Single-Camera Court Tracking for Accurate Scoring and Player Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart court systems for ball and racket sports are complex, expensive, and unable to accurately analyze amateur players' performance due to the lack of meaningful data, and they often fail to determine the correct score if the system's recording differs from the players' actual decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for tracking objects and players on a playing field using a single camera, employing homography matrix calibration, background subtraction, motion detection, and artificial intelligence to determine trajectories and events, with a scoring system to correct game scores based on actual events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and complex 3D tracking systems are used, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking problem into two distinct phases: calibration phase (creating 2D-2D correspondence using homography) and tracking phase (detecting objects and their trajectories). This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, achieving accurate tracking without requiring complex 3D reconstruction systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a 2D model of the playing field that copies the essential geometric relationships of the actual field. By establishing homography transformations between calibration images and the 2D model, the system replicates spatial information in a simplified 2D representation, eliminating the need for complex 3D modeling while preserving tracking accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are deployed for comprehensive coverage, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single camera perform multiple functions: it captures calibration images for establishing the homography transformation, records the actual game play, and provides all necessary data for both field modeling and object tracking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration cameras and tracking cameras, reducing the total number of devices required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the tracking problem from 3D space to 2D space by creating a 2D model of the playing field and projecting all tracking operations onto this 2D plane. The homography transformation enables accurate 2D-2D correspondence, allowing the system to achieve precise tracking in a simplified 2D environment without requiring multiple cameras for 3D reconstruction.
3Reliability
If complex 3D tracking systems are used, then reliability of score determination improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where detected objects and their trajectories are continuously compared against the 2D field model and game rules. The system uses this feedback to automatically determine game events, update scores, and validate gameplay, ensuring reliable score determination through systematic verification rather than complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting game events, determining scores, and validating gameplay against predefined rules. The automated event detection and score calculation eliminate the need for manual intervention or complex verification systems, allowing the tracking system to self-validate its results and ensure reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device, a system and a method for monitoring at least one object and player on a game field/court and/or monitoring the course of the game.