Automated Camera Control System for Sporting Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera control systems for sporting events require multiple human operators, leading to missed action, incorrect camera operation, and high operational costs, while also lacking in accuracy and quality of captured images.
Innovation Solution
A camera control system comprising slaved cameras that automatically adjust their direction, zoom, and focus to track a spatial node moving along a predetermined path, allowing for simultaneous control of multiple cameras by a single operator, reducing the need for multiple operators and enhancing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple human operators are employed to manually operate each camera, then comprehensive coverage of the sporting event can be achieved, but operational costs increase significantly and the risk of missed action or incorrect operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a virtual camera model that replicates the optical and mechanical properties of physical cameras to simulate and predict optimal camera positions and orientations. This virtual copy allows the system to pre-calculate tracking paths without requiring multiple human operators, thereby improving reliability while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical camera operation with an automated computer-controlled system that uses virtual reality simulation to determine camera trajectories. The mechanical adjustment of cameras is substituted by electronic control signals that automatically position cameras along pre-calculated paths, eliminating the need for multiple human operators while maintaining high accuracy
2Reliability
If multiple cameras are positioned at specific locations around the race course, then best footage coverage is achieved, but the cost of employing human operators for each camera becomes financially restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables cameras to automatically track and frame subjects without human intervention by using the virtual camera model to calculate optimal positioning in real-time. Each camera serves itself by following pre-determined trajectories that ensure high-quality footage, thereby eliminating the need for expensive human operators while maintaining broadcast quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from manual control to automated control based on virtual reality simulation. By pre-calculating camera paths and positions using virtual models, the system transforms the operational mode to be more cost-effective while maintaining or improving footage quality through precise, error-free automated positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If human operators manually control camera functions, then flexibility in capturing different angles is possible, but the risk of missing action or incorrect operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations using a virtual camera model to pre-determine optimal camera positions, orientations, and timing for capturing all possible actions. This advance planning ensures that cameras are automatically positioned to capture every moment of the event with consistency, eliminating the human error of missed action while maintaining framing flexibility through pre-calculated diverse angles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an automated camera control system (10). The automated camera control system (10) is a control management system for television broadcasting at a track based event, such as horse or motor racing. The automated camera control system (10) allows a single operator (54) to simultaneously control a plurality of cameras (16). The automated camera control system (10) improves the compositional quality of the footage. The operator (54) can simultaneously perform all the functions of a director including vision switching and camera setting for the outgoing television broadcast (86).