Abstract: A method and system for creating event data including 3-D data representing at least one participant in an event and making the event data available to be served is provided. The system includes a communications network. A plurality of camera units are coupled to the communications network. The camera units are configured and installed at an event venue to generate a plurality of images from waves which propagate from objects in the event and includes the at least one participant in a plurality of non-parallel detector planes spaced about the event venue. The camera units include a plurality of detectors for measuring energy in the images in the detector planes to produce a plurality of signals obtained from different directions with respect to the at least one participant and a plurality of signal processors to process the plurality of signals from the plurality of detectors with at least one control algorithm to obtain image data.

Abstract: A graphical symbol encoding a numerical value may be accurately read even when placed on a non-planar surface. The marker is imaged with an inventive apparatus and analyzed using an inventive method which translates the graphical image into a unique number for article identification purposes. The marker in its preferred embodiment includes an outer ring having a continuous perimeter in one or more concentric data tracks disposed within this outer ring. A timing track is used to determine angular relationships about the center of the marker. Distances between points associated with the outer ring in a particular data track are used in conjunction with these angular relationships to locate a digitally encoded visual pattern associated with a particular data track, this pattern being used to store at least a portion of a numerical code used to identify each marker-bearing article.