Embedded Multi-Camera Table Sports Broadcast Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table sports and games are primarily participation sports and not adequately captured for broadcast audiences, lacking detailed views of the playing surface, pieces, and player movements, which hinders their development as spectator events.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple cameras positioned around and embedded within the table to capture comprehensive and immersive views of the playing surface, including player actions, using overlapping fields of view and tracking technology to provide dynamic and detailed broadcasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are positioned around and embedded within the table to capture comprehensive views, then the viewing quality and immersion for broadcast audiences is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into multiple discrete camera units positioned at different locations around and within the table. Each camera captures a specific portion of the playing surface, and the combined feeds create a comprehensive broadcast view. This segmentation allows high-quality multi-angle coverage without requiring a single complex camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
Cameras are embedded within the table structure itself, with camera housings integrated into the table legs, rails, or playing surface. This nesting approach conceals the camera equipment within the existing table design, reducing visual clutter and maintaining the aesthetic appearance while enabling comprehensive coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If cameras are embedded within the table to capture detailed views, then the detail and immersion of broadcast views is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Camera mounting features, housings, and structural modifications are incorporated into the table design from the beginning of the manufacturing process. Rather than adding cameras to an existing table, the camera integration is built into the initial construction of the table legs, rails, and playing surface, simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and tracking technology are added to capture player actions and provide analysis, then the broadcast capability and spectator experience are improved, but the system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: capturing live game action, providing replay angles, enabling slow-motion analysis, and generating graphical overlays. The same camera infrastructure supports various broadcast modes and analytical features without requiring separate equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated features such as computer vision-based object tracking, automatic camera selection based on game state, and real-time graphical overlay generation. These self-service capabilities reduce the need for manual operation and expert intervention, allowing the complex system to operate autonomously with minimal human input.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example, a system includes a movable object, a detection region including a playing surface for supporting the movable object, and a plurality of cameras spaced apart from one another about the detection region, each of the plurality of cameras configured to capture a field of view of the detection region. The system may further include a controller configured to determine the position of the movable object on the playing surface. The cameras may be configured to track the movement of the movable object on the playing surface. The output from the camera may be selected based upon the movement of the movable object on the playing surface. Sensors may be provided to gather telemetry data of the system so as to provide analysis of the system. The system may be part of or be used with various table sports or table games.