibration takes a long time and the motion tracking is not very accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the camera positions at multiple predetermined locations before the broadcast. The calibration data is stored and reused throughout the tournament, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time calibration. This allows accurate trajectory overlays to be generated quickly by simply matching the current camera view with the pre-calibrated perspective data.
2Measurement precision
If stationary TV broadcast cameras are fixed to positions prior to the tournament, then it is feasible to overlay a 3D modelled ball trajectory, but if the view of the ball or the hole is obstructed, there is no way to adjust the point of view of the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional system where multiple pre-calibrated camera perspectives are available for each camera position. The system can switch between different predetermined perspectives (e.g., from behind the player, from behind the hole, from the side) depending on the situation, allowing the same physical camera to provide multiple viewing angles without physical repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by enabling dynamic selection and switching between multiple pre-calibrated perspectives. While the physical camera remains stationary, the virtual perspective can dynamically change based on which pre-calibrated view provides the best unobstructed view of the ball and hole, making the system adaptable to different playing conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera perspectives are used to avoid obstructions, then clear views can be maintained, but the complexity of calibrating and managing multiple cameras increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating virtual copies of camera perspectives through pre-calibrated 3D models. Instead of physically setting up and calibrating multiple actual cameras, the system creates digital replicas of camera views from a single calibrated camera by using pre-stored perspective data and 3D modeling techniques, significantly reducing the complexity of managing multiple physical cameras.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for augmenting live television golf broadcasts in real time using a broadcast camera (9), comprising the steps: providing a virtual 3D mesh (3), comprising the topography of an area (1), a ball location (4) within the area (1) and a hole location (5) within the area (1); calculating a ball trajectory (7), an aiming point (8) and an expected break, and adding them to the 3D mesh (3); aligning the 3D mesh (3) with the view of the broadcast camera (9) by comparing a length scale to the break, wherein the augmented broadcast comprises an overlay of the ball trajectory (7) and the aiming point (8).