Camera Network Absolute Positioning for Sports Officials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the position of objects on a sports field lack accuracy and reliability, particularly for officials, as they rely on mechanical devices or relative position tracking, which are not eye-safe and require significant user interaction or calibration.
Innovation Solution
A system using image analysis techniques to capture and process images from multiple cameras, allowing for the determination of an object's absolute position on a sports field by correlating pixel coordinates with field measurements, utilizing stationary markers for precise positioning and minimizing user interaction through autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical devices (markers and chain) are used to measure distance on the field, then the measurement process is simple to understand, but the accuracy and reliability of position determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement devices (markers and chain) with an optical system consisting of cameras, image processing algorithms, and computer vision techniques. The system captures images from multiple cameras, processes them through algorithms to detect objects and field markings, and calculates absolute positions digitally, thereby achieving high measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
2Measurement precision
If laser based systems are used for position determination, then measurement accuracy improves, but safety concerns arise for officials and players
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes laser-based measurement systems with passive optical cameras that capture images using ambient light. The system uses multiple cameras to obtain spatial information and processes these images through computer vision algorithms to determine absolute positions, thereby achieving high accuracy without emitting potentially harmful laser radiation, ensuring safety for all personnel on the field.
3Ease of manufacture
If relative position tracking is used to enhance viewing, then the system is easy to implement, but accuracy and reliability for official measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional relative position tracking in video feeds to three-dimensional absolute position determination by incorporating multiple cameras at different positions and angles. The system uses stereo vision and triangulation principles to calculate real-world coordinates, transforming relative pixel coordinates into absolute field positions with high reliability suitable for official measurements while maintaining implementation feasibility.
4Device complexity
If manual measurement methods are used, then the system requires minimal technology, but time consumption and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated image capture and processing, where multiple cameras continuously record the field and image processing algorithms continuously analyze the footage to track object positions in real-time. This continuous automated operation eliminates the interruptions and manual operations inherent in traditional measurement methods, dramatically increasing productivity and the speed of position determination while using sophisticated but manageable technology.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for determining an absolute position of an object in an area is presented. The system includes a server having a processor, and a plurality of camera nodes coupled to the server. Each node includes a camera that acquires images of the object and area. The server receives image data from a camera, detects the object within an approximate location by image analysis techniques, and determines a relative position of the object in pixel coordinates. The processor then detects stationary markers proximate to the relative location of the object, determines an absolute position of the detected markers relative to known markers to define an absolute position of the marker, and determines an absolute location of the object in relation to the absolute location of the detected marker. This absolute position of the object is provided to an official to accurately locate the object in the area.