Method and apparatus for generating virtual views of sporting events
First Claim
1. An apparatus for generating virtual views of sporting events, comprising:
- a. an optical tracking subsection for receiving and converting video data into three dimensional positional data having a camera interface, an I/O sequence subsection, an array image processor subsection having at least one image processor, and a track correlation subsection;
b. a virtual environmental server for receiving said positional data from said optical tracking subsection and generating virtual sports figures data and virtual scene data, said environmental server having a model texturing subsection and at least one environment server computer; and
,c. a least one virtual view station for rendering said virtual sports figures data and said virtual scene data from said virtual environment server into a virtual image.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A virtual view system uses raw imagery from cameras placed around a sporting arena to generate virtual views of the sporting event from any contemplated view point. The system consists of an optical tracking system, a virtual environment server, and one or more virtual view stations. The optical tracking system receives raw, 2-dimensional video data from a pre-selected number of cameras strategically placed around a sporting arena. The raw 2-dimensional data is then compartmentalized into data gates and processed via a series of software image processors into body state data assigned to each sports player or other targeted entity. The body state data is then passed to a virtual environmental server which generates body position information and visual models for transfer to a selected number of virtual view stations. Each virtual view station includes viewing software for rendering and viewing a virtual sports scene as desired. The view stations also control the viewing point of view of a virtual camera and output video data to a video production center so that video data may be transmitted and combined with other video output as needed. The system permits an operator to select a desired virtual view from the optional control center and transmit the virtual view images to a remote audience. Optional subsystems such as a control center and an archive computer may be integrated into the system to alter camera positioning, tether, focus, and zoom, and to store processed data for the sporting event and replay the data on demand.
240 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for generating virtual views of sporting events, comprising:
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a. an optical tracking subsection for receiving and converting video data into three dimensional positional data having a camera interface, an I/O sequence subsection, an array image processor subsection having at least one image processor, and a track correlation subsection; b. a virtual environmental server for receiving said positional data from said optical tracking subsection and generating virtual sports figures data and virtual scene data, said environmental server having a model texturing subsection and at least one environment server computer; and
,c. a least one virtual view station for rendering said virtual sports figures data and said virtual scene data from said virtual environment server into a virtual image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus for generating virtual views of sporting events, comprising:
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a. means for receiving and converting video data into three dimensional positional data; b. means for receiving said positional data from said receiving and converting means and generating virtual sports figures data and virtual scene data; and
,c. means for rendering said virtual sports figures data and said virtual scene data from said virtual environment server into a virtual image. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for generating virtual views of a sporting event, comprising the steps of:
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a. receiving video data from cameras positioned around said sporting event; b. converting said video data into three dimensional positional data of each sporting participant appearing in said video data; c. generating three dimensional models from said positional data for said participants; and
,d. combining coherent body position information with said three dimensional models to render a virtual scene. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification