Sports Projectile Blob Tracking Over RF-Limited Broadcast Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball tracking systems face challenges with fiber-based connections that are difficult to install, require separate wireless networks, and are costly or dependent on cellular coverage, leading to bandwidth limitations and installation inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A wireless RF-network is utilized for tracking and broadcast systems, combined with blob filtering to reduce data transmission, allowing for flexible installation and reduced bandwidth requirements by selecting and transmitting only the most relevant blob data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fiber-based connections are used for tracking and broadcast systems, then bandwidth requirements are met, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber-optic connection system with a wireless RF-based communication system. The field equipment transmits tracking data and video streams wirelessly to the broadcasting truck using RF modems, eliminating the need for physical fiber installation while maintaining sufficient bandwidth for high-quality tracking and broadcast operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate wireless networks are established for tracking data transmission, then installation flexibility is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing RF network infrastructure established by television broadcast companies for multi-purpose use. The same RF network that carries broadcast signals is also used for transmitting tracking data from field equipment to the broadcasting truck, eliminating the need for separate wireless network infrastructure and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the already-deployed RF broadcast network infrastructure to serve the additional function of tracking data transmission. By using the existing network resources rather than building dedicated infrastructure, the system achieves installation flexibility without incurring the costs of establishing separate wireless networks.
3Measurement precision
If all blob data is transmitted over limited bandwidth connections, then tracking precision is maintained, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the most relevant tracking information (selected blob data representing golf ball trajectories) rather than all raw tracking data. By filtering and selecting only the essential blob data needed for accurate trajectory representation, the system maintains tracking precision while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption on the limited RF connection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods (and apparatuses) for providing blobs include capturing, by the tracking sensor, a tracking stream, which comprises tracking image frames, and assigning, by the capturing subsystem, each last blob of the set of last blobs to one or more traces to obtain a set of traces, and generating, by the capturing subsystem, a respective score for each trace of the set of traces based on one or more of a start location of said each trace, an initial straightness of said each trace, an acceleration of said each trace, a direction of said each trace, a gradually decreasing size of blobs assigned to said each trace, a length of said each trace, a blob count of said each trace, or a combination thereof.