Virtual Flying Camera System Using Video Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sports videography systems using multiple cameras face limitations in capturing dynamic events due to fixed camera positions, which can miss important moments, especially in fast-paced sports like auto racing and ice skating, as traditional flying cameras pose hazards, have limited range, and provide only a single viewpoint.
Innovation Solution
A virtual flying camera system comprising multiple stationary cameras along a track, merging video streams to create a user-adjustable, virtually flying camera view that follows a target at varying speeds and angles, allowing comprehensive coverage without physical movement of cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flying camera is used to follow fast-moving targets, then the ability to capture dynamic scenes is improved, but safety hazards to players and spectators increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual flying camera that replicates the viewing experience of a physical flying camera without using actual moving cameras. Multiple stationary cameras capture footage that is then processed and merged to simulate the perspective of a camera flying through the scene, eliminating safety hazards while preserving the dynamic viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically moving cameras with a computational system. Instead of mechanically moving cameras through three-dimensional space, the system uses image processing and video merging techniques to create the illusion of camera motion, substituting physical movement with digital manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If a flying camera is used to provide a single viewpoint, then camera control is simplified, but the ability to capture unexpected events at various locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scene into multiple segments captured by separate stationary cameras positioned at different locations. Each camera captures a portion of the overall scene, and the system merges these segments to create a comprehensive view that can adapt to capture unexpected events at any location within the covered area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system of multiple stationary cameras serves multiple functions simultaneously - each camera provides a fixed viewpoint for stable recording, while the collective system provides comprehensive coverage for capturing unexpected events. The virtual flying camera can be positioned and oriented as needed by selecting and merging appropriate segments from the multiple camera sources.
3Reliability
If multiple stationary cameras are used to cover a track, then safety is improved, but the ability to follow moving targets dynamically is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives footage from multiple stationary cameras and merges them to create the effect of a dynamically following camera. This intermediary system selects and combines segments from different camera sources to track moving targets, preserving the safety of stationary cameras while achieving the dynamic following capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a computational dimension to the system by processing and merging video segments from multiple stationary cameras. This allows the system to create three-dimensional virtual camera movements and target tracking capabilities without physically moving the cameras, effectively adding a digital layer that enables dynamic following while maintaining stationary physical positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual flying camera system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the virtual flying camera system includes a plurality of cameras disposed along a track and spaced apart from each other, a recording system configured to receive input video streams from the plurality of cameras, and a control system configured to generate an output video stream from the input video streams. The output video stream includes a view of a virtually flying camera following a target at a user-adjustable speed. The control system generates the output video stream by merging a plurality of portions of the input video streams from adjacent cameras of the plurality of cameras.