Time-Synchronized Camera Array for Occlusion-Resistant Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera systems and computer vision technologies are inadequate for tracking objects, particularly large objects like soccer balls, at close ranges within enclosed spaces due to occlusion issues and lack of time-synchronization, which hinders accurate trajectory determination and visualization in sports training and entertainment applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of time-synchronized cameras disposed in a mirrored configuration around the enclosed space to capture images simultaneously, allowing for triangulation of the object's location and generation of graphical visualizations, addressing occlusion and enabling precise tracking and replay analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single camera or non-time-synchronized cameras are used to track objects in enclosed spaces, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of object tracking deteriorate due to occlusion issues and inability to determine accurate trajectories
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the enclosed space into multiple viewing zones, with each camera responsible for capturing images from a specific angle. This segmentation allows the system to track objects that may be occluded from any single camera's view by combining data from multiple cameras, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring a single complex omnidirectional camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional image capture to three-dimensional object tracking by using multiple cameras positioned at different locations. Through time-synchronization and coordinate transformation, the system reconstructs object positions in 3D space, enabling accurate trajectory determination even when objects are occluded in any single camera's 2D view.
2Area of stationary object
If cameras are positioned to capture wide angles to avoid occlusion, then object tracking coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reduced spatial resolution and difficulty in triangulation
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single wide-angle camera that compromises precision, the system segments the coverage area into multiple zones, each captured by a camera positioned for optimal resolution. This allows each camera to maintain high measurement precision within its specific field of view while the collective system achieves comprehensive coverage through coordinated multi-camera operation.
3Loss of information
If traditional video recording is used for training review, then equipment complexity is minimized, but loss of information increases because players cannot accurately assess their performance or understand proper mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback by continuously tracking object positions and trajectories, then providing real-time or post-session performance data to players. This feedback mechanism quantifies performance metrics such as shooting accuracy, passing precision, and movement patterns, enabling players to objectively assess their performance and understand proper mechanics without manually reviewing lengthy video recordings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual video review with automated computer vision-based trajectory analysis. Instead of players watching recorded videos and subjectively assessing their performance, the system automatically processes camera images, calculates precise trajectories, and generates performance metrics, thereby reducing information loss while managing complexity through automation.
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
The system effectively tracks objects at close ranges, providing accurate trajectory data and visualizations, enhancing player training and entertainment experiences by improving object tracking and replay analysis in sports environments.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of time-synchronized cameras disposed within the enclosed space capture a series of images of the object simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system and method directed to object tracking using plurality of cameras. The system includes the plurality of cameras disposed around a playing surface in a mirrored configuration, and where the plurality of cameras are time-synchronized. The system further includes logic that, when executed by a processor, causes performance of operations including: obtaining a sequence of images from the plurality of cameras, continuously detecting an object in image pairs at successive points in time, wherein each image pair corresponds to a single point in time, continuously determining a location of the object within the playing space through triangulation of the object within each image pair, determining wall coordinates of a wall that the object is expected to contact based on the continuously determined location of the object and causing rendering of a visual graphic based on the wall coordinates.