Drone Terrain Scanning Overlay for Golf Broadcasts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Television viewers watching golf tournaments lack a clear view of the terrain abnormalities, such as slopes and valleys, on the golf green, which affects their understanding of the golf ball's path during putting, as television cameras rarely provide a clear view of these details.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system integrated with a drone that scans the terrain using distance measuring devices, creating a topographical map which is then superimposed over the live video feed to provide an enhanced view of the terrain, including slopes and valleys, allowing viewers to better understand the golf ball's trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If television cameras are used to broadcast golf tournaments, then the entertainment value and viewer accessibility are improved, but the ability to show detailed terrain information such as slopes and valleys is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a topographical map overlay that adds a new dimension of information representation to the traditional 2D television broadcast. By superimposing contour lines and terrain indicators on the live video feed, the system provides elevation and slope data that cannot be seen with the naked eye through the camera, effectively adding a third dimension (elevation) to the flat video image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary processing system that receives both the live video signal and separate topographical data, then combines them through image processing to create an enhanced composite view. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the raw camera feed and the final broadcast, adding terrain information without replacing the original video content.
2Loss of information
If the television camera tries to capture all terrain details, then the terrain information completeness is improved, but the practical feasibility and broadcast quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the terrain information capture from the video capture by using independent topographical mapping equipment (such as LiDAR or photogrammetry systems) that operates separately from the television cameras. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function while the results are combined in post-processing, making the overall system more feasible to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs topographical mapping in advance of the broadcast event, creating detailed elevation models before the golf tournament takes place. This preliminary action allows the terrain data to be prepared and integrated into the broadcast system without interfering with the live camera operations, making the implementation practically feasible.
3Measurement precision
If multiple distance measuring devices are used to scan the terrain, then the measurement precision and terrain detail are improved, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal imaging and measurement principles that can be applied across different platforms and scenarios. The topographical mapping system uses standardized photogrammetry or LiDAR techniques that are widely applicable in surveying and broadcasting, reducing the need for specialized custom-built equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances the viewer experience by providing a detailed view of the terrain, enabling a better understanding of the golf ball's path and the challenges faced by players during putting, thereby increasing the appreciation of the game.
Implementation Method 1
A computer-implemented system integrated with a drone that scans the terrain using distance measuring devices
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for rendering terrain on a display is disclosed. The system and method include a computer-implemented distance measuring system integrated in a drone to enable scanning of a terrain. The scanning may be performed from a given height. This results in the levels of the terrain which may then be rendered using a color scale. The rendering identifying the different levels may be superimposed over an image of the terrain, such as on a display, for example. By so doing, the superimposed terrain with the rendering provides the viewer of the display an enhanced view of the terrain. The system and method may be utilized when the viewer is watching the display, such as when watching golf and a player is about to putt on the putting green. The rendering may be removed once the putt is initiated.