System and Method for Dynamically Tracking and Indicating a Path of an Object

Number: 20180182108
Published: 2018-06-28
Filed: 2018-02-26
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Casamona; David L.; Guida, JR.; Frank C.; Gay; Michael F.; Bailey; Anthony J.
CPC: H04N5/272; G06T19/006; G06T7/20; G06T17/00; H04N5/262
Verdict: Low Notable software
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

CV path tracking/indication for object (PGPUB dup).

Abstract

A system for dynamically tracking and indicating a path of an object comprises an object position system for generating three-dimensional object position data comprising an object trajectory, a software element for receiving the three-dimensional object position data, the software element also for determining whether the three-dimensional object position data indicates that an object has exceeded a boundary, and a graphics system for displaying the object trajectory.

Background

BACKGROUND

In many televised sporting events, it is desirable to track and display the movement of an object. For example, in baseball, it is desirable to track and display the movement of the baseball so that television viewers may observe the flight path of the baseball. Similar applications exist for other sporting events, such as basketball, hockey, tennis, etc.

Previous solutions to display an object have utilized image processing techniques to determine the location of the object, but these systems have a very limited range and limited accuracy in a targeted area. Typically used for pitch tracking in a baseball application, wide coverage of an entire stadium for real-time hit detection and baseball tracking is not currently possible using such image processing techniques.

Therefore, there is a need to be able to track, and display in real time the flight path of a baseball during a live television broadcast. Further, it would be desirable to be able to show other aspects of the object, such as trajectory, spin, velocity, etc. Finally, it would be desirable to be able to show estimated object impact points with a virtual home run wall, stadium/stands, and also display the ground while the object is still in flight.SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention include a system for dynamically tracking and indicating a path of an object. The system comprises an object position system for generating three-dimensional object position data comprising an object

Claims

21. A system for dynamically tracking and indicating a path of an object, comprising: a radar system that generates three-dimensional object position data, wherein the object position data includes a trajectory of an object; a memory storing a software element; a processor executing the software element to receive the three-dimensional object position data and determine when the object has landed within a venue, wherein the venue includes a fixed and predetermined venue boundary and after determining the object has landed within the venue boundary, the processor post-processes the trajectory to provide a best-fit smoothed trajectory; and a graphics system that displays a graphic based on the best-fit smoothed trajectory. 27. A method for dynamically tracking and indicating a path of an object, comprising: generating three-dimensional object position data, wherein the object position data includes a trajectory of an object; determining whether the three-dimensional object position data indicates that the object has impacted within a venue, wherein the venue includes a fixed and predetermined venue boundary; when the object has impacted within the venue, post-processing the trajectory to provide a best-fit smoothed trajectory; and displaying a graphic based on the best-fit smoothed trajectory. 35. A system for dynamically tracking and indicating a path of a baseball, comprising: a radar system that generates three-dimensional position data of the baseball, wherein the position data includes a trajectory of the baseball; a memory storing a software element; a processor executing the software element to receive the position data and determine when the baseball has landed within a venue, wherein the venue includes a fixed and predetermined venue boundary and after determining the baseball has landed within the venue boundary, the processor post-processes the trajectory to provide a best-fit smoothed trajectory; and a graphics system that displays a graphic based on the best-fit smoothed trajectory.

Claims truncated at the source; see the full document.