Dynamic Area-of-Interest Camera Fusion for Sports Motion Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera systems in sports analysis capture data from a whole region at the same frame per second, omitting areas that have not changed or have little significance, limiting the detail and accuracy of data collection.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a combination of lower frame rate and high frame rate cameras to dynamically process a defined area of interest, with the latter providing higher spatial or temporal resolution in a smaller area, allowing for improved data capture of specific sports movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera captures data from a whole region at the same frame rate, then the coverage area is maximized, but the detail and accuracy of data collection in specific areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring task into two stages by using multiple cameras with different fields of view. A first camera captures a wide-area overview, while a second camera focuses on a specific region of interest. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both broad coverage and detailed measurement precision in the area where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different camera configurations to different spatial regions. While the first camera provides general coverage, the second camera is specifically positioned and configured to provide enhanced frame rate and/or resolution for a localized region of interest. This local quality enhancement allows detailed analysis of specific movements without sacrificing overall system functionality.
2Measurement precision
If a camera uses high frame rate for the entire scene, then temporal resolution is improved, but the data collection efficiency and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temporal resolution requirement across different spatial regions. The first camera operates at a standard frame rate for general monitoring, while the second camera operates at a higher frame rate specifically for the region of interest. This segmentation reduces the overall data processing load while maintaining high temporal resolution where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying high frame rate to the entire scene (excessive action), the patent applies high frame rate only to the necessary region (partial action). This partial application of high temporal resolution maintains measurement precision for critical areas while improving overall data collection efficiency by avoiding unnecessary high-rate capture throughout the entire field of view.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to capture different regions, then measurement precision for specific areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multi-camera system to serve multiple functions: the first camera provides wide-area coverage and contextual information, while the second camera provides detailed view of the region of interest. Both cameras work together to achieve comprehensive monitoring, and the system can be configured to prioritize different functions based on specific application needs, reducing unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing system that acts as an intermediary between the multiple cameras and the analysis tools. This intermediary coordinates the data from different cameras, manages the different frame rates and resolutions, and presents unified output for analysis. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complexity of multi-camera coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of data collection for cameras applicable to any sport where a greater understanding of fluid movement can be obtained by having a faster frame per second or greater resolution for certain parts of a scene. The method couples a computer to a first stage camera and a second stage camera, focusing the first stage camera on a defined dynamic area of interest, directing the second stage camera on a reduced dynamic area of interest, replacing certain data collected from the first stage camera with data collected from the second stage camera, and outputting a compilation having a common time line onto a display.