Ball Detection System Using Multi-Camera Plane Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for determining whether a ball has crossed a goal line in sports like football, handball, and ice hockey are unreliable due to issues with signal transmission from within the ball, obstructions, or limited detection of shots to the side or over the goal.
Innovation Solution
A ball detection system using multiple high-speed cameras mounted around the playing field, connected to a computer unit, which generates hit signals when the ball completely crosses a defined plane including the goal line and additional sectors, allowing comprehensive event analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a transmitter is integrated into the ball to detect goal events, then goal detection capability is improved, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates due to vibrations and other factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of multiple external cameras positioned around the goal area that capture images of the ball and goal events. These cameras serve as mediators between the ball and the detection system, eliminating the need for a transmitter inside the ball. The image processing unit then analyzes these captured images to detect goal events, thereby maintaining detection capability while ensuring transmission reliability through stable external imaging systems.
2Measurement precision
If high-speed cameras are mounted on goalposts to detect ball crossing, then goal line detection capability is improved, but detection of shots to the side or over the goal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple segmented camera units positioned at different locations around the goal area. Instead of relying on a single detection point on the goal line, the system segments the monitoring area into multiple zones covered by different cameras. This segmentation allows the system to detect not only goal line crossings but also shots to the side or over the goal, thereby improving both precision and coverage scope simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional goal line detection approach to a multi-dimensional monitoring system. By positioning cameras at various heights, angles, and locations around the goal area, the system adds spatial dimensions to the detection capability. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive coverage of shots directed at the goal from different trajectories, including side shots and high shots over the crossbar.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are arranged around the playing field to monitor the entire plane, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the image processing unit with universal functionality that can handle data from multiple cameras positioned at different locations and angles. The system employs a unified detection algorithm and standardized data processing pipeline that works across all camera inputs, enabling the system to maintain comprehensive detection coverage while managing complexity through functional integration and standardization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a ball detection system for a ball game comprising a playing field and to a method for detecting a specific event during a ball game, wherein a total plane, which is coplanar to a goal line plane defined by the framework of a goal (3) and which comprises said goal line plane, and sectors (I-IX) of the total plane are monitored by a plurality of cameras, the beam paths of which are oriented in the direction of the total plane. A computing unit actuates the cameras and analyzes the image data of said cameras, and on the basis of the image data of the cameras, the computing unit generates a goal signal when a ball completely traverses the total plane from the direction of the playing field. The goal signal is assigned an identifier corresponding to a specific sector (I-IX) of the total plane that has been completely traversed by the ball.