Ball Impact Detection Using Single Camera Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the point of impact of a ball in ball sports are either invasive, requiring structural changes to the ball and field, or unsuitable for outdoor use due to weather and lighting conditions, and lack real-time accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single camera to record and process images in real-time, calculating the ball's coordinates, plotting its trajectory, and determining the point of intersection with the playing field lines, allowing for real-coordinate calculations and handling varying camera angles and lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transmitters and receivers of electromagnetic waves are used to determine the point of impact, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and structural modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture optical images of the ball and playing field, creating a visual copy of the scene. Image processing algorithms then extract the point of impact from these images, replacing complex electromagnetic wave transmission systems with simpler optical recording and computational analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electromagnetic wave-based detection systems with an optical-mechanical camera system combined with image processing. The camera captures images mechanically/optically, and computational algorithms determine the point of impact, eliminating the need for transmitters and receivers embedded in the ball and field
2Measurement precision
If infrared cameras are used to detect the point of impact, then measurement capability is improved, but adaptability to outdoor conditions deteriorates due to weather and lighting effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes images through multiple parameter transformations including grayscale conversion, coordinate system transformations, and geometric corrections. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain measurement accuracy across varying lighting conditions and camera angles by normalizing the image data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic image processing that adapts to different camera angles and positions. The system calculates transformation parameters based on the actual camera orientation and playing field geometry, allowing it to function effectively in various outdoor conditions without fixed camera placement requirements
3Device complexity
If a single camera is used to record the contentious area, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision near field lines improves only with sophisticated image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 2D image coordinates into 3D spatial coordinates by incorporating camera orientation parameters and playing field geometry. This dimensional transformation allows accurate determination of points near field lines by accounting for the camera's viewing angle and position relative to the field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration and parameter calculation before actual point of impact detection. Transformation parameters, camera orientation data, and field geometry information are pre-computed and stored, enabling rapid and accurate determination of impact points near field lines during game play without real-time complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the point of impact of a ball in a playing field during a controversial piece of play in a sports event and comprises the steps of: recording the contentious area during the game by means of a single camera, extracting the images corresponding to the controversial piece of play, selecting the area corresponding to the ball, calculating the coordinates of the ball in pixels in each image, determining the point of intersection of the two straight lines joining the previous points and transforming the point of intersection into real coordinates. As a result of these steps it is possible to resolve the controversial piece of play with a single camera and without the aid of accessories such as radar signals, electric signals, etc.