Automated Camera Switching via Spectator Gaze Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera control systems for sporting events rely on manual instructions from operators, lacking automation in switching between cameras to follow the viewer's attention.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that detects the viewing direction of a spectator group using image data from first cameras, identifies the focus area and subject in a second area using second cameras, determines the optimal camera for transmitting image data, and automates the switching process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual switching instructions from operators are used, then camera switching can be performed, but the system lacks automation and real-time responsiveness to viewer attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects spectator viewing directions and autonomously determines which camera to switch to, eliminating the need for manual operator instructions. The control apparatus self-services by processing image data from spectator cameras, detecting viewing directions, and automatically switching field cameras based on identified focus areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual operation of camera switching with an automated vision-based system. Image processing algorithms substitute for human operator decisions, using computer vision to detect spectator attention and automatically control camera switching without mechanical intervention
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to capture different areas, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but determining which camera to switch to becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from spectator cameras to determine field camera selection. Image data from spectator cameras capturing viewing directions is processed to identify focus areas, and this feedback loop continuously guides which field camera should be activated next, simplifying the selection process among multiple cameras
Solution Approach 2:
Spectator cameras serve multiple functions: they capture the actual event scene and simultaneously detect spectator viewing directions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection devices and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive coverage
3Speed
If automated detection of viewing direction is implemented, then real-time switching is achieved, but processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of spectator viewing directions continuously, preparing the data needed for rapid camera switching decisions. By pre-processing image data from spectator cameras and maintaining ready-to-use viewing direction information, the system enables fast switching without complex real-time computation during the switching moment
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus that access first cameras capturing a first subject of a first area, and second cameras capturing a second subject of a second area, detects a viewing direction of a spectator group in the first subject on the basis of image data of the first subject captured by any one of first cameras, identifies a focus area in the second area that is focused on by the spectator group on the basis of the viewing direction of the spectator group, identifies a focus subject, focused on by the spectator group, that is present in the focus area on the basis of image data of the second subject captured by each of the second cameras, determines a specific second camera to be a transmission source of image data from among the second cameras on the basis of the focus subject, and transmits image data from the specific second camera.