Abstract: A method and system are presented for use in real-time insertion of visual effects in a video stream. At least one reference image is used that contains a region of interest, which is to be involved in the video stream. the reference image is processed by defining a set of at least a few reference features therein, and inserting the visual effects into the reference image with a desired orientation of the visual effects with respect to the region of interest in the reference image. Successive video frames are grabbed in a sequence of a few video frames, and at least one of video frames is used as at least one snapshot image. The snapshot image(s) is/are process by selecting therein at least two from the reference features and determining a reference transformation between the snapshot image and the reference image. Independently of this processing of the snapshot image, the snapshot image and other video frames are processed to determine a sequence of transformations between them.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a TV camera relative to a patterned panel being viewed by the TV camera including the steps of:

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a TV camera relative to a patterned panel being viewed by the TV camera including the steps of: identifying a plurality of edge points of the pattern from the video signal produced by said camera and using these edge points to calculate the perspective of the pattern relative to the camera.

Abstract: An automatic line officiating system including a video camera and associated optics and electronics disposed adjacent to a line to be officiated and arranged with the longitudinal axis of its field of view concentric with the line and adapted to provide image data representing the vicinity of the line and a central processing system coupled to the video camera and arranged to receive the image data from the camera, to process the data to determine the path of the ball before, during and after a bounce, and to provide an indication whether the ball has bounced on or within the line, or outside the line.