Virtual Viewpoint Image Selection for Multi-Camera Sports Judgment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In competitive sports, identifying the correct camera used to capture an image for judgment becomes increasingly cumbersome with multiple cameras, as existing methods do not efficiently manage and select the appropriate viewpoint and image capture apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that identifies and selects the appropriate image capture apparatuses based on user-designated viewpoints and eye directions, utilizing three-dimensional shape data and virtual viewpoint images to streamline the selection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are installed to capture images from various directions, then the ability to capture useful judgment images is improved, but the work involved in finding the appropriate camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that automatically analyzes images from multiple cameras, extracts key information, and ranks them by importance. This intermediary process mediates between the multiple camera inputs and the user's selection need, eliminating manual searching through automated image evaluation and ranking based on predetermined evaluation criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically performing image evaluation, ranking, and selection without requiring user intervention in the analysis process. The predetermined evaluation criteria are applied automatically to rank images, and the system presents the ranked results for user selection, making the system serve itself in the information processing task.
2Measurement precision
If more cameras are used to improve judgment accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex task of image selection into distinct processing stages: automatic image extraction from multiple cameras, evaluation based on predetermined criteria, ranking generation, and presentation. This segmentation allows each stage to handle a specific aspect of the problem, managing complexity through structured decomposition of the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by introducing automated evaluation criteria and ranking metrics that transform the selection process from manual inspection to automated assessment. By changing the selection parameter from human judgment to algorithmic evaluation based on image quality, relevance, and capture conditions, the system manages complexity while maintaining or improving judgment accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprising: an identifying unit that identifies, from multiple image capture apparatuses that capture images of an image capture space from multiple directions, two or more image capture apparatuses that capture images of a predetermined position in the image capture space; a camera path setting unit that sets multiple viewpoints that are based on the two or more image capture apparatuses identified by the identifying unit; a virtual viewpoint image generating unit that generates multiple viewpoint images corresponding to the multiple viewpoints based on three-dimensional shape data generated using multiple images captured by the multiple image capture apparatuses; and an image capture apparatus selecting unit that selects, from the two or more image capture apparatuses identified by the identifying unit, an image capture apparatus close to the position of the viewpoint corresponding to a viewpoint image designated by a user from the multiple viewpoint images.