Multi-Camera Tracking System with Automatic View Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional television systems covering live sports events with multiple cameras often fail to capture all aspects of the event, as each camera is focused on perceived main action, leading to incomplete coverage and replay challenges.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing system comprising a primary camera and secondary cameras, controlled by a unit that automatically selects and activates cameras to track targets, providing comprehensive coverage by switching between cameras as the target moves, and combining views to create panoramic images, including depth information and virtual camera interpolation for enhanced coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to cover a sports event, then the coverage area and viewing angles are improved, but the system complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cameras into a coordinated system where a control unit integrates the operation of primary and secondary cameras. The control unit receives parameters from all cameras and automatically selects and activates them based on target position, merging their functions into a unified coverage system that captures comprehensive views without requiring complex manual coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives parameters from all cameras, determines target allocation, selects which cameras to activate, and coordinates their operation. This multi-functional control unit simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms for each camera.
2Ease of operation
If manual camera operation is used, then each camera can be controlled by an operator, but the response time and tracking accuracy of moving targets deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic target tracking where the control unit autonomously determines which cameras to activate based on target position within fields of view. The system self-adjusts camera selection and activation without human intervention, enabling rapid response to moving targets while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If a single primary camera tracks the target, then the focus on main action is maintained, but the comprehensive coverage of all event aspects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the camera system into a primary camera that maintains precise target tracking and secondary cameras that provide additional coverage perspectives. The control unit intelligently activates secondary cameras when targets appear in their fields of view, creating a segmented approach where different cameras serve specialized functions - the primary camera ensures tracking precision while secondary cameras prevent information loss by capturing alternative views.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a primary camera and secondary cameras configured to capture images of a scene having a target, and a control unit connected to and receiving parameters from the cameras and configured to automatically select and activate the cameras and to allocate the target to the cameras. When the primary camera is allocated the target, the primary camera locks on and tracks the target. When the target is in a field of view of a first secondary camera, the control unit activates and controls the first secondary camera to track the target. When the target moves out of the field of view of the first secondary camera and into a field of view of a second secondary camera, the control unit deactivates the first secondary camera and activates and controls the second secondary camera to track the target. The cameras are configured to capture different views of the target.