In-Flight Object Video Stabilization Using INS Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fast-moving objects during live events, such as sporting events, pose challenges in capturing and processing video streams due to rotational velocity and movement, leading to disoriented footage and time delays in producing properly oriented video outputs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that stabilizes data streams from in-flight objects using embedded video cameras, incorporating focal plane array and inertial navigation system data, processed by a video processing server to orient and regenerate the stream in real-time, with a wide angular field of view and high-speed capabilities, enabling proper orientation and broadcasting of fast-moving objects like footballs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If video footage is captured from fast-moving in-flight objects with rotational velocity, then the footage provides dynamic views of the event, but the footage becomes disoriented and requires manipulation that creates time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stabilization calculations by pre-computing rotation matrices and transformation parameters based on INS data before video frames are fully captured. This allows the stabilization process to begin in advance, reducing the actual processing delay when frames need to be rendered and displayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical stabilization methods (physical gimbals, moving parts) with computational mathematics. By using digital image stabilization algorithms that calculate transformation matrices based on INS data, the system eliminates mechanical delays while maintaining stabilization effectiveness for fast-moving objects.
2Productivity
If traditional video processing methods are used for fast-moving objects, then processing is simpler, but the footage cannot be properly stabilized in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes INS data to generate stabilization parameters. This intermediary process acts as a bridge between the raw video capture and final stabilized output, enabling real-time stabilization by pre-calculating transformation matrices before frames are rendered, thus maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic stabilization parameters that are continuously updated based on real-time INS data from accelerating or rotating objects. The system adapts stabilization transformations frame-by-frame or field-by-field, allowing it to maintain reliability for fast-moving objects while processing at high speeds through efficient matrix calculations.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex stabilization processing is applied to video streams, then footage orientation is improved, but processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a computational model (copy) of the object's motion trajectory using INS data, representing the actual physical movement in mathematical form. This copy allows the system to calculate and apply precise stabilization transformations without needing complex physical analysis, simplifying the processing system while maintaining high orientation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the stabilization problem from complex image processing into parameter transformation by using INS data to directly calculate rotation and translation parameters. By changing the approach from pixel-level manipulation to parameter-level transformation, the system achieves high orientation precision with simpler, more efficient computational operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for stabilizing a data stream from an in-flight object may provide at least one video camera that may be embedded in the object. A data stream of the at least one video camera may be processed and produce an output video that may be stabilized and configured for broadcasting an action. The output video may provide an orientation that may provide an accurate view of the action. An object imaging system may be provided to receive the data stream from the at least one video camera, and a video processing server may be provided to process the data stream. The object imaging system may provide a wide angular field of view that may provide clear images for the output video.