Mobile Camera Time Measurement Using Histogram-Based Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time measurement systems for athletes are costly, complex, and require expensive equipment like laser beams, limiting their use to larger clubs and offering limited data accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a mobile device with a camera to measure the time of a moving object by calibrating the camera's image parameters, converting digital images into numeric values, and triggering time measurement based on deviation tolerance, eliminating the need for additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser beam and complex software are used for time measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the moving object instead of using a laser beam. The camera creates a visual copy/image of the object at specific time points, allowing time measurement through image analysis rather than direct laser detection. This simplifies the hardware while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical laser beam detection system with a digital image processing system. Instead of using physical laser beams and optical sensors, the system uses a camera to capture images and processes these images digitally to determine time measurements, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Measurement precision
If laser beam equipment is used for time measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard camera, which is a relatively inexpensive and widely available component compared to specialized laser measurement equipment. The camera can be a consumer-grade device, making the overall system much more affordable while still providing adequate time measurement precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera serves multiple functions: it captures images for time measurement, provides visual recording of the measurement process, and can potentially be used for other measurement purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized expensive equipment dedicated solely to time measurement.
3Measurement precision
If complex time measurement equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically processes images and determines time measurements without requiring manual intervention or complex setup procedures. The camera captures images continuously or at intervals, and the processing unit automatically analyzes these images to determine when the moving object passes specific points, eliminating the need for manual timing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with the necessary measurement parameters and processing algorithms before use. The camera is set up to capture images at the required resolution and frame rate, and the processing unit is pre-programmed with the logic to identify the moving object and calculate time measurements, so no complex setup is needed during actual operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring the time of a moving object during at least one training exercise is disclosed. The system includes a mobile device having a camera and a time measurement computer program. After placing the mobile device in a fixed stationary viewing angle position, the camera is arranged to capture digital images and to enter an image calibration mode, an algorithm calibration mode, and a detection mode before executing a time measuring command on the computer program. The system and method utilize histogram calculation for the digital images to trigger the time measuring command and read object movement detection when threshold values are detected.