Depth-Sensing Camera Array for Dribble Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to accurately track and assess dribbling performance in sports due to the short duration and high-speed nature of dribbles, as well as the ball often being hidden from view, making it difficult to consistently and accurately evaluate dribble characteristics and skill level.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple depth-sensing cameras and a computing device to capture and analyze images of a dribbler, determining characteristics such as dribble type, posture, and attributes like ball speed, height, and repetition rate, with calibration markers and sensors to ensure accurate tracking and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tracking systems are used to monitor dribbling, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to the short duration and high-speed nature of dribbles
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into multiple independent depth-sensing cameras positioned at different locations, each capturing specific portions of the dribbling motion. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage and high measurement precision without requiring a single complex tracking device
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration markers are introduced as intermediary objects to establish precise spatial relationships between cameras and the dribbling area. These markers serve as reference points that enable accurate coordinate transformation and enhance measurement precision without directly interfering with the dribbling action
2Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to track the ball when it is hidden, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple depth-sensing cameras are merged into a unified tracking system with synchronized data processing. The cameras work together to maintain continuous tracking of the ball even when obscured, achieving reliable tracking consistency through combined viewing angles and coordinated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional image tracking to three-dimensional depth-sensing tracking. Depth-sensing cameras provide spatial information in the Z-dimension, enabling accurate ball location determination even when the ball is hidden from conventional 2D camera views
3Loss of information
If detailed analysis of dribble characteristics is performed, then the information quality improves, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of all relevant dribble characteristic data during the dribbling action using synchronized multi-camera recording. By capturing position, velocity, acceleration, and other parameters in real-time during the event, the system preserves complete information without requiring time-consuming post-event analysis
Solution Approach 2:
Manual analysis of dribble characteristics is replaced with automated computer vision algorithms and machine learning models. The system automatically extracts and analyzes dribble characteristics from captured video data, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining or improving information quality
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for tracking a dribbling motion associated with a person engaged in either a training session for a sporting event or the live play of the sporting event. In sporting events, a dribbling motion can be associated with a repetitive movement or a short trajectory sequence between changes of direction of a ball, puck or other object used in the sporting event. The repetitive movement or short trajectory sequence used for dribbling can involve an up-and-down movement such as in basketball or a back-and-forth movement such as in soccer or hockey. The system can use one or more cameras to capture images of a person dribbling an object and at least one processor to analyze the images to determine and evaluate one or more characteristics associated with the dribbling motion.