RFID Tracking for Camera Control in Sports
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-profile sport events require numerous cameras and operators to capture and display multiple views of a ball or puck, leading to high costs and interruptions in game continuity, limiting its application to lower-profile sports and other events.
Innovation Solution
A system using RFID tags attached to objects of interest, which transmit identification signals detected by multiple locations, processed in a Real-Time Location Processor to generate tracking signals for pointing devices like cameras, controlling their movements and parameters such as field-of-view or highlighting in real-time, reducing the need for operator intervention and enhancing viewing experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of cameras and operators are used to capture multiple views of the ball or puck, then the quality of sport event coverage is improved, but the cost increases and game continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the camera system automatically tracks and captures multiple views of the ball or puck without human intervention. The RFID-tagged object autonomously provides its location data, and the control system automatically processes this information to adjust camera positions and angles, eliminating the need for multiple operators while maintaining high coverage quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual camera operation with an automated electronic control system. Instead of operators physically adjusting cameras, the system uses RFID detection, real-time location processing, and automated signal generation to control camera movements, substituting human mechanical action with electronic automation
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and operators are deployed to capture different aspects of plays, then the viewing experience is enhanced, but the number of operators required increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality where the automated control system manages multiple cameras simultaneously without requiring multiple operators. The real-time location processor and signal generator automatically coordinate camera operations based on RFID tracking data, enabling one system to perform work that would traditionally require multiple human operators
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system performs multiple functions that would traditionally require different operators: tracking the ball or puck, determining its location, calculating movement vectors, and controlling multiple cameras' positions and angles. This universal system consolidates the roles of multiple specialized operators into a single integrated automated platform
3Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are manually controlled to capture different plays, then various aspects of the game can be shown, but the continuity of viewing is interrupted by playbacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous real-time tracking and broadcasting of the game without interruptions. The automated control system continuously processes RFID location data and adjusts camera views in real-time, eliminating the need for stop-and-go manual adjustments and subsequent playback sequences that would interrupt viewing continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary tracking and positioning actions continuously in real-time, so that the optimal camera view is already prepared and ready for immediate display. This eliminates the need to stop the game, manually reposition cameras, and then replay the action, as the system has already captured and is displaying the correct view continuously
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system allows for efficient, real-time tracking and display of objects in various events, reducing operational costs and maintaining continuous viewing, while enabling better capture and playback of sport events and other performances.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID (Radio Frequency identification Device) which, when triggered, transmits the identification of the object; detecting the transmitted identification at a plurality of different locations
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling pointing devices such as cameras according to the movements of an objects, such as balls or selected players of interest by attaching to the object, an RFID which, when triggered, transmits the identification of the object and detecting the transmitted identification at of different locations to define the instantaneous space location of the object. The detected identifications are inputted into an RTLP (Real-Time Location Processor) to produce tracking signals which cause the pointing device to track the movements of the object in a real-time manner. Another signal, is also derived from the RTLP defining another instantaneous condition of the object, and is also fed to the pointing device to control another parameter, such as the magnification or the displayed field-of-view, of the pointing device in a real-time manner.