Abstract: A mirror-display is taught for use in a destination such as a theme park or hotel that allows a guest to move an article such as a wand in front of the mirror-display, where the movements are tracked and interpreted as commands. Visual movement feedback of the article is provided to help train the guests. The mirror-display can act as a full mirror, but then switch into a half-mirror mode where the guest sees their partial reflection along with output from the display, or a transparent mode where the guest does not see their reflection. Output includes secret messages only viewable to guests wearing glasses that are controllably detected and synchronized with the display output. The mirror-display comprises means for automatically determining guest identity and for exchanging commands and information with either or both of a local or global eco-system.

Abstract: An on-demand sports video streaming service generates live broadcasts of sporting events with an automated video capture system. Multiple cameras automatically which track game play are controlled to create a combined output. Game event data, including scoreboard information, audible queues or visual queues are implemented to assist in directing and controlling video content and to provide scoring, timing or player information into the video output.

Abstract: System and methods for automatically determining states of game object possession for sporting contests. The system uses the minimum necessary and sufficient data, including the predefined tracking layout, official game time-in versus time-out data, centroid location of each player matched with their identity data and centroid location of the game object data which is then converted deterministically into at least clock states and game object movement states. The system and methods also disclose the further combining of these states into the determination of the cycle of possession flow. For determining the states of possession of the game object, the system and methods disclose using either an instantaneous or average measured distance between each player and the game object in combination with a minimum radius defining each player's area of influence and a minimum time necessary for the game object to be within this area before possession can be assigned.

Abstract: An on-demand sports video streaming service generates live broadcasts of sporting events with an automated video capture system. Multiple cameras automatically which track game play are controlled to create a combined output. Game event data, including scoreboard information, audible queues or visual queues are implemented to assist in directing and controlling video content and to provide scoring, timing or player information into the video output.

Abstract: A system for automatically videoing an event activity being conducted within a performance area. The system includes one or more automatic cameras placed in fixed locations with respect to the performance area and have adjustable views of at least a portion of the performance area for capturing and outputting a real-time automatic video stream of the event activity; a tracking system including multiple detectors for detecting the event activity throughout the performance area and for outputting a real-time tracking data stream of event activity information; and an automatic filming system for determining electronic camera movement control signals using at least in part the real-time tracking data stream, and for providing the electronic camera movement control signals to the one or more automatic cameras such that the one or more automatic cameras automatically adjust their view of the performance area.

Abstract: An automatics system 100 that uses one to three grids 20cm of overhead cameras 20c to first video an event area 2. Overall bandwidth is greatly reduced by intelligent hubs 26 that extract foreground blocks 10m based upon initial and continuously updated background images 2r. The hubs also analyze current images 10c to constantly locate, classify and track in 3D the limited number of expected foreground objects 10. As objects 10 of interest are tracked, the system automatically directs ptz perspective view cameras 40c to follow the activities. These asynchronous cameras 40c limit their images to defined repeatable pt angles and zoom depths. Pre-captured venue backgrounds 2r at each repeatable ptz setting facilitate perspective foreground extraction. The moving background, such as spectators 13, is removed with various techniques including stereoscopic side cameras 40c-b and 40c-c flanking each perspective camera 40c.

Abstract: A system for creating objective sports measurements and statistics of a sporting event. The system analyzes the continuous on-going motion of the players, the game object and the state of the game. Continuous on-going motion of the players and game object can be obtained through any of several technologies including cameras, IR sensors, RFID, etc. The state of the game includes at least the determination of when the competition is officially on versus paused. For sports that include a game clock, the detection of a running clock indicates that the competition is on, whereas a stopped clock indicates that the competition is paused. The combination of these three data sets, i.e., player locations, game object locations and the state of the game, are both necessary and sufficient for objectively determining key sports metrics including when the game object is in possession of a given player, which expands into the cycle of possession flow.

Abstract: Techniques for indexing multimedia data simultaneous with its capture to convert a real world event into an accessible database in real time are provided. The present invention introduces a new paradigm of converting a real world event in real time into a rich multimedia database by processing data from multiple cameras observing the event. Real time analysis of the camera data, coupled with domain knowledge, results in instant indexing of multimedia data at capture time itself. This yields the semantic information to answer complex queries about the content, and the ability to extract portions of data that correspond to complex actions performed in the real world.

