Computer Vision Tracking of 3D Handheld Sporting Implement Trajectories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately track the three-dimensional trajectory of handheld sporting implements such as baseball bats, cricket bats, or golf clubs during swings, limiting the ability to analyze and improve athlete performance and prevent injuries.
Innovation Solution
A method using multiple cameras to capture video images from different positions, identify motion regions, and calculate three-dimensional trajectories of the implement's head and shaft, enabling a graphical representation of the swing for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to capture video images from different positions, then measurement precision of the three-dimensional trajectory is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional video images to three-dimensional trajectory reconstruction by using multiple cameras positioned at different locations. This dimensional transformation enables accurate 3D tracking of the sporting implement while distributing the complexity across multiple simpler camera units rather than requiring a single complex 3D camera system.
2Loss of information
If detailed three-dimensional tracking of the implement is achieved, then analysis capability is improved, but loss of time for processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by capturing multiple video images simultaneously from different camera positions and identifying motion regions in advance. This preliminary action prepares the data structure for rapid 3D trajectory calculation, reducing the processing time required for detailed swing analysis while maintaining comprehensive tracking capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A path and/or orientation of object approaching an athlete is tracked using two or more cameras. At least two sets of images of the object are obtained using at least two different cameras having different positions. Motion regions within images are identified, and candidate locations in 2D space of the object are identified within the motion region(s). Based thereon, a probable location in 3D space of the identifiable portion is identified, for each of a plurality of instants during which the object was approaching. A piecewise 3D trajectory of at least the identifiable portion of the object is approximated from the probable locations in 3D space of the object for multiple instants during which the object was approaching the athlete. A graphical representation of the 3D trajectory of the object is incorporated into at least one of the sets of images.