Automatic Referee Decision Detection in Ball Games

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for analyzing sporting matches can detect events suspected to be rule-based but fail to automatically validate these events as final decisions are made by referees, lacking the capability to disqualify events based on predetermined ball-game rules.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for automatic detection of referee decisions during a ball-game match, utilizing a database of images, an events detection module to identify suspected rule-based events, and an events analysis module to determine if these events comply with predetermined rules, including tracking subsequent events to verify the referee's decision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current systems detect events suspected as rule-based events, then event detection capability is improved, but the ability to automatically validate final decisions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevent detection capabilityVSAvoidautomatic validation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of suspected rule-based events using multiple data sources (tracking data, images, audio) before final validation. The events detection module identifies candidate events in advance, which are then subjected to comprehensive validation by the events analysis module, separating the detection phase from the validation phase to improve both capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops where detected events are validated against multiple criteria including ball-game rules, referee behavior patterns, and subsequent events. The validation results feed back into refining the detection algorithms, creating a continuous improvement cycle that enhances both detection precision and automatic validation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If multiple data sources are integrated for event detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an events detection module that handles multiple data sources (tracking data, images, audio), an events analysis module that validates events against rules and patterns, and a database module that stores ball-game rules and referee behavior patterns. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific tasks, improving detection accuracy while managing complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a multi-functional events analysis module that performs multiple validation functions: checking compliance with ball-game rules, analyzing referee behavior patterns, verifying subsequent events, and cross-referencing with detected events. This single multi-functional module reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized modules for each validation function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3797400B1System and method for automatic detection of referee's decisions in a ball-game
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 PIXELLOT
  • EP3797400B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3797400B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3797400B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Generally, a system and method for an automatic detection of referee's decisions during a ball-game match are provided. The method may include receiving a plurality of images of a ball-game field generated during the ball-game match; determining, based on predetermined ball-game rules, a first subset of images of the plurality of images representing a first event that is suspected as a specified rule-based event; determining, based on the predetermine ball-game rules, a second subset of images of the plurality of images that represents a second event, wherein the second event is subsequent to the specified rule-based event according to the predetermined ball-game rules; and analyzing, based on the predetermined ball-game rules, the images of the second subset and further determining, based on the analysis thereof, a referee's decision concerning whether the first even is the specified rule-based event.