Abstract: A system for automatically providing event non-video information usable for indexing event video information, where the event takes place at an event location for a duration of event time. The system includes a non-video information system for receiving or determining event non-video information and storing the non-video information in a non-video dataset, a video information system for receiving event video information captured by one or more filming cameras and storing the video information in a video dataset, and a video information retrieval system for randomly accessing the video dataset, where the random access includes: (a) using event non-video information to first determine an event time or duration of event time, and (b) using the determined event time or duration of event time to selectively access, retrieve, or provide event video information including one or more video images of the event.

Abstract: A system for contextualizing disorganized content (2a) captured from any live session (1) using external devices 30-xd to first detect & record 30-1 session activities (1d) being conducted by session attendees (1c). Activities (1d) become normalized tracked object data 2-otd for differentiation 30-2 into normalized session marks 3-pm denoting thresholded activity (1d) changes. Normalized marks 3-pm are integrated 30-3 into normalized events 4-pe using a “mark creates, start or stops event” model. Events 4-pe may be synthesized 30-4 via waveform convolution forming new combined events 40se, or used as containers to summarize the occurrences of marks 3-pm or other events 4-pe, the results of which create new summary marks 3-sm. Calculation marks 3-tm may also be synthesized 30-4 for sampling various session data at various session times. During content expression 30-5 events 4-pe and 4-se can be automatically named and foldered creating index (2i) and organized content (2b).

Abstract: A system and methods for automatically determining the states of game object possession, including those of free, under contention and in possession, for sporting contests. The system uses the minimum necessary and sufficient data 100, including the predefined tracking layout 110, the current official game time-in versus time-out data 122, the current centroid location of each player matched with their identity data 124 and the current centroid location of the game object data 126 which is then converted deterministically into at least clock states 150, game object movement states 160, and optionally into game object location states 170 and game object heading direction states 180. The system and methods also disclose the further combining of these states 150, 160, 170 and 180 into the determination of the cycle of possession flow 200, including the events of gaming control 210, exchanging control 220 and relinquishing control 230.

Abstract: A system 1000, and its alternates 1002 through 1022, for automatically tracking and videoing the movements of multiple participants and objects during an event. System 1000 and its alternates comprise a scalable area tracking matrix of overhead tracking cameras 120c, whose individual field-of-views 120v combine to form a contiguous view 504m of the performance area where the event is being held. As participants 110, and all other necessary objects such as 103 (e.g. a puck in ice-hockey) and 104 (e.g. a stick in ice-hockey) move about during the event, computer 160 analyzes the images from contiguous view 504m to create a real-time tracking database at least including participant and object centroid locations respective to the performance area, and preferably including their identities matched to these ongoing locations.

Abstract: During a sporting or similar event, participants and objects are automatically tracked using a scalable matrix of fixed, non-adjustable overhead cameras that form a view of the entire performance area. The participants and objects are identified with attached visible or non-visible markers that are detected using image analysis. A real-time database of two-dimensional movement locations is created from the resulting information, which is then used to automatically direct multiple fixed, adjustable side-view cameras for capturing and recording the event. Image analysis of this side-view video detects additional markers providing a three-dimensional model of the participants and objects.

Abstract: A system 100 for tracking the movement of multiple objects within a predefined area using a continuation of overhead X-Y tracking cameras 24 with attached frequency selective filter 24f. Also employed are perspective Z filming cameras sets 30. Objects to be tracked, such as player 17, have been marked to include some form of frequency selective reflective material such as an ink. Typical markers include patches 7r and 7l, sticker 9 and tape 4a as well as additional body joint markers 17af through 17l. System 100 radiates selected energy 23a throughout the predefined area of tracking that is specifically chosen to reflect off said reflective materials used to mark for instance player 17. The reflected energy is then received by tracking cameras 24 while all other ambient light is blocked by filter 24f. Local Computer System 60 continuously captures images from said tracking cameras 24 which include only the minimum information created by said reflected energy.

