Automated Video Production System Using Computational Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high costs and resource-intensive nature of traditional video broadcast systems make it impractical for small-scale or financially constrained events to be televised, as they require numerous cameras and operators to capture and stitch together video signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generates panoramic video productions by stitching component image frames from multiple cameras, allowing for automatic real-time processing with minimal operator intervention, using predefined conditions to select and manipulate image sections to simulate camera panning and zooming, without the need for expensive wide-angle optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional video broadcast systems use multiple cameras and operators to capture and stitch video signals, then the video production quality and field-of-view coverage are improved, but the cost and resource requirements increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic video is divided into multiple component video signals captured by individual cameras positioned at different locations. Each camera captures a section of the overall panoramic view, and these segmented views are then stitched together computationally to form the complete panoramic video production.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive wide-angle optics to capture the entire panoramic view in a single shot, the system uses multiple standard cameras to capture individual sections. These sections are then digitally combined to create a virtual copy of what a single wide-angle camera would capture, significantly reducing equipment costs.
2Loss of information
If traditional broadcast systems deploy numerous cameras and camera operators to follow action on and off the playing field, then the video coverage completeness is improved, but the manpower and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs video stitching and selection operations through computational processing without requiring human operators to manually control multiple cameras or edit videos in real-time. The predefined conditions and automatic stitching algorithms enable the system to serve itself, eliminating the need for large teams of camera operators and editors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple human-operated cameras with an automated computational system. Instead of operators manually panning and zooming cameras to follow action, the system uses image processing algorithms to automatically stitch component videos and select relevant sections based on predefined conditions, substituting mechanical camera operations with digital processing.
3Area of stationary object
If expensive wide-angle optics are used to capture wide field-of-view, then the panoramic video coverage is improved, but the equipment cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of a panoramic view by combining multiple standard-resolution camera feeds through computational stitching. This virtual panoramic copy replaces the need for physical wide-angle optics, achieving the same field-of-view effect using inexpensive standard cameras and software processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of achieving wide field-of-view through optical means in three-dimensional space (wide-angle lenses), the system transitions to a computational dimension by capturing multiple narrower views from different positions and combining them digitally. This dimensional shift from optical to computational space enables panoramic coverage without expensive specialized optics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating a video production of an event that can be implemented automatically in real-time and with minimal operator intervention. The method includes receiving a plurality of video signals of an event. Each video signal includes a plurality of image frames. Each image frame corresponds to a view of the event. In addition, the method includes receiving at least one predefined condition associated with the event. Further, the method includes selecting a section of at least one of the plurality of image frames based on the at least one predefined condition to generate at least one output image frame. The method also includes generating a video production from the at least one output image frame.