Camera-based tracking and position determination for sporting events using event information and intelligence data extracted in real-time from position information

摘要

Position information of equipment at an event, such as a ball, one or more players, or other items in a game or sporting event, is used in selecting camera, camera shot type, camera angle, audio signals, and/or other output data for providing a multimedia presentation of the event to a viewer. The position information is used to determine the desired viewer perspective. A network of feedback robotically controlled Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ), manually controlled cameras and stationary cameras work together with interpolation techniques to create a 2D video signal. The position information may also be used to access gaming rules and assist officiating of the event. The position information may be obtained through a transceiver(s), accelerometer(s), transponder(s), and/or RADAR detectable element(s) fitted into the ball, apparel or equipment of players, the players themselves, or other playing equipment associated with the game or sporting event. Other positioning methods that can be used include infrared video-based tracking systems, SONAR positioning system(s), LIDAR positioning systems, and digital signal processing (DSP) image processing techniques such as triangulation.

主权项

1. A method of computer controlled camera selection for viewing, the method comprising:
receiving camera outputs at a processor from a plurality of cameras, each of which is configured to provide a respective camera output showing respective field of view coverage of an ongoing event; receiving position information at the processor, wherein the position information is associated with equipment at the ongoing event such that the received position information provides real time position information of the equipment; storing multiple event states into memory from which the data may be read by the processor; wherein each event state is programmed responsive to event information and intelligence data extracted from the ongoing event and/or unique logical combinations of event information and intelligence data extracted from the ongoing event in real time; wherein the event information and intelligence data includes event participant assignment execution outcome and results, event participant decision making outcome and results, and event participant interactions with other participants; wherein the event information and intelligence data are extracted in real time responsive to the equipment position information inputs, conditional logic responsive to the equipment position information inputs, and/or other logical combinations of equipment position information inputs; wherein the ongoing event has a current event state, where the current event state is identified in real time as one of the preprogrammed multiple event states; wherein the current event state is updated in real time and may involve a transition from a previous event state that is different from the current event state; wherein the current event state transition is responsive to changes in event information and intelligence data extracted from the received position information in real time; selecting a camera output from among the received plurality of camera outputs in response to the current event state such that the selected camera output provides its respective field of view coverage of the ongoing event and producing a processor signal comprising the selected camera output.