Abstract: Various combinations of camera assembly 500, tracking frequency 510, energy source 520, marker: emission method 530, marker: physical form 540, marker: reflective shape 550, ID: location 560, ID: encoding method 570, ID: obtained 580 and calibration method 590 forming a preferred embodiment 1004 as well as several alternative embodiments for tracking the movement of multiple objects within a predefined area. Camera assembly 500 optionally comprises fixed volume tracking 502, fixed area tracking 504 and movable volume tracking 506. Tracking frequency 510 optionally comprises visible light 512, infrared light 514 and ultraviolet light 516. Energy source 520 optionally comprises ring lights emitting visible or IR frequencies 522, existing lights emitting visible frequencies 524 and existing lights modified to emit non-visible frequencies 526. Marker: emission method 530 optionally comprises retroreflective markers 532, reflective markers 534 and fluorescent markers 536.

Abstract: A system 100 for tracking the movement of multiple objects within a predefined area using a combination of overhead X-Y filming cameras 25 and tracking cameras 24 with attached frequency selective filter 24f. Also employed are perspective Z filming cameras 25 and tracking 24 cameras with filter 24f. Objects to be tracked have been marked to include some form of frequency selective reflective material, such as an ink. Marked objects such as patches 7r and 7l, sticker 9 and tape 4a have been specified and are attachable to said multiple objects. System 100 radiates selected energy 23a throughout the predefined area of tracking that is specifically chosen to reflect off said reflective materials used to mark said objects. Reflected energy such as 7m, 9a and 4b is then received by tracking cameras 24 while all other ambient light is blocked by filter 24f. Local Computer System 60 continuously captures images from said tracking cameras 24 which include only the minimum information created by said reflected energy.

Abstract: A retroreflective material 100, 101, 102 and 103 that comprises a retroreflective element 20, 20uv and 20ir that is adapted to transmit energy from the visible spectrum while simultaneously reflecting energy from the non-visible spectrum such as UV or IR. In their microspheric optical body form, the materials 100, 101, 102 and 103 comprise a substantially visibly transparent microscopic bead 22 underneath which a reflector 24, 24uv and 24ir is placed. Reflector 24uv narrowly reflects some or the entire ultraviolet spectrum while reflector 24ir narrowly reflects some or the entire IR spectrum. Generic reflector 24 may reflect a sub-portion of the visible spectrum such as red light. Materials 100, 101, 102 and 103 may be augmented with fluorescent compounds embedded within either bead 22f itself or into a fluorescent matrix layer 23 placed between the underside of bead 22 and reflector 24, 24uv and 24ir forming fluorescent retroreflective materials 104 and 105.

Abstract: A system 200 for tracking the movement of multiple objects within a predefined area using a combination of overhead X-Y filming cameras 125 and tracking cameras 124 with attached frequency selective filter 124f. Also employed is perspective Z filming cameras 125 and tracking cameras 124 with filter 124f The preferred energy source is existing rink lamp 10 that emits electromagnetic by-product radiation in either the UV range for typical Metal Halide lamps or the IR range for typical Xenon Arc lamps. Foreground objects to be tracked such as player 110, jersey 105, stick 104 and puck 103 have been marked to include some form of frequency selective reflective material, such reflective material 20a, retroreflective material 20b or fluorescent material 20c. Prior to marking, foreground objects such as jersey 105 and stick 104 have first been treated with either a UV or IR absorbent compound such as 24 that absorbs incident tracking energy rays.

Abstract: An automatic labeler system for demarcating objects is disclosed. The system includes a device, such as for dispersing an optically responsive material onto the surface of each object. The material changes color in response to focused energy. The focused energy is provided by a device for optically demarcating the material by controllably directing focused energy, such as a laser, onto the optically responsive material. The system also includes a scanning device for scanning the surfaces of the objects with energy to determine the topology of the surfaces. The automatic labeler system is particularly useful in labeling stacked materials, such as individual boards in bundled lumber.

Abstract: An automatic means for labeling includes means for scanning a group of objects to determine the coordinates of an object in the group of objects, means for storing data representative of the determined coordinates of the object and means responsive to the data storage means for spraying self adhering materials in separate geometric areas with varying reflective properties to create an identifying pattern on the object.